Janet Chester Bly's Blog, page 5

A Bride For All Seasons, western romance novellas

A Bride For All Seasons


A BRIDE FOR ALL SEASONS

The Mail Order Bride Collection of novellas by western romance authors Debra Clopton, Margaret Brownley, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher






It All Started
with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue…
Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalogue isn’t
dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients’ applications a bit, it’s
because he’s looking out for their best interests.


This charming bouquet of romance novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in
the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness.
Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected
packages.




“And then Came Spring” by Margaret Brownley


Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving
just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until
her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.




“An Ever After Summer” by Debra Clopton


Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being
a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she
looks—and just the girl he needs.




“Autumn’s Angel” by Robin Lee Hatcher


Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a
deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ The trouble is,
there’s no money to send them back . . .�




“Winter Wedding Bells” by Mary Connealy


David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his
boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at
living instead of dying?








To read an excerpt from Robin Lee Hatcher's novella, click here: http://robinleehatcher.com/a-bride-for-all-seasons-excerpt/




WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

“Delightful at every turn, A Bride For All Seasons gives the “mail order
bride plot” a creative—and addictive—new twist. I couldn’t read fast enough.
With spunk, humor, and tenderhearted romance this anthology is truly made to
order!” — Tamera Alexander, USA Today bestselling author of To Whisper Her
Name and The Inheritance




“Four popular authors have penned an engaging novella collection with a
creative and humorous premise. From distressing to delightful, A Bride for all
Seasons bounces your emotions around like they’ve been on a bumpy 1800s
stagecoach ride, with each story arriving at a highly satisfying ending.”
— Vickie McDonough, award-winning author of 27 books and novellas,
including the Pioneer Promises series 




FROM THE AUTHORS:

Margaret Brownley:  "I love reading mail-order bride stories and I
don't know what took me so long to write one.  And Then Came Spring  is
about a gambler's daughter who travels west expecting to wed the man with whom
she's been corresponding.  Things sure don't turn out the way she expected., but
where love is concerned they rarely do. I hope you enjoy all four stories in
 A Bride For All Seasons  as much as I enjoyed working with these three
terrific authors." She's all about 'love and laughter in the Old West.' http://www.margaretbrownley.com/














Debra Clopton: "I had such a great time writing An Ever After
Summer for A Bride For All Seasons! This may be my first 1800's
western historical but it won't be my last. What a blast! My Mule Hollow series
from Love Inspired may have the 'Matchmaking Posse' but these mail order
brides have Melvin Hitchcock editor of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride
catalogue and he gives the Posse a run for their money on matchmaking! I do
believe my readers will love this collection and if you loved Samantha
the donkey--then An Ever After Summer has a surprise waiting for you
inside..." http://debraclopton.com
















Mary Connealy: "We all worked together so well and had so much fun
brainstorming A Bride for All Seasons. I am working with creative,
talented professionals here and I learned so much...and had a great time while I
was learning. I hope you enjoy reading this book, including my contribution,
Winter Wedding Bells, as much as I enjoyed writing it." She writes 'romantic comedy with cowboys.'  http://www.maryconnealy.com/














Robin Lee Hatcher: "I had great fun writing my novella, Autumn's
Angel, for this collection. It allowed me to return to Grand Coeur, the
setting for my novel, Heart of Gold, and to revisit some of the
characters from that book. And I think readers of these mail order bride stories
are going to love the meddling owner of the Hitching Post even as they see the
chaos he creates for these four couples."  http://www.robinleehatcher.com








TO PURCHASE THE BOOK:




http://www.robinleehatcher.com/books/a-bride-for-all-seasons-2/







FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $30 BOOKSTORE GIFT CARD:




http://www.robinleehatcher.com/celebrating-the-release-of-a-bride-for-all-seasons/

(Note: the Rafflecopter form doesn't work without Javascript enabled in
your browser)

STORY DOODLES, Stephen Bly's Story Worksheet for Homeschoolers, Future Writers & Those With Writer's Block

Stephen Bly


Many have asked about my story worksheet that I've used at writer's classes, workshops and conferences.


What's a story worksheet?



 Do you remember those cardboard matchbook covers that said, "Draw Me!" If you're not of a certain age, probably not. They often included a cartoon character of a lady's or man's head.




(Do you even recall matchbooks?)



Draw Me! Matchbook



 If you could draw that character, the company you sent it to would claim you had real artistic talent. You qualified for their writing course (as long as you paid the bucks for it).



