David L. Winters's Blog, page 2

When Your Team Wins

Last night, the Washington Nationals completed an unlikely run from wildcard team to World Series champions. Living in our nation's capital for 30 years, this made me one very happy fan. But it also caused me to think about the larger issue of winning and losing in life.All of us have ups and downs. Whether individually or as a family, some periods in our lives are harder than others. Life is difficult for everyone, even those who seem to have it all. So, how do we handle winning?Most of us find it easy to be gracious right after the win. Frankly, in the Nationals' case, the series would not have been half as good without such a strong effort by the Houston Astros. Not only were their pitchers great, but they scored a bunch of runs in the three games that Houston won. The Astros also displayed a lot of class. After they lost the first two games at home, they could have rolled over and lost two of the three games in Washington. But they put up a great fight even to the decisive 7th game.After the bright lights fade and the victory parade is completed, how do we handle victory then? Jesus gave us an amazing model for winning. Who accomplished more than He did by conquering death and coming back to life? What if His first order of business after the resurrection had been to appear to Pontius Pilate and said, "How do you like me now?" Or what if He sneaked up behind Herod and shouted, "Boo!" This seems silly, but what if he'd been an ungracious winner?Instead, Jesus first appeared to the women who loved Him dearly. He wanted to comfort them with the knowledge that He is risen indeed. He showed Himself to the very men that abandoned Him, couldn't pray with Him one hour, and ran away when He got hauled off to jail.Finally, He took time on a sandy beach to cook some fish for Simon Peter who denied Him three times. Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to make things right by affirming three times Peter's love for Jesus.So, what are we going to do? In life, we as Christians have already won. We don't need to worry about life's small skirmishes. Jesus beat sin and death. We ride His coattails to victory. Will we show the same graciousness to the people who have yet to find that victory? God talked to me about this issue this morning because I need to start showing the grace and mercy to others that has been extended to me. I hope you will pray for me to be a worthy member of Christ's team. I'm praying for you that God will also help you to keep improving in this area. May He strengthen all of us to love like He does every day.

Precious Blood

I woke up early today and headed over to Labcorp to have my quarterly blood work drawn. Although a routine part of life for a diabetic, my eyes grew wide when the screen popped up indicating the need for four vials of my blood. Not just small vials, but vials the size of a man's index finger.With my usual bravery and calm demeanor, I grimaced and looked away out the window. Although I tried to think of something funny, nothing came to mind.After a minor stick and less than a minute, my proficient phlebotomist had her quarry and I was on my way. As I got up to leave, my eyes went to the plastic container where all four vials of my precious blood lay waiting to be shipped off to the lab. Seemed like a waste of something so vital to my existence.From the earliest age, we are taught that our blood is very important. Even the smallest cut got Mom's attention and resulted in quick action to cleanse the wound, paint it with some kind of antiseptic and cover the wound with a Band-aid. Coffee Table Crash LandingDuring typical horseplay, my Dad would toss me up in the air and catch me. Flying through the air usually was accompanied by airplane sounds. On one ill-fated flight, he missed catching me and I crash-landed face first on the coffee table. Although jarring, my mouth took the brunt of the collision.When I looked up, my Father's face contorted with horror and fear. He summoned my Mom who quickly applied ice, covered in a wash rag, to the bleeding area. Something about the sight of blood sent both of them into high warble. Although veterans of WWII, there was something special about the blood of their youngest child. A primeval alarm bell rang in their heads. At the hospital, the doctor wanted to sew my lip up to prevent scarring as it healed. That's when I got scared and started crying uncontrollably, not to mention thrashing around. The staff brought my Dad over to the table where I lay crying. He got the job of holding me down while the doctor sewed. Although I my fear remained, something about Dad's compassionate face calmed me down. His obvious love overwhelmed my fear.Heavenly FatherThe story of humanity is really a tale about a loving Father in heaven. He cared so much about us that He sent His only Son to Earth. Jesus willingly took on the huge task of becoming the sacrifice to save us from our sins.A mere apology won't cut the mustard with a holy God. Even sincere tears aren't enough to atone for the seriousness of our offenses toward the Lord. God knew this from the earliest days of humanity. We would only understand the depth of depravity of our sin if we could see the cost of redeeming us from that wrongdoing.When God put all of mankind's sins on His only, perfect, sinless Son, that sacrifice became the difference between an eternity of punishment and pain for you and me and the opportunity for an eternity in bliss with God. All we have to do is choose life instead of death. Accept the precious blood sacrifice of Jesus as atonement for our depravity. Believe on the Son of God and make Him Lord of lives and we become new creatures forever.Won't you surrender the reins of your life to God right now? Let Him drive for the rest of your life. Follow Jesus and find out just how much life there is in Christ. He poured out His own precious blood so that you and I can live to the fullest.Next StepsSalvation isn't about a momentary prayer, though it can make all the difference in your eternity. Accepting Christ as the leader of your life means you agree to follow where He wants to take you. Although none of knows what that will mean for you, there are certain principles that will help you make the most of your new birth. Find a Bible-teaching fellowship where you can learn from experienced believers. Throw yourself into loving others and helping in the Name of Jesus. By serving others, we can become more like Jesus - the ultimate example of service. Imitate Christ's example by getting baptized as a way of telling others about the change in your heart. Finally, read the Bible for yourself. Start with the Book of John in the New Testament and branch out from there. Remember that you don't have to do this new life on your own. God will direct you and your brothers and sisters in Jesus will help you.Author NewsI'm so excited that The Accidental Missionary: A Gringo's Love Affair with Peru has been released. David Bredeman allowed me to help him tell the story of his unusual calling and the crazy, fun adventures that ensued. Follow him to Peru. Learn about the indigenous people who benefited from his ministry. Re-live the excitement of camping along Amazon tributaries and meeting panthers, howler monkeys and anaconda. Feel his great love for a lovely Bible student named Emma who he hopes to make his wife. We are running various promotions throughout June to help many learn about this book. Please get a copy; read it; and leave a review on Amazon.com. This will greatly help us spread the word in the months and years ahead.Click here to get the book.

