Hello everyone.
Another year is coming to an end. Isn't it amazing how fast each year flies by? I know they say the older you get the faster the year zooms by. Here, I can only speak for myself. This one seemed to whiz by in an instant. (Did I give my age away?) Of course a lot of things happened this year, so I'm sure it wasn't as fast as I'm saying.
First major thing that happened in my life, was my husband healed of cancer. God saved his soul and his body all at the same time. Praise the Lord!!
Although physically he is no longer a hundred percent due to the damage to his lung, Scott is so much better off than he was after the lung collapsed August 2010. He is saved and at peace with God. Scott had to take early retirement due to his disability, but the Lord has taken care of us. Our home is filled with His peace and joy. We are so grateful. Scott's weight had dropped to 114, skin draped over his skeleton body, but is now up to 145ish. Of course one of his medicines might have caused some of the weight gain. I'm glad to say most of it is due to his appetite increase. Scott still has his days of not eating well, and days of feeling poorly (pnemonia hit 4 times this year and maybe even 5 if you count Thanksgiving week of feeling poorly, fever rising, but we kept it under control and doctor gave him meds keeping him out of the hospital that time) spending most of the day in his recliner mixed with shortness of breath when he attempts to move around--but plenty of good days too. We are so blessed.
Another major blessing that happened to us in 2011, we had an addition to our family. Our son married a wonderful woman on 11-11-11. Not only were we blessed with this sweet thing becoming a part of our family, but we gained her grandmother as a family member. She, (Nana, Ginny), is like a sister to my husband and I. We love her dearly...and she loves us!! Rosie's whole family is lovely and loving. We are so blessed.
A key change in our life, one we weren't sure was supposed to happen but we left it in God's hands, was the sell of our home of twenty years. Sold, then we bought a new home...a retirement home...a house a little smaller than our old one with a lot less outside work surrounded by a small yard with little maintenance. This being winter time, so far there has been no maintaining the outside, but when summer rolls around I'm sure I can handle it. And whatever Scott feels up to doing he can, but here he won't have to do a thing.
All-in-all 2011 was a great year. We are thankful for all the blessings God has poured on us.
This past week was a busy week, but full of love and family. We celebrated the Singletary (my side of the family) Christmas this past Friday at our new home. The fun and love of all filled our home. It was fulfilling, enjoyable. You know, one of those days that you feel so warm and toasty, like you're curled up in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace reading a good book (preferably by Deborah Lynne ha-ha). Perfect. As long as you live you'll miss the loved ones who have gone on before you, but make sure you find plenty of time to enjoy the ones still living. And the great thing is, we'll see our loved ones who believed also, in Heaven. Praise God!
Speaking of that, Have any of you read the book Heaven is Real? My sister-in-law, Brenda, loaned it to me and I finished it this past Friday. The young boy who experienced Heaven told his story over a period of time to his parents and then his dad put it into a book. The boy at the time of his near death experience was the same age Rachael (our oldest daughter) was when she had the brain tumor. What an awesome testimony this young boy has been able to share. His experience answered so many questions people have all the time about different things, but figured, well that's one I'll ask God when I'm there. But through the innocence of this young boy some answers have been given in advance, but mostly his experience reiterated how right-on the Word is...which as a believer I know the Word is the truth. If anyone says something contrary to what the Word says, than he or she is the one in error. The Bible is never wrong. Well sometimes we interperate it incorrectly by trying to take a partial line or a complete Scripture verse out of context. Sometimes we hand pick here and there trying to make the Word tell us something when in our hearts we know that wasn't what God meant or said or whatever. Anyway, I'm getting off track here. I just meant to say, it was a very interesting book and a good read.
Saturday night we went to Bethany World Prayer Center, South Campus, for Christmas Now. What an awesome celebration! The music was great...as usual. The song that stood out the most was Little Drummer Boy. Our main drummer, Andra, at Bethany sang the song, but joining him on stage were other drummers and the set up and timing of the beating of the drums was so overwhelming, breathtaking, awe-inspiring I pray Bethany down loads the whole of Christmas Now...including Pastor Jonathan Stockstill's short but direct and to the point message where all can see. What a blessing!!
Sunday morning, the day of celebration arrived and all is right in our world because we are only temporarily here in this world. Our world is our eternity in Heaven. Jesus came to save. Praise God, He did. Believers in Jesus Christ are at peace in this world because they know they will live eternally in Heaven.
Thank you Lord for that peace you give us. Help us to be all You've called us to be!!
For an update on my latest novel, Testimony of Innocence...it is completed. A friend volunteered to read it through for me one more time before sending it off to my publisher, Ramona Tucker with OakTara Publishing. Of course, I accepted and gave her a copy of the completed manuscript. I'm so excited and can't wait to get it to Ramona. We'll be posting details of when the release is expected in 2012 on my web site so remember to check in periodically at www.author-deborahlynne.com to keep to the most up-to-date information.
I hate to pass on my update on weight loss, but go figure--This holiday month I have put a couple of those pounds I had lost back on. It's so hard to remove unwanted weight, but so easy to pack it back on. So I'm back at 24 pounds lost since I found 2 of the earlier ones. DON'T GET ME WRONG. I TRULY WASN'T LOOKING. So sad, but I admit, I loved the chocolate chip cookies, hershey candies, crackers and dips, and other tidbits that sat around in candy dishes in my home. I'm sure the roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, greenbeans and the other items in our dinner menu didn't do it to me. It was all the goodies laying around. And when you bake part of it, it is so hard to resist. Trust me. I know. But 2012 is a new year. Hopefully, yes most definitely, I will get myself back on track and continue to drop more weight.
So to all of you who read my blog, enjoy the rest of 2011 and look forward to 2012.
Think of the possibilities. Be all you can be!
