Ada Brownell's Blog, page 46

It's Christmas! Can we open our presents now?

  Ada Brownell Writing Ministries December 2014 Newsletter  
 
 Dear Reader Friend:

“It’s Christmas! Can we open our presents now?”
The enthusiastic shout came from our oldest son, Gary, then about 10, and our other children gathered at our bedroom door.  Sleepy eyed, I glanced at the clock. The hands pointed at 12:01 a.m.
Such enthusiasm! Although we didn’t give permission for them to start unwrapping their Christmas gifts in the middle of the night, it was a great example of the joy, expectation, and wonder of celebrating the birth of the Christ Child.  
Does enthusiasm flow through your heart as you choose and purchase gifts? Have you found presents that make you feel good about giving?
I’ve always been somewhat shy about marketing my books, but recently author/marketing expert Shelley Hitz said, “Selling your books is a way to help someone else.”
Yes, I wrote the books to bless others. My brand is “Stick to Your Soul Encouragement.”  Since you might have already purchased or downloaded my five books, now you can be a blessing to your friends and relatives by giving them a book or two as gifts.
The Lady Fugitive is written for those who love historical fiction with an inspiring theme, suspense, humor and romance.
 
Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal , an Amazon best seller, draws on the author’s experience as a medical reporter and years of biblical study. It is written for support groups, religion classes, people with chronic or terminal illness, individuals who fear death or are curious about it, the grieving and those who give them counsel.
 
Imagine the Future You  is aBible study to help youth discover evidences for faith; how to look and be their best; who can help; interesting information about dating, love and marriage; choosing a career; how to deposit good things into the  brain you can spend; and how to avoid hazards that jeopardize a successful life on earth and for eternity. All this is mingled with true stories that can make readers smile.
Imagine the Future You  also is available in audio and is free with an www.audible.com trial membership.
 
Review:  How I would have loved to sit at Mrs. Brownell's knee when I was a teen. This wholesome book resounds with sage, godly advice and could be picked up again and again as needs arise. Worthwhile for parents too. Much fodder for family discussion!
 
Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult is a teen novel also enjoyed by adults. Enter an area where people are missing and radicals want to obliterate Christianity from the earth. Joe Baker’s parents also disappeared and he finds himself with someone after him. No fantasy. No wizard, but suspense. Christian payload.
Reviewer: “A.B. Brownell weaves a tale of intrigue and faith which captures the reader from the opening page.”
Confessions of a Pentecostal is a glimpse inside another person’s faith as the author tells about her family’s conversions one by one and her own spiritual journey. This book is especially enjoyed by older Pentecostal Christians. It was listed many years on The Library Thing among most popular books on Pentecostalism. Because it is out of print, Confessions of a Pentecostal in paperback is only available from the author, but e-books are sold on Amazon.
 
 The Kindle version of Confessions of a Pentecostal  is only 99 cents; Swallowed by Life, Joe the Dreamer and Imagine the Future You are only $2.99. The Lady Fugitive is just under $10, but readers say it’s worth the price. The e-books can be read on Kindle, smart phones, I-pads and computers.
 
All the books are also available in paperback on Amazon and some bookstores.  Four are under $10 and The Lady Fugitive in paper is less than $15 and is easy-to-read print. Scripture Supply in Pueblo, CO has all the books but Confessions and The Lady Fugitive, and Christian Publishers Outlet in Springfield, MO, has all but Confessions.


Some titles in paperback are available at BarnesandNoble.com and probably could be ordered from the stores. My publisher tells me The Lady Fugitive should be in bookstores everywhere soon and should be available at Barnes and Noble now.
 
Ada Brownell’s Amazon author page is here.
Ada Brownell is the author of five books, about 300 stories and articles in Christian publications, and she spent a large chunk of her life as a reporter, mostly for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado.
 Thanks for your support of my ministry in the past. I pray you have a wonderful Christmas! Jesus came that we might have life--abundantly  (John 10:10). RECIPE

  Aunt Daisy’s Christmas pudding
Sift together: 2 teaspoons soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 cups flour
Cream: 2 tablespoons margarine, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 cup milk
Add:  Milk mixture, 1 cup nuts, 1 cup raisins and stir.
Put batter in well-greased pan. Then mix 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons butter.  Pour over above mixture. Cook until nice and brown, about ½  hour at 375 degrees F.
 
