Sun, sand and books- oh, my!

Ahhhh... the ocean. After a week of body surfing, swimming and splashing in the ocean, I'm semi-sad to be back home. But only semi. See, I'm not a beach girl. I truly despise the sand, and sun with a burn is not my friend.

But I love the water. Especially, the emerald coast. Add a good book to that and I'm enjoying a taste of heaven.

During this year's beach trip, I did something I've never done before... Here's a picture to illustrate.

Unfortunately, the reason I've never enjoyed reading a great book on the beach is because I'm usually catching waves and splashing around with my family. Or I'm making sure said waves don't drown my children or nefarious sharks attack and drag my kids away.

I'm happy to report none of the negative, over-active imaginations happened.

I did however finish two books on our vacation and start a third. I finished Death, Deceit and some Smooth Jazz while staying up waaayyy to late. Always do with Claudia Mair Burney's books. She's just that good. I'd highly recommend dancing with some smooth Jazz and cheering Bell on as she slides into sleuthing one more time.

The second book I finished is Sharon Hinck's The Restorer's Journey. Another amazing story told with beautiful and thought-provoking skill. I laughed, cried and worshipped the One as I read this third book in the Sword of Lyric series.

Here's a blurb about The Restorer's Journey:

Back in our world with her teenage son, Jake, in tow, suburban mom Susan Mitchell is ready for life as usual. But when a foreign threat invades their comfortable home, Susan and Jake soon find themselves drawn back through the portal to the world of the People of the Verses. Now she will struggle to love a people who have become her captors, while Jake suffers a tragic betrayal and discovers his destiny as the next Restorer.

Filled with adventure, warmth, and humorous asides, the Sword of Lyric series offers readers an exciting reading experience unlike any other.

So there's two more books to add to your summer reading list~ both receive my HIGHEST recommendations!

And coming this week and next... two giveaways not to be missed. I'll be sharing my thoughts on Skid and Fatal Deduction along with the chance to win copies of both.

Happy Summer Reading!!!

Excuse number 101 for not blogging...

Have you missed me? I've been reading, critiquing, radio interviewing, blog touring and trying to catch a few zzzz's along the way.

At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. ;-)

But I wanted to let you all know a few of the books I'll be sharing here soon with some awesome giveaways. Plus, a sneak peek at what I'll be taking to the beach to read and relax...

Coming up the end of May is the super fun and funny book SKID by Rene Gutteridge. I'll be sharing my thoughts and giving away a copy of this awesome summer read.


Next, I'll be reading and giving away two copies of FATAL DEDUCTION by Gayle Roper. I loved her Seaside Seasons books and am looking forward to her newest suspense.





And here are the books that I'm packing in my suitcase..

Death, Deceit and some smooth Jazz by Claudia Mair Burney. I LOVE Claudia and her amazing Amanda Bell Brown mysteries. Claudia can write! And I'm looking forward to spending some time with Bell and Jazz while the ocean waves soothe and Claudia's story keeps me up waaaayyy to late. Like four AM late. Yep, that's how good these books are!

The second book I'm taking with me is by my all-time favorite author, Sharon Hinck. I'm finally able to kick back and read her amazing third Restorer book: The Restorer's Journey. I started reading and had to force myself to step away from the book so I could actually homeschool this week and get some work done. It's not just kids who get summeritis. ;-)

Hope this makes up for my recent silence. ;-) Give yourself a sweet treat and enjoy a great book!

Hanging out with the FBI in DC

I spent this past week in writer euphoria as my family and I toured Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. And to the many folks praying for me not to get arrested by trying to slip into the FBI building ~ thank you.

God heard and I'm arrest free. ;-)

But I did walk by the Hoover building often and enjoyed a few writer "moments." My kids thought I was a little loopy. But I couldn't help getting giddy thinking, "This is where Steven, Clint and Michael actually walked!"

Okay, I do know they didn't actually walk there, but still. It was a good "moment."

Tuesday, the day I got up the nerve to have my picture taken in front of the FBI building, started with a series of unfortunate events. First, our White House tour was cancelled. Then we morphed into walking robots and took in so many sights my head is still spinning. There were also some "lost" moments where maps were studied and I tried to put on a brave face and just keep walking, hoping we'd end up somewhere safe.

