Ada Brownell's Blog, page 72

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER'S LOVE IS ALWAYS THERE

Today's guest, VANESSA RILEY is a technology enthusiast who loves all things regency. Her debut novel, Madeline's Protector, exhibits her skill in discovering the hidden nuances of a character: making him believable, her touchable, and both ready to be used of God. Vanessa holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and loves writing from the comfort of her southern porch. · http://www.christianregency.com,· Blog: http://www.regencyreflections.com, http://www.infinitecharacters.com· FB: ChristianRegency, · Twitter: @VanessaRiley




Back Cover Blurb of Madeline's Protector: If all the young men of England leapt off a cliff, Madeline St. James wouldn't care. Then she'd have peace. Her nightmares of courtship would end, and she'd cozy up with a Psalm in her aunt's quiet sculpture garden. Yet, a chance meeting and a bullet wound change everything, and Madeline must trust the Good Shepherd has led her to the altar to marry a dashing stranger, Lord Devonshire. Death and pain are no strangers to Justain Delveaux, Lord Devonshire, and he vows his dutiful bride will be kept safe and in her place. Though this compromised marriage is in-name-only, his wife and her unwavering faith both intrigue and allure him. Perchance when he thwarts his brother's killer, Justain will tempt the unpredictable Madeline with the comfort of his arms. But can Madeline and the stubborn earl forge a true bond before the next disaster strikes?




VANESSA RILEY'S STORY ABOUT HER ABBA, FATHER
Thank you Ada for hosting me today. I'm excited to be here. In my debut book, Madeline's Protector, the heroine is Madeline St. James. Though she is young, and a might naïve, she holds to her faith. No matter the challenges tossed her way, she knows God is in control. At one point, when everyone has let her down, she's hurting and she's cries out to Abba, Father.  Abba is translated as daddy and it shows the closeness of her relationship to God. As Romans 8:15 says, we've been adopted by God and should cry out Abba.   Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (KJV)
Think about that. All who know Jesus and have invited Him into their hearts are sons and daughters of the king. God is our father, but do you call him daddy? Do you believe and feel that warm relationship of a Daddy-and-daughter or a Daddy-and-son?No, maybe, not every day.But God is our daddy.Who do you want to pick you up when you scrape your knee? Loving DaddyWho do you want to embrace you when you've face the loss of a job or a rejection. Consoling DaddyWho knows how you hurt on the inside, when your breath is stolen at the death of a spouse or a friend's anguish over a terminal diagnosis.  Huggable DaddyI've been a Christian since I was eight years old. I still remember making the long walk from the middle section of the church pews. Down the shaggy burgundy carpet, I kept moving until I stood at the front underneath the shadows of a gigantic oak altar. Every set of eyes from the congregants seemed to bear down on me as I stumbled reciting the pastor's words. I squinted as the altar call ended. A majestic stained-glass window allowed the sunlight to stream inside, almost blinding with its brightness.  I was awed and struck with the reverence of committing my life to God in this formal tradition, but it would be a few years before I could call Him, Abba. When my world ripped asunder as my middle-class life disappeared, I found God was Abba. My earthly father decided he wanted a new life and never came home again. An ache like I've never known twisted in my stomach as I watched my mom soldier on even though she'd have to figure out how to feed four children. That night, I dropped onto the cold ceramic tile of the bathroom, and cried until I felt God's spirit warming me, whispering everything would be all right. Abba cradled me and has been there for me as Daddy ever since, whether to share a triumph or to hold my hand.Whatever you are going through, know God loves you. He cares about you. He is your Daddy, and He's waiting for you to call upon Him.

Raccoon Tales--A Great New Children's Book

Into New Waters By Guest Blogger Joy DeKokIt took me ten years to get Raccoon Tales, my current e-book release, into publication--and another four to catch it up with current technology. Waiting is hard for me, but I’m also a bit on the tenacious side.

