Happy Thanksgiving

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
              -Psalm 100

Seriously Write is closed today to allow us to spend the holiday with our family and friends. We wish you a blessed Thanksgiving. We will be back tomorrow and look forward to visiting with you then.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Seriously Write Team

Things I'm Thankful For by Terri Weldon

On Thursday, November 28th, Americans will sit down at their tables and have a wonderful meal with family and friends as we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Since Seriously Write will be closed I thought I’d share a few of the writing things I’m thankful for with you today.

1. The Gift of Writing – I’m so thankful God has blessed me with the gift of writing. Penning stories may be overwhelming at times but it is a true joy.

2. My Sister – she also happens to be my number one fan and encourager. At times she is also my harshest critic. I’m thankful for her encouragement and honesty.

3. Writing Friends – it’s a blessing to have friends who understand what it means to be a writer. Friends who don’t blink an eye when you ask for a way to murder someone that starts with a T. Instead they start brainstorming with you!

4. A Mentor – I’ve been blessed to be mentored by an extremely talented author who has helped me improve my writing.

And last, but not least

5. Seriously Write – I’m blessed to be a part of a wonderful blog. The four women, Annette Irby, Mary Felkins, Sandra Ardoin, and Dawn Kinzer, who host on the other days of the week are talented, fun, and such a blessing. Another Seriously Write blessing is my two regular contributors, Sally Shupe and Patti Jo Moore. Life is so much nicer since they’ve joined the Thursday team!

What writing things are you thankful for? I’d love to hear all about them.

Amazon Link

A Match Made In Sheffield (The Matchmakers)

Natalie Benton bounced from one foster home to another until she landed on Ellie Alexander’s doorstep. Natalie’s vagabond childhood caused her to yearn for a secure life, which led to Natalie’s five-year plan: complete her law degree, marry the perfect man, become a partner at Montgomery, Haynes, and Preston, and produce one child. Getting arrested wasn’t in Natalie’s plan. Needing a public defender wasn’t in her plan. Falling for Grady Hunter, her public defender, definitely wasn’t in her plan. Can Grady convince Natalie there is more to life than her five-year plan? Is Ellie the only one who sees a future for Natalie and Grady?

Terri Weldon feels blessed to be a full time writer. She enjoys traveling, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in the Heartland of the United States. Terri has two adorable Westies – Crosby and Nolly Grace. Terri is a member of ACFW and RWA.

Happy Thanksgiving

I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart; I will show forth all they marvelous works. - Psalm 9:1

Seriously Write is closed today to allow us to spend the holiday with our family and friends. We wish you a blessed Thanksgiving. We will be back tomorrow and look forward to visiting with you then.

Give Thanks by Susan Tuttle

Hey all! It’s November! I can almost smell the turkey and pecan pie. My mouth is wateringJ What’s your favorite food to have on Thanksgiving day?

I absolutely adore Fall. It’s my favorite season and part of that reason is because of the holidays. Thanksgiving is right up there with my favorites, and it’s not simply because of the food—though that’s a huge part. But it’s because this entire month reminds me to pause, look around, and rediscover things I’m thankful about.

This writing world is hard, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons to be thankful. So I wanted to take a moment today and give thanks for all the ways God has blessed me on this journey. And I hope you’ll chime in!

• A family who supports me even when I’m unpublished. Who cheer me on and believe in me even when I don’t always believe in myself.
• Friends both inside and outside the writing community who understand my heart and desire to share God’s Word through crafting words, and they champion me to do just that.
• An amazing agent who keeps persevering even when it’s a tough climate out there.
• My own little corner in my house to write.
• My first time published in a book was this year! I had the privilege of retelling the story of my mom’s healing in a compilation of stories from Bethany House called Gifts From Heaven.
• God’s continual provision of story and devotional ideas. None of it comes from me!

So what about you? What are your thankful for as a writer this year?

 

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

What State Do You Live In? by Laura V. Hilton

As I write this, we are just coming out of the Thanksgiving holiday. I will not lie. This year, Thanksgiving wasn’t the same. We were missing our Coastie. He is stationed on the opposite side of the country from us.