NOTE: If you don’t want to receive these newsletters, please let me know.
 
 

COMMON SENSE, PROPAGANDA AND FAITH

By Ada BrownellWHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE EVIDENCE
Everything about who we are, why we are here, and where we are going is settled by faith. It might surprise you, but evolution still is a theory. If you pin an evolutionist down, which I was able to do numerous times as a journalist, he'll admit there is no proof and no solid science behind it, but the theory is treated as fact because it is so widely accepted. The lack of real evidence s why Darwin’s theory has been changed and evolution is many different theories.I asked the anthropologist at my college why monkeys aren't turning into humans now. He said our life spans are too short to see evolution at work. Then he used a fruit fly, which has a life span of only a few days, and mentioned the changes (or mutations) he'd seen."What kind of creature did you have then?" I asked.The answer: A fruit fly.Being a journalist, Bible student and teacher, I've studied the Bible and science off and on most of my adult life and interviewed experts on both sides. As a reporter you can ask any question you want to. I share some of those interviews in this book. The secularist’s goal is to destroy faith in a Supreme Being—God, but they can’t prove God isn’t there.
Yet, I admit, Christians can't prove God exists, either.  But there is a very good reason for that: Faith is necessary for salvation (See John 3: 16). In my book Imagine the Future You, I supply plenty of evidence for faith—and reveal forgeries such as the Piltdown man, missing links that DNA proved aren’t links, and a new theory, punctuated equilibrium, unbelievers designed for pseudo-evidence to support their theories that God isn’t there. Punctuated equilibrium assumes species jumped from one to another in evolution.In my book I also discuss how the secular world attempts to destroy faith with propaganda (spinning the truth) and brainwashing.But building faith isn’t the only object of Imagine the Future You. This Bible study will help you discover evidence for faith; how to look and be your best; who can help; interesting information about dating, love and marriage; choosing a career; how to deposit good things into your brain you can spend; and how to avoid hazards that jeopardize a successful life on earth and for eternity, all mingled with true stories that can make you smile. You can test what you've learned through the questions and answers provided.Just one other note.  You'll notice the book has a youth flavor. Imagine the Future You also targets faith in yourself and how to grow your abilities. That shouldn't keep you from enjoying the message, increasing your faith, teaching your children and grandchildren, and then motivating you to increase your faith and be wise about decisions and what you do every day.Do everything you can to make sure your friends and family are with God and you for eternity. It comes in paperback, for Kindle, and audio. It's a great gift!
Review:  How I would have loved  to sit at Mrs. Brownell's knee when I was a teen. This wholesome book resounds with sage, godly advice and could be picked up again and again as needs arise. Worthwhile for parents too. Much fodder for family discussion!

Links: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1489558284    http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06
In His love,
Ada Brownell

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE GIFT YOU'RE GIVING?

To help you with your Christmas shopping I'm sharing my December 2014 newsletter here. --Ada


  Ada Brownell Writing Ministries December 2014 Newsletter  
 
 Dear Reader Friend:

“It’s Christmas! Can we open our presents now?”
The enthusiastic shout came from our oldest son, Gary, then about 10, and our other children gathered at our bedroom door.  Sleepy eyed, I glanced at the clock. The hands pointed at 12:01 a.m.

Such enthusiasm! Although we didn’t give permission for them to start unwrapping their Christmas gifts in the middle of the night, it was a great example of the joy, expectation, and wonder of celebrating the birth of the Christ Child.   Does enthusiasm flow through your heart as you choose and purchase gifts? Have you found presents that make you feel good about giving? I’ve always been somewhat shy about marketing my books, but recently author/marketing expert Shelley Hitz said, “Selling your books is a way to help someone else.”
Yes, I wrote the books to bless others. My brand is “Stick to Your Soul Encouragement.”  Since you might have already purchased or downloaded my five books, now you can be a blessing to your friends and relatives by giving them a book or two as gifts.
The Lady Fugitive is written for those who love historical fiction with an inspiring theme, suspense, humor and romance.
 
Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal , an Amazon best seller, draws on the author’s experience as a medical reporter and years of biblical study. It is written for support groups, religion classes, people with chronic or terminal illness, individuals who fear death or are curious about it, the grieving and those who give them counsel.
 
