Sunday Scripture

Parable of the Great Banquet,Brunswick Monogrammist,
circa 1525, National Museum, Warsaw. (PD-US)

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people 

in parables, saying,
"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast."'
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business. 
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them. 
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 
Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.'
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests."

Matthew 22:1-10

Saturday

Fall Fun!

By Debby Giusti

I packed my schedule a bit too full this fall, but I enjoyed every minute! The good news is that UNDERCOVER AMISH, the second book in my Amish Protectors series, is in stores this month. I just sent the Author Alterations for book three, AMISH RESCUE, to my editor and got the approval, last week, on the proposal for book four. As you can imagine, the fall has been filled with deadlines. It’s also been filled with travel.

Undercover Amish, book #2 in my
Amish Protectors series.

My first adventure was a lovely visit to Holmes County, Ohio, the heart of Amish country. My husband and I visited Amish farm houses, took buggy rides, shopped in the local markets and snapped lots of photos at the local flea market and cattle auction. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the clip-clop of horses’ hooves and see the sweet children in bonnets and straw hats peering at us from the back of their parents’ buggies.

Amish father and daughter at the Flea Market

So picturesque!

Amish farm.

Our next trip was to the Holy Land. We visited Bethlehem where Christ was born and the Jordan River where he was baptized. We sailed across the Sea of Galilee and prayed at the spot where he multiplied the loaves and fishes, preached the Sermon on the Mount, healed at the Pool of Bethesda and was transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration. Entering Jerusalem, we traveled the route Christ took on Palm Sunday, prayed at Gethsemane and walked the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Scripture came alive as we toured, and the entire trip was a dream come true.

The Jordan River 

Bethlehem. Star marks the place of
Christ's birth.

Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
and place of Christ's crucifixion.

In early October, I attended the Moonlight & Magnolia’s Conference and, a few days later, traveled to Nashville with a group of friends from church. We took in shows at the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman and toured The Hermitage, Belle Meade and Belmont Mansion. On the way back to Atlanta, where I live, we stopped in Chattanooga for a relaxing lunch cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat.

Ryman Auditorium

Belle Meade

 

Southern Belle

Now I’m home and ready to finish book four in my Amish Protectors series. I’m also planning more trips to take in the months ahead.  

What’s on your schedule?

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

www.Seekerville.blogspot.com

Undercover Amish

By Debby Giusti

After Hannah Miller’s mother is murdered and her sisters go missing, someone comes after her. Now the only way she can survive is to entrench herself in an Amish community…and rely on Lucas Grant, a former police officer who is planning to join the Amish faith, for protection. But finding refuge for Hannah— disguised as Plain at a secluded inn—pulls Lucas back into his old life. And when Lucas discovers the criminals after them may be the people who killed his partner, the mission to take them down becomes personal. With the assailants closing in, though, can Lucas stop them…and finally put his past behind him to start an Amish life with Hannah?

Order here!

Fuzzy Blankets, Warm Drinks and Novels

by Jill Kemerer

In northern Ohio the leaves have changed, the furnace is running, and I’m ready to snuggle inside. I love this time of year!

I kick off every morning with a nice, hot pot of coffee. While I watch the local news, I wrap up in a comfy throw and sip my creamy caffeine. I have a collection of fuzzy blankets, and my current favorite was a gift from my sister-in-law from last Christmas. It’s dove gray and so soft. My little doxie always curls up on my lap underneath the blanket! She’s silly.

This won’t shock you, but my T-shirts and shorts have been packed away. In their place are jeans and sweaters. I’m always cold, so in the afternoon, I fill my electric tea kettle with water and sip hot tea while I write.

Sometimes my husband and I will take a long walk before it gets dark out. We try to take advantage of the daylight as much as possible because it won’t be long until it grows dark before dinner time. Having less sunlight makes me sad. I’m not a fan of short days. I actually have a Happy Light, which is an LED light therapy lamp. It’s supposed to ease low moods due to lack of sunlight. Even my dog loves it. She stretches out in front of it whenever I turn it on.

