Where will Best-Selling Western Author James J. Griffin be in October?

October 3 & 4. Harwinton Fair, Harwinton Fairgrounds, Harwinton, CT Book signing and sale.

October 10, 11:00-1:00: Murder and Mayhem, on the porch at Bayswater Books, 12 Main Street, Center Harbor, New Hampshire. Book signing and sale of THE MAD MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS, plus other titles. Multi-author event.

October 30, 31, and November 1: Western Fictioneers Convention, Sheraton Westport Plaza, Maryland Heights (St. Louis), Missouri. Co-presenter on two panels, Badges, Bayonets, and the Law, and The Younger Gang" Roping in the youth reader. Public Meet and Greet and book signing with all the Western Fictioneers in attendance at 5:00 p.m., October 31


You can find James J. Giffin's stories on Amazon,B&N and Kobo.

To keep up with Jim drop by his website:http://www.jamesjgriffin.net/index.html

FIVE Questions with Kevin L. Stabinsky!!!!!!

Want to know me better?

While awaiting the rest of my novel to be published (check out the first part here: http://shop.myhelpinghandspress.com/Pearls-Before-Swine-V1-Chads-Biggest-War-97885309.htm) I was asked several questions to help you get to know me better. Here’s the first of five asked of me.

1) Do you have any pets? If so what?
I have one dog, Spartacus, a mixed breed Chihuahua. I also have several pets named Peeve. They include my roommate flushing the toilet when I’m in the shower, her leaving dirty dishes on top of the dishes I am cleaning by soaking in the basin, and Spartacus deciding to take over my pillow if I get up during the middle of the night and not wanting to give it back.

2) What is your favorite TV series and what character would you play in it?
Since I don’t have TV and am stuck with Netflix and Youtube, I don’t get to watch many shows. I do watch My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic, and if I was a character in it, I would be the odd man out. Human guy in a predominantly female pony inhabited world? Yeah, I’d definitely be the odd guy.

3) If you could be a superhero what would your powers be and why?
Luck manipulation. Check out tasvideos.org, a site dedicated to gamers using emulator tools to speedrun video games as fast as theoretically possible. The way many runners abuse luck to always enable the most favorable outcomes or manipulate events is awesome, especially when you see it being done in a game you are familiar with. To have that power in real life, I’d be getting thrown out of every casino .

4) What was your worst part-time/summer job experience?
Over one summer in college, I worked in a swimming pool manufacturing plant. The job ruined a lot of my clothes on some days (they would always be getting caught on the corners of the metal sheets that I’d be feeding into either a bending or pressing machine), on other days I would go home with sore arms from operating a pressing gun when working on pool radii, and I think I was the only non-criminal there. Since it was a season job, most workers were temps. I remember in the lunch room one day early in my stint being asked what my crime was. Since most folks were on prison release, I guess it was just assumed I was as well. To show how bad it was, after one shift on the radius table, my coworker went home and attempted suicide. It paid well though.

5) If you had to choose a “last meal”, what would it be?
Stevi B’s pickle pizza. It sounds gross but it rocks. Plus it is an easy recipe to make. Get a pizza. Put some dill pickle slices on it. Win.


Stop by Kevin's BLOG: http://kstabinsky.blogspot.com/
or drop by Twitter:https://twitter.com/kevinstabinsky?lang=en

James J. Griffin thinks "It's time to go back to curling up with a good book..."

Summer has turned to autumn, which means shorter, cooler days and longer, cold nights. It's time to go back to curling up with a good book... or your faithful electronic reading device. For writers, it's time to get the creative juices flowing again. For readers, it's time to return to a favorite pastime. This year, why not try a new genre, or blend your favorite with another. Like romance, try a western romance. Like Christian, how about a Christian action-adventure. Or if you like action-adventure, try the all-American adventure found in a Western. Don't stick with the tried and true, give something else a read. You might just discover a whole new world of adventure, education, and escape.

James J. Griffin, while a native New Englander, has been a student of the frontier West from a very young age. He has travelled extensively throughout the western United States, and has visited many of the famous Western frontier towns, such as Tombstone, Pecos, Deadwood, Cheyenne, and numerous others.

Jim became particularly interested in the Texas Rangers from the television series Tales of the Texas Rangers. Jim's deep interest in the Texas Rangers led him to amass an extensive collection of Texas Ranger artifacts, which is now in the permanent collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco. (Jim told his story and it was published in Issue 21 of the Texas Ranger Dispatch (page 35) The Dispatch is the official publication of the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame & Museum)

Jim has also been an avid horseman all of his life. He bought his first horse, a pinto, while he was a junior in college, and has owned several American Paint Horses, including his current mount, Yankee. He is a member of the Connecticut Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol, an organization which assists the state park rangers with patrolling the state parks and forests.