Falling for Peru

Excerpt from The Accidental Missionary by David Bredeman and David L. WintersLabor Strike in Juliaca and PunoWe drove the rest of the way out of town without further incident. On our drive to Puno, we saw scenes that suggested the strike had ended. Roads mostly looked clear, and people swept up debris in a few spots where there must have been trouble. Everything appeared quiet, or at least returning to normal. Then, somewhere between Puno and Juliaca, we saw people standing in the road and large obstacles strategically placed to stop traffic. According to our driver, he knew of no back streets we could take to avoid this section of roadway. “It looks like people are feeling their whiskey muscles after drinking all day,” the van owner said snidely. I admired her strength and courage but hoped she did not get us into a physical altercation. As for me and the couple from Denver, we claimed to be lovers of souls and not fist fighters. “This is the only road, and people are blocking it,” the driver said. He gave his boss a worried look, perhaps fearing that she would order him to drive through the riotous mob up ahead. An imposing group stood their ground, chanting in Spanish, “The strike is not over!” and “No one is getting through here!” Unlike the young people we encountered in Juliaca, this mob had several good-size men and women with makeshift weapons like large planks of wood and metal rods. Several cars, coming from the other direction, had stopped in a line, but our van had no other cars as a buffer. We sat first in line coming from Juliaca. From time to time, a demonstrator hurled a rock or two in our general direction. When we didn’t turn back, they lit on fire small stands of grass on the side of the road, moving ever nearer our van. The Smoke is Burning My Eyes “The smoke is making my eyes burn,” I said. “This isn’t good for breathing,” the driver added. At that altitude, the night sky commonly turns a brilliant array of colors. Far from any light pollution, I had seen every detail of the Milky Way on a previous trip. This time, the smoke obscured everything. If the strike had ended earlier, we wouldn’t have been in this predicament. The whole scene spiraled out of hand. The chanting intensified and more rocks sailed through the air, some bouncing on the van’s roof. We instinctively put our arms over our faces and heads to shield ourselves, though none of the rocks penetrated the van ... The people alongside the road grew more and more agitated until they had worked up quite a lather. On two occasions, drivers coming from the Puno direction drove right through the mob. Several rioters threw heavy stones at them and beat on the offending vehicles. Each time, the drivers made their way through the pack of rioters, but their vehicles suffered severe damage. The busted-up windows and large dents worried my traveling companions, as we watched those vehicles limping past our position. Scared I felt scared, not just for myself, but for the four traveling with me. Perhaps all of us prayed silent prayers for God’s help, but I know I prayed extra fervently. Out of the blue, we heard loud footsteps. Police from Juliaca, clad in full riot gear, marched up beside our van. In an amazing show of force, they had come to break up the strike. They looked impressive in sharp uniforms and carrying batons. “We’re saved” the van owner shouted. “The riot police from Juliaca are here! They will teach those hombres a thing or two.” The three of us in the backseat cheered with great gusto. An instant later, the rioters charged toward the police. To our surprise and mild horror, the police turned and ran in the opposite direction, leaving us even more exposed to the now-incensed mob. “The police are running for their lives” the pastor’s wife said, with panic in her voice. “This is so irregular.” I let out a slight horse laugh at the naiveté of her statement and turn of phrase. Then, my mood sobered as I saw the mob of rioters surrounding our van. We were in deep trouble.[The Accidental Missionary by David Bredeman and David L. Winters is available in ebook on Amazon at this link: https://amzn.to/2LUecfc ][The Print book is available for pre-order until its release on June 1. Click here to learn more or pre-order.