My reading habits change this time of year. I read more cozy fiction—inspirational contemporary romance novels, cozy mysteries, and historical romances. Oh, and Christmas stories! I love holiday books this time of year. The only novels I steer clear of in autumn are heavy women’s fiction and thrillers. With winter approaching, I need reading material guaranteed to make me smile.

Here are a few books I’ve read recently and highly recommend.

Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time by Tricia Goyer

First of all, I love the cover of this one. More importantly, the message is powerful. I was inspired by Tricia’s story, and I love the Bible truths in this book. Living God’s word isn’t always comfortable, but it’s worth it.

Rescue Me by Susan May Warren

This is the second book in the Montana Rescue series, and I loved it! It’s a romantic adventure and follows multiple characters. I highly recommend it.

Speaking of books... My new series, Wyoming Cowboys, launched this month with the release of The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride! It’s a Christmas romance set on a ranch in Wyoming. The book is available in supermarkets and online at all major book retailers. See below for more information.

To celebrate, I’m giving away three copies of my new release, The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride, on my Facebook page. US residents are eligible to win a paperback or ebook. International readers are eligible to win an ebook! Stop by and scroll until you see the post titled Giveaway Time 10/10/17. CLICK HERE to go to Jill’s Facebook page!

I’d love to hear your fall habits. Hot drinks? Fuzzy blankets? Or is it hot year-round where you live? And what are you reading?

*

Jill Kemerer writes Christian fiction and nonfiction. She is a multi-published author of Christian romance novels for Harlequin Love Inspired. Her essentials include coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, her miniature-dachshund and taking long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, and sign up for her newsletter.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram  |  Amazon

*

The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride

Coming Home for Christmas 

Wedding planner Lexi Harrington needs a manager for her inherited Wyoming ranch. Clint Romine is the perfect man for the job, but the ruggedly handsome cowboy soon presents a new dilemma—distraction. Lexi can't fall for a small-town rancher when she's planning to return to her big-city career after the holidays. Home has always been elusive for former foster kid Clint. Working alongside Lexi at Rock Step Ranch feels too cozy—and too risky. Opening up to her means revealing a secret about his past that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. This Christmas, can Clint learn to trust Lexi with the truth…and with his heart?

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  | iBooks

New for October from Our Love Inspired Historical Authors

Jean C. Gordon here with two new must buys from our Love Inspired Contemporary authors. Just click on a cover to buy one. And to learn more about these talented ladies, click on their names.

Mistletoe Mommy
by Danica Favorite 

A MOTHER FOR CHRISTMAS
Widower Luke Jeffries needs a mother for his three young children, whether or not they agree. When he meets Nellie McClain at the mail-order-bride agency, Luke thinks his problems are solved, but they’ve only just begun. Though the beautiful widow awakens his grieving heart, Luke won’t betray his cherished wife’s memory.

A marriage of convenience is exactly what Nellie wants, since she’s been wounded by love before and doesn’t plan to risk her heart again. But despite her chilly reception at Luke’s family’s simple Colorado cabin, her feelings for Luke and the children grow deeper every day. Can Nellie and Luke heal the pain in each other and finally make their family whole again?

Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion
by Louise M. Gouge

THE SHERIFF'S SECOND CHANCE
Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can’t avoid the widowed single mother of two when they’re collaborating on a Christmas village for the town’s children.

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love.

Sunday Scripture

The Jordan River where Christ was baptized.

Peace Be With You

Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9 

Saturday

First Call Friday - Louise M. Gouge

Louise M. Gouge here. We Ladies of Love Inspired have been telling our stories of the first time we received a call from an editor who wanted to purchase our novel.