At the urging of James Reasoner, author of Texas Wind and The Civil War Battle Series, plus many other novels, Jim decided to write a series of Texas Ranger novels. The first book, Trouble Rides the Texas Pacific, was published in 2005. With the success of that book, Jim was encouraged to continue his writing.

Jim's books are traditional Westerns in the best sense of the term, with strong heroes who have good moral values. Highly reminiscent of the pulp westerns of yesterday, the heroes and villains are clearly separated with few shades of gray. No anti-heroes to be found here.

While Jim's books are fiction, he strives to keep them as accurate as possible within the realm of fiction. To that end, besides his own travels and research, he relies on his good friend Texas Ranger Sergeant Jim Huggins of Company F in Waco for forensics and Ranger technical information, and good friends Karl Rehn and Penny Riggs of KR Training in Austin, Texas for their expertise on weapons and ammunition of the frontier West.

Jim is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. When not travelling out West, he currently divides his time between Branford, Connecticut and Keene, New Hampshire.

Drop by James's WEBSITE: http://www.jamesjgriffin.net/index.html

FIVE Questions with Anne Baxter Campbell!!!!!!

- What has inspired your writing?
People inspire me, especially ones who have undergone horrendous experiences and come out with stronger faith than they had before and with their sense of humor intact.

-Do you have any pets?
Yes. The most famous is probably Meggie Wigglesworth, our overboard friendly little rescue dog. She has her own Facebook page. She is one dog determined to be everybody’s friend, whether they like dogs or not. Undaunted by folks who ignore her, she wiggles and waggles in front of them until they surrender to her irresistible charm. And then there’s Cleo Campbell, our royal black panther. Er, cat. Unwilling to fawn over anything but her breakfast, she instead fixes newcomers (and us) with an evil glare intended to send them (and us) scurrying for food.

-How did you get started as an author?
Oddly enough, it was a speech I gave in Toastmasters that started me on the way. We had this amazing kitten, and I wrote a speech that went over my time limit. Those gathered loved the story, though, and when I showed it to my family, one of them said it would make a great children’s story. And so the Adventures of Maybe series was birthed. So far three children’s books with more planned….

-What are your musical tastes? Do you write to music?
Eclectic. I listen mostly to a Christian music station in the car, except when hubby’s along. He wants NPR or classical music. Don’t get me wrong—I do like classical, but I also like Christian rock and hymns, easy listening, country-western, folk music, and soft rock. Do NOT like loud anything. I resent that the loud music in my young and stupid days stole much of my hearing, and now I have difficulty hearing anything my hubby and my friends say.
Oddly enough, yes—I used to write a lot of music. A few are copyrighted, but I’ve only sung them for family and church. One of my favorites I call Mary’s Song, about how Jesus’s mother might have felt when he was born and through his life. “I” wrote the whole thing in probably twenty minutes, and I feel strongly that it was inspired by God. As I do about most of the other songs, but perhaps this one especially.

-What is your Favorite TV Series and what character would you play in it?
Honestly? I don’t watch hardly any of the new ones, so I guess my favorite must be an old one, Murder, She Wrote. And of course I would be Jessica Fletcher, the author and mystery solver extraordinaire.

To keep up with Anne drop by her WEBSITE: http://www.annebaxtercampbell.com/

Alzheimer’s and Marty: One Year Later— By Larry Peterson

It is now almost one year since my wife, Marty, was diagnosed as having Alzheimer's disease. The doctor gave us the news as we sat together. She acted as if she understood. She did not. I have told her that she has Alzheimer's disease and she tells me that she understands. She does not. What she does understand is that something is terribly wrong with her memory. Watching her fight to remember simple everyday things such as whether or not she drinks coffee and she has been drinking it her entire life, is heartbreaking.

No one can tell she is ill, except me, of course, and several close friends that know about her condition. When I take her with me to church and to the stores etc. and we see people we know, I always hear how "wonderful" she looks. Yeah, well the Titanic looked all bright and shiny as it headed out into the Atlantic that cold, April day in 1912. When the iceberg did its dirty deed the Titanic was doomed. Nothing could have ever stopped her sinking into the cold Atlantic.

