So, I just finished reading Julie Lessman’s newest novel, Love at Any Cost – and I posted my review earlier.
Well, last week I had to pick up a costume for my youngest son’s musical, and while in the costume store I got…distracted!
I’m notorious for getting distracted. Look what I discovered!!!! 
There’s nothing that’s quite so arresting as awareness of God around us. I mean really near. Not just the cursory acceptance of the verse “I am with you always”, but the raw knowledge that Someone has direct involvement in our lives.
It can be the evidence in God’s creation – the vast mountain landscapes or torrent seas.
It can be in God’s provision – the great and the small.
It can be in His people, from the touch of a mother’s hand, the laughter of children, or a newborn baby’s cry.
They all speak of God’s ‘touch’ in our lives.
We often think God is far off – up in His Heaven somewhere, but His Spirit is actively at work around us – providing hands and feet through people.
Kind words spoken, a hug of comfort, a phrase of encouragement, another shoulder to bear the burden, and understanding/listening ear.
He’s here. His body.
And it’s absolutely amazing when we step back and ‘see’ them.
God provided it for me in so many ways this week – from a ‘word in due season’ while meeting with Beth Vogt at BRMCWC to a chat with my 5 year old about faith. God was there. Right there- leaving his fingerprints all through my life.
And all through yours too.
Open your eyes and see the wonder of His love and know He is not far off.
He is near.
I’m sure many of you understand the thrill of a BREAK! Oh yes, the lovely thought that sleeping in late is okay, that your schedule can feel more relaxed.
Change of scenery.
Ahhh…. my whole body relaxes.
This time it has been particularly cool so far. We started it with a parents’ retreat
Dwight and I went to the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference on Sunday and came back yesterday. REtreat for Dwight = getting to hang out by himself, sleep, and read. Totally fit the needs he had for ‘relaxing’. Retreat for me = hanging out with other writers and chatting about imaginary friends. Perfect.
I gleaned encouragement, inspiration, and much needed ‘like-mindedness’ among other CHRISTIAN authors. Words are sometimes useless in expressing my joy and gratitude for such an opportunity.
God brought amazing people into my life like Beth Vogt! And I had the opportunity to celebrate with Lisa Carter over her 3 book contract. Ramona Richards surprised me with an amazing gift – Krista Phillips DEBUT novel!!! Then there was amazing introductions with fabulous author Susan May Warren, who is just a wonderful person and wears great shoes
I got to hug Alley Pals like Melissa Tagg – so sweet and felt a kinship with beautiful Marney McNall – wow, what a lovely person!
There were so many fantastic opportunities and divine appointments
And now….
We’re headed on vacation with the family (my parents included). Lake Lure! Looking forward to some more opportunities to relaxand create.
Thank you, God!!!
Sometimes, God brings people into your life and their is an instant connection. He did that when I met Audra Harders in 2010 at my first ACFW conference. From that first hug, I just fell in love with this wonderful lady. Her gentleness and encouragement calmed my nervousness, and she was quick to take me by the hands and pray with me. WOW! What a wonderful beginning!
I hope her notes today will be an inspiration to you – as they’ve been to me.
Here’s Audra:
This is an excerpt from my debut novel, Rocky Mountain Hero. Since arriving at the Circle D, Melanie (my heroine) has been battling the guilt of estrangement from her parents. It all comes to a head due to the kindness and love of complete strangers. She learns forgiveness starts with forgiving yourself.
The water appeared lower than the last time she’d been there. Rapids formed between the rocks out in the middle of the river leaving calm ponds along the edges. She tore off her shoes and socks and stuck her feet off the edge of the bank, the cold water splashing between her toes. She closed her eyes and listened to the rush of current. Lord, I’ve been away too long. Please forgive me. What am I supposed to do?
Tipping her face to the sun, she relaxed beneath the warm rays. A soft breeze played with her hair. A light spray of water moistened her face.
What do I do, Lord?