So were the baby raccoons I wrote the book about. When they came into our lives, they were completely helpless. Only a few days old, their eyes were shut, and they couldn’t stand on the tiny legs. For them growing up went quickly and within weeks, they were toddlers. When it was time to learn things, they were determined to master it all. As their temporary mom, I knew this trait would serve them well in the wild.

Soon they needed more space to play, so we took them out on the deck a couple of times a day. Here we introduced them to big black bowls of water. The first day, the four bigger babies were more interested in climbing in Jon, but not RC. The runt of the litter, he was the most adventuresome of the bunch. I watched as he inspected fresh water for the first time. He hung on to the rim and looked over, then seemed a little surprised to find another raccoon in the bowl. He reached out to touch the newcomer and was delighted when his reflection became a splash!

His siblings watched from the safety of Jon’s lap and shoulders as he played with and then finally jumped into the big water bowl. He chased water drops until there were none left, stopping only to take a quick drink. Exhausted, he climbed out on to the now soaked deck floor and scrambled up my legs. He was cold and shivered, so I rubbed him down with a towel, and wrapped him a blanket.

By this time, the others decided to give the other bowls a try. In a few minutes, they were all drenched, and decided to climb my jean covered legs looking for the same treatment had RC received. That afternoon was a milestone for the babies – they’d discovered one of life’s essentials and loved the way the water tasted, felt, sounded, and it became one of their favorite places to play. Now, running the faucet in the kitchen woke them from a sound sleep, and they were ready for water games.

As I tucked them in for a nap, I day dreamed about the day the raccoons would return to the wild and enjoy finding the same refreshment and some nutrition in a babbling brook. That would mean letting them go and never seeing them again, so I prayed the days would move at a slower pace than normal. However, I wanted the best for them, and in time, that would be freedom.

Together we’d crossed an invisible line – soon they’d be teenagers and would need me less. I stayed a little closer to their box that day and when they woke up, I was very ready to hold them again. A few months later, they started the process of reverting to wild ones. So, we released them next to the babbling brook I’d dreamed about. They loved it and we loved them enough to leave them there.

When it was time to write this book and have it illustrated, I was amazed by Leslie’s gift for capturing the moment in her art. Here are the words I wrote for this page in the book and her painting of the moment. RC discovered the big water bowl.He reached inside and shivered; it was cold!He held on to the edge and looked over the rim,
And saw his reflection—a picture of him!The others weren’t quite as thirsty yet,So he splashed and got himself all wet.

You can share four of our real-life raccoon adventures with your children, and encourage them to draw near to the God who loves them. Find out how to order the paperback book or the e-book HERE. There are also two free coloring pages waiting for you to download.



MEET THE AUTHORJoy started writing as a little girl. She carries a large purse so she can take her journal and an assortment of pens with her. Joy lives on thirty-five acres of woods and field in Minnesota between Rochester and Pine Island. She’s been married to Jon for thirty-five years and they enjoy their many nieces and nephews. Their dogs, Sophie and Tucker, keep them company when they explore the land riding their John Deere Gator or while watching the many birds that visit their feeders.She has seven books in print and is working on a novel series featuring main character, Olivia Morgan. Joy is also developing a writing group called, Write Yourself Strong, for hurting women. Faith is a vital part of Joy’s life. When she was sixteen, Joy asked God to find her and He did. 

FREE FOR KINDLE MARCH 9-12

Note: FREE! The book, Confessions of a Pentecostal, first published by the Assemblies of God’s Gospel Publishing House in 1978, became available for Kindle in 2011 after being out of print for years and many used copies sold online. The Kindle version is free of charge March 9-12 at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088OP460

