Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 68

Free Christian Kindle eBooks for January 1, 2013

I often share free Kindle books that I find on Facebook and Twitter and had so much positive response that I decided to share them here on WordVessel as well. While I may not be able to do this everyday since it's time-consuming, I will post as often as I can. All the books listed here were free at the time of posting, but these free ebooks change to pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5 stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. I am also a part of the Amazon Associates program, which allows me to earn a small advertising fee from Amazon for advertising these books by linking directly to them. Happy reading!





When God Whispers Loudly

by Chris M. Hibbard

Published December 2011



Short Story: When God whispers, the wise listen. In this short story, a busy husband
and father fails to heed the quiet voice of the Lord. I doing so, he
experiences the loving admonition of God whispering loudly.



4.3 stars with 362 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.









The Covenant

by Beverly Lewis

Published September 2002



Amish Novel: Book 1 of Abram's Daughters series from bestselling author Beverly
Lewis. Years of secrecy bind the tiny community of Gobbler's Knob
together more than the present inhabitants know, and the Plain folk who
farm the land rarely interact with the fancy locals. So when Sadie is
beguiled by a dark-haired English boy, it is Sadie's younger sister,
Leah, who suffers from her sister's shameful loss of innocence. And what
of Leah's sweetheart, Jonas Mast, sent to Ohio under the Bishop's
command? Drawn into an incomprehensible pact with her older sister, Leah
finds her dreams spinning out of control, even as she clings
desperately to the promises of God. The Covenant begins a powerful
Lancaster portrait of the power of family and the miracle of hope.



4.4 stars with 208 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.







Chop, Chop

by L.N. Cronk

Published July 2008



Contemporary Fiction: Ever since Laci was a little girl she's been growing out her pretty,
brown hair and chopping it off to send to Locks of Love. When Greg moves
into town and finds out what she's doing, he thinks it's a great
idea...so he starts doing it too! It's just one of the things that
reserved, young David must tolerate as their friendship grows throughout
the years. As they near adulthood, they grow not only closer to each
other, but closer to God as well. David finds himself content in every
way, but when tragedy occurs David must struggle to find his way back to
God.



4.8 stars with 335 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.





Touching the Clouds

by Bonnie Leon

Published July 2010



Historical: Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a
pioneering spirit. She pilots a mail-delivery plane in the forbidding
Alaskan wilderness, the lone woman in a male profession. But even that
seems easy compared to finding true love. She likes a fellow pilot and
would even consider marrying him--if it weren't for Paul, a mysterious
man on her mail route with a gentle spirit and a past to hide. Can Kate
break through the walls Paul has put up around his heart? And will her
quest for adventure be her demise?



4.3 stars with 131 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.







Gentleman of Her Dreams

by Jen Turano

Published September 2012



Historical Novella: When Miss Charlotte Wilson asks God for a husband, she decides He must
want her to pursue Mr. Hamilton Beckett, the catch of the season. The
only problem? She's never actually met Hamilton. Fortunately, one of her
oldest and dearest friends, Mr. Henry St. James--who has returned to
New York after a two-year absence--does know Hamilton. Much to Henry's
chagrin, Charlotte immediately ropes him into helping her meet Hamilton.
However, none of her plans to catch Hamilton's eye go as she expected,
and she is even more confused when her old feelings for Henry begin to
resurrect themselves. In the midst of the mayhem Charlotte always seems
to cause, she wonders if the gentleman of her dreams might be an
entirely different man than she thought.



4.4 stars with 53 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.





A Texan's Promise 

by Shelley Gray

Published October 2011



Western Historical: Past promises will be tested as new ones are given...
When
Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, discovers
Vanessa Grant is the victim of her stepfather’s advances, Clayton knows
he must protect her honor and move her far away from the ranch—and from
the man she fears.? As they make their way West, an
unexpected, deep bond develops between Vanessa and Clayton—far more
powerful than a mere friendship or his sense of duty to her. But
Vanessa’s stepfather won’t let her go so easily. As Clayton and Vanessa
place their faith in God and their trust in each other, will they find
healing and hope for the future together?



