Writing While Moving to a New Home

Have you ever tried keeping up with writing goals while moving to a new home? That is exactly what is happening with me. 

My husband and I decided to purchase a new home in the same neighborhood, just a different section. We moved to South Carolina about three years ago and have been renting until we could choose our “forever” neighborhood.

Let's Refocus by Emily Wickham

“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart”
(Psalm 37:4, NASB).

Aspirations Tuesdays are designed “to deal with whatever issues are hindering you” as a writer. And in my mind, 2020 has presented each of us with unprecedented challenges plus concerns about our literary ambitions. Perhaps the conference we planned to attend was rescheduled or canceled. Maybe the publisher we hoped to contract with is reducing their number of new publications, or our plans to self-publish have been interrupted by a reduced income.

The world is filled more than ever with uncertainty, and we might wonder what the future holds for the writing industry.

Let’s stop, take a breath, and refocus. Our God, who never changes, remains in control. Nothing ever surprises or confuses Him. He foreknew every event of 2020 before time began. So you and I, Christian writer friend, can rest assured in His perfect plan for our writing.

The answer to our multiple questions rests in our Lord, who’s always willing to hear our cries and petitions. Yet we must discipline ourselves to sit quietly before Him in prayer, delighting in Him and uttering the desires of our heart.

On that note, please pray with me:

Father in Heaven,

You are worthy.

Your glory and strength, righteousness and wisdom, holiness and sovereignty surpass all else. We exalt You, Almighty God, for who You are. Your hand holds the past, present, and future. Your power awes us, inspiring us to bow before You in worship.

We yield to You.

Realizing our fallible tendencies, we confess any impure motives or selfish desires. We reject every temptation to seek others’ approval above Yours, dedicating our writing anew for Your purposes and glory. We submit to Your will for the words with which You anoint us.

Your grace is sufficient.

Thank You for supplying daily grace, for we are weak in ourselves (2 Corinthians 12:9). You are the strength and surety we need, empowering us to communicate truth. We’re grateful You desire to use us—along with the words we write—in “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

You go before us.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, You maintain a purpose for the skills You entrusted to us. We delight in knowing You pave the way toward each opportunity. Because nothing can stop You, we joyfully anticipate the unfolding of Your unique plan for our writing.

We trust You.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). We move forward in faith echoing the psalmist’s desire. Whether fiction or nonfiction, may the words we pen reach into deep places, offering hope and peace in Christ.

We belong to You.

We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we long to follow You. Please continue to encourage us along the way and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Speak to us and through us, “those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved” (Colossians 3:12).

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, God maintains a purpose for our writing skills. @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #WritersLife #Purpose #SeriouslyWrite

Emily Wickham seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for LifeWay, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016.

Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 30+ years. They are the blessed parents of four adult children and two daughters-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.

Connect with Emily:
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Alcanzando la Justicia
Do you know any missionaries to Spanish-speaking women? Or, is your church involved in outreach to the Hispanic community? Emily would love to put her Bible study on Esther into their hands, and she’s willing to fundraise for this purpose. Please see her website for more information. You also can purchase Alcanzando la Justicia on Amazon.

Write a Psalm by Annette M. Irby

Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah

Psalm 62:8 NKJV

Hey, writers. Have you been distracted by the news lately? Sitting down to write can mean a quiet mind, while we ponder the next step in our stories or the next theme in our nonfiction. Unfortunately, quiet minds are sometimes easily bombarded by the latest statistics or social media rants. I imagine you’re like me these days—using time in God’s Word to combat those thoughts/fears/worries.

The Book of Psalms offers a little bit of everything. Nothing’s off-limits, it seems, to the psalmists. They wrote from hearts full of praise to hearts full of angst. They wrote about attacks and then deliverance. They wrote of God’s answers to their prayers. They wrote what they wanted to see. They wrote out of a place of need or when they wanted to change their focus.

I’ve been a prayer journaler now for decades. About thirty years ago, I attended a retreat where the leaders asked us to write our own psalms to God, with no plans to set them to music. Our psalms didn't have to be poetic or rhyming. They are basically written prayers in which we pour out our hearts to Him. (Psalm 62:8)

If ever there was a time for pouring out our hearts to God, this is it.

