Becky Wade's Blog, page 78

Inspired by Scripture

Happy New Year and all God’s blessings for 2023 to our readers of Inspired by Life…and Fiction.

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

What’s Your Word?

Hi friends! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. We spent it in Florida with

our oldest daughter, her hubby, and our grandsons. It was wonderful, but crazily

enough only 30 degrees. The coldest winter in decades. Go figure. Thankfully,

it’s going to be mid-70s in a few days and I’m going to soak up that sun before

returning to Maryland.

I’d love to hear about your Christmas and what the weather was like where you

spent it. I know they had seriously low temperatures back home and across a

good portion of the country, and so many got stranded because of canceled or

delayed flights. Waiting in airports is no fun, but the idea goes right into what

I’m sharing about today.

I don’t know about you, but a good number of friends and fellow authors pick a

word for the New Year. It can be any word. Some choose the word based on

what God lays on their heart, some choose a word that has special meaning to

them, and others choose a word that will help them grow and stretch in the

coming year. I don’t recall picking a word in the past, but one clear one

fastened in my mind for this year. Waiting.

Waiting? That’s what popped into my mind. Of all the words available and

several I would have loved to pick like less, hope, peace, or grace, I ended up

waiting. To be honest, I’m terrible at waiting. Patience is most definitely not

my strong suit. Instead of inpatient, I like to use words like spontaneous or

adventurous. While those are attributes I possess, the underlying issue God

has brought to my mind. In fact, the lesson He’s tried to get through my thick

skull is that there are seasons of waiting in our lives…in our spiritual lives, and

they have a purpose. Often a purpose only God knows, but sometimes after-

the fact God graciously gives us a glimpse of it.

I don’t know what you might be waiting for—the right guy or girl to come along,

the right job, a publishing contract, the latest novel from your favorite writer, or

something even more serious like news from a biopsy or the fertility doctor.

Waiting is often hard, sometimes excruciating. Trust me, I know. I’ve waited

beside deathbeds. I’ve waited in delivery rooms and inside the NICU. I

waited for a publishing contract for seven years before receiving one. So much

waiting. But I recently learned while we might be waiting, God isn’t. He’s always

at work. Working for our good and His will. And His timing is perfect. Perfect.

Waiting is tough, but there’s also peace to be found if you surrender to it.

Accept it’s a waiting season and look to the Lord with hope and trust His

perfect timing.

Reader Question: Do you have a word for the year? If so, I’d love it if you’d share it.

Have a blessed day!

~Dani

After Christmas Giveaway

I hope you had a lovely Christmas and received at least one book—even if it was a present you gave yourself! Books make great gifts, so I thought I would give away two books this week. These are brand new copies of novels I read earlier in the year.

The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey

If you like historical fiction, especially with Vikings, then you will enjoy The Call of the Sea. The heroine’s father is killed during a Viking raid—an act that sends her on a life-altering journey filled with danger, romance, and faith. This well-researched, historically based novel is perfect for lovers of Medieval fiction.

“Gives a great sense of life to the fragmented Wales of the 12th century, and the interesting plot is based on a historical incident. Recommended.” —Historical Novel Society

The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer

This is the debut novel of friend Mollie Rushmeyer. I truly enjoyed this contemporary novel set in a small-town bookstore in northern Minnesota and I think you will, too. The Bookshop of Secrets has believable, dimensional characters, an appealing setting, action, romance, and even delicious literary references.

“Book love, buried treasure, and a family mystery combine in a story of redemption, faith, friendship, and new beginnings. …A warmhearted and bookish literary debut.” —Lisa Wingate, bestselling author

To enter to win, leave a comment below AND email me here or at: julie(at)julieklassen(dot)com so I can contact you if you win. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!

Inspired by Scripture

Wishing you the merriest of Christmases.
Christ the Savior is born!
Hallelujah!

