Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 76

When the Messiness of Life Collides with Peace

Yesterday I posted this on the Grove. This. This is where I am right now. This is the realness of my life. Can anyone relate?

This is a place we can be honest about where we’re really living, right?

My life is messy.

Embrace the messiness of life and discover joy in the muddle.
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I like boxes…everything with a place that it fits. Things neat, clean, and organized. (Yes, that is my husband you hear guffawing in the background).

My reality is anything but a life lived in neat, individualized blocks of time.

As I write this to go live in mere hours, I’ve had a day that left me with 15 minute blocks of time at home. Yes, FIFTEEN MINUTES. It was Nuts. Insane. Chaotic.

This is the reality of where I live. 

My house is no Leave it to Beaver paragon of perfection. I live on the edge of a chaotic mess. I watch scenes from Mom’s Night Out and cry. Every. Stinking. Time. Because I relate.

My life more often feels like a mess than a masterpiece.

(I did say this was a place to be real, right?)

But in that mess, I realize the only source of peace in my life is Christ. His is the perfect peace that passes all understanding. All understanding. That’s good. Because right now it feels like little is following the plan I envisioned-even the six month plan. Life is good…but it’s chaotic.

So my house hasn’t sold yet? God’s peace says He has a plan.

So I haven’t moved into the new house and I’m bringing more back to our current house than I’m taking to the new house? God isn’t surprised.

So I don’t fully know where I’m headed career wise? Will I teach full time? Will I write another book for a publisher? Peace says that God’s plan for my life has been more beautiful than I could imagine, so I will trust Him with my future. Every single time anxiety rears up, I will look at His faithfulness and believe it will continue.

So I feel poured out and empty? Then I will turn to Scripture. I will remind myself that God cherishes me. I will turn on the worship, and I will turn my attention from me to my Father. And in that place…in that moment, I will embrace the peace He offers.

So I’m a mess? God’s not surprised. He loves me anyway. And I can trust that peace can undergird my life just like the hymn says regardless of my circumstances.

What’s your secret to discovering peace in the messiness of life? (below is the YouTube to one of my current, favorite worship songs).  Today, embrace peace!

Following God’s Call Feels Selfish, but should It?

Last night as a group of us discussed the first few chapters of The Best Yes a common theme emerged:

When we do something we feel God is calling us to, it often feels selfish.

Oh, can anyone relate?

The precious women in the study sure could.

Does is feel selfish when you pursue God’s calling? @cara_putman shares why it isn’t.
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As I sat there, I felt compelled to remind them that if God has planted the dream/desire/seed in their hearts, then they need to take that next step. Test the dream. Prepare for the next stages.

What can hold us back from moving into the dream?  Lack of preparation: we don’t have the skills or tools we need. Fear: we’re afraid of what will happen if we fail. Concern: this is selfish on our part when there are so many other places the money/time/resources/fill-in-the-blank could go.

Yet the line in the graphic is so true: This is not about selfish ambition. This is about letting out the cry of passion that God entrusted to you and to me. I look at it as an issue of obedience.

When I started the rode of the MBA, it was purely an act of obedience. I still do not know why God had me get the degree. But I believe I will be prepared for something He has for me in the future. I also believe that it was preparation for something — that I will need those magic three letters at some point. That an opportunity or calling will be available because I was obedient. It wasn’t selfish ambition or vain conceit. It was a lot of work. A lot of blood, sweat, and a few tears to get to the other side.

But it was worth it.

Pursuing that quiet whisper locked inside will be worth it. What feels selfish is really honoring God as you say yes to what He asks. Where you feel incapable is where God can show off. We have to get out of the way — revel in our weaknesses so that His strength can become evident.

What will you have to give up? What will you have to lay aside for a season as you test God’s best for you? Are you willing to give it a try?

I fully believe that as you do, He will reveal His wisdom and pleasure. And in that moment there is such joy!

