Kelly Harrel's Blog, page 9

Angel Defined

“Is this what You have been preparing me for, Lord? To let go of everything I thought was right for my life in exchange for Your perfect will?”

There is our main character at the beginning of the second book of the Lauren Drake series on the edge of her seat, on the edge of her new life, wondering what happened. Why things didn’t go according to her plan. What kind of life awaits her.

When I started Angel Defined years ago, I had no plan. I don’t plot my books. I write and see where the characters take me. I had an idea of the ending, but the exact details were fuzzy. I wasn’t past the second chapter when I noticed a similarity among my characters. They were all growing into a deeper relationship with Christ. One at the beginning of the journey, mind reeling at the contrast between how the Bible says to live and what the world encouraged. The others desiring to minister to people out of love for the Father. As I’ve learned in my life, that’s the only way ministry thrives. That’s the only way WE thrive. When Christians serve strictly out of obligation or to please man, it can quickly turn into a disaster. Ministry done as an outpouring of love for the Lord completes our act of worship which takes us to a new level in our relationship with the Lord. As we grow closer to Him, we begin to trust more. We begin to realize nothing is impossible with God. That’s when we start praying the big prayers…and He answers them.

My first experience with miracles wasn’t through healings, but God’s provision. It was still having money in the bank at the end of the month even though by my husband’s calculations we were in the red. It was cash arriving in the mail in time to pay the mortgage, food on my doorstep as I placed the last of our meat and potatoes on the table with a week to go until payday. It was bags of hand-me-downs in my kids’ sizes as they had outgrown everything in their closets. We were simply Christians desiring to do what God called us to. As we remained faithful in giving the Lord our time, talents, and treasures, He remained faithful to provide for our every need.  And our faith began to soar.

Hard things have happened along the way. Bad things even. But the Lord had taught us to trust completely. The Lord had shown He would be faithful to meet every need. And, as you can see with the publication of this book, He has.

I had a discussion with my husband last night about whether or not people would “get” this series. What we settled on is that most Christians don’t have an active faith, so when they see it, they are skeptical. The truth is we won’t see God moving in our lives and performing miracles unless we are looking and asking. My heart and prayer is to help lead Christians into a deeper faith by example in my life and through my books. The characters may be fictional, but their God is real. And He in still in the business of miracles.

So, my friend, stop saying He can’t and ask. Stop making excuses and fall to your knees. I don’t care how big your need is, how long you’ve struggled, how long you’ve waited. God calls us to believe. To trust. To ask. I’m believing for your miracle. I’ve seen too many miracles not to. But at some point, you need to step out in faith. Let today be that day.

By the time I wrote the last page of Angel Defined, tears were streaming down my face. Not at the circumstances, but at the faith of my characters. One choosing obedience regardless of the costs, the other believing in the goodness of God. I cried because I know this faithroad is not easy to walk, but it is blessed. And when you reach the end of Book Two in the Lauren Drake series, be of good cheer knowing their story isn’t over. There are still two more books, and several miracles, to come.

For more information about Angel Defined, or to purchase your copy, click here.

Angel Discovered

I always tell my kids what matters is that they do their best. Funny, because that’s what my parents told me growing up. As an adult, I finally understand, especially after the struggles my son had in school last year. He’s probably smarter than I am (don’t tell him that!), but very unmotivated to work hard. It made me sad to know he COULD do better if he tried. If he exerted more effort. Colossians 3:23 was a verse I shared with him often in his first year of high school – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

While he was working his way through his first year of high school, I was working my way through my second book, Angel Defined, in the Christian romance series I was writing. I had started the first book, Angel Discovered, twenty years before while in college. I always knew it would be a series, but after publishing Angel Discovered five years ago, I took a step back to try something new. Inspirational fiction (with a little love thrown in). Fiction that truly inspired. My goal in writing became that when a person picked up my books, they would not only identify with the characters but by the truth shared and the character overcoming his/her struggle, the reader would seek to change his/her own life and drawn nearer to God. It wasn’t easy to balance the truth of God’s Word and not preach (although when the characters go to church, you’re bound to hear a sermon or two), so I found myself in prayer as I wrote. Some scenes came naturally, others were beyond me. Yet when I finished Freedom in His Love and then Running in Such a Way, I was satisfied. I had worked on them with all my heart as to the Lord.

