Hi Friends,

I've been thinking lately about this last year for me and how it'ss been filled with so much change, difficulties, and movement to new places in my life. And I think that God is calling me to deeper places with Him. And maybe He's calling you, too, to swim deeper with Him. But sometimes, that can be a little scary. So, I thought I'd share the following swimming story, for you and for me. This is a story written from my husband's perspective, so the "I" is him. Hopefully, this story will be helpful to you as it is being to me. Here it is:

Small arms squeezed my neck so hard I thought I would choke. A small body shivered and shook against me. Her grip grew tighter.

I sighed and waded into shallower water. Waves lapped the sides of pool as other kids swam and leapt and turned somersaults in the water. Shouts of laughter rippled over the pool’s surface. I pulled gently at my daughter’s arm. “Loosen up, sweetheart. I won’t let go of you.”

“Nooooo.” Bethany’s whimper grew louder as she dug her fingers deeper into my skin.

“Swimming is fun. But you’ve got to let go of Daddy.”

“I’m s-s-scared.” Her teeth chattered even though the water was a balmy eighty degrees.

I swallowed and attempted to loosen her grip enough for me to breathe. But Bethany only grabbed harder, not because she loved me or wanted to be close to me, but only because she was afraid. This was our third swimming lesson and she still wasn’t brave enough to let go. I reached for her goggles and put them on her, adjusting them so they fit just right. “Okay, are you ready to try?”

“I d-d-don’t know.”

I looked into her goggle-clad eyes. “You have to trust me. I’m right here. Trust me.”

She took a deep breath.

“Trust me,” I repeated again.

This time, Bethany nodded. “Okay, Daddy.” Her grip loosened a little bit. Then a little bit more. And a little more.

I sidled toward the edge of the pool, then took her hands and placed them on the edge. Next, I stepped back until I stood three feet away. “Push off and swim to me. You can do it.”

Bethany studied the distance.

I reached out with both hands.

With a push and a splash, she was in the water on her own, then in my arms again.

I laughed. “You did it!”

She laughed back. “That was fun!”

“You want to go under the water?”

Her brows bunched in a frown.

I smiled. “Trust me.”

Bethany straightened her shoulders. “I’m ready.”

And down we went. Once. Twice. Three times. By the end of the lesson, Bethany had discovered a whole new world of fun and adventure. She could go underwater and look around. She could “sit” on the bottom of the pool for a whole three seconds. And she could kick her way from the edge all the way to me without being afraid. Swimming had ceased to be scary and instead was a joy. For an hour we swam and played and enjoyed every minute. Finally, it was time to leave.

“That was great, Daddy,” Bethany exclaimed as she clamored out of the pool. “Can we come back tomorrow? And the day after that? And the day after that?”

I chuckled. “We’ll come back soon. I promise.”

“Yay!”

I grinned as I watched her scamper into the locker room. What a difference between the shivering, shaking girl who had climbed into the pool and the happy, exuberant girl who had climbed out. And it was all because she had decided put aside fear and instead trust her Daddy.

In some ways, my life with God is not much different from Bethany’s swim lessons. Romans 8:15 (NIV) says, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” When God calls me to try new things, to stretch past my comfort zone, to step out into the unknown, it’s easy for me, too, to cling to Him out of fear. But God doesn’t want me to grab onto Him because I’m afraid. Rather, He wants me to trust Him enough to let go of fear and embrace all the adventures He has for me. He wants me to learn to live in joy and freedom, to learn how to swim with Him.

And just like Bethany, I need to loosen my grip and trust God to be there if the waters get too deep.

 Hi Friends,

Today I want to tell you a bit about a book I just loved. Definitely one of my favorites of the year (maybe even THE favorite). It's Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge. I endorsed the book a few months ago, and here's what I had to say at the time:

What fun! I enjoyed Boo Humbug from the first page to the last. With characters that come alive and a storyline full of clever turns, it had me chuckling, cheering, and even reacing for a tissue at the end. I think jI'll have to start a new Christmas tradition - reading Rene Gutteride's Boo Humbug. I loved it!