“Quiet and peaceful, isn’t it?”
Melanie jumped at the unexpected voice. Her eyelids popped open as she caught her balance. “What are you doing here?”
Gabe stood about ten feet away, his arms folded across his chest. “Remember our last conversation about not going anywhere by yourself?”
“I’ve been here before. I thought you couldn’t go off into uncharted territory.”
“If I hadn’t followed you, we wouldn’t have known you knew where you were.”
He kept a straight face. Her shoulders tensed as he continued to stare at her. She hadn’t meant to worry anyone.
The familiar dimple appeared. “Have to keep an eye out all the time.”
She relaxed. I’ll bet you do. She turned back to the river. “I just need time to think. To be alone.”
“Fine.”
She heard gravel crunch behind her then listened as he found a seat. She frowned. What part of wanting to be alone didn’t he understand? “I came here for quiet.”
“You won’t even know I’m here.”
She closed her eyes again. Lord? How can I pray with him here? I’d like to talk, just you and me? The echo of rushing water filled her ears. The breeze continued to flutter her hair across her face. Peace filled her heart.
In the gentle spray of river mist, she didn’t think one teardrop would appear too obvious. Maybe one tear from each eye. Why now? She’d had life all figured out. It wasn’t a bad life was it? Why was normal slipping through her fingers?
Two tears became a torrent. Gentle hands cupped her shoulders and turned her away from the river to a solid chest that smelled like summer sun. His solid support melted her resolve.
“They don’t even know he exists.” She hiccupped between sobs. “My parents have a grandson they don’t even know about.”
He rubbed her back making her sobs come harder. He shouldn’t nice to her. He wasn’t going to be so nice when she told him the whole story. Her arms encircled his waist.
“My folks wanted me to put him up for adoption.” The fights and accusations still rang through her head. The inconvenience, the gossip was all they’d worried about.
“Paul wanted me to get rid of him. When I said no, he dumped me. Just like that. Poof.” She squeezed Gabe tighter, the memory of the nastiness making her sick. “He never claimed Jason; swore he’d prove me lying if I ever tried to come after him.” She came up for air. “My girlfriend started dating him.” The humiliation and agony of that betrayal hurt her more than any heartache from Paul.
She smacked her forehead into Gabe’s chest. She gave him credit, he hung in there for the whole, unvarnished truth. She’d expected him to run long ago. “I want Jason to have what he’s found here: a home, family, love. Instead, all he has is me.”
His arms tightened around her. She pressed her ear into his chest, absorbing his strength. “Why can’t I be more like you? So strong, so patient, so. . .so confident. Gabe, I’m too scared to go back and make things right. I’m so weak.”
“Shhh. There’s nothing to be scared of.” His voice rumbled along with his strong, steady heartbeat. “Don’t bear such needless pain.”
Needless pain? She deserved every ounce of burden on her heart.
“Dear Heavenly Father.” His chin rested atop her head. “So much hurt and pain remain buried deep waiting for Your love and mercy to wash it away.”
Praying? He prayed for. . .her? A muscle twitched in her arm as she held on tighter.
“Dear Lord, only You see the cause, only You know the reason. Fill Your children with the realization of the salvation You bought for us with Your blood, ours for the taking if we just trust You.”
Fire ignited in the pit of her belly where only moments earlier a ball of ice sat. Her hands slid down along his warm, solid forearms. She squeezed his hands.
“Fill Melanie with Your peace and fill her with Your understanding. You are bigger than any trouble on this earth. Have mercy, oh Jesus.”
“Mercy,” she whispered. Standing beside rushing waters, her soul cried for cleansing. As her confession of sin, fear, doubts and everything else silently poured out of her, light and relief filled in. After crying her eyes out earlier, she didn’t think she had any tears left, but she did.
