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Poetry Challenge?

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Are you up for a poetry challenge? Writing poetry is a good way to stretch those creative muscles–no matter what genre you write in. So, I’ve decided to write a poem every day for the next thirty days. I’m probably not going to share every poem with you, but here’s day one’s poem.

LOOK AROUND, MY CHILD.

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Lord.

Thank you, my child.

What would you have me do, Lord?

Look around, my child.

Yes, Lord. I see the beauty of your creation.

Look around once more, my child.

Don’t you see?

Don’t you see the hungry child?

Don’t you see the angry teen?

Don’t you see the lonely, the sick, and the hurting?

Don’t you see your neighbor in need?

Yes, Lord. But what can I do?

Love them as I love you.

Yes, Lord.

There’s my first attempt. I’d love for some of you to share your poetry with me. It doesn’t have to be serious or spiritual. It can be fun or downright silly. So…what have you got for me?

The Paris Betrayal–Book Review

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The Paris Betrayal

THE PARIS BETRAYAL by James R. Hannibal is one of the best books I’ve read in years! I loved it. But then again, I love spy novels. This is not a sweet and gentle read. If that’s what you enjoy, this isn’t the book for you. But if you like mystery and lots of action, you’ll love this book. There’s twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up to the end.

My one complaint is that it doesn’t have a strong spiritual component to the story. But being able to read a good spy novel without having to skip every other word because they’re objectionable is a win-win situation as far as I’m concerned.

It’s that time again!!

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It’s that time again. I have a new book releasing today! Suffer The Little Children is the third and final (probably) installment in the Puzzle House Series.

AMAZON LINK

Just as a refresher, Puzzle House is the book I lovingly refer to as the book I never wanted to write. It features a character with the same brain tumors as a result of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 that I have. If I hadn’t developed the brain tumors, then I never would have written Puzzle House. Therefore; it’s the book I never wanted to write.

But God is good. Romans 8: 28 tells us that God can work all things out for the good of those who love him. Puzzle House is one of the good things that came out of my brain tumors. It was a finalist in The Carol Awards, a national book award for excellence in Christian Fiction.

That was a lot of fun and very exciting–even if I didn’t win.

Right now, Puzzle House and the second (The David Years) in the series is on sale for 99 cents!

AMAZON LINK FOR PUZZLE HOUSE

AMAZON LINK FOR THE DAVID YEARS

Of course, you can read Suffer The Little Children without having read the other books and still understand the story. Either way works. Suffer The Little Children comes full circle and brings the reader back to Puzzle House where some surprises wait along with a few miracles.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

There comes a moment in every Christian’s life when he must decide if his faith is real—or not.

For Nia Johnson-Simpson that time is now.

Nia has prepared for this moment for years. It’s time for her to step into her role as the next spiritual leader at Puzzle House. The plan is for her to work side-by-side with her new husband, but things don’t go as planned.

As Nia struggles with these unforeseen changes, she must decide what she truly believes…and what she’s willing to give up to continue God’s work.

Oooh, that sounds mysterious, doesn’t it? And I know what happens. It’s an interesting story with spiritual lessons we can all use.

God Bless & Good Reading!

BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS

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Another year has come and gone.

So what have I learned in this bizarre year of the pandemic?

I’ve learned that everything can change in a heartbeat except for God. God doesn’t change. He still loves me, in spite of all my flaws and imperfections. He’s still in control no matter what the politicians and news people believe. He still provides me with all I need in this year of the great toilet paper shortage.

I’ve seen so much doom and gloom; worries and woes; and anger and angst. God have given me strength to endure as well as peace and joy to enjoy the day the Lord has made.

My life isn’t perfect, but then again nobody’s is which is something that so many of us forget as we scroll through our “friends'” lives. Their lives seem perfect. We think–if we only had more money–if we only had a better job–if I only had a nicer house or car or whatever–if we only had more opportunities, then I’d be happy.

There’s a reason God added in the do not covet commandment. When we compare our lives to others, we lose our joy. When we compare our lives to others, we lose our peace. When we compare our lives to others, we forget all the blessings and miracles God gives us on a daily basis.

So my birthday resolution for the coming year will be to keep my focus on God, to count my many blessings, and to be grateful for all that God does for me.

Now it’s time for me to go enjoy some birthday cake!

