A New Season in My Life?

My life has gotten weird here lately. And a little out of control. I’ve taken a job. God opened the door and I walked right through it without a doubt, without a second thought. That doesn't sound like me, does it? :) Is it possible for a 60 year-old woman to find her dream job? I’m writing for the Times of Southwest Louisiana. You can go HERE and thumb through the issue. Look at page 3 to view the masthead and actually see ASSISTANT EDITOR over my name. Funny how these little things matter. Okay, now trot on over to page 5 and read the bios of the entire staff--including my daughter. Yep, we’re all ‘green’ when it comes to getting out a magazine, but we did it--our first issue. We strutted our stuff for about 15 minutes and then we had to get to work on the next issue.

I have a friend who constantly complains that he’s rejected because he’s old. The thought of being too old for anything scares me to death. Do we ever get too old to accomplish our dreams and goals? I hope not.

I love having a writing job. That vain side of me enjoys seeing my name in the masthead and on articles. I love being a part of something that seems important, meeting new people, being a member of the Press, working toward a deadline. I love the instant gratification that comes from magazine and newspaper writing--something book writing doesn't offer me. So far, I haven’t missed fiction. I don’t know if I will. I already feel completely out of touch with my fiction-writing friends. I don’t stay online as much as I did. I email and that’s about it. I’m not searching markets and reading blogs. I've always heard there are different seasons in our life, so maybe this is my new season. I’m not sure how I feel about it, but I can’t say it isn’t interesting. I hope you stay tuned. I want you with me as I see where this so-called 'new season’ leads me.

Have a Blessed Easter. And good writing--no matter what you write!

CFBA PRESENTS CHASING CHARITY by Marcia Gruver

Marcia Gruver is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is beautiful, lyrical; she knows how to turn a phrase and paint a picture. Chasing Charity is the second book in the Texas Fortunes trilogy. These are characters you will love.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Chasing Charity

Barbour Publishing (April 2009)by Marcia Gruver

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marcia Gruver is a full time writer who hails from Southeast Texas. Inordinately enamored by the past, Marcia delights in writing historical fiction. Her deep south-central roots lend a Southern-comfortable style and a touch of humor to her writing.

Awarded a three book contract by Barbour Publishing for full-length historical fiction, Marcia is busy these days pounding on the keyboard and watching the deadline clock. Diamond Duo, the first installment in the trilogy entitled Texas Fortunes, is scheduled for release in October 2008.

Marcia won third place in the 2007 ACFW Genesis contest and third in the 2004 ACFW Noble Theme contest. Another entry in 2004 finished in the top ten. She placed second in the 2002 Colorado Christian Writer’s contest for new authors, securing a spot in an upcoming compilation book. “I Will Never Leave Thee,” in For Better, For Worse—Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples, was released by Christian Publications in January 2004.

She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Fellowship of Christian Writers, and The Writers View—and a longstanding member of ACFW Crit3 and Seared Hearts, her brilliant and insightful critique groups.

Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband, Lee, have one daughter and four sons. Collectively, this motley crew has graced them with ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter—so far.


ABOUT THE BOOK


When, in full view of family and friends, Charity Bloom's fiance leaves her stranded at the altar and takes off with her best friend, Charity is humiliated. How will this raven-haired beauty ever recover from losing both her betrothed and best friend on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life?

When tall, handsome roughneck Buddy Pierce finds oil on Charity's mama's land, he hopes to free the Blooms from their poverty-stricken state. But will Buddy find the real treasure lies above ground-in Charity herself?

Ruing the day he left his fiancee for Emily Dane, Daniel Clark is determined to recapture Charity's affection. But can he remove the three things that stand in his way-a manipulative mama, a spurned lover, and the stranger at his ex-fiancee's side?

