New Year, New Directions by Angela Arndt

Standing at a Crossroads

Well, the first full week of the New Year is over. Did you make any resolutions this year? How many are bent? Any broken? Or are you still reeling from all the hits you took last year and can't even think about resolutions? (Honey, I know the feeling.)

Last Year's Problems
Last year, did you have to really lean into God’s love? We all know that sickness, financial losses, work problems are hard on your overall health, but did you know happy times like weddings and celebrations can cause exhaustion, too? Psychologists have developed an instrument to measure the amount of stress you feel. The Perceived Stress Scale (the link goes to a modified version) measures the ugly, the bad and yes, even the amount of good stress in your life (if there is such a thing as "good stress").

A New Direction for 2019
You probably don't need a tool to tell you that you're stressed.  If you look online, you’ll find about a million ways to reduce stress and we all know that all the knowledge in the world is on the Interest, right?

No. Nope. No way

Don't trust your problems with people you don't know. If you're looking for a way to make 2019 a better year, here are a few suggestions.

What the Bible Says
Here’s a great place to start:

1. Be consistent in living a godly life. Titus 2, Romans 12:2
2. Set godly priorities. Hebrews 13:5, Proverbs 16:3
3. Read your Bible. Joshua 1:8, Romans 10:17
4. Pray constantly. (Yes, all the time.) 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 12:12
5. Exercise. (I know it’s a dirty word, but you’ve got to do it.) 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Proverbs 31:17
6. Laugh every day. Proverbs 17:22, Psalm 118:24, Proverbs 31:25
7. Spend time with your true friends. Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 13:20

Speaking of New Directions
Speaking of true friends, the hostesses and regular contributors of Seriously Write are genuine friends. I’ve been so blessed by them, their encouragement, and their prayers. That’s why it’s so hard to say goodbye to you all. This is my very last post for Seriously Write as a hostess. I’ve decided to take a little bit of my own advice and step back, cut back on a few things, focus more on others.

Whatever positive step you decide to make, I pray that this year will be a better year than last.

Hugs, y’all!

Angela (Angie) Arndt

Seriously, folks ...
If you're experiencing other symptoms like depression, anxiety or panic attacks, it may be time to talk to a professional. Ask your pastor, doctor, or even your friends for recommendations. There are also apps to connect you to therapists if you're overwhelmed. If you can't connect with one, try another. Don't live this year in pain. Make 2019 the year you do something positive to help you feel better about your life.

About the Author

Angela Arndt

Angela Arndt writes women’s fiction with a thread of romance, telling stories of strong, independent women in difficult situations set in small Southern towns. Her biggest hope is that she will encourage her readers to overcome their own “back roads” and find joy in the Lord again.  Represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency, Angela has a Master’s Degree from the University of South Carolina and continues learning the craft of writing fiction through the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Novel Academy. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, weekly on Joy on the Back Roads, and quarterly on Learn How To Write A Novel.
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Be Alert! By Laura V. Hilton

“Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

August has been a painful month, in so many different ways. I finished writing a story that I turned into the publisher, and I have no creativity left to start a new one. With a deadline for a novella on September 30th and another deadline for a full-length on December 31st, I had no time to recuperate for a fresh wave of inspiration. But with zero creativity, how could I write? 

I was forcing myself to put words on paper, figuring I could edit them if the words weren’t good, when I got a call from the hospital fifty miles away. It was my husband. He’d been hit by a UFO and broke his neck. Yep, that’s what he said. 

I’m sure I blinked a few times. A UFO? Really? And a broken neck? My husband is a big tease, but surely he wouldn’t kid about this… No, no, no…. It turned out it was just a fracture, but serious enough for a neck brace and an unplanned week vacation, and a UFO turned out to be an Unidentified Falling Object. Would he have a job when this was over? He wasn’t worried, but I was. And how would I function with my husband underfoot? That wasn’t an issue though. I loved having him around. 