Imagine the Future You  is aBible study to help youth discover evidences for faith; how to look and be their best; who can help; interesting information about dating, love and marriage; choosing a career; how to deposit good things into the  brain you can spend; and how to avoid hazards that jeopardize a successful life on earth and for eternity. All this is mingled with true stories that can make readers smile.
Imagine the Future You  also is available in audio and is free with an www.audible.com trial membership.
 
Review:  How I would have loved to sit at Mrs. Brownell's knee when I was a teen. This wholesome book resounds with sage, godly advice and could be picked up again and again as needs arise. Worthwhile for parents too. Much fodder for family discussion!
 
Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult is a teen novel also enjoyed by adults. Enter an area where people are missing and radicals want to obliterate Christianity from the earth. Joe Baker’s parents also disappeared and he finds himself with someone after him. No fantasy. No wizard, but suspense. Christian payload.
Reviewer: “A.B. Brownell weaves a tale of intrigue and faith which captures the reader from the opening page.”
Confessions of a Pentecostal is a glimpse inside another person’s faith as the author tells about her family’s conversions one by one and her own spiritual journey. This book is especially enjoyed by older Pentecostal Christians. It was listed many years on The Library Thing among most popular books on Pentecostalism. Because it is out of print, Confessions of a Pentecostal in paperback is only available from the author, but e-books are sold on Amazon.
  The Kindle version of Confessions of a Pentecostal  is only 99 cents; Swallowed by Life, Joe the Dreamer and Imagine the Future You are only $2.99. The Lady Fugitive is just under $10, but readers say it’s worth the price. The e-books can be read on Kindle, smart phones, I-pads and computers.
 All the books are also available in paperback on Amazon and some bookstores.  Four are under $10 and The Lady Fugitive in paper is less than $15 and is easy-to-read print. Scripture Supply in Pueblo, CO has all the books but Confessions and The Lady Fugitive, and Christian Publishers Outlet in Springfield, MO, has all but Confessions.

Some titles in paperback are available at BarnesandNoble.com and probably could be ordered from the stores. My publisher tells me The Lady Fugitive should be in bookstores everywhere soon and should be available at Barnes and Noble now.
Ada Brownell’s Amazon author page is here.
Ada Brownell is the author of five books, about 300 stories and articles in Christian publications, and she spent a large chunk of her life as a reporter, mostly for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado.  Thanks for your support of my ministry in the past. I pray you have a wonderful Christmas! Jesus came that we might have life--abundantly  (John 10:10).
                                                       RECIPE

                                                                Aunt Daisy’s Christmas pudding
Sift together: 2 teaspoons soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 cups flour
Cream: 2 tablespoons margarine, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 cup milk
Add:  Milk mixture, 1 cup nuts, 1 cup raisins and stir.
Put batter in well-greased pan. Then mix 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons butter.  Pour over above mixture. Cook until nice and brown, about ½  hour at 375 degrees F.

 
 