After that, I paced in front of the FBI building like a lost puppy, begging for a peek inside.

That I did not get.

But what came next made up for it.

On a whim, my husband suggested we take a different street to head back to the car. And there before us~ just a few blocks from the FBI building~ was a Borders bookstore. My husband suggested we go in.

I hesitated. What if my books aren't there? That would so stink.

But in we went.

And not only was my book there....multiple copies were on a face-out, eye-level special shelf!!!! RIGHT NEAR THE FBI BUILDING!!!

I did a jig, my kids rolled their eyes and my hubby snapped a picture.

It was a "moment" of pure bliss.

And the manager asked me to sign their stock to boot. In my mind's eye, I was walking down red carpet and waving. ;-)

But God wasn't finished with His little surprises and funny shuffling of my itinerary.

The next day, we had a rescheduled White House tour and ended up behind a huge group of eighth graders and in front of another group of folks. Things got all mixed up and everyone had to move to yet another line.

When that happened, we ended up behind one person we'd spoken to with the eighth grade field trip and in front of a very friendly older couple. My kiddos struck up a conversation and soon this couple asked about the book my husband was holding.

The book I'd sort of ridiculously hoped I'd be able to leave for President Bush.

Between my kids' excited chatter about my writing and my husband handing out my business cards like candy, tons of folks were excited about the Defenders of Hope stories.

It was another "moment."

Needless to say, I didn't get to leave my copy of Healing Promises at the White House. But one of the ladies from the eighth grade tour group was so excited to see me after the tour and asked if I'd left the book. It was so sweet how much she'd hoped I'd get to do that.

We chatted a little and then I joined my family again. But God had another surprise and nudged me to go back to this kind woman and give her the book.

I did.

She nearly cried and called to all of the other teachers and parents, telling them about both of my books and that I'd given her a copy. Seeing her face and how much joy that little offering gave reminded me of why I write and that God has so much more in store than I can imagine.

I came home super charged that I'd actually rubbed elbows with real, live FBI heroes and walked in the footsteps of my characters.

Even more, that God's shuffling of my plans on multiple days resulted in a special God-kiss of knowing Healing Promises is hanging out right down the road from the FBI.

Most of all, I saw God do what I've prayed He'd do through every book~ encourage hearts and draw people closer to Him.

That was the best "moment" of all~ sensing His smile as I enjoyed the God-kisses and needed reminders He'd planned long before I stepped foot in DC.

So a special thanks to all of you who prayed. God showed up and filled me to overflowing with the sights, experiences and fun we had during our week away.

And maybe next trip I'll figure out a way inside the FBI fortress.... completely legally, of course!

How to stay humble

Today I had a blast on the TV show Mornings with hosts Lorri and Larry! And a question one of the callers asked is still rattling around my brain.

He asked, "How do you stay humble?"

I started to laugh because I have no reason to entertain diva thoughts, especially knowing that when I left the show I had kids to chauffeur to the dentist then lunch to fix. Besides that, God has more ways to keep me humble than I have brain cells to comprehend. And He uses a plethora of ways on any given day.

The bathroom scale
Cleaning up after kids and stomach flu do battle
Ironing
Making yet another PB&J sandwich
Editing

And one of the biggest ways I've seen God work in this area is by simply reminding me that I write for His glory and it's God who's touching readers' hearts.

It helps that I have an incredible family and wonderful friends who keep me grounded too.

But now I'm curious. Have you all thought about ways God keeps you humble?

Happy Birthday Honey!

While today's not my wedding anniversary, it is my awesome hubby's birthday! And I need your help to complete a special something that's happening over at the Life with Missy blog!

So please visit Missy Tippen's home on the web and put on your poetry hat for a chance to win a fun Healing Promises gift pack!

And as a special incentive...if anyone can tell me where the posted poem came from as well as where it appears in Healing Promises, I'll give away an extra gift pack.

So hop over to Missy's blog and join the fun!

And please leave my handsome hubby a special birthday note either here or at Missy's place. Thanks!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!

I LOVE YOU TO INFINITY...AND BEYOND!

