Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 10

Great Book On Sale For You Right Now

Here’s a great book on sale for you right now.

Actually it’s two books. For only $0.99. In the form of the MILLER’S CREEK FORGIVENESS COLLECTION.

The theme of forgiveness in A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (the fifth stand-alone book in the Miller’s Creek novels) was so timely and powerful, I decided to create a companion Bible study entitled THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS.

I know that’s a strange-sounding title for a Bible study, but I came across a quote on forgiveness by Mark Twain that so perfectly encapsulated the meaning of forgiveness, it lead to the title of the book. Here’s the quote

“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet shed on the heel that has crushed it.”
-Mark Twain
Great Book On Sale For Sharing With A Friend

Not only is this a great book on sale for you, but it would also make a great gift.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the process of gifting an Amazon eBook to a friend, I took a screen shot and shared it below. (Sorry for the glaring red arrow, but I wanted you to be able to see the Amazon “Give as a Gift” button.)

It might go without saying, but there are many great reasons to gift an eBook:

All you need is a friend’s email address to gift an Amazon eBook.
The process allows you to add a personal note to your gift.
You can send the gift right away or schedule it for later, say to be delivered on someone’s birthday. The sale for the MILLER’S CREEK FORGIVENESS COLLECTION lasts through January 31, 2016.
If you know someone who is struggling with forgiving–whether someone else, themselves, or even God–this would be such a helpful gift. I had one reader tell me she was able to get rid of a grudge she’d been carrying for years. Here’s the review she left on Amazon:

Click the image to go to the actual review on Amazon
Try Out the New Amazon Previewer Widget

Excited to share this new Amazon feature with you today. Now you can check out books without having to leave this page. The MILLER’S CREEK FORGIVENESS COLLECTION (rated at 4.7 stars with 90 reviews; on sale for just $0.99 for the Kindle version) can be previewed via the widget below.

More Information About This Great Book On Sale

Here’s a book blurb and testimonials about A BRIDGE UNBROKEN for those of you unfamiliar with the book:

Not all scars are visible…

Frightened and on the run, Dakota Kelly just wants to erase the painful past. But her plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with her high school sweetheart–the one responsible for the scars on her heart. Unfortunately, he’s not the only ghost from the past. Someone else is on her trail and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside old wounds and a harbored secret to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempts to forgive?

Click the image to read more reviews for A BRIDGE UNBROKEN

Here’s the book trailer for A BRIDGE UNBROKEN:

Here’s the book blurb and testimonials for THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS:

What do we do when someone seems determined to bring us down through a personal, unfair, and unfounded attack? Take it one step further. How do we deal with meaningless acts of destruction and death, say in something similar to the Twin Towers incident or a school shooting, especially when the offender shows no remorse? In short, how do we move past the emotional pain to a place of forgiveness?

This forgiveness Bible study examines relevant scriptures for the purpose of building a Biblical understanding of:

• what forgiveness is and what it isn’t

• God’s role in the process of forgiveness

• what Jesus accomplished at the cross for each of us

• our mandate to forgive as we’ve been forgiven

• what gets in the way of forgiving others and

• how to truly forgive the unforgivable

Click the image to read more Amazon reviews for THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS

Here’s a video I created about why I wrote the Bible study and what I hope others gain from it:

Post Wrap-Up

Just to conclude the post on this great book sale for you for just $0.99, I want to let you know that the MILLER’S CREEK FORGIVENESS COLLECTION is only available at this price through January 31, 2016.

Even if you’ve already read the books or can’t think of anyone to share the books with, would you mind sharing either this post through the share buttons on the left side or the 99-cent sale via the links below? This helps others know about the sale, and I would appreciate it so very much! :)

Share the $0.99 Sale on Facebook
Share the $0.99 Sale on Twitter
Share the $0.99 Sale on Pinterest

The post Great Book On Sale For You Right Now appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Why Have Clash of the Titles? See Here Immediately.

Why have a Clash of the Titles?

Lots of reasons. But before we get to why, let’s talk about what a Clash of the Titles actually is.

[Tweet “#JoinTheFun – What in the world is a Clash of the Titles? Find out here:”]

Clash of the Titles – What It Is

A clash of the titles is pretty self-explanatory. It’s where two titles square off against each other, much like a couple of boxers. (Hence the boxing gloves in the image above…)

One will get knocked out, while the other goes on to “win” that particular round.

So how does this apply to me and us? Good question. Read on…

Clash of the Titles – How It Applies To Us

Simply put, I need your help in creating the perfect title for the seventh Miller’s Creek book. At first I had a title in mind, but as work on the story has progressed, I’ve had at least another twenty run through my head, leaving me absolutely confused!

So…I thought it would be fun to enlist the help of my reader friends–blog, newsletter, Facebook, other social media, etc.–to name the seventh novel in the series.

[Tweet “Help @Cathy_Bryant choose the perfect title for her next #MillersCreek novel. Details here:”]

Clash of the Titles – Other Reasons Why

Other reasons for the Clash of the Titles? First of all, January and February tend to be two of the most down months of the year due to the winter weather. Those winter blahs make NOW the perfect time for a Clash of the Titles!

Secondly, my motivation levels tend to decrease significantly as I near the end of writing a rough first draft and jump into the seemingly endless rounds of edits.

So let’s kill all these birds with one stone. I get help with naming the new novel, it helps pass the winter doldrums, and gives me added motivation to finish the book.

And hopefully it will spell F-U-N for all of us!

Clash of the Titles – About the Story Line

Here’s a little background to help you understand the story better:

A transformed wild-child returns to Miller’s Creek to care for her ailing father and face the judgmental ranch manager she’s always loved. When a flood threatens Miller’s Creek and their respective properties, Bella joins forces with Clay to protect what they both hold dear. Though Bella attempts to persuade Clay and others that she’s not the same person they remember, all her efforts come to naught when nasty rumors jeopardize her teaching career. Now on shaky ground, Bella is forced to depend solely on God to plow through the false accusations of a student who has shredded what was left of her reputation. But is it too little too late?

