Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 64

Peace Everlasting

The coming of Christ by way of a Bethlehem manger seems strange and stunning.But when we take him out of the manger and invite him into our hearts, then the meaning unfoldsand the strangeness vanishes.~~Neil C. Strait




Christmas is a special time of year. Not only is it a time to gather with friends and loved ones,but it's a time of hope and peace.Peace? In our world today?
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Price of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6 ~ KJVWithout Him, there is no peace.
A young woman looked up into the moon-kissed night. She tried to count the stars, but soon found her task impossible. God made those stars, of that, there was no doubt. The Bible had told her so.The Bible had also told her that there was a way to get past her pain.There was a way of Peace. Oh how she wanted peace. Not just something that would last for a moment. Something Everlasting. Something the world couldn't give her.Her mother's sweet voice drifted into her mind; warmed her cold heart."For God so loved the world..."she clutched her tattered scarf more tightly."...that He gave His only begotten Son..."and a tear trickled down her cheek as she remembered her own son. There was no way she could have given him up for a world of uncaring people.The amazement of it all splintered through her wall of bitterness and she tried to ignoreher aching heart."...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish..."She felt a glimmer of hope. Its warmness enveloped her as she sat down on the cold, frost-bitten bench and took the small Bible out of her worn pocket. "...but have everlasting life."Unable to do anything but hold the precious text with her numb fingers,she let the tears fall freely and asked for the Peace that Passes all understanding. ©Amanda Stephan
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ~ Romans 10:9-10


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

Get a free eBook

Good afternoon, friends! With all the hustle and bustle that always comes around at this time of year,I want to say a few things. 
First, if you haven't gotten a copy of my sweet Christian romance~ Lonely Hearts ~ you can garner a free eBook copy!Stop by Debbie Lynne Costello's blog for more details. Offer ends December 26th








Next, I wanted to wish each of you a Merry Merry Christmas!I'm so glad to have either met you online or in everyday life.Each of you are special to me, and I am thankful for you.





How about we have a little bit of fun?




What do aliens say when they land in the North Pole?

*leave your thoughts in a comment!*






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

Warring Spirits Book Launch PaRtY tOdAy!

Buy Warring Spirits  





Book Two of the Creek Country Saga

on Thurs. Dec 15  and receive free gifts from the author. As a thank you for your interest, you're invited to enter SIX drawings for a total of 15 winners!

<~~ Let's get this party started RiGhT nOw ~~> 



If you haven't read book one, Wounded Spirits, you've reallymissed a great book. But hey! We're all human and I'm positive you've been just aboutas busy as me, so we'll just let it go. :)However, you can purchaseyour own copy of Wounded Spirits eBook
for only $1.99 on KindleWounded Spirits Paperback for $5.96

at Amazon.comHow awesome is that?!



Book One of the Creek Country Saga





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

I want to give YOU a Christmas Present

Deal of the week ~*Buy one, get one!*

Do you love Christian romance? Do you like to find new-to-you authors? Do you ever find yourself buying something for your own personal use during this busy holiday season and then feeling guilty afterwards?

Have I got an idea for YOU!





If you purchase Lonely Hearts from Amazon.com and leave me your confirmation number, I will buy you an eBook or give you an Amazon giftcard. 

Yes, you read that correctly. (No, I'm not crazy...)





Purchase the Kindle edition of Lonely Hearts, and I'll buy you a $1.99 kindle ebook of your choice.



OR

Purchase a paperback copy of Lonely Hearts, and I'll send an Amazon.com gift card for $6.00 to your email address.















* Available for speaking engagements. *









OR ~

Email me at:

stephanloves2write@gmail.com







Find me on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter



Crazy? Perhaps. So hurry before I come back to my right mind



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Try before you buy ~ (it's a little small, so if you click on the link, you will be taken to a full-sized page where the type is bigger.)



One lonely mother.

Two matchmaking kids.

Three eligible bachelors.

What could possibly go wrong?







2 Chapter Excerpt - Lonely Hearts



























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

Bath Salts & Soaks Recipe Link

Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks


The kids are quiet, the door is locked...


Ahhh, who doesn't love a soothing soak in a warm tub on a cold winter day? Whether you're just starting your day, or things are finally beginning to slow down, there's no need to bother Calgon to take you away. Not when you can make your own stress-freeing soak using ingredients from your own kitchen!

