Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 7
April 15, 2022
SPRING’S GREATEST AWAKENING
There’s something invigorating about spring, about new life erupting from the dormant earth. I love the vibrant colors that come alive almost overnight. It’s amazing how God can take a lifeless, gray limb and make it bud and blossom. Dead, brown grass suddenly greens. Flowers shoot up out of the ground, adding substance and beauty to the previously barren terrain.
I love the sounds of spring. Peepers croaking in ditches and creeks. The early morning chorus of song birds as they pair off and build their nests. Flocks of geese returning from their winter hideaways, calling as they fly overhead.
I love all that spring entails. But the best part of spring is the image it portrays of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. How, what seemingly is dead returns to life in all its dazzling splendor.
Jesus suffered and died a horrible death on the cross to erase our sins. Of His own free will, He gave up the glory of Heaven to die in our place. His lifeless body was buried in a borrowed tomb along with the hopes and expectations of all who believed.
Then on the third day, He rose to new life, bringing redemption and renewed hope to the nations.
Each time a flower blooms or a leaf forms, we have a vivid reminder of the new life we can have in Christ. Out of something barren and void, comes life and beauty. What a wonderful depiction of God’s unfailing love!
But He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
and by His wounds we are healed.
(Isaiah 53: 5)
Do you see a picture of Christ in the awakening of spring? What makes spring special for you?
FAITH-FILLED NOVELS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
The post SPRING’S GREATEST AWAKENING appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
April 6, 2022
A GLIMPSE INSIDE ~ UNDER THIS SAME SKY
This past weekend I had the privilege of taking part in a Meet the Author Event. The event took place in a beautiful historical mansion where I was designated a room to greet visitors. What a joy it was to interact with readers and answer questions about my novels.
One of my favorite aspects to share about is the spiritual elements I weave into my stories. Each novel contains a theme verse that the storyline is threaded around. I love writing about true-to-life characters that grow and change as they encounter various circumstances.
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NOVEL INSIGHTSIt’s been a while since I’ve shared insights from my novels, so I thought I would take one week a month to convey the message woven into my stories. Whether you’ve read my novels or not, I hope you’ll enjoy this glimpse inside the lives of my characters.
Book One in my Prairie Sky Series, Under This Same Sky, released in 2017. It is a coming of age story set on the Illinois prairie in the mid 1800’s. Becky Hollister is a young girl content to live on the family farm with the hope of one day marrying and living out her days on the prairie. But when tragedy strikes her family, her faith and her hopes of the future are dramatically shaken.
Rather than cling to God in her time of need, a root of bitterness springs up within her, driving a wedge between her and the Lord. When she is uprooted from her prairie home to accompany her blinded father to a school for the blind in St. Louis, her heart and soul are scarred and bruised.
Balm for her spirit comes from unexpected places as she befriends a blind boy who has endured much, and yet retained his faith in God. As she interacts with other blind students, she finds purpose and renewed hope.
Corresponding with Matthew Brody, the handsome pastor from home doesn’t hurt either. As Becky releases her bitterness toward God and accepts the pain along with the unexpected blessings, her heart opens to love, as well as God’s plan for her life.
Illinois ~ 1854
Becky Hollister wants nothing more than to live out her days on the prairie, building a life for herself alongside her future husband. But when a tornado rips through her parents’ farm, killing her mother and sister, she must leave the only home she’s ever known and the man she’s begun to love to accompany her injured father to St. Louis. Catapulted into a world of unknowns, Becky finds solace in corresponding with the handsome pastor back home. But when word comes that he is all but engaged to someone else, she must call upon her faith to decipher her future.
Matthew Brody didn’t intend on falling for Becky, but the unexpected relationship, along with the Lord’s gentle nudging, incite him to give up his circuit riding and seek full-time ministry in the town of Miller Creek, with the hope of one day making Becky his bride. But when his old sweetheart comes to town, intent on winning him back—with the entire town pulling for her—Matthew must choose between doing what’s expected and what his heart tells him is right.
INSPIRING READS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, GoodreadsBookbub and Twitter.