God Bless & Good Reading!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

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Books! Books! And more books! I ‘ve partnered with Celebrate Lit Publicity to do an amazing giveaway where you can win a spectacular garden of over 40 books, including one of mine, or a $500 Amazon gift card to create your own garden.

Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/10ab8/a-garden-of-books

Time is of the essence! The giveaway is for this week only so don’t procrastinate or it will be too late!

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

THE BATTLE FOR EASTER

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Easter is the most holy and most precious of our Christian holidays.

Without Easter, there would be no Christianity. Easter is the cornerstone of our faith. We all love Christmas, the celebration surrounding the birth of the baby Jesus. We love that that He was born in a manger on a star-filled night. We love that the angels announced the Good News of his birth first to the humble shepherds that kept watch over their flocks. We love that the magi came bearing gifts for the newborn king.

Jesus was born a man. Just as God gives each of us free will to choose or not to choose Him, Jesus had that same right. He didn’t have to go to the cross for us. At any time he could have said no. He could have called 10,000 angels.

He didn’t because he loved us.

Instead, He made the ultimate sacrifice. For us. He chose mercy, grace, and love. He chose us.

Have you ever wondered what happened during those three long days between Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross and His resurrection, the first Easter? 

I have.

As a writer when I wonder something for long enough, something usually gets created. And that’s true this time. I wrote a short story called THE BATTLE FOR EASTER a few years ago. It’s not available all the time, but it’s available right now during this Easter season–and IT’S FREE for the next few days! Click on the link to get it through Amazon.

AMAZON LINK

HAPPY EASTER!

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

APRIL’S FOOLS DAY!

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It’s April 1st, better known as April Fools Day. A day when we pull silly pranks or jokes on those around us–all in good fun. It’s a day I’ll never forget. And that’s no joke!

Nine years ago today, my life changed forever! I developed Bell’s palsy and from there my brain tumors and Neurofibromatosis Type 2 were diagnosed. It’s not been an easy journey but God has been with me through it all, strengthening me, giving me peace and joy, and giving me the best husband ever!

As I sit here and reflect on what I’ve learned during my journey, I ask myself what can I share to help others who are on their own difficult journey. Many answers come to mind. In fact, I’m in the process of writing a memoir/devotional book about my journey so there’s lots I could say.

God has promised us many things, but one thing He never promised us was that life would be easy!

But what exactly does He promise us? Ahh…that’s the question, isn’t it. And that’s the one thing I’ve learned on this journey.

God’s Word is crucial.

God’s Word is crucial if we want to live our best life.

God’s Word is crucial if we want to experience God’s promises.

God’s Word is crucial if we want to access God’s power, his peace, and his joy.

God’s Word is crucial if we are to complete our race.

God’s Word is crucial if we want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Can we go to heaven without studying God’s Word? Yes, but…

Can we get blessings without studying God’s Word? Yes, but…

Can we have faith without studying God’s Word? Yes, but…

Yes, but… We can struggle and muddle our way through this life or we can make the choice to do it God’s Way. And the only way we can do it God’s Way is to spend time with God and His Word.

And that’s no joke!

WORDS! WORDS! WORDS!

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I’m a writer so, yes, I love words! Before I was a writer, I was a speech pathologist in schools. And being a speech pathologist for children is all about… you guessed it… WORDS! Understanding words… saying words…reading words…and writing words! Of course, you have to put the words together to communicate your message. But it all starts with WORDS!

So, I love it when I learn new words.

I learned a new word today–CUPIDITY. Just in case you don’t know the word any more than I did, it means greed for money or possessions. Some synonyms would be lust; greediness; or avarice. Another one I liked was money-grubbing. I think that pretty much sums it us.

Anyway…that got me to thinking. I’m always looking for new ways to connect with my readers so I thought it would be fun to play STUMP ME! You give me a word and I’ll try to give you the definition. I promise not to look it up on the Internet before I answer. But to be fair, you can’t do that either.  It has to be a word you actually know.

SO GO…STUMP ME!

And the Winners are…

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Here are the winners of my Jane Doe Giveaway. Each winner will get a $10 Amazon Card!

R.Bayne

Jeanna M.

KKJamm

Please send me an email so I have your correct email address to send the gift card. If you don’t send me an email, you won’t get your prize.

Thanks to everyone who commented. Sorry you didn’t win this time, but I so appreciate your participation and support.

God Bless & Good Reading!