If ever there was a time for pouring out our hearts to God, this is it. Write a psalm to God. #amwriting #ampraying @annettemirby

You can write about:

* Any theme

* Desire for God (Psalm 63)

* Longing for His Word (Psalm 119)

* Lament (Psalm 102)

* Justice (Psalm 94)

* Desperation (Psalm 55)

* Deliverance (Psalm 98)

* Repentance (Psalm 51)

* Sustenance (Psalm 23)

* Declaration of protection or provision (Psalm 91)

* Worship (Psalm 45)

* Praise (Psalm 150)

* God's greatness (Psalm 65)

* Rehearse past times when God delivered you and/or your family (Psalms 106, 136)

* Hope for deliverance followed by God's powerful and decisive answer (Psalm 18)

At times, the biblical writers began their psalm with desperation, but by the end, they were encouraged; their tone changed. (See Psalm 55)

Have you noticed this in Luke’s Gospel: It’s when the disciples are telling stories of the resurrected Christ, and how their hearts burned within them, that Jesus manifests His presence among them. He was already in the room, but He appears to them when they talk about Him. Rehearsing how God has provided (or healed) in the past, brings Him into your current situation. He’s right there, but as our faith rises, He demonstrates His nearness. (see Luke 24, especially verses 35–36)

Once we’ve poured out our hearts to God, we’re more able to focus on our writing goals for the day.

I encourage you to write out your psalms, dear writers. Let the words flow. It’s cathartic, but it’s also prayer. And as you know, prayer changes people and situations.

Your turn: What other themes would you add to this list? Which are your favorite Psalms and why?

~~~~~

Finding Love on Whidbey Island

Could what drove them apart be what draws them back together?

Liberty Winfield lives with loss every day. She’d rather leave her history behind her, but when faced with moving back to her hometown, the past becomes unavoidable. She takes a job at the florist shop owned by her ex-boyfriend’s family from a decade ago. Now he’s unavoidable.

Clay Garrison knows the pain of ruing his mistakes. Most of his regrets center around Liberty. If he could undo his poor choices, he would. Liberty is back. He has one more chance to make things right. She doesn’t believe anyone could love her unconditionally, so he sets out to prove her wrong. He must also try to right the biggest wrong of their past, knowing that in doing so, he could lose her forever.

Will addressing the past together help them find love?

~~~~~

Annette M. Irby*

Annette M. Irby has been writing since her teen years when she sat pounding out stories on a vintage typewriter just for fun. Since then, she’s joined Christian writing groups and launched blogs so she could share the joy of writing. She likes to say she’s addicted to color as flowers and seascapes inspire her. In her off hours, she enjoys gardening, photography, and music. She lives with her husband and family in the Pacific Northwest.

Learn more here on her Seriously Write Page.





Photo credit: woman writing: Pixaby
Author photo: Sarah Irby

Encouragement for Writers by June Foster

Whether we're beginning writers or multi-published, we all get discouraged. Sometimes it's tempting to say, "I quit." But, I hope this devotional offers a bit of insight and hope.

When I read passages from the Bible, I can't help but relate them to the task of writing. This morning Psalm 37: 4 jumped out at me.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

So as Christians and writers, we delight ourselves in the Lord daily. How can editing tough passages and receiving rejections from editors and agents be delightful?

First, I believe we should firmly understand our identity—who we are. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." 2Corinthians 5: 17. We are different creatures now with new purposes and motives. We don't write for our own glory but for His.

Next, we trust in God's leadership. He has the ability to accomplish his work in us. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3: 5. Even if things aren't going like we think they should, trust that God is in control. Since I received another rejection letter today, I can speak with certainty and first hand experience.

So, now that means God will give me the desire of my heart. Right? Yes, definitely. Whether it's publication of a novel or another use of our writing talents, God will accomplish His purpose for us and we can delight in that. Then someday, we'll hear those words: "Well done my good and faithful servant."

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Dear Lord, help me to trust in Your perfect plan for me through my writing. You instilled the desire within my heart so I can be confident You have a purpose for my work. Amen.