My first “call” wasn’t a phone call, it was a letter, but no less thrilling than speaking on the phone to an editor who wanted to publish my manuscript. But my hopes soon came crashing to the ground. Before I get too far ahead of myself, let me give you a brief history of my writing career.

I began writing in 1984, when my children were all in school. With my family’s encouragement, I completed one novel and continuing to write its sequel. To make sure I had done everything right, I took a creative writing class at local Valencia Community College (now Valencia College). Being back in school was so enjoyable that I continued to take classes, graduating with an Associate’s degree, then moving on to the University of Central Florida, where I earned an English/Creative Writing degree.

With all of those writing lessons in mind, I rewrote my book and took it to a writers’ conference, along with articles, short stories, and plays I had written while in college. My first sale was a short story, bought by a Christian magazine editor. Then my plays were bought. Finally, after two years, the editor of a small publishing company took my manuscript home and soon wrote me a letter saying she wanted to publish it. I was over the moon happy!

However, a few months later, I received word that her company was going out of business. Ouch! My dreams of becoming a published author came crashing down!

Those dreams might have stayed down, except for this same editor, who wasn’t content just to cancel all her contracts. She made it her business to find a home for as many of those manuscripts as she could. She found a home for my novel at Crossway Books. Once again, I could dream! And I got a lesson in integrity from this lady. She was going bankrupt, but she was determined not to disappoint the hopeful writers she had given contracts. Once There Was a Way Back Home was published in 1994, ten years after I began writing.

After writing two books for Crossway, I decided I wanted to go deeper with my writing. I earned my Master of Liberal Studies from Rollins College, writing a novel for my master’s thesis. Its title is Ahab's Bride. Because I once again wanted to be published, I found an agent. It took him a while, but eventually, he sent me an email—no less thrilling than a letter—with the subject line “Good News.” He had found an editor at Cook Communications (now David C. Cook) who loved my story. Ahab's Bride was published in 2004. Twenty years after I began writing, my career was moving forward. (This cover isn't the original. It's the cover for my e-book version of Ahab's Bride.)

Since that time, I’ve received phone calls from my agent with each book sale (I have twenty-five books published). Each one is just as thrilling as that first letter. It never grows old.

My latest and final LIH, is Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion:

Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can't avoid the widowed single mother of two when they're collaborating on a Christmas village for the town's children.  

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love.

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited, Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises.

® and ™ Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Why I write Christian Romance

Many readers ask me why I write Christian Romance, so I thought this would be a great blog topic for today.

Allow me to begin with a brief true story:

A week after I turned 13 my great-grandfather died. It was my first real experience with death and my great-granddad’s passing hit me hard. I remember the night after his funeral, lying in my bed, sobbing into my pillow. Like hysterically crying as if I’d never stop! As a typical self-absorbed teenager, I was particularly upset because I was faced with the concept of my own death. And frankly, I was terrified! I sobbed and trembled in my bed for what seemed like hours, (but probably wasn’t) when I suddenly felt a comforting hand on my shoulder. Instantly, a sense of peace washed over me.

No, there wasn’t anyone in my bedroom. I believe that the comforting hand sensation came directly from God because in that moment, I realized that there was no reason to be afraid of dying. I grew up attending church and somehow this night, I understood that those who believe in God and our Lord Jesus will be lifted up after death to everlasting life in God’s kingdom. In the space of a heartbeat, I was no longer afraid.

That night all those years ago, was a major turning point in my life. Before this, I attended church but didn’t really understand God and Faith. After this experience I began reading the Bible in earnest, especially my favorite, the Book of Psalms. I also began reading Christian romance by many authors, but the one name that I remember most is Grace Livingston Hill. Since the night of my epiphany, I have continued to find comfort in church and prayer.

Yet, I always wanted to write romance. When I was provided the wonderful opportunity to write for Love Inspired Suspense, I jumped at the chance because it was a dream come true.

I love romance, I love mysteries and I love God. What better opportunity to showcase my beliefs, than to write Christian Romantic Suspense? I’m so honored and blessed to have written 20 LIS books.

