Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 17

Shaking the Holiday Blues

We all have expectations of what Christmas ought to be. For some of us, the very thought of breaking out decorations, and gathering with family to share in the story of Christ’s birth makes us shimmer with excitement. While others cower at the thought of traipsing through crowded stores and crawling along in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I tend toward the warm fuzzy feelings. Once Thanksgiving is over, I’m geared up for decorating, cookie baking, and breaking out my stack of Christmas CD’s.

But Christmas isn’t always
a joyous time. I have friends who’ve recently lost a loved one and
are facing the holidays without them for the first time. For these people, all
the former joys associated with Christmas have faded away
like melting snow. Others have lost jobs or have family
issues that make the holidays more of a hardship than a treasure. When
someone you know is hurting, how can you reach out to show you care?

Following are 5 ways you
can actively help shake the Holiday Blues.

Be Sensitive – Scripture says to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) When someone is going through a rough time, the last thing they need is an earful of cheerful banter. Instead, they need a friend who will come alongside them and listen to what is on their heart. God wants us to be joyful, but not at the expense of someone else. Be sensitive to the difficulties others are going through by giving the gift of friendship.

Lift Them to the Lord – Telling someone you’ll
pray for them is a big responsibility. Often we fall into the pattern of asking
God to “be with” the person. Yet, isn’t that a cop out? Isn’t God already “with
them”, waiting to unleash His power into their lives? We need to get specific
in our requests, asking God to reveal Himself in very specific ways. Then, when
our prayers are answered, the glory belongs to Him alone. Bring blessing
into others’ lives by lifting them personally to the Father.

Be Hospitable – When things aren’t going well in someone’s life, the first reaction is to pull away from others. When someone you know is hurting, make an effort to include them in activities. Open your home to them, share a meal, or sit with them in church. Gently coax, but don’t force. Give them the grace to decline, and try again when they’re ready.

Be Jesus to Someone – Jesus spent a good part
of His ministry years with the poor, the lame, and the undesirable of His day,
those who had little or nothing to give in return. This Christmas, make an
effort to seek out people who need the comfort of God’s love. Random acts
of kindness are a great way to give anonymously. Give without expecting
anything in return, and you’ll be blessed right along with those you help.

Look for Opportunities to
Share Your Faith – People are never more open to the Gospel than when they are at a
point of need. Be ready and willing to offer, not only your friendship, but the
priceless gift of faith when the opportunity arises. Perhaps you’re the one
facing difficulties in your life. If so, I pray you’ll seek the solace of the
Savior and find renewed strength in His Holy Word. And may the Lord send
someone to reach out to you in friendship in your time of need.

God’s blessings to you and
yours this Christmas season!

 

From now until Christmas, Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES are on Sale! Delve into these stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

The Priceless Gift of Peace

December 7, 1941. Pearl Harbor Day. A day that will live in infamy, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt termed it. That calendar day never passes without me recalling the horrendous act that catapulted the United States into World War II. I’m certain those who lived through that time in history must have wondered if the world would ever know peace again.

With so much violence and
upheaval happening in our world today, I have to wonder the
same. Every day newscasts are inundated with senseless shootings, acts of
terrorism, and threats of war. Is there such a thing as peace amid
these high-tech, modern day free-for-alls?

Two thousand years
ago, God’s people must have had a similar mindset. The
Roman army had infiltrated they’re land, subjecting them to cruel
treatment and harsh taxes. Year after year they cried out to God for
deliverance, but He remained silent. Still, they never lost hope in the
coming of the Messiah.

Then, when the time was
right, God answered their pleas in the form of a babe in a manger. In the
stillness of a stable, the Savior of the world drew His first breath and
uttered His first cry. On that glorious, starlit night, shepherds came to
worship Him. Such a peaceful scene, one that continues to stir our hearts
to worship, even today.

Yet, Christ wasn’t the
warrior king His people longed for, One who would fight to
overthrow the oppressive Roman Empire. Instead, He came as an innocent
Child, born to change hearts and bring truth and forgiveness to all
who call on His name.

This December, as you
prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, remember the sacrifices made to
redeem us and bring peace with God–the priceless gift of God’s
Son, and Christ’s willingness to give His life for ours.