4.3 stars with 59 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.





A Hearth in Candlewood

by Delia Parr

Published August 2006



Historical: With genteel grace and quiet fortitude, Emma Garrett presides over Hill
House, a stately boardinghouse in the canal village of Candlewood, New
York. She finds her purpose in caring for her guests, ministering to
them with a generous dose of wisdom and humor. But when a "runaway
grandma" lands on her doorstep, Emma's need to fix every wrong places
her in the midst of a family feud. Emma's concerns
heighten when her attorney, Zachary Breckenwith, delivers life-changing
news, leaving Emma reeling from the implications. With her future
suddenly uncertain, Emma longs to restore the peace of Hill House--for
her guests and within her own heart.



4.3 stars with 68 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.







Gods and Kings

by Lynn Austin

Published February 2005



Historical: Gods and Kings is the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of King
David. When his evil father plots to sacrifice him, Hezekiah's mother,
Abijah, searches frantically for a way to save him. But only two men can
help her, and neither of them seems trustworthy. In a time and place
engulfed by violence, treachery, and infidelity to Yahweh, Abijah and
her son must discover the one true Source of strength if they are to
save themselves and their country. Book 1 of Chronicles of the Kings.



4.7 stars on 187 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see. 







A Time to Love

by Barbara Cameron

Published August 2010



Amish Romance: War correspondent
Jennie King thinks she’s just a temporary guest in her grandmother’s
Amish community while she recuperates from the devastating injuries
sustained in a car bomb attack that changed her world. But when she
meets Matthew Bontrager, the man she had a crush on as a teenager, she
wonders if God has a new plan for her.



4.3 stars with 96 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see. 





Lily's Redemption  

by Jeffrey Davis

Published January 2011



Suspense: Since the night his wife was killed in a car accident, novelist Thomas
Bradford has dedicated his life to his young daughter, to his writing,
and to Christ. But when Kassandra Moore, a lovely young woman from
California, moves to his Missouri town and begins attending his church,
he is surprised to find himself falling for the new Christian. Life
seems to be getting better for the widower. But who is the stranger
who has started following him around in the blue Corvette? Is it an
obsessed fan . . . or something worse? And what does this person have
to do with a missing missionary and Tom's new girlfriend?



4.9 stars with 8 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.  





Kicking Eternity  

by Ann Lee Miller

Published May 2012



Romance: Stuck in sleepy New Smyrna Beach one last
summer, Raine socks away her camp pay checks, worries about her druggy
brother, and ignores trouble: Cal Koomer. She’s a plane ticket away from
teaching orphans in Africa, and not even Cal’s surfer six-pack and the
chinks she spies in his rebel armor will derail her. The artist
in Cal begs to paint Raine’s ivory skin, high cheek bones, and internal
sparklers behind her eyes, but falling for her would caterwaul him into
his parents’ life. No thanks. The girl was self-righteous waiting to
happen. Mom served sanctimony like vegetables, three servings a day, and
he had a gut full. Rec Director Drew taunts her with “Rainey”
and calls her an enabler. He is so infernally there like a horsefly—till
he buzzes back to his ex. Raine’s brother tweaks. Her dream of
Africa dies small deaths. Will she figure out what to fight for and what
to free before it’s too late? For anyone who’s ever wrestled with her dreams.



4.4 stars with 96 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.







Red Velvet

by Sandra Byrd

Published October 2011



Contemporary fiction for teens: Quinn Miller and her family are heading to Seattle for a six-week stay
at Anderson House—a home away from home for cancer patients and their
families—while her mother undergoes treatment. Once there, Quinn meets
Annie, whose mother is also going through treatment. Glad to find a
friend on "Planet Cancer," each girl discovers that she has something
special to share with the other. When Quinn reads her mother's
teen-years diary, she comes across a list of things her mom has wanted
to do before she dies. But an item not on the list becomes more even
important to Quinn—a red velvet dress her mother has wanted since
childhood. Quinn wants to help her mom accomplish all these things, but
will doing so be like giving her mother permission to die?