How can editing tough passages and receiving rejections from editors and agents be delightful? via @vjifoster #SeriouslyWrite #devotion #amwriting

~~~~~~

Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family tradition: all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takes his breath away, he must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family.

Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should.

Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? 

Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.

June Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next contemporary romance or romantic suspense. June's characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. To date June has seen publication of 19 novels and 1 devotional. Find June at junefoster.com.

Wait! Don't Submit That Before You Do This... by Emily Conrad

In her book, When God Says "Wait,"* Elizabeth Laing Thompson writes, “I have been tempted to seek comfort, celebration, and commiseration from social media instead of from God.”

To counter this, she advises us all to, “Pray first, post last.”

This wise advice can also be applied to the process of submitting our writing to agents, editors, and publications.

When we post to social media, aren’t we, in some way, looking for acceptance? Isn’t that what likes and comments amount to? And when we send out queries, proposals, partials, and requested fulls (hooray!), we’re also seeking acceptance.

We’re seeking an agent or editor who resonates with our work and is willing to partner with it. We’re seeking publication, and eventually, the acceptance of readers.

But no number of writing acceptances—as fun as they are—are going to satisfy us the way God will. And in an industry where we hear “no” a lot more than “yes,” we can’t count on the acceptances to keep our self-worth afloat.

In an industry where we hear “no” a lot more than “yes,” we can’t count on the acceptances to keep our self-worth afloat. A #writetip for #Christian #writers from @emilyrconrad #seriouslywrite

Somehow, as we write and submit our work, we need to find another way to maintain a steady belief in God and in the value of the gifts He’s given us.

So, perhaps, as Christian writers, before we send off our next query, we’d be wise to pause and reflect on the acceptance we already have. Acceptance from God.

As #Christian #writers, before we send off our next query, we’d be wise to pause and reflect on the acceptance we already have. #writetip @emilyrconrad #seriouslywrite

Jesus loved us enough to suffer the cross for us.

We know that, but perhaps we've known that for a long time. Perhaps we've begun to overlook the beauty of that truth.

Let's pause long enough to remember.

Furthermore, the Bible is full of other examples of God's big, amazing, steadfast love for His people--not only as a larger group, but as individuals.

Anyone up for a little Bible drill?

Every one of us matters to the God who saw Hagar in the wilderness (Gen 16:13-14), to Jesus who wouldn’t let the woman with the bleeding issue escape without His notice (Mat 9:20-22). He is the God who saw Nathanael under the fig tree (John 1:48), who called Lazarus back to life (John 11:38-44), who took the time to gently confront Thomas’s doubts (John 20:24-28). He gave new names to Abram (Gen 17:5) and Jacob (Gen 32:28), and a nickname to James and John (Mark 3:17). He spoke the names of Martha (Luke 10:41) and Mary (John 20:16).

He knows us by name. He gives us worth that cannot be taken away.

Why do we so crave other acceptance when we already have the best acceptance in existence?

Because we lose sight of it, don’t we?

Like the temptation to post first, without praying, we submit our work like our worth depends on it.

Let's take a step back from that mindset by praying before we submit our work. Let's read Scripture and keeping going to Jesus until we believe that we already have all we need in Christ.

He has this writing dream completely in hand. He’ll see us through. He’ll accomplish His purposes for us (Phil 1:6, Ps 138:8). Never, at any step along the way, should our worth be up for grabs. Never should we doubt our purpose in this world (Eph 2:10).

Jesus, however this submission goes, I know you’ve called me. I know you are faithful, and that you love me. That you see this struggle and that you care. You are the God who sees and loves me, and I pray that you would accomplish your will in my life. I pray that whatever comes of this submission, I would keep my eyes on you and my heart safe in Your nail-pierced hands.

Pray first, submit your work last.

_____________

Wait! Don't submit your work before you do this! A #pubtip for the #Christian #writer. @emilyrconrad #seriouslywrite

Emily Conrad writes Christian romance and a blog to encourage women of faith. Her debut novel, Justice, released from Pelican Book Group in 2018. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two rescue dogs. She loves Jesus and enjoys road trips to the mountains, crafting stories, and drinking coffee. (It’s no coincidence Justice is set mostly in a coffee shop!) She offers free short stories on her website and loves to connect with readers on social media.

www.emilyconradauthor.com
Facebook.com/emilyconradauthor
Instagram.com/emilyrconrad
Twitter.com/emilyrconrad

JUSTICE

The ebook version is on sale for 99¢ through May 11, 2019.