Hi Friends,

 

Today I'd like to tell you about a new novel by DiAnn Mills -- A TEXAS LEGACY CHRISTMAS. Here's the scoop on the book and an interview with DiAnn:

Just In Time For The Holidays: An Enchanting New Addition To The Texas Legacy Series

Zack Kahler is ready to head out of New York City and back to Texas to take over his hometown paper. Just before leaving town, the newsman finds himself the intended victim of a pair of lively six-year-old pickpockets by the name of Curly and Charlie. After learning the two are homeless, Zack decides to bring them back to Kahlerville. But will Zack be able to run the newspaper, recover from a lost love, and still manage to keep his unruly charges out of trouble?

Chloe Weaver has been an outcast all of her life. When she and the twins are thrown together, they form a unique bond. Through their relationship, Zack begins to learn some lessons about life and feels his heart stirring with love for this delightful woman. But when a misunderstanding threatens to drive them apart, Zack is in jeopardy of failing the biggest test of his life.

Zack, Chloe, and the twins each have past reputations to overcome. Will they succeed in finding the acceptance for which they’ve longed? Could it take a Christmas miracle for their dreams to come true?

Snuggle down between the covers of A Texas Legacy Christmas, where the miracle of love and life awaits you on every page.

 

 

Q & A with the author - DiAnn Mills

1. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Do we ever really know what God has planned? I’ve been contracted to write more contemporary romantic suspense, and I’m very excited. I’m also excited about writing historical fiction for Avon inspire.

2. Tell us a little about your family.

I have four sons – stair steps. Three are adopted. They are grown, and we have one precious granddaughter. Dean and I have been married thirteen and a half years. He is a tremendous help and support to my writing ministry. I often say that he is my best cheerleader and my worst critic.

3. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I read critically while enjoying a good story. One change is if I’m not hooked from the first sentence, I’ll continue the page and maybe a few more pages, then I’m done.

4. What are you working on right now?

Contemporary romantic suspense. My head is spinning with the characterization and plot elements.

5. What outside interests do you have?

I mentor writing students for Jerry Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild. I also teach writing. I’m actively involved in ministering and raising awareness about the critical situation in Sudan, and I volunteer at a Biblical counseling center. Oops! I’m finishing up a degree at Moody Bible Institute.

6. How do you choose your settings for each book?

It is all about “what-if.” Many times the setting is a character too. For example: if a character is afraid of water, then the setting will be near a body of river. If a character cannot tolerate heat or cold, then the setting will be there.

7. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Louisa May Alcott. Her book Little Women and those that followed were my childhood treasures. They inspired me to adopt boys, write, and give back to others.

8. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

To read Donald Maass’ Writing the Breakout Novel and Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook along with taking his workshops. But I don’t think he was in the forefront then.

9. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To understand forgiveness.
To continually challenge myself in writing.
To grasp how wide and deep His love.

10. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Pray about your writing ministry.
Read and write everyday.
Take what you learn and help other writers.

11. Tell us about the featured book.

A Texas Legacy Christmas is the fourth and final book in the Texas Legacy Series. This Christmas love story is about Zack Kahler. He’s ready to head out of New York City and back to Texas to take over his hometown, newspaper. Just before leaving town, he finds himself the intended victim of a pair of six-year-old pickpockets. After learning the two are orphans, Zack decides to take them back with him to Kahlerville, Texas. Oh, but he is not ready to meet the antics of two streetwise children who are loveable and full of mischief. The heroine is Chloe Weaver, a young woman who has been an outcast all of her life. The four are thrown together into a mixture of love, tears, and lots of Christmas joy.

12. How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.diannmills.com

I invite you to sign-up for my monthly newsletter!


Author Bio:

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she’d own a Harley, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Amazon Link for A Texas Legacy Christmas - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1597898228
Website for DiAnn: http://www.diannmills.com/

Hi Friends!
 
I spoke last week at a MOPS group, and one of the things I talked about is finding those things that make you crazy, that turn you into that bulging-eyed crazy woman that scares the kids.  And in preparing for that talk, I realized that what makes me into crazy-mom is constant hurry (are you seeing a trend here – yep, I know I just posted about being too busy a couple weeks ago!).  What frays my nerves is trying to squeeze in too many things into too little time.  And as I’ve been seeing that I’ve been falling into that trap again lately, I’m reminded of this story that happened a couple years ago:

 

“This is crazy!”  I threw the papers onto the table and dropped back to my chair. “I know I said I would critique this article, but I can’t.”