Marty has become my new seven year-old existing in an older body. She is very insecure and becomes frightened if I am not nearby. She still tries to maintain her independence as a self-sufficient person even though she cannot remember where to put the forks or cups. As her caregiver my life has become disconnected and very unpredictable because of her needing so much while trying to not need anything. Alzheimer’s is never just the patient’s illness. On the contrary, its evil nature latches on to the love of those close to its victim using that love in a sordid attempt to destroy their spirit. Most times that results in abject failure because the love proves so much stronger than the disease.

For me, my work as a writer has become a bit scattered. It has become a fascinating existence where focus has become an evasive shadow and cohesive sentences are written in pieces and then squirreled together at another time. However, as a man of faith who trusts the God above, I realize that this woman is now a special gift from Him entrusted to my care. I have told Him, “No problem Lord, I have her back and will do my best until whatever is to be will be.” (But, I do have my moments.)

Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's Disease and about 200,000 of those folks are under the age of 65. It is the only disease among the top ten that cannot be prevented, slowed or cured. The disease kills more people every year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. It is estimated that by the year 2050, 16 million people will have this disease. Someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's every 67 seconds. They have estimated that by 2050 it will be every 33 seconds. This is an epidemic growing before our eyes. It is also becoming a nightmare for more and more moms, dads, sons, daughters, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and society as a whole.

Imagine that all around the country people like Marty Peterson are having their brains slowly erased by an invisible demon inside their heads. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh; back and forth, back and forth, the tiny eraser keeps moving--back and forth, back and forth. Slowly but methodically the demon goes about its work 24/7. After a while, the person under attack does not even remember how to go to the bathroom. And then, after a time, the eraser stops. It stops when the disease it is part of finally erases the person's life.

That is the course of the relentless, unstoppable, illness known as Alzheimer's Disease. It is at work at this very moment in all corners of the world. Somehow, someway we will have to stop it. We will need God's help because this war cannot be won without Him.

Drop by Larry's blog:http://slipperywillie.blogspot.com/
Follow Larry on Twitter:https://twitter.com/slipperywillie?lang=en

FIVE questions with Joseph Max Lewis!!!!!!

- What has inspired your writing? Everything, current events, books I’ve read, movies I’ve watched, conversations I’ve had with friends.

-Do you have any pets? Yes. My wife and I rescue standard rough haired collies - the ones that look like Lassie - except we adopt the big males, 80 to 85 lbs.

-How did you get started as an author? In the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center I wrote a non-fiction book about the war on terror and then thought, why not a novel? The rest is history.

-What are your musical tastes? Do you write to music? Rock and Roll, Classical music for background. No I don’t write to music, when I write, I’m lost to the world, in the story, wondering what’s going to happened next and when I find out getting it down on paper.

-Name your Top 5 Favorite Movies. A Man for All Seasons, Grosse Point Blank, Ordinary People (the best acting I’ve ever seen), The Green Berets (of course!), The Godfather (all of them)

-What is your Favorite Season and why? Fall, perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold, occasional rain, changing colors, leaves.



Where can you find Joseph Max Lewis on Social Media? Here are a few of his favorite spots:

WEBSITE: josephmaxlewis.com

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-Max-Lewis/390366621022306

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008ZHHUBW

Chew this over-WHY dogs chew-Joseph Max Lewis

Chew this over

Did you ever wonder why dogs chew and if there’s anything you can do about it if its destructive?

Here are the three most common reasons why dogs chew. Obviously, dogs chew for many reasons, but the most important is too exercise their jaws. In the same way we need to use our limbs or else they atrophy, dogs instinctively know they must keep their jaws strong, in part for overall good health and in part because good teeth and a strong jaw is the only way a dog can defend itself - and you if necessary. Remember, there are no bad dogs, just owners who bought a dog that doesn’t fit their lifestyle or else doesn’t understand them.

These are the facts: Dogs need to chew and they don’t even know why. If we don’t give them something to chew, they’ll find something on their own, like table legs, your shoes or something else. Our job, then, is not to ignore that need and discipline them when they satisfy it, we need to address that instinct in a manner that’s good for them and us. We use and recommend Nyla bones these are fake bones made of used nylon which is re-melted with beef or chicken flavoring and molded into the shape of a bone. Nylas don’t hurt the dog’s teeth and as the dog chews on it - these bones are really tough - the nylon frays into strands and acts as dental floss that helps clean the dog’s teeth. Don’t worry if their gums bleed sometimes - its good for them.

