Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 22

Interview +Giveaway with Elaine Stock

I’m honored to have inspirational author Elaine Stock as my guest today sharing about her writing and offering a GIVEAWAY!! Stick around for your chance to enter after the interview!

~ What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Once I get past the very first blank page, I enjoy the whole writing process. I’m an extreme seat-of-the-pants writer. All attempts in the past of first outlining and/or drawing up a synopsis of a novel before writing had only led for novel-abandonment. There’s so much fun in letting the characters explode on a page. They surprise me by their motivations, conversations, inner thoughts, and things like what they find beautiful and funny. And the opposite—what they take seriously. I also enjoy the editing part and believe that is where the story becomes alive.

~ What a wonderful way to create! I love watching my characters develop and change as well. How have you sensed the Lord’s hand on your writing journey?

I’m awed over where He is taking me as well as the readers who find my novels. I might have written stories for years, but it wasn’t until I turned over my stories to include how God can shine bright in one’s life did I make the leap to published author. I’m still relatively a new author in a very crowded market, but my novels have been blessed with awards (3 for Her Good Girl) and I’m grateful. I’m also blessedly awed when readers have shared with me how my novels have touched their hearts; the best comment was learning that a proclaimed atheist had opened his heart and mind to God again after reading my debut novel, Always With You.

~ Oh how wonderful! I can think of no greater reward as an author than knowing the Lord has used your writing to touch readers’ hearts. Now tell us, what does a perfect day look like to you?

I was born a horrible sleeper to parents who never slept well either. So, a perfect day for me would begin upon waking up from a sound sleep of 7-8 hours (which I actually accomplished last night!) Then, I’d meet cheerful people wherever I would go, work or errands would go smoothly, no bad news on either the home front or worldwide…and no bills in the mail that day.

~ LOL! Sounds like a plan! If you could travel to any time or place, where/when would it be? Why?

I live in a small hamlet that is steeped in Native American history named after David Brainerd, an early 1700s missionary who lived here. When I take walks and feel the touch of a breeze against my face or hear the squawk of a bird I often wonder what it was like for Mr. Brainerd. I do know he suffered through some horrific winters in this area. I’d love to have a peek, though maybe in the springtime!

~ Interesting! What take-away value do you want readers to gain from your most recent novel?

I hope readers of Christmas Love Year Round finish reading the story encouraged that by forgiving others and one’s self that amends can be made into “amens”. Also, that it is never too late for unexpected love or ever too late for the healing between family members.

~ I love it! All great messages. What can we expect to see from you in the future?

In 2019 I’m aiming to have Book 2 and Book 3 of the Kindred Lake Series out. In 2020 I’ve been invited to participate in a boxed set novella collection…and I’m really hoping to have this other story, one that is brewing in my mind and I’m researching on, out that year as well. Whatever or wherever God leads me to, I’m game!

~ A great game plan. May the Lord bless your journey. Thanks for joining us!

Elaine Stock is the author of the novels Her Good Girl, winner of the Outstanding Christian/Religious Fiction in the 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards, 2018 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal in Christian Fiction and the 2018 American Fiction Awards in the Christian Inspirational category. Her debut novel, Always With You, won the 2017 Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Award in fiction. She has since published a romance novella, And You Came Along, and Christmas Love Year Round, Book 1 of the Kindred Lake Series. In addition to Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, she hangs out on her active blog, Everyone’s Story, dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story and hope. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Elaine has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a NYC gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.

Links:

Website:

Everyone’s Story blog:

Twitter:

Facebook:

Goodreads:

Amazon:

*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

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

Now for the GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to unlock several chances to rack up entries!

The winner will have their choice of either a Kindle edition of Christmas Love Year Round OR And You Came Along,

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Discovering The First National Road

One of the joys of writing historical novels is the research involved. Recently, I stumbled across a bit of Illinois history that fit well with my WIP (work in progress). Check out my previous post: Novel Research ~ Making it Fun to learn more about my discovery of the first National Road and why it’s important to my upcoming novel, Under Moonlit Skies.