4.7 stars with 9 reviews



Free? Click HERE to see.










The Glory of Green  

by Judy Christie

Published March 2011




Contemporary fiction: With wedding plans well underway, Lois Barker plots to gracefully get
rid of her groom's catfish collection-stuffed, ceramic, woven. Her
husband-to-be, Chris, on the other hand, has decided to get rid of
something else: his homestead, which he gives to a needy Mexican family
at church.Life is full of possibilities, and the community of Green is
tickled pink that their newspaper owner is settling down with one of
their own.However, the beloved small-town journalist is about to be
blown away-by tragedy and by the grace that enfolds her in her third
year in Green, Louisiana.

 

4.6 stars with 30 reviews

 

Free? Click HERE to see.







 

 

 

 

 




 

Thoughts on Goal-Setting and a New Year's Prayer

As I sat through the video portion of the Experiencing God Bible study, I heard author Henry Blackaby say something I've never forgotten. He mentioned that he shied away from setting goals, fearful that he'd meet them and completely miss what the Father had planned for him.



That thought bears contemplation as we sit down today to make our goals and resolutions for the new year. Consider the following verses:



Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” ~James 4:13-15 (NASB)

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" ~Luke 9:23-25 (NASB)



Since we have voluntarily given control of our lives over to our Creator, Master, Savior, and King, our lives are no longer our own. We've been bought with a price, and He is the One who has management of our lives. Any plans we make or goals we set need to be forged in light of this truth and in accordance with His will. Pray over your goals. Make sure they align with His will rather than your own. It truly is a matter of life and death.



Heavenly Father,



As we begin this New Year, may we be ever mindful throughout the year to seek Your face more quickly than we seek Your hand and Your will rather than our own. May we set aside our plans and goals and agendas in favor of Your perfect plan for our lives.



Thank You that our lives are directed by You and Your Holy Spirit, that our times are in Your hand, that all our days were ordained by You and recorded in Your book before one of them came to be.



Lord, we long for more of You this year. Make our heart's greatest desire to know You more. Remind us often that Your Spirit flows from us and splashes onto those around us. Make us mindful that we are Your ambassadors in hostile territory. Help us to bear Your name gladly and well. We ask that You set a guard over our lips when our human side wants to vent and complain, yet open our mouths to boldly proclaim the good news so that all may have the opportunity and joy of knowing You.



Life on this earth seems more tenuous and frightening than ever. Help us lean on You in complete faith. Remind us that Your presence surrounds us in protection, but also goes ahead to pave the way. Thank You that You are already in tomorrow. Stay our minds on You. Still our anxious thoughts with an awareness of Your sovereignty and power. Show us how to better focus our thoughts on those things that please You and bring peace and direction to our lives.



How grateful we are to be Your children--not based on our own goodness or works--but based entirely on Your truly amazing grace. May we brightly shine Your light in a dark place.



Lord, our country and our leaders need You in their lives. Rather than complain about all we see that is wrong, bring us to our knees in intercession. Make Yourself known to these men and women in power. Help them to seek You. As has always been the case, You are our only hope.



We are so blessed. Open our eyes to see the blessing of the here and now. May we be quick to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the many blessings You've bestowed upon us. We pray all these things in the precious and powerful and holy name of Jesus, Amen.

Moving Ahead

Inspiration truly does come from the most unlikely of places. I saw this pic on Facebook and my thoughts began to churn as I was reminded that we human beings pretty much get what we focus on.



When I go into a situation looking for bad, I'll find it. But when I look for the good in others or in situations, I find it instead.



It's all too easy to get caught up in the mistakes of the past and the negatives of today, but really we need to be focused on one thing and one thing only.



Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 3:13-14 (NASB)



Forget the Past

It's over. There's no going back for a do over at this point. Sometimes we hold on so tightly to our yesterdays we can't claim the joy and beauty of today. We hold on to so much junk. Unforgiveness. Bitterness. Resentment. Our own stupid mistakes. Let it go.