Joseph Max Lewis josephmaxlewis.com author of The Diaries of Pontius Pilate, Separation of Church and State and Baghdad Burning.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-Max-Lewis/390366621022306

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008ZHHUBW

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 author of The Diaries of Pontius Pilate, Separation of Church and State and Baghdad Burning. He currently lives, writes, and practices law in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

FIVE questions with Patti J. Smith!!!!!!

Do you have any pets? If so what?

This question could cover a complete blog post! Currently, I have a Chiweenie (Petey) - part dacshund/part chihuahua, a Chidobie (Coco) - part miniature doberman/part chihuahua, a very loud and talkative (wonder where he gets that from?) Lilac Crown Amazon parrot (Derby) and a Cockatiel (Icey) who rings the bell in her cage until my dad puts on music in the family room.

I've never been without a pet...in fact, I used to live on a ranch and named everything ... including the chickens. My then husband, Don, bought two cows to fatten up and butcher and I named them Lunch and Dinner. We never did butcher them because I got too attached. They lived a long and happy life. :)

What are your musical tastes? Do you write to music?

I am a diehard Country Western fan but also love classical, 50's & 60's and disco. I do sometimes write to music. Classical music inspires me when I write devotionals. As a break from writing books, I write lyrics that hopefully someday will be put to music ... and yes, they are country-western type lyrics, but no dogs die. My favorite is "Goin' on a Guilt Trip".

Name your Top 5 Favorite Movies.

I'm all over the map in movie genres. My fave five are:
* Young Frankenstein - See something to new to laugh at every time I watch it!
* Grease - and yes, I know all the song by heart.
* Steel Magnolias - A box of tissue sometimes isn't enough.
* The Rock - Wouldn't mind being stranded on Alcatraz with Sean Connery!
* Primal Fear - The best psychological thriller around.
　

What is your Favorite TV Series and what character would you play in it?

That's a easy one! Although my cousin is the technical advisor of NCIS New Orleans, the original NCIS is my favorite (shhhh, don't tell D'Wayne). They would have to bring back Ziva because that's who I would play (after I lost a few pounds). She's tough, determined and quirky.

What are your Top 5 Favorite Books and/or Characters?

My favorite book character is Alex Cross of James Patterson's Alex Cross mysteries.
Other than my own (ha!), my favorite books include The Thornbirds, Rome Sweet Home, Gone With the Wind, The Stranger Beside Me and Killing Kennedy. (Of course, the Bible tops them all).

What was your worst part-time/summer job experience?

I waited tables at a high end restaurant and there was a large formal party in the banquet room. I spilled water down a woman's back, then when clearing the table after the meal, I spilled a tray of dirty plates in a man's lap.

What is your Favorite Season and why?

Favorite Season? Do you have to ask? FOOTBALL Season of course! My opportunity to scream as loud as I want, plot against others in my fantasy league and trash talk William Tasch and his Green Bay Packers.

Connect with Patti just about anywhere:
Visit her blog: http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Visit her Amazon Author's page: http://amazon.com/author/pattijsmith
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/gridirongranny
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5

What do you think of the beginning of Larry Peterson's "Maybe This House Is Haunted"?

Charlie Winters had tried calling home at least a half-dozen times and had never gotten an answer. It was raining hard and steady in Paterson but he had no idea how intense the storm was back home. Eleanor should have answered and he was worried. It was 4 a.m. when he decided he better get home.
Charlie got into his shiny blue, 65' Chevy Impala station wagon and began heading northwest toward Route 208. The heavy rain and unlit highways made him plod along at about 35 mph. It was almost 5a.m when he passed through Manford. As he drove slowly up Route 511 he began to realize how intense the storm had been. Twice he had to avoid fallen tree limbs and once, on Hemlock Road., he had to stop because a huge limb was blocking the entire road.
Using the headlights so he could see, he had wrapped his arms around the thick limb and started dragging it to the side of the road. From the corner of his eye he thought he saw something come out from the trees, dash across the road and run into the forest. He was not sure who or what it was but it was something unusual and it had scared him. He stopped and called out, “Who's there? Is someone there?” He looked around and saw nothing.
It was dark except for the indirect lighting coming from the headlights. He nervously headed back to his car and as he reached for the door he felt a chill shoot from his neck down to his legs. Standing about ten feet away in front of the car and illuminated by the headlights was the shape of what seemed to be a person. It was grayish black and the car’s headlights sort of shined around it making its appearance even more pronounced.