New Book Releases June 1

Hi Friends,

The Accidental Missionary: A Gringo's Love Affair with Peru debuts June 1. In a collaboration with long-time missionary David Bredeman, we tell the story of his swashbuckling adventures through the Amazon jungle and his pursuit of the lovely Emma. You will be entertained, surprised and you may even learn a few things about Peru.

Stay tuned for pre-release announcements and lots of fun as I interview this first-time author.

David

David L. Winters

Dan Walsh: The Interview

Dan WalshLatest book: If These Walls Could TalkWebsite: www.danwalshbooks.comBio: Dan is the bestselling, award-winning author of 21 novels. He’s been married to his wife, Cindi, for the last 42 years and has 2 children, 4 grandchildren.David: Dan Walsh, thanks for joining us. Tell our readers where you call home and any other places that have special significance in your past.Dan: I’ve lived in the Daytona Beach area since 1965. We came here as kids from Philadelphia when my Dad was hired to work on the Apollo moonshot program. I still have family in the Philly area but feel like Florida is really where I’m from.David: I love Florida. That’s where we vacationed most often as a child. What do you write about?Dan: Here’s how I answer that question on my website: I write character-driven novels, both contemporary and historical. Several of my books are love stories and family-life dramas, but I also love to write suspense novels. Even when writing inspirational books, I want to keep the pages turning. My goal, whether writing contemporary or historical, inspirational or suspense, is for my readers to feel satisfied and thoroughly entertained.David: You are great at entertaining us. Tell us about your most recent book and the message(s) behind it?Dan: It’s called If These Walls Could Talk, and it’s a clean-read suspense novel, told from a Christian worldview. As such, it doesn’t have any strong spiritual themes, although the plot deals with the historical racism of the 50s and 60s, as part of the murder mystery being solved.David: I’m in the middle of If these Walls Could Talk and I’m loving it so far. What authors do you like to read and why?Dan: I usually read books that either help with my novel research or provoke me as a writer to keep writing the best books I possibly can. Some of my favorite authors are the writing duo of Preston & Child, Jeff Shaara, and Adam Makos.David: You’ve stumped me those folks, but I will check them out based on your recommendation. Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books affected your life and how did they make an impact?Dan: I love the books written by CS Lewis, including his fiction works. I was a pastor for 25 years before retiring from that to write novels full time in 2010. I’ve probably read dozens, if not hundreds of books that made an impact on my life. The writing of Charles Spurgeon and Andrew Murray are certainly among the best for me.David: Yes! Love each of those guys. What are some of your favorite things to do when you aren’t writing?Dan: We like to travel (some, not all the time.) I’m always reading books, like to take walks with Cindi, play with my grandkids. And sometimes I like to play historically-based video games on PS4 (lately I’ve been playing a WW2-era game and a Wild West game.)David: Sounds like a lot of fun at your house. What goals to you have as a writer for the years ahead?Dan: To keep writing novels that are as good or better than the ones already penned. And also to learn how to adapt novels into screenplays. One of my novels, The Reunion, is currently being adapted into a feature film by Oscar-winning screenwriter and producer, Nick Vallelonga. Working with him the last 2 years has motivated me to want to do this myself. He plans to start shooting the film this summer. My hope is to have at least 2-3 more of my novels adapted into screenplays before the movie comes out.David: That sounds exciting. I took a screenplay course at Wheaton College too many years ago, but I remember loving it. Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?Dan: Probably 2 Bible verses. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.” (Prov 3:5-6), and also Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.”David: Those are both great verses. Thanks so much for joining us. Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?Dan: Obviously, this movie project is the biggest deal going on for me. Can’t say anything now until I get the okay from the producers, but they’ve already raised most of the money and have recently had some very “big name actors” commit to being in the movie (after reading the book, since the script isn’t finished just yet). If this project is confirmed to start shooting in late summer, as planned, my life will become pretty full after that.David: I certainly wish you the best. Based on my recent discovery of your work, I hope to see much more from you in the future.Readers, are you enjoying these guest interviews with Christian authors? If so, who would you like to see me interview next? I’m all ears (as my brother said about me often growing up.)