A few days later, I get a call from my oldest son. He’s been asked to leave where he was living and could he come home? Um, no. No. NO. Several panic-filled calls later where he informs me he will be escorted off by the police if he isn’t gone by six p.m. and me giving him all the suggestions I could think of, I hear nothing more. But is it over? Not by a long shot. He showed up at ten p.m. with nothing but the clothes on his back and begged us to let him stay just over the weekend. He’ll be gone Monday. “I promise.” 

I reluctantly agree. He hadn’t followed any of the suggestions I gave him during the phone calls. And a week later, he is still here. Not even trying to find someplace. Worse, he’s found all his old friends so any success he had with getting off drugs and alcohol is probably short-lived. Pray with me about this. I can’t go through this again. Or rather, I don’t want to.

I’m getting extremely stressed. Getting stressed-related “illnesses.” Migraines. Shaking hands. Painful skin conditions.

I was mulling over these things this morning during my morning devotions, and I stumbled across a meme that read:

“As you face trouble, remember that Jesus told us to watch and pray,” (based on Luke 21:36).

Hmm. So I looked it up. The actual verse reads: 

“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man,” (Luke 21:36).

As we write, we might be attacked by Satan’s arrows. We might have unexpected problems, some of them huge. We might not know how to act or react. And we can’t see into the future to see the outcome.

But God. 

Lord God, help us to be alert this day, watch and pray and serve You however You would have us. 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.

Too Blessed to Stress by Mary Manners

Too Blessed to Stress

by

Mary Manners

 

Who says deadlines can't wait? Not me, because wait is exactly what my deadlines did as I enjoyed precious downtime with friends and fellow authors at the recent Wild Deadwood Reads, held in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

 



There's no room for stress with the blessing of friendship. And these ladies are the best of the best. Over the course of seventy-two hours they taught me that some things are more important than meeting a writing goal or plotting out the next series. Lovely doesn't begin to describe them.

 

 

Sometimes it's a great idea to step away from the laptop and task calendar to enjoy a little down time. Recharging one's energy also serves to rekindle the creative juices. Nothing relaxes better than laughter and an authentic carriage ride. Or ice cream. Lots of ice cream.

 

 

Yes, we enjoyed exchanging loads of books and talking a little shop, but the friendships shared were what made the weekend memorable. I'm already looking forward to next year!

 

Feeling stressed? Grab a blessing and spend a little time with friends. You might find your creativity flowing again in ways you never imagined. Even for a writer.

 

Happy storytelling!

 







 

~~~~~

 

A Pair of Promises (Honeysuckle Cove Book 7)

 

 



Brooklyn Jones loves a good mystery, and none is more perplexing than the one that led Tyler Culhane back to Honeysuckle Cove. When Tyler left to pursue his dream of becoming a baseball superstar, Brooklyn swore she’d never cross paths with him again. But now he needs her help, and she has a decision to make.

Tyler Culhane swallows his pride as he darkens the doorstep of Brooklyn Jones’s preschool. Though the two once shared a bond Tyler thought unbreakable, he managed to destroy their love—and the promises he’d made to her—with a single decision. Now, his family has fallen on hard times, and Brooklyn’s the only one who can help rescue them. But will that rescue lead to heartache…or redemption?

 

~~~~~

 

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime sharing her joy of writing. She lives in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and their rescue dog Axel, mischievous cats Colby and Rascal, 8 rambunctious chickens, and 13 fish.

Mary writes stories full of faith and hope. Her books have earned multiple accolades including two Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Mary loves long sunrise runs, Smoky Mountain sunsets, and flavored coffee. She enjoys connecting with reader friends through her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.



Sometimes a Little is Enough by Melanie D. Snitker

As writers, we tend to pile a lot of expectations on ourselves. I know I’m guilty of doing that on a regular basis. Every year, I detail my writing, editing, and publishing schedules. When I fall behind, which inevitably happens at some point, I feel stressed about getting myself back on track.

That happened to me this last November. The month started off great: I had two new releases set for January, and I was looking forward to writing two novellas during the holiday season that would release the following fall. I had it all planned out until life threw a curveball.