Pepper, you ask about frustrations in my writing life? When isn’t there one? Either I have my characters stuck in a situation I haven’t a clue how to get them out of, or they refuse to let me rescue them. LOL! Just like raising kids : )
But really, frustrations lay around every corner of the writing process. If I gave in to them, I’d probably still be writing “See Spot run” or something like that. My favorite verses for not only frustration and slumps, but for all the mysteries of life is from Proverbs:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
If it’s important to me, I’ve got to let it go. Easy to say; difficult to do.
Thanks for having me, Pep. You are always such a gracious and wonderful hostess. And a sweet, loving, fun person to boot. You make me smile : )
(She smiles because she knows I’m crazy)
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful nugget, Audra – and for letting some new readers get a taste of your writing. Looking forward to more in the future
Blessings,
My apologies.
Since my family moved to a new house a week ago, I’ve had lots of trouble getting online. Unfortunately, it’s messed up my Springs of Inspiration schedule, but I’m hoping we can get back on track this week.
Myra Johnson was supposed to be my guest on Friday, so I want to share her response today. Jamie Carie should be here on Wednesday and Julie Lessman on Friday.
Let me just say that I got a ‘sneak peek’ into Myra’s WIP and I LOVE it!!!! She peaked my special interest – Autism. That’s all I’ll say unless she wants to bait you with more. It’s such a SWEET story!!!
So let’s see what Myra has to say about Inspiration!
1. This excerpt is from my debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas. Thirteen-year-old Lissa has just confessed some very serious meddling to Natalie, her mother. Natalie also has much to be forgiven for, and in this scene they finally reach a place of healing.
Lissa joined her next to the library table, silently intertwining her fingers with her mother’s. Her gaze fell upon the ceramic baby Jesus, sleeping in the manger between the kneeling figures of Mary and Joseph. “I guess Jesus is the only kid in the universe who never goofed up and did something stupid.”
“I bet Mary and Joseph would disagree.” Mom released a gentle laugh. “I can just imagine how worried they were the time they searched and searched for him, only to find him talking with the teachers in the temple.”
Lissa’s stomach tightened. “Like you and Dad worried when I ran away and hid in Granddad’s barn?”
“Exactly.” Mom fixed her with a sad-eyed stare and squeezed her hand. “I worried, yes, but more for selfish reasons, because I didn’t think I could handle one more problem. I was hurting so badly myself that I didn’t even try to understand the pain you were going through after your dad and I separated.”
Lissa curled her tongue over her upper lip. “I didn’t try very hard to understand how you were feeling, either. You were so upset about Grandma, but I just wanted to find a way to get you and Dad back together. Mom, I . . . ” She drew in a shaky breath, afraid to meet her mother’s eyes. “I have to tell you something.”
“Lissa, you know you can tell me anything, don’t you?” Mom gulped suddenly, her lips flattened into an embarrassed frown. “Okay, maybe you don’t know that. I haven’t been very easy to talk to for quite a while now.” She led Lissa to the chair and ottoman, where they sat facing each other. She clasped Lissa’s hands. “But I’m listening now. What is it, sweetie?”
Taking courage from her mother’s reassurance, Lissa inhaled deeply and poured out the same story she’d confessed to her father two days ago. Only when she finished did she lift her eyes to meet her mother’s stunned gaze. “Are you mad? Will you ever forgive me?”
Long moments of silence passed while Lissa tried to read the myriad expressions flitting across her mother’s face. Everything she’d expected was there—shock, disbelief, con- fusion, regret. Then, finally, understanding.
Mom squeezed her hand. “Remember what Grandma told me the day she got so sick?”
Lissa spoke softly as the remembered terror of that afternoon ripped a wider hole in her heart. “She said it wasn’t your fault. She told you to forgive and learn to love.”
“It’s taken me until this morning for those words to sink in. Grandma never once blamed me for not being there to help her the day she had her stroke. But I wouldn’t listen to the truth—about what happened to her, about what forgiveness means, about how much you and your dad needed me.” Her voice became breathy. “About how much I needed your dad and you. I didn’t believe I deserved to be loved, so I pulled away from everyone I cared about most.”