Bryan strolled into the room with a mug in his hand.  The smell of coffee permeated the air.  “Isn’t that the last one?”  He sat on the couch and motioned to the papers now scattered across the tabletop.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.  I was supposed to be reviewing articles for a writer’s seminar the next day.  I’d finished the other fourteen, but not this one.  I had read only a page before tossing it onto the table.  “Yes, it’s the last one.  But still . . .”

He shrugged and sipped the coffee.  “So, just do it and get it over with.” 

“I know.”  I sighed.  “I don’t have time to waste.  I need to get it done so I can study my Greek, write that paper, pack my bag for tomorrow, feed the baby, and fold the laundry.”

Bryan raised his eyebrows.  “Well, you’d better get to it, then.”

“I tried.”  I peeked at the article through one eye.  “Have you seen it?”

Bryan set down his mug and gathered the papers.  He glanced at them.  “Oh, wow.”

“See?”

“There aren’t any paragraphs.”

I rubbed my temples.  “Single-spaced, small type, no paragraphs, tiny margins.  It exhausts me to just look at it.”

Bryan tapped the papers together, then handed them back to me.  “White space.”

“What?”

“There isn’t any white space.  People don’t like to read things that don’t have white space.”
Of course.  I knew that.  “So what should I do?”

Bryan stood up.  “Tell the person to put in white space next time.  That should be the first thing on your critique list.”  He started toward the door to the kitchen, then paused and tossed a final comment over his shoulder.  “By the way, that article isn’t the only thing that lacks white space around here.”

“What do you mean?”

He didn’t answer.  The door swung shut as he disappeared beyond it.

Silly man.  I shook my head and forced myself to focus on the tight print before me.  A few minutes later, I found an error and clicked my red pen.  But there was no space to make a correction.  Further on, I would have made a comment, but again, I had no room.  The lack of white space not only made me tired, but it didn’t allow for the improvements I wanted to suggest either. 

I finally finished the article, made some comments on the back of one of the sheets, then turned to my to-do list.  The length of it made my head spin.

White space.

I looked at the list again -- activities crammed together, things to do, tasks to accomplish.  I frowned.  Was this what Bryan was talking about?  Maybe my life lacked white space in the same way the article had.  Single-spaced, no paragraphs, small margins.  No wonder I was exhausted.

I glanced at the laundry, my Greek book, and my half-packed bag.  Then, I looked at my Bible, lying on the footstool near the couch.  Just yesterday I had read in Leviticus about the Sabbath and a list of festivals that God prescribed for his people.  At the time, I had skimmed over the reading, thinking it had little to do with my life.  But now, as I pondered the idea of the Sabbath and the festivals, I saw in them a rhythm to the life God ordered for Israel, a rhythm that included breaks, rests, and celebration.  A rhythm that had plenty of white space. 

As I picked up my Bible and placed it into my bag, I began to understand the wisdom of God’s command for rest, and the foolishness of my tight-print, no paragraph life.   I, too, needed space for my eyes to rest, room in my life for direction from God, empty places where He could write His comments, suggestions, and corrections on my heart.  I needed time to rest, and listen, and simply “be.” 

Since then, I’ve learned that white space is as important as words, for there is where God speaks into the silence.

Hi Friends,

Hi Friends!

I've got one more book to introduce you to this week. This one's really unique (as you'll see below). It's nonfiction for teen girls. I love the concept of this book and how it will help girls to get a handle on their lives. I'll definitely be giving this one to my daughters when they get a little older.

So, read on for a little about the book, an interview with Tricia, a bio, and info on a CONTEST for teen girls:

The Facts of Life was teen girl drama at its finest. Yet today's teens know life is NOT like the movies. Real life means real drama ... something teens face on a daily basis. Yet, do teens have to let their lives be molded by every wave of emotion?

My Life, Unscripted empowers teen girls to write their own script and direct their own life by using God's Script as a guide.

Tricia's Script:

Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder ... What was I thinking?

The truth? I wasn't. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.

Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.

