Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Halloween and Spooky Stuff


A little bit of a confession here - I don't much care for Halloween. I definitely don't like being scared. I know some people live to get the thrill of monsters jumping out at them at some scary event or some creepy being stalking them at a haunted house. Not me! I don't like to be frightened.

Halloween and ghosts aren't my only fright dislikes. I don't ride big scary roller coasters or any kind of ride that might make me scream.

Now, I know to you thrill-seekers out there, you are probably calling me a chicken under your breath as you read this. That's okay. I can handle it. But, you still won't convince me to do any of these things that freak me out.

In comparison, the world we're living in these days can be a pretty scary place. As Christians, we do have a creepy foe who is out to kill and destroy. He would like nothing better than for us to fear being made fun of or be afraid to stand on our godly principles. He wants to catch us off-guard so we will do something to hurt the heart of God.

But, good news - God placed 366 "Do not fears" in the Bible. That's one for every day and an extra thrown in for leap year. God knows we're in a battle everyday, but He's with us no matter what. He promises this in the Bible. The God of the universe, Who is already in our tomorrows, is on our side. He Who has overcome the world is our Father.

How wonderful is it that God cares that much for his children? He seeks to alleviate our fears.

You still won't convince me to go to a haunted house or ride a roller coaster. But, I am thankful God is with me through every scary thing I face in life.



Monday, October 29, 2012

BOOK FUN MAGAZINE

Have you subscribed to this free online magazine yet? If not, you need to rush on over.

http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/90331

Book Fun Magazine is giving away 140 books by more than 100 authors. The Signature Library contest details can be found in the magazine. One winner will get first choice of 30 books, the next will get 20 books, and then 5 people will get 10. These books will be signed by and sent from the authors.

 Just register for the free subscription and you're entered into the contest.

 While there, click on my book cover for THE BLESSING SEER to help me win a competition between the authors.

 Besides that, the magazine has great articles.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

TAG!

This post is in reaction to being "tagged" by a fellow author at Pelican Book Group, Lynn Willis. I will now share the answers to the questions she sent me and then you'll notice a blog list at the bottom for the authors I have "tagged." Check out their great books and blogs too. Thanks, Lynn, for letting me "play" along.


What is the working title of your book?
THE BLESSING SEER

Where did the idea come from for the book?
One night as I went to bed I was mulling over a sermon illustration
I've heard. As I laid my head down, God downloaded the story
right into my mind. I had to jump up and write it down.

What genre does your book fall under?
THE BLESSING SEER is considered women's fiction although, I
hate to label it that in some ways, because I've had some men to
read the book as well. Maybe - just Christian fiction.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie
rendition?
Addy would be played by Annette Benning - I think that's how you spell her name. She played in a remake of An Affair to Remember.
Griffey would be played by Dale Midkiff from the Love Comes Softly movies. He plays Clark Davis.
Conrad is a much harder one to choose. I think possibly Anthony Quinn, the grandfather from A Walk in the Clouds. If I could bring back Michael Landon, he'd be my first choice.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Addy Townsend wants to do something of significance for God, but is she willing to step from her comfort zone to do it? And, what does this stranger she finds herself walking with have to do with her journey?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My wonderful publisher for this book is Pelican Book Group, Harbourlight Imprint

How long did it take to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The first draft flowed out in a matter of a couple of weeks.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
One book that stands out was written years ago by Terri Blackstock, THE HEART READER.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
As I alluded to above, one night as I went to bed I was thinking about the illustration used in sermons about the man who goes to heaven. As he is touring, he comes across a warehouse with beautiful unopened packages. He asks an angel about the gifts. The angel informs him that those are all of the blessings God wants to grant but haven't been asked for.
I started to wonder what blessings I was missing because I hadn't asked or wasn't obedient.

What else might pique the reader's interest?
Readers have asked what happens to Conrad. I'm delighted to announce that there is a sequel to THE BLESSING SEER. Readers can discover what happens to Conrad and Addy five years later after the first book. This book is called BE THE BLESSING. I can't wait to share the continuing story of Addy with my readers. And, here for the first time, is the cover for that book.



Now I get to "tag" some authors.
Check out these blogs and book focuses next Wed. Oct. 31st.
Clare Revell at http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/
Teresa Lilly at http://www.teresalilly.com/2012/10/19/christmas-village-miracle/
Donna Basinow at http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/
Eileen Rife at http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com
Mary Ann Diorio at www.thewritepower.blogspot.com
Mary Manners at http://creativewritingforces.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

LIKE A MASTERPIECE

Over the last few days my family and I have been driving around the East Tennessee area. Oh my, what beautiful fall colors are emerging! This is my favorite time of year. Today as we drove up toward the Gatlinburg area, the Smoky Mountains were just too lovely to even describe. The sky was clear and such a deep hue of blue. The colors painted through the trees ranged from every shade of red, orange, yellow.

Last evening as we drove home, the sunset had made streaks of bright pink across the sky. I just sat there mumbling under my breath.

