Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 63

Deal Breakers

Sounds ominous, doesn't it? What exactly is a deal breaker? Is it when you don't get your own way in a relationship, it's time to cut all ties with your significant other? Or, your best friend was stabbing you in the back ~ would it be the perfect time to throw a friendship that, up until this particular time, had always been a blessing?



This week, I've had some pretty tough issues that needed to be addressed. I've found things that would be considered Deal Breakers. Things that made my stomach turn and my heart break. Ooh boy, let me tell you, Satan has been busy in this corner of the world.



I'm sure you know what this is. And I'm pretty positive you understand what it symbolizes.







I think only too often people burn bridges before they should. I was hurt and my trust was trampled. Horribly and deeply. But I'm not ready to let go. I don't want to burn a bridge out of anger. I don't want to cause irreparable damage to not only me, but to innocent people that have no say in the matter. Would this person deserve it? Yes. Am I doing this out of some sick sense of piety or because I think I'm better? Heck no. I have so many faults it's disgusting.



I'm not burning my bridges because I love. I love deeply and truly, and this is worth fighting for. Actually, I rather consider myself a quitter. When things get tough, I tend to run the other way. Nope. Ain't proud of it. Just stating a fact. If there's a boat that needs to be rocked, you can bet I'm not going to start it. That's the way I am.



But this thing I'm dealing with, it woke me up. It made me realize that like the Bible says, we're in a Spiritual battle while we're here on earth, and Satan is seeking whom he may devour. The scary part? He's knocking on my door. Let's be honest here. He's trying to beat the darn door down and take prisoners. No, not my soul because that already belongs to Jesus, but all these things that I treasure and cherish. My husband. My children. And at times, I wonder about my sanity. :) (Just kidding)



Why am I telling the Blogosphere this? Because I want you to know that if you have Jesus as your Savior, you've got a BIG GOD that wants to take care of His People. When He gave the list of Spiritual armor over in Ephesians 6:10-18, there's something missing. No, not in the Bible, but in the armor.


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He didn't give us knee pads ~ perhaps so we can easily hit our knees in prayer. I don't want to only pray when I'm hurting. I want a real, tangible relationship with my God and Savior.




Eph 6:18 ~ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (KJV)




By the way. I went out shopping today with my children, and I met someone that I know. Mind you, I don't know her extremely well, we don't hang out together or call each other and chat. We're good acquaintances, (Even that doesn't explain it the best.) Anyway, this person reached over and gave me a hug. Today. While I was hurting, and I felt like I had been in an emotional meatgrinder. And you know what? I needed that. What a simple, yet effective way to be a blessing to someone else. 




Friend, if you're reading this, thank you for that smile you gave. Thank you for the hug I needed. I'm so glad God sent you to deliver it to me. :)




Praise God He isn't a deal breaker. :)




Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Sisters in Cahoots

I suppose that you've noticed that the name of this blog has changed.There's a good reason for it.

Have you seen those group blogs where a group of people get together andblog about something? Of course you have...or at least you've seen blogs where there areguest posters, right? Thought so.

As a blogger, I'm rather sporadic at best. Sometimes Iget these little blogging spurts where you get a new post everyday for a week straight. Then hello hiatus and you wonder if I'm ever coming back (ain't that so sweet?!)Whether it's for emotional reasons, (hello menopause), family reasons, or writing reasons,it's life. It happens to the best of us. ;)

This is no longer just my blog. It's a group blog where a few friends and I will get togetherand post something different for almost everyday.That's the reason for the name change. I want to introduce you to...

Sisters in Cahoots!

Each of these women are special and dear to me, some I've met in person, some I've talked to on the phone, and ALL have encouraged me in some way. I want to share these special authors with you.I want you to get a blessing from what they have to say. 

For now, take a peek at their books, and I'll introduce each to you later.Sisters In Cahoots!
Touching one heart at a time for Christ

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Newsy Revamp

I know. Another newsletter to sign up for. Sheesh, what's the matter?Don't you think I have enough to do with my time?!













If that thought crossed your mind when you read the title, please raise your hand!Trust me, you're not alone. Time is precious and once it's gone, it's not coming back.So I'm going to make this a little different. I want to offer you something each month that will bring you back for more. As well as invite your friends. :) 

Honestly, I don't do a lot of newsletters. I think I made about 6 of them in 2011 and they werepretty sporadic at best. But I'm going to change that. 

In the new and improved Newsletter, I'm going to send out a new one at the beginning of every month. Included in this great little piece of newsletter happiness, I'm going to offer you these items ~

~ recipe or craft of the month ~~ Giveaway Winner/Contest ~~ Free Kindle Book ~~ joke of the month~~ Sale News ~~ appearances & new release news ~

This is my plan, anyway. And it has a good chance of working as I just put a post-it note on my computer screen...hehe. So guess what? This is the first of the month, and that means I need to get a Newsletter out. Check your inbox and let me know what you think!











Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Monday is my BiRtHdAy

and while we can't be together in person, we can get together for a little fun online!

I'm gaining speed as I rush toward my mid-life crisis, and just to let you know, yes, a 370z is my car of choice! Look, it's either that or a 1970 Bronco with a modified top to play around in. Seriously, either would be great. Not picky at all...  ;) I keep telling my hubby that we're getting close, but somehow he's just not understanding yet.

Anyway, I want to give away a few presents this year. 

