And the winner of Polar Bear Plunge is...

On Tuesday, I got to interview the lovely, funny, and dear Linda Glaz about her debut novel, Polar Bear Plunge. Anyone who commented (and didn't already own the book!) was entered in a drawing. And just now, with the help of random.org, I chose a name to win a free e-copy of Polar Bear Plunge. And the winner is:


SUNNY!

  Congrats, Sunny! Watch your email. :)

And if you didn't win - don't despair. You can pick it up for a dollar or less here or here. A great read - truly!

Traveling Rough Roads With God's Strength

Seeing Fall - and Giveaway winner!

I love the fall. And have since the very first time I "saw" it (REAL fall - changing leaves, etc. Not Southern California fall LOL). I share a bit about my first experience with a colorful autumn over at the Barn Door today. Hope you'll check it out!

But that's not what you're here for, is it? You wanna know who won the Starbucks card, right? Well, first, don't forget to check out Lisa's book, Her Safari - pick up a copy here. And check out my post here if you haven't already.

AND - tomorrow the blog tour continues at my very, VERY dear friend Cat's blog: http://catrinabradley.blogspot.com/. I do believe she's having a gift card giveaway as well.

Okay, enough of the delay. I used the random number generator to choose one commenter for the prize. And the winner is...

WANDA!!

Congratulations, my friend. We'll be getting that out to you quick.


Riding God's Grace Over Rough Roads

If You Start Something... (with a giveaway)

you should finish it. That's what they say, anyhow. 

And, in a surprising twist, my dear friend Lisa Mikitarian, for perhaps one of the first times in her life, did. And it was good.


What is it, you ask? Her Safari: Snapshots Along The Way - a wonderful book about a variety of women we can all relate to. This collection of short stories will make you laugh, cry, and nod. Lisa Mikitarian is a wonderful writer, and each story draws you in and keeps you intrigued. (Click on the link to buy it. Go ahead. I'll wait)

But I digress (LOL sort of - as this post is actually SUPPOSED to be about the book - just play along, okay?).


As I was saying, Lisa, bless her heart, is not one to finish projects. She's a great starter - but getting to the end often eludes her. She sets goals, but she doesn't meet them. She makes plans, but they don't come to fruition.

For example, Ms. Mikitarian LOVES knitting. She's made several parts of socks, sweater arms, and perhaps even half a scarf or two. But a completed piece, ready for use? HIGHLY unlikely. (and note how MANY unfinished socks are in the picture here. ;) )

She decided that, for a year, she'd decorate her husband's car with messages. It lasted eight months. The list goes on. And then, of course, there's her...um...er...daily hygiene. I hope she eventually finishes THIS project :D. (The right side of your hair looks LOVELY, my dear)

And so, to celebrate the one project Lisa Mikitarian DID finish, I'd like to encourage you to pick up this book - for yourself, first of all, and of course as a Christmas gift for a woman (or two) in your life. Click here to order this wonderful book (and if you click on HGIM when you order, part of the proceeds will go to Heart of God International Ministries - what a bonus!

Leave a comment on this blog post, and you're automatically entered to win a $5 Starbucks gift card. Winner will be announced here, on THIS blog, on Sunday, October 9.

But before I go, I decided to ask Lisa a few questions - to maybe get to the bottom of this "not finish what you start thing."

 Hmmm…Joanne--this feels like a trick question! There are little pieces of me sprinkled here and there in many of the stories. I’ve never been on Percocet--am terrified of the prospect--because most likely I would behave like Ms. Scott. I did sneak a dog home that wasn’t a Dachshund, and I did go alone to Greece when I was 19 when my girlfriend ditched me, and where a senior citizen tour group saved me from my own stupidity. From time to time, I’m a melancholy martyr, an eagle-eye mom, and a smart wife who could whip up a smorgasbord if I needed to--well, half a smorgasbord, anyway.

Which MC would finish a project she starts (and is therefore completely unlike me)? Either Colleen from “Lord, Not another Shop Vac Christmas”--I fantasized what it would be like to be a completely self-sufficient homemaker for that one--or Catherine from “Heartburn at Mike’s Bar and Grill”--she’s so uptight, she scares me.