My Soul to Keep

If you're a fan of reading well into the night, My Soul to Keep is a story for you! But be sure to keep the lights on all throughout the house.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

My Soul To Keep

(Multnomah Books - February 5, 2008)

by

Melanie Wells

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of the Texas panhandle and the child of musicians, Melanie Wells attended Southern Methodist University on a music scholarship (she's a fiddle player), and later completed graduate degrees in counseling psychology and Biblical studies at Our Lady of the Lake University and Dallas Theological Seminary.

She has taught at the graduate level at both OLLU and DTS, and has been in private practice as a counselor since 1992. She is the founder and director of LifeWorks counseling associates in Dallas, Texas, a collaborative community of creative therapists.

When the Day of Evil Comes is her first published work of fiction, and the first of a three-book series. The second work, The Soul Hunter was released in May, 2006. Melanie lives and writes in Dallas.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As nasty as I knew Peter Terry to be, I never expected him to start kidnapping kids. Much less a sweet, funny little boy with nothing to protect him but a few knock-kneed women, two rabbits and a staple gun…

It’s psychology professor Dylan Foster’s favorite day of the academic year…graduation day. And her little friend Christine Zocci’s sixth birthday. But the joyful summer afternoon goes south when a little boy is snatched from a neighborhood park, setting off a chain of events that seem to lead nowhere.

The police are baffled, but Christine’s eerie connection with the kidnapped child sends Dylan on a chilling investigation of her own. Is the pasty, elusive stranger Peter Terry to blame? Exploding light bulbs, the deadly buzz of a Texas rattlesnake, and the vivid, disturbing dreams of a little girl are just pieces of a long trail of tantalizing clues leading Dylan in her dogged search for the truth.


“Like water rising to a boil, My soul To Keep’s suspense sneaks up on you…before you know it, you’re in the thick if a frightening drama…Superbly crafted.”
---ROBERT LIPARULO, author of Deadfall, Germ, and Comes A Horseman


“Written with passion, a good dose of humor and, dare I say it, soul, this novel reminds us that we all, with grace and good fortune, bumble our way toward salvation.”
---K. L. COOK, author of Late Call and The Girl From Charmelle

New books to introduce to you

Chapter-a-Week is a great way to meet new authors and visit with established favorites as you enjoy reading a chapter and chatting about the stories. Here are the novels highlighted this week...

A Bride So Fair

Book Three in A Fair to Remember

by Carol Cox

A young woman searching for independence and adventure.

A handsome Columbian Guard striving to protect and defend.

A little boy caught in a web of intrigue and deceit.

Emily Ralston is delighted when she lands a job at the Children's
Building at the Chicago World's Fair. And the White City seems to be
living up to its promise of excitement when she meets Stephen Bridger, a
handsome Columbian guardsman. Surely Emily isn't the only one to
sense the spark of electricity between them?

When Stephen finds a lost boy, he delivers him to the Children's
Building to be cared for until his mother is located. But when a dead
body believed to be little Adam's mother is found, a mystery begins
to unfold. While unraveling the truth, Emily and Stephen are drawn
deeper into danger and closer to each other.

"Carol Cox has skillfully woven a heart-tugging romance and
page-turning intrigue around a fascinating historical setting, bringing
all three to life." --Linda Windsor, author of Wedding Bell Blues
and For Pete's Sake

"This talented author's sweet and charming love story—set
during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893—is a delightful
diversion." --Romantic Times BOOKReviews

Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear

Book Two in the Bargain Hunters mysteries

By Sharon Dunn

"A quirky `who done it,' Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear is
the perfect mystery for women who love bargains and surprise
endings." --Melanie Dobson, author of Together for Good and Going for Broke

"If you enjoy whimsy, humor, and fun characters with your mystery,
Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear is for you! But beware! Under the
laughs are buried strong spiritual truths. A delightful, thoughtful
read." --Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Fatal Deduction

"The bargain hunter gals are at it again! Dunn's riotous romp
seamlessly tucks in truth and light and leaves us in stitches. A
must-read for those who think living by faith is boring." --Lois
Richer, author of Healing Tides

Ginger and her bargain hunter friends head down the Wind-Up
Hotel in Calamity, Nevada to outlet shop, attend the world's largest
garage sale and help Ginger's husband Earl get his invention off the
ground at the Inventor's Expo. But their girlfriend time vacation
doesn't go quite how they had planned…

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week
and to join our deeper discussion go to our new site Chapter-a-Week Chat

where authors and readers discuss new titles together.