Writing tip:
I know I skipped this part last time. Sorry.
The thing that comes to mind as I sit here and try to think of something important to share with other writers is this...take criticism well. People who take time to critique your work are sharing what they find distracting to your piece you want to release. They are trying to help you make it all it can be. Sometimes their suggestions may not be what you want to hear, but you need to listen. If more than one tell you the same thing, for sure do not ignore their advice. You are still the writer, but if you want to be a writer people enjoy reading, take time to listen and then take time to fix the problem.
There is nothing more distracting than to find an author you love, maybe even have read a lot of his/her books and you find errors in their latest novel. Minor errors that could have been fixed. These were overlooked by her, her critique partners, and proof readers at their publishing company. Sometimes an error will slip through the cracks, no matter how famous the author is or how big the publsihing house is. It happens. But as the author it is your job to go through it as many times as necessary and get rid of the errors. Make your manuscript or short story or poem the best it can be.
I have two wonderful critique partners, Emy White & Marie Barber, who do a stupendous job critiquing my writing. I'm so thankful for them. And throughout my career others have helped and I'm grateful to them too. They are all the best!!
So my advice to you is allow fellow members of your writing group or special friends you've connected to, be a help in making you all you can be in your writing career. Criticism is a must if you want to grow as a writer. Remember, they are not putting you down or your writing. They are only suggesting ways to make it better.
*******************
New Year's Eve is a night to be careful. A lot of people over celebrate, and sometimes do it in a way that is very unsafe to others as well as to them self. So enjoy the rest of 2011 and be careful on 12/31/11. Take care of you and others by making right choices.
Time is a gift. Use it wisely. Bye for now!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Time of the Season
Good morning everyone.
Christmas is a few days away but the season is here!! Isn't it wonderful? Have you taken time to just drive around your city and enjoy the lights? I love Christmas. God gave us the best holiday ever when He gave us His Son. So many people can't wait until this holiday season (Christmas) is over. I wish it was here more often. Of course than it would truly lose its meaning...peace on earth, good will toward men. I mean we'd end up taking it for granted. Oh well. It's here now. Enjoy Christmas time.
I have to tell you I've watched my share of Christmas movies this past week. I love them. My favorite being, of course, White Christmas, but we'll get back to that one. One of the movies I watched was made in 1944. I used to love those old movies, but in the past ten to fifteen years I've thought, not for me. But this one grabbed me early. It had Shirley Temple as a teenager. I've never seen a Shirley Temple movie with her older than about 7, so I decided to watch it. And talk about make me cry. It made me proud too. The movie reminded me why I've been so proud all my life to live in America. We sometimes take it for granted that we live in a country that was labeled the land of the free & the home of the brave. This movie took place during WWII at Christmas time. I'm not going to get into the movie except to say, when they talked about the Statue of Liberty and what it said, I cried my eyes out. Today America has so many people from so many lands around the world we tend to think or say, if you don't like it, go home. That wasn't the plan when our men fought for our freedom. And it wasn't and isn't just our freedom. It was freedom for everyone who wants to come here and live in the land full of hopes and dreams. I know, our country is pretty full up, so there isn't much open land, but it's still a country with people full of dreams. I'M LIVING MINE NOW AND I PRAISE GOD FOR IT. There are other countries in the world that are just as special as America. The main thing is, take time to thank God He planted you in the one He chose for you, and make your dreams come true by trusting in Him. God made the whole world...and everything He made was good. Unfortunately man (& woman) knows how to mess things up. But we don't have to. Love who you are by living the life God chose for you.
NOW go watch a good movie.
Wait. No. Don't leave yet. Read the rest of my blog. :-)
Another movie I watched this week was White Christmas. My kids will tell you that is my favorite. First because I love singing the songs with them, AND, I love dancing or pretending I'm the one dancing that number with Danny Kaye and wearing that blue dress...spinning out around the pole over the water and ... I could go on and on. I won't. But I did discover just how old I am. (don't tell anyone). Anyway I heard Rosemary Clooney (yes, its his Aunt) tell her little sister she obviously hadn't read their mother's letter. It turns out their brother was out of the country in Alaska. Ha-ha-ha. I mean I've watched that movie at least once a year for the past thirty years and NEVER caught that. But yes. There was a time Alaska was not part of America. And in all the years I've watched that, it never stood out. Well my sister-in-law, Brenda, was born in Alaska, and this time it really caught my attention. So much so, I had to look it up and see when Alaska became part of America. That was almost a week ago and my memory is short, but I believe I found it was in 1959. So by watching a movie I enjoyed I also learned a little history. Isn't that amazing.
Even though the second movie didn't talk about the birth of Christ and that is the reason for the season, it did show that Christmas was the time of year we give to others, think of others, bring joy to others. And yes it would be wonderful if we did it all year long, but we're flesh and blood people and unfortunately we think about ourselves more than others, more than not. Hey. I'm just speaking truth here, myself included...but at this time of year I pray more and more for God to help me be more and more like Jesus every day. And we all know what that means...serving others, putting them before self. Okay. On that note I'm going to say --- Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your last minute shopping, or the lights, or the music, or the parties, or ALL of it.
My grandson, Koby, was in a Christmas play the other night that was wonderful. Of course he was the best; I might be a little prejudice, but grannies can do that. BTW all the kids did a great job. The little story was so cute and through the laughter and gaiety of the story, the truth about the reason for Christmas was told. God gave us the best, the brightest, the biggest, the gift that keeps on giving gift--His Son. But if you don't receive the gift, you'll never have the peace, the joy, the eternal life in Heaven that Jesus can bring you.
In case I haven't said it...I love Christmas!!
For those of you who have been reading my blog I have to say, Tutu has not been back in weeks. That's why I haven't been talking about the big brown bird. I hope he's okay. The geese stayed away for a while too, but occasionally they swoop down and float around on the lake. They even waddle around on the land looking for food when they can't catch a fish.