Interview with Del Duduit

Today, I'm excited to welcome Del Duduit to my blog. Del is a kindred spirit who likes writing devotions. He is a sports writer and an all-around great guy. Latest book: Dugout DevotionsWebsite: http://www.delduduit.comDel Duduit is an award-winning writer/author, speaker and contributor to Athletes in Action. He is the author of Buckeye Believer: 40 Days of Devotions for the Ohio State Faithful and is represented by Cyle Young. His work has appeared in Clubhouse Magazine (Focus on the Family) Sports Spectrum, Toddstarnes.com, The Christian View On-line Magazine.Thanks for joining us. Tell our readers what state you currently call home and any other places that have special significance in your past.Born and raised in Southern Ohio.You have done some sports writing. That sounds like a lot of fun. Tell us a little about those adventures.My first job out of college at Oho University was a sports writer for the Portsmouth Daily Times. It’s still the most enjoyable job I ever held. I did that for a few years and won two Associated Press Sports Writing Awards. I watched high school, college and professional sports and wrote about what I saw. Fantastic job. As a young man, I was able to meet players I admired as a fan, like Larry Bird, Pete Rose and Mohammed Ali. Later I returned to the Times and was sports editor for a while. Always a new and fun adventure. I was able to meet many athletes I enjoyed watching. Now, I contribute to Athletes in Action and last year went to the Super Bowl and the Final Four. Professionally, I am a pharmaceutical sales professional. I contribute to my local news paper with weekly columns and blog each week on my website.There are few jobs that I wish I’d had, but that certainly sounds like a dream come true for a sports fan. What genre or genres do you like to write?Mostly non-fiction but would like to dabble in fiction.Dabble away. I'm sure a sports novel from you would be quite interesting. Tell us about your most recent book and the message behind it?Dugout Devotions: Inspirational Hits from MLB’s Best (New Hope Publishers) is a unique interview style devotional. I spent time with each person featured in this book. I was able to sit down with some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball and obtain their personal stories of faith, struggles and how they got through them with God’s help. I recount inspirational stories from each player and apply a Biblical or life lesson to each chapter.Click image to learn more.I’ve read your new book and I love it. Hopefully, some of my readers will pick up a copy for themselves or their favorite baseball fan. What authors do you like to read?David Winters of course, but I also enjoy a wide range of authors, that include Rob Raines, Todd Starnes, John Feinstein, Brad Meltzer, Michelle Malkin and Ann Coulter.Great choices. Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books affected your life and how did they make an impact?This is a tough one, but a few years ago I went through the speaker-program for Ohio Right to Life and read the book: Dying Week; the Prospect for Growth at the End of Life, by Ira Byock, MD. The book had a tremendous impact on me as a speaker and gave me a different perspective of life.Another impactful book was: Bringing Up Boys, by Dr. James Dobson. As a father of two boys, I took the advice of a pro and tried to do the best I could as a Dad. I am not taking credit, but I believe my sons have turned out well. They both have wonderful wives, good jobs and are both preachers.You and I share a passion to protect the unborn. To me, that’s the pressing civil rights issue of our time. Dr. Dobson is also amazing and I’ve been a big fan for years. Tell us about a memorable reader or fan. Perhaps a story about a personal encounter or some kind of email or message you received.Each time I post a blog, I receive many responses on Twitter. The majority of them are positive. But there was one recently from a lady named “Beth” that simply told me. “I needed to read this today. It was meant for me. I have been down for a long time and this post lifted me up and gave me hope again. Thank you.”Another one I received last year was from a writer with the Huffington Post – which is a liberal leaning publication. I posted a blog about a couple I know who was on the verge of divorce until they turned their marriage over to God. Today, they operate a successful ministry and lead people to Christ. The message I received said this: “I do not agree with your philosophy, but this story has made me think anew. Thank you.”Feedback like that makes it all worthwhile. Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals that you go through before sitting down at the computer?No, I don’t have any specific habits. There are times when I simply begin a sentence and it takes off. I have learned that my outlines usually get tossed as I go. I have my research and points I want to bring out, but I just start, and it flows out. Many times, my writing will go off in a different direction and I go along for the ride. There have been times I have wanted to stress a point but ended up in a much better place from where I started. I let my creativity control my writing.Apart from writing, what hobbies or past-times do you enjoy?I enjoy golf and traveling with my wife, Angie. We also love spending time with our granddaughter Sophie and soon our grandson, Joel, who will be born in May.Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?The motto/verse I try to live by is this “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41: 10 KJV)My favorite quote is this: “Life is hard. It’s harder if you are stupid.” John Wayne.Lol. John Wayne quotes always make me smile. Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?Feb. 25 – Release of Dugout Devotions.May 4 – Book signing with Clint Hurdle of the Pittsburgh Pirates at the Barnes and Noble in Pittsburgh.May 28-June 1 – Book Expo American book singing in New York City.August 5 – Release of Frist Down Devotions (New Hope Publishers.)November – Ohio Christian Writers Conference.TBD 2019 – Release of Bengal Believer: 40 Who Dey Votions for the Cincinnati Faithful2020 – Release of Michigan Motivations and Indiana Inspirations (Indiana University Press)2020 – Browns Believer; Reds Believer: Cavs Believer (By Books)Del, you are truly one of the few authors that makes me feel like I’m sloughing off. May God bless you in all your endeavors for Him. I strongly believe in the power of devotional readings. In times when my faith ebbed through the years, God often used devotionals written by others to pull me back into His loving care. Thanks for joining us and Godspeed to you.