Your assignment for this week is to read chapters 4-6 of The Best Yes if you haven’t already. If you don’t have the book, don’t worry, I’ll keep writing posts. At the same time read the story in II Samuel 20 and think about the wise woman described there. Quite a richness to that story that you may not have ever read before.

Let’s chase God’s wisdom for our lives this week!

Want to join me? Let’s talk about what it means to serve God and those He’s put in our lives. To do so with intention and wisdom. To chase the dreams He’s planted in our hearts that have become covered with layers of neglect, business, and fear.

All you have to do is get a copy ofThe Best Yes, read chapters 4-6, and join me next Monday for the next installment. Complete this super short form, and I’ll be sure to shoot you a quick email with each new post.

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Hugs, friends.

 

 

 

Fiction Friday: Christy Award Finalists

The Christy Award winners will be announced at the end of the month. Traditionally, the Christy goes to the best book in several different categories of Christian fiction. This year’s list of finalists can be found here. I’m delighted to see so many friends’ books on the list and thought I’d focus this week’s Fiction Friday on a recap of why I loved their books. If you’re looking for a vacation read, I think you’ll find a bunch of great books on this list.

Looking for a #novel to read on #vacation? Check out these @ChristyAward finalists
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The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate in contemporary

Don’t readThe Story Keeper unless you love a story that resonates long after you’re finished. Unless you love a book to keep calling to you when you aren’t reading. Unless you love characters who are broken but fighting for their place. Unless you love a setting so rich you could see every word. Unless you love a story that resonates.

Lisa Wingate is a masterful author and this book is probably my favorite yet. Jen is an editor trying to make it in NYC when a manuscript shows up on her desk. She is entranced by the words and story and must acquire it. The only problem is she has no idea who the author is and going after the book could cost her career. Even more it forces her to return home and confront how broken her family is. This is a rich story within a story, one that flows seemlessly back and forth. It is perfect for readers who love a contemporary with a mystery and almost hidden romance. This is a rich story of family and coming home.

 

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander in Historical Romance

I adore Tamera Alexander’s historical romances set in post Civil War Nashville. They capture the essence of reconstruction in a realistic way while telling a story I can disappear into. This story-telling sets a high standard and leaves me wondering if she can do it again. She does!

In A Beauty so Rare, Eleanor Braddock is not a beautiful woman in the traditional southern sense, so she has resigned herself to a life of singleness. because of her father’s illness she has to find a way to support herself. The story weaves in the plight of war widows and orphans while also pulling in an element of European royalty. Trust me: it works beautifully. And in the telling, the author addresses true beauty and the importance of looking beyond the superficial to the heart and essence of a person. I finished the last page with a happy sigh for a story well told, quickly followed by a sad sigh because now I have to wait for her next book!

If you love antebellum historical romance with strong Christian threads, you will adore this story that transports you to that time in Nashville.

 

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden in Historical Romance

I just finished this wonderful new book. With Every Breath is a gripping story set in the fight to cure tuberculosis in the late 1800s. Mystery, Romance, Faith — all have a strong place in this gripping story. It is a stirring novel that is more than an-of-course-they-get-together romance. This is a multi-layered novel that kept my attention from the opening and has enough conflict to keep any reader engaged. The backstory between the hero and heroine is rich and enough to bring a happily ever after into serious question. At the same time the mystery kept the pages turning even faster! I highly recommend it for lovers of historical fiction.

 

 

A Cry From the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks in suspense

I flew through this release in about a day. It feels a bit like Brandilyn Collins’ Hidden Faces series with a cool historical twist. The pacing was really good and the writing intriguing. There were enough twists to keep me going — and I couldn’t anticipate them all. I love it when that happens!

I love that the historical thread had roots in the past that could be researched, while being compelling enough to keep the “could this really be accurate” and “I want to research more” alive in my imagination.