Jake thought he was meant to marry Brooklyn, but now she's pregnant, and he had nothing to do with it. Brooklyn can’t bring herself to name the father as she wrestles with questions about what her pregnancy means and how it will affect her relationship with Jake. If Harold Keen, the man who owns the bookstore across from Jake's coffee shop, has anything to do with it, the baby will ruin them both. Can Jake and Brooklyn overcome the obstacles thrown in their path, and finally find the truth in God's love and in each other?


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*When God Says "Wait" by Elizabeth Laing Thompson, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Check it out here.

“Praise God!” by Zoe M. McCarthy

Thanksgiving is a time to praise God. Please enjoy a short story that came true about my mother’s salvation twelve years after I wrote the story. - Zoe

Illustration by Greg Lahti

“Praise God!”

        Eight women sat in a circle in the large hall in the old building of the church. Two exchanged recipes, three talked about the youth retreat, and three discussed a Christian book on prayer.

        “It’s six thirty,” Betty said. “We should get started.”

        The women wound down their conversations and turned to the center of the circle.

        “Let’s go to the Lord in prayer,” Betty said. “Father, we’re gathered here to share our concerns. We invite the Holy Spirit to direct our time together this morning. Amen.”

        Some women turned to fresh pages in their prayer journals while others dug pens from their purses. Just then, the large door to the hall clunked open. All the women turned to the sound. The door opened, but no one appeared in the doorway. After several seconds, an elderly woman, preceded by an aluminum walker, slowly entered the room. When she cleared the doorway, a younger woman stuck her head into the room.

        “I’ll return for you in an hour, Charlotte,” she said.

        The elderly woman nodded and continued her place-and-step journey across the hardwood floor toward the circle of women.

        The women were so taken off guard by the unfamiliar elderly woman’s presence that it took a full minute before Blaine went to greet the woman.

        Once Charlotte was seated, each woman introduced herself. Charlotte nodded to each woman in turn. Then she waved her hand, indicating they continue with their business.

        Ellen glanced at Charlotte. She felt uncomfortable sharing her concerns in front of a stranger.

        “Would you continue to pray for my son, Jerry?” she asked. “Please pray that God will give me the words to say to him. I don’t want to push him further away from me. I’ve been praying so long that God will help my Jerry find his way to Him that I wonder if God hears me. I trust He does, and so I keep on praying for Jerry.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte said.

        Charlotte’s outburst startled the women. They glanced at one another.

        “God does hear you, Ellen,” Cynthia finally said. ”We must be patient. I’ve been praying a long time for that man I sleep next to every night. Don sees my church as the ‘little thing’ I do to keep occupied. Please put him on your list—again.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte said and smiled.

        The women shifted in their chairs or doodled in their journals.

        Candace smiled at Charlotte. The poor old dear was probably senile. She turned to the other women. “My son, Billy, is discouraged with his job down at the plant. I’m certain if he knew Christ, he could have peace about it. The owner, Buck Grayson, really put the screws to him last month. Please pray for Billy to come to Christ.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte said.

        Betty glanced Charlotte’s way, then spoke. “Buck Grayson has done so many heartless things to the workers over the years. He docked my daughter’s pay because she took too long vomiting in the bathroom during her pregnancy. She asked if she could use the fifteen minutes she was in the bathroom as her morning break. He said no. He said her morning break was scheduled for ten o’clock, not nine. As if she could schedule her morning sickness! By the way, put Amy on your lists. Her faith has been lukewarm lately. I fear she won’t bring up my grandchild in the church, just as I failed to do with her.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte said. She lifted her frail arm to add punch to her statement.

        Blaine made certain Charlotte wasn’t going to say more before she spoke. “My son, Bert, is a supervisor at the plant. He told me that something incredible has been happening since last week. Buck Grayson has been doing kind things. In the elevator on Monday, he wished Bert a good morning and asked him if he was ready for the Christmas holiday. He told Bert he was especially looking forward to Christmas himself this year.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte said.

        “Are you sure it was Buck Grayson?” Pam asked. “I used to work at the plant, and he never spoke to anyone, even when he was alone with someone in the elevator.”

        “Yes, it was Buck Grayson. Bert said the company lowered their cafeteria prices too.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte said.

        “Billy also mentioned the lower cafeteria prices,” Candace said. “He was worried someone would be fired to make up the cost.”