The word “freedom” has been zinging through my brain as I write this story. While I know that our freedom in Christ is ultimately about being freed from sin and death, I think in Bella’s case, it’s also about being freed from the chains of other people’s opinions and their false accusations.

During the pre-writing and writing of this book, the thought that humans are easily enslaved to so many things (which become little-g gods in our lives)–pride, greed, the opinions of others, etc. Sadly, those things also have the tendency to weigh us down and keep us from running the race as well as we would without them holding us back.

So in that respect, freedom also means being set free from those things that enslave us.

(Hope all this is helping you think of possible book titles…)

One more thing that bears mentioning: So far all the book titles have included a word to loosely indicate a journey. TEXAS ROADS, A PATH LESS TRAVELED, THE WAY OF GRACE, PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN, and CROSSROADS.

While part of me would like to keep that journey theme intact in this title as well, if a title without it catches my fancy, I’ll definitely include it!

Clash of the Title – The Particulars

Okay, here’s how this fun little winter diversion tactic will work:

Title Submission (January 21-28, 2016) – Submit your title ideas (as many as you’d like) either in a comment here on this blog post OR at this post on my Facebook author page.
January 29-30 – My virtual assistant (more on this in the next blog post!) and I will sort through all the submissions (including our own) and choose our top 16.
February 1-6 is round 1, with eight brackets of two titles each. We’ll have polls up here on my blog for you to vote for your favorites.
February 8-13 is round 2, with four brackets of two titles each. Again we’ll vote for our favorites using polls in a blog post.
February 15-20 is round 3–the Semi-Finals!–with two brackets of two titles each, and we’ll vote using polls in a blog post.
February 22-27 is round 4–THE FINALS!–with one bracket of two titles. We’ll vote for our favorite using a poll widget in a blog post.
February 29 – I’ll announce our winning title! (And we’ll get past February AND find the perfect title for Miller’s Creek novel #7! WIN-WIN!)

Click here to download your printable bracket (Word .doc)

Click here to download your printable bracket (PDF)

[Tweet “Print out your brackets for Clash of the Titles here:”]

Time to Brainstorm for Clash of the Titles! Submit your ideas below or on my Facebook author page…
LLLet’s get ready to rrrumble!

The post Why Have Clash of the Titles? See Here Immediately. appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

New Year Focus: How to Kill What Isn’t Working

For my new year focus, one of the goals I’m especially mindful of is killing off anything that robs my time and energy and produces little-to-no results.

I’m a big believer that we should be quick to eliminate the extraneous in every aspect of our lives.

Why?

Because that extra “stuff” only serves to weigh us down and make us less capable of carrying out those tasks we are meant to do.

James 4:17 says that if we know to do something, but don’t do it, it’s a sin for us.

That’s why I’m making a concentrated effort in killing off anything in my life that isn’t working, and here’s how I intend to do it.

#NewYear “How To Kill Off What Isn’t Working” and Why! More info here:
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New Year Focus: The Why

I’ve learned that in setting goals, if I spend some time on the why–or motivation–behind those goals, it increases the likelihood of success. So I try to make it a point to have at least one “why” for every goal.

And the why behind my desire to kill off anything in my life that isn’t working? Well, here’s a real-life example to help me explain:

We’ve had a ton more snow this year than our previous two winters. What makes that especially tricky in our mountain location is that the sun comes out and partially melts the snow. Then the freezing temps at night form a layer of slippery ice beneath the snow.

Last week, in preparation for our first mini-cabin tenant, we somehow managed to get stuck.

On the edge of a cliff.

In freezing degree weather.

The harder we tried to maneuver out of our precarious situation with our four-wheel drive vehicle, the deeper in we dug ourselves.

The image of our tires spinning against the ice is the perfect analogy of WHY we need to let go of anything that isn’t working. It takes a ton of energy to make tires spin that fast, but you have absolutely no traction, which means no forward progress.

What a waste of resources!

The Bible is clear that we’re to be good stewards of what God gives us (Matthew 25:14-30). That includes not just our material possessions, but our time, talents, and energy as well.

Good stewardship isn’t just about money. It’s also about our time and energy. @Cathy_Bryant
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So the “why” behind killing off what isn’t working is this: If it’s an unproductive waste of our time and energy, it’s not worth having.

________________________________________

Join Cathy’s Reader’s group newsletter and receive a free copy of the novel, A PATH LESS TRAVELED, a story about trusting God to lead us. Click Here to Get Your Free Book 

_________________________________________

New Year Focus: The How

Now our new year focus of getting rid of those time- and energy-drains centers on the steps we need to take to kill off those little darlings.

1. Lay our lives before the Lord.

Because of our finite and limited human reasoning, it only makes sense to enlist the help of the One who knows and sees everything. In addition, He loves us, knows us better than we know ourselves, wants what’s best for us, and has His plan for our lives. This step is simply a matter of praying: “God, please show me Your plan for my life. Show me what I need to get rid of in order to better run this race.”

2. Have the courage to make changes.

It’s not enough to seek God’s help if we’re unwilling to make the changes He gives us. And from personal experience, I can tell you that it’s not easy to let go of some “pet” projects. But if we don’t, we’ll be headed off down a rabbit trail that can waste hours, if not years, of our lives.

Submitting to God is always the best answer.

Think of it this way. Let’s say that when we start off on a new-to-us path, we decide to lean our ladder against Building A. Halfway up that ladder we start to question if we’re where we’re supposed to be. You see, we forgot to consult God before we chose the building.

Now we have two choices. We can either keep climbing that ladder that leans against Building A, or we can stop and ask Him for His guidance.

Get this.

If He tells us to climb down and move to Building B, we’d better do it. If we don’t, we’ll spend our entire lives climbing up the ladder leaned against Building A…only to find out that we entirely missed out on what God wanted for us.

3. Ask God to make His desires your desires.

Psalm 34:4 is a verse that is often misinterpreted. It says this: Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Some look at this and think. Wow! All I have to do is delight in God and He’s gonna give us everything we want.

Ummm…no.