Lissa sniffled. “I kind of feel that way, too, after what I did to you.”
“Then it’s time we both learned that’s not what families are all about.” With misty eyes Mom glanced toward the nativity scene. “God gave his most precious gift to us by creating a special family. I’m sure it was so Jesus could learn firsthand about loving and forgiving.” Her eyes twinkled. “Even when we really, really goof up.”
“I think I get it.” A pleasant warmth spread under Lissa’s heart. “Family should mean we don’t ever have to wonder if we’re good enough or if we’re forgiven. Our family loves us no matter what.”
2. One verse I find very encouraging is taken from Philippians 1:6. “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds me that God is in perfect control. Whatever He calls me to do, whether in my writing or in any other aspect of my life, I can trust God to provide the resources I need and to bring about the results He desires.
Thanks so much, Myra! BEAUTIFUL reminder of God’s work in us. His Call. His Talents. Our Peseverance.
Love it!
Okay – I have every book this woman has ever written…except her newest one. But I can assure you that as soon as I can find my purse (we moved to a new house this weekend. I can’t find anything), then I’m off to BUY it!!!
Mary Connealy is not only a wonderful and quite prolific author, she’s a fabulous encourager. Her ‘cowboy’ books wrangle in your emotions and keep you on the edge of your saddle from page one. With humor, adventure, and romance braided through the pages, and a smattering of faith to bind them all together, they’re such delighful reads.
So- What does Mary have to say about Inspiration?
What is your favorite inspirational (i.e. salvation, repentence, forgiveness,) scene you’ve ever written from one of your published works?
The air is running out. The fire is dying. They have no idea if the rest of the family survived the avalanche. Grace feels herself falling asleep.
she’s been forced into.
Are you a fan of fairytales?
What about fairytales with twists?
Author Melanie Dickerson is known for her beautiful novels that do just that – take a familiar, classic fairytale and place it within the framework of YA medieval! Woohoo! Good stuff.
Let’s hear what Melanie has to add to our Springs of Inspiration series:
“Annabel, listen to me. It was not your fault. You struggled. You tried to scream. You did all you could. I heard you when I was on my walk, but I didn’t reach you in time. Stephen heard you too and he was closer. You have to stop torturing yourself.”
“But God must be angry with me. He intends to punish me.”
“No. Don’t you remember what we read a few days ago? ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ Are you saying you don’t believe He will forgive you when he has plainly said He would?”
Peace washed over her. “You are right. I’m sorry.”
They sat looking at each other for a long time.
“The verse says, ‘If we confess our sins,’ so I must confess. I didn’t trust God as I should have.”
“And God forgives you.”
But does he forgive me for wanting you to hold me in your arms? For thinking about kissing you? Annabel shuddered at the thought of her lord finding out.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. I-I just wonder if God’s tired of hearing all my confessions lately.”
“I don’t think God gets tired of hearing you. I never could.”
The light was so dim she couldn’t read his expression, but his words made her heart flutter. As she watched the candle and firelight flicker over his face, she was struck with the thought that she knew little about him, about his family or past, except for the wolf attack and his wife’s unfaithfulness. “You said the abbess is your mother’s sister. Is your mother still alive?”
“She died seven years ago. My father died last spring. My brother and sister have been gone a few years as well. The worst may have been my sister—she died the same week as my wife and child.”
“I’m so sorry. That is grievous indeed.” He was all alone. “Were you married long?”
“Two years.” He blinked twice, as though he were erasing all emotion from his face and voice. “But there was no love between us—at least, not on her side. She never cared for me.”
Annabel swallowed. Her heart seemed to expand toward him, reaching out to him. He had endured so much pain. She longed to do or say something to comfort him.
“In truth, no one knows if the child born to her was mine or … his. Though I was determined to claim him for my own. After all, it wasn’t the child’s fault his mother was … as she was.”