Recently, I learned my book Mirror Image is a finalist in the prestigious The Christy Award™ and I couldn’t believe that my book would be showcased along with those from other incredibly talented Christian authors. This is yet another dream come true.

But I digress. Back to the topic of my blog. I write Christian romance because of a life-changing experience. Have any of you gone through something similar? If so, I’d love to hear from you.

Yours in Faith,

Laura Scott

P.S. Christmas Amnesia is available now! 

This is the third book in my Callahan Confidential Series.

A Farewell to Love by Belle Calhoune

As I'm writing this post, our nation is reeling from a devastating attack in Las Vegas, one that took 59 precious souls from our world and left hundreds injured.  Personally, I am still in shock over this act of evil.  The idea of someone crafting such chaos and pain in our world is incomprehensible.  My first reaction was to kneel.  Pray.  And above all else, embrace love.  As much as evil lurked in Las Vegas, so did love.  The acts of courage, bravery, and kindness were awe-inspiring.  Seeing the long lines of people wanting to donate blood shows who were are as a nation and as humans.  We need to love one another.  Love with all of our hearts, even when it's not easy to do so. 

Love is the theme of my post.  A few years ago I came up with the concept of a series for Love Inspired set in a fictional town in Alaska.  A town named Love.  The premise for this series was a remote town in Alaska that had a shortage of females.  Add in a curmudgeonly town mayor named Jasper who creates a program named "Operation Love" to bring single women to the lovelorn town, plucky heroines and handsome heroes...and a series was born! 

Now, having written the last book in the series, I'm saying goodbye to this town I've loved so much.  Saying goodbye for me is never easy.  I'm not a person who loves change.  I never truly expected to feel such sadness at leaving my characters behind.  I'd gotten so used to the quirky characters, the quaint town and the vibe of the setting that it feels like I'm closing a door on beloved friends.  What I'm learning is that I'm way more sentimental than I ever realized.  I have cried each and every time I edited a book in this series because the characters feel so real to me.  Thankfully, my readers have expressed this same sentiment.  I am blessed.

When my first book came out in the series a reviewer left me a snarky review where she criticized the name of my Alaskan town.  Love.  The reviewer said it was corny.  Huh?  That baffled me.  How in the world can love ever be corny?  Love is a healing thing.  Love endures hardship, betrayal, loss, pain, human frailty.  Corny?  I beg to differ.  Love is the most powerful force in the world.  I feel sorry for anyone who can't fathom that.  As a romance writer, it's incomprehensible to me. 

And so, I've decided to focus on continuing to do what I love to do.  Create heartwarming, inspiring romances that encourage love and faith and forever.  I would love to live in a world where evil and hatred don't exist, but I know that may never happen.  Until then, I'm going to continue to shine a light on inspirational romance and happily ever afters. I'm going to follow God's command to love one another. 

Over on my Author Belle Calhoune Facebook page, I'm trying to bring a little sunshine in the darkness.  I'm offering a complete set of my Alaskan Grooms series to one lucky person who comments.  Winner will be picked at random.  Please stop by and leave your name.  It has been an honor to write this series and spread love to all of my readers. 

Blessings to all!

New for October from Our Love Inspired Contemporary Authors

Jean C. Gordon here with three new must buys from our Love Inspired Contemporary authors. Just click on a cover to buy one. And to learn more about these talented ladies, click on their names.

An Alaskan Christmas
by Belle Calhoune 

HER CHRISTMAS MATCH
After inheriting a gift shop in Love, Alaska, single mom Maggie Richards is ready for a new beginning—while her little boy is ready for a new daddy! But Maggie has no time for love—she wants to open the shop in time for Christmas, something she'll do with help from childhood friend Finn O'Rourke. Finn's on board to help Maggie—but not with the romance rumors that swirl around them like snow. Like Maggie, he's hiding too many secrets to ever wed. So why do Maggie and her little boy make him dream of finding an unusual gift under the tree—a ready-made family?