If we seek God sincerely, basking in the rest, joy, peace, love, and more that characterizes who He is, our desires are going to change, and God is the impetus behind that change.

As my memory verse this week so aptly reminds me: I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5

It’s so worth it to put God in His rightful place in our lives (READ: the center). When we do, He changes us from the inside out. As our desires become His desires for us, we’ll want to get rid of anything that keeps us from living out His plan.

Besides that, it’s the only way we can produce fruit.

Click the image to purchase this new 31-day devotional journey into God’s new beginnings.
New Year Focus: Wrap-Up

So there you have it.

The new year is the perfect time (but certainly not the only time) to focus on what is and what isn’t working in our lives, and eliminating what isn’t working. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. After all, none of us want to spend our lives with no traction or forward progress.

Instead, let’s lay our lives before the Lord, have the courage to make the changes He calls for, and then stay so close to Him that our desires get lost in His.

Comment Chit-Chat: What are some things in your life that just aren’t working? How will you handle it? Are some of the things holding you back “pet” projects?

 

The post New Year Focus: How to Kill What Isn’t Working appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Are You Excited? Miller’s Creek Freebie & First Live Chat

Would a Miller’s Creek freebie and/or our first live chat make anyone out there a wee bit excited?

*Wildly waving both hands* Me!

Honestly, I’m also a bit nervous…can we find enough to talk about for a whole hour?

SPOTLIGHT: 25 New Christian Book Releases January 2016

Here are your new Christian Book releases January 2016.

We haven’t read all these new books, so please use your own judgement when purchasing them. And don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of this post for this month’s giveaway, a print copy of A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (Christian romantic suspense; rated at 4.8 stars).

DISCLAIMER: Just to be honest, we are Amazon Affiliates, which means we receive a few cents for every dollar of purchase. This comes from Amazon’s pocket, not yours, and it helps us with the expenses of running this site. Thanks for your support!

#amreading NEW CHRISTIAN BOOKS for Jan 2016. Find them here:
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New Christian Book Releases January 2016
Devotional

We all experience times of fresh starts and new beginnings, times when we tend to count our God-given blessings and make goals and plans. This 31-day devotional journey is intended to guide us through verses of how God makes all things new, the beginnings mentioned in the Bible, and goal-setting done through faith in Him. Join us for the journey as we explore such topics as: -God-given fresh starts -The new song of praise in our hearts for Him -The endings that accompany new beginnings -How fear of God is a beginning -Renewed spirits, youth, mind, and strength -Restoration -Revival (brought back to life) -Letting go of the past -Looking forward to what’s coming for believers -The real “new and improved” -Out with the old, in with the new -Life–better and forever -Daily renewal -New creation -Cooperating with God -Forward movement -Standing up under the load while running the race -Keeping our eyes on the prize -Following in His steps -A believer’s main goal -Goals and action plans -Committing plans to God -In step with the Spirit -Wisdom and guidance for the journey -God’s faithfulness.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Mystery/Suspense

Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.”

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Historical 20th Century

Bestselling author Melody Carlson captures hearts with a beautifully written romance set just after World War II.

It’s almost New Year’s 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Marshall to start a new chapter in her life. Widowed three years ago when she lost her husband in the war, she has decided to move with her nine-year-old son to join her sister’s family in sunny California. Her sister’s new house has a basement apartment for Caroline to rent, and though jobs for women are scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, it seems the local chocolate factory is hiring. The apartment turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line–a step down from Caroline’s office job as a secretary back in Minnesota. But Caroline is determined to make a great new life for herself and her son. As she goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a handsome stranger–at the diner, at church, and he even works for M.G. Chocolates. With a New Year, a new home, and a new job, is Caroline ready to find new love?

PURCHASE: | Print | |Kindle |

Historical Romance Collection

Humorous Historical Romance Novella

Collection Offers Love and Laughs

Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer’s “The Husband Maneuver,” Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers “Her Dearly Unintended,” where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives.

Mary Connealy’s “Runaway Bride” finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears’ “Engaging the Competition” finds a young woman forced to assist the man she’s often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

To Christian Authors: Have a new release coming up soon? Let us know via the Contact tab in the menu. We’ll be happy to add the book to our list for the upcoming months. FREE promo for you and your books!

Christian authors: #Free promo for you and your new releases. Details here:
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Mystery/Suspense

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail–addressed in her sister’s handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he’s coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive–who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game–or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers’ hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Historical Romance

Readers Await This Dramatic Conclusion to the Beacons of Hope Series



Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won’t be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can’t help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she’s the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Historical Romance

Powerhouse Team Pairs Up for Second Novel



Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn’t match the man Lillian comes to know–and Mrs. Goodman, Woody’s long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody’s side–but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.

Lillian’s six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn’t spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he’ll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

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Join Cathy’s Reader’s group newsletter and receive a free copy of the novel, A PATH LESS TRAVELED, a story about trusting God to lead us. Click Here to Get Your Free Book

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20th Century Historical

Will Maggie Listen to the Warnings of Those She Trusts Most or the Leadings of Her Heart?



The answer to Maggie Montgomery’s dream of seeing America has arrived at just the right time. Not only will she be reunited with her beloved brother Rylan, but she’ll finally be able to escape Neill Fitzgerald and his increasingly unwanted attentions. She’s intent on never returning to Ireland, hoping to build her future in the land of opportunity and perhaps find the love of her life.

While visiting Irish Meadows, she meets an intriguing man she thinks is a stable hand. Only when her brother demands she stay away from Adam O’Leary does she learn he’s Rylan’s brother-in-law, recently released from prison. Nonetheless, Maggie can’t seem to make her stubborn heart conform to her brother’s request.

Adam O’Leary has never felt worthy of his place in the family. Now a free man, Adam’s only desire is to earn back his family’s trust. Falling in love with the newly arrived Maggie, however, was never in his plans. Despite everyone’s efforts to keep them apart, the two develop a bond it seems nothing can break–but they soon discover the past isn’t easy to overcome.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Children’s

Join twins Mia and Maddie and their sidekick little sister, LuLu, as they travel the country finding adventure, mystery, and sometimes mischief along the way. Together with their famous mother, singer Gloria Glimmer, and their slightly wacky nanny Miss Twist, the sisters learn lessons about being good friends, telling the truth, and a whole lot more.