Interview with Carrie Turansky

Hi Folks, I’m very excited to have Carrie Turansky visiting my blog today. She is an amazing Christian author.Her new book, Seeking His Love came out this month and is tearing things up among Christian Romance readers.Latest book: Seeking His LoveBio: Carrie Turansky is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. She loves to connect with reading friends through her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest: http://carrieturansky.com/Thanks for joining us. Tell our readers what state you currently call home and any other places that have special significance in your past.I was born and raised in Oregon, so my heart longs for tall evergreens, the rugged Oregon Coast, and the pristine Cascade Mountains, but I currently live in beautiful Central New Jersey. I’ve also lived in Hawaii and Kenya East Africa. Each place is special to me and has its own beauty.What genre or genres do you like to write?I write contemporary romance and English historical romance—all with inspirational themes.Very interesting. I have quite a few romantic types in my audience. Tell us about your most recent book and the message(s) behind it?My latest release is Seeking His Love. It’s the first of three books in the Bayside Treasures Series set in historic Fairhaven, Washington. Here’s a bit about the story:False accusations from the past haunt Rachel Clark, the new director of the NorthCoast Christian Youth Theater. Seeking to make a fresh start, she moves to Fairhaven and rents space for her drama group from an artists’ cooperative led by reclusive frame shop owner, Cameron McKenna. To keep his financially strapped co-op afloat, Cam agrees to include Rachel’s program, but he’s not sure he can trust the attractive director or tolerate having her students in his building. (Click photo of book cover to learn more or order at Amazon.com)Cam is a widower with painful secrets of his own, and when he must temporarily care for his fourteen-year-old niece, he needs Rachel’s practical help and advice. Their friendship deepens to romance, but when then past secrets come to light Cam must decide if he will risk his heart and his future to help Rachel rebuild her reputation and save the youth theater program. Will old wounds destroy their fragile relationship, or can their renewed faith—in the Lord and in each other—help them find a love that lasts?You’ve got my attention. I will be reading that one sometime before the month is over. What authors do you like to read?I enjoy so many authors, but here are a few of my favorites: Cathy Gohlke, Becky Wade, Tara Johnson, Joanna Davidson Politano, Julie Klassen, and Jan Karon.Carrie, Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books affected your life and how did they make an impact?When I read Liz Curtis Higgs first novel, Mixed Signals, I was deeply touched by the story inspired to begin writing contemporary stories that included inspiration and romance.Yes, Liz Higgs is a bit of a legend. Tell us about a memorable reader or fan. Perhaps a story about a personal encounter or some kind of email or message you received.I received this very touching email about Seeking His Love.Hello my name is Ashley. I'm 28 years old from Jackson, Tennessee. I am a hairdresser and one of my clients passed me your book, Seeking His Love to read. She briefly explained it was a Christian love story. Rolling my eyes behind her back I took the book not wanting to be rude. That night when I got home I took the book out of my purse and read the first few chapters. Thinking to my self, "This will be a mind-numbing read before bed to relax me." I tossed the book on my nightstand and forgot about it for a few days. Today I knew work was going to be slow because it was storming pretty bad out, so I grabbed the book and shoved it in my purse. I just finished the book, and I had to write you and say thank you. Not only have I been struggling like Cam in returning to Gods warm embrace but I have also been struggling like Rachel with forgiveness. After I closed the book I felt this warming come over my heart as I bowed my head and prayed for the first time in years. After I was done praying I called the person who had wronged me and had been trying to make it right and forgave them. I wanted to thank you for writing a great story that really spoke to me. It’s funny how God works in mysterious ways. Thank you again. You have no idea how your book has freed me and opened up a door that I had shut and locked in Gods face.That’s amazing feedback. Ashley’s story is enough to keep a Christian author going for three or four more books. Praise God for that encouragement. Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals that you go through before sitting down at the computer?I usually like to make myself a cup of hot tea and take my laptop to a different location. I pop in my earphones and listen to instrumental music to help me stay in the zone. Sometimes I write out the first section of the scene on a yellow legal pad, then type that into my laptop. Those steps seem to get the creative juices flowing.That sounds like a solid pre-game ritual. I like to play one game of on-line Sudoku before I get going. Apart from writing, what hobbies or past-times do you enjoy?I enjoy gardening, flower arranging, cooking healthy recipes, and spending time with friends and family.Carrie, I also like gardening. Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?I love this quote: “The best is yet to come!” This reminds me that God writes my story and I have the hope and promise of eternal life. No matter what struggles or hardships we may face, God is in control and gives us the victory.Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?I just finished the final edits to No Ocean Too Wide, which is an English and Canadian historical novel that will release June 25th. Here’s a bit about the story: In this historical adventure, the three youngest McAllister children are taken to Canada as British Home Children without their mother's knowledge or permission, and the oldest McAllister sister follows them across the Atlantic to search for them and bring them home. When Laura McAllister, a young lady’s maid, learns her three siblings have been taken from their mother and emigrated to Canada without her mother’s knowledge, Laura determines to search for them and reunite the family. But lack of funds and resistance from authorities push her to use a false name and take a position with a child emigration society to gain passage to Canada. Andrew Frasier, a wealthy young lawyer, is surprised to see his mother’s former lady’s maid on board ship escorting a group of child immigrants, especially when she uses a different name. Laura eventually convinces Andrew to help her search for her siblings and uncover the truth about the treatment of British Home Children. Romantic feelings grow between this unlikely couple, and though they have different backgrounds, they share a growing faith and desire to seek justice and relief for the children who are mistreated. Inspiring and hope-filled, No Ocean too Wide will touch your heart and lift your spirit. (Click photo of book cover to learn more or pre-order at Amazon.com.)Wow! That one sounds great too. I’m sure many of my readers will keep June 25th in mind to get No Ocean Too Wide as well. Thank you so much for spending time with us via this blog. You are a blessing to so many and may God continue to anoint your writing and bless your book ministry.Thanks, David! Blessings, Carrie***************************************