I've always been disappointed they didn't have one that said, "Write Me!" I could send them a story I wrote. They would tell me what wonderful talent I had and let me enroll in their correspondence course.



The truth is, not everyone is an artist. Nor can everyone become a published writer. However, anyone can have fun drawing, sketching, and doodling.

Most all of us do it anyway. It's personal expression. It's fun.





In the same way, anybody can write a story. Think of it as story doodling. You can be a story doodler!



Here's a way to give you a start. I've used this story worksheet for homeschoolers and public school classes, as well as for beginning writer workshops at conferences.



Sit back. Let your mind run free. Fill in these story worksheet blanks.



 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




STORY DOODLE Story Worksheet


My story is about a ____________________ named ___________________

 

who is ________ years old and lives in ______________.



He/she/it wakes up one ________ and finds much to his/her/its surprise that

 

_________________________.



Not wanting others to find out that he/she/it is ____________________

 

or even __________________,

 

he-she-it sets out to ____________________

 

in order to find __________________.



Little does he/she/it know that ____________________ has already __________________.



Throughout the story, he/she/it struggles to understand ___________________

 

and through a series of __________________ finally discovers

 

____________________.





Now, all you have to do is come up with a catchy title (recommend six words or less):     "___________________________________________________"

Voila! You have a story. If you're really brave, show it to someone.

Or email it to janet(at)blybooks(dot)com. She will feature it on one of our blogs.

You are welcome to drag and paste and print out this sample, as long as you include the credit:

Stephen Bly, http://www.blybooks.com/

Or you can email janet(at)blybooks(dot)com and ask for a Story Doodle Worksheet attachment to be sent to you.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 If you're a homeschooler, beginning writer, or been in writer's block mode for a time, consider a correspondence course or one of these other writer's resources:



 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, correspondence courses for fiction and nonfiction, for all levels of writers. For more info: www.christianwritersguild.com 





An Introduction to Christian Writing, by Ethel Herr, in-depth of the complete writing experience: http://amzn.to/11b289d



Writing the Natural Way, by Gabriele Lusser Rico, using right-brain techniques to release your expressive powers: http://amzn.to/15j4sv9

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~    

Six Parenting Problems With The Crowded Nest

Once A Parent, Always A Parent


What Empty Nest? Parenting Adult Children by Stephen Bly ... Six Problems to Anticipate
Sometime between the ages of 18 and 20, our kids challenge us with a dramatic turn of events in our parenting. Like an eaglet stumbling from the aerie on its first flight, our child appears as a fully grown adult. Ready to take his or her plunge into society. We enter the world of our own solo flight: parenting adult children.



Or not.



The nest can seem more than full at times. It's crowded.




The crowded nest is only one of the dilemmas that confront those of us parenting adult children. Whether our adult children live at home, across town, or across the country, we parents fill a unique role in their lives. We are still in some part of the process of parenting.



William Saroyan entitled one of his last books Sons Come And Go, Mothers Hang in Forever. He's right. Our roles change and vary with age and circumstances. But we remain parents. Our job is never done.

Since time began, moms and dads have been parenting adult children.



But it's only been the past 50 years that it's been seen as a "problem."



Six problems to anticipate when parenting adult children means they return home:

1. Arguments. 
 "Because I'm the mother, and I say so, that's why!" doesn't work anymore.



2. Increased need for privacy.

Big people take up more space than little people.



3. Continuing sibling rivalry.

Cain and Able weren't ratty little 10-year-olds when their disagreement led to Abel's murder.



4. Disagreement over finances.

More people cost more.



5. Extra tension between Mom and Dad.



Help! My Adult Child Won't Leave Home

In general, fathers may see resident adult children as some sort of failure. Mothers could view them as kids who still need mothering.



6. More serious strain in households with returning stepchildren or in single-parent households.

For many, the early years of conflict with stepchildren can be tolerated because parents hope for eventual relief. When stepchildren reach the age to seek an independent residence.



How can you still love and support your adult children ... in all the right ways?