Last week, my husband and I took a day trip to Vandalia to learn details about the road’s history. We stopped in the National Road Interpretive Center and chatted with Mary Pruitt about some of the history and folklore of the National Road (Cumberland Road). I hope you find it as interesting as I did!

The idea for the first National Road in the US originated with Thomas Jefferson in 1806, but the project didn’t gain momentum until 1811. Starting at Cumberland, MD, the road traveled through the capital of each state from Maryland to Illinois, with the intention of continuing on to Jefferson City, MO. The project spanned a quarter of a century, suffering several setbacks along the way (War of 1812, lack of funds, poor weather). By 1836, it reached Vandalia (Illinois’ capital city at the time) where it came to a halt due to funds being cut off.

Surveyors used tools like this compass and chains to map out the route. The road was 4 rods wide (66 feet). I can’t imagine the work that went into clearing trees and smoothing the roadway for travelers to pass through with the meager tools they had at the time.

One of the most interesting facts I gleaned was that Conestoga wagons were the semi-trucks of the nineteenth century! They carried no passengers, instead, the sixteen-plus foot wagons, weighing more than a ton, were used for hauling huge quantities of supplies, much like modern-day semis. The road was also a stagecoach route with inns dotting the towns along its path. It opened the door to many a traveler wishing to start a new life out west or visit loved ones back east.

Now, semi-trucks and cars travel along State Route 40 which runs where the National Road used to be. Funds did eventually come through to extend the road to East St. Louis, but not until the 1920s. There it stopped.

What a great achievement for Americans to have developed the First National Road which allowed many to charter new horizons during a time when our nation was just beginning to spread its wings and expand westward.

What a glorious country the Lord blessed us with, and we give thanks to the courageous men and women who faced numerous hardships and obstacles to give us access to it. I’ll be posting about another historical stop we made in Vandalia soon, so be sure to watch for it!

*To learn how this Cumberland Road pertains to my upcoming novel, Under Moonlit Skies be sure to sign up for my Author Newsletter. Subscribers are the first to receive inside info into my novels along with other perks. I’d love to have you on my list of subscribers!

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

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~ Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

 

Hope ~ The Promise of Something Better

Today I’m honored to have Beth Westcott as my guest. She shares a message of the origin of hope and why it matters. She’s is offering an e-book copy of her debut novel, Meadow Song. Stick around to the end for the Rafflecopter Giveaway!

Hope ~ The Promise of Something Better by Beth Westcott

To hope is to want, desire, or expect something. As a child I hoped for a certain doll as a Christmas gift, and I received it. Another time I hoped to go to the circus with my family, but illness prevented me from going. It wasn’t life-shattering to miss the circus, but my expectation wasn’t fulfilled. I learned early that we don’t always get what we want.

Ever since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, every human being bears scars of brokenness caused by sin: broken bodies, broken homes, broken dreams, broken spirits. Life is not always fair. Illness, job loss, divorce, death, and many other things all cause us to lose hope.

Hope is like a candle burning in a long, dark tunnel, the first drops of rain on parched earth, a warm touch on cold hands. It’s the promise of something better to come. Hope helps us break through the barriers of pain and loss, not give up when we are broken or knocked down by life, move forward toward a goal that may require hard work and more trials. We believe the future will be better for us.

In the Bible, hope means to trust or rely on God. The psalmist wrote,

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You” ~ Psalm 39:7 NKJV

The apostle Paul wrote,

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” ~ Romans 8:25 NKJV

“Hope” in God’s Word means certainty. Believe God, trust Him, rely on Him. Salvation from sin.

Beth Westcott’s passion for writing began in second grade, when her poem about a lamb appeared in the school newspaper. She grew up on a small farm in Upstate New York, the youngest of seven siblings. After graduating from Hartwick College with a major in English, she married Frank. They have three married, adult children and six grandchildren, one of whom is in heaven.

Beth desires to honor God and help others through her writing. Her first novel with Mantle Rock Publishing (www.mantlerockpublishingllc.com) , Meadow Song, a contemporary Christian romance, is scheduled for release on November 20, 2018. Visit Beth on her Author Website.

