Big Dreams Bigger Plan by Crystal Anne

At 2:22pm on June 17, 2009, my whole world changed forever…….

In 2006 I began after six years of being married, trying to have a baby. I was not successful and began to seek treatment via a fertility specialist... My first miscarriage came in 2007, and then another one in 2008... .. I kept trying, the heart of me cried out to be a mom, not because it is what you are supposed to do (the white picket fence dream), but because it was my heart. I had so much love and laughter to give. I became pregnant in latter part of 2008 and quickly settled into watching “TLC, A Baby Story,” eagerly planning the future of my son. Dreams of all the milestones filled my heart.

At 32 weeks I was rushed to hospital, and via C-Section gave birth to a baby boy weighing 3lbs and ten ounces (17 inches long) ….
Quickly I realized it was not the TLC dream ending I had planned on. I was wheeled into recovery and my husband came to meet me in the room with a Doctor in tow. She came to my bed, and put her elbows on corner of the bed, and said, “Congratulations Mrs. Casey you have a baby boy and he has Down Syndrome! “Any questions?” my eyes were wide as ever, and I just shook my head as if to say no; my mouth refused to allow any words to come out. He was born with holes in heart and partial deaf. He spent his first six weeks of his life in the NICU.

2:22pm on June 17, 2009, God gave me the most beautiful joyous gift. His name is Fisher named after Simon Peter in the bible so he could be a Fisher of men, and it also fits because my husband is an avid angler.

My journey changed forever; so about me; my name is Crystal Anne and I am a proud mom of a child with Down Syndrome. I have never fought harder, cried bigger and laughed deeper…

He had open heart surgery at ten months old. He still has a few holes left but is doing amazing. He was healed of his deafness after three years of wearing hearing aids, today he has complete hearing. He is very happy and full of life. He is very high functioning and has proven to break most of every stereotype associated with Down Syndrome children. I am so proud to introduce him to the world via my character inspired by him known as Huggy Dougie.

I have always possessed a passion for books and writing. I have written since I was a small girl. At the age of ten I would check out books at the library 50,000 pages long about the monarchy of Kings and Queens. I just love to read and write.
As I have walked along this DS path, creative inspiration has birthed the ideas to write about the adventures of Huggy Dougie. I pray these stories inspire you, and show you a glimpse of the highs and lows of our journey. I am so happy to have the opportunity to share Fisher’s love and passion for life. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share a piece of myself and my life with you.


Crystal Anne is a children's book author that is just beginning her adventure with Helping Hands Press, and her storybook persona, Huggy Dougie, based on her son’s journey through life with Down syndrome. Huggy Dougie’s adventures are the result of Crystal Anne’s adaptations of her son’s life as seen through both of their eyes. The author hopes that these adventures will provide entertainment and learning opportunities for both parents and children. Her hope is to inspire a passion for reading and creativity.
Being a parent of a special needs son is the greatest honor I have every experienced. Every day is full of surprises. Through my relationship with my son, I have learned so much about life and what it is that makes us who we are later in life. The wonder and innocence I find in my son's world is the inspiration for Dougie's adventures. Dougie is a loving boy, full of emotion and always seeking friendship. Thank you for taking the time to live in my world and help us introduce Dougie to your family!

To follow Crystal Anne, please visit the following social media outlets:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Crystal-Anne-1683301065260657
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Huggy_Dougie
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystalanneauth
Blog:https://www.blogger.com/profile/05853611757835621448

Patti J. Smith was interviewed on EWTN @ the March for Life!

Patti was interviewed on EWTN at the March for Life!

Click the link and go to time marker 5:20:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbfCU8dhBkM


Visit Patti at her:
Blog: http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Amazon author's page: http://amazon.com/author/pattijsmith
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/gridirongranny
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/gridirongranny
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny

Check out Cindy Koepp's RECIPE for Chili Rellenos!