Healing Promises blog tour!

It's finally here!!! Come join me April 7th through 30th as I travel all across the blogsphere and even to parts Down Under!

There will be Healing Promises gift pack giveaways and other chances to win a signed copy of Healing Promises. Along the way I hope you'll learn lots, laugh much, and be inspired to trust that God is good, even when things don't go the way we pray.

April 7
Jennifer Allee

April 8
Jill Nelson

April 9
Sally Datria

April 10
Nora St. Laurent

April 11
Lindi Peterson

April 12
Rel Mollet, David Wallace

April 14
Tricia Goyer

April 15
Dineen Miller

April 16
Novel Journey

April 17
Cindy Woodsmall

April 18
Sharon Hinck

April 19
Gina Conroy

April 21
Keep Me In Suspense

April 22
Book Lover's News, Mary A.

April 23
Missy Tippens

April 24
Laurel Wreath, Danica

April 25
FAITH blog

April 26
Christy Smith

April 28
Christa Allan

April 29
Tiff Colter

April 30
Tiff Miller

Your Know You're a Writer When...

"You can take criticism gracefully from anybody but a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger."

HA! That's me some days. ;-) Hopefully not most.

This and some other great quotes are from the book You Know You're a Writer When... by Adair Lara.

Here's one more for your funny bone...

"You like everything about writing...except the paperwork."

I totally resemble that remark.

Other than Ms. Lara's great quips about writing, I thought of one way I realized I'd "arrived" in the writing world.

It's not the voices in my head... though I have had that problem from time to time.

It's not the plethora of sticky notes, index cards or folders of research... though my desk would trumpet the reality that I keep paper makers in business.

No, I realized I was a writer when I received my first email from someone whose heart had been touched through a story with my name on it.

And I realized I was a much loved writer when my name and book cover showed up in my church's newsletter inviting everyone to come to my next book launch. Maybe that seems like a little thing to you. But it's HUGE to me. It's a paper hug that speaks support, encouragement and prayers that my church family is sending my way. It's also a God kiss that reminds me He's close and has everything, even my writing safe in His hand.

Hope you receive this weekend a special God kiss that reminds you He's there and loves you abundantly, extravagantly more than you can imagine!

6 random things

I don't know what I'd do without tags from friends to make me blog. ;-) A very sweet friend drew me out from under an avalanche of emails with the tag below. Thanks, Tori!

I have to tell you 6 unimportant things about myself, then tag 6 others to do the same and provide links to them and the original tagger.

1. I totally dig Godiva dark chocolate mint medallions.

2. I still have a teddy bear collection, including some bears from East Berlin.

3. I'm eating a gluten and dairy free diet and have found some foods that actually taste really good. ;-)

4. Blue is my favorite color.

5. My favorite place in the world is the beach.

6. I'm learning the joys of homemade chai instead of Starbucks.

Now, the six people I have tagged are: you! ;-) This is an if-you-want-to-play-along tag. So join the fun and leave a note in the comments.

Calling all writers

ACFW Writers of Remarkable Design invites you to join us, Saturday, April 26, 2008 for a hands-on workshop with award-winning author Anna DeStefano!

Anna will present two of her popular workshops, Plotting Through Character and Planning and Rewriting.

OPEN TO PUBLIC!

This event will be held at Sugar Hill United Methodist Church from 10 AM to 2 PM. Cost for ACFW local group members is $8, nonmembers $10. Price includes Chick-fil-A lunch. For directions: http://www.acfwword.com

Please RSVP via e-mail to: treasurer@acfwword.com Email reservations must be received by April 14 and payment received by April 18 to assure lunch reservation. Late reservations and walk-ins are welcome, however lunch will not be provided. (Sorry, no refunds after April 18.)

We look forward to having you join us!

Talk about an answer to prayer!

So many of you have shared this wild ride of the writing life with me and prayed for me often. Today I wanted to shout out about a surprise blessing and say THANK YOU for praying!!!

But first, a story...

Many of you know I spend my morning and early afternoon homeschooling my kiddos. During this time I don't answer the phone. So when it rings, we all typically ignore it.

Well...yesterday, I couldn't ignore the phone ringing off the hook. Six times. All before lunch.