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Favorite Christmas Foods & Drinks

On my Facebook author page, I recently asked this question… “Which holiday foods and/or drinks are you most looking forward to enjoying this month?” The answers were many, varied, and fascinating! So I thought I’d share here what my readers had to say on this subject.

Favorite Drinks:

Hot Cocoa

Wassail

Peppermint Milkshake

Cider

Peppermint Latte

Favorite Sweets:

Fudge

Molasses/gingerbread Cookies

Sugar Cookies

Fruitcake

Shortbread

Pumpkin Roll

Toffee

Chocolate-covered Cherries

Cinnamon Rolls

Magic Cookie Bars

Christmas Jello

Coconut Cake

Buckeyes

Divinity

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Butterscotch Cookies

Brittle

Pralines

Peppermint Bark

Snowballs

Nut Rolls

Red Velvet Cake

Snickerdoodles

Favorite International Foods:

Tamales (from Mexico)

Olive Cups (from Greece)

Knoepla Soup (from Germany)

Cabbage Rolls (from Russia)

Pfeffernusse (from Germany)

Swedish Meatballs (From Sweden)

Lebkuchen (from Germany)

Pierogi (from Poland)

Lefsa (from Norway)

Lasagna (from Italy)

Eisbein (from Germany)

Favorite Savory Foods:

Ham

Prime Rib

Stuffing

Clam Chowder (& many other soups)

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Turkey

Gumbo

Breakfast Casserole

Sweet Potato Pie

Creamed Corn

Favorite Snacks:

Puppy Chow (Chex + peanut butter + chocolate)

Cheese Straws and Cheese Ball

Homemade Christmas Jam

Deviled Eggs

Caramel Corn

Cranberries

Favorites I Didn’t Expect:

Potato Candy

Cream Cheese Pineapple Sandwiches

Crockpot Candy

Pepperpot

Pizza Dip

Chili

Fish Fry

So many of you said things along the lines of, “I’m most looking forward to my Mom’s XYZ” or “I can’t wait to eat my sister in law’s/husband’s/mother-in-law’s XYZ.” At Christmastime, more than any other time of the year, we seem to associate beloved foods with the person who makes them for us every year. I love that! One mom told me her daughter depends on her for certain treats and since they won’t be with one another this Christmas, the Mom baked and mailed those goodies to her daughter.

Families also seem to have so many fun traditions around Christmas food. For example, one family told me they wear Christmas pajamas and eat breakfast food on Christmas Eve. Another picks a new country each year and makes foods from that country for their Christmas meal.

What’s certain is that we ALL have foods and drinks we delight in during December. This year in my house, we’ll be baking our annual cookies (snowballs, peppermint bark, peanut butter blossoms), eating my mom’s breakfast casserole Christmas morning, and enjoying white chocolate raspberry bread pudding after a traditional meal later in the day.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Which of your favorites made the list above? Do you have any favorites that I didn’t mention?

A Glimpse of Christmas

   

This month has been chaotic. The race to final grades. Writing as much as I can. And trying to be present with my family. That means the Christmas decorations are a bit light this year. At one point I wasn’t sure we’d get the tree up. Truly. But we did and now there are presents surrounding it.

One thing I’m learning to do is give myself a bit of grace. Life is busy in good ways, but December tends to be one of my busiest months thanks to the college calendar and deadlines. I’m giving myself grace to say that things don’t have to look like the perfection I imagine in my mind.

Instead I can focus on people.

They’re the gift that ultimately has value and purpose.

I don’t think many of them notice the ornaments that are still in the tub and didn’t make it to the tree. That’s something only I know, and therefore, it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is if I can bring a peaceful presence with me.

I don’t always do well at this. But I’m growing. And now I need to write 5,000 words. I wish I was kidding LOL.

As we enter the Christmas season, I wanted to say how grateful I am for you. Continue to the end for the giveaway.

But before that, I just learned that Where Treetops Glisten is on ebook sale until December 22. This is your chance to grab this WWII novella collection I wrote with my friends Tricia Goyer and Sarah Sundin. We had so much fun creating this collection that tells the story of each sibling at Christmas in a different year during WWII.