Amish Christmas Twins
by Patricia Davids

THE WIDOWER'S CHRISTMAS WISH
With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby—even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work—until Willa's vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa's past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John's Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride
by Jill Kemerer

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Wedding planner Lexi Harrington needs a manager for her inherited Wyoming ranch. Clint Romine is the perfect man for the job, but the ruggedly handsome cowboy soon presents a new dilemma—distraction. Lexi can't fall for a small-town rancher when she's planning to return to her big-city career after the holidays. Home has always been elusive for former foster kid Clint. Working alongside Lexi at Rock Step Ranch feels too cozy—and too risky. Opening up to her means revealing a secret about his past that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. This Christmas, can Clint learn to trust Lexi with the truth…and with his heart?

Sunday Scripture

Arlington National Cemetery

Psalm 25

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;
in your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice, 
and teaches the humble his way.

That will Never Sell

Have you ever heard that? I have multiple times.

By the way, this is Christina Rich, and I'm one of those authors that, according to the publishing world, never should have been, at least not with my first book.

The Guardian's Promise, a book birthed during a message about being a bond-servant while my husband and I visited a church. I remember it quite well, it was almost seven years ago to the day. I sat in church and wrote notes. No, not sermon notes, but plotting notes, and then I came home and wrote an overview of the story. I wrote that story in fifty-five days and started entering contests and  querying agents. Many of the responses I had received were, "it'll never sell" and "there is no market for it".

Why? Because it was an inspirational romance set in Ancient Judah and I wasn't Francine Rivers. Of course, I was disappointed. I loved the story and the characters and dreamed of seeing it in print, but then most writers dream of seeing their stories in print.

After hearing the same thing over and over, attending small conferences, and hearing it again I really dug deeper into the Lord. I removed my focus from the book, which I knew had been God-given, and started focusing on Him, but I also kept thinking that if I could just get to a big conference I'd sell the book. It never happened.

Most of us know about Seekerville, and every year they throw a huge birthday party. This particular year they  held a pitch contest? And guess what? I received a partial request from Emily Rodmell, and editor from Love Inspired, my dream publisher.

I sent it off in November 2011 and waited. And I waited. Come June 2012, I finally asked for advice and it was suggested I contact Emily through her email, well at the time, when I'd sent my manuscript off, it was done snail mail. I didn't have an email. A couple of lovely ladies helped me out there. I emailed her and received a prompt response with a revise and resubmit letter. 

Gracious. I took it as a rejection, but I was informed that it was a good deal. By the end of July, I resubmitted, electronically and quickly forgot all about it. 

Seriously, I did. I mean after all, I had been told it would never sell. I didn't have high hopes for my story.

The American Christian Fiction Writers conference was coming up and I knew I needed to get there. I knew I had to get to Texas so I could sell my story. Again, I didn't make it. But a month later, well after everyone had come home from the conference and shared all their wonderful news, I ended up in Texas.

Here is an excerpt from a blog post I wrote for Seekerville right after I received the call, I just can't rewrite any better.  (I hope it's okay to share.)

You see my sister-in-law was graduating nursing and my dear mother-in-law wanted to be there, so I escorted her. After several hours of flights and layovers I was sitting on the floor of my sister-in-law’s living room thinking about how awesome it was that she was fulfilling her dream, and if I’m to be honest, I was a little sad about how mine had yet to be. No sooner had the thought tripped through my brain I opened my email. And there it was at 10:13 p.m., an email that could only be one of two things, a rejection or an offer.

Everything after that, I’m sure was a bit comical. Just ask my mother-in-law, Tina Radcliffe and Ruth Logan Herne. I mean, how does one react? How is one supposed to react? 

I called Emily the next day with pen and paper in hand. All I remember saying is okay, multiple times. Even when she asked if it all sounded good to me. Okay. So she wants to buy my story. 
No, wait, she bought my story, right?