I didn't pick it up, choosing to mutter about annoying telemarketers instead.

Then, the wonderful hour of quiet time arrived and my children were all in their rooms when the phone rang. AGAIN.

This time I picked it up, ready to blast the telemarketer.

Good thing I didn't. She wasn't a telemarketer at all. Nope. This very gracious lady was calling to inform me that I finaled in an RWA contest.

Red-faced and very thankful for no visual phones, I thanked her abundantly and hung up. Then I went to a WORD meeting (local ACFW writer's group) still not really knowing what in the world the lady on the phone was talking about.

I shared my telemarketer story with the group and one of my friends nearly jumped out of her seat with excitement, telling me I'd finaled in the RITA! As she proceeded to explain this awesome writing contest, I wished yet again I'd been nicer on the phone.

Today has been filled with phone calls of congrats and lots of wonderful emails. And I've been much nicer in answering. See, I'm learning. :-)

Here's the list of 2008 RITA for Inspirational Romance Finalists

A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired - (978-0-373-87426-2)
Allison Lyons, editor

Autumn Blue by Karen Harter
Center Street, - (1-931722-61-7)
Christina Boys, editor

Pursuit of Justice by Pamela Tracy
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense - (978 0 373 44236)
Krista Stroever, editor

Rainbow's End by Irene Hannon
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired - (0-373-87415-4)
Melissa Endlich, editor

Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah - (9781590527474)
Julee Schwarzburg, editor

Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah - (1590529286)
Julee Schwarzburg, editor

Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren
Tyndale House Publishers, - (1414310188)
Karen Watson, editor

When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah - (9781400072934)
Shannon Hill, editor

THANK YOU again for all your prayers for my writing and for Ransomed Dreams to reach the hands and hearts of many folks. I sooooo appreciate you!

For Pete's Sake

I have another wonderful book to share! Linda Windsor has long been an author whose books I look forward to reading. She tells beautiful stories packed with breathing characters you'd like to invite over for coffee. Not only that, she can make you laugh out loud and learn something soul deep.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

For Pete's Sake
Book Two of the Piper Cove Chronicles
(Avon Inspire - April 1, 2008)

by
Linda Windsor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maryland author Linda Windsor has written some twenty-nine historical and contemporary novels for both the secular and inspirational markets, but she is most noted for delivering “The Lift of Laughter and Spirit” in her modern inspirational romances.

A Christy finalist and winner of numerous industry awards, Linda has written for Multnomah Publishing (historical fiction and contemporary romances), Barbour Publishing (romcom novella), and Westbow Press (the Moonstruck romantic comedy trilogy). Wedding Bell Blues the first book in her new The Piper Cove Chronicles series, is featured on Avon Inspire's launch list.

In addition to writing and doing fiction-writing workshops at conferences across the country, Linda continues a music and lay speaking ministry started by her and her late husband, and she is a part-time financial analyst. She also works on “as desperately needed” home improvement projects on the 18th-century-plus house that she and her husband began restoring in 1986. Wallpaper and paint are definitely in her near future.


ABOUT THE BOOK:


For Pete's Sake is a remarkable story about the unlikely love between a grown-up tomboy and the millionaire next door.

Ellen Brittingham isn’t sure true live exists until she contracts to do the landscaping of the estate of the sophisticated widower next door, Adrian Sinclair. Adrian has it all—at least on the surface. He’s engaged to a beautiful woman who helped him build a successful business and he’ll soon have a mom for his troubled son Pete.

Yet, from the moment Ellen rescues a stranded Adrian on her Harley, his well-ordered world turns upside down, cracking his thin façade of happiness and revealing the void of faith and love behind it. Even more, his son seems to have his own sites set on Ellen – as his new mom.

As Ellen’s friendship grows with Pete, she realizes that his father is about to marry the wrong woman for the right reasons. And despite her resolve to remain “neighbors only” with the dad, the precocious boy works his way into her heart, drawing Ellen and Adrian closer. Close enough for heartbreak, for Pete’s sake!

But how can her heart think that Adrian Sinclair is the one when he’s engaged to a sophisticated beauty who is everything Ellen isn’t. When Ellen’s three best friends see she’s been bitten by the love bug, they jump into action and submit her to a makeover that reveals the woman underneath her rough exterior and puts her in contention for Adrian’s love.