Lots of advice in parenting adult children in two Bly books at the Bly Books bookstore ... Once A Parent, Always A Parent/How to Love and Support Your Adult Children by Stephen Bly and Help! My Adult Child Won't Leave Home, both by Stephen Bly



Find these parenting adult children books here: http://bit.ly/X5h3l4

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TWEETABLES:

Six problems to anticipate when adult children return home: http://clicktotweet.com/6xbNq

When parenting adult children, nest can seem more than full. It's crowded. http://clicktotweet.com/eU_Bh

When "Because I'm the mother, and I say so!" doesn't work anymore. http://clicktotweet.com/j22k3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Links for mothers who have kids of any age, that might be of interest:





Five Reasons Why Moms Blog ... and why they're the blogs to watch: http://dukeo.com/five-reasons-why-mom-blogs-are-the-blogs-to-watch/


Penny Zeller's blog article, "Why I'm Not a Cowgirl" - http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/why-im-not-a-cowgirl-part-1/

Mom Approved Movie Reviews by Penny Zeller: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/




QR for May Bly Books Mother's Day Newsletter

What Empty Nest? How About The Crowded Nest?

Once A Parent, Always A Parent


What Empty Nest? Parenting Adult Children by Stephen Bly
Sometime between the ages of 18 and 20, our kids challenge us with a dramatic turn of events in our parenting. Like an eaglet stumbling from the aerie on its first flight, our child appears as a fully grown adult. Ready to take his or her plunge into society. We enter the world of our own solo flight: parenting adult children.



Or not.



The nest can seem more than full at times. It's crowded.



The crowded nest is only one of the dilemmas that confront those of us parenting adult children. Whether our adult children live at home, across town, or across the country, we parents fill a unique role in their lives. We are still in some part of the process of parenting.



William Saroyan entitled one of his last books Sons Come And Go, Mothers Hang in Forever. He's right. Our roles change and vary with age and circumstances. But we remain parents. Our job is never done.

Since time began, moms and dads have been parenting adult children.



But it's only been the past 50 years that it's been seen as a "problem."



Six problems to anticipate when parenting adult children means they return home:

1. Arguments. 
 "Because I'm the mother, and I say so, that's why!" doesn't work anymore.



2. Increased need for privacy.

Big people take up more space than little people.



3. Continuing sibling rivalry.

Cain and Able weren't ratty little 10-year-olds when their disagreement led to Abel's murder.



4. Disagreement over finances.

More people cost more.



5. Extra tension between Mom and Dad.



Help! My Adult Child Won't Leave Home

In general, fathers may see resident adult children as some sort of failure. Mothers could view them as kids who still need mothering.



6. More serious strain in households with returning stepchildren or in single-parent households.

For many, the early years of conflict with stepchildren can be tolerated because parents hope for eventual relief. When stepchildren reach the age to seek an independent residence.



How can you still love and support your adult children ... in all the right ways?



Lots of advice in parenting adult children in two Bly books at the Bly Books bookstore ... Once A Parent, Always A Parent/How to Love and Support Your Adult Children by Stephen Bly and Help! My Adult Child Won't Leave Home, both by Stephen Bly



Find these parenting adult children books here: http://bit.ly/X5h3l4

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TWEETABLES:

Six problems to anticipate when adult children return home: http://clicktotweet.com/6xbNq

When parenting adult children, nest can seem more than full. It's crowded. http://clicktotweet.com/eU_Bh

When "Because I'm the mother, and I say so!" doesn't work anymore. http://clicktotweet.com/j22k3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Links for mothers who have kids of any age, that might be of interest:





Five Reasons Why Moms Blog ... and why they're the blogs to watch: http://dukeo.com/five-reasons-why-mom-blogs-are-the-blogs-to-watch/


Penny Zeller's blog article, "Why I'm Not a Cowgirl" - http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/why-im-not-a-cowgirl-part-1/

Mom Approved Movie Reviews by Penny Zeller: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/




QR for May Bly Books Mother's Day Newsletter

My Kids Drive Me Crazy: Am I a Good Mom?

Keaton Bly




Or when my kids drive me crazy, am I a bad mom? And who am I
really, apart from them? by Stephen Bly & Janet Chester Bly

It's a challenge to keep an identity while kids grow up.
"My kids drive me crazy," every mom says at least once. At those times, when you're
life is so tied to them and their issues, it's hard to remember who you are,
apart from them. 




A good goal: value your identity as a mother, but also as a
unique individual.




A woman is often introduced by her family relationships. Betty's
daughter. Stephen's wife. Later, Stephen's widow. Russell, Michael, and Aaron's
mother. Quite often, these descriptions determine your perception of yourself
... and your importance.





Alayah Ross


What typical descriptions do people use to introduce you? How do
you feel about these intros? What do these feelings reveal about your attitude
toward your role(s) in life?




