Tyora Moody's Blog, page 8

Dangerous Confessions, Serena Manchester, Book 3

Spring 2020 – The case from last month is still far from over for private investigator Serena “Rena” Manchester. Not just because she found herself in yet another life threatening situation, but because the fall-out still has not been dealt with by the authorities. Determined to see justice to the end, Rena steps up her investigation along with her new young attractive associate.

During a surveillance job, Rena runs into a very unpleasant woman from her past life as a reporter. A few hours later, when the woman falls to her death from a beach condo balcony, Rena finds herself switching directions with her investigation. The more she digs into her past news story, the more she starts to see parallels to her current case. Unfortunately, Rena is receiving more resistance from law enforcement and someone else is not happy about her digging around either.

Minister Trey Evans, wants to support her career, but Rena’s attraction to danger is pushing their struggling relationship to the limit. While she’s striving to pursue justice, Rena may have to endure another devastating blow to her personal life.

Eugeena Patterson Mysteries

Who doesn’t like a good who-dunnit and romance?

Meet Eugeena Patterson and her budding relationship with fellow retiree, Amos Jones in  Deep Fried Trouble and Oven Baked Secrets.

 Lemon Filled Disaster, the third book in the Eugeena Patterson Mysteries is on the schedule for Winter 2018.

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VICTORY GOSPEL FAMILY | Reed Family Series

This series is a spin-off and apart of the Victory Gospel Family. Meet the siblings of the crime-fighting Reed Family.

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Women in the Bible | Eve, Resisting Temptation

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:21-22 NIV

FULL SCRIPTURE LESSON: Genesis 2:18-3:24

Quick Facts

the first woman; “Eve…mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20
Husband- Adam
Children – Cain, Abel and Seth.

Summary

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

The Lord formed the first man from the dust of the earth and then breathed life into him. The man was given authority over the Garden of Eden. With this authority came specific instructions to eat from any tree in the garden. All but one. The tree of knowledge of good and evil. If the fruit was eaten, death was inevitable.

The man lived in the Garden with the animals where God had given him dominion over the Garden and the animals. The Lord saw that the man was lonely.

He put Adam to sleep and then took one of his ribs. From that curvaceous bone, God fashioned the first woman and then presented her to Adam. The couple officially became the first husband and wife and they lived together peacefully in the garden. What they didn’t realize was an adversary lurked nearby.

The serpent, the craftiest as well as the most beautiful of all the animals, approached the woman and questioned her about God’s little rule.

Could they really not eat from a certain tree in the garden?

He eventually convinced the woman to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. After tasting the fruit, she passed the fruit to her husband who also tasted it. Once the man ate of the fruit, both their eyes were opened and they were suddenly ashamed of their nakedness and hid. God came looking for them. A swift and grave punishment followed as a result of their disobedience.

Study

The story of creation is one many are familiar with even if he/she is not a regular bible reader. In the first chapter of Genesis, God is seen in his magnificence as He created the world. On the sixth day of His creative process, God created male and female in His image.

Adam and Eve lived in the beautiful Garden of Eden. In the garden, they dwelt with the animals and were allowed to eat any fruit they wanted to except from one particular tree, the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan arrived on the scene manifested as a serpent. From the very beginning, he’s described as “crafty.” This meant he was “adept in the use of subtlety and cunning” according to the Merriam Webster dictionary. To this day, Satan continues to use crafty methods to tempt humans to sin against God.

Here are a few methods you may recognize:

Place DOUBT in the mind.

“Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1

He tempts people to question God and His Word by planting a seed of doubt.

Twist the TRUTH.

You will surely not die…For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will surely be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:4

Satan has a way of making “wrong” seem attractive to humans. They are deceived to believing certain actions are right or okay.

Some other methods he uses are:

DISCOURAGEMENT – He makes you look at your problems instead of trusting God.
DEPRESSION – He makes you feel depressed or like a failure, so you don’t bother to try.
PROCRASTINATION – You will continue to put off doing or obeying God’s will.