Charlie heard this deep, guttural sound coming from the “shadow man”. Then two, almond shaped, flaming red eyes appeared and began staring at him. Charlie, terrified, got back into his car, slammed the door and locked it. When he lifted his eyes to look out there was nothing there. His hands were trembling and he was breathing heavily. He shifted into gear and drove away.
When he arrived home at 5:45 he was soaked yet relieved to have arrived. The standard 45 minute drive coupled with a few minutes of unexpected terror had taken him an extra hour. He jumped out of the car and hurried to the house.
Charlie entered the foyer and flicked on the overhead light. Quietly he began to head to his bedroom in the rear. He stopped when he heard snoring coming from the living room on his left. He tip-toed over to the sofa and saw his wife, flat on her back, mouth slightly open, snoring away. Slowly he sat down next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Ellie, it's me. I'm home. Hey, it's me. Wake up.”
His wife's snoring stopped, her eyes opened and her body went rigid. She let out a slight scream. Charlie said, “It's okay. It's okay. It's just me. It's just me.”
“Oh my God, Charlie. It's you. You scared me half to death.”
“Oh---I'm sorry Ellie, I didn't mean to scare you. I was just wondering why you were sleeping on the sofa.”
“It doesn't matter. I'm so glad your home.” She sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank God you are home. What a night.”
She was squeezing him so hard that he was losing his breath. He pushed her away a bit and said, “Sweetie, whatever happened? Are you all right? Why are you sleeping here? What's going on?” Tell me what happened. Are the boys okay? I tried calling and calling and got no answer so---”
“Charlie, stop talking. Just hold me for a minute. I just want to feel you close to me.”
As the early morning light began peeking through the windows they sat, simply hugging and allowing their love for each other to reinvigorate them. After a minute or so Eleanor leaned back a bit. Then she leaned forward and kissed her husband softly on the lips. “Okay,” she said. “The phone is out. The power was off too, but it came back on. We also have an additional guest sleeping upstairs.”
“What? A guest? Who----”

“Wait, wait, wait. Let me gather my thoughts. We only got to bed about two hours ago. I'll make some coffee and then we can talk.”
They headed back to the kitchen and Charlie immediately noticed the trail of blood from the hallway to the bedroom. “Whoa, that's blood all over the floor. What happened? Who is bleeding?”
“It's okay, Charlie. I cut my toe on a piece of glass. It's okay now. That's another story. I'm not sure where to begin. It was one strange night.”
Charlie sat down while Eleanor went over to the counter to make a pot of coffee. Charlie said, “Ellie, for crying out loud, you're foot is bleeding all over the place. Get over here and sit down. Let me look at that.”
She looked down at her foot and then at the floor. She had not even noticed that the bandage had slipped from her toe and she was spreading blood around like a graffiti artist using the floor for a canvas. “Oh no---I can't believe it. I didn't even feel it.”
She sat down and lifted her leg, placing her foot on Charlie's thigh. He grabbed a small white towel and squeezed the bleeding toe. “Does it hurt?”
“No, it doesn't.”

What do you think? Larry would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment here on the blogpost or use the "Contact Form" on the sidebar!

If you want to start reading Larry's series why not start with Volume One? Here is the Amazon Kindle link,it is also available on Kobo and B&N Nook: http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Abadon-Shadows-Light-ebook/dp/B0146QWGB4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1443136233&sr=8-6&keywords=larry+peterson

George Taylor discusses what BLESS stands for!

This podcast stays in the realm of Bible teaching this week – or rather faith sharing. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, how easy is it for you to share with others your faith in Him? For many, I would say that it is probably difficult. My home congregation is trying to make it easy for everyone to share the story of their faith. So, I am pleased to share the first of several messages about sharing. Today, we learn how being a BLESS-ing can help you share your faith in Christ. BLESS is an acronym to help you remember some basic steps in sharing. Take a listen for more details!

The podcast will air on 9/25@8.30AMEST or you can click this link anytime 24/7 and listen to it on the archives!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2015/09/25/george-taylor-discusses-what-bless-stands-for

Do You LOVE reading Devotionals? Read a sample of Randall K. Harp's "Illumine Me" RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