Laura V. Hilton

But despite the empty place at the table, we have so much to be thankful for.

There is a song, Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me penned by the Easters.

The chorus goes like this:

“There's a roof up above me

I've a good place to sleep

There's food on my table

And shoes on my feet

You gave me your love, Lord

And a fine family

Thank you, Lord

For your blessings on me!”

If you haven’t heard it, before, check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGzhMDsb3sY.

Philippians 4:11 (KJV) says:

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Paul reminds us that despite the bad things, the sad things, the storms in life, that we can find something to be thankful for.

Those of you who are facing the holidays without loved ones, for whatever reason, let's focus on the blessings that God has provided.

If you still have family nearby, hug them and tell them you love them.

And those of you who are separated from your loved ones, you’re in my prayers.

To be continued. . .

About the Author

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series withWhitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015. See below for information on Laura's latest, The Amish Firefighter. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ver

Amish Firefighter
by Laura V. Hilton

A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she'd never heard about, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She's desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody's making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn't seem willing to help.

A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. When local barn fires escalate, everyone suspects arson. And since the Miller family are among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross, at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or extinguish. And they'll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.

Giving Thanks by Terri Weldon

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m enjoying good food and company with my family today and I hope you’re doing the same. Our home is full of the smells of our favorite dishes, flowers grace the table, and candles flicker in the room. Thanksgiving is one of the most relaxing holidays of the year. 

 

Later this afternoon while I’m watching a favorite movie – a tradition at our house – I may pull my laptop out and do a little work. Then again there is just as good a chance I’ll lean back in my chair and pet one of my Westies. Either one is okay. 

 

The important thing today is to thank God for our blessings. I’m thankful I have a home, a family, people to spend the holiday with, my two furry little friends, a job, and for the Christmas novella I have releasing the end of this month. Most of all I’m thankful for the saving grace of Jesus. I pray you know Him too. 

 

Here at Seriously Write all of us are thankful for you. While our desire is to encourage and equip Christian writers we want you to know that you do the same for us. There are so many things vying for your time and we’re thankful you read our posts, cheer us on, and leave us comments. 

 

I hope you’ll share a few of your blessings with us. What are you thankful for today?

Terri Weldon is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has two adorable Westies – Crosby and Nolly Grace. Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing.

Readers can connect with Terri: Website: www.TerriWeldon.com or

Blog: Seriously Write

The Christmas Bride Wore Boots

 

Widowed Pastor Jacob Thompson had vowed to never remarry, but that was before he met Veterinarian Molly Kincaid. Could this unlikely duo be a match made in heaven?

 

Available 30 November!

Count Your Blessings by Mary Manners

Count Your Blessings

By Mary Manners

"This is the day which the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

~ Psalm 118:24 ~

What are you thankful for today?

Sometimes I’m so caught up in the day-to-day bustle of writing life...juggling deadlines and outlines and stubborn characters that stray from the plotline...that I forget how very blessed I am. The holiday season is a time to reflect and to also hopefully take a moment to slow down long enough to draw a breath, step back, and count the many blessings that fill my life.

I’m thankful for my loving husband, Tim—a man with whom a share a real-life romance filled with love and laughter, adventure and fun. I often tell my husband he’s cheap entertainment since he makes me belly-laugh with regularity. Tim supports and encourages my passion for sharing the written word with others. I’m so thankful God brought him into my life.

I’m also wildly thankful for my daughter, Danni, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. Danni illuminates my life with her loving, generous spirit. She’s a loyal friend to everyone, and has a special place in her heart for the elderly and the hurting. She has never met a stray or wounded animal she didn't want to bring home and love back to health. Danni is truly a blessing to all who know her.

My friends, especially my precious writing friends, are one more reason to give thanks. These wonderful people completely understand when I elaborate on the ‘voices’ that speak to me while I’m writing. Twisted plots and story arcs make for great conversation when surrounded by those who put pen to paper. I love them dearly.

But, most of all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, who has given all of these blessings and more to me. What an amazing gift to know His love and grace are never-ending.