In A Dolphin Wish a three-night stop in the city of San Diego seems like it might be just the break the girls need—lovely weather and great sights to see. That is until they hear animal handlers at “Watery World” talking about the trouble they’ve been having keeping the animals in their habitats. Mia and her sisters cannot resist a challenge and they talk Miss Twist into another visit to the educational amusement park to search for clues as to what or who is helping the animals escape.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Children’s

In London Art Chase, the first title in the new Faithgirlz Glimmer Girls series, readers meet 10-year-old twins Mia and Maddie and their adorable little sister, LuLu. All the girls are smart, sassy, and unique in their own way, each with a special little something that adds to great family adventures.

There is pure excitement in the family as the group heads to London for the first time to watch mom, famous singer Gloria Glimmer, perform. But on a day trip to the National Gallery, Maddie witnesses what she believes to be an art theft and takes her sisters and their beloved and wacky nanny Miss Julia, on a wild and crazy adventure as they follow the supposed thief to his lair. Will the Glimmer Girls save the day? And will Maddie find what makes her shine?

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Children’s Fantasy

Everything Vero has trained for in the Ether has led to this. In the third and final book of Laurice E. Molinari’s Ether series, the young guardian angel Vero is given the quest of locating the Book of Raziel—which was lost when Adam was forced to leave the garden of Eden. And not even Raziel himself knows where the book is now. It soon becomes clear, however, that Lucifer is intent on finding the book for his own means.

When the C.A.N.D.L.E. library in the Ether is missing the information he needs, Vero, his sister, and his best friend, Tack, discover the clues to the book’s whereabouts may be right in front of them on Earth—and that Vero’s father’s new assignment in Sri Lanka may be no coincidence. As their quest begins in earnest, the lines between good and evil begin to blur. Vero will need to use every ounce of his training to take on not only the Devil and his hordes, but also Lilith, who may be lurking closer than anyone thinks.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Devotional

From the authors of Hope for the Weary Mom comes a new 40-day devotional.

Jesus promises rest to those who seek Him. But how can a weary mom find rest in Jesus when she doesn’t know Him? How can she build her life on the truth of His Word when she doesn’t know it? Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional offers 40 truths every mom needs to know in a devotional format–easy for a busy mom to fit in her life. Discover how to

live dependently upon Jesus as His Word becomes more rooted in your heart.
move from weariness to hope in your God-given role as mom.
focus on who God is and how He moves and works in your life.

Each devotion includes a prayer, Scripture, and questions for reflection. You’ll be moved to deeper truth and be left with a hunger for more of God’s Word.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

 

Historical

Before he became a father of the Christian Church, Augustine of Hippo loved a woman whose name has been lost to history. This is her story.

She met Augustine in Carthage when she was seventeen. She was the poor daughter of a mosaic-layer; he was a promising student and with a great career in the Roman Empire ahead of him. His brilliance and passion intoxicated her, but his social class would be forever beyond her reach.  She became his concubine, and by the time he was forced to leave her, she was thirty years old and the mother of his son. And his Confessions show us that he never forgot her. She was the only woman he ever loved.

In a society in which classes rarely mingled on equal terms, and an unwed mother could lose her son to the burgeoning career of her ambitious lover, this anonymous woman was a first-hand witness to Augustine of Hippos’s anguished spiritual journey from religious cultist to the celebrated Christian saint and thinker.

Giving voice to one of history’s most mysterious women, The Confessions of X tells the story of Augustine of Hippo’s nameless lover, their relationship before his famous conversion, and her life after his rise to fame. A tale of womanhood, faith, and class at the end of antiquity, The Confessions of X is more than historical fiction . . . it is a timeless story of love and loss in the shadow of a theological giant.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Teen Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town’s people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she—like her grandfather and father—may not actually need.

By working at her grandfather’s repair shop, sorting the small gears and dusting the curio cabinet inside, Grey has tried to stay unnoticed—or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive, underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists’ enforcers after trying to protect Grey one night, and after seeing the extent of his punishment, suddenly taking risks seems the only decision she can make.

But with the risk comes the reality that the Chemists know her family’s secret, and the Chemists soon decide to use her for their own purposes. Panicked, Grey retreats to the only safe place she knows—her grandfather’s shop. There, however, a larger secret confronts her when her touch unlocks the old curio cabinet in the corner and reveals a world where porcelain and clockwork people are real. There, she could find the key that may save Whit’s life and also end the Chemists’ dark rule forever.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Contemporary Romance

Can love redeem a broken past?



Shelby Kincaid is ready to move forward after the death of her husband left her devastated. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s homestead, Misty Willow, so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she has her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted Shelby’s family homestead in the first place. His grandfather left it to him as punishment for not following his wishes, and he’s let it fall into ruin. AJ’s more than happy to unload it to this spitfire of a woman. But even after angry exchanges over the state of the house, he can’t get her off his mind.

With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and family history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home–and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Historical

Against the pomp and pageantry of turbulent seventeenthcentury England, Elizabeth Goudge weaves the poignant tale of Lucy Walter, the proud and beautiful secret wife of Charles II. 



From her early childhood in a castle by the sea in Wales—evoked as only Elizabeth Goudge can evoke the joys and pangs of childhood—to her tragic estrangement from the king and her death in Paris at the age of twentyeight, Lucy Walter lived to the full a life of intense joy and equally intense drama. Miss Goudge portrays brilliantly a young love almost too ecstatic to bear. Equally moving is her characterization of Lucy—a spirited woman caught up in the cataclysmic wars and disruptive revolution of a tumultuous era. London at the time of the Great Fire, Paris when British royalty fled to the sanctuary of the Louvre, Brussels and The Hague—against this rich panoramic background a master storyteller traces the life and loves of an extraordinary woman. 



The Child from the Sea is a superbly colorful and romantic historical novel alive with brilliant cameos and infused with a spiritual essence rare in our times.