Thank goodness we serve a FORGIVING God. Despite Eve’s disobedience and painful child-bearing punishment, God still established Eve as the mother of all living. Through her Seed (Jesus), believers can be redeemed from the horrible after-effects of the Fall.

Even though we may mess up, get off track and disobey God’s will, He will not turn his back on us. But we must make our way to him and confess our sins. Then, we must recognize temptation and nip it in the bud.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Application

Here are some assertive tips to avoid temptation. They are very simple, but so easy to NOT follow when you should.

Prayer & Quiet Time

When we become weary (afraid, stressed, frustrated, etc), we must choose to spend time alone with God. Jesus always went off alone to pray and prepare himself. It’s during those times when we are vulnerable, we can often get sidetracked.

Bible Study (Know the Word)

Our best example on how to apply God’s Word when it comes to temptation is Jesus. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13), he used the Word of God each of the three times Satan tempted him.

Don’t Live in Denial, Know Your Weaknesses

When Jesus came from the Garden of Gethsemane after praying, he found his three companions asleep. He warned them, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 NIV

You have to be aware of your weaknesses, because you are certainly being watched and studied, the same way the serpent did to Eve. He sought her out and knew exactly how to capture her attention away from God.

Beware of What You Are Ingesting

There is an old saying, “You are what you eat.” This applies not only to physical food but to spiritual feeding too. Are you cautiously choosing television programs, movies and music?  Are you a gossiper or do just listen (not good either)? Filthy language and demeaning jokes – are these acceptable to you?

Further Study
Temptation

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

–1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

— 1 Timothy 6:11 NIV

“Because he himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ”

— Hebrews 2:18 NIV

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desires has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. ” — 1 James 1:12-15 NIV

© 2000 Tyora Moody. All Rights Reserved

Photo Credit: @clementinedaily at Death to Stock Photos

 

Ash Wednesday: Letting Go of the Unnecessary

Before I began my fifth grade year, my parents made the decision to take me out of the New York public school system. Fourth grade had not been a very good year for me, so I think my parents thought I needed a change. The change proved to be one of the highlights of my childhood … four years at Catholic school. While I’m a Protestant, Catholicism still fascinates me. I can still remember the Wednesday of each school year when the priest would stick his thumb in a bowl of ashes and make a cross on everyone’s head. At that time, I didn’t quite get the reasoning behind the smudge on my forehead.

Below are some main themes behind Ash Wednesday.

The 40 Days

And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. – Matthew 4:2

Lent is the season of the church year in which Christians celebrate Jesus’ life, death and resurrection during a forty day period. The forty day period is based on the 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2), Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting after his baptism. Satan knew Jesus was hungry and exhausted and proceeded to tempt Jesus to sin on three occasions, but of course Satan did not succeed.

The Ashes

And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David Hosanna in the highest!” – Matthew 11:8-10

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. The ashes used by the priests are from last year’s palm tree branches (Palm Sunday – Mark 11:8-10).  Ashes in the bible were used synonymously with the word “sackcloth.”  These both were signs that a person was sorry for his or her sins or in mourning. Many times an individual would tear his clothes, throw ashes on their head, sit in the dust and wear a sackcloth as a physical sign to others of repentance or mourning.

Fasting

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. — Matthew 6:16

Interesting enough by the time we get to the New Testament, Jesus pretty much states, sitting around looking pitiful while fasting is a no-no. Individuals of the Catholic faith, as well as some Protestants, do fast on Ash Wednesday. The dictionary definition of fast is to eat only sparingly or of certain kinds of food, esp. as a religious observance. Checking back in the dictionary again, I looked up the term religious. It means being faithful and conscientious. That “faithful and conscientious” part is something I need to work on daily.

It’s not necessary that your fast involve abstaining from food. Many this week will begin fasts from Facebook and other social networks.  Now that’s an idea!

I’ve had some other things brewing in my mind over the past few weeks. I am preparing to pull back from some things so I can re-focus. This year is just flying by and sometimes I feel like I’m spinning in the wind. I also need to break some bad habits. They say all it takes is 30 days to develop a habit and the same amount of time to break it.

