"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

What better way to prepare for the Christmas season than to snuggle down with a good Christmas novel while listening to music of the holiday. A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman is a sweet tale set in Oklahoma in 1961. It explores the world of Franny Martin, a pig farmer in her 30's with no prospects of marriage. She has a love of music and her farm. Set in an era of racial tension, Franny is unafraid to express her thoughts on the ugliness of the situation.

Charlie Landau has been raised in wealth by a distant father with whom he can never seem to find favor. He offers to buy Franny's farm. They discover a mutual love of music as he learns how to take care for the pigs.

Anita Higman created a tale of hope and love when you least expect it. It is sure to enrich your Christmas holiday.

This book was provided free for review by that author and Summerside Press.


Thursday, October 25, 2012

What's Your Passion?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23

The topic of passions has been brought to my attention on numerous occasions over the past couple weeks, in different ways and situations. We talked about it during our first ladies Bible study of the season. Our group is studying Balance - Six Basics of a Balanced Life by Carol Kent & Karen Lee-Thorp. We were encouraged to write a purpose statement to include the things we are passionate about, and also our unique gifts.

Then a few days ago, a video we had on hold at the public library finally came available. It's called Seven Days in Utopia. It's the story of a discouraged golfer. Now I'm not usually overly excited about sports movies, but I found this one to be quite gripping. It too mentioned the topic of discovering what we are passionate about, and where our passions lie. It talked about the importance of finding the passion God has given us, and walking in it. Sometimes in order to move forward in our passion, we need to break free of the lies from our past that may be holding us captive.

Yesterday I was finishing up revisions on my current novel, and had to rewrite part of the ending to make it fit the editor's suggestions. As I rewrote that chapter, making it something totally new and different, I had such joy and pleasure as I wrote. You may have guessed by now, that writing is my passion. 

There used to be an old TV series, The A-Team, and I think one of the characters, Hannibal used to say. "I love it when a plan comes together." Yesterday while I was writing, I kept thinking, "I love when a book comes together." :)

Writing is my passion. What passion has God given to you?