Thursday, August 29, 2013

What do football and Christian fiction have in common?


The publisher of my book, The Blessing Seer, and my soon to be released title, Be The Blessing, is in a unique contest. If Pelican Book Group receives the most votes, it will win a commercial spot during the Super Bowl. Isn't that cool? An opportunity to advertise Christian fiction - something that could truly have a good influence on the audience. What a great way to spread Christ! 

Please click on the link below and support Christian fiction and a great Christian fiction publisher. The link will take you directly to the page where you can vote. As the release below says, you can vote daily.  

What do football and Christian fiction have in common? Not much, unless we get your help. Pelican Book Group is entered to win a commercial spot. We don't have a team of horses, a cute reptile, a hungry dog or a celebrity spokesman, but we have something better...You! Help PBG & Christian fiction get national exposure during football's Big Game. Vote daily. Pray often! http://intuit.me/158vfbh Thank you all.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Don't Ignore The Nudge

Have you ever felt a "nudge" to do something? You know what I mean - that little voice inside of you or that overwhelming feeling that you just must act.

For a Christian if we stay attuned to the Spirit within us, we will receive nudges.

One day I was particularly busy writing and revising some of my work, but I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to email an author/friend. I could have ignored it, but I heeded the nudge. I wrote a simple note explaining that she was brought to my mind, and I was praying for her. She immediately responded, thanking me. At that moment she was really depressed over some circumstances in her life. She was able to get some things off her chest, and I was able to encourage her.

Now, what if I had ignored the nudge? I would have missed out on an opportunity to lift up a sister in Christ. I was humbled yet encouraged that God would use me in such a way.

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Ephesians 5:15-17

The Spirit resides in us when we become a Christian - God's deposit in us. As the verse above says, we must live wisely. To do this we have to study God's Word and communicate with Him through prayer. We shouldn't just be satisfied knowing we are saved; we should discover the will of God for our lives. We have to make the most of every opportunity whether big or small to tell the lost about Christ and encourage our brothers and sisters who are Christians.

When we stay focused on Christ and pay attention to His Spirit within us, we may experience a nudge to act. We shouldn't ignore this opportunity to partner with God and what He is doing.

Have you experienced any God-nudges? Isn't it amazing that the God of the universe uses us to accomplish His purposes?

Just felt a nudge to share that with you today - wink.

Monday, August 19, 2013

All For His Glory

Do you sometimes go through the motions, thinking that what you are doing doesn't matter anyway? The enemy can pull us Christians down like that when he has the opportunity. Let's you and me take a different perspective.

"Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God."
"How is it possible to do everything to the glory of God? By doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it."
"Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of his presence."
"Every human activity, except sin, can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise."
The Purpose Driven Life

Do you realize that no matter what you are doing, you can bring a smile to God's face? That gives me goosebumps. To think that the God of the universe can find pleasure in me when I'm washing dishes or writing on my novel. During the tasks I just need to keep focused on Him through that open prayer line - stay aware that He is near to me.

Did you see the movie, Chariots of Fire? The main character announces that he could feel God's pleasure when he ran.

Have you experienced this? I have. When I get in the "writing zone," penning words that I often wonder where they came from, I get this feeling I can't describe. The only way to explain is to say that I am feeling the pleasure of God.

If you haven't dedicated your work to God, try it. Just for one day try to do your tasks whatever they may be for Him. Once you feel His pleasure, you'll want to bring Him more pleasure by always bringing Him glory in everything.

How have you felt God's pleasure?

Thursday, August 15, 2013

I Want To Live Like That

Do you see others living for Christ and wonder what your problem is? 

I often have this very dilemma. I'm like Paul from the Bible - I know what I want to do, but I don't often do it. 

Being a Christian who truly lives for Christ and shows Him in my daily life is my ambition. But, there are times that I allow my busy life to get in the way. 

Here's a little motivation from my daughter. Please check out her article, complete with a song from Sidewalk Prophets. 

I want to live like that!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Tuesday Teaser

Here's a little different teaser for you today complete with a book trailer to really whet your appetite!