Most important, would you feel satisfied with your life if the
best you could say was, "I've been a good mom to my kids, despite the fact
that my kids drive me crazy sometimes"? Why, or why not?

~~~~~~~~~~

From If My Kids
Drive Me Crazy, Am I A Bad Mom? by
Janet Chester Bly 

 Free download for If My Kids Drive Me Crazy here: http://bit.ly/18pZbBO

~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: Photos are the grandchildren of author Janet Chester Bly

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please take a moment to jot Janet Chester Bly a line, if you printed the free
download. Tell her how you used it. Would be greatly appreciated: janet@blybooks.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Videos by Janet Chester Bly on "Getting The Writing
Call" & "How We Got Our Ideas":  http://bit.ly/YO67W2

More Bly Books articles available at:   http://www.blybooks.blogspot.com 

Follow Janet Chester Bly on Pinterest: 

http://pinterest.com/janetcbly/

QR code for May Mother's
Day Bly Books Newsletter that includes articles and resources for moms.


Deckard Bly

Mothering Is Easy & Other Good Mom Myths

How To Be A Good Mom




Myths of Motherhood from How To Be A Good Mom by
Stephen Bly and Janet Chester Bly

Family and parenting begins with a woman knowing the joy of her
baby's first cry. Or smile. Or rocking her child to sleep. But it's also the
time she bumps against certain good mom myths. Such as ...




Good mom myth #1:  Mothering is easy. No job on
earth takes more physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual strength
than being a good wife and mother.




Good mom myth #2: Mothering
is natural. In fact, part of
the struggle to be a good mom is to overcome some natural, even sinful,
inclinations. Perhaps that was a part of what God meant when He told Eve,
"In pain you shall bring forth children" (Genesis 3:16)




Good mom myth #3: Mothering
is always fun. There are many
pleasurable moments. But it takes a total commitment of the will to weather all
the sticky times in between.




Good mom myth #4: A
mother is repaid for all she does. Interaction
with other humans, whatever the context, requires us to deal with disappointment
and irritation. However, the family offers built-in structure for some rich
dividends that other groups can't provide. 




Here are just two rewards for any
good mom:

a.) Companionship. Intimate, up close and personal
involvement in another person's life. Talk, laugh, cry, struggle, feel, succeed
and even fail together.

b.) Satisfaction. That comes from having a lasting,
positive impact on the lives of others. Few people on earth have as much
potential for that kind of influence as does a good mom.




From How To Be
A Good Mom by Stephen Bly
& Janet Chester Bly

Find How To Be
A Good Mom at the Bly Books
store: http://bit.ly/14VMiTQ

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Tweetable: 

Good Mom Myths:
Mothering is easy, natural, always fun and a mother is repaid for all she
does: http://clicktotweet.com/33yaX

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And check out these links:



"On A Western Trail" blog: http://blybooks.blogspot.com

Download Kindle Bly Books: http://amzn.to/VFM4r0

Download Ebooks &
Estories: 

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/janetcbly

 QR code for May
Mother's Day Bly Books Newsletter with articles & resources for Moms.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Western Research: 12 Incredible Montana Factoids

Stephen Bly (1944-2011)

12 Incredible Montana Factoids, western research by award-winning western author Stephen Bly



I've set lots of books in Montana, including the recent historical western romance, Creede of Old Montana. In fact, we came close to moving to the Treasure State over thirty years ago. Somehow, Idaho snagged us instead. Even though there were a dozen towns in western Montana from our western research that intrigued and tugged at us.



In the meantime, I learned a lot about the Big Sky country. All of it part of my extensive western research, both fiction wise and personal. Here's some of Montana's many charms.




12 Incredible Montana Factoids


Montana pronghorn antelope

1. Today the average square mile contains 1.4 elk, 1.4 pronghorn antelope, 3.3 deer and 6 humans.

2. In 1888, the city of Helena had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world.

3. 46 of Montana's 56 counties are considered "frontier counties" because of extremely low population.

4. Montana is the only state with a triple divide allowing water to flow into the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Hudson Bay. This phenomenon occurs at Triple Divide Peak in Glacier National Park. My family and I have been there.

5. Montana has more different species of mammals than any other state.

6. Flathead Lake in NW Montana is considered the largest natural freshwater lake in the west. It contains over 200 sq. miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline.

7. The first luge run in North America was built at Lolo Hot Springs on Lolo Pass in 1965.