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Mystery/Suspense

“Feathers—no matter what size or shape or color—are all the same, if you think about them. They’re soft. Delicate. But the secret thing about feathers is . . . they are very strong.”In the pre-Katrina glow of New Orleans, Amanda Salassi is anxious about chaperoning her daughter’s sixth grade field trip to the Big Easy during Halloween. And then her worst fears come true. Her daughter’s best friend, Sarah, disappears amid the magic and revelry—gone, without a trace.

Unable to cope with her guilt, Amanda’s daughter sinks in depression. And Amanda’s husband turns destructive as he watches his family succumb to grief. Before long, Amanda’s whole world has collapsed.

Amanda knows she has to save herself before it’s too late. As she continues to search for Sarah, she embarks on a personal journey, seeking hope and purpose in the wake of so much tragedy and loss.

Set amidst the murky parishes of rural Louisiana and told through the eyes of two women who confront the darkest corners of humanity with quiet and unbreakable faith, The Feathered Bone is Julie Cantrell’s master portrait of love in a fallen world.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Mystery/Suspense

NO SAFE HAVENAfter being caught collecting evidence on her ex-boyfriend’s criminal dealings, Tessa Jones has no choice but to go into hiding. She feels safe in her mountain refuge, right up until private investigator Trent McCabe comes knocking—and bullets start flying their way. Now for the second time, Tessa is on the run. And Trent’s mission has shifted from tracking down a missing person to keeping the brave beauty alive. Trent once lost a woman in his care, and he won’t make the same mistake again. But Tessa trusts no one—not even Trent. Out in the wilderness with danger closing in, Tessa must make a choice: rely on the handsome stranger…or take her chances with a killer.

 

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

 

Non Fiction

Renowned pastor and New York Times bestselling author of The Songs of Jesus Timothy Keller explores the power of prayer.

Christians are taught in their churches and schools that prayer is the most powerful way to experience God. But few receive instruction or guidance in how to make prayer genuinely meaningful. In Prayer, renowned pastor Timothy Keller delves into the many facets of this everyday act.

With his trademark insights and energy, Keller offers biblical guidance as well as specific prayers for certain situations, such as dealing with grief, loss, love, and forgiveness. He discusses ways to make prayers more personal and powerful, and how to establish a practice of prayer that works for each reader.

 

PURCHASE: | Print |

20th Century Historical Romance

A BABY TO CHERISH

Home from the war, army nurse Thea Miller is determined to adopt her late sister’s baby and begin a new life. But someone else has the same intentions—the town sheriff and Thea’s old friend, Mack Worthington. Now, in order to keep her niece in the family, Thea must reach an agreement with him.

Mack isn’t sure Thea—whose actions once hurt him badly—is committed to baby Sarah. And a judge may never approve a single-parent adoption for either of them. But what if they got married? It would be a marriage in name only. Yet the more time Mack spends with Thea, the more he begins to believe their pretend family can become the real one they’ve both been longing for.

 

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Teen Action/Adventure

This time, there’s no escape from The Realm.

The MindWar Realm is a computerized world created by a deranged terrorist named Kurodar. Built through a link between Kurodar’s mind and a network of supercomputers, The Realm is a pathway through which the madman can project himself into any computer system on the planet.

Twice before, Rick Dial has entered the Realm as a Mind Warrior and come back alive. But now, something has gone terribly wrong. A connection has formed in Rick’s brain that sends him hurtling into The Realm without his consent—and brings the Realm’s monsters into the Real World.

As Kurodar works to turn Rick’s brain to his own purposes, Rick’s waking and sleeping life is ravaged by terrors he never imagined.

Rick knows he has no choice but to face The Realm’s final and most powerful protector. But can Rick destroy MindWar without destroying himself and the people he loves?

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Devotional

 

Jesus is always speaking to you -to love you, guide you, and change your life. But are you letting Him? 

 

Many years ago author and preacher Adam Houge set out on a mission to understand the Lord’s voice more intimately. So with a pen in hand he sat in the secret place while the Lord spoke soft but powerful words which forever transformed his life.

In this book are those words. Words that will increase your faith, touch your heart, and maybe even change your life as well.

PURCHASE: | Kindle |

 

 

Historical Western

STAKING HIS CLAIM  

Recently widowed Carly Richards is shocked when a bounty hunter declares her seamstress shop belongs to his sister. But Nate Sergeant has proof—the deed her lawless husband gambled away without her knowledge. Now Carly must fight for her home and her son’s future. And until a judge arrives to settle ownership, she’s not budging…despite Nate’s surprisingly kind demeanor—and dashing good looks.

Nate’s faced the meanest outlaws in the land—but this petite, strong-willed seamstress may be his greatest challenge. He owes his sister his life, so he’s determined she’ll have the property that’s legally hers. But as Nate and Carly battle for ownership, Nate realizes there’s something he’s overlooked—the hope of building a family with Carly and her adorable son.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Children’s

 

Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp—a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom’s antique jewelry box.

But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride.

 

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

 

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

For nearly two hundred years, women in Ashley Tolliver’s family have practiced the art of midwifery in their mountain community. Now she wants to take her skills a step further, but attending medical school means abandoning those women to whom she has dedicated her life, the mountains she loves, and the awakening of her heart.

Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as Ashley tries to take the dangerously bleeding mother to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.

Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.

Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of having her own family that she has long put aside in favor of earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that makes her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

New Christian Book Releases January 2016 – Giveaway

This giveaway is open only to the US. It will conclude on January 31, 2016 at 12 a.m. MST. The winner will be notified via email and announced on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post SPOTLIGHT: 25 New Christian Book Releases January 2016 appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

7 Valuable Lessons About God I Learned Last Year

I’m so grateful to God for using our time on this earth to teach us valuable lessons about Him.

In the process of doing so, He also helps us learn about other things as well–ourselves, what we need to work on, how we relate to others–and so on and so forth.

Our earthly life is truly a classroom! Here’s what He taught me last year.