Loving Others at Work

Make no mistake, work is about completing tasks, customer service and operating within a set of guidelines. As we work more on-line, we can find ourselves feeling isolated and alone.Perhaps the majority of our tasks involve computer screens and information technology systems. So, how do we take God to work in an increasingly technological society.LoveThe difference between Christianity and most other world religions is the emphasis on love. It all started with God's love for us. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Before we can give love to others, we need to receive it from above. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, He makes everything new by replacing the evil that lay at the core of our lives with His great love. But, what is love. Scripture give us many examples. Christ laying down His life for mankind is the obvious one. Paul's letter to the Corinthians describes love as "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil," (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)God's PlanThe book Taking God to Work spends a chapter describing God's love for you and how that changes everything. Once you realize His unconditional love, the plan for your life comes into focus. He wants to use us, mere humans, to execute His plan for the world. We are to love others through everything we do.One of the major things we do is work. We spend about one-third of our waking hours working. If we can use that time to love others, our work elevates beyond just making a living. It becomes a symphony of caring about those we contact. Whether it's a colleague you meet at break time, an employee who confides a personal struggle or a client who depends on you to provide great service, every act you perform has the potential to represent God's love.How - The Love Game PlanThe simple answer to how is that we lay down our selfish desires in favor of other's needs. We triumph over obstacles and our our lower nature by keeping our focus on God's love for us. When anger or resentment try to bubble up, we turn to God in prayer and ask Him for supernatural strength to respond in love. In this way, we can find ourselves "more than conquerors through Him who loved us," (Romans 8:37)Don't just smile and file this blog away in your mind. Try it out tomorrow. Intentionally find some way to reach out in love to someone at work. Show them your faith by your actions. You are a conqueror. I know it.***************************************************************Thanks to all who have helped us spread the word about Taking God to Work. Our Facebook page, this blog and our mailing list has grown our community to over 1,000 people Taking God to Work. Help us keep growing. If you haven't read the book, please do. Then, leave a review on your favorite bookstore webpage. Pass along this blog to a friend who needs God at their job. Like our Facebook page and pass it along to friends. Thanks again for all your love.Buy the book at Amazon by clicking here.Buy the book from our website by clicking here.