But Ellen must ask herself whether she’s ready to risk the heart that she’s always held close. Will Ellen be able to trust that God brought this family into her life for a reason? Or will her fear of getting hurt cause her to turn away from God’s plan and her one true chance at love?

Two Cups

Reading with my kiddos this week has brought me to tears many times. It's not like this is an unusual occurrence. We read tons of amazing books that we end up biting our nails to see how it ends and lifting up teary cheers in the end.

But the stories this week have been violent ones.

Ones about death.

And not the suspense genre kind.

Of these historical stories, the one that most deeply affected me was the one today called Two Cups.

It started with a simple meal, shared among friends. One cup, a symbol for what would take place starting later that night.

But the other cup symbolized a willingness to take part in an act that would mean death. Destruction. Hell in a very literal sense.

The first cup held wine and was blessed by Jesus and given to the disciples.

The second He drank in the garden of Gethsemane.

It's that cup which has brought me to tears this week. Not only did Jesus endure excruciating physical pain, but He became sin and experienced seperation from the Father.

So we wouldn't have to.

I can't begin to comprehend it. But it does something to my heart when I try. When I see the whip lashes and rough cross. When I listen to His last words.

When I realize He did all that for me.

As my children and I were talking about this, I said something that continues to reverberate in my soul~ I wonder if we really thought about what Jesus did on the cross, would it be so easy to sin?

For me, when I really contemplate the cross, it breaks my heart how easy it is for me to walk away and forget. To sin.

But that is one of the beautiful things about Easter. It's a time to remember. The cups Jesus drank. The cross where He died. The Empy Tomb.

To lift our eyes once again and give thanks, surrounded by other believers, watched by the angels and smiled on by God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Because the cross declares our freedom from sin, the punishment paid. My life and yours redeemed.

And the Garden of Gethsemane reminds me of the two cups. Jesus offered one to do in remembrance of the new covenant. He drank from the second cup, willingly accepting the Father's plan. He took on suffering, sin and separation so that we could experience salvation. Abundant Life. Freedom.

I pray this Easter is one of remembrance. Of cup drinking. Of tasting and seeing that the Lord is good. And taking the cup willingly, receiving His good plan for us~ bitter along with sweet.

God is good all the time. And all the time, He is good. May this Good Friday and Easter Sunday be eyes-open days, full of light.

Drink deep and worship.

Can I ask a favor?

My amazing hubby and I are doing a "new" thing in terms of spreading the news about the Defenders of Hope series. This idea is by no means truly new, but we've had some great results so far and are hoping you all will join us.

What we're doing is visiting local bookstores to introduce ourselves and ask if they're planning to carry Healing Promises. We've also offered complimentary copies of the book to review and postcards for them to give customers.

So far the managers have been wonderful! Some are even planning to display Healing Promises at the Customer Service counter. Great exposure to new readers.

As a thank you, we're adding bookstores that carry Ransomed Dreams and Healing Promises to our website.

And that's where you all come in. If you know of bookstores in your area that carry the Defenders of Hope books, will you please let me know the store name and address? We'll add those to the Heart Chocolate site so people all over the US can see where to find the books.

If your local stores don't yet carry the Defenders of Hope books, would you ask them to order a copy (or two) to put on their shelves? Please feel free to let the managers know we’ll be adding their store to our website. Most have been very excited to hear that! And I'd be happy to send you some postcards or bag stuffers to offer the managers as well.

Thanks for helping me spread the word!

What's in a name?

Apparently, not only is there much to be said for having a good name, but also for having a popular name. ;-)

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 555 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Pet sins

I don't know about you, but there are areas I know well how weak I am. There are also some places in my heart and attitude I try to ignore.

Kind of like I try to ignore my kids repeated request to have a pet.

See, I'm now out of the diaper stage of parenting and the last thing I want is a puppy whimpering for a walk at 2 AM or the other odious tasks involved in pet care.

It's not that I dislike animals. I'm just living on the slow boil setting where one more daily task will turn the heat up to a Mount St. Helen's eruption in my brain.

Anyone relate?

Well, God seems to have the same view of my "pet sins" as I do of pets. Not that He can't handle them, but He knows I'm the one who can't handle those sins I'd rather ignore. Because they hurt me. And those I love.