Angel Defined was shaping up in the same way. I really wanted to share the spiritual battle that takes place in the mind of someone struggling with depression. Although I had lived it for decades, I had to pray over and over “God, show me how to write it.” I knew what I felt and experienced but never attempted to “show” anyone. About this time, my daughter started asking when I would read my new book to her. I reminded her that she hadn’t read the first one in the series (she was too young when we first published), so she grabbed it off the shelf and my journey back through Angel Discovered began.

Studies show it takes between 6-10 years, 10,000 hours, to become “great” at something. As I read Angel Discovered with my girl, I realized the truth behind that study. I found myself editing my published book, thinking “I wish I would have…” all over the place. I wanted it to have the same spiritual depth as the others, but when I wrote it, I had a different purpose. I still wanted to glorify God, but I was sharing a story. Getting the voices that talked to me constantly out of my head (if you’re an author, you understand). But after all these years, it broke me to think about starting over. I tried shortcuts—downloading my manuscript from the publishing site and fixing a word here and there. I tried to convince myself that my readers would understand. I wrestled with God on this issue for weeks when He graciously reminded me of Colossians 3:23. I did my best then, but now my best is better. I needed to do it for the Lord.

So, I started at the beginning. I added more detail, more dialogue, more stories of who my characters were so the reader could see how far they have come. When you read the new Angel Discovered, you may dislike Tyler a little more, sympathize with Lauren’s struggles to a great degree, and feel like Adam is more than a brilliant piano player. When I was proofing the interior, I found myself stopping at all the new scenes, the new stories. I laughed and cried and thanked the Lord for the wisdom and perseverance to make the changes needed for His glory.

And though I liked my previous cover, apparently in the book world if you change your interior by one page, you need a new cover. So, here they are. Lauren and Tyler. He’s busy doing his movie star thing and being his dashing self. She’s looking at her future, wondering how a school teacher can fit into a world of fame and fortune. The truth is, she doesn’t fit. She’s the light needed in a world of darkness. Though out of her comfort zone, she’s willing to surrender herself to God and His plan. Oh, what a great plan it is. A plan so immense it will take four books to unfold.

Don’t shortcut your life, my friend. Take it from me and my fictional characters. God wants your best for Him. When your work is truly for Him, He will bless it beyond measure.

Meet the Producer of Freedom in His Love: Tasha’s Story

The process started with a prayer – “Lord, bring the right person to produce Tasha’s Story.” The moment I heard Laura Cable’s audition, I knew she was the one to bring this inspirational love story to life.

After experiencing brain trauma almost two years ago, I realized how important good audiobooks can be. It was my desire to have Tasha’s Story made into audiobook so that those who can’t read for whatever reason (failing vision, too busy, illness), could be inspired and ministered to by the story. As I entered into this month of thanksgiving, I was reminded of how thankful I am that Laura took her time and used her expertise to bring the characters in Tasha’s Story to life. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her on Facebook and wanted her to share with you. I know you will be inspired by her life and faith. Make sure to leave a comment at the end of the blog for a chance to win a FREE download of Tasha’s Story!

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do when not producing audio books?

I was born and raised in Troy, Michigan to a loving family of colorful characters. The Cable household was always full of family, food, music, and storytelling. I moved to New York City at the age of 18 to study Drama at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. I graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts, and have been singing, dancing, acting, and storytelling ever since! A life in the theater has its uncertainty, for sure. But God is so faithful and has provided me with adventure on four continents, three contracts with Disney Cruise Line, four National Tours, and dozens of regional shows all over the US. Performing also introduced me to my incredible husband Mark. Together we love to travel, make music, play board games, run, cook, and explore our fun little town, New York City.

What is the most challenging part of making an audio book? What do you feel is the most rewarding?

I find vocal consistency to be the hardest part of recording a multi-hour book. In the editing process, I’m constantly listening to new paragraphs and comparing them to the first chapter to make sure I have the same vocal energy. Vocal fatigue is a real thing. (Anyone who has read a child ten books before bedtime knows what I mean. That tenth ‘Goodnight Moon’ doesn’t have the same gusto as the first.) As audiobook narrators, we may set a goal for ourselves to read three chapters in one session. But if our voices, our instruments, do not hold up, there is no pushing forward. There is only hydration and rest.