Click here to order a copy of this wonderful book, for you AND every woman on your Christmas list. And don't forget to comment on this post to be entered for a $5 Starbucks gift card.

Riding God's Grace Over Rough Roads

Old, New Noises (find the spiritual lesson?)

In the past week or so, my house has been making strange sounds. Actually, to be more precise, I've been HEARING them for the past week or so. I'd guess they've always been there, but I didn't realize it.

We haven't lived in our current house too terribly long--just eight months. But one would probably think that if my house made odd noises, I would have noticed before now. But I didn't. And there's actually a logical explanation for it.

You see, up until a week ago last Saturday, we had a cat. Her name was Squeak (because that was the only sound she made), and she had free range of the house. She climbed  and perched in likely every corner of this house, making all kinds of "exploring noises" as she went - patters, crunches (of paper and other things she might have been stepping on), rubs, and creaks.

Well, last Saturday, we took Squeak to the vet because she just wasn't herself. In fact, it ended up she was so sick we had to put her down. None of us were very happy about this (Marc and I got her as a kitten just a couple years into our marriage, so we've had her almost as long as we've had each other), but we've adjusted.

But for the past week, I've heard noises coming from various parts of the house. My first thought is always, "Oh, Squeak is wandering around," but it can't be her. I'll be sitting alone in my chair--the kids at school, my husband napping--and I hear it. No possibility it could be anybody else.

So, I'm convinced these noises have been happening since we moved in--I just didn't notice them because I assumed they were Squeak. The noises were there--I just had a logical rationale for what was causing them.

And now it's confession time: I KNOW there must be a very cool spiritual principle in here somewhere, but today, it's not coming to me. So that's where you come in. What's YOUR takeaway from my little story here? There may just be a bit of a surprise for someone who comments with the best "moral of the story." (You have until Friday, by the way)


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

We Have A Winner (and not just in my giveaway)

Thanks so much, folks, for all the support and encouragement about the FaithWriters' conference and pitching and all that fun stuff. My update is below. But FIRST,

It's time to take care of some business.

I had 21 entries :D - and by running it through the random number generator, the winner of my birthday book giveaway of Delivered by Peculiar People (LOL including this peculiar person), signed by six of the contributors (FYI - me, Joanney Miller, Lisa Mikitarian, Amy Michelle Wiley, Dub Wright, and Jan Ross) is...

LYNDA SCHAB (who was AT the conference - and whose giveaway I won last week. But this is not a reciprocal thing. Truly. I used the random number generator. AND, by the way, Lynda is ALWAYS winning things. A-L-W-A-Y-S!!)

So, Lynda, send me your address and I'll mail it out to ya this week (or if I'm really ambitious, drop it by your house)

ANYWAY - the conference. If I hadn't started with the giveaway, I would say that I don't know where to start. The people were AMAZING. The sessions, without exception, were annointed and helpful and funny and  wonderful. I learned so much in EVERY one. I can't even pick a favorite. From trends in publishing to blogging to characterization to agent tips to the proper attitude toward rejection (okay - MAYBE that was the one I got the most out of. MAYBE), I came out of the conference so much more prepared to continue my writing for God's glory than I was when I walked in.


I LOVED working the book table - and WE WEREN'T SHORT MONEY THIS YEAR! (can I get an AMEN, Peej and Scott?) The fudge, the truffles, and the food in general was exceptional. And then, of course, the games after hours. More fun than I've had in a long time (maybe about this time last year??). Where else can you start out with "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and end up with "Squid Love" (you had to be there, I'm guessing)? And let me tell you - there is no better way to find out how crazy and creative your friends are than to play a game of Things with them.


AND, I pitched - and she wants my book proposal! Sending it off THIS week. Exciting stuff (and I may just have picked up a bit of a proofreading for pay job while there too).


I may blog more about it once I've had a chance to let it all meld in my mind. But it was an incredible blessing. Can't wait for the next one!

 
Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Signed SIX times (off to the FaithWriters' Conference!)

By the time you read this, I will be on my way to the FaithWriters' Conference in Livonia, Michigan. This is the third time they've had one here in the US - and the third time I've gone. This time, I'm taking a bus so I can have some "alone time" (I know that sounds crazy, but even  if there is noise it won't be MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE IT GET QUIETER!). It's about a 3 1/2 hour ride, so not too bad at all.