Despite the turbulence surrounding us, peace can be ours when we hold Christ in our hearts. The day Christ came to earth was not a day that will “live in infamy”, but one that ushered in eternity for those who know Him as Lord and Savior.

How do you experience the peace of Christ amid all of life’s stresses?

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Under Prairie Skies ~ December Deal

I love this season from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Not only does it bring our focus back to where it should be–on the blessings of God and the wonderful gift of redemption through Jesus–but there’s just something extra special about this time of year. There’s more thoughtfulness, more generosity, more joy! May you experience all the blessings of having Christ in your heart this Christmas.

What an outpouring of response from readers we had for last week’s Thanksgiving Civil War Era Giveaway! Tara Johnson and I look forward to sharing our novels with a couple of you soon! May you be blessed by the messages woven within the pages of these novels! In case you haven’t entered, the Giveaway is open until midnight December 5th. Be sure to check back to find out the winners!

I’m excited to share another upcoming opportunity with you! THIS WEEKEND ~ DECEMBER 6 – 9 ~ Book Two in my Prairie Sky Series ~ Under Prairie Skies ~ E-book will be on Sale for $0.99!

This Friday – Monday is the perfect time to nab your e-copy! Here’s a sneak peek into the opening scene from Under Prairie Skies !

CHAPTER 1 – The Return

April 14, 1855, Hollister homestead, Illinois

The sound of a spry whistle froze Charlotte Stanton in her tracks. She tightened her hold on her bucket of creek water, eyes narrowing. Her uncle’s cabin and property had been vacant for nearly a year. Odd someone would be about.

The whistling grew louder, and Charlotte ducked behind a hickory tree, her heart at her throat. She set her bucket on the ground and peered through the timber in the direction of the sound. Something resembling a deer moved along the timberline.

She swallowed. But, deer didn’t whistle.

Craning her neck for a better look, her stomach clenched as the “whistling deer” transformed into the fringed buckskin jacket of a broad-shouldered man. He emerged onto the open prairie, a string of quail draped over one shoulder and a rifle leaning on the other. Long, easy strides carried him closer to her uncle’s cabin.

Charlotte whirled around and pressed her back to the hickory tree, heart pounding. A squatter. Sure as winter gives birth to spring.

She smacked her fist against the rough bark of the tree. Why hadn’t she thought to bring her uncle’s muzzleloader? Then again, would she have had the gumption to use it? Though Pa had made certain she knew how to shoot a gun, the thought of pulling the trigger, or even pointing the barrel at someone, turned her stomach.

Still, she had to do something. The man was squatting on her uncle’s land.

Another glance at the buckskin-clad stranger assured Charlotte she couldn’t outrun him. He was as close to the cabin now as she was. She scoured the ground for some sort of defense and spied a good-sized rock wedged in the soil.

She arched a brow. A blow to the head should do it.

Stooping, she pried at the rock, then paused. She meant to drive the man off, not bludgeon him. Besides, it looked far too heavy to lug all that way.

To her left, lay a blunt shaft of wood about the width of a rifle barrel. Perhaps she could fool the stranger into thinking she had the upper hand. The risky notion seemed her only hope. Snatching up the stick, she lifted her eyes heavenward. Lord, help me.

She crouched low and maneuvered her way along the timberline until she’d positioned herself at the man’s back. With soft steps, she emerged from the undergrowth, narrowing the gap between herself and the stranger. His steady whistle worked to her advantage, helping to drown out the faint rustle of grass in her approach.

Hands quivering, Charlotte raised the stick, then lowered it. Who was she kidding? With those firm muscles, if the man turned, he could easily overpower her. A few more paces and he’d reach her uncle’s cabin. Then there’d be no stopping him.

She lifted her chin and wedged the makeshift gun into the small of the stranger’s back. “Drop the rifle,” she ordered, in as gruff and masculine of voice as she could muster.

The young man whipped his face to the side, revealing a square, clean-shaven jaw and a handsome profile. “Hey now, listen boy…”

“Turn around.” With a hard swallow, Charlotte jabbed the stick in deeper. “I said drop it.”

The man faced forward and stooped to lower his rifle.