Our sweet son has autism and began to have an exceptionally difficult time in several areas. We’re still working with him now, but suffice it to say, the months of November and December put our family into survival mode. Most of our energy was funneled into helping him while trying to keep the magic of Christmas for our younger daughter. In other words, I had nothing left to devote to writing. It wasn’t just that I couldn’t find time to write, I truly had no energy to even think about it. It’s only been in the last week or two that we’re starting to see a break in the storm.

When it came to writing the last two and a half months, I dealt with everything from stress to guilt, not to mention that frantic feeling as I got more and more behind. But through it all, I’ve learned something valuable.

Sometimes a little is enough.

I may not have written much in the last two and a half months, but I did get the main points of my next book plotted out and successfully launched two titles this month. Now that I’m starting to write again, it’s my hope that this new story will come together quickly.

Try as we might to stay on schedule and meet our word goals every day, there will be times when that might be impossible. Whether we’ve got a child who’s sick, our computer dies on us, or we get a cold that turns our brains into mush, there are going to be days, weeks, or even months when we can’t stay on task the way we want to.

That’s when doing what you can, even if it’s just little things here and there, that’s often enough. Jot down story ideas while waiting in the doctor’s office or do some research and print out pages to read later. But most importantly, take care of yourself and your loved ones. The storm will eventually clear. When it does, you can take all those little things and piece them together to get yourself back on track again.