Summary of Confessions of a Pentecostal

CONFESSIONS OF A PENTECOSTALWhen Ada Nicholson Brownell was a child, a faithful Christian neighbor witnessed to her mother. Not just once, but almost every day. “The family did everything to get rid of her,” the author recalls, “but she came to our house…her Bible tucked under her arm, an enthusiastic smile on her face.”Then Ada’s older sister attended a Pentecostal service at the invitation of a teenage friend. One by one all 10 members of her family were saved and received the Pentecostal experience.
Ada tells of those early childhood days, what it was like to grow up in a Pentecostal home, and then of her continuous search for spiritual fulfillment. Her search has not been without trials, sickness, and disappointments. But God has given her an abiding strength and a vibrant faith to overcome these problems. Her inspiring confession of faith will encourage and bless believers everywhere.
The book was listed in  2011 among 10 recommendations on Pentecostalism by The Library Thing.
Free March 9-12 http://buff.ly/KmLPMi

MY VIEW OF BEING PENTECOSTAL

Note: In the Kindle edition there is an added chapter to bring readers up-to-date with what is going on in my life.                                                                           By Ada Brownell

In 1937, people in a little white church had heard our large family was moving there and they began praying for us. Mom, Dad, and my seven siblings were refugees from the Kansas Dust Bowl and Great Depression when they arrived in Fruita, Colo.
God sent Christian friends to my older siblings and one by one my sisters and brothers  accepted Jesus as their Savior.
Mama was afraid of the Pentecostals, so when she went to check on what my oldest sister was getting into, she sat on the porch steps and tried to listen to what was going on inside.
Eventually Mom and Dad joined my siblings. I, only a few months old, grew up in a wonderful Christian home. The following is an excerpt of Chapter One of Confessions of a Pentecostal.
I grew up feeling close to God. I enjoyed the warm comforting Presence that descended on us time and again at church, at cottage prayer meetings, and even when we prayed as a family at home.
Often when our church was particularly “on fire” for God, sinners wept when they entered the building; people prayed so much the presence of God continually filled the sanctuary, and even I, as a child, felt my heart bursting with faith.
People believed God for anything in those days, and people had many needs. We weren’t the only family in town living in poverty despite everyone’s willingness to work. But we did not go hungry. Health insurance was unheard of, and many diseases that can be prevented or cured today were debilitating or fatal. The polio epidemic gripped our nation during my childhood, but our family was untouched.
Now that I look back, I see God’s healing and protection for me. I probably was only a few months old when my two-year-old brother emptied a salt shaker in my eyes. Yet, I never remember having a problem with my vision.
Mama spent lots of time working in the garden to make sure we had food to eat, and when I was a toddler, my sister, only 7 ½ years older than I, gave me a bath. Our kitchen wood stove hadn’t had a fire in it during the hot summer weather, and she set me down on the stove when she took me out of the water. That day the stove was hot and I still have scars on my backside.
I must have been about age 10 when I disobeyed Daddy and went ice skating on the river on a frigid winter day. The river was a long way from our house, and I froze my feet. When I walked in the house, I dunked them in hot water. They turned black and swelled so much I couldn’t keep what I’d done a secret. But praise the Lord, I still have feet!
We feasted on the Word. I grew up knowing God loved me and had a plan for my life. I felt inferior to other children because I wasn’t dressed as nicely as they, and believed my freckles and red hair made me ugly. I had no idea that others probably envied my Shirley Temple curls that stayed in like most girls’ braids because my hair was naturally curly. Despite teasing for being a redhead and a “holy roller” from school classmates, I always felt good inside because Jesus loved me.
Excitement filled me when we went to church. I remember one Sunday night when we came in late, and we weren’t often late, and the congregation already was singing:
“Yes, I know, I surely know, Jesus’ blood can make the vilest sinner clean….”Although a child, the singing sent chills down my spine. If only the drunks in town knew that! If only the woman who lay across the railroad tracks near our home and committed suicide had known that! If only the whole world could know that Jesus’ blood can make the vilest sinner clean!
It’s been years since I accepted Jesus as my Savior. Am I still enthusiastic about Him? Am I as dedicated? Do I still have faith to rely on God? Is there value to serving Him? Or does doubt overshadow everything I thought I believed?