Speaking of fish, we met another neighbor. He feeds the fish regularly. We found out our lake is overflowing with catfish. Those of you who read this and aren't from down south, I don't know if you love the fried catfish like we do...but boy-oh-boy, I asked Scott how much longer before he and Jerry start fishing. Not that I'll fry the fish, mind you. That's messy. I don't mind cleaning the mess, but I don't want to make it AND clean it. One or the other.
Ooops. Maybe I've told y'all too much about me. No, that's okay. Truth is truth.
My daughter, Rachael, the one who lives in California, made a big, actually 2 big pots of jambalaya for her Cali friends...A touch of the south cooking on the west coast. She and a friend of hers made a pot of chicken & sausage jambalaya and a pot of seafood jambalaya. That was the first time she attempted the seafood one, and she said the last, but it came out good too and both pots were eaten up in a few hours at the VA hospital she works in.
I'm going to skip the writing tip today. I hope you writers don't mind. Nothing is coming to mind to share at the moment. Maybe it's because I'm so close to the final draft of Testimony of Innocence, that's all I can think about. Oh, I'm loving it. I hope all of you get your copy when the book comes out in the middle of 2012 and I hope you love it too. And if you haven't read the first book in The Samantha Cain Series, Be Not Afraid by Deborah Lynne (me), go to Amazon.com and order it today. I mean it is a series, not that you have to have read the first one to enjoy the second one, but I always find you tend to enjoy them more when you read the whole series. Just like the O'Malley series by Dee Henderson. You get to know the characters that repeat in the series better and better...and you get to meet new ones.
So all of you writers, keep on writing...and all of you readers keep enjoying our books. God gifted us when he allowed us to write stories we could share with others. So enjoy the reads. And I hope to see you at one of my signings. I'm sure they'll be starting back up the middle of next year.
God bless you all and have a wonderful Christmas. I love you.
deb
One more thing I forgot to say, Jerry (my husband's best friend) is doing great after his heart attack and stint put in to correct the 90% blockage. He said God was so good to him during this time. Jerry prayed for peace and God kept him from worrying and stressing over what he was going through...and then everything went well. Jerry said he was blessed!! Isn't that great??
Bye again.
Christmas is a few days away but the season is here!! Isn't it wonderful? Have you taken time to just drive around your city and enjoy the lights? I love Christmas. God gave us the best holiday ever when He gave us His Son. So many people can't wait until this holiday season (Christmas) is over. I wish it was here more often. Of course than it would truly lose its meaning...peace on earth, good will toward men. I mean we'd end up taking it for granted. Oh well. It's here now. Enjoy Christmas time.
I have to tell you I've watched my share of Christmas movies this past week. I love them. My favorite being, of course, White Christmas, but we'll get back to that one. One of the movies I watched was made in 1944. I used to love those old movies, but in the past ten to fifteen years I've thought, not for me. But this one grabbed me early. It had Shirley Temple as a teenager. I've never seen a Shirley Temple movie with her older than about 7, so I decided to watch it. And talk about make me cry. It made me proud too. The movie reminded me why I've been so proud all my life to live in America. We sometimes take it for granted that we live in a country that was labeled the land of the free & the home of the brave. This movie took place during WWII at Christmas time. I'm not going to get into the movie except to say, when they talked about the Statue of Liberty and what it said, I cried my eyes out. Today America has so many people from so many lands around the world we tend to think or say, if you don't like it, go home. That wasn't the plan when our men fought for our freedom. And it wasn't and isn't just our freedom. It was freedom for everyone who wants to come here and live in the land full of hopes and dreams. I know, our country is pretty full up, so there isn't much open land, but it's still a country with people full of dreams. I'M LIVING MINE NOW AND I PRAISE GOD FOR IT. There are other countries in the world that are just as special as America. The main thing is, take time to thank God He planted you in the one He chose for you, and make your dreams come true by trusting in Him. God made the whole world...and everything He made was good. Unfortunately man (& woman) knows how to mess things up. But we don't have to. Love who you are by living the life God chose for you.
NOW go watch a good movie.
Wait. No. Don't leave yet. Read the rest of my blog. :-)
Another movie I watched this week was White Christmas. My kids will tell you that is my favorite. First because I love singing the songs with them, AND, I love dancing or pretending I'm the one dancing that number with Danny Kaye and wearing that blue dress...spinning out around the pole over the water and ... I could go on and on. I won't. But I did discover just how old I am. (don't tell anyone). Anyway I heard Rosemary Clooney (yes, its his Aunt) tell her little sister she obviously hadn't read their mother's letter. It turns out their brother was out of the country in Alaska. Ha-ha-ha. I mean I've watched that movie at least once a year for the past thirty years and NEVER caught that. But yes. There was a time Alaska was not part of America. And in all the years I've watched that, it never stood out. Well my sister-in-law, Brenda, was born in Alaska, and this time it really caught my attention. So much so, I had to look it up and see when Alaska became part of America. That was almost a week ago and my memory is short, but I believe I found it was in 1959. So by watching a movie I enjoyed I also learned a little history. Isn't that amazing.
Even though the second movie didn't talk about the birth of Christ and that is the reason for the season, it did show that Christmas was the time of year we give to others, think of others, bring joy to others. And yes it would be wonderful if we did it all year long, but we're flesh and blood people and unfortunately we think about ourselves more than others, more than not. Hey. I'm just speaking truth here, myself included...but at this time of year I pray more and more for God to help me be more and more like Jesus every day. And we all know what that means...serving others, putting them before self. Okay. On that note I'm going to say --- Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your last minute shopping, or the lights, or the music, or the parties, or ALL of it.