Chili Rellenos
Quico Piedra, the star of Hard Knocks and Joya’s bratty cousin in Jewel Among the Stones, loves chili rellenos. Here’s a recipe for them…

You’ll need…

Big, fat peppers (Anaheim, for example)
Cheese (queso asadero or cheddar or monterrey Jack or … whichever you like)
¾ cup flour … plus a bit more
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
Sour cream or salsa, if desired
Big toothpicks
Oil for frying

1. Roast the peppers in a broiler, turning a couple times until they’re blackened all around.
2. Put them in a covered container to cool off
3. Meanwhile, mix eggs, flour, and baking powder to make dough. (some recipes have you add spices to the dough like cumin, cilantro, etc)
4. Once the peppers are cool, rub off the charred skin
5. Slit the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes
6. Stuff the peppers with the cheese
7. Pin them closed with toothpicks
8. Dunk them in the batter then dredge them through the extra flour
9. Fry them in the oil until they’re brown all around
10. Serve with salsa and/or sour cream if you want.

If, however, you are like my folks who can’t do deep fried anything, you can also do this much simpler version, much more like jalapeño poppers.
You’ll need…

Jalapeños (or other peppers)
Cheese (any kind you like)
Sour cream or salsa

1. Slice the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and membranes
2. Load with cheese
3. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 350
4. Serve with sour cream or salsa

Drop by Cindy's website and say hello! http://ckoepp.com/

 

Flora Reigada's Devotional "Where Your Heart Meets God's" is now available in paperback!

If God had something to say to you, how would you know and what might He say? You may be surprised to find God's words of love hidden like jewels in everyday life, but also where we need to search and dig. Recognizing these heavenly messages can be compared to finding hidden treasure, one jewel at a time, each with many facets to explore. Where Your Heart Meets God's can help you discover this priceless treasure of the heart. Open the pages and begin an everlasting adventure in hearing and experiencing God. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21, NIV).

The Amazon link for the paperback is:http://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets-Gods/dp/1622085868/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452809933&sr=1-1&keywords=flora+reigada

Flora Reigada is a journalist and novelist. She and husband, Dan, have been a reporter/photographer team for several newspapers including the Florida Today and currently, Senior Life of Brevard County, Florida. Flora has also written for Guideposts magazine, Decision magazine, the Upper Room daily devotional and more. She and Dan are proud parents and grandparents. The couple has traveled throughout the beautiful British Isles and visited Spain, where they stayed in a castle overlooking the ocean.

Joseph Max Lewis' Espionage Thriller "Baghdad Burning" is now available in both ebook and paperback!

MURDER IN BAGHDAD

No place on earth is more dangerous than Baghdad, especially if you’re Judge Isha Hami.

The murder of a former Iraqi Intelligence Officer and the subsequent arrest of his killers threaten to unravel fragile alliances and plunge Iraq into civil war. Appointed Iraq’s first female Judge, Hami is randomly assigned to hear the case. As the Americans fight to maintain order, Bathists, Shias and Sunnis pressure Hami to dismiss a case none of them can afford to have go to trial.

Sworn to uphold the rule of law, Hami refuses. In the shadowy maelstrom of violence and shifting loyalties that is post war Baghdad, she stands alone. Only Ted Kehr’s troubled Green Beret team mate, Ralph Jackson, and CIA Agent Hank Jenkins will fight to save Hami’s life . . . if, as Baghdad burns, they can reach her in time . . . if, they can save themselves first.

Spanning two wars and two lives, Baghdad Burning is a different kind of thriller from a different kind of story-teller.

The Amazon link to both the ebook and paperback is: http://www.amazon.com/Baghdad-Burning-Joseph-Max-Lewis-ebook/dp/B00UB6OPDQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452809097&sr=8-2&keywords=joseph+max+lewis

Joseph Max Lewis served as a member of an Operational Detachment in the U.S. Army's Seventh Special Forces Group, the storied Green Berets. During his service Lewis received antiterrorist training and his detachment was tasked to "Special Projects." Afterward, he served as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course. Lewis attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the University of Tel Aviv in Israel, and the University of Pittsburgh, receiving degrees in International Politics and Law while being certified in Middle East Studies. After living and studying abroad, first in the Middle East and then Southeast Asia, Lewis returned home to practice law. He’s a columnist in the New Bethlehem Leader-Vindicator and currently lives, writes, and practices law in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Please stop by Joseph's website and say hello! www.josephmaxlewis.com

Patti J. Smith's Devotional "Redeemed" is available RIGHT NOW in ebook and paperback!!!!!!