Charlotte threw back her shoulders. So far, so good. He’d not seen through her guise. She bent to reach for the gun, only to feel strong hands grip her arm and hurl her through the air in one smooth motion. The sky was still spinning as her back hit the ground with a thud. She cringed, the air expelling from her lungs in a soft moan. With a slow blink, she shook her head, struggling to regain her senses. She squinted into the mid-morning sun, and tried to push herself to a sitting position. The man’s shadowed image stared down at her, his firm hold pinning her arms to the ground.

With a frustrated sigh, she lay back, jaw clenched. He’d bested her. What now?

Continue reading the remainder of the chapter on Amazon HERE by Clicking on the cover where it says: Look Inside.

Though each book in the Prairie Sky Series can be read as a standalone, readers will glean more from the stories and characters when read in order. Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Thanksgiving Civil War Era Giveaway!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time to gather with loved ones to give thanks for all the Lord has provided. I love the food, the fellowship, and the endearing spirit of the season. What a great time to host a Giveaway!

I’m thrilled to have friend and fellow historical author, Tara Johnson, partner with me in this special Thanksgiving Giveaway!

Tara Johnson is a writer, singer, speaker and passionate lover of stories. She makes her home in Arkansas with her husband and three children. Connect with Tara online at her website (TaraJohnsonStories.com)

Her Giveaway novel: Where Dandelions Bloom

Cassie Kendrick is on the run. Her abusive father arranged her marriage to a despicable man, but she’s discovered an escape. Disguised as a man, Cassie enlists in the Union army, taking the name Thomas Turner. On the battlefields of the Civil War, keeping her identity a secret is only the beginning of her problems, especially after she meets Gabriel Avery, a handsome young photographer.

Anxious to make his mark on the world and to erase the darkness and guilt lurking from his past, Gabriel works with renowned photographer Matthew Brady to capture images from the front lines of the war. As Gabriel forges friendships with many of the men he encounters, he wonders what the courageous, unpredictable Thomas Turner is hiding.

Battling betrayal, their own personal demons, and a country torn apart by war, can Cassie and Gabriel learn to forgive themselves and trust their futures to the God who births hope and healing in the darkest places?

Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia Roemer enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the 1800’s prairie and pre-Civil War Era. She writes from her family farm in the Midwest where she resides with her husband and two college-aged sons.

Cynthia’s Giveaway novel: Under Moonlit Skies

Her life was planned out ~ until he rode in ~ Illinois prairie ~ 1859

After four long years away, Esther Stanton returns to the prairie to care for her sister Charlotte’s family following the birth of her second child. The month-long stay seems much too short as Esther becomes acquainted with her brother-in-law’s new ranch hand, Stewart Brant. When obligations compel her to return to Cincinnati and to the man her overbearing mother intends her to wed, she loses hope of ever knowing true happiness.

Still reeling from a hurtful relationship, Stew is reluctant to open his heart to Esther. But when he faces a life-threatening injury with Esther tending him, their bond deepens. Heartbroken when she leaves, he sets out after her and inadvertently stumbles across an illegal slave-trade operation, the knowledge of which puts him, as well as Esther and her family, in jeopardy.

I’m honored Tara so graciously wrote an endorsement for Under Moonlit Skies.

Endorsement: Trapped between the weight of obligation and the haunting pull of conviction, Under Moonlit Skies brings to life the beauty that is found when two hearts yield control to the plans of a loving Creator. Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this story is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Both novels are set during the Civil War Era. And though Where Dandelions Bloom (set in 1861) is more steeped in the Civil War, Under Moonlit Skies (1859) touches on some of the pre-Civil War tensions of the times. We pray you’ll be blessed by our novels. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends! God bless!

A random winner will be chosen to receive a signed copy of Where Dandelions Bloom. A second winner be chosen to receive a signed copy of Under Moonlit Skies, along with the above friendship pin (US addresses only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Be Thankful for What??

In a few short
days, we’ll be celebrating another Thanksgiving with our loved ones around
tables filled with steamy delicacies and holiday cheer. There, we’ll share
tales of our experiences over the past year, as well as, expressions
of thanksgiving for all the Lord has blessed us with.

It’s easy to give
thanks for good things such as family, friends, and good health. Yet
Scripture tells us to “be thankful in all circumstances.” (I Thessalonians
5:18). What do we do with the situations in our lives that aren’t so easy
to be thankful for, the struggles and hardships we all face along life’s
journey?