 

**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

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

  

Now for the GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below and unlock several chances to win an e-book copy of Meadow Song.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Faith, Family and Friendship

Over the years I’ve collected a number of message cards that friends have given me. You know, the business-sized cards that have a pretty picture with a wise saying, Scripture verse, or declaration of friendship? Each one holds a special memory and message that continues to bless me each time I read it.

Today, instead of my monthly book review, I thought I would share some of these encouraging messages of faith and friendship in hopes of bringing you a blessing as well.

FAITH 

~ EVEN ON THE DARKEST DAY, HIS LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH TO SHOW THE WAY

~ HOPE LOOKS BEYOND THE SHADOWS OF TODAY INTO THE SUNSHINE OF TOMORROW

~ TRULY MY SOUL WAITETH UPON GOD ~ FROM HIM COMETH MY SALVATION

FRIENDSHIP

~ THE BEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN THIS WORLD CANNOT BE SEEN OR EVEN TOUCHED. THEY MUST BE FELT WITH THE HEART.

~ THE SUN NEVER SETS ON GOOD FRIENDSHIPS

FAMILY 

WHEN YOU’RE LONELY, I WISH YOU LOVE

WHEN YOU’RE DOWN, I WISH YOU JOY

WHEN YOU’RE TROUBLED, I WISH YOU PEACE

WHEN THINGS ARE COPLICATED, I WISH YOU SIMPLE BEAUTY

WHEN THINGS ARE CHAOTIC, I WISH YOU INNER SILENCE

WHEN THINGS LOOK EMPTY, I WISH YOU HOPE

I pray you’ve been encouraged by these simple and yet profound messages. Do you  have a token of faith or friendship you’ve held onto through the years? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

 

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

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

 

Novel Research ~ Making It Fun

One of the reasons I enjoy writing historical novels is the research. There is so much richness in learning about the past. Currently, while researching for Book 3 in my Prairie Sky Series (Under Moonlit Skies), I stumbled across a bit of Illinois history I didn’t know existed. The exciting part is…it works wonderfully into the storyline of my novel! Only the Lord could coordinate such a find!

Without giving away too much detail, my heroine in Book 3, Esther Stanton, needed a travel route between Illinois and Ohio. So, I started researching historical routes used in the 1850s. Come to find out, the first National Road, also known as the Cumberland Road, had been built in the early 1800s and ran from Cumberland, MD to none other than Vandalia, IL.

It was intended for the road to continue into Missouri, but lack of funds ended it sooner than expected. The route passed through the capital of each state it traveled through. At the time, Vandalia was Illinois’ capital.

I was overjoyed to discover that by 1858–the year Under Moonlit Skies is set in–the Cumberland road was a well-travelled road for stagecoaches and Conestoga wagons. The route provided the perfect opportunity for Esther to travel.

I’m hoping to make the trip down to Vandalia in the near future to visit the National Road Interactive Center and gain further insights into the road’s history. If and when I do, I look forward to sharing photos and more historical details with you.

As an historical author, it is my goal and duty to strive to be as historically accurate as I can in my novels. Research is time consuming, but I have to admit I have a lot of fun with it!

~ Do you enjoy when authors include bits of history in their writing? I would love to hear your thoughts!

 

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

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

 

Don’t Quit

Are you facing some sort of discouragement? Life can get tough and the journey seem long. So today, I want to share a bit of encouragement to brighten your day, a poem I’ve kept for many years, entitled, Don’t Quit. ~ Author unknown.

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,                                                                When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,                                                                        When the funds are low and the debts are high,                                                                       And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,                                                                     When care is pressing you down a bit,                                                                                Rest if you will, but just don’t quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,                                                                                     As everyone of us sometimes learns,                                                                                   And many a failure turns about,                                                                                         When he might have won had he stuck it out,                                                                   Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,                                                                        The Lord may allow you to succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,                                                                                     The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.                                                                                   And you never can tell how close you are.                                                                               It may be near when it seems so far.                                                                                     To stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,                                                                          It’s when things seem worse that you must not quit.”

If you’re a writer who has put his or her heart and soul into a novel and haven’t yet found a home for it, I encourage you to trust the Lord’s timing and guidance. He will see you through to where you need to be.