1. God wants us to use what He gives us.

…not just to meet our needs–but to meet the needs of others and serve Him in the process.

Toward the end of the summer of 2015, I began asking during my prayers: “God, what do You want me to do?”

I confess the question came from somewhat selfish motives. Those of you following along with our personal journey know that we spent the first half of the year trying to move closer to our family. But one by one, those doors seemed to close, mainly because we’ve been unable to sell our house.

So frustrated and discouraged, I asked Him: “What do you want me to do?”

As I read through the Bible passage of the parable of the three stewards, God’s voice whispered in my ear: “What are you doing with what I’ve given you?”

Instant inventory time! In my head and on paper, I listed physical resources, talents, abilities, etc.

Out of that process came our mini-cabin, which I’m happy to say is currently rented out for a short term, with more prospective tenants on a waiting list.

We also opened up our main house for vacationers on Airbnb.com and have it up for sale as a FSBO (our first showing coming up). We had our first Airbnb guests the week after Christmas, and have more guests coming in February.

I also wrote another Miller’s Creek novel, a LifeSword Bible study, a Christmas novella, and a LifeSword monthly devotional in the past year.

I say none of this to brag. Frankly I couldn’t do any of it without Him (John 15:5).

But I do say it to challenge you in your journey the way God challenged me in mine.

“What are you doing with what He gave you?”

What are you doing with what God has given you? #LifeLesson
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2. God is leading me, even when I don’t always realize it.

Because I’ve learned in previous years that it’s easier to stay on the path than make your way back to it, I am ultra-conscientious about wanting to make sure that I follow where God leads.

Honestly, we thought we were following Him when we made the decision to move back closer to our family. And in retrospect, we still feel that way. I’ve specifically prayed for Him to take that desire away if it isn’t His plan. And I have to say, that I still think it’s His plan…unless He’s doing something behind the scenes of which I’m currently unaware.

Late in 2015, through my time with God, I had the overwhelming sense that He was and is with me. I wasn’t wandering off His path. Though as His sheep, we’re prone to wander, that wasn’t the case here.

So the second valuable lesson is this: God is bigger than us. He’s in charge, even when it doesn’t feel like it. He has been and is leading us in ways we can’t fully comprehend in the present. Our job is to follow Him as closely as we can.

As our Shepherd, God is constantly leading us. #LifeLesson
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3. God is our peace in life’s pieces.

I won’t add a lot of commentary to this point, mainly because I’ve already written about it at length late last year.

But I do want to give a shout-out to those who may be reading my journey blog for the first time, especially those who may be dealing with some life pieces of their own.

The third valuable lesson God taught me in 2015 is this: Be encouraged. God is our peace, even when life hands us a bunch of broken pieces.

God is our peace, even when life hands us broken pieces. #LifeLesson
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4. Faith is required in order to please God.

I know that I write quite a bit about faith, including last year’s post, fairly early in the year, about our personal faith journey.

In retrospect, I hope I didn’t come across as sounding holier-than-thou in that post. That certainly wasn’t my intent.

Instead, I wanted (and needed) your prayer support (which you doled out in heaps–thank you!). But I also wanted to encourage those reading the post to seek God and then step out in faith in what you sensing Him saying specifically to you.

I’m not talking about being foolish (though I’m sure others have thought that about me in some of the things I’ve done!). But I am talking about a second-by-second faith walk with our Savior, no matter what.

If we truly want to please Him, it requires total submission and faith (Hebrews 11:6). This is a valuable lesson He continues to engrave on my heart.

Without faith, it’s impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 #LifeLesson
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The post 7 Valuable Lessons About God I Learned Last Year appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Refugee Crisis – My Thoughts on the Christian Response

I’ll be honest. The refugee crisis, currently faced worldwide and in America, initially made me downright angry.

My anger wasn’t directed at the refugees because I know many of them truly need our help. (You can support ministry to refugees through OpenDoorsUSA.org, an organization I highly recommend.)

Instead my anger was directed to the government officials who pushed the resettlement program through against the wishes of the citizens of the United States. To me, that is not only wrong, but frightening. In addition to this, the regime in power has been bringing in the refugees for a number of years. Since the chief duty of government is to protect its citizens, I find this entire activity questionable and worthy of at least an investigation.

My main argument against the refugee resettlement program is that it is impossible for us to know how many of them have ties to terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda and ISIS. These two terrorist groups have made no secret of their desire to bring America down. In addition, I’ve seen report after report of the male refugees in other countries perpetrating sexual crimes against women, mainly because in their part of the world it’s customary to treat women like property and take what they want when they want it. The situation in Paris and San Bernadino only corroborates my beliefs.

Interestingly enough, there seem to be sharp disagreements on this issue, even within the Christian ranks.

Since my initial response of anger, my heart has changed a bit. Not completely, but some. And I truly believe that it is God’s Spirit who brought about those changes in my heart.

So below are a few thoughts and verses that have been on my heart and mind since all of this started happening.

But I want you to know this: my purpose in writing this post isn’t to start arguments or be controversial, but to start open, honest, and respectful dialogue. I think that too many times, Christians keep their mouths shut too much, but mainly I want to look at the issue through the lens of the Bible.

Refugee Crisis – Bible Verses
1. There is a Biblical precedent for caring for aliens.

In the Old Testament, as God prepared to move the young nation of Israel to their Promised Land, He established laws, through Moses, on how the people were to relate to God and to other human beings.

“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” -Leviticus 19:34

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” -Exodus 22:21

“There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.” -Exodus 12:49

I realize that these laws were specific to the people of Israel, but our God does not change. In the New Testament, Jesus summed up the entire law with the command to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbor (our fellow man) as ourselves. I think that verse applies to this situation.

2. There is also a Biblical precedent for God’s people keeping themselves separate among foreigners.

The reason? God didn’t want them to turn away from Him and to idolatry. (See Deuteronomy 7.) Though to our modern-day sensibilities it might seem a little harsh, in the passage of Deuteronomy 7, God told Israel to annihilate several people groups in their conquest of the Promised Land. They were to make no treaties with them and show them no mercy.