        “And then yesterday,” Blaine said, “Bert said he and the other supervisors received a notice that, for the first time, Buck Grayson will shut down the plant at noon on Christmas Eve. It’s being announced today.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte said.

        Candace burst into tears. “Yes, praise God.” She wiped her eyes and composed herself. “Billy was so sad to tell his son he couldn’t watch him play Joseph in the Christmas pageant that afternoon. Now he can go. Maybe God will touch Billy’s heart with the Christmas story.”

        “Praise God!” Charlotte drew out the word praise. “Ladies,” she said, her voice quivering, “don’t ever stop praying for your lost loved ones. Keep dropping to your knees no matter what. Hold on to what Isaiah prophesied: All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace. I’m here to tell you ladies God will answer your prayers. I’m going to join you here as long as I’m able. I’m going to pray for Jerry, Don, Billy, Amy, and Bert. I’m going to pray for them every day and help you ladies bring your loved ones to Christ doing just that. If you’ll back off and let God do his work in them and just pray for them, He’ll answer your prayers too. I know. God just answered my repeated prayer of thirty-eight years for my son, Buck, to come to know Jesus.”

        All the women shouted at once, “Praise God!”

*Illustration by my nephew, Greg Lahti.

About the Author

Zoe M. McCarthy

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of The Putting Green Whisperer, The Invisible Woman in a Red Dress, Gift of the Magpie, and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.

The Putting Green Whisperer
by Zoe M. McCarthy

The Putting Green Whisperer

Suddenly unemployed, Allie Masterson returns home to Cary, North Carolina where she caddies for the father on the PGA Seniors Tour. There, she encounters a man who possesses an alluring gift of reading the contours of the green. Fascinated with his uncanny ability, Allie is excited to meet the Green Whisperer—until she discovers that the easygoing caddy is actually Shoo Leonard, the boy who teased her relentlessly when they were kids. Despite Allie's reservations, when Shoo is faced with having to overcome a hand injury, she agrees to use her sports science degree to become his trainer...and then she falls for him.

Shoo Leonard is grateful to Allie for her singular determination to get him ready for the PGA tour, but he isn't ready for anything more. Still raw from a broken engagement and focused on his career, he's content to be her fist-bumping buddy...but then he falls for her.

What seems like a happily-ever-after on the horizon takes a turn when Allie decides she's become a distraction to Shoo's career. Is it time for her to step away or can The Putting Green Whisperer find the right words to make her stay?

Worry, Prayer, and Faith by Laura V. Hilton

In a recent message I heard, a member of the congregation suggested, “Prayer is bringing your worries to God. Faith is leaving it there.” It hit home. Hard. I’m pretty sure I whimpered in pain as my foot was stomped on. An almost audible voice queried, “Are you listening, Laura?”

Um. Yeah. I heard the words. I understood the words. But putting them into practice? 

Practical Prayer

In my experience, God doesn’t show up in a magical way when I pray about something. I pray for months. Years. Decades. And it doesn’t seem God hears. My oldest son went to a “revival” where the “minister” said he prayed for money and he woke up the next morning with the exact amount of cash under his pillow. I’m not sure what denomination this “minister” was, or whether my son misheard, but God hasn’t ever done that for me.

No. He’s responded with a loan from a friend. Or a small gift from a church member. He responded by having a creditor hold the bill for a week or two, or by giving us an additional job At the same time, I have to be fair… He always provided.

And my son? I’m still praying and waiting for God to move while he rediscovers all his old friends, the joys of being unemployed, and bad habits. No miracle there either. Just more heartbreak as I discover hidden activities that have recently come to light. “God, why don’t You answer? How long, oh Lord…” I cry with the Psalmist.

The Struggle

In my current story, the hero and the heroine struggle to find where God is when their prayers seem to go unanswered. Or are answered in the most wrong way possible. “Ummmm . . . . God? No. That’s not what I had in mind!” They, like me, are struggling to take their worries to God . . . and leave them there. Eventually, they will learn that God is hearing their prayers and guiding their steps even though it doesn’t seem like He is. 

Write what you know, right? 

Help My Unbelief

An acquaintance has seen fit to share with me that my son’s decisions to walk in the ways of the world are the direct result of my passion for writing Christian fiction. My God-given gifts and abilities have forced God’s hand, and He is punishing me by taking my son and giving him to the devil. 

The God I serve would never “give” someone to the devil. It isn’t His will that any should perish. The God I serve used parables in the Bible to illustrate a point. I don’t think He would punish me for trying to serve Him the way He called me. The definition of a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. 