Reach Forward

At a Christian music conference one year, I heard a speaker use the phrase "You can't park here" in regard to improving our God-given gifts through practice. That phrase has stuck with me. As much as we'd like to stop the merry-go-round-madness that life often brings, we must "press on."



Focus on the Goal

Olympic athletes know the importance of focusing on the goal. They can't afford to get distracted by anything going on around them. To do so means failure. It is the same for us as Christ-followers. Our goal is a prize. The prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.



On this eve of the new year as I contemplate the goals and resolutions I hope to implement in the coming twelve months, my prayer is that above all I keep my eyes firmly focused on the main goal and move--inch by inch if need be--toward that prize of all prizes.



Wishing you all a blessed New Year centered on Him,

Cleaning Out The Clutter

Hubby and I spent part of this week after Christmas cleaning out the clutter. Though we've only lived in our home since April, we still had boxes tucked in closets and had already started to see how our original furniture layouts weren't working well. So we put our nose to the grindstone and made some changes. I'm happy to report that we only have one more room to go before we're finished I tackle the storage shed. ;)



As I sorted, organized, and discarded trash, I came to the realization that cleaning out the clutter is a good idea for our spiritual lives as well. It's easy to get in a spiritual rut, to slowly-but-surely compromise our faith walk in little ways. What better time to take a spiritual inventory--to decide what needs to stay, what needs to be improved upon, and what has to go--than the cusp of a new year.



A few years ago, I heard a speaker at a Bible conference talk about doing a regular "heart check," just to make sure her heart was in the right place and that her motivations for everything she did were pure. That idea stuck with me, and I find myself doing a "heart check" on a regular basis. And I've discovered (even though I call it a heart check) that the place I really have to start with is my mind.



Consider these verses that mention our minds and thinking processes, both what they are and what they should be:



For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ... ~2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB)



Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ~Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)



Do not eat the bread of a selfish man,
Or desire his delicacies;
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
He says to you, “Eat and drink!”
But his heart is not with you. ~Proverbs 23:6-7 (NASB)



Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ~Philippians 4:8 (NASB)



But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. ~Ephesians 4:20-24 (NASB)



Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus... ~Philippians 2:1-5 (NASB)



Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. ~Psalm 19:14 (NASB)



“I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give to each man according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds." ~Jeremiah 17:10 (NASB)



“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You." ~Isaiah 26:3 (NASB) 



In light of these verses, I think we can conclude the following:


If we have those areas in our life that seem to have a stranglehold on us and keep us in chains, the only way to win the battle is to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. When wayward thoughts (straight from the enemy) make their way into our brains, we need to take them captive for Him and counteract them with His Truth.
Unfortunately, conforming to the world is all-too-easy and seems like no big deal at first glance. But if we desire for God's will to be done in our lives, we must turn our back on conformity to the world's standards and renew our minds with the things of God.
Like it or not, we become what we think. If we don't maintain control over our thoughts, they maintain control over us.
One of the best ways to get rid of unwanted thoughts is to focus our thoughts on the good and positive: the true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, reputable, excellent and praiseworthy! (And if you "think" about it long enough, you'll realize that only One meets every criteria!)
Renewing our mind is part of clothing ourselves with the new creatures we became when we trusted Christ as Lord and Savior. I am so ashamed of myself at times because of the tendency to walk around in grave clothes, when my heavenly Father wants so much more for me and sacrificed His Son to prove it!
The only way we can be like-minded and of one mind as the body of Christ is to appropriate the same mindset that Christ had when he walked this earth. Humility marked His path through a series of demotions He willingly accepted, culminating in death on a cross. Mind-blowing! I pray I can reach the place where I keep His mindset all the time!
God is pleased when we choose to meditate on godly things.
He tests our minds to make sure we are thinking correctly. His Word and His Spirit will correct us if we allow Him free reign.
The result of keeping our minds on Him is the perfect peace only He can give.