If you are someone who is facing a long-term physical or spiritual challenge or hardship, my message is the same. Put your hope in God. He alone can carry you through and see you safely to the other side. With the Lord’s help, keep on keeping on! God bless you!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (I Thessalonians 5:11) 

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

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

 

Relying on God

Reading through Old Testament books like Chronicles can be a bit challenging at times, but interspersed within the lists and names of kings and their deeds and misdeeds are some wonderful hidden gems that deserve a second glance.

During my morning devotions, I found one such hidden treasure. It entails King Asa, who initially did what was “good and right in the eyes of the Lord” by purging the nation of foreign gods. But later in his reign, he came under attack from King Baasha of Israel. Instead of trusting God to help him, Asa turned to the king of Aram for assistance (paid him off with gold and silver, so to speak).

The Lord sent a prophet (seer) to Asa who voiced His displeasure, sighting that in years past, the Lord had delivered many armies into Asa’s hand. Then he told Asa, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Despite these words of wisdom, Asa grew angry and refused to put his trust in the Lord. His final years as King of Judah were plagued by war and disease. What a vivid image of how important it is to rely on God’s strength rather than our own!

To finish strong, it’s essential we stay connected to God. What a blessing it is to know the Lord is roaming the earth seeking to strengthen and comfort those who are fully committed to Him! The moment we turn our eyes from the Lord and place our trust in ourselves or others, we begin to spiral downward, away from the safe-haven of His love and protection.

It’s my prayer that whatever I write–whether it be a devotion, an article, short-story, or novel–will point others to Christ. Sometimes I catch myself plunging ahead, forgetting to begin my day with prayer. It’s then I have to remind myself that my words and efforts are nothing without Him.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

~ How do you stay grounded in the Lord amid the storms and temptations of everyday life?

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

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Jessica McCarty Interview + Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to welcome author Jessica McCarty to Sowing Seeds of Hope Blog. After the interview, there’s a chance to win Jessica’s debut novel, A Desperate Love, so be sure to stick around to enter!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

→ I love all the creative parts of the writing process. It’s exciting to imagine characters and what their lives are like. I usually keep a Pinterest board for each story with visuals that help me stay on track. There are always Post-it notes covering my desk. Anytime inspiration strikes, I’m racing for a piece of paper to jot it down. Mostly, I love sitting at the desk and typing out that first draft!

I agree! It’s so fun developing new characters. What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

→ Be consistent and persistent! Have dedicated writing time. It doesn’t get done if you don’t keep at it. If it’s your goal and your dream, then you have to be dedicated to putting in the effort it will take. And don’t be married to your story in a way that hinders the story’s growth. You will have to edit. If you’re not prepared to let the not so great parts of your story go, it won’t be all that it could be. So be open to all the possibilities.

Great advice! Who is one of the first authors to inspire you and why?

→ Scott O’Dell was a favorite of mine as a child. He was the author that really got me interested in Historical Fiction and made it come alive. It’s still one of my favorite genres.

Mine too! What would a perfect day look like to you?

→ A perfect day would start with me getting up around early, drinking a cup of coffee, and reading a good devotional. I’d get in a short workout, then spend the rest of the day writing, of course! I’d spend the late afternoon and evening chilling with my hubby. That, in my book, is a great day.

Sounds good! Do you have a favorite character in your novel? If so, why?

→ I would have to say, aside from Lady Olivia, Odo, the pirate captain. Odo was really fun to write. While researching pirates, I discovered that some of the first pirates were Vikings. This didn’t fit with the time my story was set in, but it was something I used to add to my character with the thought that things can be passed down from one generation to the next. The prayer beads Odo gives Olivia have Thor’s hammer engraved on the back. And Odo is a shortened version of Odin.

What take-away value do you want readers to gain from your novel?

→ I think the biggest take-away of the story would be that fear doesn’t have to control you. Bravery isn’t about not being afraid or being self-confident. It’s about pushing past what scares you. We are capable of accomplishing so much more than we know. A step of faith wouldn’t be a step of faith if we weren’t scared. As they say, the best things wait on the other side of fear. And we have a God who is able to do the impossible. That alone should make us feel a little more brave.