The post A GLIMPSE INSIDE ~ UNDER THIS SAME SKY appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
March 30, 2022
WILDERNESS WIFE INSIGHTS + GIVEAWAY!
I’m happy to have author Delores Topliff with us today sharing insights from her historical novel, Wilderness Wife. Stick around until the end for a chance to win an e-book copy of her novel!
Set in frontier Canada in 1810. Wilderness Wife is based on the early life of Marguerite Wadin MacKay. She believes her 17-year marriage to explorer Alex MacKay is strong—until sudden fame destroys it. When he returns from a cross-Canada expedition, he announces their frontier marriage is void in Montréal where he will now go to make his fortune and choose a society wife—not one with native blood. Taking only their son, MacKay sends Marguerite and their three daughters to a trading post where she’d lived as a child.
She believes her life is over and wrestles with emotional and spiritual anguish:
EXCERPT ~ WILDERNESS WIFE“Tears prickle my eyes. I choke back sobs our girls must not hear. My jaws clench as heat blisters my heart. My hands fist until my fingernails cut my palms.
Lord, never leave us—like Alex, like Father…
My murdered father had no choice. I will not let Alex’s decision destroy us. Although my married life has ended, our daughters born of this failed marriage must not feel abandoned. My mind recalls this morning’s vivid dream that seems more real than this gray day. I repeat my prayer, proclaiming my trust in God.
When at last I rise, a stronger woman gazes back from my mirror. She resembles my mother, but greater resolve shines from her eyes. I think she is a woman who will not easily give up.”
Deeply shamed, she arrives at the trading post in time to assist young Dr. John McLoughlin with a medical emergency. He is impressed with the courage and wisdom in this uneducated woman. He asks the man in charge, “Why have I not heard of this remarkable woman before?”
“Because much is made of her husband. Not enough of her.”
As an abandoned mother living only for her girls to find a better life than hers, Marguerite depends solely on the Lord. Her hardships forge her into such a woman of strength that Dr. John McLoughlin will marry no one but her although he is nine years younger.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY I grew up in the shadow of Fort Vancouver established later by Dr. John and Marguerite McLoughlin. Residents there know of his life accomplishments but far less of hers. I felt challenged to look into her life and found solid gold. I loved discovering and telling the story of this courageous single mom who survived abandonment and prejudice to triumph and become an amazing role model who still inspires us today.
From Washington State but also spending years in Canada and now dividing her time between Minnesota and Mississippi, Delores writes in several genres. In 2021, two of her historical novels were published by Scrivenings Press. Follow her blogs and view more titles under the Books tab on her website. Also follow her on Facebook at Delores Topliff Books, Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub.
MORE INSPIRATIONAL READS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, GoodreadsBookbub and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for a chance to win an e-book copy of Wilderness Wife!
The post WILDERNESS WIFE INSIGHTS + GIVEAWAY! appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
March 23, 2022
WHO WE ARE
They say “character” is who we are when no one’s looking. But the real question is–who are we when others are looking? Are we the same person at work as we are at church? Do we treat our family members with the same respect and patience as we do our friends? When life gets tough, do we give off the persona that all is well?
It’s so easy to put on a mask and pretend we’ve got our lives under control. More times than not, we like to pretend everything is rosy and we don’t have problems. When asked how we’re doing, how many of us paste on a grin and say “Fine, how are you?”
Maybe it’s that we feel people don’t really want to be weighted down with our problems. That may be so at times. But a true friend will listen and be there for us regardless of what we go through.
I’m convinced the Lord sometime sends challenges our way to break down our walls of self-reliance and unveil our vulnerabilities. Only when we relinquish control and humble our hearts can we be real before the Lord, as well as others.
Our strength must rest in God alone. When we’re willing to be genuine with ourselves and others by revealing our hurts and frailties, we express our dependence on God and allow Him to be glorified in our lives. And isn’t that much better than going it alone?
How about you? When do you find yourself putting on a mask? What circumstances cause you to draw your strength from God?
