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?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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!
Friday, April 18, 2008
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.
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
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
My Soul To Keep
(Multnomah Books - February 5, 2008)
by
Melanie Wells
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
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.
A Bride So Fair
Book Three in A Fair to Remember
by Carol Cox
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 BearBook 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
Monday, April 07, 2008
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 9
Sally Datria
Sally Datria
April 11
Lindi Peterson
Lindi Peterson
April 14
Tricia Goyer
Tricia Goyer
April 17
Cindy Woodsmall
Cindy Woodsmall
April 18
Sharon Hinck
Sharon Hinck
April 21
Keep Me In Suspense
Keep Me In Suspense
April 23
Missy Tippens
Missy Tippens
April 25
FAITH blog
FAITH blog
Friday, April 04, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
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.
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.
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