So, as this holiday season begins, I wish you blessings and peace, dear friends. May you take a moment to draw a breath, step back, and count the many blessings that fill your life.

Again, I ask...for what are YOU thankful?

~~~~~

Dillon Cutler has returned to Clover Cove just in time to help with the busy Christmas season at his family’s nursery. All his siblings have found love, but he has no plans to hustle to the altar...until Brynn Jansen shows up at the nursery one night searching for a fresh-cut tree and a sprig of mistletoe. Intrigued by her gentle laughter and dark-chocolate eyes he asks her out.

Brynn Jansen comes to Clover Cove to help Nana, who’s broken a hip. She has warm memories of visiting Clover Cove as a child and is especially fond of the Cutler family who brought her grandparents a Christmas tree during a tough financial time. 

Brynn has plans to pay that kindness forward. What she doesn’t plan for is falling in love with Dillon Cutler.

~~~~~

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. Mary’s debut novel, Mended Heart, was a finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award and her follow-up, Tender Mercies, was awarded a 4 ½ star rating from The Romantic Times Book Reviews. Buried Treasures was named Book of the Year by The Wordsmith Journal while Light the Fire took top honors for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and Wisdom Tree garnered National Excellence in Romance Fiction. Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.

Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You!

Image courtesy of  Bing.com

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

I Thess 5:16-18 NIV

The Seriously Write team would like to thank you, dear readers, for traveling this writing journey with us. For faithfully stopping by to read our posts, for brightening our days with your comments, and for sharing us with your friends.

Wishing you a day filled with love and laughter, family and friends, faith and fun.

Happy Thanksgiving 

from your friends at Seriously Write!

This Writer's Thanksgivings by Carrie Turansky

Over the years I have received many blessings on my writing journey. God has used the process of learning to write fiction and working toward publication to help me grow in my faith and become a stronger person, and that has helped me in other areas of my life. I remember when I first started writing I was very hesitant to speak up and call myself a writer. Just saying it aloud seemed audacious. Who was I to claim to be a writer when all I had was some very rough skills and a dream of someday being published? But over the years He has helped me develop my skills and increase my confidence and trust in Him. I have been blessed to see ten books published and more contracted. I’ve learned to see my writing as a gift from God that I can develop and use to bless and encourage others.

Getting to know other writers and those in the publishing industry has also been a wonderful blessing. This past September I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Conference for the eleventh time. Each year as I reunite with many dear ACFW friends my heart is warmed by their accounts of how God has been working in their lives and through their writing. We writers usually work alone, and those few days together are so exciting and inspiring. Their thoughtful advice, words of encouragement, and heartfelt prayers are such a gift. I treasure those times!

I feel blessed to have a new book out this month, Snowflake Sweethearts. And I’m also thankful to have a new contract with Waterbook Multnomah. I will be writing a three-book historical romance series set in England in the Edwardian period, 1910 – 1919. It’s been my heart’s desire for several years to write longer historical novels, so I am very grateful and excited! The first book, The Governess of Highland Hall, will release in the fall of 2013.  

How about you? As you look back over this past year what is one special blessing you’ve enjoyed on your journey?

Annie Romano, a warm and caring personal chef with a history of heartbreak, returns to her hometown to raise her young daughter, Emma. She hopes to start her own business and give her daughter the happy childhood she never had. Then Alex Jameson, the man she secretly admired in high school, hires her to cook for his ailing grandmother, and their friendship begins to blossoms into romance. But when Alex is offered a new job that would take him away from Fairhaven, Annie's old fears of abandonment resurface and threaten their relationship. Trouble is brewing in Fairhaven for Annie and Alex.

Carrie Turansky lives in New Jersey with her husband Scott. They have been married for over thirty years and have five young adult children and three grandchildren. Carrie leads women's ministry at their church and teaches Bible studies. She also enjoys reading, gardening, and walking around the lake near their home. Carrie and her family spent time in Kenya as missionaries, giving them a passion for what God is doing around the world.

  

Connect with Carrie at her website: www.carrieturansky.com

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