Interview with budding writer Jamie Wright

Jamie Wright Interview
1.    What led you to writing?  A crazy amount of stories in my head. They were books I wanted to read but weren’t in the library, or published, or available unless I put them on paper. So I started to write horrible, awful stories. But loved every minute.2.    How did you start, beyond school assignments? I sat down with a Windows 3.1 computer and started hammering out the basis for my story. I was 13 years old and it took me two years to finish. It was the best two years of focused writing ever!3.    What piqued your interest in turn-of-the century romance? I presume that’s the turn of the 20th Century? Yes, it’s 20thCentury JI’ve always had a love of history and antiques. I’ve spent hours looking through old photograph albums and wondering what the stories were of the nameless people who stared back at me in black and white, dressed in garb from another time, another place, another culture. I’ve always wished for a time machine of sorts. I suppose writing is the closest I’ll get to finding one, huh? J
4.    Your blog speaks of “spirited” and “gritty” romance. Explain:  Spirited. J My characters have a lot of energy. LOL My heroines may be timid, but they’ll be headstrong in another area. Or some are mouthy but tender. Mostly, the exchanges between the hero and heroine are outgoing, often heated and definitely not play-it-nice conversations. My heroes typically have a rough exterior. They are usually not gentlemanly from the meaning of “schooled in fine arts”. They have pasts, they are gruff, often sarcastic, cynical, and insensitive, and yet I pull from their deepest parts. The fierce protector in their soul, or the wounded man who wants to experience love based on the Truth of God’s grace, or the man who desperately needs to find redemption. As for gritty? Ok. Not gritty in the sense of graphic or gratuitous. Absolutely not. Gritty in the sense that my characters take life head-on. My books aren’t cozy fireside romances with school teachers and ranchers who need each other. They’re gritty heroes who used to fight on the docks of San Francisco or heroines who are willing to take down an entire town to save the abused.  5.    Tell us about your book and where the idea for it came from. My latest book that I just finished and sent off to my agent is based on my Wisconsin hometown ca. 1890. It involves a young woman who is searching for her biological father who used to travel on the railway, and a hero who is searching for the man who attacked his sister in San Francisco. Their worlds crash together when that man appears to be both the heroine’s father and the man with a violent past.6.   Do you have a publication date yet? Not yet. But my book is on editor’s desks as we speak. 7.    Has your novel journey been enriched by writers’ conferences? If so, how? Definitely. The relationships I have formed there are lifelong and enriching. I’ve often stated that if it weren’t for ACFW, I wouldn’t have met my sisters or my mentor. That in itself is well worth the investment! And they hone my writing with honesty and knowledge, save me from jumping off the proverbial cliff, and pick me up when that rejection email filters its way into my inbox.8.    Does your female main character have some of your characteristics? The one in my latest book doesn’t at all. She was very difficult to write because I was trying to write from the point of view of a girl who wasn’t a fighter but was loyal to a fault. I’m loyal to a fault, but I also fight like crazy and am very strong-willed. So trying to put myself into the shoes of a more timid heroine was difficult. 9.    How does the leading man resemble your husband? His protective nature. My hero will go to war for those he loves. He is a justice seeker and even an avenger. It’s one thing to come against him; it’s a totally different thing to oppose his family. My husband is much the same way.1 . Did creating conflict come easy? Absolutely. According to my Dad I’ve always been good at creating conflict ;)1   What is your next project? My next project is the daughter of a medical coroner in 1898. She prefers to befriend the dead, because the living demand too much. But in doing so, she is caught up in their secrets, which may make her one of their numbered souls.1 . Anything else you’d like to add? Coffee? J
Jaime Wright Bio:
Professional coffee drinker Jaime Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited and gritty turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Her day job finds her a Director of Associate Sales, Development & Relations. She’s wife to a rock climbing, bow-hunting youth pastor, mom to a coffee-drinking little girl and a Sippy cup-drinking baby boy, and completes her persona by being an admitted Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Blogspot junkie.

Jaime is a member of ACFW, enjoys mentorship from a best-selling author, and has the best critique partners EVER! (Yes, that's an exclamation point.) She was a semifinalist in ACFW’s 2013 Genesis contest and that alone encouraged excessive celebration over extra espresso with hazelnut syrup.

In her "down time", Jaime reads voraciously, socializes incessantly, drinks coffee addictively, and overuses "-ly" words excessively.
Links:http://www.jaimewrightbooks.com

http://coffeecupsandcamisoles.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/jaimewrightbooks
Twitter: Jaime_wrightPinterest: jaimewright01

WHERE TO FIND HOPE: Janet K. Brown, author of Worth Her Weight

MEET JANET K. BROWN

AUTHOR AND WEIGHT LOSS VICTOR

Janet K. Brown lives in Wichita Falls, Texaswith her husband, Charles. Writing became her second career after retirement from medical coding.
     Worth Her Weight will be the author’s debut inspirational women’s fiction, but it makes a perfect companion to her recently released, Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness. Both books encompass her passion for diet, fitness, and God’s Word. Worth Her Weight marks Brown’s third book. Who knew she had a penchant for teens and ghosts? She released her debut novel, an inspirational young adult, Victoria and the Ghost, in July, 2012.      Janet and her husband love to travel with their RV, visit their three daughters, two sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren, and work in their church. Find her at http:/ /www.janetkbrown.comon Twitter, @janetkbrowntx , on Facebook @  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707


Thy Will Be Done


BY JANET K. BROWN
The Lord’s prayer states, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
That’s the secret that Lacey Chandler—along with her childhood boyfriend and her mother—from Worth Her Weight must learn to find hope. It’s also the secret I had to grasp to obtain emotional healing. Now, twenty years since God miraculously healed me, I still must pray daily, “Let my will, my life, my choices be yours, Lord.” Praise God for one step at a time with Him in charge.
My power equals destruction.God’s power equals victory.
I pray Lacey’s journey will remind you that:     I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil: 4:13
Our will power can become won’t power without Christ.     The driving force behind our white-knuckled, clenched-teeth “no” can just as well shift over and fuel the mania to swallow more and more and everything. From a Hazelden Publication booklet “When Willpower is Not Enough.”
My 4 “S” Motto for Success
Strive toward a decision to follow Christ in all things.Stretch toward God’s excellence, not man’s approval.Surrender to God’s will, not ours.
Succeed in keeping communication lines open with God.