If you are like me, thinking “I have got to do better,” let’s ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and to show us how to draw closer to Him. Ask Him what do we really need to be doing so that we can be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) for the Lord.

Let go of the unnecessary for the necessary.

It is only after we draw closer to the Lord, can we fulfill our work here on earth.

Originally published February 25, 2009

Love Walked In, Aspiring Love Collection #2

June 11, 2019 – Aspiring Love Short Story Collection, Volume 2

Love can be so unexpected and can arrive in our lives at just the right time. LOVE WALKED IN features eight sweet Christian romance short stories from veteran and new authors. Enjoy stories of characters finding love at last.

Stories include:

EYES WIDE SHUT

by Wanda B. Campbell

TROUBLE IN CHOW TOWN

by Linda Leigh Hargrove

LOVE WON’T LET ME WAIT

by Patricia A. Bridewell

UNLIKELY COMPANIONS

by Alicia Fleming

THE GALA REPLACEMENT

by T.A. Beasley

WHEN THE PAST COMES CALLING

by Jeanette Hill

REUNITED

by Annie Johnson

COFFEE FLAVORED DREAMS

by Tyora Moody

Winter 2019 Update – What’s Next

UPDATED March 3, 2019

As you may know by now, I have several book series going, so I know in my head for months (or years) where I like to see a character or the series go next. Here is an update…

Bittersweet Motives – Spring 2019

The first book in the Serena Manchester Series, Hostile Eyewitness, was released March 2015. It’s been quite a few years. 

Bittersweet Motives
Serena Manchester, Book 2
Tentative Release Date: April 30, 2019

Former reporter Serena “Rena” Manchester has transitioned into her new career as a private detective. The Clayton Matthews Law firm sends a few investigations her way that pay the bills, though the work is hardly exciting. However, a shift occurs one day while she is taking photos of a prominent businessman, Edwin Peters, with his young mistress. When the woman shows up dead, Serena has no doubt that Edwin Peters is the prime suspect.

A monkey wrench is thrown at her theory when Serena realizes her client, Mrs. Judith Peters, has just as much motive to kill the young woman. Rena is going to need her hard-nosed tactics to find a murderer because the suspects keep piling up. Which one of these people succeeded in killing the troubled woman?

As the investigation heats up, Serena decides to keep the love-of-her-life, Minister Trey Evans, at a comfortable friends-only distance. Will she finally push him away forever?

Sweet Christian Romance – Short Stories

Love Walked In, the second anthology in the Aspiring Love Collection will be release June 11, 20109.  Love Knows My Name, the first collection of sweet Christian romance short stories was released in February 2019.

Reed Family Series Continues in 2020

Gentle Heart
The Reed Family Series, Novella 4
Tentative Release Date: Spring 2020

Crime Scene Investigator Cori Reed is a certified geek who’s finally found the one. He’s been dating his co-worker Sarah Jennings for almost a year and is seriously thinking about popping the marriage question. When Cori is called to investigate a homicide crime scene, he soon realizes that Sarah has become a suspect. He’s determined to find evidence to prove her innocence.

Cori knows that science doesn’t lie, but when the evidence continues to point towards Sarah, can Cori make the right decision despite what his heart says?

I haven’t written a book with a male as the main character carrying the entire story so this will be a challenge for me.

My goal is to complete this series with Wounded Heart, Jax’s story by the end of 2020.

Check out Audiobooks

I listen to 1-2 audio books a week and they are a great way to catch up on books while you’re in a car, exercising, cleaning around the house, etc.  In 2018, five audio books were released. Listen to samples below.

Stay in touch with me on social media! I will keep you updated on my progress. I try to plan for the future, but life happens and dates are subject to change.