1 Anna W. Waterman, Copyright 1930 by F. M. Lehman  ©Ada Brownell 2011

LAURA MARSHALL'S NEW DEVOTIONAL: THIS IS A BATTLE CRY FOR REST

Excerpt from A Mom’s Battle Cry for Rest by Laura J. Marshall
All Rights Reserved

I am weary. I have been weary. In the future, I may become weary. I am grateful for the guidance God has given me in His Word on how to come to Jesus. How do I come to you, Jesus?

Matthew 18:2-4, And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

I didn’t ask about being great in the kingdom of heaven, but how to come to you, Jesus.

Yes, but you must come like a child…who willingly comes when beckoned, who trusts and easily responds to love.

Faith. We must know and believe Jesus is who He says He is and He will whisk away the world to lean close and hear our whispered words, the unspoken aches of our heart, and that He is merciful and loving and will help us.

Let’s visit Matthew 20:29-34:

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

They knew who Jesus was and called out to Him.

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The two blind men ignored the world and kept shouting.

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

Jesus focused on their cries and stopped to listen. He asked what He could do for them.

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

They believed Jesus could heal them.

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.

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Join one Christian mom on her journey through the bible to find the Rest that refreshes. A Mom’s Battle Cry for Rest: Battle Cry Devotional Series is available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback. http://amzn.com/B00BI2HMDM.



THIS IS A BATTLE CRY FOR REST
The following poem is not about suicide, but about the enemy knocking at our door everyday...and the choices we make. "The choices we make daily can affect if a door is open or closed to the enemy," says Laura. "Are our eyes fixed on the storm or the darkness, making us sink or lose our footing? Look up to Jesus, even if it’s a struggle…..especially if it’s a struggle. The chains fall, the storm calms, and light breaks to reveal the path ahead."

Go Away DeathBy Laura J. Marshall

Stop knocking on my door and asking to come in.

You’re not welcome here.

You’ve tried the handle, haven’t you?

The door is locked today.

A few times, you’ve found it unlocked or stolen your way in,

And tempted me to anger, sin….to give in, or give up.

You fed me hopeless thoughts and pushed me lower.

You came with your heavy chains and draped them across my back and arms.

I struggled to walk.

I fought to breath.

In my despair, I tilted my head and looked up at the cross,

And then even higher to the throne.

Breathing in faith, goodness, and mercy.

The chains fell.

Death is pushed out.

Peace reigns.

I choose Life.


©Copyright 2013 Laura J. Marshall
Bio: Laura J. Marshall is the mother of five sons. She writes fiction and nonfiction. Her first nonfiction book is called A Mom’s Battle Cry for Rest: Battle Cry Devotional Series. Her fiction romantic suspense book, Persistent Love is due out soon. You can find out more about Laura and her books at www.LauraJMarshall.com
Laura’s book on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00BI2HMDM

TIP FOR QUICK SNOW REMOVAL

I know it's almost spring, but it seems in many states it will still snow for a while. Even in spring, sometimes the flakes keep falling sometime building huge drifts and piles blocking driveways, sidewalks and porches.

Heavy wet snow is the most difficult to shovel, in my estimation, but if you use my tricks it will be fun and barely give your back grief.

Just take a handful of snow, squeeze it into a ball then start rolling it down the driveway as if you're making a snow man. When you get to the street, roll it to the side on your property and start the process all over again until the driveway is cleared. This technique will work on sidewalks, too, but you'll need a shovel to do steps and tidy everything up. Wala! Great fun and an easy way to do a difficult job.

WHAT'S NEW WITH ADA BROWNELL WRITING MINISTRIES?