Most of you know I'm pitching my nonfiction manuscript, Ailing Body, Nourished Soul to an editorial assistant of Literary Agent Terry Burns. Yeah - I'm nervous, but it's all in God's hands, right?

Another thing I'll be doing is "collecting signatures." You probably know I have a book giveaway going on at my blog right now (if you haven't entered yet - CLICK here - deadline is Sunday!). The book is a group novel called Delivered, by Peculiar People books. I am one of 25 authors who contributed to this fascinating book - and at least half a dozen of the authors will be at the FaithWriters' conference! SO, not only am I gonna get them to sign MY copy of the book - but I'll have them sign the one I'm giving away too.

So - have you entered the giveaway yet? Don't forget to go to my birthday blog post and enter (and if you reply to THIS post, that'll be another entry).

See ya after the conference!! (SOOOOO excited!!)

 
Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Thirst: Word-Filled Wednesday

Only FOUR DAYS until my birthday giveaway ends. Have you entered? You'll get a chance to have a signed (by as many as six of the 25 authors!) copy of the group novel Delivered. Click here to enter, and here for more information about Delivered itself.

Welcome to Word-Filled Wednesday, hosted at The Internet Cafe. Be sure to click above for more visual inspiration from scripture.

It's been hot here, and I've been drinking more liquids than usual. If only I would remember to do the same with His living water... :)

 

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9

 Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit The Internet Cafe for more


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

"It's My Party, And..." (also a giveaway)

Wasn't sure what to write for today's post.

I went back and looked at my last two posts from this date - and I was actually pretty impressed with them. On August 3, 2008, I wrote about how we should look at Sundays. On August 3, 2009, it was Monday Manna, and I wrote on Philippians 4:9 - and how we should ALL be imitating Christ so well that we could say, as Paul did, that we should imitate him.

But somehow, for some reason, I don't feel like I have any specific words of wisdom for you on August 3, 2010. So, I guess, I'll just share words.

Yeah - if you haven't guessed - it's my birthday today. I'm now a whopping 43 years old. I'm not shy to share my age - never really have been (though I've tried to convince people I was older on occasion - not recently, trust me!). And, in all honesty, I LOVE birthdays. I'm still a little kid that way. LOVE to get cards. LOVE to get phone calls and emails and tweets and FB notes from folks. Presents are nice too - and special meals. And I love to make a big deal about others' birthdays too. To me, it's just plain fun.

But HEY - I just thought of something! Sure, it's MY birthday - but maybe what I should do is give YOU GUYS a present! (some people call it a giveaway - but cuz it's on my birthday, it's a present. Got it?)

And what will it be, you ask? How about...a copy of a book that several of my writing friends and I have a story in? With some of those very stories signed? How does that sound?

An immigrant and her young daughter, struggling to reach their dream…a special needs child, searching for hope…a newly released ex-con, seeking forgiveness. They have one thing in common—they’re about to be touched by God in a way they never imagined.

All through a simple postcard.

Brought up in a strict Muslim home in London, Sulafa has recently experienced the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Now, despite fear of discovery and its consequences, she knows she has to spread the good news. In an act of bravery, she sends out postcards with a single message: Let me pray for you. Her simple postcard request impacts lives and brings hope in the midst of hopelessness. Check out http://peculiarpeoplebooks.com/postcard-project.htm for more info.

This contest will run from today, MY birthday, through Sunday, August 15 - MY HUSBAND'S birthday (yes, I am exactly 12 days older than he is - and do I EVER hear about it! LOL). I'll announce a winner on August 16. I will, by the way, be picking up my copy from the FaithWriters' Writing Conference in Livonia Michigan (still not too late to sign up) August 13 and 14. And some of the writers of the book will be there - and as many as I can find will sign it for you. :) I can pretty much guarantee two - probably more.

To enter, all you have to do is comment on this post, and leave me your email address if I can't get a hold of you through your profile (LOL or if I don't already HAVE your email address!). May come up with other ways to win, but this is it for now :D

OK - now I am feeling better about this post. It may not be profound, but I get to give out a PRESENT--on my OWN birthday! :D


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Winners!

35k in 28 days

16236 / 35000 words. 46% done!