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
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Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
The post WHO WE ARE appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
March 16, 2022
ENTRUSTING OUR BURDENS
It’s hard not to worry about those we love the most. When our children are young, we parents can shield and protect them from harmful influences. We have the opportunity to steer and guide them and say “no” when we suspect they’re making a poor choice..
But when they grow up and strike out on their own, all that changes. They have the freedom to make their own decisions, whether we agree with them or not.
THE CONCERTI discovered this in a very real sense recently when my sons decided to attend a concert that I wasn’t thrilled about them going to. The song lyrics were not in conjunction with their Christian upbringing, and I was certain the atmosphere would not be either. Then there was the late-night travel when so many drunk drivers are on the road.
My head filled with all sorts of concerns–the main one being that they might allow themselves to be pulled into the world’s way of thinking. I realized then, I had a choice. I could lie awake the night of the concert and worry or I could entrust my boys to the Lord, Who is capable of caring for them far better than I ever could.
COME ALL WHO ARE WEARYA couple of days prior to the concert, I read Matthew 11 where in verses 28-30 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
As I dwelt on those verses, the Lord gave me an image of a huge ox (Him) yoked with a little donkey (me) pulling a hefty cart. The ox’s muscles were taut as it pulled nearly the entire load, while the donkey paced alongside unburdened.
Until that moment, I don’t think I had a full grasp of what those verses mean. But that image of the ox and donkey demonstrated to me how powerful God is, and that, if we will only entrust our burdens to Him, He will pull in our behalf.
I held onto that image and those verses the night of the concert. Instead of a sleepless night of worry, I rested well, knowing the Lord was looking after the physical and spiritual well-being of my sons. What joy and sweet release to have the Lord carry my load for me.
Have you ever let worry get the best of you? What or who do you need to entrust into the Lord’s capable hands?
INSPIRING READS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
The post ENTRUSTING OUR BURDENS appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
March 9, 2022
A SURE FOUNDATION
Foundations are important. When you go to build or buy a house, one of the key factors it the stability of the foundation. The house might look fine on the exterior, but if its foundation is bad, it often spells trouble.
Several decades ago, my parents built a garage. The concrete was poured and the structure built, but the surface underneath wasn’t quite as stable or flat as they would have hoped. Over time, huge cracks appeared in the concrete until now it’s to the point of breaking in half. The garage door sets cockeyed and doesn’t work properly and the side entry door won’t latch. The only way to fix the issue is to build a new garage!
As I was reading through the Gospel of Matthew, I came to the end of Chapter 7 where Jesus told the familiar parable about the wise man and the foolish man. Though I’ve read the story many times, it hit me a bit different this time. I realized the wise man’s house looked no different than the foolish man’s. From the exterior, both appeared sturdy and well-built.
But what differed was WHERE the men built. The foolish man skimped by building on a site that wasn’t suitable or secure (sand). So when the wind blew and the storms came, over time, the foolish man’s house began to shift and crumble. The wise man, on the other hand, built on firm, level rock that held strong against the onslaught of storms.
Now we all know the sand represents the world and the rock, Jesus. But what struck me this time, was that the houses (us) may have been built the same and looked identical from outward appearance. It wasn’t until the storms of life came that the durability of the houses was tested.
The same is true of us. We may look as though we have it all together, but it isn’t until the storms of life hit–illness, financial stress, tragedy–that it becomes evident where our strength and security lies. Are we depending on other people, ourselves, possessions, money, or status to carry us through? Or is God the source of our strength and who we hold onto when times are tough?
This world is filled with shifting sand. May we take time to seek out the sturdy Rock of Jesus and build our lives on the one and only firm foundation!
NOVELS TO INSPIRE
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
The post A SURE FOUNDATION appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
March 2, 2022
A CURE FOR WORRY
Did you ever wish there was a cure for worry? As our world seems to spiral further and further out of control, it’s difficult not to let the worry bug worm its way in. From Covid to the rising cost of living to severe weather outbreaks to military conflicts and threats of war, we seem to have every reason to fret.