My grandson, Koby, was in a Christmas play the other night that was wonderful. Of course he was the best; I might be a little prejudice, but grannies can do that. BTW all the kids did a great job. The little story was so cute and through the laughter and gaiety of the story, the truth about the reason for Christmas was told. God gave us the best, the brightest, the biggest, the gift that keeps on giving gift--His Son. But if you don't receive the gift, you'll never have the peace, the joy, the eternal life in Heaven that Jesus can bring you.
In case I haven't said it...I love Christmas!!
For those of you who have been reading my blog I have to say, Tutu has not been back in weeks. That's why I haven't been talking about the big brown bird. I hope he's okay. The geese stayed away for a while too, but occasionally they swoop down and float around on the lake. They even waddle around on the land looking for food when they can't catch a fish.
Speaking of fish, we met another neighbor. He feeds the fish regularly. We found out our lake is overflowing with catfish. Those of you who read this and aren't from down south, I don't know if you love the fried catfish like we do...but boy-oh-boy, I asked Scott how much longer before he and Jerry start fishing. Not that I'll fry the fish, mind you. That's messy. I don't mind cleaning the mess, but I don't want to make it AND clean it. One or the other.
Ooops. Maybe I've told y'all too much about me. No, that's okay. Truth is truth.
My daughter, Rachael, the one who lives in California, made a big, actually 2 big pots of jambalaya for her Cali friends...A touch of the south cooking on the west coast. She and a friend of hers made a pot of chicken & sausage jambalaya and a pot of seafood jambalaya. That was the first time she attempted the seafood one, and she said the last, but it came out good too and both pots were eaten up in a few hours at the VA hospital she works in.
I'm going to skip the writing tip today. I hope you writers don't mind. Nothing is coming to mind to share at the moment. Maybe it's because I'm so close to the final draft of Testimony of Innocence, that's all I can think about. Oh, I'm loving it. I hope all of you get your copy when the book comes out in the middle of 2012 and I hope you love it too. And if you haven't read the first book in The Samantha Cain Series, Be Not Afraid by Deborah Lynne (me), go to Amazon.com and order it today. I mean it is a series, not that you have to have read the first one to enjoy the second one, but I always find you tend to enjoy them more when you read the whole series. Just like the O'Malley series by Dee Henderson. You get to know the characters that repeat in the series better and better...and you get to meet new ones.
So all of you writers, keep on writing...and all of you readers keep enjoying our books. God gifted us when he allowed us to write stories we could share with others. So enjoy the reads. And I hope to see you at one of my signings. I'm sure they'll be starting back up the middle of next year.
God bless you all and have a wonderful Christmas. I love you.
deb
One more thing I forgot to say, Jerry (my husband's best friend) is doing great after his heart attack and stint put in to correct the 90% blockage. He said God was so good to him during this time. Jerry prayed for peace and God kept him from worrying and stressing over what he was going through...and then everything went well. Jerry said he was blessed!! Isn't that great??
Bye again.
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Friday Morning Special Edition of Tuesday Morning Blogging
Ha-ha. How is that for a title? All of you who have a sports enthusiast in the house (or is one) has heard that title in a slight variation...Thursday Night Edition of the Monday Night Football!!
Hi all!
Needless to say, I'm not the sports nut in my home although I have started watching LSU football and The Saints football. I dipped my toes...or should I say eyes...into it a little last year. How could I not? LSU and the Saints were doing well. AND now this year...WOW!!! I'm loving it. Okay...Enough football.
As you can see, I'm late with my blog. This was supposed to be typed Tuesday morning, but again life got in the way. Sorry. I truly love writing this blog. I feel so connected with everyone.
My husband's best friend since middle school had a heart attack Monday night. We found out Tuesday morning. It was kind of funny, but not. His name is Jerry. He and Scott were supposed to go fishing that day. When Jerry called I answered and asked how he was doing. At that time I expected him to say something about being better when they get out on the water. Instead he said, "I could be better." Again I assumed he was saying he could be better if they were already out on the water. When Scott got on the phone, I heard him say. What? Are you kidding? Are you joking? And I'm sitting there screaming in my mind, WHAT?? Finally Scott said, Jerry's in the hospital and he had a heart attack last night. It was such a shock. Turned out by him having the heart attack the doctors found he had 90% blockage and they did surgery Wednesday. A stint (?) was put in. They sent his friend home yesterday. Amazing how quick this is done now adays and the patient released so quickly. Praise God, Jerry didn't have to have open heart surgery. To hear Jerry talk today, he feels so good. He didn't even know he felt so bad...even though he had a few warning signs. Men. Will they ever listen? (I may tell you more next week on this.)
Okay. Enough. Let's spread some cheer. Have y'all done your Christmas shopping? It's been a blast wrapping presents. Grandkids, nieces, nephews, it's so much fun shopping for them. Our first Christmas party is tonight at our new home. I can't wait to watch the kids tear into their wrappings. Tonight is my husband's family Christmas party. Next Friday is my family. As time passes our older ones (grandparents, parents) pass on and new ones are born (nieces and nephews, etc). God is so good. He gave us His Son so we could live eternally with Him in Heaven. Thank you Jesus for doing God's will and dying for us. His birth is what we are celebrating and as God gave us the gift of Him, so we give gifts to others. The full circle of giving...isn't that grand? So keep your eyes and heart open to give wherever God leads you.
Usually I take you through my week one day at a time, but this past week has been so busy with the 30 day inspection on the house (anything we find wrong, they have to come fix) and getting pictures on the wall and Christmas shopping done and wrapping them...and then Jerry's heart attack with a blessed ending or beginning should I say, I can't even begin to make a list of all the things that went on this past week. The main thing is God is good in everything, and He blesses those who love Him and seek Him. That's in His Word and He keeps it. Thank You, Lord!