Today is the day! On February1 17, 1999, I first accepted Christ as my Savior. And I've been celebrating for a week now, with a giveaway. And...today...I am announcing the winners!

If you recall, I have THREE books to give away - and I am a contributing author in each of them. Thank you to everyone who entered - I enjoyed hearing your salvation testimonies, AND your favorite verses.

And now...




The winner of is
Barbara! (send me your snail mail, Barbara, and I will get the book off to you in the mail right away)




The winner of is

PATTY! (just watch your mail, girl. I KNOW where you live! hehe)

And last, but CERTAINLY not least




the winner of is 

KAYLEE! Again - send me your mailing address so I can get the book out to you.

Again - thank you for participating in my giveaway, and blessings to you on my rebirthday!



Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Almost My Eleventh "Rebirthday" - a Giveaway Celebration!

35K in 28 days

9914 / 35000 words. 28% done!

Time flies!

On February 17, 1999, I was reading through the book of Isaiah, and finally realized that Jesus was THE Suffering Servant. It was on that day that I humbled my heart and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior--to save me from my sins. Raised in the Jewish faith, I finally realized that the Messiah HAD come.

What better reason to celebrate? Firstly, if you would like to read a bit longer version of my salvation testimony, along with some of the changes that have happened in my life since that day, check out my salvation anniversary post from last year.

But you're here for the giveaway, right? Well, it's a pretty big one--at least as far as MY giveaways have been. I will be giving away three - yes, I said THREE - different books. I truly love each of them (and NOT just because I am a contributing author to each one!).

And now, without further ado: the PRIZES!

Delivered, a Peculiar People Collaboration is the book that has most recently come out. I just gave away a copy of this one last month. If you want more information about it you can click here or here.






Women of Passions; Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God is a collection of women's testimonies of God's power, put out by Heart of God International. This book includes an expanded version of my salvation testimony, along with dozens of other incredible stories by amazing women of God. For more information on this book, click here.







Hidden in the Hymns, is a Faithwriters' Writing Challenge anthology. Those of you who know even a little about me likely realize that I am a FaithWriters' junkie (and promotion hound LOL). This book has 100 stories selected as the best of this particular quarter of the Writing Challenge. It happens to include my very first Editor's Choice, a silly little piece I called "If Corn Had Ears." (The other stuff in here is even BETTER, by the way. MUCH so!

SSO those are the prizes. How do you win, you ask?? Well, since this celebrates my spiritual birthday, I figure the contest should be spiritual in some way, yes? So here are the rules:

To enter, you need to leave a comment on this post with either a BRIEF summary of your salvation testimony, or a favorite verse. If you wish to do both, that is fine. (one entry for each - up to two per person)

 Also, if you own one of these books already, or have a certain one you would RATHER have than the others, include that in your post as well. I can't make any promises, but I'll do the best I can.

You have until TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 at midnight to enter. I will announce the winners on my actual rebirthday - February 17.

Thanks for playing along. I look forward to checking out your verses, and hearing how you came to Christ!

Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

"Delivered" will be delivered to...

Thanks to EVERYONE who participated in my giveaway of Delivered, a Peculiar People Collaboration. It was a pleasure to pray for you on Tuesday and following, and an honor for you to read an excerpt yesterday.
I put each name on a piece of paper and placed them in a bag. My amazing, energetic son shook all the names up, and my beautiful, sweet daughter reached in and picked out a name.

I put each name on a piece of paper and placed them in a bag. My amazing, energetic son shook all the names up, and my beautiful, sweet daughter reached in and picked out a name.

And the winner is:

RUTH
 Send me your snail mail address, Ruth, and I'll get the book out to you (and I'm DEFINITELY praying about your job interview!).

And for the rest of you? It really IS a wonderful book. Click on the book cover at the top to be magically transported to a place where you can order your OWN copy. (or keep watching my blog - I'll be doing ANOTHER  giveaway of this book - as well as a couple others - in the middle of next month!


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

"Delivered" excerpt (and giveaway!): Friday Fiction

I'm in the middle of (or, more accurately, at the tail end of) a giveaway of a novel collaboration I'm a contributor to. Delivered, a Peculiar People Collaboration, was released earlier this month, and it is a wonderful book on the power of prayer, and the power of Christ in the life of a new believer. Click here to order a copy!