How can
we display gratitude and find God’s grace in even the most trying of
circumstances?

Pain – Thanking God for pain is like hugging someone for dropping a hammer on your foot. How can anything good come from the painful circumstances in our lives? The best answer I can give is that by pushing past the pain and looking beyond our present situations, we grow stronger and our relationship with the Lord deepens.

Think about it. If
everything in our lives ran smoothly, we’d go through life 
unchallenged, never having to trust in God’s promise to be with us. Only
through the difficulties of life do we find ourselves relying on the
Lord’s strength, and in the process find our faith stretched. Pain is
a catalyst for  growth. Without pain, our lives becomes stagnant. We
can thank God for pain because, through it, we mature in our faith and are
drawn closer to Him.

Financial Stress – Most of us have experienced the pinch of not having enough money at some point in our lives. It’s the unexpected hits that strike the hardest – health issues, job layoffs, hospital bills, unemployment, unexpected expenses. Whatever the circumstance, trying to make ends meet can prove a major source of stress that affects every aspect of our lives.

Yet, the Lord has promised
to “meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:19) This is not to say God is a genie who’ll fulfill
our every whim and wish. Instead, He merely wants us to rest in Him,
knowing He will care for us. When we praise Him, despite our needs, He will
bless us in our faithfulness to Him.

Health Issues – What good can come of
sickness or disease? When our health fails, our bodily strength weakens. Yet,
instead of giving in to moments of self-pity and discouragement, the Lord
desires us to rely on His strength.

When we surrender ourselves
to Him, He grants us peace to journey through hardships alongside Him.
Thanking God in the midst of physical weakness, empowers Him to move in
our lives and demonstrate His glory.

Separation From a
Loved One in Life or in Death – Nothing is more heart-wrenching than being separated from or
losing a loved one. When the numbness eases, and the tears flow free, there
seems nothing but memories to hold on to.

Yet, the Lord has given His people a precious gift to cling to – the hope of glory, through His Son, Jesus, and the knowledge that we will one day see our loved ones again. Praise be to God for His gift of salvation and for the hope He gives us through His Word.

~ What’s something you’re thankful for that isn’t always looked at as a blessing?

God bless you as you rest in Him through life’s journey! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Trust is Believing

Do I really believe God knows what’s best for me? I’ve asked myself that any number of times, and I’m convinced my answer must be No. Face it, if I truly believed God always has my best interest at heart, I’d never worry, never show fear, never doubt or grow impatient. I’d be at total peace.

Is such bliss possible in this life? Maybe. At times. But we’re human after all, and no matter how hard we try, we’ll never perfect our faith. But the good news is…we can improve!

Relinquishing Control – I’m a mom, and it’s a mom’s job to worry. Right? No matter how old my boys get (or my husband for that matter) I still fret when they’re running late on their motorcycles, driving home on icy roads, or when they have a health issue. The worrier in me just kicks in. That’s when I start praying. Hard.

But if I truly believe God wants the best for me, shouldn’t I trust Him to take care of them? Shouldn’t I be able to pray without panicking and envisioning the worse case scenario? The Lord can take care of my family far better than I can. Does that mean bad will never happen? No. Scripture states that in this world we will have trouble, but Jesus said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

So now, when I feel the worry wart in me kicking in, I pray, envision them in the palm of God’s hand and then go about my business, doing my best to entrust them to God’s care. There’s still the occasional glance out the window, but the waiting is much more tolerable when I know God is in control.

Learning Contentment – As a writer, when book sales hit a slump, it’s easy to become discouraged, thinking my time and efforts have been wasted. I’m tempted to look at the success of more established, well-known authors and feel I’ll never measure up.

It’s then the Lord reminds me He knows what I need much better than I. It has ever been my prayer that the Lord will get my novels into the hands of those who will be blessed by them. If I truly trust Him, why do I strive and fret over things I have no control over?

Total trust is something I’m still striving for. It’s not easy to relinquish the treasures we hold dearest to our hearts. It’s a day to day battle. But each time we give God control, we gain a deeper understanding of who He is. When we believe He wants the best for us, we embrace the life of peace He longs for us.

~ What gives you peace in times of worry?