“You speak of it as if it is no longer painful, but I know you must have suffered.” If ever anyone deserved a noble, loving wife, it was Lord le Wyse.
“Time,” he said, pausing and leaning back in his chair. He stared into the fire. “Time blunts the pain and creates a mist over one’s memory—at least in the case of death and sorrow. Other types of pain linger longer.”
No doubt he was thinking of his wife’s betrayal. How could anyone be so false? Annabel hated her with an intensity that took her breath away.
“Perhaps time is an inconsistent healer,” he said, “but God can purge even the most painful memories.”
What was Annabel’s most painful memory? Her father’s death? Bailiff Tom’s lifeless body in the forest? Nay, it was the terrifying moment when she realized the bailiff wanted her to marry him and was willing to resort to violence. Raw fear had shot through her stomach as he grabbed her and kissed her. Fearful thoughts dogged her steps from that moment to this.
But God had taken care of her. When the bailiff was near, a protector was always there as well. Usually it had been Lord le Wyse, and Stephen had appeared the final time.
Lord le Wyse’s questioning look brought her out of her reverie.
“Shall I read?” she asked.
“As you wish.”
She opened to the second epistle to Timothy. After reading a short passage, she came to the verse, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Forgive me for my fear, God. It did not come from You. I pray you will cast out this spirit of fear. And replace Lord le Wyse’s pain with a spirit of joy.
FABULOUS scene, Mel. Can’t you guys see why she’s winning awards?
Time for my ‘seasonal’ blog tour with tips, clips, and hints from some of your favorite authors.
Starting March 5th, I will be hosting authors 3 times a week to share one of their favorite inspirational scenes from their novels AND one of their favorite inspirational verses.
When times are dry, writing slow, or life is hard – what do these authors do to find encouragement?
Stop by and find out.
Fabulous authors like Rachel Hauck, Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Missy Tippens, Siri Mitchell, Janice Hanna Thompson, and so many more!
What’s better than a well-written devotional?
A well-written devotional with Jane Austen flare.
Thomas Nelson’s newest devotional, simply entitled A Jane Austen Devotional, is a beautiful blend of Jane Austen’s writing and spiritual insight. Excerpts from Austen’s classics are used as examples to address specific biblical topics ranging from jealousy, marriage, patience, and unconditional love. Author Stephanie Woosley brings out the best and worst of Austen’s characters with an underlying current of Christ’s love throughout.
Not only is it well-written, but it is also short enough for a busy woman to handle. It succinct, beautifully-written, poignant, sweet, and at times funny (as only Austen can write).
If you’re an Austen fan, or just looking for a very accessible devotional, I’d recommend this one.
Beautiful.
It’s one of the most notable carols of Christmas. A French poem set to music by Adolphe Adam in 1847, O Holy Night has become a standard – especially as a solo. The literal translation from French to English makes the words all the more poignant.
Here is the first verse as translated from the original French:
Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,
When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.
Well – we have a whole HOST of authors who picked O Holy Night as their favorite Christmas song.
My fav Christmas song (oh, do I have to pick just one!!?) would be “O Holy Night” because, when I sing it or hear it sung, I feel the glory and majesty in the music and the wording which reflects Christ’s birth. It makes me cry every time even though I’ve heard it hundreds, perhaps thousands of times. Sigh. 
This is hard to narrow down but I think my very favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. The lyrics are a powerful picture of how everything changed when Jesus was born. When I hear it or sing it I want to fall on my face before the Lord, weeping in thanksgiving, for the gift of our Lord and Savior – Jesus. LOVE it!
Jamie Carie, who also left some wonderful links to versions of O Holy Night, is author of The Guardian Duke and Pirate of My Heart.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-8jYpa1-o– celtic women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jr-2eyRtV4 – the amazing Celine Dion
And my sister from another mother :-) the fabulous Mariah Carey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJmP8T07JU&feature=fvsr
My favorite Christmas Carol is O Holy Night.