One morning recently, I glanced at the digital clock on our stove and it read 6:33. For some reason, my thoughts turned to Matthew 6:33. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
In the days and weeks to follow, it seemed I consistently glanced at one of our clocks at exactly that time. Morning or evening, it didn’t matter, I would wake up at 6:33 am or walk into the kitchen or bedroom of an evening and the clock read that exact time.
I began to smile each time it happened and found the verse in Matthew running through my head as though the Lord was drawing my attention to it over and over.
What was He trying to tell me?
I have the same concerns many of you have with all that’s going on in our world. I also am newly dealing with the “empty nest” and other stresses. The more I thought about it, the more I realized God was trying to get a “No Worries” message across to me.
So, I thought it was time I take a closer look at the verse. I knew I needed to seek first God’s kingdom, but what was Jesus referring to when He said “these things” would be given as well? To find out, I referred to the previous verses where Jesus talks about how God cares for the birds and how beautifully he has clothed the flowers. But it was verse 31 that really hit me:
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
THE PROMISE OF HIS PRESENCE
Finally I understood that by continually bringing to mind Matthew 6:33 the Lord was telling me not to worry and stress over all that is going on, all the stresses and concerns of life. He will provide and care for me. For us! He may not give us all we want, but He will supply all we need. No matter what the future holds, we have the promise of His presence and His provision.
So, you see, there is a cure for worry. If you’re struggling with fears and concerns over our world today or over circumstances in your life personally, may you be encouraged in knowing God is still in control and will “never leave you or forsake you”.
~ What Scripture verse puts your heart at ease? I would love to have you share it.
INSPIRING READS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
The post A CURE FOR WORRY appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
February 23, 2022
COUNTERFEIT LOVE INSIGHTS + GIVEAWAY
I’m thrilled to have my friend and fellow author, Crystal Caudill as guest today. She shares a personal message of how the Lord used some challenging circumstances in her life to give her a deeper understanding of her heroine in her debut novel, Counterfeit Love.
Will you love God, “even if…”?
By Crystal Caudill
Rarely does an author write a book in a vacuum. The outside world infiltrates our writing, and our struggles bleed onto the page in one form or another. Counterfeit Love is one of those books for me.
In the story, Theresa Plane struggles with several questions about God revolving around “even if.” Even if God strips everything away from me, will I still love Him? Will I still trust Him, even if the worst happens? Can I still believe God’s promises, even if all this is happening? These are some of the very same questions I wrestled with as I wrote Counterfeit Love and my world around me exploded.
Theresa’s StoryWhen I began writing Theresa’s story, I had no idea I would endure the drawn-out, painful-to-watch death of my grandmother. Grandma Connie was a vibrant, stubborn woman who lived a hard life and survived. Until Parkinson’s, dementia, and finally, cancer took her in cruel slow bits.
For almost two years, my mom flew back and forth between Kentucky and Idaho to help care for her. I still remember Mom telling me Grandma would not be seeking cancer treatment and that I needed to go see her now before she got any worse.
That trip was the beginning of the stripping of me. Not only was I unable to be there for my mom as she cared for Grandma and then the long drawn out aftermath, my own world at home faced significant challenges. My mother-in-law suffered severe complications from a hip replacement that almost took her life, and I was her caregiver.
Not only was I raising two boys, trying to meet her severe caregiving needs, and pack a house for a move, but my husband was traveling extensively for his job. It was in this season that I wrestled with my faith in ways I’d never done before.
Just Like TheresaTogether we had to walk through things we never imagined. We felt alone, abandoned, and unable to bear it all on our own strength. However, it was during this time that God really worked on our hearts. He taught us that even if everything goes wrong, all our dreams are shattered, and we feel terribly alone, God is right there with us, asking us to surrender all to Him. To not be afraid by all that is happening, but to stand sill, set our eyes on Jesus, and see the salvation of the Lord. This battle is not ours, but His.
Whatever you are facing today, let me encourage you. You can trust Him. You can love Him. You can believe His promises. Because the Lord will be with you, even if.
“Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17
Meet Crystal
Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.