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES:  Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Seasons of Change and Renewal

I love that God infused the
change of seasons within creation. Each season has a beauty all its own. Yet
each also has its down side.

Spring holds the beauty of
new growth, yet harbors the threat of storms and severe weather. Summer
supplies ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, yet wields an
abundance of irritating insects.

With its colorful hues,
autumn carries with it a wealth of beauty and relief from summer’s heat, yet
can turn damp, cold, and dreary. Winter brings the joy of Christmas and glistening
snow, but also Alberta clippers and Noreasters that wreak havoc on roads and
unsuspecting drivers.

It shouldn’t come as a
surprise then, that our lives have seasons too, each carrying with it both
positive and negative aspects. At times, life is good. Everything is running
smooth, then “bam” all of a sudden we’re waylaid by a health problem, accident,
or unexpected hardship. It’s then we make the choice to entrust our lives, our
futures, to God, or give in to discouragement.

No one enjoys the harsh
moments of life, the trials we face, the struggles that zap our energies and
sometimes shake our faith. But if we hold fast to what we believe, God can use
the difficult times in our lives not only to draw us closer to Him, but to mold
and shape us into the people He longs for us to be.

James 1:2 goes so far as to
say we should:

“Consider it pure joy, my
brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know
that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

When circumstances knock us down, if we call out to God, He will be there to lift us up and renew our strength. Whatever season you’re going through, whether calm or difficult, know that in the end, “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

What season of life are you
in today? Are you holding onto God’s promises? I’d love to hear what He’s doing
in your life.

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Interview with Heidi Chiavaroli + Giveaway

I’m honored to have friend and fellow author, Heidi Chiavaroli as my guest today. Heidi and I got acquainted when we were finalists in the ACFW Genesis Contest back in 2014. Much has happened since then, especially for Heidi who has gone on to write several novels and receive other distinguished awards. Welcome, Heidi!

Thanks for having me, Cynthia!

It’s my pleasure, Heidi. What has surprised you most in your writing journey?

That there’s never a point of arrival! I used to
think, “When I get a contract by my dream publisher, then I’ve reached my
goal.” And while that was certainly a part of it, in many ways the journey was
just beginning. I constantly have to remind myself of all that God has done and
rest (and be content with) whatever plans He has for the future.

Sage advice, Heidi. Thank you. What would you say is your favorite part of the writing process?

The research and dreaming phase. At that time,
anything seems possible. I love the prospect of a new story. Of course, I also
really enjoy writing it and really, really
enjoy writing THE END!

LOL! I agree on all counts. What do you feel is most challenging about writing split-time novels?

Getting the connection/ending to be truly
satisfying. Ideally, both contemporary and historical characters should have
grown, often in a similar manner, and there should be a link between the two
time periods that serves the story and the readers in a way that they can close
the book and feel complete.

With a split-time novel, I imagine that is twice as challenging. Name one of the first books or authors to inspire you and why.

A
Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. Wow. She wrote into
some dark places with such light and truth and hope, I couldn’t stop thinking
about it for a long time. She completely inspired me to shine hope into a story
that tackles the difficult.

I’ll have to look that one up. Thanks for sharing. How similar are you to your heroines?

That definitely varies with each book and with each
character. Some have more of me in them than others! In The Edge of Mercy, I see myself a lot in Sarah but I actually wish
I were more like Elizabeth.

Is there a theme verse that holds The Edge of Mercy together?

 2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will
boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest
on me.

A wonderful verse. Share with us an interesting history fact you’ve uncovered during your research.

I learned that King Philip’s War actually began
right in my hometown. We don’t hear much about this 17th century
war, but it was brutal and heartbreaking on both the side of the colonists and
the side of the Native Americans.

To
what extent will you go to find answers to your historical questions?

Oh, pretty far! I’ve scoured the internet for hours searching for a tidbit of historical fact. I’ve gone to Medical Libraries to read letters and accounts, contacted other libraries to find out what kind of ships would have been in a certain harbor at a certain time. Of course, I’ve still made mistakes, but I strive to get facts as authentic as possible for the sake of my story, and my readers.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Heidi! It was a joy having you.

