by April | Oct 19, 2013 | Doubt, Encouragement, Faith
Fun news! Some time back I was asked to write a real-life story about our kitty, Spookers, to be added into an compilation of short stories. Well, the book is out, and I have to say it’s a really great read. If you like kitties, you’ll love it. I wrote a story about our Jack, too, but it felt grim and made me cry every time, so I didn’t ask to add it. Our Jack-kitty died of leukemia–but I don’t regret the four years we had with him. The story about Spookers is called Lost In Translation in the compilation The Cat in the Window. I hope you’ll get a copy and let me know what you think!
Jack-kitty has been gone two years now, and Spookers still looks for him on occasion. Jack and Spookers had an unusual relationship. Jack was a kitten when we adopted him. He had Spookers bullied from the beginning. He’d leap out at him, especially in the dark garage where their litter box is kept. He’d harass him until Spookers lost his voice from hissing. At the same time, they were nap and grooming buddies. Jack would always let Spookers eat first, waiting patiently at the side until Spookers was done. If Jack was in my lap and Spookers came by, he’d jump down and Spookers would jump up–taking the spot of the head kitty. I never could figure it out. Even two years later, though, Spookers enters the garage expecting to be pounced on–in fact we recently installed a night light directly over his kitty box so he won’t have to worry. He’s completely convinced that Jack, or something, is out there–waiting.
I’m like that–needing a spotlight to shine the way in the darkness (especially on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night!). There’s nothing there waiting (except maybe the corner of my desk), but I can convince myself there is. Those fears can be paralyzing if I let them. What will happen if I can’t keep up with housework and marketing and writing? What will happen if I rest today instead of pushing myself to finish the laundry and that blog post that’s been nagging me for days? Will I miss an opportunity if I let down my guard? Will I let down God?
God created work for us to do (see the verse in Ephesians below), but he also created times of rest. Questions and doubts can plague me and steal my peace if I let them. Instead, I need to submit to the Lord and just keep putting that one foot in front of the other–or take that much needed nap before continuing on. I’m not a linchpin in the Lord’s plan–if I don’t get something done, someone else will do it, or it will wait. I love that He is so big that He can use me–or not–and still accomplish His mighty work. That sure takes the burden off my shoulders.
What troubles plague you today? Do you need to let Him cradle you and give you rest? Take courage–whatever you decide, if you are walking closely with the Lord, that will be the right decision.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (full text here)
Mathew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (full text here)
by April | Oct 1, 2013 | Abuse Recovery, Chronic Illness, Writing
Hi. You probably thought I forgot all about you. I know it’s been ages. I’m sorry. Let’s recap:
My novel launch went spectacular. Huge THANKS to Alexa Mason from Portland Rescue Mission and Sally Faddis from Door to Grace for coming and speaking about their ministry outreach programs for hurting women and children. It’s incredible what those two groups are doing to get women and children off the streets and love them for Christ.
We had a great turnout, ate lots of cookies, drank some wonderful coffee and tea and were safe and cozy away from the storm raging outside. I mean, what could be better than a good book and yummy treats? I know! If you were able to attend, thanks so much for being there sharing in a huge pinnacle moment for me. You made it extra special.
Well, then came the crash. My physical crash. It took a full week to really recover from the excitement and tension of the event–thanks chronic illness! And then the family got head colds. Now I have a head cold. You see the pattern? So, really, I didn’t forget you, I’ve just been bogged down.
Now you’re thinking, but what about the contest? Who won? Without further delay:
CONGRATULATIONS to Jessica G. for winning the autographed copy of Jasmine! WHOOP. (I actually let her know via FB right after the contest ended–but I feel it’s important to make a public announcement!). Thanks to everyone who shared about my novel launch and the paperback release. I couldn’t have done that without you! You were great!
Amazing and humbling reviews are coming in for Jasmine. If you’ll permit, I’m going to share a few here, and then I’ll let you go. Thanks again for all the support and love. You really are the best!
What readers are saying about Jasmine:
“Jasmine is an incredibly well-written tale – one of those stories that makes me feel as though I truly know the characters.”
“Authentic.”
“Couldn’t put it down.”
“A beautiful story of rescue and redemption.”
“Jasmine is a deep, poignant story which provides hope and help for any who’ve suffered from abuse.”
“Jasmine was a raw look at the life of a survivor.”
“A captivating read with passages that melt your heart with the pain of Jasmine’s past and the struggle to find normalcy when her life has suffered from the deviant behavior of others.”
Have you read Jasmine? I’d really appreciate a review at your favorite online retailer or Goodreads. Thanks for reading, thanks for sharing, and thanks for all your encouragement!
by April | Sep 15, 2013 | Abuse Recovery, Writing
Jasmine is officially released to paperback….TODAY! I’m super excited! Are you excited?? You can order your copy from your favorite online retailer below:
Amazon HERE
BooksAMillion HERE
Barnes & Noble HERE
AND
Please join me in person on September 22, 2013 for my book launch and signing party. I’ll also be selling books on site at that time. Part of the proceeds from my book sales will be donated to Portland Rescue Mission’s Shepherd’s Door and Door To Grace. Both ministries reach out to hurting homeless women and children. Two representatives from these wonderful ministries will be joining me and giving short talks.
