Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 10
July 23, 2021
KINDNESS OR REVENGE ~ BEYOND THESE WAR-TORN LANDS
Which takes more courage: kindness or revenge?
My upcoming Civil War novel, Beyond These War-Torn Lands probes that question as both my hero (Drew) and my heroine (Caroline) face challenges that force them to draw upon their faith and inner-strength to overcome.
One of the hardest things the Lord asks us to do is to love those who wrong us. Perhaps that’s why He led me to write this story, because loving the unlovable (our enemy) is something I (and probably everyone else) struggles with.
When others hurt or mistreat us, our first instinct is to either avoid that person or seek revenge. But in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonished us to “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. What a tall order.
Responding to character attacks or unfair treatment with kindness and love takes a great amount of courage and self-control. I’m a lot like Caroline in my story. When her father continually rejects her and downgrades her character, she is deeply hurt. She suppresses those emotions until, over time, they swelter into bitterness.
It takes the wise words of a friend (Drew) and God’s Word to help her see the anger she has bottled up inside her is only bringing more hurt on herself. In the end, she has to make the choice to overcome that bitterness or let it destroy her.
I imagine we all have an “enemy” we need to pray for and show kindness to. I pray the message woven within Beyond These War-Torn Lands will touch your heart in a powerful way. I know writing it has mine! May the Lord use it for His glory, and may each kindness we show reflect Him in our lives.
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Beyond These War-Torn Lands is now available for PRE-ORDER in both
Also, my PRAIRIE SKY SERIES is currently on Sale for $0.99 through July 25th!
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
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July 16, 2021
WRITING ~ BEYOND THESE WAR-TORN LANDS
Pre-Order Day for
Beyond These War-Torn Lands
is just days away! And I’m growing more excited by the minute!When I began writing War-Torn Lands, I had no idea I would be dealing with a bout of cancer or a pandemic. I did much of the research and writing of the novel while in the thick of chemo treatments and surgeries! The Lord carried me through that time, and I know it was by His strength alone that I completed the manuscript at all…let alone by its due date!
Because of that,
Beyond These War-Torn Lands
has a special place in my heart, and I pray its message of choosing to display God’s love in leu of hatred and bitterness will resonate with many readers.
CHOOSE KINDNESS
There is so much violence and discord in our world today. If we, like Drew and Caroline in my story, choose kindness over resentment and peace over agitation, God’s love is sure to shine through. Even small gestures can make a huge impact on our world when we submit our lives to the Lord’s leading.
Beyond These War-Torn Lands
is a tale of forbidden love and undying faith between a Union soldier and a Southern plantation-owner’s daughter during the heart of the American Civil War. Hardships and troubles await them as they face struggles that test their resolve and challenge their faith.
A MESSAGE OF HOPE
I believe in the message of hope and God’s love woven within the pages of this novel. And I pray, should you have opportunity to read it, it will touch your heart in a special way. I’m not ashamed to admit that as I completed the final read-aloud for my publisher, I was brought to tears more than once–and I knew the outcome. =)A lot of sweat and tears went into this project. I so look forward to sharing Drew and Caroline’s story with you soon!For more on the story, visit my
BOOKS PAGE
.
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
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July 6, 2021
It’s Hard to be Patient
Healing takes time. I’m learning that more and more having gone through two major surgeries within the past three months. Six days into recovery, I felt good yesterday and overextended myself, Today, I’m paying the price. My mind and spirit say, “I can do it!” while my body says “NO YOU CAN’T”!
It’s hard to be patient, to wait until our bodies catch up to our will to do and accomplish what we see needs done around us. Instead of listening to my body (and my doctor), I plunged ahead and now face a setback.
How often do we do the same with God — pull ahead instead of waiting on His timing and will? When it seems our prayers go unanswered, we often tire of waiting and take things into our own hands.
And that works out about as well as me trying to do leg-lifts a week after surgery.
Not good!
God can use the down times in our lives if we allow Him. Slowing the pace of life not only benefits our minds and bodies, but our spiritual well-being as well.