I'm going to try to share some pictures I've taken...bring a little Christmas lights from my home into yours. This is when I wish I could get comments back on this blog. Unfortunately most people have had a hard time doing that. Thank God, y'all still contact me through email and twitter and facebook. This blog is supposed to let you comment, but it hasn't for so many of you. Anyway, I'd love for you to share some pictures with me. And if I do it right, I'm about to share some with you. Here goes:
By Job, I think I've got it!
I hope they appeared on your screen, where you too can enjoy the pictures. We put a touch of Santa along side the true meaning of Christmas -- the birth of Baby Jesus. Our new neighborhood had several houses lit up nicely. I love Christmas time of year. Every one is in a more loving, more giving spirit.
Smile everyone!! I'll talk to you one more time before Christmas, so enjoy your life God has blessed you with and keep on smiling.
Writing Tip of the Week:
My tip today is -- not to give up. I'm sure you've heard plenty of people tell you, "I have the story you should write." They think its so easy. It is...and it isn't. It's best if we write the story God gives us. That story they want to give you to write, may be there story, or one not worth sharing. Stick to your own unless led differently by God. And when you do write your story, as most of you already know, it's not finished after one writing. And sometimes its hard to get it from the beginning to the end...but YOU can do it. Don't give up. Keep on writing.
When you have completed it, take time to go back through your manuscript and look for ways to improve it. A lot of times as the author you know something but you forget to share it with the reader. Some things that make sense to you, don't to the reader, so be sure and have 1 to 3 people read your manuscript after you think you are through. Have them read through and make suggestions in places where you need to give more details or describe things a little better (Remember - show don't tell!!). And who knows, they might find some typos too. Unfortunately, those are always found, so tell them to mark them boldly...and hopefully all will be gone before you send it to your publisher.
I share this with you because I've been working on the second in the Samantha Cain Series...Testimony of Innocence. It is almost ready...ready to send to my publisher.
It is so much fun to write, to be the creator of the fiction. I'm so glad God is in control of the big picture -- all the world -- but it is fun writing your own novel. I hope if you haven't read; Grace, a Gift of Love, All in God's Time, Be Not Afraid, and/or Passion from the Heart, you will get your copy soon and check out my writing. You can go to your favorite local bookstore (my favorite local ones are -- The BookRack and The Bible & Book Center) (truly I love ALL BOOKSTORES) or your nearest LifeWay or order on line through Amazon to get the book you haven't read. Enjoy them. All the stories are fiction, but God is real. (He gives me the stories and then allows me a free hand in writing them.)
Love you all. Take care and God Bless
Hi all!
Needless to say, I'm not the sports nut in my home although I have started watching LSU football and The Saints football. I dipped my toes...or should I say eyes...into it a little last year. How could I not? LSU and the Saints were doing well. AND now this year...WOW!!! I'm loving it. Okay...Enough football.
As you can see, I'm late with my blog. This was supposed to be typed Tuesday morning, but again life got in the way. Sorry. I truly love writing this blog. I feel so connected with everyone.
My husband's best friend since middle school had a heart attack Monday night. We found out Tuesday morning. It was kind of funny, but not. His name is Jerry. He and Scott were supposed to go fishing that day. When Jerry called I answered and asked how he was doing. At that time I expected him to say something about being better when they get out on the water. Instead he said, "I could be better." Again I assumed he was saying he could be better if they were already out on the water. When Scott got on the phone, I heard him say. What? Are you kidding? Are you joking? And I'm sitting there screaming in my mind, WHAT?? Finally Scott said, Jerry's in the hospital and he had a heart attack last night. It was such a shock. Turned out by him having the heart attack the doctors found he had 90% blockage and they did surgery Wednesday. A stint (?) was put in. They sent his friend home yesterday. Amazing how quick this is done now adays and the patient released so quickly. Praise God, Jerry didn't have to have open heart surgery. To hear Jerry talk today, he feels so good. He didn't even know he felt so bad...even though he had a few warning signs. Men. Will they ever listen? (I may tell you more next week on this.)
Okay. Enough. Let's spread some cheer. Have y'all done your Christmas shopping? It's been a blast wrapping presents. Grandkids, nieces, nephews, it's so much fun shopping for them. Our first Christmas party is tonight at our new home. I can't wait to watch the kids tear into their wrappings. Tonight is my husband's family Christmas party. Next Friday is my family. As time passes our older ones (grandparents, parents) pass on and new ones are born (nieces and nephews, etc). God is so good. He gave us His Son so we could live eternally with Him in Heaven. Thank you Jesus for doing God's will and dying for us. His birth is what we are celebrating and as God gave us the gift of Him, so we give gifts to others. The full circle of giving...isn't that grand? So keep your eyes and heart open to give wherever God leads you.
Usually I take you through my week one day at a time, but this past week has been so busy with the 30 day inspection on the house (anything we find wrong, they have to come fix) and getting pictures on the wall and Christmas shopping done and wrapping them...and then Jerry's heart attack with a blessed ending or beginning should I say, I can't even begin to make a list of all the things that went on this past week. The main thing is God is good in everything, and He blesses those who love Him and seek Him. That's in His Word and He keeps it. Thank You, Lord!
I'm going to try to share some pictures I've taken...bring a little Christmas lights from my home into yours. This is when I wish I could get comments back on this blog. Unfortunately most people have had a hard time doing that. Thank God, y'all still contact me through email and twitter and facebook. This blog is supposed to let you comment, but it hasn't for so many of you. Anyway, I'd love for you to share some pictures with me. And if I do it right, I'm about to share some with you. Here goes:
By Job, I think I've got it!
I hope they appeared on your screen, where you too can enjoy the pictures. We put a touch of Santa along side the true meaning of Christmas -- the birth of Baby Jesus. Our new neighborhood had several houses lit up nicely. I love Christmas time of year. Every one is in a more loving, more giving spirit.