WORTH HER WEIGHT summary
How can a woman who gives to everyone but herself accept God’s love and healing when she believes she’s fat, unworthy, and unfixable? Can she be Worth Her Weight?       LACEY CHANDLER helps her mother, her sister, her friend, and then she binges on food and wonders is there really a God?     BETTY CHANDLER hates being handicapped and useless, so she lashes out at the daughter that helps, and the God who doesn’t seem to care.      TOBY WHEELER loves being police chief in Wharton Rock, but when the devil invades the small town, he can’t release control.  Is God enough in Wharton Rock?
"Worth Her Weight" is up now for pre-order at http://www.pen-l.com/WorthHerWeight.html  Anyone preordering before Christmas will receive a 10% discount. It will actually release on Dec. 16.

 From Ada: What has God taught you about weight loss? Please leave a comment.

DEPRESSION: WHAT'S IN THAT HEAVY LOAD YOU CARRY?

Why am I cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I will yet praise him for the help of his countenance” (Psalm 42:5
BY ADA BROWNELL
Parked at a high school waiting for my child after an evening event, students meandered into the parking lot. The teens playfully insulted one another, juggled offensive language into the air like rotten apples, wrapped arms around a few girls, punched buddies, and then I noticed one was drunk.Although his boisterous laughter filled the air, his eyes spoke louder than his mouth. No smile glistened there. I could see the same hopeless look on the faces of other young people around him. Were the youths from broken homes where the single parent also lacked hope? Dysfunctional foster homes? Did the kids’ have a parent who was ill, abusive, an alcoholic, or just unloving? Or had these teens’ own rebellion consumed them?I’ll never forget the youngster who didn’t appear more than age 12 or 13 lying unconscious on the grass in our neighborhood green space. He lay there alone while someone called an ambulance and a half dozen or so of us stood by. I prayed, wondering if he'd been injured. I discovered later he suffered from alcohol poisoning, caused by consuming too much alcohol.What would cause a nice-looking youngster his age to overdose on alcohol? Especially alone?People everywhere are trying to kill their emotional pain.If we rummage around in the bag of burdens people carry we find heavy things: anger, grief, hurts, sickness, handicaps, poverty, guilt, grudges, bitterness, lust, hatred, envy, covetousness, rebellion, self doubt, sin and the agony of never filling the God-shaped place inside.Perhaps they have not heard the prophecy about Jesus: “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory” (Isaiah 61:3NLT).Jesus confirmed the prophecy was fulfilled in him: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Then He added, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:18, 21KJ).I’ve often thought the reason for more frequent mass murder, suicide and wide-spread consumption of alcohol and mind-altering drugs is because they coincide with the erasure of faith in God in our homes, schools, government and among our leaders. People try anything to relieve emotional pain except what works—redemption from sin and the accompanying peace and joy.The Psalmist experienced anguish because of sin and the joy that came with repentance. Perhaps David’s most notable sin was observing Bathsheba bathing and coveting Uriah the Hittite’s wife. He seduced her, and then called Uriah, one of David’s warrior’s, home from battle thinking if she conceived, the husband would think the child was his.But Uriah was committed to the war and didn’t go home to Bathsheba. So David ordered him sent to the front lines where he would be killed. Uriah was fatally wounded, and the king married Bathsheba.The Bible says “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23), David was found out, and rebuked by the prophet Nathan for what he had done.Bathsheba was pregnant and in a few months a boy was born. Yet, the infant was sickly and despite all of David’s crying and seeking God for his son’s life, the little one died.As he does with many of us, even after David repented, Satan kept accusing the king and his sin haunted him. But the day of his birth, David was a sinner. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Since Adam and Eve sinned, we’re all born with a sinful nature. That is the reason we’re all prone to sin, destined to die and need a Savior and Redemption.Sin is a horrible thing and one of the nasty things about wickedness is its effect on us and those against whom we sin. Paul told the Galatians, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7NKJ).Although wickedness thrived in every generation, it seems a huge crop of wickedness waves in the fields today.
God is the only one who can lift the heavy burdens of sin, unbelief and rebellion that plague the individual, rob him of peace, strip him of joy, and plunge him into a constant state of despair.Ignoring the chasm beside the treacherous road we travel will not give us peace. We need to look up, and when we do, believe “He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11: 6).