Health issues are stressful enough, but when they hit both you and your spouse at the same time, it’s doubly challenging. Combine that with an unexpected change of insurance, wheat harvest, a wedding, and a book launch and our stress level has been off the charts!
FINDING PEACEIt reminds me of the time Jesus was in the boat with His disciples and a gale-force wind was thrashing them about (Mark 4). How the disciples–a number of them seasoned fishermen–strived to keep control. And yet, they were consumed with fear.
While Jesus slept peacefully through it all.
Waking Him, they said, “Don’t you care that we are perishing in this storm?”
And Jesus, in his calm, gentle way, said, “Peace. Be still.” And the wind and waves fell silent.
How often we forget that same powerful Spirit of Jesus resides in us today? And yet, like the twelve disciples, we worry and strive and attempt to handle things on our own strength. If we’ve claimed Jesus as Lord and Savior, all we need do is confide in Him, and wait in assurance that He will act.
It’s tough to rest and be patient. But, healing takes time. When we learn to stop striving and give our fears and concerns to God, only then will we find peace.
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
The post It’s Hard to be Patient appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
June 10, 2021
MEMORIES
Memories are powerful. They take us back to a time and place that has been wedged into our minds and won’t let go. Some are precious, others painful. But all are a part of the tapestry of our lives, the God-given experiences that define who we are,
Twelve years ago, my husband and I and our two tween-age boys moved to a new house on our farm property because our old farmhouse was becoming unlivable. I had lived there fifteen years, my husband, his entire life.
Last week, I drove to our old place to eat with my husband while he stopped for lunch. (He still farms the property surrounding the house). While I was waiting for him, I took a stroll through the yard, pausing in various places. I’d done the same thing numerous times since our move, but this time was different.
SHARED MEMORIES
Our oldest son is getting married in little over a week, so maybe it’s the nostalgic mood I’m in, but as I strolled around the yard, there wasn’t a spot that didn’t draw a memory of some sort. From building snowmen and tunnels to batting practice and broken shed windows. Raising wild turkeys and watching them clean crickets out of empty grain bins. Building castles in the sandbox. Carving jack-o-lanterns. Reading with my boys on the porch swing.
Every square foot of that yard took me back, bringing smiles and laughter. Like a breached dam, the memories flooded my heart and mind. Memories our family alone can share in.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIES
These past seven months, as I’ve been dealing with a cancer diagnosis, a friend of mine has sent me a card with a Scripture verse every week. I now have over twenty. Isn’t that amazing? Thank you, Hope!
I read through them all every morning, putting some to memory. But, there is one verse in particular that, each time I read it, draws a memory.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”
Each time I read that verse, I get an image in my head of when my husband and I used to carry our sons in a backpack while we hiked a trail. Inevitably, they would fall asleep and we would have to peel the carrier off and let them finish out their nap.
What a beautiful picture of God and how He carries us between His shoulders. With Him, we are safe, secure, able to rest peacefully as a child rests with his parents. No fear, only rest and peace.
Now isn’t that something wonderful to strive for and take comfort in? When all the world is filled with unrest and struggle, when our health fails, when hardships come, we can find rest between our Heavenly Daddy’s shoulders.
Where do you find rest and peace from your struggles?
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
The post MEMORIES appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
May 26, 2021
THE ROCK Insights & Giveaway
I’m happy to have my friend and fellow author, Cara Grandle with me today, sharing some encouragement from her writing journey as well as an excerpt from her new release.
Cynthia asked me to come on her blog and share the spiritual theme of my new book…my first book. But before I get into that, it feels significant to say this is my first book interview.
I’ve been chasing the dream of being a published writer for eight years, and this moment right here is significant and special. And I’m sharing that with Cynthia, who I met at the 2014 ACFW writers conference. We’ve lived life alongside each other since then and seen so much.
WORDS TO ENCOURAGEBefore I talk about The Rock I want to encourage you. Hold fast to your dreams. They don’t always come in the way or timing we expect, but God’s promise is to be faithful and to reward those who diligently seek Him. He has your reward in His hand, whatever that looks like. Respect the dream.
Do the hard thing.
Trust Him.