The giveaway ends Saturday at 6am - and you can enter TWICE. First, you can comment on my blog post from Tuesday with a prayer request (that's one entry). Second, you can leave a comment on THIS post (that's another entry!). I'll announce the winner on my blog some time tomorrow.


Anyhow, being as it's Fiction Friday, I'm posting an excerpt from MY chapter in this wonderful book. Hoping it piques your curiosity--it really is an amazing read. Oh - and stop by Lynn Squire's blog for MORE great fiction.

A Child Will Lead Them

(from Delivered)

by

Joanne Sher

Engrossed in paperwork, Phillip Hansen almost missed the tinkle of the bell on his shop door. He looked up and forced a smile, a speck of irritation in his eyes.

“Can I help you, ma’am?”

“No thanks.” The well-dressed blonde flipped her hair from her eyes. “Just browsing.”

Phillip snickered under his breath. He couldn’t remember if he’d ever had a woman “browse” his hardware store before. Men, sure – but women always had questions or at least a particular item in mind.

He watched his customer with interest. She appeared to be heading toward lighting, in the back. Her steps were firm and her stride assured. As she walked out of his line of sight, Phillip briefly pondered restocking light bulbs, but decided against it. Instead, he returned to his bookkeeping.

“Hi, Mrs. Williams.”

Phillip’s ears perked up as he heard his son’s voice from the rear corner of the store. “Whatcha doing here?”

“Hello, PJ.” It dawned on Phillip why the woman’s face had been vaguely familiar. “Actually, I’m looking for you.”

Phillip put his pencil behind his ear, closed up his ledger and sauntered toward the back. He found PJ sitting at his desk in the rear corner, Mrs. Williams standing beside him.

“For me?” PJ smiled.

Mrs. Williams nodded and returned the grin. “Oh, and I also need to pick up some cork board, a box of nails, and maybe a couple other things for my classroom.”

“Hello there.” Phillip extended his hand toward the woman. “I’m PJ’s dad, Phillip Hansen.”

Mrs. Williams shook his hand firmly. “I remember you from Back-To-School Night. I’m Marion Williams.”

Phillip looked at her quizzically. “Don’t know many teachers who make house calls. Is there a problem with PJ?”

Her smile was wide. “Oh, not at all.” She patted the boy on the head. “PJ is a wonderful student: one of the friendliest, and hardest workers I’ve had since I started teaching third grade a couple years ago.”

PJ blushed.

“Anyhow, I had to pick up a few things for my room, and I remembered PJ mentioning he spent Saturdays in the hardware store with his dad.” She winked. “Just figured I’d kill two birds with one stone.”

Giggling, the boy looked up at his teacher. “That’s a good one, Mrs. Williams.”

Phillip scrunched his face in confusion.

“We’re learning about idioms in school,” PJ commented.

Phillip smiled and nodded, unwilling to admit he had no idea what an idiom was.

“So, PJ, I wanted to talk to you about your postcard idea.” Mrs. Williams pursed her lips. “I’m afraid it’s against school policy.”

Phillip raised his eyebrows. “Now, what kind of illegal idea did my son come up with?”

Mrs. Williams smiled. “Oh, it’s nothing like that.” She tapped PJ on the head and looked at Phillip. “It’s only that assigning kids to write a prayer request is frowned upon by the separation of church and state folks.”

Oh. THOSE postcards. PJ had mentioned the cards. The boy had found some when he was unpacking some boxes for his father last week. Phillip had told him to just toss them in the trash; that prayer wouldn’t do a bit of good, and that he wasn’t going to waste the cost of postage to England on some scheme that wouldn’t do anything but get their hopes up. Besides, since his wife Jordan had died, Phillip had sworn off God, and he wasn’t ready to forgive Him for ripping the most important, precious thing he had away from him for good.

***

Want to hear more? Buy the book! ;) (or win it - remember you can enter on this  post, and this one.)

Oh - and stop by Lynn's blog for more great fiction!


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Hindrances: Word-Filled Wednesday

First of all, be sure to stop by yesterday's post for a chance to enter my book giveaway - AND get prayed for! You've got 'til Saturday morning early to enter!

Welcome to my contribution to Word-Filled Wednesday, hosted this week by the lovely Christy at Critty Joy. Be sure to stop by her blog for more visual inspiration from Scripture.