PHOTO: The youngest reader yet for JOE THE DREAMER THE CASTLE AND THE CATAPULT


10,000 HITS; new books on the horizon; price reductions

NOTE FROM ADA BROWNELL

Today, March 2, 2013, my blog, INK FROM AN EARTHEN VESSEL marked 10,000 HITS since it was created about four years ago.
I hope you have found a spiritual journey of encouragement with me and my guest writers.
Watch for upcoming events in the blogging and book writing and selling world also. I have interesting guests scheduled and I will be a guest for other bloggers as well, many of them best-selling authors. I announce my guest events on Facebook and Twitter.

NEW BOOKS COMING!
Keep an eye out also for my new books set to be published this year, hopefully in a month or two. The teen self-help book, which also could help anyone, IMAGINE THE FUTURE YOU, and an historical romance THE LADY FUGITIVE.

REDUCED!
Look at the following links for my books currently available on Amazon and several other sites. The price of the Kindle version of my new teen novel, JOE THE DREAMER; THE CASTLE AND THE CATAPULT, has been reduced. The book is mystery/suspense/and adventure, and adults enjoy it, too. http://buff.ly/XeqTvH

ONLY 99 CENTS!
ALSO, the Kindle version of my book, SWALLOWED BY LIFE: MYSTERIES OF DEATH, RESURRECTION AND THE ETERNAL, is on sale for the month of March for $.99.
The book is for support groups, religion classes, the ill, those who fear the eternal or are curious about it. SWALLOWED BY LIFE http://buff.ly/TLkr0a The book has a number of five-star reviews.

FREE!
The popular book, CONFESSIONS OF A PENTECOSTAL, first published in 1978, will be free of charge March 9-12. After all these years, people still get excited about the encouragement they receive from this little book. In 2011, the book was listed among ten Pentecostalism recommendations by The Library Thing, as number six after Pioneers of Faith by Lester Sumrall; Good morning, Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn; Azusa Street by Frank Bartleman; Signs and Wonders by Benny C. Aker; and Look out! The Pentecostals are Coming by C. Peter Wagner. Confessions of a Pentecostal, published by the Assemblies of God, sold more than 7,000 copies before the paperback went out of print. I still sell paperbacks and it’s now available online as an e-book. http://buff.ly/KmLPMi It’s $3.99 now. The free days are March 9-12.

A LIFE OF GRATITUDE: FREE KINDLE BOOK & GIVEAWAY

TITLE:

A Life of Gratitude: Free Kindle Book & Giveaway


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By Shelley Hitz

About the Book:A Life of Gratitude: How to Overcome Self-Pity and Negativity

During a season of transition in my life, I found myself overwhelmed with negative emotions like self-pity and a complaining spirit. It was as if a dark cloud had descended over me. I prayed and asked God for wisdom on how to overcome these negative emotions. As I did, I sensed Him leading me to do a 21 day gratitude challenge.

Over the course of the 21 days, God began to change me as I spent intentional time being grateful for all I had been given. I did this through writing in my journal each day and also sending a hand-written thank you note to someone different each day. This also led me to writing out 21 prayers of gratitude and compiling 21 stories of gratitude.

I want to share what I learned with you in the pages of this book which includes:
21 Days of Gratitude Challenge21 Prayers of Gratitude21 Stories of GratitudeWhat to Expect On Each Day:
Read my personal stories, struggles and reflections.Read one scripture and one quote about gratitude.Apply one personal application step from the challenge.Read one prayer of gratitudeRead one story of gratitudeGet Accountability and Encouragement

Along with the 21 day challenge, I also started a private Facebook group to provide accountability and encouragement for myself but also for others who decide to join me in the challenge. You will get access to this group as well. It has been amazing to see God at work in each of our lives.

Will you join me on this journey to gratitude?

 

Download on Kindle

FREE on Kindle 2/27/13 & 2/28/13)

Purchase Paperback | Purchase Large Print Paperback | Purchase Audiobook

 

Shelley Hitz

Shelley Hitz is an award-winning and international best-selling author. Her openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.