I commend it to you if you enjoy suspense novels with a flawed and believable protagonist. The supporting cast was interesting, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Justified: A Story of Hope

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Justified

David C. Cook (June 1, 2015)

by

Varina DenmanMy thoughts: This book is like entering a small town where everybody knows everybody else — good, bad, and ugly. It’s a place of community, but also a place where you can’t hide the consequences of your sin. It’s also a story of discovering yourself, a community, and forgiveness. Learning what restoration can look like. It’s a sweet story that will sweep you along in the current of its pages.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Justified, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

 

4 Ways Readers Can Help Authors

Readers often ask me how they can help their favorite authors. I love to get that question because it is so very easy to help your favorite authors. Today I want to share a few of those with you.

Love #Chrisfic? Today @Cara_Putman shares 4 ways #readers can help authors.
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1) If you read a book and like it, then please post reviews. Don’t give spoiler details, but let other readers know why you liked it. Did you connect with the characters? Love the plot? Get engaged with the setting? Was there a spiritual thread that has stuck with you after you reached “the end?” Then write a quick review and post it any number of places. My favorites are: Amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook.com, and Barnes & Noble. You don’t need to stop there. It usually takes me 4 or 5 minutes to copy a review to those places, and it helps authors!

2) Tell your friends about the book. Word of mouth is still one large way that readers discover new-to-them authors . If you loved a book, then be sure to tell friends and family that are readers about it. You can use social media tools like twitter, facebook, Google+, etc. But also tell them in person. It’s very natural to talk about what you’ve been reading.

3) Give books as gifts. Not everybody is a reader, but many people love to get books as gifts. Especially if the book is tied to genres or places that they enjoy. For example, do you know someone who loves WWII? Then there are a dozen new Christian novels out that showcase different parts of that war. Books like Shadowed by Grace, The Butterfly and the Violin, Chateau of Secrets, and Saving Amelie. Know someone who loves to travel? Then look for books like A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island and they can travel without leaving home.

4) Ask you local and church libraries to purchase a book. Many readers utilize their libraries, and this is a great way to get a book into more readers’ hands. It’s super easy. All you have to do is ask your local library (school, church, public) to add your favorite book to its collection. Many libraries will add books if they know their patrons are interested. And many have made it very easy to request books. If your local library has a website you can start by checking for an online request form.

This is a great way to help your favorite authors. When my books are in a library, more readers have a risk free way to try my books and see if they like them. It also make it possible for readers to discover my books who wouldn’t otherwise run across Christian fiction.

Other ways you can help are to let other people know about this opportunity by posting it to Facebook, twitter, pinning the image on Pinterest, Instagram, etc. I’ve added lots of ways to enter. And I’ve got lots of goodies to give away. The more the word spreads, the more goodies I’ll add to the pile.

How do you help spread the word about Christian fiction? Do you use any of the ways I’ve mentioned?

The Challenge of an Underwhelmed Soul

Imagine with me a woman who has a job or two. She has four or so kids. She serves at her church, homeschools, and knows she’s competent. This makes it hard for her to say no. But in the rush of keeping up with the kids and their activities. Tracking where her husband is with his busy job. Juggling all the balls and plates and trying very hard not to let anyone down. Yet it happens. She’s not perfect. The pedestal creaks and rocks and at times a plate shatters as it hits the floor.

Feel like #WonderWoman w/o the jet? Join @Cara_putman for summer #bookclub on The Best Yes.
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The world’s best (and most active) kids

This scenario is me.

Please tell me I’m not alone. I wish I was, but I don’t think I am. Many of us live in the tension of trying to do everything that’s on our plates.

 

When I look at our family calendar, I am overwhelmed. Yet I stru   ggle to find ways to cut back. With four kids (three of whom are very active) it’s so hard. Then I look at the quote from The Best Yes in the graphic and I nod.

I have lived that reality. I have lived at a pace so fast it amazes everyone. But even Wonder Woman gets tired. Even Wonder Woman needs time to rest and hear God.

Time with Jesus in the beauty of nature…priceless!