CRYSTAL’S UPCOMING BOOK
Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves–or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he’s been sent to track down?
Isn’t that cover stunning? I’m eager to read this novel. Releases March 15!
MORE INSPIRATIONAL READS
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Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY
Crystal is offering some fun giveaway items, including a couple of bookmarks, a homemade book sleeve and hot chocolate mixes. Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below for a chance to win!
The post COUNTERFEIT LOVE INSIGHTS + GIVEAWAY appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
February 16, 2022
God’s Footprints
It’s amazing how the Lord speaks into our hearts through Scripture. I must have read Psalm 77 dozens of times over the years, yet never did it strike me so vividly as it did this week.
When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, they became trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptians. Seeing the onslaught of charioteers at their backs, they must have feared they were goners. Yet, God, in His glory, parted the water like a curtain and made a dry path for them to cross. They couldn’t see Him, but He was there, guiding them safely through.
“Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.”
(Psalm 77:19) NIV
We’ve all experienced times in our lives when God seems silent or distant. When we find ourselves at an impasse, or going through an extremely difficult challenge and don’t know what to do. We pray and pray, but don’t get clear direction or help.
It’s then we wonder, Does God even care what I’m going through? Has He left me to fend for myself? Why won’t He answer?
Job once asked these questions, wondering why God seemed to abandon him when he needed Him most. In the end, God responded by declaring His wisdom and insight far outweigh our own. He sees the whole picture, not the one-dimensional view we have. Job saw only the pain he was undergoing; God knew the double portion of blessings that were soon to come his way.
Times of testing are sure to come. Our part is to pray and trust God will bring us through.
When we submit our future, our ambitions, and everything we are to God, it allows Him to direct and redirect our purpose and ministry. As Christians, we need to strive to reach a point where we trust He is with us, working in our lives, no matter how far off He seems.
A clock in our home bares the poem, Footprints in the Sand, which speaks of how at some points in our lives, we can’t see God’s footprints alongside ours, when we feel alone and forgotten. But the poem goes on to say that it’s during these especially troubled times He carries us. What a beautiful picture of His great love for us!
Are you facing some trial in your life where you can’t see God’s footprints? What gives you the strength to endure? I’d love to hear your story!
INSPIRING STORIES
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
The post God’s Footprints appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
February 9, 2022
PERFECT OR RELATABLE?
As a writer, I do my best to create true-to-life novel characters. In order to connect with readers, it’s essential they can relate. No one’s perfect. Neither should novel characters be perfect.
As I reflected on this, I recalled a story of two women, one a Christian, the other a non-believer. So eager to portray the Christian life in a positive light, the Christian woman did her best to present herself as always happy and in total control. Yet, she never quite seemed to gain the woman’s attention, let alone her respect or friendship.
Then one day, a traumatic event happened in the life of the Christian woman, driving her almost to the breaking point. Through tears of frustration and release, she expressed her anguish and insecurities to the non-believer.
To the Christian woman’s astonishment, the non-Christian acquaintance told her, “Now we can be friends.” Why? Because she could finally relate to her. In attempt at being perfect, the Christian had made herself unapproachable.
Do we ever try to portray ourselves as perfect? If we’re honest, I’m sure we’d all like others to think we have it all together. But, like my flawed novel characters, I have to wonder, would we have more of an impact on our non-Christian friends, neighbors, and co-workers if we let our hair down now and then, and let them know we’re no more “perfect” or “righteous” than them? Just forgiven?
Isaiah 64:6 tells us. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Our righteousness comes through Christ and His sacrifice for our sins. We’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) The Lord alone is perfect.
When we act as though we have no problems, or can handle anything that comes our way, in reality, aren’t we downplaying Christ’s role in our lives? Instead, when troubles come, we need to be honest about our struggles and humbly give God the glory for bringing us through.
We’re all bound to fail from time to time, but as 2 Corinthians 12:10 states, it’s in our weakness, we are strong. For it’s then, Christ’s love and power shine through most clearly.
INSPIRING READS[image error]
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
The post PERFECT OR RELATABLE? appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.
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