I lived my life completely unscripted ... and, well, it didn't go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen girls are asked Who's Writing Your Life? their answer will be ME ... with the guidance of God, My Director.

________________________________
An interview with Tricia Goyer!

Q: Tell me about My Life, Unscripted

Sure! With real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, My Life, Unscripted helps teen girls explore their own inner struggles and outward relationships. It's my hope they'll learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise.

By contrasting real-life with TV/movies, it's my hope that teen girls will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama. They don't have to face situations as they arise, but rather they can think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before they hit the big screen of their lives.

Q: Is it true that much of YOUR story shows up in these pages?

Gulp. Yes, I'm afraid so. In fact, I shared parts of my story that I SWORE I'd never tell a soul.

My teenage script (portrayed in the book as Trish Valley) wasn't one I'd suggest my daughter, nor my readers to copy.

Q: Tell me about these scripts.

The introductory script of Trish Valley shows a scene where Trish urges her mom to follow Trish's boyfriend into the McDonald's parking lot so she can "spill her news." The other girl in the car and her boyfriend's response to Trish's pregnancy are unfortunately not fiction. I wrote out the scenes as they would appear in an actual script. I even use all the correct terms and layout.

Q: In addition to teen pregnancy, what are some of the other "scripts"?

Do I have to tell? Well, I guess it's in print now! Let me see: fists fights with a rival, sneaking out of my parents' house, getting caught by my boyfriend kissing his best friend--does that give you an idea? Do I have to go on?

Q: No, you can stop there. But WHY? Why did you decide to share these stories?

First, because I want girls to understand the heartache of unwise decisions. I want to them to be able to relate to me, rather than feeling preached at. Also, I wanted to share my stories because many young women have faced the same type of situations, or they know friends who have. And finally because they are great object lessons for the importance of following biblical truth. That is something I did learn!

Q: What does your teenage daughter think about this book?

Leslie thinks it's great I'm able to connect with other teens. She's heard these stories for a while! She was 11-years-old when we first started volunteering together at a support group for teenage mothers together. As I taught the young moms things like nutrition and potty training, Leslie assisted adults in babysitting the toddlers. And while we loved giving and serving, it was the ride home that soon became the most meaningful part. As Leslie sat in the passenger's seat, I could see her mind considering my life as a teen mom, and she started asking questions.

Although it was hard to talk about my past mistakes, I knew this was an ideal opportunity to share real-life truths with my daughter. Each person walking this earth has regrets. Our talks showed me that instead of hiding my past troubles (and hoping my kids didn't find out) sharing my mistakes could actually give my daughter a better understanding to why values and wise decision-making skills are important.

Q: So now you're "having a heart-to-heart" with other teens through this book?

I sure hope that's how they see it! Those first talks with my daughter brought us closer, but I knew not every girl has had someone to offer advice such as: "build a supporting cast of people you can trust" or "consider the character qualities you'd like for a leading man."

Q: Okay, so your book is for teens, but what about the moms out there who feel they have past mistakes they don't want to share?

Well, they could each write a book about their teen years! Ha- just kidding!

But for those moms out there, maybe your teen years were not as drama-filled as mine. Or, if they were, maybe you are fearful of sharing them with your teen. The truth is, teens learn best not with information and knowledge, but rather by hearing life examples and understanding how decisions can affect all parts of our lives. So, time to get brave, Mom. Open your heart and share what worked and what didn't. It just might help your daughter write a better script for herself.

Oh, yes, and consider buying your daughter My Life, Unscripted! Hopefully every teen girl can get some take-away to scripting a bright future!