Patti J. Smith's Devotional "Redeemed" is available now in ebook and paperback.

Below you will find information on the Devotional,the Amazon links and the most current event Patti will be attending and speaking.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding an unplanned pregnancy, there is something women may not be aware of when they decide to abort. There might be a sense of relief at first; however, a few months, years, or decades later they may experience an emotional and/or spiritual crisis. This devotional was inspired by the healing I received from the shame, regret and hopelessness that surfaced over twenty-five years after my abortions. It was written for women who have been hiding their secret, to assure them they are not alone in their suffering. The light of hope is within the darkness. God is merciful and blesses each one of us with His boundless compassion, love and forgiveness.

The Amazon Kindle link for the ebook:http://www.amazon.com/Redeemed-Rosary-Meditations-Abortive-Women-ebook/dp/B00G5GL3MM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452696068&sr=8-1&keywords=patti+j.+smith+redeemed

The link for the paperback version:http://www.amazon.com/Redeemed-Patti-J-Smith/dp/1622085833/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452696068&sr=8-2&keywords=patti+j.+smith+redeemed

Patti J. Smith – Author of “Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women” published by Helping Hands Press, will be traveling from San Diego to Washington D.C. to join over 500,000 for the 2016 March for Life on Friday, January 22nd. She and other Silent No More Awareness Campaign Regional Coordinators and members will be sharing their abortion testimonies after the march, on the steps of the Supreme Court Building. Coverage of the March for Life will be televised on EWTN starting at around 11:30 a.m./EST. The Silent No More testimonies after the march will begin at around 2:30 p.m./EST.

Visit the March for Life’s website for more information: http://marchforlife.org/mfl-2016/rally-march-info/

Visit the Silent No More Awareness Website at: http://silentnomore.com

Patti J. Smith will be @ the "2016 March for Life" in Washington,D.C. on 1/22 and speaking on EWTN!

Patti J. Smith – Author of “Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women” published by Helping Hands Press, will be traveling from San Diego to Washington D.C. to join over 500,000 for the 2016 March for Life on Friday, January 22nd. She and other Silent No More Awareness Campaign Regional Coordinators and members will be sharing their abortion testimonies after the march, on the steps of the Supreme Court Building. Coverage of the March for Life will be televised on EWTN starting at around 11:30 a.m./EST. The Silent No More testimonies after the march will begin at around 2:30 p.m./EST.

Visit the March for Life’s website for more information: http://marchforlife.org/mfl-2016/rally-march-info/

Visit the Silent No More Awareness Website at: http://silentnomore.com

Please visit Patti's blog:http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/

What do you think of the cover for Larry Peterson's YA Fantasy novel "The Demons of Abadon"?

What do you think of the full jacket cover for Larry Peterson's YA Fantasy novel "The Demons of Abadon"?

Larry will be hosting a Facebook/Twitter Party to discuss this and much more on 1/27@11AMEST.

