"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

Friday, June 27, 2014

The End

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30

Today (Friday) I finished writing my 94,000 word Christian historical romance novel. There is always a sense of mixed feelings when I type THE END at the completion of my manuscript. Relief at accomplishing my goal, but there also is a surge of joy and sadness too.

Some writers thrive on the editing process and find the writing more of a drudgery but not me. I LOVE the creativity of the writing process. Probably partly because editing is work. :)

I couldn't help but think about Jesus' final words on this earth. "It is finished!" I wonder what surge of emotions He felt as he gave His last breath.

Sorrow for those who choose not to follow Him.

Joy for those who He will see again.

Pain over the condition of the world.


I'm thankful He chose the pain and agony of the cross so that I can have eternal life in Him.

What are you thankful for today?

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Abby Fischer has only one desire in life - to see her sister, Cecelia, well again. When an experimental treatment is suggested, Abby tells God she'll do anything if He will only save Cecelia's life, otherwise she won't speak with Him ever again.

Dr. Robert King is consumed with his research, and trying to make a breakthrough with his new remedy for cancer patients. He has set his beliefs in God on a shelf in favor of his knowledge of science.

Set in the backdrop of San Francisco, California before the historic earthquake in 1906, Out of the Ruins is a soul-searching tale of death and loss, hope and faith. Karen Barnett has developed a gripping tale of God's faithfulness through fire and flames.

This book was provided free for review by Abingdon Press.

Don't miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett's new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.

Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.
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  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!
So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Special Forces, Dean Watters, is dedicated to his mission and his team. When hackers steal ten military, highly secure computers he finds himself tangled up with a local - Zahrah Zarrick. With no desire to fall for a pretty face, he keeps a business barrier between them.

Zahrah Zarrick, daughter of a retired military general, finds herself in harm's way as a missionary teacher to Afghan children. Her degree in quantum cryptology makes her a prime target for terrorists. It's Captain Dean Watters' mission to rescue her when she goes missing, but what he doesn't plan on is getting emotionally attached in the process.

This was my first book to read by Ronie Kendig. Even though it wasn't a genre I typically pursue, I found Raptor 6 to be a riveting tale that kept me turning the pages. Now I'm hooked and can't wait to read the second tale in this saga.

This book was provided free for review by Shiloh Run Press, 2014.


Don't miss the first book, Raptor 6, in Ronie Kendig's new Quiet Professionals series. Ronie combines a dangerous romance and explosive action for a thrilling and satisfying ride. "Lock and load for this Spec Op, fighting under God’s 'rules of engagement.'" —Bob Hamer, veteran FBI undercover agent and award-winning author

Ronie is celebrating with a Kindle HDX Giveaway!
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One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced June 16th on Ronie's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Ronie's blog on June 16th to see if you won.

Friday, June 6, 2014

The Beauty of Age

Gray hair is a glorious crown;
it is found in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 16:31

Recently my husband and I became involved in the senior life ministry at our church. Last night fifteen of us headed to a local family restaurant. The room was filled with probably at least 100 people. We all ate from a buffet line and then settled in for a concert featuring a male gospel trio.

The trio sang some of the hymns we hear in our church. As I glanced around the room, there was an unmistakable joy radiated on each face as they sang about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Some lifted hands in worship. Many amens could be heard.

From the outside looking in you probably would have seen a room of elderly folks, some with gnarled, arthritic hands, canes, walkers, etc. But I couldn't help but think about how God must see them - still young in spirit and in love with their Creator.

Can people who see you recognize God's love? Does it show on your face?