8. Virginia City, founded in 1863, is considered the most complete original town of its kind in the U.S.



Going To The Sun Highway

9. The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman gained fame through the work of its chief paleontologist, Jack Horner. He was the prototype for the character Dr. Alan Grant in the bestselling novel and movie, "Jurassic Park."

10. The Going to the Sun Road in Glacier Park is considered by many the most scenic drive in America.

11. Roe River, which flows near Great Falls, often at 58 feet in length, is considered the shortest river in the country. Its source is Giant Springs, the largest freshwater spring in the U.S.

12. Montana's name comes from the Spanish word for mountain: montaňa f; montón m. 






Going To The Sun Highway Weeping  Wall





Montana Bighorn Sheep



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TWEETABLES for Western Research: 12 Incredible Montana Factoids:

Montana's average sq. mile contains 1.4 elk, 1.4 pronghorn antelope, 3.3 deer & 6 humans: http://clicktotweet.com/o983e

Montana has more different species of mammals than any other state: http://clicktotweet.com/v2e8G

Going to the Sun Road in Glacier Park most scenic U.S. drive: http://clicktotweet.com/OBI67

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Website Links for other western authors who do western research:
Terry Burns http://www.terryburns.net/

Lena Nelson Dooley http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/

Tina Dee Books http://tinadeebooks.com/

Molly Noble Bull http://www.mollynoblebull.com/





Amber Stockton http://amberstockton.com/ 

Somewhere Between Heaven & Hell by Janet Chester Bly

Snow covered Chevy Lumina




Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, a country girl adventure by Janet Chester Bly

We never know when we're about to face a frightening moment
of decision. Doesn't matter if you're city bred or a country girl out for a ride.




My friend and I were blithely driving down a countryside Idaho highway
one winter's day. Speed about sixty miles per hour. Then a semi-truck coming toward
us passed and spewed snow and mud so thick on our windshield that we were
totally blinded.




Should we try to pull off on the side? But where was it?
Keep going and hope the snow blows off? Were we going to crash? If we slowed
down, would we be rear-ended? It was sheer panic for those few seconds. We
cried out in prayer.




Somehow we did manage to slip and slide to the roadside. To knock off the snow. To
clear our view. How we treasured the privilege of sight and safety, to be able
to travel in peace again. Such a scenario could have happened in a big, crowded eastern city. But here we were country gals, living in the wide open west, with a new and unnerving adventure story to tell. 




Life, for most of us, is not a steady, safe gun of the
motor. Some days we're harassed by

Janet with icycles

burrs and burdens. Other days we feel like a
ball of yarn coming unraveled. It seems like we're provoked, prodded, and
picked on by the world. Happens whether you're an urbanite or country girl. Whether you're single, happily married or widowed. Whether you're a homeschooler, SAHM, or career gal. 




This earth spins for everyone somewhere between hell and heaven. The travails 'out there' intensify pressure on up close and personal upsets. And lately it seems there's fear and panic everywhere. Unthinkable things are happening. 



Yet you can still build a solid foundation of trust in a God of love. He calls out, "Wake up! Pay attention. I'm doing something in your day ... good things ... you may find hard to believe. Don't be afraid."



Allow blinding smacks of snow blasts on your own country girl journey to shake you up. See the road ahead clear and unobstructed. No more mindless drifting. No more stupor. No numbing of the soul.





Things to
remember when trauma and troubles hit you or those you love.




1.) Life is a medley of joys, a mixture of woes. The irony
is, your most troubled times can reveal the most amazing, grace-filled moments.
Watch for them.




2.) You know better what to appreciate and value in the
shadow of loss and near-tragedy.




3.) Provide a measure of comfort to others hit by shockers. Do what you can. And be
grateful for any mercy, however small, extended to you during an unpleasant jolt.





Hope Lives Here

by Janet Chester Bly


Adapted from Hope Lives Here by Janet Chester Bly: http://bit.ly/Zv8jEm




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tweetables:

Life is a medley of joys, a mixture of woes. http://clicktotweet.com/c0007Finding value in the shadow of loss and near-tragedy. http://clicktotweet.com/bvOC1When trauma hits, provide comfort. Be grateful for mercy. http://clicktotweet.com/qQb09 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 



Some links that might interest you:

Five Reasons Why
Moms Blog ... and why they're the blogs to watch: http://dukeo.com/five-reasons-why-mom-blogs-are-the-blogs-to-watch/ 