____________________________________
Bio!
Tricia Goyer has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Today's Christian Woman, Guideposts for Kids, and Focus on the Family, and is the co-author of Meal Time Moments (Focus on the Family). She has led numerous Bible Studies, and her study notes appear in the Women of Faith Study Bible (Zondervan).She has written seven novels for Moody Publishing: From Dust and Ashes (2003); Night Song (2004), Dawn of a Thousand Nights (2005); Arms of Deliverance (2006); A Valley of Betrayal (2007); A Shadow of Treason (Fall 2007); and A Whisper of Freedom (Spring 2008). Night Song was awarded American Christian Fiction Writer's 2005 Book of the Year for Best Long Historical. Dawn of a Thousand Nights won the same award in 2006.Tricia has also written Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom (Zondervan, 2004), 10 Minutes to Showtime (Thomas Nelson, 2004), and Generation NeXt Parenting (Multnomah, 2006). Life Interrupted was a 2005 Gold Medallion finalist in the Youth Category. Also, coming out in the next year are: My Life, Unscripted (Thomas Nelson, 2007), Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah, Spring 2008), and 3:16-the teen version of the a book by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson, Spring 2008).Tricia and her husband John live with their three children in Kalispell, Montana. Tricia's grandmother also lives with them, and Tricia volunteers mentoring teen moms and leading children's church. Although Tricia doesn't live on a farm, she can hit one with a rock by standing on her back porch and giving it a good throw.

CONTEST FOR TEEN GIRLS:

The Teen contest is open to teen girls. Three winners will win a $25 iPod gift certificate. The contest will end November 30, 2007.

Here are the details:
To enter the contest, read My Life, Unscripted by Tricia Goyer, write a review on the book, and post it on your blog, myspace, shoutlife, or amazon.com (or other review site).

My Life, Unscripted is available at your local Christian Book store, amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or christianbook.com. My Life, Unscripted explores relationships in every teenage girl's life--with herself, her friends and enemies, her parents, guys, and with God. Real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, make this an interesting read for teen girls as they delve into their own inner struggles and outward relationships.They'll also learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise and are able to think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before the scene begins. By contrasting real-life with TV or movies, teens will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama. In addition to the review, you may also include how you, too, have overcome temptation.

Sounds easy right? It really is. (Feel free to forward this contest to any teens you think might be interested!)

Hi Friends,

I have three new books to tell you about this week - so stay tuned Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for those, followed by one of my regular posts on Wednesday. So, the first book for this week is a 3-in-1 historical by Lyn Cote called BLESSED ASSURANCE.

Here's what Lyn has to say about it:
It’s not often an author gets a chance to revamp and improve a previous series of books, especially books close to her heart. But Avon Inspire has given me this golden opportunity. My Blessed Assurance series has been out of print for many years, but early in October 2007, these three much improved stories will appear in their entirety all 3 in one volume. I’m excited to see these stories given a rebirth and hope you will enjoy them!”

This series is the story of two families, one white and one black, who help each other through through three major tragedies: Whispers of Love — The Chicago Fire-1871 Lost in His Love — The San Francisco Fire-1906 Echoes of Mercy — The Aftermath of WWI -1920

And here's a review by Harriet Klausner –

"Whispers of Love". Several years have past since the Civil War made
Jessie Wagstaff a single mother. She runs a Chicago boarding house as
she raises her young son Linc. A new guest Lee Smith makes her feel
uneasy as he seems too interested in her late husband's family and
besides she feels attracted to him. However, when the Great Chicago
Fire of 1871 threatens mother and daughter, Lee risks his life to
keep them safe.

"Lost in His Love". In 1906 San Francisco social activist Linc
Wagstaff demands the city outlaw child labor. To make his case
stronger he investigates the Dickensian exploitation. During his
inquiries he meets heiress Cecilia Jackson. As they fall in love, he
holds her accountable for practices her trustees are doing to
increase her wealth. Before they can confront one another, an
earthquake devastates the city leaving everyone struggling to
survive.

"Echoes of Mercy". Meg Wagstaff has returned to the States after
spending time as a volunteer in France during the war. Her parents,
Linc and Cecilia are elated she came back safe, but Meg learns her
childhood friend Delman Dubois has been accused of murdering Mitch
Kennedy by the New Orleans police. Meg refuses to believe Del would
kill anyone so she travels to the city to prove her Negro friend is
innocent. As Del faces racism that will gladly lynch him, Meg feels
like a traitor as she is attracted to her opponent New Orleans Parish
Attorney Gabriel St. Clair.

The omnibus collection of the three superb Wagstaff BLESSED ASSURANCE
inspirational historical tales will elate fans of the genre as each
era comes alive due to the strong lead couple and a deep support
cast. "

Also drop by www.shoutlife.com/LynCote and read Lyn's blog about
Chicago 1871. The latest Blog discusses a Chicago institution, the
Marshall Field's Department Store, which after over a century of
doing business in Chicago was bought out by Macy's in the past few
years.