Heidi Chiavaroli writes women’s fiction, exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational, Historical Romance by Cynthia Roemer (Prairie Sky Series)

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Now for our Giveaway! Heidi has graciously offered to give away a SIGNED PRINT COPY of The Edge of Mercy. Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for your chance to win this celebrated split-time novel.

Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Defeating the Four Destructive D’s

I’ve never been a fan of Halloween, largely because Satan seems to have a hay-day with all the goings on. But sadly, the devil isn’t busy just Oct. 31st, but 365 days a year, doing his utmost to throw obstacles in our paths in hopes of drawing us away from God.

His ways are subtle. But then, if his tactics were obvious, we wouldn’t fall for them. He’s the father of lies. The master of deception. He weaves in just enough truth to make his lies believable. His most effective methods are not those which blatantly try to convince us to leave our faith. Instead, he chooses to subtly feed us untruths to slowly but surely steal our devotion from God by utilizing these four weapons:

Doubt. He puts doubts in our minds about God. If God really cares about you, why doesn’t He cure you of your disease? Why doesn’t He take away your painful circumstances? Why won’t He provide a job, get you that promotion, or heal your broken marriage?

It would be great to live a life free of hardship, but Jesus made us this promise, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Don’t let Satan fool you into doubting God. Keep His Word sealed on your heart and know for certain He is with you, no matter what you walk through.

Deception. He disguises evil to make it seem appealing. A tidbit of shared gossip, a small tweak on our tax form, a casual luncheon with our attractive boss may appear innocent, yet could turn out devastating.

Satan likes to put us in compromising situations and feed us thoughts that say, Go for it. One time won’t hurt. When all along, the Holy Spirit is urging us not to give in, to hold fast to what we know is right.  I Thess. 5:22 tells us not to even give off the appearance of evil. We must refuse to let our principles be compromised. Stay the course and not give the devil a foothold in our lives.

Distractions. He keeps us distracted. If we’re constantly busy and on the go, our time and commitments to God can be squeezed out and our lives become unproductive. Instead, remember to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)

We can’t afford to let
ourselves become sidetracked from the calling God places on our
lives. Our time on earth is short, and we must choose wisely how to spend it.
By keeping focused on Christ and what’s truly important, we can make each day
count for Him.

Discouragement. He makes us feel like failures by inciting us to compare our lives with others or by making us feel hopeless. Discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite ways to bring us down. If he can get us to grovel in self-pity, sink into depression, or lose our will to try, he’s won the battle.

Scripture plainly states the best antidote for discouragement is thanksgiving and praise. “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1)

Next time you’re discouraged, call out to the Lord of the universe, praise Him for what He’s done and what He’s yet to do. You’ll soon find your heart lighter and Satan has vanished! When we safeguard our lives with the armor of God’s Word, prayer, and the Fruit of the Spirit, each new day becomes an opportunity to know Christ and to make Him known.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

Think Positive!

I won this plaque in a White Elephant game last Christmas. I put it in my living room where I would read it often as a regular reminder to check my attitude.

Life can be messy, frustrating, discouraging even. It’s the little things that can set us off–our car won’t start, our internet goes out, we lose our keys, we make outdoor plans only to have an unexpected thunderstorm roll in. You know how it goes.

Sometimes we just need to stop, take a deep breath, whisper a prayer, and tell ourselves to think positive. There are days that just start off challenging, and we have to make the conscious decision to take control of our attitudes and trust God to work things for our good.

The characters in my novels aren’t perfect, because, face it, we aren’t perfect. Each character has a flawed trait or obstacle in his or her life to overcome. One of my favorite character transformations came through my heroine in Under Prairie Skies, Charlotte Stanton.

At the onset of the novel, she is petty and self-centered–definitely not likable! But as the story progresses, the Lord uses hero, Chad Avery, to speak into her heart and bring about a huge change in attitude. As “iron sharpens iron”, the Lord uses them to sharpen each other. In the end, I–and hopefully readers–grew to love her dearly.

Sometimes the Lord uses people to change our mindset. Other times His Holy Spirit gives us a gentle nudge through something we read or through the kindness of a stranger. Our attitudes can have a huge impact on our day. When we “choose a good one”, the Lord shines through us all the more brightly.

When you find yourself slipping into an undesirable attitude, what helps you overcome it?

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.