My book Silver Bell Secrets is also on ebook sale through December 31. This was one of the novella in the Christmas in Mistletoe Square Collection. I love this story because I played with a romantic comedy with a nod to You’ve Got Mail. It also has a mystery that leads into another novella. Such fun!

Now for the giveaway. Thank you for being part of my writing journey. In the coming year, I have three books releasing with more on the horizon. None of that would be possible without you. Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Favorite Christmas Reads

While I do love a good Hallmark Christmas movie, I have to confess that I love reading Christmas-themed novels and novellas even more. I’ve read some great ones through the years, so I thought I’d spotlight a few in case you need a book to read between now and New Year’s Day! 

MOST ANTICPATED: 

The book I’ve been most excited to read this season is Susan May Warren’s All I Want for Christmas. This was previous published as The Great Christmas Bowl, but I had never read it. Since Susie May is one of my favorite authors, I’ve been saving it for this week!

FAVORITE HISTORICAL: 

An Archer Family Christmas—Karen Witemeyer

I think I go back to this one because I so loved the Archer family series! (If you haven’t read The Short-Straw Bride, the first book about the Archers, read it!) I loved getting to revisit some favorite characters—and in a sweet Christmas setting! 

FAVORITE ANTHOLOGY: 

Once Upon a Winter Wonderland—Susan May Warren with Rachel D. Russell, Andrea Christenson, Michelle Sass Aleckson 

This novella collection in the Deep Haven Series was absolutely delightful! Again, not only revisiting some great characters, but I love how all the stories centered around a wedding that in the first book was a few days out and culminates in the last book with all the characters coming together. Deep Haven, MN, is one of my most favorite fictional places of all time! 

FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY: 

One Enchanted Christmas—Melissa Tagg

This was honestly a really hard choice! There are so many contemporary romance Christmas books that are so good! But I landed on Melissa’s. She always tells a great story, but when it’s a story about a writer and Christmas, it’s the best! 

FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK: 

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree—Robert E. Barry

I have loved this story since I was a child. It about a Christmas tree top passed down from a grand house to a lowly mouse. Such great illustrations to go with the story, too! 

FAVORITE CLASSIC: 

A Christmas Carol—Charles Dickens

I love to go back and re-read this one. And watch all the versions. The story of redemptive transformation never gets old. 

FAVORITE ALL TIME: 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever—Barbara Robinson

The classic story of a bunch of rowdy kids who show up to participate in the Christmas pageant—but they know nothing about Christmas! It’s the Christmas story filled with lots of laughter and child-like wonder. I currently can’t find my copy, which I’ve had since high school, and often read aloud to my brother and sisters on drives to Colorado during or just after Christmas, so I’m on the lookout for another copy (hopefully with the old cover I had!) I look forward to reading it to my grandchildren one day. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 

I’ve enjoyed so many Christmas books that I thought I would list a few that almost made it to the top! 

Christmas at Whitefriars —Elizabeth Camden Christmas at Carnton —Tamera Alexander The Stand-In Christmas Date —Rachel John Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine —Ludwig, Beatty, Robbins, Vaughn A Sugar Creek Christmas —Jenny B. Jones

What are some of your favorite Christmas novels/novellas? 

Small but mighty…meet Leo

CAUTION: POSSIBLE OVERSHARING ALERT

Thanks for indulging this new Gram Tam as I share pics of our sweet little grandson Leo—our first grandchild and adorable little boy—who was born one week ago today!

Our son Kurt, daughter-in-law Kellie, and precious Leo shortly after Leo was born. I do NOT remember looking that good after laboring with my children. GO KELLIE!

Our daughter Kelsey and I had the blessing of being in the delivery room (along with Kellie’s mom Leslie and twin sister Kristen), and oh…I will be forever grateful for that gift. I still can’t believe it worked out for us all to be in there! (Joe happily hung out in the waiting room ).