• Publisher: Avon Inspire $9.95

This week's book is Shadows in the Mirror by Linda Hall. It's an October release from Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense. I've not yet read this one by Linda, but I've read a number of her previous mysteries and always really enjoyed them. Linda does a great job of weaving compelling characters with a fascinating storyline, so I'm really happy to be able to recommend this new one to you. Here's a little about it:

About the book --SHADOWS IN THE MIRROR:
''Never go back to Burlington!" Those were the dying words of the secretive aunt who'd raised orphaned Marylee Simson. Yet to discover who she was, Marylee had to go back, sure the Lord would look out for her. But learning anything about her past was proving impossible. Why were there no records of the accident that claimed her parents' lives? No records of her parents, period? And who was trying to stop her from finding out? Someone whose threats were escalating. Someone close to her, such as Evan Baxter, the handsome photographer she'd entrusted with the one clue she had.

Shadows in the Mirror is the first in a three-book romantic suspense trilogy where these shadows of the past must be accepted, acknowledged and forgiven before one can move onto life and love in the present.

What people are saying about Shadows in the Mirror:

Linda Hall has done an outstanding job. The tension and suspense will engage you from the first page. The fast pace and even flow of the story will keep you turning the pages. I recommend you read this novel to find out the dramatic ending.
Romance Reviews Today

In Shadows in the Mirror, Hall has done an excellent job or marrying her skills in character development and suspenseful plots with a strong romance element…. if you love Romantic Suspense, with the October release of Shadows in the Mirror you have cause to celebrate, as another strong Romantic Suspense author has been added to the must read list.
The Suspense Zone

About the author:
Linda Hall is the award winning author of fifteen novels and a number of short stories. She is the author of the bestselling Margaret’s Peace and the critically acclaimed Sadie’s Song. She has received The Word Guild award five times for best Christian mystery in Canada, has been short listed twice for a Christy (Sadie’s Song and Steal Away) and once for a Daphne (Steal Away). When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, having coffee with friends and listening to good music. She and her husband also enjoy sailing the New Brunswick and Maine coasts. She invites readers to her website: http://writerhall.com/

More about the book and purchasing information can be found at: http://www.eharlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=15822

Hi Friends!

 

Ever feel like you've heard the story of Jesus on the cross one too many times?  Maybe it seems like old news, instead of good news.  Maybe it's lost its punch.  Maybe it's lost its WOW.  That happened to me.  But my daughter's wonder rekindled my own.  It happened like this:

 

It started just like any other night.  Bethany grabbed her sea otter toy, snuggled deep into her blankets, and look up at me with smiling brown eyes.  I settled next to her and picked up the first of the bedtime stories I would read that night.  A dancing hippo shone from the book’s cover.  “I like that one,” Bethany mumbled through the two fingers she had stuck in her mouth. 
So, I read, she wiggled, and the short pile of books soon dwindled to nothing.  Then, came our favorite part of the bedtime ritual.  I reached for the Bible story book on her dresser, thinking I’d read about Zaccheus or perhaps blind Bartimaeus or the woman at the well. 
But just as my fingers touched the brightly colored surface of the book, Bethany sat up and tapped my arm.  “You tell me about Jesus tonight.  Tell me about Jesus on the cross.”

“Ahhhh,” I murmured as I turned from the dresser and tucked the blankets around Bethany’s chin.  “Jesus on the cross.”

“Please, Mommy.”

I smiled down at her.  Then, I reached over, dimmed the light, and began.  I told her about how the soldiers hit Jesus, and hurt him, and spat on him, and pushed an awful crown of thorns on his head.  I told her about how they made him carry his own cross up to the hill called Golgotha, and how they laid him on the cross and spread out his arms, and nailed him there. 

 
“Did it hurt very much?” she asked, just as she always did whenever I got to this place in the story.

I brushed the hair back from her forehead with my fingertips.  “Very much.”

“They not supposed to do that.”  She frowned.

“But they did.”

“And then what happened?”

My voice grew quiet.  “They lifted the cross high in the air, and the sky turned black.”

 
“Oooo,” she breathed.