United by a common mission, bonded by tragedy
 
The massacre of an unarmed South American village, destruction of one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world, and multiple museum thefts ignite a desperate scramble to locate a deadly group of terrorists. An international team led by the ruggedly handsome, but emotionally scarred CIA agent, Cash Luker, scours the globe in an attempt to keep ahead of those striving to bring thirteen mythical relics together. As Cash’s team closes in on those responsible for the devastation he must conquer past demons in order to save the woman who has captured his heart and prevent destruction of legendary proportions.
 
For behind-the-scenes trivia and updates, please follow Kim on twitter at https://twitter.com/kimmcmahill, and for information on her other adventure novels visit her website at http://kimmcmahill.com/ or blog at http://kimmcmahill.blogspot.com/.
 
Links:
 
 
 



Kim grew up in Wyoming, which is where she developed her sense of adventure and love of the outdoors. Since leaving Wyoming she has enjoyed many opportunities to see the world and has lived amid some of America’s most stunning landscapes. Kim started out writing non-fiction, but her passion for exotic world travel, outrageous adventures, stories of survival and happily-ever-after endings soon drew her into a world of romantic suspense. Along with writing adventure novels Kim has also published over eighty travel and geographic articles, and contributed to a travel anthology and cookbook.

 After a teaser like that, I'm adding this book to my to-be-read list immediately!

 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Book Lover's Day

Friday, August 9th, is Book Lover's Day.

This is my kind of day. I can't remember a time that I didn't love books.

My first reads were Little House on the Prairie and Trixie Beldon. Then, I graduated into Christian fiction, mostly romance. Now I've found any number of Christian fiction favs from mysteries to thrillers and even historicals.

All you Christian authors out there just fueled my need to write Christian fiction. I won't deny the sheer delight for this book lover to hold my own published book.


I absolutely love penning and reading about the hope found in Jesus Christ. It is amazing how God has gifted each Christian author with their own voice and style to get out the message He has just for them to proclaim. I'm humbled that He would use me to write His words. I'm thankful for all my fellow Christian writers for allowing God to guide you to minister through your books.

Celebrate Book Lover's Day with me, not just on Friday, but everyday. Pick up a good Christian book and be blessed.

For me, the perfect Book Lover's Day would be for me to lounge in my hammock on my screened-in porch, Diet Dr. Pepper near, and my latest novel in hand.

What about you? Let's have some fun. Post a comment telling what your Book Lover's Day would look like.

Monday, August 5, 2013

The Whole Story

Did you grow up going to Sunday school? I did. I can still see those block walls painted green, and the little tables and chairs. My teachers would hang up those little posters that came with the literature. We would listen as a Bible story was told.

Even as an adult going to Sunday school, we would focus on certain stories in the Bible and maybe discuss what applications we could glean for our own lives.

This past Sunday, I attended a Sunday school class which for the next eight weeks will focus on the story of the Bible. Did you catch the difference?

Yes, there are stories we read in the Bible like David and Goliath or Jonah and the big fish. But, have you ever taken the perspective that the Bible is one whole story all pointing to Jesus?

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Luke 24:27

The "he" in the above verse refers to Jesus. The context of this verse is actually after the death and resurrection of Jesus. He shows up as two of his followers are strolling to a nearby town. They are discussing what has happened, totally confused as to the meaning of it all. Then Jesus proceeds to explain the whole story.

I needed a reminder that the Bible isn't just a collection of stories. All of the stories fit together to tell one big story. God loves me and wants a relationship with me. Because I couldn't save myself, God made a way through Jesus.

As I've begun to read with this new perspective, the story of the Bible and what God has done for me becomes even more amazing.

When you read your Bible today, look for the underlying theme. How can you see Jesus in that passage? What is God trying to get across to you in those verses? Let me know your thoughts and discoveries in the comments.

Thank You, God, for giving us Your whole story.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Where God Finds You

If you should be in the market for a great devotional book for your quiet time, check out Anita Higman's, Where God Finds You.



Anita combines her fiction writing skill by bringing Biblical characters such as Jonah, Noah's wife, and Hannah to life.

Bill Myers says: "A wonderful devotional, capturing  the truth and poignancy of how Biblical characters clearly speak to our busy, twenty-first century lives."

Anita offers a sample download of this book at her website. Check it out. You won't be sorry.

Anita's Website