Copyright © Ada Brownell 

Interesting Discoveries During Research for The Messiah’s Sign

By Amber Schamel
Hello everyone! I was so excited when Ada asked me to share with you some of the interesting tidbits that I learned while researching for my new book, The Messiah's Sign. I'm a great lover of history and trivia, so these posts are always fun!
One of my favorite things about researching for a historical novel is visiting the places where your novel is set.  You can find out some of the most interesting tidbits by visiting the location. This is one of the reasons that I LOVE to travel. I've had the honor of visiting the Holy Land twice before writing the Days of Messiah series. Of course, at the time I was visiting, I didn't know that I would end up writing books with that setting, but the locations are still engraved on my mind.
The area of Judea is beautiful, with a nice climate, as opposed to the more desert-like climate around Jerusalem. There are many grassy hills surrounding the sea of Galilee, and Jesus roamed these hills often and preached his Sermon on the Mount atop one of them.
Capernaum was one of my favorite stops in Israel because it is where Jesus spent so much of his time and called many of his disciples. We know that Peter and his brother Andrew, James and his brother John, and also Matthew the tax collector were from this fishing town.
The most notable ruin in the town of Capernaum, is that of the Jewish Synagogue.  While the visible ruins are not the ones mentioned in the scriptural text, it is apparently built on the same spot, and pieces of the original foundation are visible beneath the white marble. The Synagogue of Jesus was built by a Roman Centurion who is mentioned in Luke 5, however it was destroyed and then rebuilt in the 4th century. This upper layer is called the "White Synagogue".
It is interesting that the corner pillars of the synagogue are heart shaped. This was to help support the slanted roof, as well as reinforcement for earthquakes and shifting of the earth.
The engravings on the ruins are still so well preserved that you can see many of the designs clearly, such as pomegranates, the star of David, and even geometric designs that resemble the swastika.Jesus cursed Capernaum in Matthew 11:23 saying "And you, Capernaum which are lifted up unto heaven shall be brought down to hell - for if the mighty works that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would still be here today." Less than forty years after Jesus made this prophecy, the town was destroyed by the Romans, and has never been rebuilt.

Have you ever visited Israel? Which site would you most like to see? Leave your answer to be entered in a drawing for a kindle copy of The Messiah's Sign!

Summary of The Messiah's Sign:


Multi-published author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and is now the author of over half a dozen books. Between ministry, family and working in their family-owned businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites.  Amber is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.

http://amberschamel.com/
Blog: http://www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel
Twitter: @AmberSchamel
Pintrest - http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel

Terri Reed shares how to research and write crime fiction

UNSAFE TERRITORY 

When a mysterious toxin threatens lives and livelihoods near the border between the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Tessa Cleary is called to trace the source. But when the no-nonsense doctor is forced to work with border patrol agent Jeff Steele, she finds the lone wolf's dedication to his job—and country—chipping away at the walls around her heart. Just as Tessa and Jeff are about to uncover the toxin's deadly source, armed thugs kidnap them in the forest. Now they must trust each other to survive before time runs out for everyone. Northern Border Patrol: Keeping the U.S.–Canadian border safe

Terri Reed will give a signed copy of Danger at the Border, book 1 of the Northern Border Patrol series to a commenter.