When I see scenery that takes my breath away, I usually smile at God and say: "What good artistry You had tonight. You do good work."

God is not only a master artist when it comes to nature, but He outdoes Himself on us. We are the only thing made in His image. In Psalms it says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. In Ephesians it says we are His workmanship.

Someone needed to be reminded that you too are His masterpiece. He formed you in your mother's womb and then stepped back and said: "It's good." Then, he broke the mold so that you are unique.

When you marvel at the beauty of God's creation, stop and think. You are another of His beautiful works of art and works of heart.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

DON'T SETTLE FOR STALE CRACKERS!


The weather over the last few days in East Tennessee has turned cooler. It has seemed more like fall with a brisk breeze and some leaves changing color. I love this time of year.

When the temperature turns cooler, this Mowery clan thinks: chili. Just the other day we whipped up some and put it in the crock pot to simmer until supper. Each member of the family has his or her own preference for how to eat the chili. I like to put the corn chips in the bottom of the bowl and add cheese and sour cream. My daughter likes the cheese, but she prefers to scoop her chili-cheese combination with the corn chips. Now, my husband leaves off the corn chips. He likes to pull out the good ol' saltine crackers to accompany his bowl of chili.

As we all sat down to eat, my husband grimaced at his first bite. "These crackers are stale." He went to the cabinet for a new package. Settling in again, he tried a cracker from the fresh pack. "There's no difference. These seem stale too." He finally had to give up on the crackers and just consume his chili without them.

Those stale crackers made me think about my relationship with God and my Christian walk. There are times that I allow that relationship to go stale. I don't turn my back on God or go off into a life of sin. But, I'm not pursuing Him like I should. I'm not reading His Word. I'm not keeping it fresh.

Even though I've had those times when I've felt so close to God and right in His will, I will still allow that to slip away. I go through the motions, or I just get tired. When I take a moment to evaluate, I scold myself, knowing I'd rather be back in close fellowship.

What about you? Do you sometimes settle for your current status with God only to realize there's more?

Don't settle for stale crackers! Keep it fresh.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Do miracles still happen?

In my children's choir there's a fifth grade young lady we'll call Jane. Doctors discovered a suspicious patch of skin on her head. Since skin cancer runs in the family, a biopsy was done. Then, came the wait - suffering through a week until the results returned.

That Wednesday night I told the story from Acts about the church praying for Peter's release from prison. Peter was awakened by an angel and freed from his chains. At first, he didn't believe it was really happening. He wasn't the only doubter. When he knocked on the door of the house church, the people who had been praying for Peter didn't believe it was him. I told the children that when we pray, we should believe something will happen. I also reiterated that we may not get the answer we want or expect from God, but He always answers. His reply might be yes, no, or wait.

Jane's mother reported that the biopsy showed atypical cancer cells, and Jane would require additional surgery. I told her we would pray believing.

Jane went to a specialist who reread the tests. He pronounced Jane cancer-free, saying the tests had been read wrong the first time. Jane's mother had another explanation - we prayed believing and God took care of it. We praise God for hearing our prayers and His answer.

Do miracles still happen? Yes! God still works in our lives. He desires that when we pray to Him, we believe He will act. Will it always be the answer we want? No. But, trust that God knows best.

Pray believing!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Have you ever noticed how often in scripture God reminds us to care for the poor? I've found this to be true as I'm making my second trek through the One Year Bible.

Why would God continue to remind us of the unfortunate people around us? Why does He feel compelled to urge us to care for them?

I believe I've had a breakthrough in understanding the frequency of these passages. Humor me a moment as I flesh this out.

I believe that God knew we would need lots of reminders in this area. We become so comfortable in our holy huddles that we develop what my husband calls "holy arrogance." We forget that we are to reach out to everyone, not just people like ourselves.

We are to reach out to the down-and-out - the one who may wear worn clothes with holes and may not smell clean. We begin to think we are too good to reach down and touch someone we feel is below our status. We sit in our church services saying - "They know we're here." Then, when that less fortunate one does show up, we look down our noses and make them feel more shame than welcome. We convey an attitude of: "They could do better if they tried."

It's these attitudes that scream holy arrogance. No wonder God felt the need to remind us to care for the less fortunate.

We must develop a love for all people and be willing to get our hands dirty if we have any hope of reaching a lost world for Christ.

Have you ever noticed that Jesus seemed to always touch and be around those who others shunned?

Let's be like Jesus.

Monday, October 1, 2012

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

My publisher, Pelican Book Group, is celebrating an anniversary by offering all of their ebooks at 50% off for three days (Oct. 1-3). Take advantage of this great offer! Your discount code is: Anniversary2012.

Check out all of the great ebooks available from my fellow Pelican authors.

If you haven't read my ebook, THE BLESSING SEER, check it out during this special offer.

Come back and leave me a comment here if you purchase an ebook. Tell me which book you purchased. If you leave a comment informing me that you purchased my ebook, THE BLESSING SEER, I will enter you into a drawing to receive a review copy of my next ebook - BE THE BLESSING.