Jasmine Novel Launch Party
September 22, 2013 From 3 p.m to 5 p.m
Newberg Christian Church
2315 Villa Rd
Newberg OR 97132 directions and map HERE
Will you help me spread the word that Jasmine is available in paperback? Please share, share, share on your Facebook, Twitter, G+, Blog, email, phone, text…um..word of mouth…tie little notes to your cat’s collar, carrier pigeon….um…oh, I know! Enter the contest below to win an autographed paperback copy of Jasmine. Make sure to leave me a comment on a creative/silly/wacky way YOU would promote my novel. You never know, I might just try it!
See you at my novel launch!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by April | Sep 7, 2013 | Encouragement, Writing
As I drove home in an information-overloaded stupor from a recent conference, I got to thinking about the advice my writing coach gave on going deeper into character and into the scene. She suggested listening to music from the time period you’re writing about, themed for romance, danger, introspection or whatever your scene is about. We should make a soundtrack for our novel. We should also cut out photos, put up quotes, have detailed information on what we think the character thinks, feels, sees, smells. She suggested writing about a time we experienced something similar to what the character had, just so we’d identify even more with where they were in the story.
Those thoughts tumbled around in my head a bit, and I remembered the Bible verse that tells us to put on the full armor of God. Really, there are any number of verses that tell us to be Christ-like. Here are a couple:
Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
1 John 2:5-6 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
It was a light bulb moment for me. How do I stay in character, so to speak, with Jesus? Not just in affectation, but deeply and permanently changed. In effect, are special soundtracks, a few biblical quotes around my house, and some scenic photos enough to make me like Christ? Or does it take more, something deeper? And how much more invested should I be to become more like Jesus?
I suggest I should do everything to be like Him. Christians are supposed to be a light in the darkness for others, a shining reflection of Jesus. I can’t be like Him if I don’t know Him—and I can’t know Him if I don’t spend time with Him.
I did something stupid a couple months ago. I was tired, exhausted from my medication and from being sick for weeks on end. Someone posted something online that I felt justified in answering. Note: if you feel justified in saying something, you probably should just keep on walking. I was wrong. I should have scrolled away. Instead, I allowed myself to be drawn into an argument that ended badly. But, it got me to thinking. If I’d been pulling on Christ daily, delving into the Word, staying in prayer, would I have had that knee-jerk reaction?
Putting on the full armor of God isn’t just about the spiritual and sometimes physical battle, it’s about the likeness, the character of Jesus. If I’m immersed in Him, the barbs that come my way will be less likely to find purchase in my life.
Ephesians 6:10-17. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
by April | Aug 24, 2013 | Encouragement, Expectations, Trust
In my last post, I wrote how excited I was to have my books with me at the writer’s conference. They were going to be on the tables for sale, and I would take part in the autograph party. Golden. It was going to be so very cool. I mean, can’t you just see it? I sure could.
Well, the best-laid plans…
Despite my publisher’s great effort (it was considerable!) and many, many prayers, my books didn’t show up on time. In fact, oh the irony, they arrived on my doorstep the very hour the conference ended. I know this, because my husband texted me when they showed up. Yep.
I was heartbroken. I mean—hadn’t I been planning this for a year? I had everything ready (pens, price stickers, bookmarks) and yet, no books. Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it just doesn’t pan out? There’s no golden moment, there isn’t even fool’s gold in your pan—just mud.
That’s where I was. Mud. Murky, depressed, bleh. Feeling pretty sorry for myself. I forged ahead and arrived emotionally exhausted at the conference. What was the point? I didn’t have my books! But, I prayed (and many friends prayed) that the Lord would make something out of this, that my attitude would change, and boy, did it ever.
During the conference, I got this message over and over, from just about every one of the speakers. Seriously. But, none said it quite as succinctly as Liz Curtis Higgs: God knows when the timing is just right for Him to get all the glory.
He can handle my book order. I mean, haven’t I trusted Him with harder issues than that? He is God. And if things didn’t work out according to my plans, it was because He had a different one. I’m not sure of all the lessons I learned, but here’s the biggest one: I had to have my plans tumbled just so I’d hear what I needed to (which also, was considerable) from all the speakers. I even got the courage to share about my novel with someone, and quite frankly, I wouldn’t have done so otherwise.
Do you ever feel like God’s out to thwart your plans? Have you taken time to consider His plans might be even better than the one you’ve imagined?
Isaiah 55: 8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Full text here).
Fun news! Some time back I was asked to write a real-life story about our kitty, Spookers, to be added into an compilation of short stories. Well, the book is out, and I have to say it’s a really great read. If you like kitties, you’ll love it. I wrote a story about our Jack, too, but it felt grim and made me cry every time, so I didn’t ask to add it. Our Jack-kitty died of leukemia–but I don’t regret the four years we had with him. The story about Spookers is called Lost In Translation in the compilation The Cat in the Window. I hope you’ll get a copy and let me know what you think!