INTERVIEW WITH TERRI REED
1.  How much research was involved in writing books such as Danger at the Border, Undercover Marriage (Witness Protection), Strictly Confidential?  I had to do a lot of research—reading and combing the internet. Thankfully so many people in law enforcement are generous with their time and expertise. I also bought several reference guides that I refer to when I need to know the proper police/law enforcement procedures. Here’s a few: Practical Homicide Investigation by  Vernon GerbethForensics by Dr. Zakaria ErzincliogluPolice Procedure and Investigation by Lee Lofland
2.  Who did you interview and where did you go for background info? I belong to an online group called crimescenewriters. There are so many great people on there who are either retired or currently working in law enforcement and they share all their knowledge so generously.
3.  Was it difficult to create the characters in suspense stories?Developing characters is always a bit of a challenge because they need to be real, flawed and yet heroic regardless of the genre. In suspense stories, it’s entertaining to throw the characters into dire situations and see how they react.
4.  Did you have a definite Christian element in these books?I do have a faith arc in my inspirational romances/romantic suspenses.  I usually determine where they are in their relationship with God at the beginning of the story and then where they need to end. As I write I keep those two points in mind so I can show the arc.
5.  Do they go into the paranormal? If so, or if not, Why? I haven’t written any with paranormal elements but I would like to one day. I have a story in mind that involves guardian angels based on a true event, but for now I write in the physical world not the spirit realm.
6.  Was it an adjustment to switch to Love Inspired books?Not really. I started out writing sweet romances and when I decided to revise them into inspirationals I realized I had already put a great deal of faith in my stories.
7.  Who is your favorite character from your books, and does he or she appear in more than one? I would have to say my favorite character is from my second book titled, A Sheltering Love. The heroine Claire Wilcox is probably the most like me. She does appear briefly in A Sheltering Heart.

8.  What are you working on now, and what kind preparation are you doing?
I’m starting the third book in the Northern Border Patrol series. The first book came out this past September-Danger at the Border. The second book releases in July 2015-Joint Investigation.This third book will be a Christmas story coming out in November 2015. The setting for this book is a Christmas Tree farm so I’m reading everything I can find about the variety of trees used during the Christmas season, both here in the US and across the  border in Canada. It’s been interesting. I hope to visit one of the country’s largest tree farms here in Oregon.
9.  Why do you write?That’s a funny question. I write because I have all these stories and characters running around in my brain all the time. Getting them out and on to paper keeps me sane.
10.              Anything you’d like to add?  I love to hear from readers. You can find me at www.terrireed.com or Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1naYIRvYou can buy my books at http://bit.ly/amznterrireed

Thank you for hosting me today.

AN UNUSUAL, PRECIOUS GIFT

By Nicole Deese
Our God gives the best gifts—and most of them aren’t found under a tree. Most of them are wrapped in the shape of the people we love.
Nine years ago this November, my husband Tim and I brought our first baby home from the hospital. Not only were we in the clutches of chaos, trying to survive sleepless nights and frozen meals, but we had just moved across state lines and were in the process of waiting to hear news on a new job.
Needless to say, we had approximately seventeen dollars in our checking account, and what we lacked in money was made up in stress. The idea of buying Christmas presents, much less, purchasing a Christmas tree was far from a reality. 
One night right before Christmas that year, my husband came home from a Men’s Game Night held at our church. When he walked through our front door, his eyes were downcast, his shoulders slumped in defeat. I worried something awful had happened to him in those few hours away from home.
Had he been hurt? Had he heard bad news about the job?
Tim sat down beside me on the sofa and studied our sleeping baby cradled in my arms. “There was a big Christmas jackpot for the last man standing tonight. I made it to the very last round—to the very last hand—and lost to the winner.”
My husband’s not an emotional man by nature—sincere, yes—but emotional? No. I never would have imagined him so upset over losing a card game. He looked at me, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Every round I won, all I could think about was how badly I wanted to surprise you on Christmas morning—give you something so amazing because of all you’ve given me.”
And ladies, wouldn’t you know it, in my hormonally sensitive, sleep-deprived state, sobs rolled through me like tidal waves.
But I wasn’t crying because Tim couldn’t buy me Christmas gifts, or because we only had seventeen dollars to our name. I cried because I realized in that beautifully raw moment that God had given me something I could never earn or even try to deserve.
In my arms laid the blessing of new life, and at my side, sat a man who sought my happiness over his own. I was completely enveloped in love.
That December night long ago reminds me that no matter what season of life I find myself in—whether it be lean or plentiful, sad or joyful, lonely or filled to the brim with family, my Saviors gifts are never hidden. Most of them are wrapped in the shape of the people we love.
Merry Christmas.
Nicole Deese
Author of The Letting Go Series and A Cliché Christmas.

Author Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/nicoledeeseauthor
Twitter: @nicoledeese
Website: www.nicoledeese.com


Here's the Amazon link for A Cliche Christmas: 
http://www.amazon.com/A-Clich%C3%A9-Christmas-Nicole-Deese-ebook/dp/B00KQ1LYJE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top


Book description taken from Amazon.:2014 American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Award Finalist
Writing happy endings is easy. Living one is the hard part.