All I can do is keep being honest. Yes, Lord, I am having trouble with the faith part. 

“I believe, Lord. Help thou mine unbelief.”

I may never see my son turn from his ways while I’m on this earth, but I can say with the psalmist in Psalm 37:25: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

Click to Tweet

Give me the faith to know that You hear me and will answer in Your time. Amen. @laura_v_hilton #seriouslywrite http://bit.ly/2NgFLuB

God, thank you that I can bring my worries to you in prayer. Give me the faith to know that You hear me and will answer in Your time. Amen. 

For more posts by Laura V. Hilton, click here.

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.

Laura V. HIlton

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 with Whitaker 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 Christmas Admirer. 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 blog: http://lighthouse-academy.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/vernetlh/

Firestorm

Firestorm by Laura V. Hilton

   

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.

Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.

As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.

Establish the Work of My Hands by Michelle Shocklee

Way back in January 2010, my sweet agent at the time, Les Stobbe, sent me an email about pinpoint prayer. I hadn’t heard of pinpoint prayer, but one of Les’s clients, Will Davis, Jr., had recently published a book on praying big. Davis’ stance is that while prayers like “Bless Tom” or “Be with Sue in her time of need” are nice, they aren’t meaty. Pinpoint prayer goes beyond that.

With that in mind, I set out to pray bigger regarding my writing career. Using the word career for that period in time is a bit bold, because I’d only published a few magazine articles and a story in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. I’d written a couple novels that Les was shopping around to editors, and though we had some interest, no one had offered a contract.

During my devotions one morning, I read Psalm 90:17: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” The words leapt from the pages of my Bible to my heart. Here was my pinpoint prayer! It spoke directly to what my desire was for myself and for my writing. I desired God’s favor. I also realized that my work as a writer needed divine help if it were to be established.

I began praying the verse each time I sat down at my computer to work on a project. I also pondered the verse itself. What did God’s favor look like as far as my writing goes? My dream was to be a multi-published fiction author, but was that’s God’s plan? I decided I wanted God’s favor, no matter what it looked like. Next, I thought of what it meant to have one’s work established. Would my work be established if I had thousands of devoted readers? Or was it more simply the hope that my words would make a positive difference in the life of the person reading them, be it on a blog, a magazine article, or a novel? My heart told me the latter was what I truly desired.

Did God answer my pinpoint prayer? Yes! In his timing and his way, of course. Soon after I began praying that verse, I discovered that my inspirational blog was reaching people in countries I knew I would never visit and some I’d never heard of. I also sold several more stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul. In 2016 I signed my first book contract, followed by two more in 2017. My prayer hasn’t changed. I still ask that God will grant me favor and that he will continue to establish the work of my hands. Even this little blog post is an answer to that prayer!

Are you praying for your writing? I’d love to join you. If you have a special verse or a prayer need you’d like to share, feel free to post it in the comments.

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Michelle Shocklee is the award-winning author of The Planter’s Daughter and The Widow of Rose Hill, the first two books in the historical romance series The Women of Rose Hill. Her novella, To Heal Thy Heart, is included in The Mail-Order Brides Collection. With both her sons grown, she and her husband of thirty-plus years enjoy poking around historical sites, museums, and antique stores near their home in Tennessee. Connect with her at www.MichelleShocklee.com

We Can Be Part of Something Big by Zoe M. McCarthy

My seven-year-old grandson wanted to understand what he’d heard about our presidential candidates lying. I was saddened. What thoughts, opinions, and lessons was my grandson absorbing from the hubbub about two prominent people that he should be able to respect and follow as role models?

Zoe M. McCarthy

I felt helpless. What could I do to stop all the sinfulness this and other nations are choosing, the most harmful being the turning away from God?

Then I read two short devotionals on opposite pages in Today God Wants You to Know… You Are Loved by Laura Wegner.

The first devotional offered 1 Peter 5:10-11 from The Message. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

Ms. Wegner titled the following devotional, “You Are Part of Something Big.” She wrote: “No circumstances or person will ever be strong enough to push our God out of the way. Even His haters will ultimately bow their knee before His throne. So when the going gets tough, always remember that, in the end, God wins.”