Smile everyone!! I'll talk to you one more time before Christmas, so enjoy your life God has blessed you with and keep on smiling.
Writing Tip of the Week:
My tip today is -- not to give up. I'm sure you've heard plenty of people tell you, "I have the story you should write." They think its so easy. It is...and it isn't. It's best if we write the story God gives us. That story they want to give you to write, may be there story, or one not worth sharing. Stick to your own unless led differently by God. And when you do write your story, as most of you already know, it's not finished after one writing. And sometimes its hard to get it from the beginning to the end...but YOU can do it. Don't give up. Keep on writing.
When you have completed it, take time to go back through your manuscript and look for ways to improve it. A lot of times as the author you know something but you forget to share it with the reader. Some things that make sense to you, don't to the reader, so be sure and have 1 to 3 people read your manuscript after you think you are through. Have them read through and make suggestions in places where you need to give more details or describe things a little better (Remember - show don't tell!!). And who knows, they might find some typos too. Unfortunately, those are always found, so tell them to mark them boldly...and hopefully all will be gone before you send it to your publisher.
I share this with you because I've been working on the second in the Samantha Cain Series...Testimony of Innocence. It is almost ready...ready to send to my publisher.
It is so much fun to write, to be the creator of the fiction. I'm so glad God is in control of the big picture -- all the world -- but it is fun writing your own novel. I hope if you haven't read; Grace, a Gift of Love, All in God's Time, Be Not Afraid, and/or Passion from the Heart, you will get your copy soon and check out my writing. You can go to your favorite local bookstore (my favorite local ones are -- The BookRack and The Bible & Book Center) (truly I love ALL BOOKSTORES) or your nearest LifeWay or order on line through Amazon to get the book you haven't read. Enjoy them. All the stories are fiction, but God is real. (He gives me the stories and then allows me a free hand in writing them.)
Love you all. Take care and God Bless
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Holiday Season is here!!!
Good morning everyone. It's fun to come to you once a week and share things. I've enjoyed the feedback I've gotten through bloggers (I haven't figured that out yet, how they read mine and leave me notes on another site--or how I come across that site to respond but I have), readers who comment on my blog at my blog, readers who comment via e-mail, and readers who comment through FaceBook. All in all it's been great.
Today I'm going to touch on a sad thing, but we trust God knows what He's doing. My daughter, Molly, miscarried this past week. I'm not going to go into details, but I want you to know both my daughter and my son-in-law, Pete, are strong believers in the Lord and know He is in control of EVERYTHING. He doesn't cause bad to happen but He allows things even when we don't understand. And the Word says praise God in everything, so that's what we are all doing, and at the same time believing God will bless them with a child at the right time.
Well guys, now that the wedding is over, the house is sold, we are moved in, and almost all the boxes have been emptied (almost I said), our hectic schedule has slowed down. Usually every morning over coffee I've gotten to enjoy the geese (I found out they weren't ducks, sorry), but day before yesterday they quit dropping in as quick as they started coming by. Now Tutu ... do you remember him? He is the big brown bird that we have no idea what kind he is but comes every morning to feed himself on the fish in our neighborhood lake and always stands out on the pier across the waters. Well he's a smart old thing. When those geese hung around he either came before they showed up, or slipped in after they had gone. Our big brown friend still comes every day and I enjoy watching him.
In fact, I want to share a short story on how smart Kali, our cat, is. Usually when the geese or Tutu or something else is going out on the water I'll tap on the long window that overlooks the lake and tell Kali to come see. Which she does. She'll stand at my feet and peer out the window. Yesterday, however, I was sitting on the couch reading the Word and Kali started meowing. When she got my attention she stood up on her hind legs and started running her paws, right, then left, then right, real fast on the glass, She has no front claws so I believe it was her way of tapping on the window for me to look out. So I got up and walked over, Sure enough, she was saying, "Look mamma, Tutu is here." When I looked out she dropped to all 4 and looked up at me. So I praised her on being so smart and letting me know, and we stood and watched him together. It was so cute.
This week I've been working hard on Testimony of Innocence. Once I finish making the corrections and tightening up what needs to be tightened, I'll send it back to my critique partners and they'll read through again for final proofing...and then it goes to my Editor. Ramona said they (at OakTara) are still looking forward to the 2nd book in the Samantha Cain series. I had hoped to get it to them by the end of November, but it looks more like the end of December. I think she already knew that when we spoke. This is still fairly new to me. My fifth book, and second with OakTara. Thank you, Lord.
Later today, my husband and I are going shopping for the rest of our Christmas presents...we hope. It's been fun this year. Some of you may recall where we were at this time last year. Last year we didn't shop for gifts to give, which is what Christmas is all about. In celebration of the season we give to others, because God gave us the best and biggest gift of all--His Son, Jesus Christ. We celebrate Christmas to celebrate His birth, our Savior. Anyway, as I was saying this time last year we were praising God for His healing power. Scott, my husband, had a collapsed lung and through that the doctors found he had lung cancer. Well not only did Scott turn his life over to the Lord, God also healed his cancer. Even though we didn't go shopping we celebrated. And this year God has continued to bless us and He's allowing us to bless others in the shopping. Talk about swell our hearts.
One thing that did happen last week, I got a new desk for my office. In the computer it was beautiful and I expected it to come as in the picture...but it didn't. The deliveryman rang the bell and when I opened it, he had a huge box, heavy box. Talk about disappointed. Then I remembered my oldest daughter, Rachael, had bought herself a desk this past year and she had to put it together herself. In my mind I said, If Rachael can do it, so can I. Laugh, laugh, laugh. Thank God, truly, thank God, I didn't have to. My wonderful son-in-law, Pete, volunteered...or did Molly volunteer him? Either way, he did it with such a joy and a concentration. When he opened the box and saw all the pieces, not to mention the wood, heavy dark cherry wood pieces, it gave him pause. But people, let me tell you, he tackled it head on and it came out beautiful--just like the picture in the computer. And it's heavy. It's in the corner and it's there to stay. I love it. And I am so grateful to Pete.
