Celebrating with Friends!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for not one, but TWO of my friends who are celebrating their first published books!

Ane signing a copy of her book for her waiting fans!

Many in Christian publishing know Ane Mulligan; her exuberant spirit, her keen sense of fun and her inability to say ‘no’ to any job, large or small. Ane came into my life five years ago when she invited me to join a small group called the Seedwriters. Since my arrival back in Georgia, we’ve talked story and structure, brainstormed more books than either of us could ever possibly write and become the dearest of friends. She’s my sounding board when I need to bounce ideas off of, and my partner in crime. Seeing her book, Chapel Springs Revival get published and the overwhelming response it’s received has blessed me clean down to my arthritic toes!

Jim meeting his fans!

I’d never met anyone with honest-to-goodness ties to the Mafia until I met Jim Hall. The lone male in our Seedwriters hen house, Jim is a gentle man with a ready smile and a heart completely sold out to Jesus. When he speaks, it’s will a conviction for those most people would steer clear of. Jim bravely shares his story of life in the Mafia--from standing trial in front of a federal judge he and others in the organization had plotted to murder to the soul changing events which led him into full time ministry and to writing his story, Connected; From Godfather to God the Father. Jim has encouraged and challenged me, both as a writer and as a person. But best of all, he’s read and posted reviews of my books on Amazon--now that’s a real friend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Ane and Jim on a successful book launch!

Hearts Rekindled

"I'm Here to See My Daughter."

She never thought she'd see John Davenport again. Merrilee Daniels Davenport's former husband has returned to their small Georgia town after fighting in the Pacific. And now the soldier is bearing a letter from the little girl he didn't know he had. Merrilee wishes that she and her daughter could lean on John's able shoulders, but her new assignment as a homeland informant won't allow it.

Twelve years have only made Merrilee more beautiful in John's eyes. Back then, he was the proud fool who walked away. Now all he wants is to prove he can be the husband she deserves, and the daddy his daughter needs.

Struggles and trials and frustrations, oh my!

Hi everyone, Lynette Eason here. Yesterday I was working on my newsletter. And lost the first draft after it was almost completely done. What??? Needless to say I was a little frustrated. However, once I calmed down, I decided to try to find the spiritual application there. I'll let you know if I find it. LOL. 

But seriously, sometimes things just go wrong. Sometimes life just throws us frustrations. I think God allows these things to happen to teach us how to respond to certain things. Now I realize losing a newsletter that I'd put several hours of work into doesn't compare to some things, but what if I respond with, "Okay, I'm not happy about this, but maybe there's some way to make this better?" I mean, it sure beats moaning and groaning about  the loss and pouting that I have to do the work over again, right? Maybe.

My fourteen year old daughter also recently learned a little about this when she fell off her horse a week and a half ago. She jumps horses on a regular basis and after nine years of riding has only fallen once before. This time her fall was a doozy. She sprained her back and couldn't hardly move for days. Pain medication gave her only partial relief. In the midst of her pain, she asked me, "Why did God let this happen?"

Of course I have no idea why He let it happen, but I asked her if she could learn something from it.

With no little sarcasm, she responded, "You mean other than the fact that I should have held on tighter?"

"Um...yes. Other than that."

She said something to the effect of, "Maybe it's so I'll slow down and make sure I'm keeping my focus on God."

Maybe.

In all of this, though, James 1:2 comes to mind: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." 

This is a hard one for me. I don't like trials. I don't like struggles. I especially don't like to see my child suffer. But when I--or my daughter-- come out stronger on the other side with the evidence that God is working in my life--and hers--, well, I have to admit, I like that part.

The same is true with writing. Before publication, we struggle, we moan and groan through the rejections. We cry out, "When is my time going to line up with your time, God?" And we press on, doing our best to learn through the frustrations. After publication, we struggle with deadlines, doing our best to make sure the writing doesn't take over so we neglect our family, our own needs--God. Through all of that, we must make sure not to take our focus off the one who will deliver us--one way or another.

I pray that if you are facing trials or frustration, struggles and hard times, that God will touch your heart, that he will wrap his arms around you to give you comfort and bless the socks off of you right there in the midst of your trouble.