Here is the Amazon Kindle link to the first story in the series and more on the overall story arc of the series itself:http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Abadon-Shadows-Light-ebook/dp/B0146QWGB4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452649134&sr=8-1&keywords=larry+peterson+the+demons+of+abadon


Joey insisted he kept seeing and talking to his dad. He had told his brothers and sister and they thought he just did not understand Pops’ passing. But then Beeker and Joey went to stay with Charlie and Eleanor Winters for the summer. They lived on an old farm in the Abadon Forest . But so did the “Darkened”. They did not want Joey anywhere near the Abadon. Why? They feared his innocence.
The Peach kids were city kids and were used to the streets of the Bronx with the noises and smells and everyday hustle and bustle that was part of city life. When Pops died they were officially “orphaned” and Teddy,18, took over as head of the family. Plans had been made by Father Sullivan for the two youngest, Beeker and Joey, to stay with his friends, Charlie and Eleanor Winters, for the summer. Their first night there, a knock on the door introduces them to Jacob Lightfoot, a boy that no one knows anything about. They befriend Jacob and soon discover that his world is surrounded by darkness and evil. A girl named Lily constantly appears to help Jacob as the attacks on him increase. A hundred years have passed and it is time for The Great Festival of Torment to take place again. Unknown to anyone, Jacob is to be the Sacrificium Humani Agnus, (The Sacrificial Human Lamb), an offering honoring Satan. The Peach kids from the city are about to have a most memorable summer in the country.

Character Interview with Father John Tierney: (sometime during the late summer of 1966) By Larry Peterson

Father John Tierney is a character in Larry Petterson's YA Fantasy series "The Demons of Abadon".

We hope that you enjoy the interview.

The Amazon Kindle link for the Volume 1 in the series is:http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Abadon-Shadows-Light-ebook/dp/B0146QWGB4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1452359298&sr=8-8&keywords=larry+peterson

LP: “Good to have you here, Father. Your priestly journey has somehow arrived at your being appointed one of the Catholic Church’s sanctioned exorcists. So, to tell you the truth, I’m not sure exactly where to begin. This position, from what I understand, is not held by many priests. Is that true?”
FJ: Yes, Larry. That is true. I don’t know exactly how many sanctioned exorcists there are in the church but there are not many. You might count them all on your fingers. But, FYI, all those who are ordained a bishop automatically become exorcists too. The reason for that is any reports of demonic possession or vexation must be approved by the local bishop.”

LP: “I never knew that, Father. Very interesting. So, maybe you can tell us about your background?”
FJ: “Sure. I grew up on the west side of Manhattan. Many of the old-timers still call it “Hell’s Kitchen”. It was definitely a tough area. Anyway, I felt the calling to ministry and, to make a long story short, I entered the Redemptorists. We are a missionary order founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori and our goal is to help bring Jesus Christ to the poor and indigent . There is a lot more to it but this may not be the time or place. What do you think?”

LP: “Yes, you are right. So, let’s get to it. How did you become involved with the Rite of Exorcism?”
FJ: Well, about eight or nine years ago I was working in a parish in Naples and a parishioner came to me one morning all upset about their neighbor who had changed from a kind, decent man into a strange, almost insane person. I asked if he had been seen by doctors and other mental health professionals and he said that he had. I did not know what to do so I asked the pastor, Father Gabriel, what I should do. He gave me a number to a priest he knew and told me to call him. That is how I met Father Andrew Melancourt. We became fast friends and he also became my mentor. He was in his 70’s and had been doing exorcisms for decades. He took me with him to see the man in question and, from that point forward, I was his assistant whenever one was needed. Sadly, Father Melancourt passed away suddenly this past June. “

LP: “That must have been hard for you?”
FJ: “Yes, Larry, it was. Very hard. I truly loved that man. Kind and wise, he was a rare breed.”

LP: “So you took his place as an exorcist?”
FJ: “Little did I know that he had recommended me to the Vatican and they had forwarded their recommendation to Bishop Peter Foley in Manhattan. He appointed me an officially sanctioned Church exorcist early last July.”

LP: “And I understand there was quite the challenge you were forced to confront up in the Abadon Forest immediately after your appointment? Is that correct?”
FJ: “Actually, Larry, that is correct.”

LP: “Well, can you tell us about that?”
FJ: “Larry, I appreciate you taking the time to interview me. I have enjoyed our time together. However, I cannot discuss anything about the Abadon Incidents until all the reports are finalized, approved and sent on to Rome. That is just the way it has to be.”