“Then, Jesus died, and the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”

“That’s sad, Mommy.”  She clutched her sea otter toy even tighter.

I nodded, then told her about how they took Jesus down from the cross and put him in the tomb for one day . . . two days . . . three days. 

 
She waved her fingers in the air and counted the days with me. 

“Then –“ I paused.

Bethany caught her breath.

“The ground shook.”  I rattled her headboard.  “The stone rolled away, and—” I stopped.

As always, Bethany finished the story in her loudest voice. “Him not die anymore! Him risen!”
We laughed together as I hugged her and whispered in her ear, “And that is the most wonderful, incredible, amazing, important thing that has ever happened in the whole wide world from the beginning of time until now.”

Her eyes grew wide. She snuggled deeper into her blankets, and said the one word that I’ll never forget.  “Wow.”

Wow.  And somehow that simple word stuck in my heart and I saw the story of Jesus through her eyes.  I saw the wonder, the mystery, the beauty.  I saw how much it cost for God to make me His own. 

And in that moment, God rekindled in me the wow of the gospel.  Suddenly, it was new, amazing, and wonderful.  How had I forgotten the awe?  How had it become “old news?”
I laid back on the bed next to her and looked at the ceiling.  “Wow,” I whispered.  “Wow, wow, wow.”

Bethany sighed and rubbed her small hand over my arm.  “You tell me again, Mommy?  Tell me about Jesus on the cross.”

 

“Of course, sweetheart.  I’ll tell you as often as you want to hear it.”

And I do, with a silent prayer that neither of us will ever forget the “wow” of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

 

(Come back every Wednesday to read about renewing our wonder in a VIVID God!!)

Today is my 19th wedding anniversary. Bryan and I met in college (Stanford) at an Intervarsity Christian Fellowship retreat in the spring of 1986. We were married in 1988. But the fun thing for today is that were we engaged on Christmas Eve, and today the book I have to introduced to you is a Christmas romance. Neat, huh? So, here's the scoop on Forever Christmas by Christine Lynxwiler:

FOREVER CHRISTMAS
By Christine Lynxwiler

After two broken engagements, so-called runaway bride Kristianna Harrington is content to run her shop, Forever Christmas, in her little hometown of Jingle Bells, Arkansas, and forget about romance. She reluctantly agrees to be the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding, but making it down the aisle becomes the least of her worries when a handsome newcomer threatens her precious town. Kristianna vows to stop the striking lawyer hired to change the town name and turns to her childhood friends for help. But Ami is busy with wedding plans, and Garrett seems more interested in bowling than politics. Will Kristianna get the help she needs before both her town and her Christmas spirit are extinguished?

* * * * *
The perfect gift for the reader on your Christmas list or something to slip into your own stocking, Forever Christmas is sure to please readers who are looking for a holiday treat!

What people are saying about Forever Christmas:

“. . .a delightful romance with a few twists I didn't see coming. A romantic tale, it's perfect for Christmas gift-giving. It's well written and the plot makes it a fun read. It held my interest from beginning to end. . .A great read with a warm and satisfying end.” ~ Reviewed by Ane Mulligan for Novel Reviews

“. . .a wonderful book for those who enjoy holiday sentiments, a touch of mystery and a delightful romantic story. Once you visit Jingle Bells, Arkansas through the pages of this book you will see Christmas in a different light. Kristianna’s desire for God's will for her life reigns true and love comes in the most unexpected places. Come dashing through the snow and be warmed with the love of Forever Christmas.” ~ Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views

About the Author:
Award-winning novelist Christine Lynxwiler lives with her husband and daughters in a small town nestled in the north Arkansas Ozarks. Her other books include Promise Me Always and Arkansas.

When writing Forever Christmas, Christine used her own love for both the hometown of her childhood and her current hometown as a pattern for Kristianna’s passion for Jingle Bells. However, regardless of local rumors, the quirky townspeople are strictly figments of her imagination.

When she’s not working on her next deadline, you might find Christine kayaking on the nearby river with her family, poking around auctions and estate sales with friends, or curled up alone in a quiet corner with a great book. Please visit her at http://www.christinelynxwiler.com/ and sign the guestbook to let her know you stopped by!