Actually we're grateful to him in more than one way. He put up all our window coverings. This house with windows everywhere is now covered upstairs and down thanks to our lovely son-in-law. Thank you, Pete. We love you, and not for all the things you've done for us. We loved you before that. You are the best.
I need to give you all an update on my weight loss. As of now 26 pounds are gone. I don't want to say 26 pounds are lost, because I don't want to ever find them again. Trying to stick to that 1200 calories has helped it weekly to keep going in the downward spiral. Ask anyone who knows me, I've never stuck to a diet longer than 3 weeks, but the good thing is this is no diet. I eat whatever I want...including Hershey Kisses. I just have to count those calories. 9 of them equal 200 calories; so needless to say, I don't eat them like I used to. I even have peanut butter cups in a candy dish on my kitchen table, but so far I haven't dipped into those and believe it or not, I haven't even thought about them. I also picked up the new peppermint Hershey kisses my daughter-in-law, Rosie, told us about.
We had Rosie and Chris over to dinner the other night. Chris is getting over a horrible cold. (And because he had the cold and Scott had whatever that was he had since Thanksgiving, we put off the dinner until he was better.) Anyway, at the dinner table Rosie mentioned the peppermint kisses and we ended up talking about all the great things Hershey comes out with every year for the various occasions throughout. It's amazing--but it's ALL GOOD. Ask me. I'm a chocolate freak. I love chocolate.
Today, my new Mary Kay lady, (Ellen), (I found through her buying my books over the past 4 years), is bringing me an order. I was an avid Mary Kay user when a friend, Carol, used to sell it. I fell in love with their products. I know I used their products for probably twenty years. She sold it on the side, but a few years ago when her husband got so sick and took up all her extra time to care for him, she quit selling it. I went two years without and tried many things. Finally I was okay with that stuff they sold on TV, sheer cover I think it was called. It was really good. Closest thing I found to making me look lovely and not letting me sweat it off Anyway, I'm back to MK and very happy.
Well I've talked or should I say rambled on and on, so let me wind it up here by saying, please stay tuned every week and tell your friends to join in. They might find it interesting...the life of an almost 60 year old who was blessed to retire after 30 years of working at a trucking company and is now a full time wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, house caregiver, and author of inspirational fiction. What a blessed life I have, I really do. I'm not bragging, but I am grateful and happy to be so blessed.
Have a merry few weeks before Christmas and keep in your minds and heart the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Be careful, stay safe, and bless those who God puts in your path.
Writing tip of the week:
A one-sheet on your manuscript helps you in so many ways. What is a one-sheet you ask? It's a concisely written page on your newest manuscript, a page only about your story not about you the author. This one-page is used to pitch your manuscript to an editor or agent at a conference, face-to-face. A great tool to have. Helps keep your nerves calm while you're speaking to someone who could change your future as an author.
BUT it can also be used as a flyer to pass out once your book is published. When you go to book signings for that book, you can pass it to those who decide not to purchase it at that moment. Give it to them and it may entice them back the same day or at least have them look it up later and order it. Maybe financially it wasn't a good time to buy themself a book. Or when you are signing your newest book and you have another older one that's still available, or another one about to come out, or coming out next year, the one-sheet could be used to advertise or tell the public about it. Pass it out at the signing. We love free things and that one sheet is free. You can talk on one book, or if you have a few you can make a one-sheet of one-paragraphs on each of your books available. Use this to draw them in to your writing style.
If you'll take time to make a one-sheet for your manuscript it will make you pull your thoughts together before talking about your book with an editor or agent, as well as give you more confidence when you are talking about your MS to others.
Again you can find tips on one-sheets in books at the library. Keep writing and keep enjoying it.
TALK TO YOU NEXT WEEK.
Today I'm going to touch on a sad thing, but we trust God knows what He's doing. My daughter, Molly, miscarried this past week. I'm not going to go into details, but I want you to know both my daughter and my son-in-law, Pete, are strong believers in the Lord and know He is in control of EVERYTHING. He doesn't cause bad to happen but He allows things even when we don't understand. And the Word says praise God in everything, so that's what we are all doing, and at the same time believing God will bless them with a child at the right time.
Well guys, now that the wedding is over, the house is sold, we are moved in, and almost all the boxes have been emptied (almost I said), our hectic schedule has slowed down. Usually every morning over coffee I've gotten to enjoy the geese (I found out they weren't ducks, sorry), but day before yesterday they quit dropping in as quick as they started coming by. Now Tutu ... do you remember him? He is the big brown bird that we have no idea what kind he is but comes every morning to feed himself on the fish in our neighborhood lake and always stands out on the pier across the waters. Well he's a smart old thing. When those geese hung around he either came before they showed up, or slipped in after they had gone. Our big brown friend still comes every day and I enjoy watching him.
In fact, I want to share a short story on how smart Kali, our cat, is. Usually when the geese or Tutu or something else is going out on the water I'll tap on the long window that overlooks the lake and tell Kali to come see. Which she does. She'll stand at my feet and peer out the window. Yesterday, however, I was sitting on the couch reading the Word and Kali started meowing. When she got my attention she stood up on her hind legs and started running her paws, right, then left, then right, real fast on the glass, She has no front claws so I believe it was her way of tapping on the window for me to look out. So I got up and walked over, Sure enough, she was saying, "Look mamma, Tutu is here." When I looked out she dropped to all 4 and looked up at me. So I praised her on being so smart and letting me know, and we stood and watched him together. It was so cute.