Heavenly Father, how grateful we are for our minds, but we confess, Lord, that our thoughts often turn to things on which we shouldn't be dwelling. Thank You for Your help and strength in training our minds to think godly and God-pleasing thoughts. May we be quick to clean out the clutter and turn our thoughts to You. Amen

TEXAS ROADS eBook Free On Amazon December 30-31, 2012

Sorry for the second post today, but I wanted to make you aware of the Kindle freebie days on Amazon for Texas Roads (book one in the Miller's Creek novels). If you're receiving this post via e-mail, please consider forwarding the e-mail to friends and family who might be interested. If you're reading live from the blog, please share using the share buttons directly below the post--Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, etc.



Also, let me give you a quick reminder that you don't have to have a Kindle to enjoy the many free ebooks that Amazon offers. This link will lead you to a page where you can download free Kindle apps for your iPad, iPhone, computer, etc. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_bc_nav?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200783640)



Here's the info on Texas Roads (2009 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writer's Genesis contest):








One secret kept, another uncovered . . .



Dani Davis just wants a place to call
home. With quaint country charm, quirky residents, and loads of business
potential, Miller’s Creek seems like the perfect place to start over . .
. except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Then malicious
rumors and a devastating secret propel her down a road she never
expected to travel.




FREE at Amazon on December 30-31, 2012.

Frugal Friday - Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

As mentioned previously, when hubby and I downsized this past year, we began actively seeking ways to cut back on our spending. One find has been a true gem: creating our own laundry soap. We can make it for pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought brands. In addition it works well, is easy to make, and only requires 1 tablespoon per load!



We make a bunch at once using our food processor, and then store it in an airtight container. This recipe is for a laundry powder, but you can add water to it to make liquid detergent. Hope today's frugal find is helpful to you!



Recipe for Laundry Detergent



Ingredients:


1 bar of soap (I use Ivory, but Fels-Naptha can also be used; if I wait for a sale and have coupons, I can score really good prices, especially at dollar stores or Walmart)
1 cup of borax (I buy mine in the detergent aisle at Walmart; you'll probably have to look down low, since stores tend to put pricier items in the direct line of vision)
1 cup of Arm & Hammer washing soda (Again, I buy mine in the detergent aisle at Walmart, close to the borax)

Directions:


Grate the bar of soap. You can do this by hand with a cheese grater or use a food processor. When you finish, the soap should be grated pretty fine so that it mixes well with the other two ingredients.
Add the borax and washing soda and stir until the mixture resembles a powder like you'd find in store-bought laundry detergent.
Pour into an air-tight container and store. (We use an old mayonnaise jar.) Use 1 tablespoon for regular loads and 2 tablespoons for heavily soiled clothes.

I'd love to hear your results in the comments section if you decide to try this recipe!



Happy Frugal Friday,

7 Sites with Bible Reading Plans for the New Year

We all do it--make those resolutions that we cast to the side within a few days. One thing that helps me stick to my resolutions/goals (besides strong commitment of course) is setting the scene for success. In other words, do whatever you need to do to increase your chances for success.



To me one of the most important goals I'll ever set is one to read my Bible on a regular basis. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating a legalistic, git-'er-done approach to God's Word. The purpose of reading our Bibles isn't so we can be some walking Bible dictionary. The intention is to grow in an intimate relationship with the Author.



While Bible reading/study isn't the only way to increase our intimacy with God, it is a biggie. The Bible is God's revelation of who He is and what His purpose is. If we want to know Him better, the Bible is a logical place to start.



But which plan to follow? That's the beauty of it. It doesn't matter. It's for you and God to decide. On a personal note, I've discovered for myself that I'm much more likely to stick with it when I choose a plan that helps meet a spiritual need in my life. For example, one year I chose to have more ind-depth study of either topical studies or Bible books rather than read my Bible through in a year. What matters is that you find something that works for you--a plan where you can derive maximum benefit (a closer walk as mentioned above) from the time you spend with God.