I suppose that is the heart of The Rock too. I like using wagons and cowboys set in Oregon Territory to tell the story of characters who learn to hear and trust that sweet leading of the heart as they face the challenges that life throws at them. I like to find the places in story where you can see this scripture:
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
BUT when the desire comes, IT IS the tree of life.”
THE ROCK ~ EXCERPT
Rebecca had a choice. She would either shrivel and die like Jules’s rose, or she would thrive like the one Rose gave her.
She didn’t have Mrs. Mabel here, smelling like cinnamon and sugar, saying she would help her find her way. Leander tried his best. He’d given her a safe place—a place to grieve and think and decide. But it was up to her.
Pulling her quilt off the bed, she wrapped herself in it and turned the light a little higher so she could find all the places Jules left notes in the Bible. Maybe there was more help here. Maybe she could find her way out of the darkness that had nothing to do with the nighttime.
Hours later, shoulders hunched and neck sore, she still read. She’d found a favorite.
‘The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.’
The words poured into her cool and fast, like the spring she showered in. The Lord My Rock. Her rock? If He was her Rock, then He was the strong one. Love stole her breath. She could hide in Him. She read the verse over and over until it felt like a familiar path, like a rock in her pocket.
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for a chance to win your choice of either an e-book or print copy of The Rock by Cara Grandle. (Print copy is for USA addresses only)
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May 21, 2021
MY FIRST LOVE
Do you remember your first love? Have you ever rolled back the pages of time and taken a glimpse at the younger you?
This morning, I pulled an old journal from the book shelf to make room for new books. This particular journal had musings from before I met my husband and I thought it high time I dispose of it.
I hadn’t read my thoughts for a very long time. So, I cracked it open and traveled back thirty years to when I was fresh out of college and searching for God’s plan for my life.
What a fascinating venture it was to revisit the young woman I’d been—chasing dreams of novel writing, companionship, and love. But, what intrigued me most is how saturated the entries were with prayers, Scripture, and my hunger for the Lord.
The pages were filled with praises and one-on-one conversations with God. I was amazed how eagerly I sought the Lord’s wisdom and guidance. My whole future was uncertain at that point—who I would marry, how the Lord would use my desire to write, where I would live. Every decision was placed before Him, and my heart was His to direct.
It became obvious that, even then, my desire to write permeated my thoughts. I read dozens of entries in which I’d received rejections for not only the novel I’d written, but articles and short-stories as well. At the end of the year 1990, I had but one article accepted, and yet, the entry read, “I would rather have one article in print that is inspired by the Lord than twenty of my own making,”
Amen! That is still my prayer today.
After reading numerous selections throughout the two-year span of entries, I sat back in awe, inspired by the depth of love for the Lord that younger me had.
There were days of uncertainty, fear, and sadness, and yet the overall spirit of my journal entries was one of praise and surrender. My words were fringed with such hope and anticipation of what the Lord would do.
Now, thirty years later, all the unknowns from that pivotal time have been realized. The Lord brought about my dream of being a published novelist, gave me a man of faith to share my life with, blessed me with two fine boys to raise, and supplied all my needs.
But, reading my journal made me realize something crucial. Though my faith remains intact and my love for the Lord has endured through the years, the cares and busyness of life have sapped me of my first love. Much of the joy and dependence on the Lord has become suppressed by the very answered dreams I’ve been living out.
A bout with cancer which began last fall knocked me for a loop, I called upon the Lord and the prayers of people to bring about healing. And I truly believe He is answering those prayers. And though I’ve enjoyed moments of sweet surrender and embracing the Lord’s presence during this trial, reading my journal this morning brought renewed understanding of what it means to truly love and trust the Lord.
God is using this cancer trial and glimpse at my younger self for my good—to draw me back into the joy of His presence. And, for that, I give thanks.
I decided to tuck the journal back on the shelf (minus a few pages that my husband might not appreciate). Its value seems too priceless now to dispose of. When I’m tempted to rush through my daily Bible readings and prayers or to make snap decisions without seeking His guidance and blessing, it will serve as a reminder that there is nothing more precious than my relationship with the Lord.