This week I've been working hard on Testimony of Innocence. Once I finish making the corrections and tightening up what needs to be tightened, I'll send it back to my critique partners and they'll read through again for final proofing...and then it goes to my Editor. Ramona said they (at OakTara) are still looking forward to the 2nd book in the Samantha Cain series. I had hoped to get it to them by the end of November, but it looks more like the end of December. I think she already knew that when we spoke. This is still fairly new to me. My fifth book, and second with OakTara. Thank you, Lord.
Later today, my husband and I are going shopping for the rest of our Christmas presents...we hope. It's been fun this year. Some of you may recall where we were at this time last year. Last year we didn't shop for gifts to give, which is what Christmas is all about. In celebration of the season we give to others, because God gave us the best and biggest gift of all--His Son, Jesus Christ. We celebrate Christmas to celebrate His birth, our Savior. Anyway, as I was saying this time last year we were praising God for His healing power. Scott, my husband, had a collapsed lung and through that the doctors found he had lung cancer. Well not only did Scott turn his life over to the Lord, God also healed his cancer. Even though we didn't go shopping we celebrated. And this year God has continued to bless us and He's allowing us to bless others in the shopping. Talk about swell our hearts.
One thing that did happen last week, I got a new desk for my office. In the computer it was beautiful and I expected it to come as in the picture...but it didn't. The deliveryman rang the bell and when I opened it, he had a huge box, heavy box. Talk about disappointed. Then I remembered my oldest daughter, Rachael, had bought herself a desk this past year and she had to put it together herself. In my mind I said, If Rachael can do it, so can I. Laugh, laugh, laugh. Thank God, truly, thank God, I didn't have to. My wonderful son-in-law, Pete, volunteered...or did Molly volunteer him? Either way, he did it with such a joy and a concentration. When he opened the box and saw all the pieces, not to mention the wood, heavy dark cherry wood pieces, it gave him pause. But people, let me tell you, he tackled it head on and it came out beautiful--just like the picture in the computer. And it's heavy. It's in the corner and it's there to stay. I love it. And I am so grateful to Pete.
Actually we're grateful to him in more than one way. He put up all our window coverings. This house with windows everywhere is now covered upstairs and down thanks to our lovely son-in-law. Thank you, Pete. We love you, and not for all the things you've done for us. We loved you before that. You are the best.
I need to give you all an update on my weight loss. As of now 26 pounds are gone. I don't want to say 26 pounds are lost, because I don't want to ever find them again. Trying to stick to that 1200 calories has helped it weekly to keep going in the downward spiral. Ask anyone who knows me, I've never stuck to a diet longer than 3 weeks, but the good thing is this is no diet. I eat whatever I want...including Hershey Kisses. I just have to count those calories. 9 of them equal 200 calories; so needless to say, I don't eat them like I used to. I even have peanut butter cups in a candy dish on my kitchen table, but so far I haven't dipped into those and believe it or not, I haven't even thought about them. I also picked up the new peppermint Hershey kisses my daughter-in-law, Rosie, told us about.
We had Rosie and Chris over to dinner the other night. Chris is getting over a horrible cold. (And because he had the cold and Scott had whatever that was he had since Thanksgiving, we put off the dinner until he was better.) Anyway, at the dinner table Rosie mentioned the peppermint kisses and we ended up talking about all the great things Hershey comes out with every year for the various occasions throughout. It's amazing--but it's ALL GOOD. Ask me. I'm a chocolate freak. I love chocolate.
Today, my new Mary Kay lady, (Ellen), (I found through her buying my books over the past 4 years), is bringing me an order. I was an avid Mary Kay user when a friend, Carol, used to sell it. I fell in love with their products. I know I used their products for probably twenty years. She sold it on the side, but a few years ago when her husband got so sick and took up all her extra time to care for him, she quit selling it. I went two years without and tried many things. Finally I was okay with that stuff they sold on TV, sheer cover I think it was called. It was really good. Closest thing I found to making me look lovely and not letting me sweat it off Anyway, I'm back to MK and very happy.
Well I've talked or should I say rambled on and on, so let me wind it up here by saying, please stay tuned every week and tell your friends to join in. They might find it interesting...the life of an almost 60 year old who was blessed to retire after 30 years of working at a trucking company and is now a full time wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, house caregiver, and author of inspirational fiction. What a blessed life I have, I really do. I'm not bragging, but I am grateful and happy to be so blessed.
Have a merry few weeks before Christmas and keep in your minds and heart the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Be careful, stay safe, and bless those who God puts in your path.
Writing tip of the week:
A one-sheet on your manuscript helps you in so many ways. What is a one-sheet you ask? It's a concisely written page on your newest manuscript, a page only about your story not about you the author. This one-page is used to pitch your manuscript to an editor or agent at a conference, face-to-face. A great tool to have. Helps keep your nerves calm while you're speaking to someone who could change your future as an author.
BUT it can also be used as a flyer to pass out once your book is published. When you go to book signings for that book, you can pass it to those who decide not to purchase it at that moment. Give it to them and it may entice them back the same day or at least have them look it up later and order it. Maybe financially it wasn't a good time to buy themself a book. Or when you are signing your newest book and you have another older one that's still available, or another one about to come out, or coming out next year, the one-sheet could be used to advertise or tell the public about it. Pass it out at the signing. We love free things and that one sheet is free. You can talk on one book, or if you have a few you can make a one-sheet of one-paragraphs on each of your books available. Use this to draw them in to your writing style.
If you'll take time to make a one-sheet for your manuscript it will make you pull your thoughts together before talking about your book with an editor or agent, as well as give you more confidence when you are talking about your MS to others.
Again you can find tips on one-sheets in books at the library. Keep writing and keep enjoying it.
TALK TO YOU NEXT WEEK.
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