That was a comforting reminder, but that didn’t ease my helplessness to change things for the better.

Ms. Wegner titled the opposite page, “You Can Bring Heaven to Earth.” The Scripture she chose was Matthew 6:10 from the New Living Translation. “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” She followed the Scripture with the words below.

“God wants you to be a part of His work on earth. He longs for you to exercise your faith in His will. This is because God has included us in His plans through our prayers. Our prayers enable us to access God in heaven. What a privilege!

If you want something from heaven to come to earth, pray. Entreat God to make it happen.”

I believe in prayer. So, I turned up the heat in prayer for our country and other nations, for Christians, for my church, and for Jesus’ great commission*. Also, I can be a role model for my grandchildren and others, so I pray about that too. I am part of something big.

How are you part of something big?

*“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of Gift of the Magpie and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing that opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.

Gift of the Magpie

Gift of the Magpie by Zoe M. McCarthy

Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy, is she wrong.

Purchase link for Gift of the Magpie: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Magpie-Zoe-M-McCarthy-ebook/dp/B073M8X4YZ/

The Battle is the Lord's by Laura V. Hilton

Laura V. Hilton

In Sunday School, we’re studying 1 and 2 Samuel. We’re taking our time, revisiting the familiar Bible stories we've known since we were children.

A couple of Sundays ago, the story was about David and Goliath. Familiar, right? Ever notice how the familiar sometimes becomes unfamiliar? So many ideas came out during that discussion that I’d never considered as a child.

For example, Goliath was disrespectful to God when he yelled the taunts and challenges to Israel. Obvious, right?

I never thought about it.

David was already familiar with fighting savage beasts when he took on Goliath. Lions. Bears. Not many of us would—or could—take on a wild lion and win! Yet he learned early on that the battle is the Lord’s and with God all things are possible. Because of that, he didn’t hesitate to turn Goliath over to God.

What about the five stones? Was a lack of faith that caused him to pick up more than one? Or did he know that God would do it with the first one?

After Goliath was down, David ran forward, grabbed him by the head, and cut it off. Another approach he probably learned from fighting wild animals. Control the head, you control the body.

I am, as you know from my last few posts, struggling so much. And my faith wavers as I struggle and hits the dirt time and time again. I wrote a note that Sunday and stuck it in my Bible.

Prayer concerns:

1. My oldest son.
2. Finances
3. The trip to Virginia (I’m scared to drive through big cities)
4. My writing

And a note underneath. “God, the battle is yours. I’m giving it all to you.”

Well, I’m happy to report that God handled No. 3. I survived the trip to Virginia and back home. The other three are still prayer concerns and in fact, Nos. 1 and 2 have only gotten worse. Plus I had to add my other son to the revised list and my oldest daughter.

So the revised note is stuck in the Psalms, specifically one of those sections where David is crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Another place where I wonder: was David prophesying Jesus’ words on the cross, or was Jesus was quoting David then? ) Still, David went on to praise the Lord for answering prayers and providing for his needs.

I left Sunday school that day with my toes very sore. If David could trust God with a real live, physical giant like Goliath who could potentially eradicate the entire population of Israel, why couldn’t I trust God with my giants?

When I was writing The Christmas Admirer, I think God knew I’d have lions and giants of my own this year. I’m struggling as I face them.

But even as my young girls hear me cry out, “Are you listening to me, God,” they encourage me that He does hear my prayers. He is listening. He will answer. It’s so humbling to see to their trust.

I am hanging on to Hebrews 11:1,

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13, too.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Lord, I’m seeking You will all my heart. And I’m trying to grow my faith. It is rather sobering to know I don’t even have faith the size of a mustard seed. Hear my cry, oh Lord, and hearken unto me. And to You be the glory, honor and praise, forever and ever. Amen.

Are you fighting giants in your life? What verses do you hold on to? 

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 with Whitaker 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/vernetlh/

The Christmas Admirer 

The Christmas Admirer
by Laura V. Hilton

Benaiah Troyer has loved Susanna King for as long as he can remember, but other than a lone summer filled with romantic buggy rides, marrying her remains an elusive dream. When his parents died in an accident a year ago, he broke up with her—for her own good. After all, they left him as the sole caregiver for his three younger sisters and his grandparents. What woman wants to step into a ready-made family like his? Still, he leaves her monthly gifts from “A Secret Admirer,” hoping she’ll know that someone loves her, even though he isn’t free to step forward.