Leo has already changed so much during the week. . .

We are so in love with this boy and so grateful God brought him into our lives. Joe and I (along with the entire extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, etc…) look forward to coming alongside Kurt and Kellie to love their son and teach him in the way of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and to help hide God’s Word in his precious heart.

There is no greater gift to give a child. Or to a grandparent.

As if we needed more pics, and of course we did, we had a newborn photo shoot today. More on that coming up, but I will tell you that Sally (of Snaps with Sally in Franklin, TN) does an amazing job! If you live in the Nashville area and are looking for a photographer, reach out to her. More once the pics are ready . . .

God’s richest blessings to you this coming weekend as we celebrate Christmas! And while it IS a beautiful time of year, it’s not without heartache and heart stirrings for Home. But even in those sorrows, in those yearnings, there is such hope! All because Christ left his home in glory and made his dwelling among us.

Speaking of…

If you haven’t started watching The Chosen yet, let me know where you live and I’ll drive over right now. We’ll pile up and start watching it together! However, understanding that your schedule may not allow for that, please please please (if you haven’t) take time this weekend to watch The Chosen with your loved ones. Totally binge Seasons 1 and 2, then enjoy the first two episodes of Season 3 that just released!

Watch the Season 3 trailer…

Grab the FREE Chosen App here.

Much love, friends, and thanks for indulging me. See you again, Lord willing, on January 3, 2023! Can you believe another year has passed.

So grateful we’re on this journey together,

Gram Tam

Enter to win a lovely Recipe/Trinket Tin

Take it and make it your own, storing whatever you like (though it does come with recipe cards)

I’m Writing a Passion Play!

And I couldn’t be more excited by the challenge. Why is it a challenge?

First of all, it’s a musical, and needs to be about 50 percent music. That means the time on stage is cut in half, so I’m permitted fewer words . . . unless I put them into a song. Fortunately, the group in Memphis I’m writing for has talented musicians, so I’m writing lyrics and handing them over to musical experts. (I knew all those hours as a music major would be useful one day . . .)

The Passion Play set

Secondly, LOTS of people have seen a passion play, either live or on TV, so I want to create something different. Hard to come up with different when it’s a very familiar story with certain set events. (I’m feeling grateful THE CHOSEN hasn’t covered these events yet, or people might think I was stealing their ideas . . .)

Thirdly, the words “passion play” are a hot button to Jewish folks, and I’m worshipping these days at a Messianic synagogue. But, as the Lord would have it, the other day after our service I asked for prayer about this project, and the people said that our rabbi just HAPPENED to have written a book about distortions common to passion plays, and the book has suggestions to counteract the often prevalent notion that all the Jews in Jerusalem were vengeful, murderous people . . . I left that night with a copy of the book and have already implemented it.

So I am truly enjoying this project! I’m sandwiching the work in between drafts of my current novel, but a little time away from a work often gives fresh perspective, so that’s good.

I finished the first draft last week, and I’m taking my rabbi and his wife to lunch next week to get their perspective on it. When dealing with the Jewish Messiah and a story about Jewish people, I figured it would be helpful to get insights from Jewish scholars.

Here’s an example of something new I’ve learned: The Triumphal Entry took place on the 10th day of Nisan, the day when Jewish families were to choose their passover lamb. They would take it home, care for it, and examine it until the 14th of Nisan, when the lamb would be sacrificed as long as it had not been found blemished or defective. (By the way, the lamb did not have to be pure white. We often hear it had to be “without spot or blemish,” but the “spot” referred to scabs, etc, not color.)

Sheep and lambs on pasture

On that same day, the tenth of Nisan, Yeshua, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, entered Jerusalem and gave the people an opportunity to choose Him. And from that tenth day until the 14th, He was tried and tested before becoming our perfect, sinless sacrifice for sin.

Amazing, isn’t it?

Have you ever seen a passion play? What was your impression? What touched you the most? And if you can get to Memphis, why not come to see this one?

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.