Amen! Thanks for sharing God’s power through your writing!

 Jessica McCarty lives with her husband Greg in Indiana. They are lifelong Indiana residents and have been married for eight years. Jessica works in circulation at her local library, which affords her plenty of resources to pursue her writing goals. She has always loved to read, and started writing poetry and short stories as a hobby while in high school. When she is not reading or writing, she can be found enjoying investigative dramas with her husband and drinking large amounts of coffee. Connect with Jessica on:

Facebook

Twitter

Website

**You might also enjoy reading Cynthia Roemer’s Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

A Desperate Love ~ Months after the disappearance of Lady Olivia’s betrothed, Sir Tristen, she continues to mourn his loss, until the day her father announces he will find her a new suitor. Olivia’s long held belief that Tristen may still be alive, and her desire to find him, spurs her to action. Lady Olivia sets out on her quest, armed with only her sword and determination.

 

Now for the Giveaway! Leave a comment below to unlock several changes to win a print copy of Jessica’s debut novel, A Desperate Love. (US Addresses only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Caught by Surprise ~ My Review

What a fun, madcap story Jen Turano has written in this third book in her Apart from the Crowd Series! There’s never a dull moment in this comical historical romance set in New York City in the late 1800’s. A case of mistaken identity catapults Temperance Flowerdew into the adventure of a lifetime, challenging her to a whole new outlook on life.

When Temperance is kidnapped, she discovers her two unlikely captors have mistaken her for her cousin, Clementine. Temperance’s longtime friend, Gilbert Cavendish, is sent by Clementine’s family to rescue her, but he finds Temperance instead, free and unharmed.

Through a bit of investigating, they unravel the truth behind the foiled kidnapping plot. Their discovery unleashes an onslaught of twists and turns that include an unexpected marriage proposal and a death threat. Mystery, intrigue, humor, and romance are all a part of the resulting cat and mouse game.

Caught by Surprise is filled with memorable characters, among my favorites, the would-be captors, Eugene and Grace Miner. This bungling brother and sister duo brought humor and spice to the storyline. Their hillbilly personalities garnered a smile from me in each scene they graced.

Temperance and Gilbert have a complicated relationship which adds to the humor of the story. It took me a while to adjust to their continual bantering back and forth, but I grew to enjoy their back-and-forth chatter and their roundabout journey to love.

Caught by Surprise is a light, humorous read that is sure to brighten any library.

 

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

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

 

A Look Back at Agriculture ~ Farming in the Mid-1800’s

In my research of the mid-1800’s, I enjoyed taking a look back at the history of farming and the changes that have taken place over the past 150 years. My Prairie Sky Series is set in the mid-1800’s when plowing, planting, hoeing, and harvesting were all accomplished with meager tools and horses or oxen.

Work was difficult and time consuming. For that reason, farmers were limited to planting a small amount of acreage, on average twenty-five to forty acres. Tiny seeds like wheat were hand sown by broadcasting over plowed and harrowed ground. Before planters were invented, farmers were forced to plant corn, potatoes etc. by hand. Rows and kernels were spaced farther apart than they are today, thus yields were not as great.

When crops ripened, they were often harvested with a scythe or hand-picked. It was hard, grueling work shared by the entire family, down to the youngest of children.

The turn of the century brought huge changes to farming with the invention of farm implements and equipment. By the early 1900’s, tractors began to replace horses and oxen for pulling and self-propelled combines did the work of separating the seed from the stalks.

Today’s farmers do all their work with farm machinery. Modern technologies such as tractors, planters, chisel plows, and combines do the hard work once done by farm workers. Many farmers now tackle farming several thousand acres each year.

Technology has completely altered the way farming is done, but one thing will never change, and that is the farmer’s dependence on the Lord for sunshine, rain, and the miracle of taking a single seed buried in the soil and creating a stalk which yields a hundred fold.

May that be the goal of our lives ~ to plant seeds of hope and healing into people’s hearts through our words and actions. We may do the planting, but it’s the Lord that brings about the growth and harvest.

How has the Lord brought a blessing of increase into your life? I’d love to hear your story.

.

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

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.