Christmas Imperfect

The family filed into the into the small three-bedroom ranch five or six at a time. In a matter of moments, the quiet kitchen erupted into bedlam. Men and women, boys and girls mobbed the single, elderly woman who moments before shuffled dishes in and out of the oven. Younger ones clamored for Grandma's attention while their parents tried to jump in and help with setting the table, filling up the water glasses and making sure everyone had a napkin at their place.Cousins got reacquainted in the toy room as they hauled out well-worn Barbies, a myriad of stuffed animals and a familiar fire truck. Soon squeals of delight could be heard over the din of sirens and juvenile conversation.When it seemed like the little living room couldn't hold another person, another off-shoot of the family arrived with three kids and a puppy that wouldn't be left home alone.UnderneathWhile all appeared right with the world, some of the participants adopted stage persona that masked quite different feelings. Since last the family yule, something terrible happened. The central figure of this patriarchy had gone missing.Although everyone felt something about the disappearance, a few ached to their core. As much as they tried to preserve the beauty and fun of the holiday - for the sake of the children and each other, they fooled no one. The edge in their voice. A stifled gasp passing his favorite chair. A single tear quickly wiped away. Still, ten loud conversations covered the unspoken truth.Perhaps the strongest terror of life is the separation from objects of our affection. Once love is known, how can anyone forget? Maybe that's why hell is described as outer darkness: a lonely void.ThankfulnessAt the dinner table, the seemingly impossible happened. Everyone gathered around and managed to grow silent. The chair at the head of the table, occupied for as long as the oldest sibling could remember sat vacant. Instead of father, the woman who cooked most of the food and prepared the party took his place. Fittingly, her big heart and kind manner proved the only possible salve for the aching hearts staring in her direction. "Can we all bow our heads?" she asked. "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all your blessing since we were all together last. Mend our broken hearts and fill us with your joy at this special season. Thank you for the birth of your son that is our savior. Now bless this food and our conversation. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen."With that simple prayer of thanksgiving, the worst of my grief passed. Somehow, Dad's absence became bearable as the palpable separation turned to thankfulness for all those who were present. A Future TogetherAs life progressed these many years, Mom also passed to the other side and is no doubt united with Jesus and my father. It would be easy to live in the past and feel nothing but hurt from the first Christmas light. But for a savior, my melancholy temperament may have required it. My deepest feelings of separation pale when reminded of the temporary nature of this life.Jesus makes all the difference. He ensures that one day soon, I too will join all those I love in paradise. Because of His sacrifice on the cross and my acceptance of His free gift, eternity will include many spectacular reunions and infinite celebrations in heaven.My deepest hope is that you will join us in paradise. If you have not already, please accept the free gift of Jesus and his forgiveness for your sins. Make Him Lord of your whole heart. Then, get ready for any amazing party like no other. The end is coming soon and we all will face our maker. Let your eternal life start this very minute.Merry ChristmasTo those who read my blog, thank you so much. You mean so much to me. I hope your Christmas brings a new appreciation for all your blessings. Take a moment to reach out and help someone who needs you this Christmas. This time of year, many people could use an angel like you. If I can ever pray for you or offer a friendly word, I would love to do so. Send me an email at dlw@sabbaticalofthemind.net. David L. Winters is the author of four books with a fifth expected in January, 2019. Pick up Taking God to Work on our website or at any on-line outlet where great books are sold.