When I saw this picture, several verses went through my head, but somehow the one I chose really made me think. Lots to ponder.

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by Christy's blog for more



Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

"Let Me Pray For You" - A Giveaway!!

As I mentioned here about a week ago, a book to which I am a contributing author is now available for purchase. :)

Delivered is a special book, by a very special group of authors, most of whom are, or were at some time, regulars at FaithWriters. It is a collaboration of 25 different authors from all over the world, and I can honestly say that every chapter is a blessing.

The premise of the book, in a nutshell, is that a Muslim woman in England, recently converted to Christianity, reaches out to America by sending out postcards with a simple phrase on them: "let me pray for you." The story of this woman, and the folks who received the postcards, is quite an inspirational one. And believe me - there's a lot more to the story than this (but you don't want me to give it away, do you?).

You are more than welcome (and encouraged!) to purchase this book through the Peculiar People (the organization that put the project together) website. But, I'm ALSO doing a giveaway here of one of my copies (signed on my particular story, if you'd like).

This contest opens RIGHT NOW, and will close at 6am ET Saturday morning. All you have to do to enter is comment on this post WITH SOME SORT OF PRAYER REQUEST (Yanno? The whole "Let Me Pray For You" thing?).  If I don't have a way of contacting you, please leave me your email address. The winner will be posted some time on Saturday.

But WAIT - that's not all! You will actually have TWO chances to enter. On Friday, I will post a short excerpt from my chapter of Delivered on my blog, as part of the incredible and wonderful meme Friday Fiction.You can ALSO enter by leaving a comment on that post when it's up. SO - one prayer on this post, and one comment on Friday's post for your chance to receive a super book. Sound good?

(Oh - and, of course, I WILL lift up your requests to the Father. That's the bonus, right!

Don't forget to enter your request for a chance to win! Have a blessed day!


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

A new book by some Peculiar People (me included!)

Firstly, be sure to stop by Exemplify today. Not only does that amazing site have a WHOLE NEW LOOK, but I've got a post there, on the family channel, about what us moms can learn from a very well-know mother of the Bible. Be sure to check out my thoughts on Mary: A Mother to Model. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:13-14


I'm jazzed. Quite so, in fact. Why, you ask? Because I am now officially a Peculiar Person. (Oh - no jokes from the peanut gallery, please!)

My dear sweet and amazingly talented writer friend Amy Michelle Wiley founded an organization back in 2005 called Peculiar People - PeP for short. The goal of PeP is to bring together Christian writers so they can have fellowship while combining their skills to make a strong whole. The result? Group writing projects that are fun to write, clean,and a DELIGHT to read. The first book, Struggle Creek, was super creative and lots of fun to dive into. And now, the second PeP book is published, and I am PROUD to say I am a contributing author.

Here's a picture of the front, and the back cover blurb.

An immigrant and her young daughter, struggling to reach their dream…a special needs child, searching for hope…a girl, desperate to escape a drug gang…a newly released ex-con, seeking forgiveness. They have one thing in common—they’re about to be touched by God in a way they never imagined.

All through a simple postcard.

Brought up in a strict Muslim home in London, Sulafa has recently experienced the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Now, despite fear of discovery and its consequences, she knows she has to spread the good news. In an act of bravery, she sends out postcards with a single message: Let me pray for you. Her simple postcard request impacts lives and brings hope in the midst of hopelessness.

The second of many anticipated books from Peculiar People, Delivered is a collection of short stories that intertwine to deliver a single message. It is the work of twenty-five authors with one united voice, proclaiming the power of God to transform lives, and His ability to do the miraculous in the most ordinary of circumstances.

My copies of this book are on the way into my hot little hands - and I plan to give away at least a couple on my blog within the next month. BUT, you can also order it - right now - through the founder of PeP. Click here for more info, and info on how to place your order.(And, if you're interested in possibly being involved in the next PeP project, there is plenty of information on PeP at this same site)

(and by the way, I'm not the ONLY person you may know who contributed to this book. A few of the other authors are Helen Paynter, Julie Arduini, Laury Hubrich, Glenn Hascall, Jan Ross, Rita Garcia, and several others)

Watch for a giveaway once I have this book - I have read every page and it is TRULY a wonderful book.

Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Finally - the winners!!

Yes - this contest was tougher than I thought! I put up a picture I found in a store circular, and asked for the best caption for it. I was gonna pick my favorite - but I COULDN'T - so I let YOU guys choose among my four favorites (out of 19 entries).



And now, without further ado...the winner of the "interesting prize" is...GARY L. MINIX, with his incredibly funny caption: Honey!!!!! The kids have been playing with their Chia Pets too close to my Rogaine again!!!!!! Gary - send me your snail mail address and I'll get your Camo Compact (not this exact one - but I don't think you much care ROFL) out to you soon!

And for those who remember, I also promised a book with one of my stories in it to a random entrant. Using the randomizer, the winner of "Women of Passions: Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God" is HOOMI/Rick Higginson (oh - it's a GUY - if you want something else, Rick, lemme know LOL). You send me your snail mail, too, and I'll send you your book.

Thanks, EVERYONE, for participating - whether it was entering, voting, or just reading the post. Blessings to you!

Chug, chug, chug - An Ailing Body Nourished Soul progress/goal report

Firstly - don't forget to vote in my poll on my sidebar. You've got until Monday evening -->

And now for my book progress update and goals.



Yeah - I know I'm a few days late, but it's been CRAZY in my house (LOL like that's new!!). And besides, there really isn't anything monumental to say. I've been chugging along slowly for the past month making some decent progress. I'm still on my second read-through - but I'm awfully close to being finished with it (I just started chapter 30 out of 33). I'm figuring I have at least a couple more to go before I send it to Deb (which I'm planning to do before the end of NEXT month). Slow and steady wins the race!

Now, as far meeting my goals for September, I'll be honest and say I didn't do so hot. Here they are, fresh from my last progress/update post.

During the month of September, I'm planning to:

Work every day on my flow/repetition/names read-through of Ailing Body, Nourished Soul - at least 20 minutes each day.

I can think of at least two days - maybe more - when I didn't touch ABNS. And I'd say that 90% of the time I didn't spend 20 minutes on it. Something about that extra five minutes wasn't hitting me right. Fifteen minutes seems to be my comfort zone (though I certainly went over that amount a few times).

Sooo, in order to get me OUT of my comfort zone (but a bit more slowly) this is my goal for October.

• Finish my flow/repetition/names read-through of Ailing Body, Nourished Soul.
• Start a third read-through.
• Work on my read-through daily a minimum of 15 minutes a day, with a weekly minimum of 2 hours.

If I'm gonna meet that goal, I'll need to do an extra fifteen minutes of reading each week - which I'll try to translate into at least three 20-minute days. We'll see!

Thanks for reading - and for all your encouragement. You have helped me more than you can know!

Can't decide on winner - HELP!!

Well, my contest to put a caption on this picture was supposed to close last night, and I was supposed to announce my winner this morning. I have a problem, though.

I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND!

I've got the selections narrowed down to JUST A FEW (even though I laughed at just about every one!) - and now YOU get to help me decide. I've got a poll in the upper right corner of my sidebar. Vote for the one YOU think fits best. You have until Monday evening (for those of you who stay off the 'net on weekends).

Thanks!

Monday Manna for October 5 - plus giveaway reminder!

Just a reminder - I've still got my giveaway going on. All you need to do is write a creative caption for my very scary picture. There will be two winners - pop over to Tuesday's blog for all the details! You guys have definitely got me laughing so far! Deadline is Friday at midnight, with a winner announced Saturday.

And now to the REAL reason for this post!


The purpose of Monday Manna is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word.

On the first and third Mondays of each month, anyone who wants to participate can post their thoughts on a specific verse--posted here at my blog on the Thursday before, to allow you to chew on it over the weekend. It doesn't have to be long -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional. Just post it on your blog on Mondayish (early OR late is fine, by the way!), then come back here and link up in the MckLinky gadget that will be at the bottom of MY post at o'dark thirty that morning.


This particular word picture from scripture has captured me ever since I became a believer, likely because of my background. There is so much depth to it, and I feel the need to ponder and meditate on it even more lately. Hope you feel the same way.

The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. Deuteronomy 30:6

I truly hope you will participate. See you back here on Monday!