LP: “Can’t you even give us a glimpse into the Abadon Forest possession?”
FJ: No, I cannot, but I will say this. The devil is alive and well and wreaking more and more havoc around the world. However, it is important to remember that his greatest weapon is deception; the subtle thoughts and things that enter our daily lives that might turn us from God. We have to be ever vigilant because he and his hate-filled minions are after all the souls they can get. And their work is becoming more and more successful as we move toward the 1970s.”

LP: “Well Father , thank you for your time and for a peek into the world of the Catholic exorcist. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been listening to Father John Tierney, an official exorcist of the Catholic Church.

Please stop by Larry's blog: http://slipperywillie.blogspot.com/

Flora Reigada will be hosting a Facebook and Twitter Party on Tuesday 1/19@2PMEST!

Flora Reigada will be hosting a Facebook and Twitter Party on Tuesday 1/19@2PMEST!

She will be answering and asking questions, so please stop by and have some fun.

There will be a Rafflecopter set up and launched during the event to win prizes!

We hope to see you there!!!!!!!!

Below are the links to the Helping Hands Press Facebook and Twitter Pages:
HHP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelpingHandsPress
HHP Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelpingHandsPre

Joseph Max Lewis will be hosting a Facebook and Twitter Party on Friday night 1/15@6PMEST!

Joseph Max Lewis will be hosting a Facebook and Twitter Party on Friday night 1/15@6PMEST!

He will be answering and asking questions, so please stop by and have some fun.

There will be a Rafflecopter set up and launched during the event to win prizes!

We hope to see you there!!!!!!!!

Below are the links to the Helping Hands Press Facebook and Twitter Pages and more on Joseph Max Lewis:
HHP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelpingHandsPress
HHP Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelpingHandsPre

Joseph Max Lewis ( www.josephmaxlewis.com ) served as a member of an Operational Detachment in the U.S. Army's Seventh Special Forces Group, the storied Green Berets. During his service Lewis received antiterrorist training and his detachment was tasked to "Special Projects." Afterward, he served as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course. Lewis attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the University of Tel Aviv in Israel, and the University of Pittsburgh, receiving degrees in International Politics and Law while being certified in Middle East Studies.

After living and studying abroad, first in the Middle East and then Southeast Asia, Lewis returned home to practice law. He's a columnist in the New Bethlehem Leader-Vindicator and currently lives, writes, and practices law in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

http://www.goodreads.com/JosephMaxLewis
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-Max-Lewis/390366621022306
http:/pinterest.com/fellowshipessen

MORE GRAMMATICAL CRIMES: MY CONFESSION - Flora Reigada

One click of my computer’s mouse and I was headed toward disaster.

As I put the final touches on my inspirational thriller, The Face Behind the Veil, and about to e-mail it to my publisher, I decided to change a character’s name from Joseph to Stanley.

In an instant, this global change was made throughout the 600 page, three-part document, which traces the legend of the birth veil through three generations.

That was the only alteration I made after the book underwent extensive editing. Confident it was error-free, I clicked the mouse and off it went. It wasn’t long before I received the galley proof to review and approve, so the printing process could begin.
Weary of the seven-year project and the tedious historical research that had gone into it, I almost didn’t review the galley. But something in me couldn’t let it go until I did. That must have been Providential. Imagine my surprise when I discovered how that last minute name change affected a scene where the Christmas story is told. In horror, I read the following.

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary
was espoused to Stanley, before they came together, she was found with
child of the Holy Ghost. Then Stanley her husband, being a just man, and
not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away
privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the
Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Stanley, thou son of David,
fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in
her is of the Holy Ghost . . .. Then Stanley being raised from sleep did
as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:"
(Matthew 1:18-20, 24).

After getting over my initial shock, I made the necessary changes.

However, rather than globally, I did this the old-fashioned way, one at a time.

Flora invites you to visit her blog: http://florareigada.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flora.reigada
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FloraReigada
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/florarei/
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Flora-Reigada/e/B00IQK4C5A?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060