As a lifetime avid reader, I find character development to be the most rewarding part of this job. I have voices in my head for every character in a book (we all do, right?), but speaking aloud in those voices, making them specific, and bringing each character to life is where the fun really begins! While it’s incredibly structured and technical, it’s also a return to childhood-to playing with Barbies in the basement when no one is around. There are a dozen different voices, but just one imaginative narrator orchestrating each one at the proper time.

Tasha is drawn to Mike because “He’s sweet and low-key, like his music…I didn’t feel preached at.” What are some ways do you feel your life is a witness to others?

We do not need to make grand gestures and proclamations to let our friends and co-workers know our beliefs. I find that small actions- making time for church every week, refraining from swearing, smiling at strangers, listening to a friend who is having a bad day, volunteering- let people see Christ’s light THROUGH me. There are not an overwhelming number of Christians in show business, so I feel an added responsibility to let my actions do the talking. When word gets out that I’m a Christian, I find people hold me to a higher standard- and they should! If my friends only know one Christian, and she is known for her kindness, mercy, acceptance, and joy, that speaks well for Jesus followers everywhere.

When Tasha meets Mike’s parents for the first time, she ends up eating asparagus even though she hates it because his mom offers it to her. What’s the craziest thing you have ever done out of love?

I believe I’m doing it right now, actually! My husband and I both have amazing performance opportunities with different shows- mine on a cruise ship sailing all over the world, and his on a great tour around North America. It is out of a deep love for each other that we said yes to these opportunities, even though it means living apart for months on end. It’s a crazy thing to do. And we miss each other every day. But God knows our hearts and our dreams better than we do. And we weren’t about to say no to this chapter in God’s plan just because it’s a little unconventional.

What was your favorite scene in the book? (without giving anything away!)

I loved the scene where Tasha and Mike explore San Francisco together! As a fellow traveler, I can relate to the excitement that comes from seeing a new place. And when you get to share that with someone special, all of your senses are heightened, and each small gesture is implanted in your memory forever!

Thank you, Laura, for sharing a little bit about yourself with my readers. You truly are an inspiration! I pray God’s blessings over you, your family, and your career. Continue to shine your light for Him!

If you would like the chance to win a FREE download of Tasha’s Story, leave a comment below. I will choose two winners on Wednesday, November 23th.

To learn more about Freedom in His Love: Tasha’s Story and to purchase the audio, kindle, or paperback version, click here.

For more about Laura, her career, and other audiobooks, visit her website.

Simply US Women's Fellowship

Saturday December 10, 2016 – Saturday December 10, 2016

Map and Directions | Register

Description:

I’m excited to be sharing my testimony of overcoming depression at my friend Joycelyn Williams 2016 Women’s Conference. It was previously sold out, but new tickets have been added. To find out more information, visit her website here and call the number listed to obtain tickets.

Register

A Month to Love

Those close to me know October is not my favorite month. For decades each September depression would begin brewing inside me and peak in October. The closer it came to October 31st, the worse it became. In fact, I still remember twelve years ago having to explain to my best friend from high school that the reason I didn’t attend her daughter’s birthday party the weekend of Halloween was because my depression was so bad I almost committed myself. She was surprised, to say the least, because in our friendship of twenty years I had never told her how bad my struggle was.

Even though I’ve been set free from the bondage of depression, an uneasiness rises inside me each October. This year was no exception. Within the first week, I found myself struggling with anxiety and worry. There was so much to do and so little time. My mind felt constantly divided. I felt a bit like I was sinking in my personal life, so I reached out to my Savior with a short, but earnest prayer.

“God, I need balance. I need to focus on You. Show me how to make that happen.”

The answer came almost immediately. Get off your personal Facebook for October. Give me your time and attention this month.

Happy to oblige, I typed a sweet farewell to my FB friends and deleted the app from my phone. I must admit the first few days I went to open the app at least four times before I realized it was gone. Once I settled into the idea of not posting, I found myself more focused, more attentive, more relaxed. I also found my spare moments during the day spent talking to God instead of my online friends. I prayed more for myself, our family, friends, and prayer requests from others. While standing in line at the grocery store I typed a scene for my book in my email. I talked more to my family and actually texted friends who were on my mind. Oh, the beauty of personal relationships! What I lacked was worry and stress, anxiety and doubt. I didn’t miss that at all.