Many today, whom I would classify as anti-God, have resorted to calling God horrible names, saying that by His proclamation that He promoted genocide. Twentieth-century examples of genocidal attempts were for selfish reasons, such hatred or land-grabbing. In contrast, God’s commands against these people was because of their sin and idolatry, a huge difference in my estimation. Here’s an article that goes more in depth than I have time for the scope of this particular post: https://www.probe.org/god-and-the-canaanites/

In addition to the passage in Deuteronomy 7, as the Hebrew people were gearing up for God’s last plague that would motivate Pharaoh to finally let them go, God gave them these instructions about the very first Passover, indicating that the foreigners among them were kept at a distance in some national/religious matters.

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the regulations for the Passover meal: ‘No foreigner may eat it. Any slave you have bought may eat it after you have circumcised him, but a temporary resident or a hired worker may not eat it.'” -Exodus 12:43-45

(On a side note, God’s plan for government was an integrated relationship between national and religious matters. It wasn’t like our country today, where we’ve been programmed to believe that the two should never intermingle. I believe that’s exactly why America is in the mess it’s in, but I’ll save that debate for another post.)

It should be noted that Israel did not completely wipe out these peoples as God commanded. They became a thorn in the side of Israel through idolatry which resulted in God’s judgment through invasion and captivity.

So let’s consider the refugee crisis against this part of Israel’s history and God’s Word. Some of the refugees entering the country may possibly be Christian. It’s accurate to note that some of those displaced were displaced because of their faith in Jesus Christ. However, it’s also accurate to state that members of ISIS have implanted themselves among the refugees for establishing a “fifth column” in both Europe and the United States.

I truly believe that most of the refugees worship a false God. The Koran and other texts specifically instruct its followers to smite those in the neck (behead) who refuse to convert.

I also believe that many of the refugees come here with an agenda of taking over the country and bringing down America as we know it. In that light, I don’t believe God would have us take this current action of resettling them in America without a more efficient vetting system in place. But here’s the truth of the matter…

3. They’re already here, and as believers we have a Great Commission from our Lord and Savior to fulfill.

Would you rather go to the dangerous and war-torn Middle Eastern countries to share the gospel, or would you rather do it here? I know my answer. I think it’s entirely possible that God has allowed the refugee resettlement program (not only in judgment against America for tolerating and promoting sin–another blog post?), but for the purpose of testing us to see if we’re willing to reach out to our fellow man with love and compassion, even when we’re frightened.

Refugee Crisis – Final Thoughts

One thought that has stayed with me is this: If I were to denounce my U.S. citizenship and move to another country, I wouldn’t go into that country expecting them to bow down to my wishes and way of doing things. I also wouldn’t demand that they learn to speak my language, rather than me learning theirs.

But as believers, we need to pray through this hot-bed issue of the refugee crisis very carefully. I’ve sadly seen some pretty mean-spirited and hate-filled rhetoric coming from within Christian circles. And truthfully, some of it I’ve agreed with on a basic level (in spite of the way it was worded). We can’t afford to give those who accuse us being bigoted and hate-filled any ammunition!!!

Our main command from God through His Son Jesus is to love. And love like this never comes easy. It often requires that we push up our sleeves and get to work!

I also believe that if Christians aren’t careful, we’ll shoot ourselves in the foot and cause more harm than good. Paul issued this warning to the church in Galatia: But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. -Galatians 5:15

Jesus phrased it this way: “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” -Mark 3:25

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we must not allow issues to divide us or keep us from Christ’s command to love and make disciples of all nations.

As always, I welcome your comments. But I do request that you carefully consider your words and phrase your comment respectfully. Any comments considered hostile and inflammatory will be deleted.

The post Refugee Crisis – My Thoughts on the Christian Response appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

See Great Tiny Cabin Surprise From My Glamping Week

I have a tiny cabin surprise!

Back in October, I shared pics of the remodel to our 240-square-foot tiny cabin. (We even listed the place on Airbnb as a vacation rental at this link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8848891.) Anyway…

…we also decided to make some improvements to our main house and list it on Airbnb as well. Two days after we listed it, we had a family of eight booked for the week after Christmas.

So hubby and I, along with our dog and cat, moved up the hill to our tiny cabin for the week.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it ended up being not only a great adventure, but a very productive week. Keep reading to find out about my tiny cabin surprise.

Tiny Cabin Surprise

Since our tiny cabin doesn’t have internet or television, I spent a big chunk of the week working on a devotional book. The title and theme of the book is New Beginnings, and it’s a 31-day devotional.

While it was inspired somewhat by the new year, it really is appropriate for any time of the year or any sort of new beginning. With God, each and every day is a new beginning! You can read all about the monthly devotional book below.

New Beginnings: A 31-Day Devotional Journey

LifeSword Devotional

We all experience times of fresh starts and new beginnings, times when we tend to count our God-given blessings and make goals and plans. This 31-day devotional journey is intended to guide us through verses of how God makes all things new, the beginnings mentioned in the Bible, and goal-setting done through faith in Him.

Join us for the journey as we explore such topics as:

-God-given fresh starts

-The new song of praise in our hearts for Him

-The endings that accompany new beginnings

-How fear of God is a beginning

-Renewed spirits, youth, mind, and strength

-Restoration

-Revival (brought back to life)

-Letting go of the past

-Looking forward to what’s coming for believers

-The real “new and improved”

-Out with the old, in with the new

-Life–better and forever

-Daily renewal

-New creation

-Cooperating with God

-Forward movement

-Standing up under the load while running the race

-Keeping our eyes on the prize

-Following in His steps

-A believer’s main goal

-Goals and action plans

-Committing plans to God

-In step with the Spirit

-Wisdom and guidance for the journey

-God’s faithfulness

Special Offer

As you’ve heard me mention before, reviews are crucial to a book’s success and visibility on Amazon. So if any of you would like a free PDF copy of the book to review, shoot me a quick email to catbry1@yahoo.com and put “New Beginnings” in the subject line.