What better way to begin than to pretend you're a mad scientist?




I found this marvelous recipe and idea over at

Beautiful Bridal blogspot! Click the link for directions on how to make 

these fabulous soaks!








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

Meet Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

author of Set Free to Live Free



Today, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a wonderful encourager I met in the John 3:16 Marketing Network. She's agreed to come over here, have a little fun, and tell us a bit about herself. I've asked a few silly questions, as well as more serious questions, so I hope you'll be blessed!









Where are you right now (LVR, DR, Bathroom) and what are you wearing? You have to tell the truth.

I'm sitting in my living room by the Christmas tree watching a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel in red PJ's as I answer these Q's! LOL, shhhh don't tell anyone.



Many writers will say they see stories all around them. Is there any place unusual you've found a story?

Everything has the potential to speak truth. I find myself using various areas of life as a parallel to many biblical principles.



What is your favorite part of writing? Did anyone inspire you to write or was this something you always wanted to do?

I never thought I would write a book. It was never a goal for me. My passion has always been to help people, which is why I became a doctor. I've found that through my writing I can help many more people than I ever could just through my medical practice.



If you could be any character in any literary book who would you be and why?

Easy, I would be Lucy in the Chronicles of Narnia! I want to feel the roar of the Lion and be able to run my fingers through his fur! Love the parallels C.S. Lewis shares in the stories and the relationship Lucy has with Aslan is the one every Christian should strive to have with Christ.

**I love Lucy!** (wait. wasn't that a TV show as well?!) But seriously, when I'm done reading the books or watching the movies, I always want to cry when the kids have to leave Aslan.





What is something that very few people know about you?

I'm a fun-loving softie at heart! Most people only see me as the one in the middle of a code blue or managing a critically ill patient, but that is only a small part of who I am. I love enjoying life and the people God surrounds me with. I enjoy the simple pleasures like smiles, coffee, unity, and laughter. Did I say coffee?? Yes, I'll admit I'm addicted to the stuff!

**We have much in common, my friend! I often tell my family that if blood were coffee, I'd be called Count Dracu-Latte! As for the critically ill, does it count when my kids or hubby is hurt?! They always act like it's a major issue. Just wondering...**



What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

Set Free to Live Free has led to over 30 opportunities to speak and share my story with others this year. I have always wanted to reach people with the love of God. Writing has opened that door in a major way.



Do you have any upcoming appearances that you would like to share with us?

I am hosting an email devotional series titled 12 Days of Unwrapping the Gift of You. I'm very excited about this series of devotions based on Set Free to Live Free. Sign-up is still open to participate by visiting: http://drdaltonsmith.com/12Days.aspx



If you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be?

The one bit of wisdom I would share is to forgive yourself regardless of the offense. None of us are perfect Christians, but we do serve a perfect God. Trust that the finished work of the cross is enough. You don't have to be good enough; you just have to be available to have a relationship with Jesus. The closer you get to him, the better you start living.



Where can people find you?

They can visit me on my blog http://gracetolivefree.blogspot.com/,

follow me on Twitter @DrDaltonSmith,

like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SetFreetoLiveFree,

or visit my webpage at www.setfreetolivefreebook.com where there are links for all the above as well a download for the first chapter of the book.



Thank you Dr., for being my victim, er, guest today! I really enjoyed it, and I hear you have some pretty good gifts you're going to be giving away?! But, before we go there, let me tell my readers a little about your book.










About the Book ~




Imagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don't have the power to rob you of your potential or your dreams. Many women have trouble seeing this vision because they are bound by lies that keep them from living free.




In Set Free to Live Free, Saundra Dalton-Smith shows you how to break free from seven mental ties that hold you back and steal your joy, like striving for perfection, comparing yourself to others, and having an all-or-nothing attitude. Through compelling stories and inspirational writing, she encourages you to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture your body, and cultivate a balanced life.




"The author writes with the belief that God has a plan for each member of his creation and thus is ready to guide and assist through prayer and Bible study. VERDICT: The eight-week study guide makes this book a perfect choice for Christian women's groups." - Library Journal


I don't know about the rest of you, but this is going to be one book on my shelf!



Okay!