Cynthia Ruchti: The Interview

Cynthia RuchtiLatest book: Miles from Where We Started (Coming October 16, 2018)Websites: cynthiaruchti.com or hemmedinhope.comBio: Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed-in-Hope through award-winning novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and through speaking events for women or writers. She and her grade-school sweetheart husband live in the heart of Wisconsin.DW: Cynthia, thanks for joining us. You are amazing and I am so excited to visit with you. Tell our readers what state you currently call home and any other place(s) that have special significance in your past.CR: My husband and I live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from our three children and five grandchildren. The area is a blend of farmland and forests, cranberry bogs and cheese factories. Most of my childhood was spent in southwest Wisconsin, which is known for its beautiful hills and valleys…and roads so curved it’s nearly impossible to find a place to pass a slow-moving vehicle. I was born in Oceanside, California, but only lived there for eight days. After my dad returned from serving overseas with the Marines, we lived in Florida, South Dakota, and several places in Minnesota before I was twelve years old. I attended college in the heart of Chicago, then Madison, WI—small town girl in the middle of big cities. Now we live in a quiet countryside a quarter of a mile from our nearest neighbor, if you don’t count the deer, raccoons, and occasional bear and wolves.I think that varied-location upbringing served to make me appreciate whatever setting I’m in or writing about for its unique beauty and regional culture. My work assignments in recent years have taken me from coast-to-coast and border-to-border. The need to use my passport more often is on my wishlist.DW: Wisconsin is amazingly beautiful. What genre or genres do you like to write?CR: Because I wrote both fiction and nonfiction for a scripted radio broadcast for three decades, I enjoy a wide variety of writing projects. But everything I write falls under one umbrella, which I think is important if writing in multiple genres. “I can’t unravel. I’m hemmed in hope.” That covers fiction, nonfiction, devotions, speaking. Hope shows up on every page.Emotionally-intense women’s fiction. Novella-length romantic comedies. Hope-filled nonfiction. I jokingly say that whatever genre I’m writing at the moment, my favorite is the opposite of that.I usually opt for love story over romance, intriguing over suspenseful, and character-driven over plot-driven…but the plot drives the characters’ actions and internal conflict, so… There ya’ go.DW: Women’s fiction, but I like it too. Tell us about your most recent book and the message(s) behind it?CR: Miles from Where We Started is a story of a Millennial couple on the verge of their first anniversary, and on the verge of separation. This marriage thing is hard work. Who knew? Better to cut their losses now—no harm, no foul—right? Before they can officially cut the cord, they’re thrust into a no-getting-out-of-it 3,000-mile, three-week road trip…in a microcamper…with an 11-year-old foster kid, the nephew of the husband’s business partner. It has to work or the business folds. Their marriage is already showing deep creases. When the road ends, does everything they care about end, too? The message behind the story is that marriage is about commitment. The fact that it’s hard work shows how important it is, how priceless it can become.DW: I can’t wait to read your new book. I’ve read most of them and enjoyed each one so much. Which authors do you like to read?CR: All of them. (Can I say that?) My tastes usually run toward the thoughtfully written, more literary women’s fiction. But no matter the topic or genre, fiction or nonfiction, elegant writing holds my heart.DW: Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books have affected your life and how did they make an impact?CR: I often list All Together in One Place by Jane Kirkpatrick as an all-time favorite, not only for the storytelling, but also because of the relationships of the women characters and their fortitude in the midst of horrific circumstances. I emerged a better person after reading that book.Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke taught me that an ordinary man can be a hero. It changed the way I view the heroic man to whom I’m married.Havah by Tosca Lee opened my eyes to the inexpressible price of The Fall. In her imaginative retelling of Eve’s life, I saw myself, my desperate need for a Redeemer, and my life’s purpose from a fresh perspective.I could list so many others. Most books I read impact my life…or I lay the book aside.DW: Thanks for those reading list ideas. Tell us about a memorable reader or fan. Perhaps a story about a personal encounter or some kind of email or message you received.CR: How interesting to consider this immediately following the previous question! The memorable emails or notes are those that say to me what I would say to the authors I mentioned. A marriage restored. A new perspective gained. A deeper intimacy with Jesus.I’m especially blessed when a reader tells me she/he prays for me and my writing. Several in particular let me know that they’re praying for me every time they read a devotional I’ve written. Others have written it on their calendars to pray for me regularly.I don’t take lightly the privilege of the author/reader connection.DW: Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals that you go through before sitting down at the computer?CR: No, but I think I’ll develop one so I can answer this kind of question better in the future.DW: By all means, do develop a quirky habit. (Smile.) I remember hearing you talk about your writing process. It’s fascinating to me that you are able to do a lot of the planning in your mind before you hit the keyboard. Apart from writing, what hobbies or past-times do you enjoy?CR: Music. Serving on the worship team at church. I don’t do it often enough, but I like to fish. My grandkids say I make the only applesauce worth eating. JDW: You are a great worship leader. I think your quiet time with the Lord shows through when you lead worship. Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?CR: As with my writing, I’ve come to adopt “I can’t unravel. I’m hemmed in Hope.” Connected to that is Romans 15:13 NIV—“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”DW: Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?CR: This is a busy travel year for me. I’m attending…the ACFW conference (this week,) speaking at a women’s event (also in September), speaking the very next day at a different women’s event, then flying to New England for the ReNew Christian Writers Retreat in October, followed by speaking for the Minnesota N.I.C.E. chapter of ACFW, the ECPA Art of Writing Conference and Christy Awards in Nashville in November, and speaking for a Christmas Tea in December.My 25th book (counting compilations) releases on October 16, 2018. And I’m working on another novel for 2019 plus an exciting nonfiction that I’m not at liberty to discuss just yet.As a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management, I’m looking forward to matching more of my clients with publishing houses and watching their books take off!DW: You certainly have a lot going on. Thanks so much for visiting with me. I wish you much continued success and good health. As one of the first Christian authors I met after I started writing, it has been so special to see your love of Christ shine through in your writing and your life.Pick up your copy of Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate