Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 20

August 11th, 2017

Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the two week tour for Put It In Ink by Danyelle Scroggins. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs August 7-18, 2017.  Follow the tour here  Book your own tour here
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
ASIN: B01FP5TZC8
ISBN-10: 0996003878
ISBN-13: 978-0996003872
About Danyelle...
Pastor/ Author Danyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies from Liberty University, and is presently working on a Master’s in Religious Education from the Liberty University. Pastor Danyelle owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC and is the author of “His Mistress or God’s Daughter, Not Too Far Gone, Destiny’s Decision, Evonta’s Revenge, & The Power Series: Pain, Restoration, Love, & Forgiving”. She is the wife of Pastor Reynard Scroggins, the mother of three by birth and two by marriage.
About Put It In Ink...
Nikiya Barnett aka Nikki, is still secretly suffering in silence concerning losing the love of her life, Raja Abrams. She desires total healing from God, but somehow seems to be stuck in her heart and mind. She alongside her two best friends who happens to be her coworkers, are trying to make Salon Select the new ‘it’ spot but this does not happen until they invite God in, by way of Sappora Ink.

Sappora Ink is the new blog talk show host with a show entitled, RFRT~Real Folks, Real Truths. Sister Ink is a straight to the point, raw, doctrinaire Christian girl trying to help her friends in this sinful world. She is changing the world one show at a time, and taking Shreveport by storm with the help of Nikiya Barnett, the owner of Salon Select, who has opened her salon as a hosting spot. Little does Nikki know, Sappora is closer to Raja than she thinks?

Raja is stuck in a world wind of adversity that he seems to have created for himself. Through R.A.B.~ Raja Abrams Broadcasting, he is trying to secretly make Nikki aware that their time together was not a waste, but will his method be the same method used to change his life forever?

Things happen when we choose to let God in. Whether we appreciate His ways or not, we must remember, His ways are not our ways. Will life change for the better for Nikiya and Raja, or is the plan that has been laid before them all a part of God’s plan?

Excerpt...
Nikiya “Nikki” Barnett
Nikiya Barnett, known to shop patrons and friends as Nikki, was eager to tune in to RFRT with Sister Sappora Ink. The blog talk show previewed for the first time the past week, rating high and considered a hit by reviewers. As far as Nikki was concerned, the world needed someone who would tell the truth, live the truth, and share the truth, even if it were a blog talk show host.

As explained, Sister Ink answered questions about relationships, and although honest, she was raw. Against her will, Nikki listened to blog talk shows often blaming the desire to be a good best friend for this phenomenon. A couple of them were worth listening to, but some were uninformative and a useless waste of time. The hosts were inexperienced or too pretentious to explain life’s circumstances with realness and clarity. They failed to solve problems or share foundational truths from the Gospels, as Chelle declared Sister Ink did.

For the first time, Nikki’s curiosity about a show’s review ignited interest and Nikki refused to miss it. Intent on judging for herself perhaps sparked the motivation. It may also have been the desire to understand how she lost the love or her life or the need for spiritual advice. Either way, Nikki would be in the front of the computer, with an open mind centered on Sis. Ink.

The only dilemma was making it home on time. Nikki’s solution may not have been perfect but it was plausible. She drove 85 in and 70 mph zone, praying the angels would blind the police. The inability to afford another speeding ticket should have detoured Nikki from breaking the law, not to mention how dumb it would be to get a ticket resulting from rushing to hear a talk show, but it didn’t. With long hair weave blowing, as the wind whipped through the windows of the car, Nikki uncaring and unconcerned bobbed and sang along with the music. We are conquerors, conquerors.

Driving fast, the “zooming” of the other passing vehicles warranted a rearview mirror check. Dang Nikki! The thought was not a result of a police approaching, but the reality of looking at a calescent mess. Nikki snickered, but noticed the children in the car to the left laughing and pointing their fingers. Nikki licked at the children and then sped past them.

Connect Socially
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PastorDanyelle
Website: http://www.danyellescroggins.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/danyellescroggins
Purchase a copy
Barnes & Noble link: http://bit.ly/2w05e49
Amazon ebook link: http://amzn.to/2wfJ3pT
Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/2f2yGTa
Please leave a comment below. Danyelle would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

To read my novels, visit Chelle's Book Cafe

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The Unfaithful Heart...

I kicked the week off with a motivational message on Monday for women and how we deal with our afflictions. Today is #writerwednesday and I'm following up on that message with a piece from my girl.

She's one of my characters, Ambiance Lorraine Caldwell, and she's talking about the affliction that she has been burdened with: an unfaithful husband and an unfaithful heart. She's keeping it real and raw, about how she lost herself and fell away from her relationship with Christ because of her affliction. If you've dealt with this burden or know someone who has, or if you've ever been tempted, join us...
Hi ladies,

It's Ambiance here and I just want to sit down and chat with you for a moment or two. I've had a heavy heart, and trying to hold it all inside and keep my secrets to myself have become too much for me to bear. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to unload my afflictions with you.

Let me start off by saying, I never meant for things to get so out of hand the way that they did. I did not set out to have an adulterous heart, and I did not set out to justify my actions by the wrong my husband was doing. It happened because I had made Eric my entire world. After all, isn't that what a woman was supposed to do? I did everything by the book, saved myself for marriage, submitted to my husband, and trusted him to lead me in the right direction as the head of my life. It still didn't stop my entire marriage from being a farce!

So, Eric and I met in my last year of college when I was home from UGA on Christmas vacation. I had dated other guys, but I knew the man who was getting my body, would be my husband. Why? Because my daddy and step-mother raised me to keep the cookies locked in the cookie jar until I said "I Do."

Now, I know many women say you need to test it out and all of that stuff, but not me. I trusted God to give me everything that I needed and wanted as a woman in my husband. I'm not just talking about a good provider and someone who loved me. I'm talking about someone who could put it down in the bed and please me, too. God gave me that. It wasn't God who failed me, it was my husband.

Eric started cheating from the first year. We didn't even get into the marriage well, before he started jumping in bed with this trick named, Kendra. I'm sorry, but I don't have patience for a woman who doesn't have enough confidence in herself to get her own man. My friend, Paige included, but that's another story...literally.

Anyway, we tried to get help. I did everything that I could think of to please my man, including not nagging him and being a freak in the bedroom. It just wasn't enough. Eric was bound and determined that one woman would not be enough to satisfy him. I thought we survived the first year after counseling, but not long after he was up to his old tricks again.

I couldn't keep that man out of the strip clubs nor out of Kendra's bed. He told me every lie he could think of and I fell for them, because I wanted my marriage to work. I knew the truth. I knew that he wasn't hanging out with his brothers late nights until the early mornings. I knew he wasn't working late on some case, even if he was a practicing attorney.

I prayed and prayed and prayed, and I read the Word of God. I declared and decreed everything I could think of. Finally, I got fed up with that man and I got fed up with God. He wasn't answering my prayers so my career became everything. I worked my butt off during the day at Vanilla Rose, the fashion boutique I worked at. And I worked my butt off at night on my own fashion consulting business, Bleu Diamante Fashions. My world revolved around my work and I was available when and if Eric needed me, because he was quickly forgetting I was his wife. He was no longer available to perform his husbandly duties, or he was too tired to do so. So, if he wasn't doing that, you know he wasn't giving me emotional support.
Eric Caldwell
Nick Jackson
Women, I don't care what you say, we want to feel love, desired, and beautiful. We want a man to look at us when we pass by like he can't live without us. We want a man's head to turn even if we're with our man. We want to be wanted, bottom line!

So when he stepped to me and I know I wasn't on my A-game that day, I was all for it. Now don't get me wrong, I played it like I wasn't interested. But from day one I could not get that man out of my head. He was so sexy and good-looking. His grooming was on point, and he drove a nice ride! I decided one day to go to lunch with him, even though I told him I was only interested in friendship. I stood my ground on that for a long time. I had to know that at some point I would fall.

When a man pays you the attention your husband doesn't, and he's never to busy to talk to you day or night; when he accepts your calls in the wee hours of the night, because you're scared from being home alone; when he talks to you on the ride home and on the ride to work; and when he's the last voice you hear as you lay down in your empty bed at night; and when he makes you feel you're the axis of his world...you can't help but fall head over heels in love.

That my ladies, is how I fell into an emotional affair with Nicholas "Nick" Jackson. It was not an easy entanglement. He wanted to show me what it really felt like to be loved, but he was always a gentleman. Even when I was angry at Eric, he would advise me as a friend in a way that I knew was in the best interest of my marriage. He always kept it real with me, and told me that eventually I'd have to tell Eric about him.

I thought I had it all together until that fateful day that we had lunch at Flaming Rio. Everything changed, and my world would never be the same again. Ladies, if you find yourselves in such a situation, the desire to feel that attraction from a man can be tempting and overwhelming. I simply suggest you tie up your loose ends first. Be real with yourself, stay prayed up, and stay in the Scriptures. When the Word of God says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour," that's the Truth! That's first Peter five, verse eight.

My life, my soul, and my world was devoured in one single day. It did not matter if I was only engaging in an emotional affair, it still led to more, and it always will. There's no way around it, so don't trick yourselves.

The main message I want you to get out of all of this is, if your marriage is afflicted, don't give up on God. He might not answer when you want Him to, but He has a plan, and He'll step in just in the 'nick' of time. Pun intended. ;)

I wish that I had waited on the Lord. If I had I would not have created the catastrophe I found myself in, nor would I have experienced the tragedy that was on its way. All I wanted was to be free of the nightmare. Yes, I simply wanted someone to say, "Woman, be free."
Read Chapter 1 of Ambiance's Story...
Buy The Book...
Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
About Chelle Ramsey...
Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 

Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.

She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

The Afflicted Woman...

Merriam-Webster defines the word “affliction,” as “a cause of persistent pain or distress,” “great suffering.” Then dictionary.com defines it as, “a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery,” and “a cause of mental or bodily pain, as sickness, loss, calamity, or persecution.”

Affliction can also be the result of persecution from those around you. Family, friends, co-workers, or those you live around may cause mental distress. This type of suffering does not always come at the hand of a declared enemy. Trials come in various forms whether they be from the loss of a loved one, divorce, financial challenges, or physical or mental ailments.

Most women are innate nurturers who are naturally strong, but sometimes the pressure of life and unanswered prayers can be burdensome. We are expected to hold it together, especially for our families, which isn’t always easy. When we find ourselves afflicted with physical or mental distress, we find ourselves employing coping mechanisms that are not always healthy.

Just as the affliction may come by way of countless sources and attack different facets of our lives, so do we also learn to handle them in various manners. Sometimes we avoid those who love and care for us, or block ourselves off from the outside world altogether. To escape the pain, we may sleep more, or eat more than normal. Some women deal with afflictions through:StressEatingDrugsAlcoholSexDepression.
All of these methods are unhealthy for our mind, body, soul, and the relationships we form with others.

The Bible shares many stories of women who suffered some form of affliction. Yet, their suffering was to draw them and others closer to God, that He would be glorified. I am reminded of Mary the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine being engaged and your fiancé is expecting to marry a virgin, and you have to tell him that you’re pregnant?

People in the community were surely talking about her. Here is this young girl who is suddenly pregnant and she isn’t married. Her fiancé thought about breaking off the engagement (Matthew 1:18-19). Everything he expected changed into something that may have been difficult to conceive. It was a blessing, but Mary and Joseph had to go through the test. Her obedience to God and trust in Him led her to be a vessel for a gift to be endowed on future generations, including you and me. Read her story (Luke).

Ruth, the Moabite experienced affliction. Her husband died prior to having children. She pledged to her mother-in-law, Naomi that she would go wherever Naomi went and make it her home, and that the God Naomi served would become her God. In the midst of her bereavement, she left her home and set out on the road to a strange land. Meeting Boaz was a blessing to Ruth not only in the way of provision for work, but also finding a husband who was compassionate and kind. Read her story (Ruth).

If ever there was a woman who faced persecution it was Esther. She married King Ahasuerus, learned that one of his trusted counsel, Haman, had planned to kill her and her people, and risked her life by approaching the king who had not called her. Despite the persecution of her and her people at the hand of Haman, Esther was able to turn the attack back on the enemy. She accomplished this through her and the people praying and fasting (Esther 4:16-17). Read her story (Esther).

Sometimes our afflictions come at our own hand. Take Eve for instance, her every need was provided by the Lord. She was blessed with a life of abundance. Yet, her lack of obedience and bad decision caused her to lose it (Genesis 3). Eve recognized God’s grace and favor on her life despite her sin, in the birth of her son (Genesis 4:1).

Elizabeth was barren until her old age (Luke 1:7). Women often desire to conceive and nurture life. Many women become hopeless and depressed when they can’t procreate, and it affects every area of their lives. Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were righteous people, always serving the Lord. Despite her failure to reproduce, she did not turn away from Almighty God. In time, she conceived and gave birth to a son, John the Baptist. It did not happen when she wanted, but in God’s own time He brought it to pass, because He had a plan for the family.

Hagar, Sarah’s servant, faced abuse, injustice, prejudice, and despair (Genesis 16:6) after she became prideful for giving birth to a son for Abraham when Sarah could not. When she was sent away to the desert, God saw her distress and provided for her and her child. Hagar was promised that she would become the mother of a nation (Genesis 16:10), a parallel of Abraham’s promise.

Regardless of what your affliction may be, or whatever burden you’re carrying the Lord will see you through. It may not happen in the timeframe that you expect, but He will do it in His time, Kairos. The Lord is faithful to deliver you. Although it may be taking a long time, continue to keep your focus on Him. Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” He has a plan for your troubles, suffering, and pain. Allow Him to work in you, through you, and for you.

I have learned in life that whatever my circumstance and whatever challenge I face, there is always someone else who’s going through worse. It’s difficult to consider something worse, when you’re in the midst of your pain. The burden can be so heavy you don’t care if there are people going through worse. You simply want your misery to end. Trust that it’s not over and you will survive. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

When afflictions arise in your life stand on the Word of God and pray. If you already have a prayer life, go deeper, if you don’t, it’s never too late to start. His Word will be your strength and His presence will be your fortress. When the pressure becomes too much, and you’re overwhelmed immerse yourself in what His Word says. It will bring you out and draw you closer to Him. Psalm 119:71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.”

In my recent novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions, three best friends are suffering because of choices they have made, or those made by their loved ones. They don’t instantly turn to prayer and the Word of God. They struggle to find themselves in the midst of the darkness and pain. Their afflictions lead them into deeper struggles. Read more here: A Woman’s Design: Afflictions.
Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
About Chelle Ramsey...
Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.

She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Fab Friday Features, Joy...

Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Maybe, Book Blast Tour with Joy Avery. August 3, 2017. @wnlbooktours @authorjoyavery
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ASIN: B072VJ9P6K

About Maybe...
Sometimes, all it takes is the right motivation…

Artist Rana Lassiter has sworn off men. After being hurt, she prefers painting passionate scenes of love on her canvas instead of the real thing. But when she meets Mount Pleasance’s newest arrival, sexy and suave fireman Dallas Fontaine, she envisions a different kind of stroke than the ones she performs with her brush. To say she’s attracted to the debonair man is an understatement, but she refuses to fall victim to his good looks, charm or persistence.
Dallas has never had a problem getting any woman he wants. And he wants Rana. In a way he’s never wanted any woman before. There’s just one problem…she doesn’t want him. But she will. By the time he’s done, she won’t be able to resist his blazing kisses.
But nothing is easy, especially love. When a life-altering event occurs, it will test them both. Are they strong enough to forge through the catastrophic storm, or will they allow it to destroy their chance at happily-ever-after?

About Joy...
By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds--creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen. Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you'll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is married with one child. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, pretending to expertly play the piano, driving her husband insane, and playing with her two dogs. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.
Connect Socially
Website: http://www.joyavery.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjoyavery
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorjoyavery
Purchase link
Amazon: http://bit.ly/maybeitslove
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com
Follow the tour:  http://wnlbooktours.com/joy-avery/
Please leave a comment below. Joy would love to hear from you!

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For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

Reminiscing...

Have you ever met a man who was so tempting, and so delicious? Yet, his ways can be a bit controlling, even though he says it's in your best interest. Temptation comes in many facets and if we're not careful we'll succumb to something that will pull us under.

It's another #writerwednesday, my reading friends.  I enjoy sharing with you what's in the works. Here's a snippet of A Woman's Design: Redemption. This is part 2 of A Woman's Design...
“Come on, baby, let’s hit the water,” Larry jumped up from lying on the towel he had spread out for us.

“Well, um…I, uh—”

“You can swim, can’t you?” He placed his hand over his eyebrows, shielding his eyes from the sun.

“Yeah. I can swim.” I gulped apprehensively.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Nothing,” I mumbled. I was not ready to remove my sarong and reveal all this woman pouring out of my bathing suit.

I looked around the beach at all the women and young girls in their respectable and not-so-respectable swimwear. Most of the young girls around Sasha and Sabrina’s age ran around in thongs, butt cheeks jiggling everywhere.

There were a few my age dressed the same way, too. Even those not showing off all their goods looked wonderful in their bathing suits.

What I had not seen were many women who looked like me. I had seen a few of them strutting along the beach, but I didn’t possess that same confidence.

Larry lowered down on the towel and rested a hand on my lap.

“Naomi, I brought you here to have fun. Let go of your reservations, and just live today. Okay?”

I looked into his eyes and wondered about the laughter I saw there. Was it happiness or ridicule? I was unsure, but wanted to believe in his words.

Larry kissed me sweetly on the lips as he stroked my arm. I looked in his eyes and tried to calm my breathing pattern as it quickly increased. He smiled at me and kissed me again, this time urging me to open my lips as he put pressure on them.

I opened up, hesitantly allowing his tongue entrance. I was so caught up in the kiss and the way he was making me feel that I didn’t notice he had released my sarong’s knot.

“Come on, baby,” he said, breaking the kiss unexpectedly.

I held his hand tightly and allowed him to pull me into a stand next to him and he grabbed me in his embrace. He kissed me again and this time I wished we were in private somewhere rather than on the public beach.

His hands rubbed my back up and down and before I knew it, I felt a cool change.

My breath caught on a hitch in my throat as I realized what he had done. I looked back at the blanket and saw my sarong lying there.

“Larry!”

“It’s okay, baby. Come on, let’s hit the water.” He pulled me behind him.

My pleas fell on deaf ears as he continued to the water’s edge. I wanted to fly away on the wind as I felt every roll and wrinkle jiggle and shake as we ran to the water. I knew my thighs and hips were smiling at the beach goers.

I continued to run, because I only wanted to disappear into the water now. Hoping no one had seen what I had worked hard to cover up.

When we got to the water he began splashing me no sooner than I started fussing at him.

I swam away and pouted at a further distance. He quickly caught up with me.

“Baby, what’s wrong,” he asked, pulling me into his arms.

My resistance did nothing to stop him.

“I didn’t want to take that off, Larry. You didn’t ask me you just did what you wanted to do, without any concern about how I’d feel.”

“I cared about how you felt. But I also realized you’re a bit self-conscious and have no reason to be. If I’d let you, you’d sit on that towel the rest of the day reading a book. We’re here to have fun, baby. I don’t know what you’re worried about. I think you look sexy and that’s all that should matter. What the rest of these people think out here don’t matter to no one. You’re here with me and that’s all I care about.”

He ran his hands over my hips before letting them easily slide down to my bottom.

I reached behind me and pulled them back up.

Larry smiled and winked at me before pulling my lips into another sensual kiss. This time when his hands slid back down there he gripped me tightly and bit my lip each time I attempted to remove them. I finally gave up and let him hold me there if it made him feel better.

Larry moaned and groaned in my mouth as if he were making love. I was thankful for the cool water, because I knew if it wasn’t for that we would spontaneously combust. Or at least I would.

Lord, please help me resist the temptations this man brings. I’m thankful for such a good man who finds me beautiful, but I don’t want to step out of Your will, I prayed silently. A Woman's Design: Redemption Coming Soon
Download A Woman's Design: Afflictions
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An Encouraging Opportunity...

I was one busy woman this weekend, between running my children and niece from one mall to the next, open house, grocery shopping, cleaning, and watching my infant niece. It was all so tiring, yet so fulfilling and rewarding...just spending time with those who are important in my life.

Sometimes we look for opportunities to minister to others, and sometimes the opportunity falls in our paths. The only thing that we can do in those moments is be obedient to the Lord and allow Him to use us. I was witness to some things this weekend, and also had conversations with the young people in my life that actually inspired me. I tried to be the best that I could be, and share a word of encouragement that they could take with them throughout the year.

You don't always know if the word was well received, or understood, or even if it made a difference. All you can do is be obedient, pray, and allow Him to do the rest. This particular time I received a confirmation via a text message that my message was received, and I just pray that it will continue to inspire and strengthen.  

Below are some of the Scriptures that I shared with the children in my life. As they start a new day of school today, they will face many challenges. I can only pray they will recall some of what I have shared, as well as lessons that my husband and I have tried to teach them.

I don't know what obstacles lie in your way this week, or in the month ahead, but I pray that you will find some encouragement in the Scriptures below...
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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Fab Friday Features, Sylvia...

Creative Expressions Literary Services is pleased to announce Virtual Book Tour for Beautiful by Sylvia Hubbard. The tour will run July 23-August 6, 2017.
Publication Date: July 7, 2017
Genre: Romance and Suspense
Paperback: 324 pages
About Beautiful...
Madison wanted more than anything to be beautiful and meeting a tall, handsome stranger was the answer to her prayers. Yet, was meeting the stranger all a ploy to steal her valuable research? Or did he really love her? She must discover the truth, but will she survive or lose herself and everything she has worked for. Find the answers wrapped around suspense, drama, and romance in Beautiful, Author Sylvia Hubbard’s 40th Novel. Read chapters 1-5 of Beautiful for free

More About Beautiful...
Link to excerpts:
Link to Interview Questions
Link to Guest Post Articles
Book Trailer
Purchase Links
Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

About Sylvia...
Sylvia Hubbard knew she’d wanted to be a writer of romance long before she knew there were black writers in the world. Weaving stories magically as a summer past time to writing stories to get through the humdrum of school, she was able to create something from nothing.
Today, she has independently published over 40 books, is the founder of Motown Writers Network and The Michigan Literary Network, CEO of HubBooks Literary Services, runs over five blogs on a variety of subjects, host The Michigan Literary Network Radio Show and is a happily divorced mother of three children in Detroit, Michigan.
 
“I’m no superwoman,” she states with a smile that seems infinite on her lips. “I’m just being an asset in the world instead of a liability.”
Connect with Sylvia...
Social Links
Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Youtube|Periscope
Snapchat|Goodreads|Amazon Author Page


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Writer Wednesday with M.J. Kane...

Hello loyal readers, and welcome to another #WriterWednesday! This past Saturday night I had the privilege of being a featured author on It's Lit with M.J. Kane. My fellow author and former writers' group leader invited me on her show to dish on writing, life, and to sample a little of the fruits of the vine.

To say we had a great time does not begin to explain our night. Between her and her cousin, LadyKane the hysterics were never ending from before the show started until after it ended. I do enjoy in person events when I do them, but seldom do I attend them because I am introverted. Yet, they both had me quite a bit relaxed as we kicked it about everything under the sun. And that was before we sipped a little Sangria. My daughter was in the studio with us as well, and she enjoyed watching us clown.

We talked about writing love scenes and our challenges in that area. Personally, I have a love scene that's my favorite in her book, Lonely Heart, which happens to be the third book in The Butterfly Series.
It is a brief interaction between Kaitlyn and Antonio that has both rocking on the edge.

Anyhoo, today, I would like to share with you that particular body of work that Mrs. Kane so lovingly and creatively crafted. Check it out below. Also, there's a link to watch our interview that we did on last Saturday night, in case you missed it...
Download Lonely Heart...
It's Lit Interview...
Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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Being You...

 “The only way to speak the truth is to speak lovingly.” – Henry David Thoreau
 “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Suess
There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself. – Anonymous
Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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Fab Friday Features, Michelle...

Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Who Killed My Husband? By Michelle Stimpson
Virtual Book Tour. July 17-28, 2017.  @wnlbooktours @ StimpsonTweets
 
Genre: Short Story/Mystery
 
ASIN: B071743ZLP

About The Book...
Ashley Crandall finally convinced her husband, Allan, to attend the Christian men’s retreat...but he ends up dead there. What happened to him on the campgrounds? Who would want to kill Allan? And why are the detectives pointing fingers at Ashley? In her quest to solve the mystery and clear her name, Ashley will learn something about her husband that she didn’t want to know and something about her Christian faith that shifts her life. 

This short work by national bestselling, multi-published author Michelle Stimpson is packed with emotion, suspense, and a her signature way of weaving hope into a story – always a hit with readers who enjoy faith-based reads.

Excerpt...
Chapter 1
“Thank you for doing this, Allan.” I kept my eyes steady on the unfamiliar, winding road sprawling before me. Already, I had braked three times for sharp turns and a pothole. 

Allan, ears covered by headphones, bobbed as though he didn’t hear my compliment. His baby smooth skin, dimples, and semi-mohawk haircut made him look much younger than thirty-two. So young, in fact, that a few times, twenty-something chicks at his DJing events had mistaken me as his older sister or his manager, even though I was only thirty. Allan thought that was funny. “It’s good for business,” he’d say, flashing his boyish grin.

I was tired of him acting like a boy. A guy. A dude. A bro. I needed him to grow up and be a man. Start thinking about things that mattered, namely his eternity. Since Allan had agreed to attend this non-church-affiliated men’s retreat, I thought my prayers were finally being answered. I had gone all out to take off work early so I could take him to Peaceful Days. Even dusted on some makeup and flat-ironed my wavy mane so he’d have this awesome picture of me in the back of his mind all weekend.

I tapped him on the shoulder and mouthed again, “Thank you for doing this.”

I knew better than to expect a “Sure thing, Ashley,” or “It’s my pleasure to go,” from him. He was either ignoring me or caught up in his music. No matter, I was used to being blocked out of his life by music, working at KRBF FM radio Dallas. His side gigs. His friends. His lifestyle.

Still, my eyes watered for a moment. The rejection stung worse than a bee. At least when a bee stung, it was defending its own territory. Allan and I were supposed to be one in God’s sight. Why he chose to turn on me—his wife of six years—and treat me like the enemy was unreasonable. We were on the same team.

At least we were until Corey died.

Blinking tears away, my vision cleared just in time to spot a pretty good-sized animal dart into the road. I slammed on the brakes. My stomach squirmed. I winced, hoping the thing had escaped being crushed.
A second later, my body relaxed. Whatever it was hadn’t become a bump under my wheels.

“Geez Louise!” Allan yelled. “Can you not see?”

“It came out of nowhere!” I pointed toward the open field on the passenger’s side.

“I saw it a mile away!” he claimed, motioning toward his window. “You’re not paying attention.”

“Neither are you!”

Allan pulled the headphones down so they dangled around his neck. “I’m paying plenty of attention to the road. Can’t say the same about you since you nearly got us killed.”
Cautiously, I continued our path to the campgrounds.

“Do you need me to drive?” he asked with a hint of sympathy in his voice.

This was my husband’s way of apologizing. He wouldn’t just come out and say, “Babe, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” He’d offer to do something.

“No,” I said. That was my way of not accepting his roundabout apology.

I had grounds for a full-blown argument. How dare he accuse me of trying to kill us? And why am I driving anyway—I’m the woman! Real men know how to step up and take the wheel in more ways than one. Top that off with the fact that my heart was still racing from the animal-in-the-road scare, and I was primed.

But I didn’t want to go there. Not now. Especially not today. Allan had finally agreed to attend a Christian men’s conference for the weekend, and I’d been praying that God would use this weekend to touch my husband’s heart. Having a big blowout of an argument just before dropping him off wouldn’t exactly be productive.

Thanks to a few books I’d been reading and the personal advice of the Holy Spirit, I had come to the point of understanding that, apparently, Allan was in the “may be won without a word” category. I just needed to keep my mouth zipped and let God do His thing. Problem number one: Allan had a knack for provoking me. Problem number two: I wasn’t always obedient. Problem number three: God was taking

His sweet time.

My husband pressed a dial on his headphones. “Hello?”

The caller spoke loud enough for me to hear that it was a man. A hollering man.

“Wait up, man! I gotchu! My first payment isn’t even due until next month, bro,” Allan said.

I put two and two together and realized he was talking to Jerry Albright, the man who had helped finance my husband’s acquisition of the radio station where he worked.

“I’mma have yo money like I said, at the time we agreed to,” Allan said forcefully, slipping into a strong southern accent. “Why you tryna collect early?”

The rest of the conversation was much more calm. Allan wasn’t playing with Jerry. But neither was Jerry playing with Allan, apparently.

Great. Now we have loan sharks after us. This whole DJ Pistol Whip persona was getting out of control.

“Aight. I’ll talk to you next week. I’m gonna be at a…some kind of thing my old lady set me up to…
Naw…you know I ain’t goin’ out like that! I got a reputation to protect!” Allan laughed.

Thank God they’re laughing and not threatening each other.

Whatever the man had suggested was probably too civil for DJ Pistol Whip to admit to.

“I’ll catch you later.” He took the headphones off, mumbling to himself that Jerry was crazy. His thumbs whittled away at a message to somebody.

“In one-half mile, turn left on Prayer Lane,” the navigation system instructed.

Allan chuckled. “Prayer Lane.” He pushed his headphones back in place.

I could hardly wait for that half a mile to come and go so I could drop him off at that camp and burn rubber on my way out. I figured, if nothing else, at least I’d get a weekend away from him

As we neared the grounds, we were welcomed by the United States flag, the Texas flag, and the Christian flag. Flowers bloomed in pristine arrangements lining the entryway’s white picket fence. Green grass rolled for acres between small buildings with country flair. A large pond sparkled in the midst of the camp. The scenery alone should have been enough to let Allan know that God is real and loves to bring beauty into this world.

Peaceful Days Camp was painted in bright red letters on a wooden sign. Underneath the facility name was the phrase Come all who labor.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Allan yelled. His music’s volume must have been so loud he didn’t realize how his voice carried. “Laboring is what I need to be doing this Friday night instead of hanging out with some chumps at a camp.”

“Really?” I yelled loud enough for him to hear me. “You think judging a twerking contest is labor?”

“It’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it,” he shouted back. “DJing and vibin’ with the hip hop culture is the way I make my money. You knew who you were marrying when you married DJ Pistol Whip, right?”

“I didn’t marry DJ Pistol Whip. I married Allan Crandall.”

“One and the same, baby. One and the same.” He bobbed his head even harder and started throwing punches in the air as though fighting an imaginary foe.

All I could do was poke out my lips. He had a point. Allan had turned into this persona he’d created to earn a living. He was very good at what he did. A part of me was glad that he loved his work. But when that work involved MCing wet T-shirt contests, I had a problem. A serious problem.

I followed the signs to the H. P. Lewis men’s dormitory, which had been mentioned in the series of emails leading up to the retreat. Of course, all of the email messages came to me, since Allan wasn’t about to keep track of anything regarding this event.

I parked and, almost immediately, Allan hopped out. I pushed the button to open the back window so he could retrieve his bags. As he walked around to the back of our vehicle, I got the paperwork from my purse. Suddenly, I felt like a mother must feel when she’s dropping her child off at kindergarten. The joy. The pain. The pride.

A sadness swept over me as I wondered: Will I ever experience that for myself?

Thoughts of little Corey filled my mind, nearly overtaking me with their intensity. He would have been three years old the following week. “Horrible Threes” I’d heard people called them. People wouldn’t say such negative things about babies and children—about them waking up in the middle of the night, the crying, the teething, the getting into everything—if they realized what a blessing it was to have a living, breathing, normal, healthy child.

The tears had come too quickly for me to blink them away. I swiped them from my eyes.
Allan closed the back window.

I got out of the car to see him off. I had planned to give him a big kiss and a hug in Jesus’s name, but I wasn’t feeling my husband or Jesus at the moment.

Allan hoisted his backpack on his shoulder as he walked toward me.

All around us were couples saying goodbye. Hugging, slight pecks, praying with one another.

I looked up at him. Forced a smile. “Have a good weekend.”

The heavy weight of concern crossed his face. “Why are you crying, Ashley? I’m at the retreat, okay? This is what you wanted, right?”

As mean as Allan could be sometimes, he always fell apart at the slightest hint of wetness on my face.

Peering into his eyes, I wondered why on earth God had allowed these crazy twists and turns in my life. My son’s death. My failing marriage. Even my mother’s dementia, which had been a long time coming, seemed an odd ending to such a good life.

If only my husband and I were on the same page, spiritually, I could lean on him. We could pray for each other. He could actually love me like Christ loved the church, and I could be submissive because I respected him, and life would be…well…easier and holier and basically better.

But I knew not to share my thoughts to Allan. No sense in talking to a brick wall.

Allan hugged me. “Get some rest this weekend. I know.…” He sighed. “I know what today is.”

“Yeah.”

Allan still couldn’t say Corey’s name.

A tinny beat came from the headphones, interrupting our silent moment.

“Are you going to wear those all weekend?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I guess, when we’re not doing anything.”

I thrust the itinerary into his hand. “You’ve got a full weekend. There’s no way you’ll have time for music.”

“There’s always time for music, baby.” He gave a charming smile.

I sighed. Twisted my lips to the side. This was a joke to him. If all he planned to do was go to the classes between vulgar songs, my efforts to get him here had been nothing but a waste of time, effort, money, hope, and prayers.

I blew a cool breeze from my mouth. “You’re right. It’s totally up to you, Allan. Enjoy yourself.” I turned and opened the driver’s side door, not wanting him to see my fresh batch of tears. I didn’t want him to think I was trying to manipulate him by crying. Guilt-induced expressions of love were always disingenuous and short-lived.

Allan grasped my arm. “Ashley. Wait.” He squared up my shoulders before I had a chance to wipe my cheeks dry.

“I’m here because I want to be here.” He swallowed. “I’m tired of fighting with you. I can’t change what happened. I can’t fix everything like I want to. And I don’t know God like you want me to. But I’m here this weekend because I do care.”

“If you care, then listen? Take off your headphones and listen to what’s in here.” I placed my hand on his heart.

Slowly, my husband removed the black headset. He put it around my neck. Smiled. “You could use some music this weekend, I bet.”

I giggled slightly. “You’re probably right.”

He rested his forehead on mine. “I love you, pretty brown-eyed girl.”

His nickname for me, based on the Mint Condition 90s song, still made me melt. I twisted my lips to one side, then gave way to a smile of my own. “Love you, too. See you Sunday.”

The truth was: I loved Allan and I knew he loved me. But if God didn’t fix him that weekend, I didn’t know what I was going to do. We’d already tried counseling. Well, I tried counseling. Allan went twice and said it was a waste of time. I bought his-and-hers versions of do-it-yourself couples therapy-type books. Allan never got past the first few chapters. I was getting to the end of my strategies for improvement.

Friday night found me in bed crying as I flipped through pictures of our wedding. We were so happy back then. We had the rest of our lives in front of us.

Or so I thought.

Taking off the afternoon and enduring the tension with Allan almost all the way to the camp had taken a lot out of me. I didn’t want to argue with my husband. I didn’t want to be so judgmental. I just didn’t know any other way to make him see how much he needed Jesus.

Rather than cry my eyes swollen, I decided to get up and do some work. I logged into my employer’s system and began to edit and comment on documents the team had uploaded. If nothing else, I could at least find some success at work.
About The Author...
Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults. In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com. Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, in Dallas, TX. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations, and she has taught writing classes at the University of Texas at Arlington. Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.
Buy The Book...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Killed-Husband-Michelle-Stimpson-ebook/dp/B071743ZLP
 
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-killed-my-husband-michelle-stimpson/1126439599?ean=9781537890104
 
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/who-killed-my-husband/id1239454458?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
 
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michelle_Stimpson_Who_Killed_My_Husband?id=Z50kDwAAQBAJ
 
 
Connect Socially:
 
 
Twitter handle https://twitter.com/StimpsonTweets
 
Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/Michelle.Stimpson2
 
Website http://www.MichelleStimpson.com
 
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours www.wnlbooktour.com

Follow the tour here: http://wnlbooktours.com/michelle-stimpson/

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