Here's the information you've been waiting for! Readers, if you sign up for Dr. Dalton-Smith's devotional series at http://drdaltonsmith.com/12Days.aspx you will be entered to win the many prizes being offered by her sponsors! Gifts include gift cards ranging $15 - $100 at places like Amazon.com, Olive Garden, Chick-fil-a, Target, and more, so hurry as sign-up closes Dec. 13th. 

(The e-devotions will be sent by email from Dec 12 - 24.)

















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

Night of the Cossack

Today, December 8th only!




  Purchase a Kindle ebook or a  new paperback copy of Night of the Cossack



(Kindle Version)






 from AMAZON and receive multiple FREE gifts





TODAY, Dec. 8th, 2011!!




FREE gifts PLUS an entry to win a  $50 Amazon gift card.




*You must purchase from Amazon either the Kindle version or a




'new' paperback from Bound by Faith Publishers




to qualify.




 The new paperback version will be a signed copy by the author and shipped FREE to an address in the USA.




For more information, please see Tom Blubaugh's website


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

Tom Blubaugh

Author of Night of the Cossack










About the Book ~

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga. Join Nathan on his suspenseful journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss this entertaining and intriguing story, Night of the Cossack.







Interview with Tom ~

Hi Tom, thank you for being here today. Your book sounds pretty interesting, and I'm sure my friends would like to know a little more about 'behind the scenes' of your novel.



Why did you write Night of the Cossack?

Both of my grandfathers died before I was born. The older I grew the bigger the void became. When my mother passed in 2005, the reality of my being the oldest in my family weighed on me. I had a few pieces of information on my mother's father. The information that intrigued me the most was the fact that he was a Cossack soldier in Russia. I took this piece of information and a few others and began researching history. I found that history supported this information and I began writing a story about him mostly for myself. I need to fill the void in my life. I was sixty-three when I started. As the story developed, I found myself writing for my children and grandchildren. I wanted to give them the heritage. There is very little information on any of our elders. I did not intend to publish my story, but God had other plans.



What were your thoughts when you finished writing the manuscript?

I had mixed emotions. Not about the story, but about what I knew was ahead of me to market it if it were published. God was way ahead of me, as usual, and I am now in the thick of building a platform.



How did you feel when you help Night of the Cossack in your hands for the first time?

It is hard to put my feelings in word. This is not the first of my writing that has been published, but it is the first novel. I remember staring at the cover for a long time. I knew I was leaving something for my heirs that will last until the Lord returns.



Are you working on any more books?

I believe there will be a sequel. Several readers have asked for one. Actually I have several thousand words written, but I haven't decided what the actual story will be. That probably sounds strange, but writers write and revise and keep going in the process until they realize there has to be an end. At least that is how it is with me.



Well friends, there you have it! Here's an interesting bit of news for the Homeschool Crowd ~ Theresa Franklin and Tom are offering a 10 day study guide to use along with Tom's book! You can get a sample over at Theresa's lovely blog! 



Next, Tom would be thrilled if you would kindly link up with him at these great places ~

Facebook

Twitter

Website

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

Purchase The Promise of Deer Run today...

and get FREE gifts!

Do you like Historical Fiction? Do you like to receive free gifts?I think today is your lucky day!




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About the Book ~








America's war for freedom from England has been over for seven years, but the wounds of that conflict still plague the minds and hearts of the residents of Deer Run.



Young American veteran Nathaniel Stearns, suffering from the memories of war that haunt him in the night, has withdrawn to a life of isolation. He still awaits his father who never returned from the war—a mystery that haunts him.



He is brought out of his self-imposed exile by a near-tragedy in the woods that brings him face-to-face with nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen, someone he had long admired but he assumed had eyes for another. This chance encounter opens a crack into the door of his heart as mutual affection quickly blooms.



But slander and lies soon mar the budding romance, rendering both Sarah and Nathaniel wounded and untrusting as their faith in both their God and each other is shattered. Set in 1790 and filled with rich detail of the era, this book continues the story of the Thomsen and Lowe families as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the war that birthed the United States.



The Promise of Deer Run is Book Two in the Deer Run Saga. Book one is entitled, The Road to Deer Run.










About Elaine Cooper ~




Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one and a half years old. Elaine's only daughter, Bethany, passed away in 2003 from a brain tumor.

