The Forest Ranger's Christmas - October 2014

Leigh Bale here. I've got a new book coming out in October titled THE FOREST RANGER'S CHRISTMAS. This delightful story is centered around a woman who is concerned about her ailing grandfather. She has just a few weeks to persuade him to leave his small town and move closer to her Las Vegas home. But after seventy-five happy years in his house, Gramps isn’t going anywhere. Josie can’t imagine what’s so great about Camlin. When she meets single dad and forest ranger Clint Hamilton, she quickly begins to see the appeal. Clint shows Josie the joys of living in a close-knit community, especially at Christmas. She’s soon falling for the town, Clint’s charm and his adorable daughter.

This book makes a great holiday gift. AND...I'd love to giveaway a couple of autographed copies of the book right here today! Can you tell me what state in the U.S. this story takes place?  I'll send books to the first two people to get it right. Enjoy! :)

Friday Sisterhood with Leigh Bale

Meet Love Inspired Author Leigh Bale 

Family Status: Happily married to the love of my life since 1981

What Is Your Favorite Beverage: Diet caffeine free Pepsi over a full glass of ice, with a straw - manna from heaven!

What Is Your Favorite Food: Roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, and homemade rolls - I'm a traditionalist!

What Is Your Favorite Thing to do During Free Time: Cook a Paula Deen recipe

Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your Life: My parents and my husband

First Book You Fell in Love With: The Wolf and the Dove, by Kathleen Woodiwiss

A Book You Wish You’d Written: Edin's Embrace, by Nadine Crenshaw

First Book Published: The Healing Place, 2007

Most Recent Book: The Forest Ranger's Return, February 2014

Out Next: A Forest Ranger's Christmas, October 2014

How Many Have You Written: 25, but I've only seen 14 of them put into print so far...give me more time.  :)

What Do You Know Now That You Wish You’d Known Then: I wish I'd known about critique partners and Romance Writers of America so I could network and attend workshops to learn the craft of writing good commercial fiction.

What is Your Favorite Bible Story: Daniel in the Lion's Den.  I named my son Daniel, after his grandfather and the prophet in the Bible.  I wanted my son to have great examples of faith, standing up for what you believe in, and relying on God even at peril of persecution, to look up to all his life.

What is Your Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 9:56 - "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

What is Your Favorite Hymn: I Need Thee Every Hour

What is an Ongoing Prayer Request You Have: That God will give me the courage, faith, and strength to face whatever trial comes into my life.

Leigh Bale's Sunday School Observations

I teach a Sunday school class every week.  Eight and nine year olds.  A very fun age.  They're smart, love God, and are very wiggly and chatty.  Especially this time.  Not sure what was up.  The gremlins must have been out.  I've raised two kids and am an old "war horse" at this.  First, I must say I love these children.  Every single one.  I was well-prepared, but still had to pull out my arsenal of strategies.  I used my "whisper voice" to get their attention, called on them by name, asked lots of pointed questions, moved in closer so I could look them in the eye to grasp their attention, had lots of visual aids and got them active in participating.  All of this really helped, but the chatfest never completely ended.  By the end of the lesson time, I know I got several key points across to the kids, but I came home feeling as though I'd just wrestled a flock of alligators.  Some Sundays are just exhausting like that.  I have no doubt next week will be better.  It always is.  :)

Have you ever prepared and then gone forward to give a lesson or other presentation to a group of people and come away feeling as though no one absorbed or appreciated what you had tried to do?  Maybe even your own family members.  What are some strategies you use?  How do you buoy yourself up for the next time?  I have my own arsenal of things I can do, but I'm always open to learning new things.  I'd love to hear your ideas.

Leigh Bale
Healing the Forest Ranger - Now available!
The Forest Ranger's Return - Available Feb 2014

http://www.LeighBale.com