Susanna has never gotten over losing Benaiah, and hopes he’s her secret admirer, but now the clock is ticking. Susanna’s father is remarrying in January and his wife-to-be doesn’t want to leave her Amish community and family in Iowa. So when Susanna’s daed sells his glass-blowing business to his right-hand man, Benaiah, she’s left with three options: 1) Go with Daed to his new home with a new frau and step-kinner, 2) Flush out her mysterious secret admirer, or 3) Resign herself to life as an old maid. She doesn’t want to follow Daed where his new frau is leading him. And number three isn’t happening. Marrying Benaiah is her greatest desire—but he broke her heart, and now he treats her like a pesky younger sister. Can she make him see her as a woman, one who could stand by his side as he cares for his family?

As Christmas approaches, Susanna and her friends start making gingerbread houses for select members of the community. Susanna plans for hers to go to Benaiah’s family. But while her gingerbread may find a home—will her heart?

You Pray for Someone and Horrible Things Happen by Zoe M. McCarthy

My friend has been dealing with an ailment that I can only imagine how difficult it is. Her disorder adversely affects her life minute by minute. I told her I would pray for her, and I have. Daily and fervently.

Zoe M. McCarthy

No doctor of any kind could pinpoint her problem. Physicians would have her try various regimens, but nothing worked. Or they misdiagnosed the problem, and her health got worse. I prayed harder. My hope that God would heal her remained high, but I worried her faith would wane.

Then she was diagnosed with a condition that was promising, and she had a good couple of weeks. I was praising God.

In her next email, she said she’d contracted an ailment that exacerbated her illness and took three miserable weeks to heal from. I had to tamp down over and over my “Why God?” thoughts. I asked God whether He was worried, as I was, that she’d give up Him. My husband and I prayed for her healing.

The next day she sent me a quick email that she was in the hospital with an attack from a third illness! I was shocked. And disappointed. I didn’t know what was going on. I told God I knew He loved her, and I knew He was working in her, but was she able to hold on to this? I asked God to bind Satan.

In a Bible study, we sang Horatio Spafford’s “It Is Well With My Soul.” My friend popped into my mind in the way that God often speaks to me. “When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

I sent my friend Spafford’s hymn and the story of his losing an investment, his son to Scarlet fever, and his four daughters in a sinking ship.

In her next email, she said that in the end the hospital stay was a good thing. She found the right doctor who was ordering tests that should have been done long ago. They’d already ruled out scary diseases. She told me she felt blessed and was ready to handle whatever ailment she had to deal with.

What an example for me!

I was so humbled. God knows what He’s doing with people’s faith through their trials. He knows their strengths. He’s taught me much about trusting others’ faith and God’s work in them. I don’t know if the tests and the right doctor will be able to treat my friend’s ailment successfully, but I’m simply called to pray and care. I know she’s in God’s hands and is willing to trust the Lord.

When have you recognized blessings among your trials?

Sometimes when you pray hard for someone else, God is working a lesson in you. Click to Tweet.

About the Author

Zoe M. McCarthy believes that opposites distract. Thus, she spins Christian contemporary romances entangling extreme opposites. Her tagline is Distraction to Attraction, Magnetic Romances Between Opposites. Her first novel is Calculated Risk. She has two more contemporary romances and a nonfiction book to help writers ready their manuscripts coming out soon. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys leading workshops on the craft of writing; speaking about her faith; planning fun events for her 5 grandchildren; and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she lives with her husband, John.
Learn more about Zoe M. McCarthy at her website: http://zoemmccarthy.com

Calculated Risk

What happens when an analytical numbers man meets a mercurial marketing Rep? Romance is a calculated risk…

Calculated Risk
by Zoe M. McCarthy

Jilted by the latest of her father’s choices of “real men,” Cisney Baldwin rashly accepts an invitation to spend Thanksgiving weekend with a sympathetic colleague and his family. Nick LeCrone is a man too much her opposite to interest her and too mild-mannered to make her overbearing father’s “list.” Now, Cisney fears Nick wants to take advantage of her vulnerable state over the holiday. Boy, is she wrong.

Nick wants little to do with Cisney. She drives him crazy with all her sticky notes and quirks. He extended an invitation because he felt sorry for her. Now he’s stuck, and to make matters worse, his family thinks she’s his perfect match. He’ll do what he can to keep his distance, but there’s just one problem—he’s starting to believe Cisney’s magnetism is stronger than he can resist.

Purchase links for Calculated Risk: http://zoemmccarthy.com/books