I sent a text out to my peeps. I sold!

I received phone calls and texts. My friends jumped up and down, they squealed, they cried. I was in a state of shock. Seriously, what happened? Was this real? I got an email from Twitter, good ‘ol social media, telling me Emily Rodmell was following me. Me! So, I hopped on over there and what did I see? A tweet about how she bought a new author for LIH a manuscript set in Biblical times. Hey, that’s me. 

You better believe I saved that baby in a screen shot. *g*

Hubs called me, “Well, you just had to go to Texas and sell a book, didn’t you?”  Yep, I knew it too. But it still hadn’t completely sunk in. I was getting sick and all I wanted to do was go home and sleep in my own bed and let hubs take care of me. It wasn’t until we were on the plane in Houston that it began to click. You see this lady sat next to me and struck up a conversation. She asked what I did and I gave her the typical answer, “I’m a stay at home mom.” My mother-in-law, God bless her, nudged me and said, “go on.”

“Oh, and I just sold a book.” 

 If you're reading this and you're waiting to sell, keep writing, keep knocking on doors, and keep learning the craft while you wait. 

Blessings, 

Christina

How Do You Fit Reading into Your Day?

Hello! Meghan Carver here.

When I was a child, I read all the time.

Seriously.

All. The. Time.

When I was in middle school, I spent an entire day on summer break reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin. It hadn’t been assigned, since we were out of school. But I had heard of it and was curious. It was so good, I barely moved from the couch and read it in one day.

Now, decades later, I have six children, I homeschool, I write, I keep house {sort-of}. There are too many responsibilities to list. You know what I mean. J

I can no longer spend an entire day reading. Some days, I can barely find five minutes to read.

How’s a busy girl to fit it in?

{Shameless photo plug: 

My daughter reading my August Love Inspired Suspense, 

Deadly Disclosure, which is still available online.}

Of course, there’s always staying up late or getting up early. Too often, I stay up late. {Can I get an amen? J}

But I’ve found another few ways to fit in reading. Keep your book or kindle handy when you ~~

Cook. When I wait for something in the oven or I’m stirring something in the pot, I read. Of course, be mindful of your time or you might burn the Christmas caramels. Don’t ask me how I know.

Brush your teeth. If your book is really good, you’ll get in a few more minutes on your pearly whites.

Wait in line. At the pharmacy, in the grocery store, at the school.

Have to sit through a boring movie. Sometimes, there are movies that others in my family want to watch, but I just don’t. But movie-watching is sometimes a family activity, and that husband or that child just wants me to sit next to them. Why not read?

Shower. I haven’t actually tried this, and it may not work well with a print book. But with a neoprene, weather-proof, zip-up case for a kindle, reading can be done in the shower.

My kindle is always in my purse. ALWAYS. Any spare moment, out it comes.

I’m always on the lookout for more tips, though. How do you fit reading into your day?

You can find me at www.meghancarver.com or on Facebook. 

I'm Late...again by Leann Harris

It stinks when you know you're suppose to post and you can't find the day. Sorry. I spent last week at the ACFW Conference in Grapevine, Tx. What fun talking writing, swapping stories with other writers and not having them think you've lost all your marbles. The workshops made me realize I need to improve my social media skills. I didn't take a single picture of the event! I spent time with other Love Inspired authors and editors, learning how they got into publishing. What interesting stories. It's nice to know you aren't the only strange one out there.

Since I didn't take any pictures, here's a picture of Big Tex who stands over the State Fair of Texas, which starts Friday. There's a cornydog with my name on it. (This is the only time I'll eat one.)

Sunday Scripture

Jerusalem

Seek the LORD while he may be found,
call him while he is near.
Let the scoundrel forsake his way,
and the wicked his thoughts;
let him turn to the LORD for mercy;
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth,
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:6-9

Happy Weekend !