But it's easier to feed these "pet sins" with words like, "They're not so bad" or lots of age-old excuses about my upbringing or life stage or so many things on my plate.

I'm always amused when folks give me these answers when we talk about "pet sins" like "frustration" or "chocoholism."

Ouch. That last one hurts.

And I'm not saying that the consumption of chocolate is a sin or that feeling frustrated is a sin. But for me, I know these two areas by other names...

Anger and gluttony.

And they are two "pet sins" God is opening me eyes to how much I feed them in my thoughts and actions.

It's not a pretty picture.

What frees me from dissolving into self-destructive thought patterns and the fast spiral downward is simple.

Not easy.

It's looking these "pet sins" in the mirror and calling them what they are.

Then, once I see them clearly, I can confess and throw myself in my heavenly Daddy's arms and admit I have no idea how to "fix" it.

I can't help but think He smiles when I do that.

He knows full well I can't fix it and He's never asked me to do that. What He asks is that I run to Him, depend on Him, and more than all the rest... love Him.

It helps that I know from experience He's far more filling and fulfilling than a piece of chocolate.

It also helps to remember the verses my kids and I read this morning.... nothing separates us from the love of God.

Not trials, pain or "pet sins."

Nothing.

So instead of eating that tempting piece of chocolate or letting Mount St. Helen's erupt in my brain, I think I'll go do a mirror check.

And trust that our heavenly Daddy is looking in there with me, eyes filled with love.

Calling all readers....

Introducing some very cool reads just for you...and a sweet deal for book lovers.

Chapter-a-Week gives readers the opportunity to read sample excerpts from a broad range of Christian fiction every week without having to pay a cent!

Plus it's a great way to discover new authors you might not have found otherwise.

Chapter-a-Week won't fill your inbox with needless emails either. Only one email per week is all it takes to discover great new titles.

Founded in February 2002 by beloved novelists Jane Orcutt and Angela Hunt, Chapter-a-Week has a steadily growing readership.

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So come join the fun and meet some great authors via their exciting first chapters!

Sweet Caroline

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sweet Caroline
(Thomas Nelson February 12, 2008)
by
Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


I graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism. As a member of Phi Mu sorority, I partied my way though the last few years of college.


But, the truth is, and always will be, I belong to Jesus. At the age of six, I knelt at the altar of a Tulsa Methodist church and gave my life to the One who loves me.


After graduation, hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. And I did it without a laptop, a cell phone, an IPod or portable DVD player. Those were hard times.


But, I traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine. But, life on the road is difficult. Working twelve to fourteen hour days, one doesn't get to see many of the sites. In Ireland, our company's distributor drove me around at night so I could see something of Dublin.


I met Tony, my husband, in '87, at church, of all places. We got married in '92. Tony has been a pastor for twenty years. I've worked with him in eighteen of those twenty. Our heart is to see teens and adults passionate, radical and whole hearted for Jesus.


Tony and I don't have any children of our own, lots of kids-in-the-Lord and we love them all. However, we do have a very spoiled dog, and an even more spoiled cat.


I've always wanted to be a writer. My dad used to tell me, "You're a writer." I have letters he wrote me post college, exhorting me to write. In this, I believe he had the heart of God.


In '93, I started an epic WW2 novel with two plots. It was well rejected. After that ordeal, I took a break and put efforts into my job as a software project manager. But, I missed writing and in late ' 99, I took up the craft again.


With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. I love writing chick lit and romance. I love writing. What an honor.


Rachel has several other books that have been received with great praise, including Diva Nash Vegas and Lost In Nash Vegas.


You can purchase copies of Rachel's books, signed personally for you, at this site: Signed by the Author.com



ABOUT THE BOOK:


When a Southern waitress inherits the Lowcountry cafe where she works, she suddenly has to balance more than just her next food order.


Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says "yes" to destiny.


Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she's been waitressing falls right into Caroline's lap. While she's trying to determine the cafe's future, handsome Deputy Sheriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline's heart.

But when her first love, Mitch O'Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.

Truffles by the Sea Winner

Drum roll please.....

The winner of a very yummy copy of Julie Carobini's Truffles by the Sea is CINDI! Chocolate congrats!