Georgia Cole—known in Hollywood as the “Holiday Goddess”—has made a name for herself writing heartwarming screenplays chock-full of Christmas clichés, but she has yet to experience the true magic of the season. So, when her eccentric grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Georgia’s hometown community theater, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, she’ll be working alongside Weston James, her childhood crush and the one man she has tried desperately to forget.
Now, facing memories of a lonely childhood and the humiliation of her last onstage performance, seven years earlier, Georgia is on the verge of a complete mistletoe meltdown. As Weston attempts to thaw the frozen walls around her heart, Georgia endeavors to let go of her fears and give love a second chance. If she does, will she finally believe that Christmas can be more than a cliché?

Bio: Nicole Deese is a lover of fiction. When she isn’t writing, she can be found fantasizing about “reading escapes,” which look a lot like kid-free, laundry-free, and cooking-free vacations.
Her debut novel, an Inspirational Contemporary Romance, All for Anna, has hit multiple milestones since its release in January 2013, including a 4.7 star rating on Amazon and more than 120,000 downloads on Kindle. She has since completed the Letting Go series and is over-the-moon excited about her new release, A Cliché Christmas, published by Waterfall Press, an Amazon Publishing imprint. A Cliché Christmas is available at Walmart stores nationwide and on Amazon.com.
Nicole Deese is represented by Jessica Kirkland of The Blythe Daniel Agency, and lives in Frisco, Texas, with her husband, Tim, and her two rowdy boys, Preston and Lincoln.

Kangaroos and Thanksgiving: Stranded giveaway

Comment for a chance to win a copy of        Stranded

By Stephanie Prichard

“Where are all the kangaroos?” I peered out the car window at the Australian countryside north of Geelong. The land looked no different than what I’d left in the United States—acres and acres of gently rolling farmland. Except … shouldn’t there be kangaroos hopping across the road … echidna as road kill … maybe an emu strolling among the sheep?

“Kangaroos don’t run wild in farmland, Mom. I’ll take you to see some tomorrow.”

Ahead of us, a car in the wrong lane aimed itself straight at us. I sucked in air through clenched teeth as the car zipped past on the right. How many choking breaths would it take before I remembered Aussies drove in the wrong … er, left lane?


Three weeks later, the kangaroos, echidnas, emus, and I had everything straightened out. I returned home in love with the land of Down Under, its people, and its amazing creatures. Everything except driving on the wrong side of the road. Had the first settlers in the New World felt a similar awe at the strange land they set their feet on? We join them at Thanksgiving in expressing gratitude for a land of liberty and opportunity, a land in which we are free to worship God and live to please Him.
  We even figured it out about driving on the right side of the road—but it’s still the wrong side. Wrong because spiritually, ever since Adam and Eve, the world has been driving away from God, not toward Him. Our greatest gratitude as Christians is for a Savior who became The Road, the way back for us to God.

And it only gets better. The Road takes us to a perfect land—Heaven, where there will be no more sin, no more tears, no more death, but God Himself dwelling with His people. Can it be any better than that? God with us, in person!

And, hey, since “creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21), who knows what fauna and flora we will encounter? Think of all the plants and animals that have become extinct. What a wonder that will be to see them! After my trip to Australia, I’m hankering to see a Tasmanian devil!Thanksgiving—it’s our feast from the day of our salvation to the day of our arrival in eternity with God. How are you doing? Are you chowing down with an attitude of gratitude?
MEET STEPHANIE:
 Stephanie is an army brat who lived in many countries around the world and loved it. She met her husband at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she majored in English/Literature. She and Don have lived in Indianapolis, IN, for forty years, and in retirement have turned to co-authoring novels now that their three children are busy raising a beautiful crop of grandchildren for them.
Back cover summary of STRANDED:All Marine Corps reservist Jake Chalmers wants is to give his dying wife a last, romantic cruise to the Philippines. Unable to save her in a mass murder aboard ship, he washes ashore a jungle island, where he discovers three other survivors. Heartbroken that he failed to save his wife, he is determined not to fail these helpless castaways.Federal prosecutor Eve Eriksson rescues a young girl and her elderly great-aunt from the same ship. They badly need Jake's survival skills, but why is he so maddeningly careful? She needs to hurry home to nail a significant career trial. And, please, before Jake learns her secret that she's responsible for his wife's death. 

link to book at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQGJBUY
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