On my walk today, my heart was filled with the joy of just drinking in the Lord’s presence. May it be the first of many as I seek to rekindle my first love.
Have you sensed your first love for God falling between the cracks of a busy life? How have you worked to rekindle your relationship with Him?
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
The post MY FIRST LOVE appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
May 7, 2021
A New Body
I’ve never wished for a new body more than when CANCER entered my life. The past seven months have been a blur of doctor visits, tests, procedures, surgery and tough decisions. Weight loss, hair loss, fatigue, and digestive issues describe the state of this earthly body of mine. Now, more than ever, I understand what it is to long for the perfection of a heavenly body with no pain, disease, or sorrow.
I didn’t fully comprehend what our new heavenly bodies will be like. Or how or if we will recognize each other. Yet, as I read through I Corinthians 15 today, the Lord gave me a clearer understanding of how our bodies will be transformed.
A PLANTED SEED
As a gardener and farmer’s wife, I’ve planted many a seed and witnessed it sprout into a plant. But it never dawned on me before what a vivid image this is of the transformed life of a Christian.–the earthly body vs. a heavenly one.
A seed is hard and lifeless. But when placed in the ground and given water and sun, it sprouts into a plant that is green and vibrant with life. The plant in no way resembles the seed, and yet, we can tell by the qualities of the seed, the nature of the plant it will grow into.
A TRANSFORMED SEED
The same will be true of Christians. Unlike our earthly bodies, our heavenly bodies will not waste away with age or disease, but will be geared for wholeness and eternal life!
“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”. (I Corinthians 15:42-44)
A Transformed Life
Like a blossomed plant, our heavenly bodies will be far more glorious than our earthly seed (shell). And though we will be transformed, I believe we will recognize each other’s soul when we reach Heaven. But more importantly, we will be in the presence of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ. That will be the truest joy and blessing of all!
The new body is a bonus! =)
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
The post A New Body appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
April 28, 2021
LOVE’S KINDLING Insights + Giveaway!
I’m thrilled to have Elaine Marie Cooper with us today sharing about forgiveness from her novel, Love’s Kindling. Plus, you’ll have a chance to win your choice of either of her novels, so stick around to the end!
My latest book release, Love’s Kindling, focuses on the aspect of forgiveness. My heroine, Aurinda, has undergone a terrible trauma at the age of 5 when her father returns from war and takes her away from the only home she’s ever known. Laws in Colonial America were such that fathers owned their children, and the law was on his side, despite the cruelty of removing her from the only place she’s known love.
Further hurt occurs when she discovers a dreadful lie her father has told her:
“You could not have hurt me more if you’d cut my heart out! And to find the story to be a lie? How could you? You have been a constant source of pain to me my whole life. Your actions and words have hurt me to the core. But this … this is the worst of all injuries to my soul.”
Her aunt tenderly confronts Aurinda about the importance of forgiving:
“Look deep in your heart, Aurinda. Stay true to the faith yer mother longed for ye to have. Forgive yer father. I know ye may not feel the desire. But forgiven’ is not about the feelin’ of it, ‘tis about obeyin’ God.”
Aurinda replies, “’Twould take a miracle to bring me to forgive him. And I see no miracles today.”
Whether a great hurt or a small one, most of us can identify with hurts that are difficult to forgive. But the greatest truth we can glean from Love’s Kindling is that forgiving others is a decision, not something we do because we want to. Perhaps you can relate. I know I can.
Be blessed, Elaine
AUTHOR INFO
Elaine Marie Cooper’s most recent novel, Scarred Vessels, is a finalist in the 2021 Selah Awards Contest. Her novel, Love’s Kindling was the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Awards. Like many of Cooper’s books, they focus on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir, and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive.
https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Kindling-Elaine-Marie-Cooper-ebook/dp/B091FZNH31
https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Kindling-Elaine-Marie-Cooper/dp/164917098X/
https://www.facebook.com/ElaineMarieCooperAuthor
www.elainemariecooper.com
For speaking engagements or book clubs, please contact me at elainemariecooper@yahoo.com
MORE INSPIRATIONAL READING
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY!
NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN YOUR CHOICE OF ELAINE’S BOOKS & FORMAT (PRINT FOR US ADDRESSES ONLY)
The post LOVE’S KINDLING Insights + Giveaway! appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
April 20, 2021
LOVING THE UNLOVABLE
It isn’t easy loving the unlovable.
When people come against us or hurt us, our first instinct is to either avoid them or lash out. In this day and age, it seems animosity and bitterness are more and more the rule. If two individuals disagree, odds are they either refuse to talk or are at each other’s throats.
News broadcasts are filled with stories of acts of hatred and violence. Courtrooms are backlogged with lawsuits due to unresolved conflict. Political candidates constantly throw slurs at one another. Instead of working out their differences, they become enemies of sorts.
A HIGHER STANDARD
But Jesus calls us to a higher standard–one of kindness and forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, He told His followers,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven.”
He asks a hard thing. In fact, I think there is nothing more difficult than showing kindness in the face of animosity. But to do so, is to make a change for the better. What would our world look like if more individuals responded in love rather than hatred?
THE CHALLANGE TO FORGIVE
Loving the unlovable is a strong theme in my upcoming Civil War novel, Beyond These War-Torn Lands. Both my hero (Drew) and heroine (Caroline) face the challenge to forgive those who’ve wronged them. Caroline’s mean-spirited father continually singles her out, treating her harshly for no apparent reason. When his resentment drives her away for a time, it takes all her courage to return to show compassion in his time of need.
Drew’s difficulties stem from his arrogant superior officer and the Civil War itself. In light of ill-treatment and false charges, he must choose between defending his honor or the virtue of sacrifice and doing the right thing.
*When have you chosen to show kindness in response to spitefulness?
BEYOND THESE WAR-TORN LANDS
Beyond These War-Torn Lands is a story of hatred vs. compassion, bitterness vs forgiveness. Receive inside info into Drew and Caroline’s story by becoming an e-mail Newsletter Subscriber.
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
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April 8, 2021
CALLED TO SERVE
Several years ago, my family moved our membership to a small, rural church with less than fifty active members. We love the family atmosphere of the small congregation. A month or so after we started attending, a plea was made for someone to make a new church directory. I had been praying for a way to get involved and get to know the other members–some of whom I had yet to learn their names. I enjoy taking pictures and organizing. It sounded like a good fit.
After the service, I timidly approached the elder who’d made the plea and told him that if no one else stepped forward I would give it a shot. He seemed pleased, and told me right then and there the job was mine. (Apparently volunteers were a rarity for such tasks).
The following week, a lady who had missed the previous Sunday service, noticed it still in the bulletin. I heard her say rather tiresomely, “I guess I’ll get that job.” When another lady told her I had volunteered, she seemed ecstatic, and I could hear the surprise and relief in her voice.
We all have a unique place in God’s kingdom. When we step out in faith to do what He places on our hearts to do, not only are we ourselves blessed, but others are blessed as well.
Have you found your niche in ministry? Do you know where your talents lie? If not, here’s some thoughts to get you started.
Pray for God’s leadingPerhaps you don’t have a driving force that pulls you to a certain area of ministry. Maybe you’re a behind-the-scenes type of person. You have the gift of service, generosity, encouragement, or intercessory prayer. Pray for guidance on how God can use you. He’s sure to honor your request.
Look for OpportunitiesTo find something, you generally have to search for it. Keep attune to opportunities and ways to get involved in your church, your community, and your neighborhood. You know yourself better than anyone. When something peaks your interest, pursue it, and ask the Lord to bless whatever it is you do.
Do what you love and love what you do.Writing is my ministry. I’ve known for many years that’s where my heart lies–in encouraging others through the words the Lord places on my heart to share. But that doesn’t mean God can’t use me in other ways. There are many facets of life, other areas of interest and abilities. God can use us in whatever way we’re willing to be used.
What’s burning on your heart to do for the Lord? Do you have a heart for missions? Find a means for going and giving of your time. Do you love to sing or play an instrument? Share your gift of music in whatever way you can. When you discover your niche, all the Lord asks is that you use it.
And always, always give Him the glory.
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
The post CALLED TO SERVE appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
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