Here are a few that I came across as I began the search for the plan I want to follow for 2013:


52-Week Bible Reading Plan - This plan uses each day of the week for different sections of the Bible (and will even deliver your scripture for the day to your inbox). (Sunday-epistles; Monday-the law; Tuesday-history; Wednesday-Psalms; Thursday-Poetry; Friday-prophecy; Saturday-Gospels)
BiblePlan.org - This site allows you the flexibility of choosing your plan and includes the following options: whole Bible in a year, Old Testament in a year, New Testament in a year, Old Testament in two years, words of Jesus four times in a year, whole Bible chronologically in a year (two versions), the epistles three times in a year, New Testament/Proverbs twice with Psalms once (year), New Testament/Proverbs twice with the rest of the Bible once (year), Proverbs in a month (easy to do since Proverbs has 31 chapters), Gospels in a month, and Psalms in a month. You could easily mix and match the plans to suit your needs.
BibleStudyTools.com - This site also offers several different plans which can be delivered to your inbox. It sounds like there is also a tool that allows you to "check off" your day's reading which acts as motivation. (Note of caution: Speaking again from my personal experience, for me checking it off made the whole process more about completing an item on my "To Do" list instead of spending meaningful time with the Lord. I'm not saying you shouldn't do this; just to keep a watch over your heart.) The options from this site (all of which are geared toward reading the Bible in a year) are: book order, chronological, chronological New Testament (3-month plan), classic (three passages a day beginning with Genesis, Psalms and Luke), Old and New Testament (a passage from each one each day), a plan that involves reading ten chapters a day (various passages each day), and even a special Christmas reading plan for the month of December (Old and New Testament passages).
NavPress - This organization, known for its Bible study aids, offers three downloadable Bible reading plans: the 5 x 5 x 5 plan (5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, with 5 ways to dig deeper; this plan is a New Testament only plan; the problem with this one for me is if I don't make it a daily habit, I'll slack off, but it might work for others), the Book-At-A-Time plan (intersperses various passages and allows you to finish the entire Bible in a year), and the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading plan (four passages a day to help you see the unity in the Scripture and allows you to read the entire Bible in a year).
BibleYear - This site has several options to choose from as well (which take you through the Bible in a year). The new one I found here is a historical option based on when the book was believed to be written.
BackToTheBible - What I really like about this site is that although they offer the usual options for reading the Bible in a year, they also have several "challenges" for a 21-day program, 90-day program and 6-month program. (I would think these challenge programs would be ideal for getting into the habit of regular Bible study.) This site also has a feature which sends scripture to you throughout the day via your phone or e-mail.
InTouch Ministries - I discovered this program earlier this year, and it has become my plan of choice. Readers have the option of following the devotional and Bible reading plan online or in magazine form sent to your address. This ministry is run by Dr. Charles Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.

Hope this post has been helpful to you in lining up your Bible reading plan for the New Year. Praying God's richest blessings upon your time with Him!

Novel Writing 101: Engaging Endings

To wrap up our this little mini-series of posts on story structure before the year's end, today we'll take a look at what should be included in the endings of our stories to make them engaging and satisfying for the reader. If you're just now finding these posts, you might want to check out the following first: an introduction to story structure, a post on Bright Beginnings, and an article about the must-haves for novel middles.



The Dark Moment

This is the moment in the story when everything seems bleak and hopeless. Our poor main character hits bottom in every sense of the word--physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, etc. The dark moment is very much tied into your hero/heroine's greatest fear and the lie they believe. This is where the character is forced to face internal demons and/or external antagonists. In addition, they are forced to make a pivotal decision, one last do-or-die effort to make things right. Sometimes this event is related to what happens at the mid-point of the story.



There is sometimes one final piece of the puzzle regarding the antagonist revealed at the dark moment--something that makes them even more heinous than they were before. For example, in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller Psycho, we learn that Norman Bates is so disturbed that he takes on the persona of his mother. *shudder* 



During this crucial time in the story, our hero must face the toughest test of the story, and it's most often a choice between two mutually exclusive things--an either/or type scenario. This element of sacrifice really appeals to us as readers and viewers. Maybe your hero has to decide between his dream job and the love of his life which he has found after years of searching. In The Wizard of Oz Dorothy must choose between saving her beloved dog Toto (who has jumped out of the hot air balloon that will take her home) or returning to Kansas.