Janet's country girl Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/janetcbly/




Videos by Janet on "Getting
The Writing Call" & "How We Got Our Ideas":  http://bit.ly/YO67W2




What is a Karimption? Western slang devotional by western author Stephen Bly. April Bly Books Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/ykqGT




Western Novels, Etc. Download Kindle Bly
Books: http://amzn.to/VFM4r0

Download Ebooks & Estories: http://bit.ly/TD9wqo

What Is a Karimption? Western Slang Devotion by Stephen Bly

What Is a Karimption? Western slang

Stephen Bly speaking
Maranatha Conference Center
Michigan 2010 

devotion by award-winning western author Stephen Bly



Old Jack Ferguson had a special role in our church. He
counted the folks who attended the worship service. But he didn't bother with
exact numbers. He used western slang instead.




He had 3 categories: Karimption. Sunday rodeo comfort. Or
funeral size.




A funeral size crowd fills all the pews with chairs set up
in the back. A few folks stand near the doors and windows. A big attendance.




If it's a Sunday rodeo comfort count, that's a medium
gathering. There's still enough room for everyone to scrunch around, even
spread out some.






huge arena crowd at
Women of  Faith Conference

Then there's the western slang term karimption. To the old-time cowhands, a
karimption is a bunch ... a squad ... a small crowd.




Well, some Sundays we had a karimption.




One such Sunday I sat in the front pew, singing some chorus,
and talking to the Lord about the few attenders. I kept thinking about the
Bible verse that goes, "Well done, my good servant!" And then the
master replied, "Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter,
take charge of ten cities" (Luke 19:17).




I was more or less telling Him that any time he wanted to
move me to take charge of those ten cities, I was ready.




Well, it seemed like the Lord told me, "How do you know
whether this is the small thing...or the ten cities?"




I protested. I told Him that surely this little karimption
of ours had to be considered a small thing.




Then He seemed to say, "I've done some of my best work
when the crowd was quite small. Now, let's see how well you do!"




That's when it dawned on me that there's no such thing as a
small crowd when the Lord is present. I think old Jack was wrong. It wasn't a
karimption after all. Fifty folks and the Lord sitting up front...all of a
sudden, I couldn't think of a more exciting group for whom to preach.




Copyright©1994

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you ever experienced a small crowd event that produced amazing results or spiritual impact?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tweetables:Karimption. Sunday rodeo comfort. Or funeral size. What do these have in common? http://clicktotweet.com/g0U5e
What is a karimption? Find out in this western slang devotional by Stephen Bly: http://clicktotweet.com/0w0pd
Ever experienced a small crowd event that produced amazing results? http://clicktotweet.com/3aM8t

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Old West Legends: Western Slang, Lingo and Phrases ... http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-slang.html 

Western Slang & Phrases, An Old West Writer's Guide: http://bit.ly/dARcdx 

More Western Slang by Stephen Bly: Get Your Hog Back ... http://bit.ly/ZCslsw

The Offering, new novel by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Offering




The Offering, new novel by Angela Elwell Hunt releases May 14th, but it's available for
pre-ordering now...at your bookstore or favorite online bookstore!

Be
among the first to read this new novel story--an intimate look at what can happen

when technology intersects a contemporary American family. Angela set
the book
in her own geographical area. She enjoyed doing firsthand research in
her own locale--which in this case involved visiting a local Cuban
grocery.

She shared draft copies of her new novel with her book club. Here's what they
said:

"This book made me realize that family is not just blood
relatives. Family is a bond you develop with those that become a part of your
life in all situations that warrant love and understanding. Reading this
great story will make you cry, smile, and love more."  --Sharon O.

"THE
OFFERING uncovers the undeniable depth of a mother's love, emotions, and family
roots." --Sue S.

"As stunning as THE NOTE, THE OFFERING carries your
emotions along to new places. A moving portrayal of the conflicting emotions
of
motherhood in the twenty-first century." --Janet V.

"A novel
beautifully constructed with love and charming characters. Very
thought-provoking."  --Barb D.

"A poignant, thought-provoking story with
lots of heart. A great read!" --Becky C.

Angela Elwell Hunt


There's a Facebook launch party on May
21 for new novel, The Offering. Look
for details on Angela's facebook page: www.facebook.com/angela.e.hunt

Stay tuned for updates on another new novel, HADASSAH,
the story of Esther. No publication date yet.

Angela's website: www.angelahuntbooks.com