What have you found works for you when life gets too hectic or stressful to write for any length of time?

~~~~~~

Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing fiction for as long as she can remember. She started out creating episodes of cartoon shows she wanted to see as a child, and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children, who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs, who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crocheting, baking, and hanging out with family and friends.

I didn't know if you needed my author links or not, but here they are for your convenience.

Author links:

Website:

http://www.melaniedsnitker.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/melaniedsnitker

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MelanieDSnitker

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/author/melaniesnitker

Running the Race by Laura V. Hilton

Laura V. Hilton

Right now (when I’m writing this) we are right in the middle of National Novel Writing Month (otherwise known as NaNoWriMo). Writers all over the nation (maybe world) are writing crazy amounts of words every day, trying to finish an entire novel in a month.

Rough draft form, of course.

Writers are encouraged not to go back and edit. Not to fix mistakes, not to worry about telling versus showing or point of view, just get it on paper.

I have never participated in NaNoWriMo for several reasons. One reason (and probably the most important!) is that I don’t have time. I’m a mother of five, I homeschool, I’m a wife, etc etc etc. I can’t put life on hold, check out of a busy household and write without interruption for a month. No way, no how.

But another reason is that I’m a perfectionist. I like to go back and edit as I write. I’m compelled to do so, by my inner muse. I don’t write rough drafts, when I finish the book it is ready to go to the publisher, because I edit as I write.

The apostle Paul mentions running the race that is set before us: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

In those verses, Paul makes a passing reference to “the cloud of witnesses.” Sure, Paul himself is going to be in that crowd some day, when we make our victory lap. Some of your favorite Bible heroes are going to be there; your loved ones will be there as well, cheering you on.

But that’s really all it is. It’s a passing reference. Because our eyes aren’t supposed to be on them. They aren’t supposed to be even on the course, itself.

Our eyes are supposed to be on Jesus.

The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers to a life of excellence:
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

And in his letter to the Colossians, Paul exhorts the readers of his letter:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV)

Our focus, on whatever we say, or do, or even think, is supposed to be on the Lord God Almighty, and on our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are running for His glory; our rewards are going to come from Him.

But don’t do it for the rewards alone. Don’t even run the race primarily for the rewards, or to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Yeah, that’s going to be so awesome!

Finishing with another passage from Paul,
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. “ 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

Because when you cross that finish line, and you receive that reward, you are bringing glory and honor to your Heavenly Father.

I don’t know about you, but that’s motivation enough for me to run as hard as I can, for as long as I can, as best ever I can.

Because I love my Savior, my Lord, and my God. And He loves me.

I’m proud of my Heavenly Father. I want to brag on Him. I want to boast about Him. And when I cross that finish line, I’m going to be able to point to him and tell the world, “That’s my Heavenly Father. He’s the one who helped me run so well!”

Dear Lord, when I get discouraged, help me to keep pressing on. Amen.

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. 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: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

The Bird House

The Bird House
by Laura V. Hilton

Twenty–year–old Greta Miller's daed has been injured in a farming accident during the summer. The supportive Amish community tries to help out, but Greta and her sister must work outside the home to make ends meet, and so Greta rents a booth at the farmers' market. Because Greta is still in her rumspringa and free to explore the world, her family selects her to sell her homemade jams, jellies, and preserves to Englischers. Josh Yoder wants to court Greta, but years ago, he made the mistake of rejecting her during a seemingly innocent game; which resulted in him leaving the Amish. Three years later, he's back, but Greta wants nothing to do with him. Josh struggles to fit in and rebuild relationships he destroyed. Knowing Greta's family needs help, he steps in, hoping to win her back. When Greta admires one of his birdhouses, he gives it to her, hoping that it will open the door to more. But as their friendship begins to grow, a series of unfortunate events pull Greta away from the Amish, leaving her rejected by those she loves. Will Greta get beyond her family's distrust and return home? Will she prove her innocence? Or will she remain outside her Amish community?

When You Need to Recharge by Dora Hiers

Dora Hiers

Struggling to find a job? Feeling stomped on by co-workers? Going through marital problems? Family discord. Rebellious children. Financial challenges. Medical issues. Or maybe you just lost a precious family member or friend. All while trying to write.

You name it, and we’ve probably all faced it at some point. Pressure gains momentum as a culmination of events and issues take turns with their punches. Or it could be one major incident that knocks us until we’re staggering backward like a fighter in a boxing ring, squeezing the breath from our lungs until our vision blurs, the voices around us fading into oblivion. And words? They tumble through our head, round and round, but no coherent strings make their way onto the page.

We each handle stress differently. Some people thrive on it. Others tug the blanket back over their head and sleep. I tend to...

Run! Not run away because that doesn’t solve any problems. But run to the mountains. 

Peace speaks to my soul here. Whispers that everything’s going to be all right, that life is more than writing and books. That God is in control and that He’s infinitely greater than anything I'm facing. Being here brings God more into focus, and the pressure lifts. I can breathe deep again, liberated from the chains of worry that squeeze my chest.

If we can’t break away for a weekend, this is where I run…

Sometimes all I can manage is this...

Not quite the same, but it’s nice to escape my desk and the mountain of tasks demanding my attention and slip away for a few minutes.

This year has been crazy busy. Long hours hunched over my laptop, trying to keep the momentum going with my current work-in-progress and the extra writing related to market five books. You know how, at times, events just keep piling on your calendar until suddenly you've lost control? That was me this year, somewhere about April. I definitely needed a recharge, so we headed for the mountains over a long weekend.

How do you handle stress? Are you a "runner?" Where do you go to recharge?
I'll be in and out of Internet service for the next couple of weeks (recharging! :) ), but will check back and respond to all comments when I return. Wishing you a glorious weekend!

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him,

whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! ~Isaiah 26:3 TLB

He's my yesterday, my tomorrow, my today.

He's my redeemer, my hiding place, my refuge.

He's the grace who covers a multitude of wrongs, the beauty in my ugly, the bridge to forever.

He's the restorer of my soul, the quiet in my storm, the still water of perfect peace.

He's my champion, my hero, my rock.

He's the sweet spot in my day, my reason for being,

my very next breath. ~Dora Hiers

Purchase Link

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

Dora Hiers is a multi-published author of Heart Racing, God-Gracing romances. She’s a member of RWA and her local chapter, Carolina Romance Writers. Connect with her on Seriously Write, Fiction Faith & Foodies, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.