Aspiring Love Collection

Find sweet Christian Romance short stories from new and veteran authors

Love Knows My Name, Aspiring Love Collection #1

Recently on she asked me, “Why did I decide to serve as editor for the Love Knows My Name project.  My response, “A few years ago during an interview I was asked if I would consider writing in another genre besides mystery and suspense.  Since I write romantic suspense, I thought the best alternative genre to pursue would be romance. A short story seemed like a good place to start. I felt led to pull together veteran and new authors in one collection.”

The result has become the Aspiring Love Collection. The first book, Love Knows My Name, was released in February 2019.

About the Book

Sometimes past experiences make a person feel as if they will never know true love. Love Knows My Name features nine sweet Christian romance short stories from veteran and new authors. Enjoy stories of characters finding love at last.

The Co-Authors Short Stories

Lasting Impressions by Wanda B. Campbell

Working as an ICU nurse offers Kaymar Washington many rewards, but a cure for loneliness isn’t one of them. Patient Johnny Twenty-five changes everything. If only her patient wasn’t comatose and knew she exists.

Dancing On the Moon by Linda Leigh Hargrove

Dr. Katrina Mason loves teaching college math. It’s a rewarding departure from her past vocation as a stripper. When handsome Principal Nate Thomas finds out about her provocative past, will he be inviting her to leave the job?

Love Called My Name by Alicia Fleming

Sierra Ramsey meets Blaine Johnson in her grief care support group. As their friendship blossoms, will Sierra lets her guard down and learn to love again?

For the Love of You by Yolanda Johnson-Bryant

After a failed marriage, Serena Collins was done with relationships, that is until Gerard Nelson. After the prognosis of terminal illness, the couple has to decide if a lifetime of love is worth the little time they have. Certain Gerard is her forever soulmate, Serena is content with the life she’s lived. Will Serena throw away a second chance at love?”

A Coffee Shop Connection by T.A. Beasley

Renee Spencer is running late for work but knows she’ll be no good for anyone without her morning coffee from Rose’s Coffee Cafe. David Brock is on his way to work when he stops to help a friend. Unbeknownst to Renee, her detour may be fate trying to brighten up her day.

A Timeless Love by Naa Harper

At seventeen, when Candace Parker catches the attention of Michael Taylor, star quarterback of Olive’s high school football team, her world is wrecked and turned upside down. Years later, when she attends the regularly scheduled game night at a friend’s house and there is one guest she is not expecting.

One Day I’ll Be Gone by Leslie K. Howard

Jeanette, a meek young college student gets caught up in a warm, attentive whirlwind named Thomas Watson. But after they marry, everything about Tom changes. When an apocalyptic event rocks Tom’s world and he discovers Jenny is gone, will he finally change for the better?

Spring Blues by Annie Johnson

Physical therapist Spring Vaughn is still struggling with a past tumultuous relationship. When DeMarco Blues, a professional football player, becomes her latest patient, she can’t deny her attraction. But the last thing she wants is another relationship with an athlete.

The Replacement Date by Tyora Moody

Five years after a rocky divorce, Donna Madison is out on her first date. But when she is stood up by her date, she’s not too upset because a surprise “replacement” date saves the night. Donna can’t help but wonder if the unexpected meeting has divine purposes.

Now Available! – Oven Baked Secrets Audiobook

Narrator: Sharell Palmer

Eugeena Patterson is not happy about her next-door neighbor, Louise Hopkins, being sent to live in a nursing home. Without her fellow neighborhood watch buddy, Sugar Creek isn’t the same anymore. In fact, life after retirement has become a whole new adventure of exploring social media and blogging. While she tries not to meddle into her adult children’s lives, Eugeena can’t help but dish out relationship advice.

Eugeena’s own budding romance with Amos Jones has her emotions in upheaval. Is she really finding love again as she turns 60? When a stranger reveals a stunning secret about Louise’s past, Eugeena questions if the young woman’s claim is for real or if she is a con artist? Roping in Amos for help, Eugeena digs up a few skeletons from her elderly friend’s closet.

When Eugeena stumbles upon a long forgotten murder case, she realizes the layers of a long dormant secret still have the potential to be deadly.

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