First gift ~ if you buy  Lonely Hearts  from my website, I'll give you a 38% discount off Amazon.com prices. (paperback only)
Second gift ~ if you buy  The Price of Trust  from my website, I'll give you a 38% discount off Amazon.comprices. Bet you can't tell how old I'm going to be, right?

If you've already purchased either/both books, I still want to thank you. If you liked them enough to leave a review, please do so and I'll put your name in a hat to win a $10 Amazon.com gift card. Don't worry. If you don't have an Amazon account, post a review on GoodReads, and you'll still be entered to win.
Here's the GR link for LONELY HEARTS
Here's the GR link for THE PRICE OF TRUST

And last but definitely not least, if you've already purchased either of my books and left your reviews on either of the places aforementioned, remind me, and I'll add your name to the hat!

*~*Gift-Giving ends January 9, 2012*~*











Birthday Style

Lonely Hearts $8.05 USD
The Price of Trust $12.39 USD
Lonely Hearts + The Price of Trust $20.00 USD









Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

To resolve or not to resolve. That is the question!

There's a lot of resolutions that people say they're going to do.I've never really been one to do that, because I know I'm probably notgoing to stick with it. I guess I figure that if I find something about myself that I just don't like, why in the world am I going to wait until New Year's and resolve to fix it then?Sounds too much like procrastination. 
This year, I've been seeing where some people have changed their resolution to a word.Peggy Phifer, who's book To See the Sun comes out January 18, 2012,  mentioned thather word last year was Trust. (Read about it here)
And I wondered what my word would be if I were to find one.I'll have to keep you posted because at this moment, I have no idea.What about you? Do you have resolutions and if you do, are you able to stick with them?Or, do you have a special word that you meditate on throughout the year? 

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Book Cover Extravaganza!

Have you ever looked at a cover and thought 'If it were me, I'd have done this.'or'I can't stand this or this about it.'or'Oh my word, that's the coolest cover ever!'











If you said yes, join the club. If you said no, I'm not sure I believe you! ;)You know the old adage that says, 'Don't judge a book by its cover' and yetit seems like everyone does exactly that.

So here comes the cool part.I want to know your thoughts. I have several projects in the making, aswell as several book covers in the grinder, and I'd like to know what you think.Which is your favorite? Least favorite and why?You really like this one, but you'd change...That sort of thing. 

Where to put all this information? That's the easy part!Just leave me a comment below. What can you win?The gratitude of this author as well as bragging rights if I pick your favorite cover! ;)





Grab your hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoaand let's get opinionated!

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Are you ready

for a New Year?

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I guess I've been a little contemplative lately. I was just thinking to myselfabout all the changes that 2012 is going to bring around in my life. These pastfew years have brought some doozies ~ some good, some, not so much.

2009 ~ my dad's mother passed away. A month after that, my cat. Not so good, right?I know. Crying over a cat? But she was so cool...and I loved her. :(

2010 ~ my first Christian romance novel The Price of Trust

was released. I mean seriously. Who would have thought?! Not me.That was a good one. Not so good? Had to stop karate because of the demands of book marketing. 

2011 ~ my second Christian romance novel  Lonely Hearts

came out. I got to meet several of the coolest women around in September ~ Darlene Shortridge,Karina Harris, Dee Dee Wike, and Victoria Burks ~ all fantastic authors. Not so wonderful? Transmission drops out of hubby's car after our daughter drives it. Coincidence? I think not...;) 
2012 is still a blank page. And I'm looking forward to it. No matter what comes my way,I know I serve a God who is able to take me through each and every trial and tribulation, aswell as joyful and reflective times.
So if I don't get a chance to say Happy New Year to you. Here it is.Happy New Year. It's a gift and I hope you treasure it.


Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Hallelujah Chorus Flash Mob

I love this! This is so awesome ~ if I were at that mall, I'd be the one in the back, bawling. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!







Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Dancing Christmas Lights

Did you know...



That Charles Dickens had gone through several different ideas for names before settling on Tiny Tim for his epic story ~ A Christmas Carol?

Some of the names were ~ Little Larry, Puny Pete, and Small Sam.

I don't know about you, but I think Charles picked the right one. ;)




Legend of the Candy Cane









There was once a candy maker who wanted to be a witness. Being the clever man that he was, he began with some pure white hard candy. White, to symbolize the pure, sinless Savior, Jesus Christ and his virgin birth. Hard, to symbolize that Jesus is the Solid Rock and the promise of God.



The candy maker twisted and fashioned that candy into a Shepherd's staff. Jesus is our Shepherd and He reaches down to pluck mankind out of the dirt and mire of sin to save us. That's what the hook is for.



Still, as beautiful and pure looking as that candy was, he wasn't satisfied. It needed something more...ah yes! Red, to represent the blood that Jesus shed for our sins. But how would he put the red on? Perhaps dip it into the red color? No. That wasn't good enough. Instead, he decided it would be appropriate to stripe the red onto the cane. So we wouldn't forget that by Jesus's stripes, we are healed.



As happens with so many things, the true meaning of things sometimes gets lost and become just a decoration. Such is what happened with the candy cane.



Not at my house. When I look at a candy cane, I'll never forget how one person wanted to use their talent to be a witness for God. I'll always look at that and remember the clever candy maker's testimony that it doesn't matter where I'm at, or what I'm called to do, I can serve Him anywhere.



Cute Quote ~

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph. ~ Shirley Temple Black



What is Santa's favorite breakfast cereal?

*Leave your answer in the comment box!*





























Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Christmas Acrostic

 

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com