Her debut novel, The Road to Deer Run, was a finalist in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, received an Honorable Mention in the 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival, and was a Clash of the Titles Champion for "Most Romantic Moment."




The sequel, entitled The Promise of Deer Run, was recently released.







Doesn't that book sound wonderful?! Okay, so here's what you have to do to get your free gifts. Buy The Promise of Deer Run today, December 1 at Amazon.com. COPY your order number, and then visit Elaine's website, HERE. Enter your information in the form on her page, and you'll instantly be blessed with free gifts!








or get the Kindle Version







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

Guest Post ~ Paula Wiseman

First off, I'd like to apologize to Paula in taking so very long to get this wonderful post up. I'm very sorry, Paula. It wasn't intentional at all. Next, please let me introduce you to this wonderful author that writes exceptionally well.









I'm extremely grateful to Amanda for this opportunity to share about some books that are close to my heart, and a little about what went into them. Thank you for reading.











About her book, Contingency ~

Bobbi Molinsky's comfortable life is shattered when a forwarded email from her husband's account lands in her inbox. The email teases, "My whole evening is free again." After an angry confrontation with Chuck, she is left with the broken remains of an eighteen year marriage. Bobbi agrees forgiving Chuck is the right thing, the God-honoring thing to do, but it leaves her empty and isolated. Teaching her second-graders is a burden. Taking care of her boys saps all her energy. It seems God Himself has walked away, leaving her to struggle alone. Bobbi can't deny the transformation in Chuck, but genuine forgiveness requires trust, and trust is a risk she's not willing to take. Can she let go of her deepest, most primal fears and save her marriage?



What would you do if you found out your spouse had been unfaithful? As Contingency opens, readers are dropped into the maelstrom of emotion that comes with that revelation, and soon Bobbi asks the main story question to God Himself - How are we supposed to get through this?



So many people question that Scripture is relevant, that it has the answers for us in this day and age, that it can speak to the deepest cries of our hearts. I believe it is, it does and it absolutely can. To demonstrate that, I wanted to develop a story where I took believers, and put them in a very difficult – but still somewhat common – situation and then walk them through it. But this is not a manual. It's a story.



I needed characters - characters who aren't perfect, who struggle with doing the right thing, who represent us. Bobbi is a teacher. We know teachers. She's a mom and a wife. We know moms and wives. We know these people. They could be living next door. They could be us.



Chuck is a lawyer because I didn't want finances to be an issue for them. Brad and Joel are good kids, again, because I wanted the focus to be on one issue. However, I know in real life, we rarely have the luxury of single-file crises. The point is, even in the best situation, recovering from adultery is difficult. Faith doesn't lead to pat answers. We hurt others. We get hurt. We struggle and we sometimes fail. But we are never hopeless and abandoned. Redemption happens.





My husband had said months ago that he wanted to pray over the first box of books before they went out. On a Thursday evening, we set the box of books on the dining room table and gathered the kids around. Then my husband led us in the most beautiful time of worship, dedication and prayer. He read Isaiah 55:10-11: "For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven (and we'd had both in 24 hours) and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."



My book is hardly equivalent to God's word, but we do pray that it accomplishes God's purposes and that it prospers in that.



Then Jon read Colossians 4:3-6 and emphasized our desire to touch people through the written words or through conversations that may result, and that in each case grace would be the result.



He then read 1 Corinthians 9:7-10 and stressed that while it wasn't about the financial gain, it was okay to receive income from this labor, even though it was done for God's glory.



Next he read a parable from Luke 17:5-10 about how a servant shouldn't expect thanks for doing what is expected of him or her. Using what God has given me to honor Him is exactly what I should be doing.



I said in some ways, it reminded me of Hannah and Samuel. I've prayer for this little story, raised it, and now it's time to put it into God's service.



Finally, he mentioned 1 Chronicles 21:24 when David buys the property where Solomon will build the temple. The owner, hearing David's intent, offers to give him the land. He says, "I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offering for that which has cost me nothing."



We stood and put our hands on the books and each of us prayed. What an incredible thing to hear each of my family members praying from the depths of their tender hearts for me, for the book, and for God to be glorified through it all.



Soli Deo Gloria and Amen.





Check out Contingency







the follow-up, Indemnity







and the newly-released third book, Precedent.









They are available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, and even

audiobook. Connect with me on Facebook – I'm always glad to hear from you.





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