When Daniel re-stakes his claim on Charity's heart, tongues wag and minds speculate amid schemes and scandals in Humble, Texas. Whom will she choose-the handsome roughneck or the deceitful rouge?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing Charity, go HERE

CFBA Presents My Son, John by Kathi Macias

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

My Son, John (Sheaf House Publishers April 2009) by Kathi Macias


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. She has also ghostwritten and collaborated on books for a number of well-known individuals. She is a staff member for The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and a member of The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Authors Network, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Fellowship International, Advanced Writers/Speakers Association, for who she serves as membership chair, and orange County Christian Writers Fellowship. She is the 2008 winner of AWSA’s Golden Scroll Award.

A Former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Macias is a credentialed minister and served as an associate pastor at a large church in Southern California, where she did biblical counseling, trained small group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. She is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and has appeared on several radio and TV programs.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Murder.

Could there be a more chilling word?

Could it be any more horrible than to have a loved one killed, brutally and heartlessly, without obvious reason or motive?

When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act.

And then a second blow-more devastating, if possible, than the first-rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother's murder. As what's left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons' longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Will family ties and relationships withstand such a crushing blow, or will evil succeed in dividing and conquering this once close and inseparable family?

Watch the chilling trailer!!



If you would like to read the first chapter of My Son, John, go HERE

The Right Man for the Job--Randy Roach

The RIGHT man won!

The future is bright for every LC resident.

Praise God from whom all...ALL... blessings flow.

RE-ELECT RANDY ROACH!

Today is election day. It's a scary day for many of us here in Lake Charles, so prayers are going up for our mayor, Randy Roach.

Randy is the best mayor any city can have. He's a trustworthy man who deeply cares about Lake Charles and every individual in our city. He cares about doing right. Randy thinks about what's best for us when he makes decisions that will affect us ... he remembers our children and our grandchildren. Randy plans for future generations.

Randy Roach is a TRUE hero in the very best sense of the word. I know most of my 'followers' don't live in LC but I'll ask each of you to say a prayer right this second, that Randy Roach is re-elected. Thanks! ~jess

Clutter-Free Christianity by Dr. Robert Jeffress

Summary


When did the Christian life become so complicated?
Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.
It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.
Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.
Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity. Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.

Author Bio:

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.

CFBA presents...The Real Enemy by Kathy Herman

I haven't been around in awhile. My computer is on the blink. In fact, I'm at the library using their very slow computer. Thank God for libraries, heh? And thank God for wonderful writers like Kathy Herman. I hope you'll put this book on your TBR list.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Real Enemy
David C. Cook (March 2009)byKathy Herman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources.

She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market.

Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she's added thirteen more titles to her credit, including another bestseller, All Things Hidden.

Kathy's husband Paul is her best friend and most ardent supporter and manages the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five adorable grandkids, a cat named Samantha—and an ongoing fascination with hummingbirds. They also enjoy world travel, deep sea fishing, stargazing, and bird watching and sometimes incorporate all these hobbies into one big adventure.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Brill Jessup just became the first female police chief in Sophie Trace, Tennessee, and is riding on the credentials of a stellar eighteen-year career on the Memphis police force. She may be a pro at finding clues, but she tends to ignore the obvious in her personal life. And she would rather work than deal with the bitterness she feels about her husband Kurt's infidelity. Kurt, is weighed down by her unrelenting anger as he struggles to let God redeem the stupidest mistake he ever made. He is genuinely contrite and making every effort to show his commitment to Brill. But she hides behind her badge and her bitterness, deciding that moving her family away from Memphis is the only change she needs to make. So why can't Brill get over this anger?

Before she ever has time to unpack her boxes, people start disappearing. Lots of them. Seven people in seven days To complicate matters, a local legend has many residents believing that the cause is unearthly─tied to the “red shadows,” or spirits of the departed Cherokee who once inhabited the land.

While Brill draws on all of her experience and instinct to solve the case, she must confront an enemy that threatens everything she holds dear─one that cannot be stopped with a badge and a gun. She is forced to confront the real enemy.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Real Enemy, go HERE