If you've set your story up well in earlier acts, this test will be one our hero has faced before--and failed!!! Their win this time proves that they deserve to be the hero! This is a great device to use in stories where the antagonistic force in mainly internal. In this type of scenario, the main character may "lose the battle and win the war." An example of this is found in An Officer and a Gentleman , when Richard Gere's character opts to help another trainee through the obstacle course though it means sacrificing his own desire to be first and best.



Storming the Castle

Though our hero/heroine has reached the low point, he/she digs deep within himself or herself to harness the power of what they've learned throughout the course of the story to bring about the necessary change. This involves not only the final battle which we'll discuss further below, but also the process of getting into the antagonist's "castle." (Think Luke Skywalker in Star Wars and his journey into the Imperial Star.)



The location of this final showdown is often metaphoric--a visual representation of the main character's worst fear. The Imperial Storm represents the darkest of the dark places for Luke. Buffalo Bill's basement in Silence of the Lambs is a descent into hell, as is Norman Bates' house in Psycho.



Final Battle

This is probably one of the easiest parts of story structure for us to understand, because it's so universal. Examples include the showdown between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in Star Wars, the escape into Switzerland in The Sound of Music , the scene where Clarice faces Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs , and the ultimate battle between Sheriff Brody and the great white shark in Jaws . It is here that the hero becomes larger than life, demonstrating courage and innovative thinking.This is the climax scene of the whole movie, and nine times out of ten the hero prevails. (NOTE: This is just my personal opinion, but I can't think of one time in a story when the hero doesn't prevail AND the reader/viewer finds it satisfying. When I think of the climax/final battle moment of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I still cringe.)



There may also be a moment in the final battle where the hero/heroine realizes startling similarities between themselves and the antagonist. (Think of the famous scene in the first Star Wars trilogy where Darth Vader reveals the unthinkable to Luke with the words: "I am your father.") But our hero pushes past the similarities and proves that they're bigger and better than...



Change

During the last few pages of our story, the reader comes to see how the character has changed in a character change type novel. (Some stories are set up a bit differently, where the main character doesn't change, but affects change on those around him. I can't help but think of the movie Rudy for this type of story. At the end Rudy hasn't changed who he is unless you count being more determined than ever, but he has influenced everyone around him, including team mates, coaches, friends, and family.)



We also see how the world has changed for our main character. This is vividly portrayed in The Firm , where Mitch and Abby McDeere are leaving behind the glitz and glam (& swarminess) of corporate law and choosing instead a more simple life. Sometimes this change involves a huge reversal. In It's a Wonderful Life, George goes from being destitute to the "richest man in all of Bedford Falls." In Field of Dreams we see cars lined up to bring much needed resources to the family farm.



Removal of the Lie/Flaw

Though our main character has been coming to a slow and steady understanding of the lie and how to overcome it, for a satisfying ending, he/she will finally reach the point where they fully understand the lie/flaw and have overcome it. In It's A Wonderful Life , George Bailey finally realizes that his life has counted for something. Even though he never fulfilled many of his childhood dreams, his real value lies in how he has impacted those around him.



Resolution of the Story Question

If you set the beginning of your story up correctly, you presented a story question to the reader in the first act which will finally be resolved here. In most romance stories, one question in the reader's mind is: Will the hero and heroine find their happily ever after? (And if you're a wise writer, they will. There are exceptions. It worked for Billy Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet .) ;)



Preview of the Future

Remember that your readers have grown close to these characters of yours. They're not ready to let them go just because they've now prevailed and overcome the antagonistic force. To make the resolution of the story completely satisfying we need a glimpse of what good things now await our hero and heroine.



Closing Image

Going hand-in-hand with the preview of the future, we have a heart-stirring closing image--that "riding off into the sunset" moment, if you will. Who can forget the image of hope at the end of Gone With The Wind , in which Scarlett O'Hara declares "After all, tomorrow is another day." (And we know she'll survive, 'cause she's proved throughout the story that she's one tough cookie, in spite of her many flaws.)