The contents of this book are simply the result of daily, prayerful reading of the Holy Bible: the inspired Word of God. As the owner of this particular copy of this book, you are free to read it in any order and at any pace. I do, however, strongly encourage you to prayerfully read the Bible passages associated with each of the brief devotionals.
The devotionals herein are grouped into four themed sections: Knowing Him, For His Glory, Love Thy Neighbor and Pressing Onward. I believe these to be predominant themes in Scripture and essentials for the Christian life.
It is impossible to develop a relationship with someone you do not know. Knowing Him contains devotionals focused on the character of God and the importance of knowing Him.
A proper understanding of God will lead us to a proper perspective of ourselves. God is the giver of every blessing that we enjoy. Our very breath is in His hand. As we recognize our own selfish frailty and His benevolent majesty, we are pleased to live For His Glory.
Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. Love Thy Neighbor features devotionals that focus on allowing God's love to be demonstrated through us toward others.
Both the Scriptures and human history attest to the inward and outward struggles that result from desires and efforts to live a life that is pleasing to God, in accordance with His explicit will and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pressing Onward provides devotionals that emphasize the importance of persevering in faith.
I have elected to write these words in English – specifically American English, since it is my first and – practically speaking – only language. While I normally prefer to pronounce and render Biblical names as close to their Hebrew origins, I understand that those names are likely to be unfamiliar with many English readers. For that reason, I have used the traditional, anglicized spellings of those names. Also, in the tradition of many English Bible translations, I use LORD – in all capital letters – to refer to the personal name of God, which is represented in the Hebrew Scriptures by the Tetragrammaton (יהוה).
Whether you choose to read these sections sequentially or in no particular order, my prayer is that what you do read will supply enough timely encouragement to pursue the Lord. May these temporal words from my hand serve only to increase your appetite for the Eternal Word of the Living God.

Knowing Him
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” – John 17:3


Do You Know Him?

Judges chapter 13 begins the bittersweet history of the life of Samson. The Bible tells us that before he was born, the Angel of the LORD – i.e. the pre-incarnate Christ – came to Samson's then barren mother and promised her a son and that her son would be a Nazarite to God from the womb, and that he would begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
When the woman reported the encounter to her husband, Manoah, she reported the Man of God's appearance as terrifying. After hearing what the Lord had told her, her husband prayed to the LORD to send the Man of God again. Upon this second encounter, the Lord did not tell Manoah anything more than had already been told his wife, and Manoah asked, “What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?”
The Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”
After this encounter, Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!”
His wife, being reasonable, replied, “If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time.”
All of this tells me something about the spiritual condition of this couple. Although they knew of the LORD and feared Him, they ultimately didn't know Him. After the woman initially encountered the Angel of the LORD, she described Him as “a man of God” and terrifying. She went on to say that she did not ask His name nor where He was from, suggesting that she wasn't sure Who had spoken to her. Her husband has enough sense to pray to the one true God, but in the end feared that their encounter with the LORD would result in their death – completely ignoring that their demise would prevent the fulfillment of God's promises.
I am reminded of when Philip asked of Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:8,9)
If the Lord appeared to you today, would you recognize Him, or would you be asking for His Name and where He is from? Are you joyfully expecting the fulfillment of His promises, or are you fearful that only death awaits you? Jesus said, this is life eternal: that you might know the only true God, and Jesus, the Messiah, whom He has sent (John 17:3).

Randall K. Harp has enjoyed sharing the Scriptures in a variety of settings including jail ministry, Sunday school classes, Bible studies (both in-home and on-air), and as a harbor ministry chaplain. Although many people have mistaken him for a pastor, he is just a well-studied lay person who is excited about learning and sharing the Word of God. Randall also enjoys composing and recording music in his home project studio. Although he grew up in Southern California, he now lives in Middle Tennessee with his wife of more than 20 years and a few pets.

To learn more about Randall or to grab your copy of "Illumine Me" drop by his Amazon Author Page!http://www.amazon.com/Randall-K.-Harp/e/B00F61PXTG/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

CHECK IT OUT!!!!! Questions to the upcoming Q and A sessions from the Helping Hands Press Author Community!

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing the answers to questions we have posed to the authors in the Helping Hands Press Community here on the blog.

What are the questions we asked you may ask?

Here they are,if you have others that you would like answered please leave it in the comment section below this post or use the "Contact Form" on the sidebar.

Thank you for supporting the authors and their work.

-What has inspired your writing?
-Do you have any pets? If so what?
-How did you get started as an author?
-What are your musical tastes? Do you write to music?
-Name your Top 5 Favorite Movies.
-What is your Favorite TV Series and what character would you play in it?
-What is your go to Social Media platform –Facebook,Twitter,Pinterest,Blog/Website-and why?
-What are your Top 5 Favorite Books and/or Characters?
-If you could be a Superhero what would your powers be and why?
-What was your worst part-time/summer job experience?
-What is your Favorite Season and why?
-If you had to choose a “Last Meal”, what would it be?
-Does your Faith influence your writing and if so in what way?