Shelley has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998. They currently travel and speak to teens and adults around the country. Shelley's main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

Follow Shelley Hitz
Website | Facebook | TwitterEnter to Win a Paperback Copy and Coffee!Enter below to enter a paperback copy of "A Life of Gratitude" and a $5 Starbucks gift card, sponsored by author Shelley Hitz!



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Guest best-selling author Karen Baney writes about reader expectations

Managing Reader Expectations
By Karen Baney
As a software engineer, I’ve been involved in many projects over the last decade. One of the biggest keys to the success of those projects has nothing to do with the actual software end product. Instead, it involved managing expectations of the project stakeholders along the way.
The same can be true of book marketing. A reader’s opinion about your book can be a direct result of the expectations you’ve helped them set.
Nervous yet? Don’t be. Managing readers’ expectations isn’t as hard as it might sound.
Let’s take a look at how readers’ expectations are set:
1. The cover helps set the reader’s expectations for the genre and quality of the book.
Even though we wish readers would not judge a book by its cover, they do. The cover gives the reader an impression about the book’s genre and subject matter. Two people kissing or locked in an embrace generally sends the message that the book is a romance. Spaceships on the cover says Sci-Fi.
The quality of the cover also sets an expectation for the quality of the writing. That’s why it is so important to invest in a well-designed cover.
2. Back cover copy sets the reader’s expectations for the plot and characters.
Have you ever read the back cover copy (product description) of a book and been completely disappointed by the book’s inability to deliver on what was promised? If so, then you can totally relate to this point.
The back cover copy helps the reader identify genre and at least some element of the plot for fiction or the problem to be solved for non-fiction. If the back cover copy is misleading or weak, it can alter the reader’s satisfaction level after having read the book. The back cover copy must deliver on its promises.
3. Previously published titles set the reader’s expectations for quality and entertainment value.
A poorly written book is your worst nightmare as an author. If a reader picks up one of your titles and hates it, they assume they will not like any of your other titles. That book has set their expectations. Sometimes you can overcome this obstacle with good reviews on your other books or strong marketing messages.
Similarly, if they absolutely loved one title, they assume they will love all of your other titles. Now the pressure is on. Time to write another solid, captivating book in order to meet the reader’s expectations.
4. Advertising messages set the reader’s expectations for genre and content.
How you market the book makes a difference. If you market a book as a western, it better have some of the elements associated with that genre.
What you say makes a difference as well. If your marketing message talks about a sweet kiss, readers are going to think that romance is a theme of the book. If it isn’t, consider revising the marketing message to better reflect the book’s themes.
5. Guest blog posts set the reader’s expectations for quality and content.
While only a small fraction of the number of readers that buy your book will learn about it from a guest blog post, it is important to put effort into writing a good post. If your post is sloppy or inconsistent with your writing style, readers may be disappointed when they pick up your book.
This is especially true with non-fiction. Your goal when promoting non-fiction works is to set yourself up as an authority on the subject matter related to your book. Make sure your guest posts reflect that.
6. Interviews set the reader’s expectations for likability and entertainment.
A poorly written interview can lower your likability with readers. They may still pick up your book because it sounds interesting to them, but why not make them love you first?

Every word about your book, on your website, in a product description, etc., sets the tone. Readers make certain assumptions, right or wrong, about your book based on those words.
The moral of this story? Take some time to evaluate your marketing messages. Make sure they set the expectation that you want the reader to have.

Learn more about pricing, distribution, and the other keys to book marketing success in Karen’s new book for authors, 10 Keys to eBook Marketing Success. Now available on Amazon.

Best-selling self-published author, Karen Baney, enjoys sharing information to help authors learn about the Business of Writing. She holds a Masters of Business Administration from Arizona State University and has worked in various business related career fields for the past 20 years. She writes Christian Historical Fiction and Contemporary Romance novels. To learn more about her novels visit her website: karenbaney.com. Authors can find tips and information on self-publishing and marketing at: www.myauthorservices.com.

Connect with Karen on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.