NOTE: This free copy is in exchange for your honest review on places like Amazon, Goodreads, etc. Please do not sign up for a copy and then not review the book. Also, I have a limited number of review copies to give out, so first-come, first-served!

The post See Great Tiny Cabin Surprise From My Glamping Week appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

The Best Resolution For The New Year

Happy New Year, everyone!

For my very first blog post of the new year, I can think of no better subject matter than the best possible resolution any of us can make. And that is to grow ever closer to our Lord throughout 2016.

Only as we stay plugged in to the Vine can we truly be effective in how we live our lives.

So in light of that, I’ve got some free downloads for you, in the form of various Bible reading plans, spiritual journey journal pages, and a 2016 monthly calendar. I use these myself, and they have helped me stay on top of my spiritual walk as well as my appointments and events.

I hope you find them useful as well.

2016 Calendar 2016 Calendar SPIRITUAL JOURNEY JOURNAL

But first, will you take a second to share this post on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or wherever, to let your friends and family also know about these free downloads? I’d love to have as many as possible joining us in staying close to the Lord!

You can share via the social media buttons to the left of this post or below this post. You can also share the following tweet:

#Free #Bible reading plans, spiritual journal, + #2016 #Calendar downloads at @Cathy_Bryant’s blog.
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New Year Bible Reading Plans

Below you’ll find the links to new year Bible reading plans. There are three to choose from – At Your Own Pace, Straight Through the Bible, and Chronological – and in two different formats (Word .doc and PDF).

I apologize for the PDF’s this year. At the time of writing this post, I was on limited internet access and had to use an unfamiliar program to create the PDF files. Unfortunately, the new program didn’t allow me to keep the columns in my original formatting. (At least the Word .doc files have the right formatting!)

2016 Read At Your Own Pace Bible Reading Plan (PDF)

2016 Read At Your Own Pace Bible Reading Plan (Word .doc)

2016  Straight Through The Bible Reading Plan (PDF)

2016 Straight Through The Bible Reading Plan (Word .doc)

2016 Chronological Bible Reading Plan (PDF)

2016 Chronological Bible Reading Plan (Word .doc)

New Year Spiritual Journey Journal Pages

Below you’ll find a new year spiritual journey journal page for you to use to record those God nudges we receive through His Word and prayer. You’ll also have a space to list special prayer requests, as well as things you’re especially grateful for.

I truly believe that it’s impossible to be stressing when we’re counting our blessings. So I’m making a special effort this year to list my blessings on a daily basis.

No stressing when you count your blessings! #Gratitude #Free #Downloads + #2016 #Calendar
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As in the new year Bible reading plans, the spiritual journey journal pages are available in both Word .doc and PDF formats.

Spiritual Journey Journal Page (PDF)

Spiritual Journey Journal Page (Word .doc)

New Year 2016 Monthly Calendar

I’m working really hard this year to stay on top of my calendar and to plan out the year in advance (as much as it’s possible to do so!).

This download is twelve pages long, one page for each month on the calendar. I pray that each day of the new year for you and yours is full of the knowledge of God and His Presence with you!

(Again, the calendar is available in PDF and Word .doc.)

2016 Monthly Calendar (PDF)

2016 Monthly Calendar (Word .doc)

Wishing you and yours an especially blessed and happy new year! Jesus makes all things new!

 

The post The Best Resolution For The New Year appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

As 2015 draws to a close, I decided to share a few of my favorite things that we discovered, purchased and used this year.

I hope you find this post useful, and that some of my favorite things also become your favorite things!

My 

#HappyNewYear – Check out @Cathy_Bryant’s favorite things for 2015:
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My Favorite Things for 2015
Nature’s Head Composting Toilet http://amzn.to/1Ufxzbx

Okay, I know this might seem like an odd addition, but I am in love with this toilet!

Earlier this year, hubby and I took an unused building on our property and turned it into a self-contained mini-cabin. Rather than go to the expense of installing plumbing and a septic tank, we opted to instead install this Nature’s Head Composting Toilet.

I’m so glad we did. We rented out our main house this week to vacationers on Airbnb, so we are staying at the mini-cabin (which will soon be rented).

Without going into too much nitty-gritty, this toilet stores the…ahem…materials… in two different compartments, which eliminates smell. The unit uses peat moss in the #2 chamber and composts the material.

It is so easy to use, and would be great if you enjoy camping and RVing. As in our case, it’s great for an application in which you don’t want to go to the expense of installing a regular toilet.

Though it might seem somewhat expensive, it’s not when you consider how much it costs to install a septic system or plumbing.

Alkaline Battery Recharger http://amzn.to/1mgWocO

Did you know that regular alkaline batteries are rechargeable?

Neither did I, until hubby and I stumbled across this handy-dandy battery recharger. We quickly bought one, and it has saved us so much money in battery purchases. It’s very user friendly and intuitive to use. When some battery-powered device stops working, you just pop out the batteries and put them in the recharger.

The machine will tell you if the battery is bad or can be recharged. Once the battery is recharged, the display will let you know.

Voice Alert System http://amzn.to/1mgX4il

One Saturday morning, while we were lounging in our PJ’s, two men we’d never met before showed up at our door. That might not sound too unusual, except that we live out in the boonies.

They claimed to be working for a deaf ministry, and wanted to know if we had anyone in the house who might benefit from their services?

Thankfully, our German Shepherd was nearby. Had she not been, who knows what would’ve happened?

Needless to say, hubby and I decided to take precautions after that experience. We purchased this Voice Alert System that sends a pre-recorded message to an indoor relay system and lets us know when someone enters the driveway.

It comes with six sensors, which we have placed all the way around our house.

I highly recommend this security measure for you and your loved ones!

Last, but not least, it’s always a major accomplishment to bring out new books, and in 2015, I was able to bring out four. And books always count as my favorite things!

Here they are, just in case someone reading this post is looking for a new read!

Coming Up

I’m currently working on a video on goal-setting for a writer’s group speaking engagement. I hope to also include some of my research on my blog during January.

And if things work according to plan–which is usually hit and miss in my life!–I hope to also create an online course on the topic.

So stay tuned!

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