And then, as if those blessings weren’t enough, God began opening doors. It’s been two and a half years since I published any books. At the beginning of September, we were given pledge cards in church. On the back was “I’m believing God for….”. I decided to go big and wrote “The publication of my next book series”. Would you believe that in a month I’ll have the first two in print? I’m also on track to completely finish the third this year and the fourth by early spring. I was still marveling at that when I received an offer to do social media promotion for the best Christian Writer’s conference in California. My reward? Free admission. This came days after the reality hit that we just didn’t have the money for me to go as I previously hoped to. I shot a prayer to the Lord – “God, I know You can make this happen if you want to. I trust You completely” and it happened. But wait, there’s one more blessing. The audio book I had someone begin producing months ago is now in its final stages. As I listen to Running in Such a Way with my kids, proofing the completed chapters, I am humbled and amazed at God’s goodness and love. All this “bookended” with at least an hour with the Lord each month and quality time with my husband and kids, and I feel overwhelmed with God’s blessings and love.

I had written off this month. By October 2nd, I had decided nothing worthwhile would come in the next thirty days. I’m so very glad my God likes to prove me wrong.

I venture to guess at some point (if not now) you will go through weeks, months, maybe years believing all is wasted, thinking the best you can do is simply survive. Maybe that’s why Sarah laughed when the angel of God said she’d have a baby. The only season she saw ahead of her was old age. No doubt that’s why Jesus’ followers were downcast right after His death. Their Lord was crucified—how could God make good come out of that?

Several weeks ago as my daughter and I pulled off the freeway she suddenly said, “Mom, look at that tree! Isn’t it pretty?”

I glanced to my left to find this beautiful tree filled with pink blossoms. The sparse grass surrounding it was littered with trash, even beat up construction cones. With a freeway off ramp on one side and the entrance on the other, no one dared roll down their windows because of the exhaust surrounding them. Yet, in the midst of this unpleasant place, beauty had sprouted. It doesn’t thrive because of it’s surroundings, but because of its Creator.

You don’t need to dread or fear your situation any more than I needed to dread October. God is there. He knows your heart’s desire and He wants to make it come true. Trust in the Lord and do good. Make the next month a time to simplify and focus on Him. Read His Word, pray, and believe Him for big things. Allow His goodness and love to redeem what you thought was lost. Commit this season to Him, my friend, and He will give you the desires of your heart rather than simply helping you through.

Safe in His Arms

I love writing new books. Each one is an adventure, a time to dive into the lives and problems of others. Unfortunately the one I’m writing now is more of a struggle than adventure because I’ve lived it. With each keystroke, the character’s pain increases. With each page, the hardships intensify. If I could, I would place this note in the beginning for readers: Sorry for all the drama, but sometimes life is like that.

Maybe you know that all too well. Maybe you’ve been to the point I was at a few years back when I realized if the pain didn’t kill me, it had the potential to destroy my faith. I listened to that song about ‘walking on water’ and thought how easy the singer had it. If I was in the middle of an ocean I could walk on water. Instead I was in the midst of a tsunami. Standing seemed impossible, forget walking!

But I did, because honestly I couldn’t give up on God. After years of believing Him for so much and watching Him deliver time and time again, I couldn’t give up on Him.

There were tears, sobbing, moments of wondering if it would ever end, yet He was with me. He kept my head barely above the water at times, but enough so I could breathe. He never allowed the fire to completely consume me though at times it seemed it would. And though there were tears, sobbing and moments of wondering how I’d continue on, there was great comfort, gratitude, and refining of my faith that I didn’t know was necessary or possible.

After a mellow summer when I considered myself healed for the most part, the new school year brought back the pain with a vengeance. The difference? This time I knew we’d get through it. I didn’t question but prayed fervently. I rested Him. I sought chiropractic help and prayers immediately. I clung to His word, reading verses like Isaiah 43:1-3 over and over, believing the truth in them. When I couldn’t see my Savior because I was blinded by the storm, I held up my hands and called His name. He was there, every time.

My character is learning to do the same. She’s learning it’s the promises of God that keep us going when everything is falling apart. She’s finding out that the sweetest moments in your walk with the Lord can be in the midst of the hardest moments of your life. Most of all she is coming to find out we have a Savior who remains by our side, offering peace, grace and mercy not once, but daily.

Whatever you are going through, whether it’s a little sprinkle of problems or a torrential rain of hardships, I pray you will see and experience the truth of Isaiah 43. Tighten your grip on your Savior, my friend, because He is still saving you.