Loose Ends

It is NOT necessary for the writer to tie up all the loose ends of the story. That only becomes tiresome for the reader and leads to an anti-climactic ending. Besides, who in real life EVER has all the loose ends tied up at once. Tie up a few of the critical ones so that readers are satisfied. Leave the rest hanging. Who knows, those loose ends might even provide the fertile soil for a sequel. (That has definitely proven true in the fourth installment in my books. Pilgrimage of Promise is the result of some loose ends in Book 1, Texas Roads.)



The ending of your story is critical. If you don't make it engaging, exciting, and satisfying, you risk alienating your reader. Remember how it felt to invest yourself in a 300-page book only for the ending to disappoint you?



If you carefully construct the bones of your story, including the all-important third act, you'll leave your readers wanting more and coming back for more. With careful attention to detail in your story's structure, you'll make a powerful emotional impact on the reader, not just for that moment, but for years to come.

The Best Gift

In
the account of the good news in the book of Matthew, the genealogy of Jesus is
traced back to King David and Abraham, to reveal how Jesus’ birth fulfilled
promises God made to both Abraham and David.







To Abraham, God said: “And I will bless those who
bless you,

And the one who curses you I will curse.

And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
(Genesis 12:3)



To David,
God said: “When your
days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant
after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish His kingdom. He
shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom
forever.” (2 Samuel 7:12-13)





In the
account of the good news presented by Luke, Jesus’ lineage is traced all the
way back to Adam, whose name literally means “mankind,” to show Jesus’
connection not only to the nation of Israel, but to all mankind. So it comes as
no surprise that Jesus’ most often used name for Himself was “Son of man,”
revealing His desire to identify with those He came to save.





When an angel appeared to Joseph,
the man God hand-picked as the earthly father of Jesus, he said: “Mary will
give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name, Jesus, because He will
save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord
had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth
to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, “God with us.” (Matthew
1:21-23)





But in the
account of the good news as told by John, instead of an earthly lineage, Jesus’
deity is proclaimed as One who existed from the beginning, the powerful Word of
God at work even in the creation of the world.





In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and
apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light
of men. The Light shines
in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.





There came a man sent from God,
whose name was John. He came as a witness, to
testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to
testify about the Light.





There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens
every man. He was in the world, and the world was made
through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive
Him. But as many as
received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to
those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood
nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.





And the Word became flesh, and dwelt
among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father,
full of grace and truth. John testified about Him
and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has
a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and
grace upon grace. For the
Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
No one has seen God at any time; the
only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
(John 1:1-18)





As we
celebrate the birth of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, we also recognize God’s
plan of grace to reconcile the world to Himself. “For God so loved the world, that
He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish,
but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)





We exchange gifts today
realizing that the best gift—the gift of salvation through the love of God and
sacrifice of Jesus—has already been given to us.

What Christmas Really Says

Sometimes the world seems almost glutted with holiday messages. Retail businesses want us to believe that Christmas is about buying gifts and lots of them. Society wants us to believe that Christmas is all about parties with family and friends. People tend to view Christmas as a holiday from work.



While all those messages exist, and some with limited value, only one message rings true, and that is what God and His Word says about Christmas.



"I Love You"

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~John 3:16 (NASB)



"I Want To Find and Save What's Been Lost"

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~John 3:16 (NASB)



"My Message is One of Good Will and Peace"

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ~Luke 2:14 (KJV)



"I've Come To Bring Abundant Life"

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ~John 10:10b (NIV)



"I've Come To Fulfill the Law and the Prophets"

Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. ~Matthew 5:17 (NASB)



"I've Come To Buy You Back"

...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. ~Matthew 20:28 (NIV)



"I've Come To Bring Good News, Healing, Freedom, Grace, Mercy, Justice, Comfort, Beauty, Praise, Joy and Righteousness"  

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor. ~Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV) 



The list could go on and on, but hopefully this post stands as a reminder of all that Christ accomplished by taking on human flesh.



Lord, thank You for the message of Christmas. Amen.