Last summer I reached a point where I felt so poured out and empty that I begged my husband for one day to get away. I know he didn’t understand. But he reluctantly let me go. In that 10 hours of driving to a state park and walking trails and creeks that were new to me, I reconnected with God.

For me that’s where it happens. In nature. Where I am reminded of just how big He is. All is put to rights.

I don’t want to reach that point of such emptiness. A place where when another person would ask for something from me, I simply wanted to curl into a fetal position and cry. That’s not me.

The beauty of creation fuels the need for beauty and peace that saturates me.

But I was depleted.

Empty.

I don’t want to live there.

But that takes intention.

The intention to think about my schedule in this season of life. And pray for God’s wisdom moving forward. It also happens when I spend time in the word or in a study that challenges me to go deeper. Over the next 6-8 weeks, I’m going to talk about some of the principles from The Best Yes. Think of it as a summer bookclub from the comfort of your home. Sometimes it’s hard to find a study to join. You don’t know anyone. Or your schedule is too full. Or you can’t get out.

This study is coming to you.

Sometimes the choices aren’t easy — they feel like they should be, but they aren’t.

Let’s grow and learn together. Let’s chase God’s wisdom for our lives together. Let’s learn how to ferret out all the small nos that make room for the best yes. Those moments when we can be ready and available for God to  use.

I desperately don’t want to waste my time here on planet Earth. The desire of my heart is to know that I made the best use of my time here for God’s glory. But to do that, I have to learn to say no, to stop pleasing everyone all of the time.

My people: Kids who will become adults who change the world for Christ.

Join me? Let’s talk about what it means to serve God and those He’s put in our lives. To do so with intention and wisdom. To chase the dreams He’s planted in our hearts that have become covered with layers of neglect, business, and fear.

All you have to do is get a copy ofThe Best Yes, read the first 3 chapters, and join me next Monday for the next installment. Complete this super short form, and I’ll be sure to shoot you a quick email with each new post.

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And if you have any advice for one overwhelmed mama, please add that! Hugs, friends.

Fiction Friday: Every Bride Needs a Groom

Today I’m delighted to introduce you to Janice Thompson’s Latest book. Be sure to read to the end because I have a copy to give away to one lucky reader!

Love books with humor and romance? Love a heroine who is small town adorable discovering the big city? How about a hunky hero that is out of place yet perfect? If you love all of these, then you need to add Every Bride Needs a Groom to your reading list.

Katie Fisher has big city dreams for her wedding. Now she’s won a contest for a dream, designer dress. The only problem? Her groom decided he didn’t want to be groom. All her dreams seem to be on hold…while she wonders how to tell the designer that she can’t really claim the prize after all.

Love #christian #romance? @cara_putman has #giveaway of @booksbyjanice lastest.
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Every Bride Needs a Groom is a delightful romp through a bridal shop with all the fun you would expect from a Janice Thompson story. The hero is a fish out of water and yet perfect! The interplay between the two is laced with humor, fireworks, and more.

I don’t usually like straight romance, but I adore this author’s. Janice Thompson’s books sing with a humor that has me giggling and a spiritual truth that hits home. The hero and heroine are always surrounded by a great cast of secondary characters…and there’s always at least one that keeps me longing for the next book to come out already so I discover her story. Every Bride Needs a Groom is multi-layered with change happening in multiple characters. It is perfect for romance readers who love humor and heart.

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3 (& a Bonus) websites for creating images

One challenge writers have is constantly creating content for social media. We have to develop a platform, and that means we need content. But the content has to be fresh, professional and most important of all easy to create. We’re writers after all!

Create #images for #socialMedia? @Cara_Putman shares 4 tools that ease process.
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Over time, I’ve found a few tools that help me create visuals like the one above. I’m still learning, but I hope these tips will help you. I’d also love to hear what you use!

1) PicMonkey.com. Tricia Goyer told me about this website several years ago and I LOVE IT! It has truly been a life saver for me. I love that you don’t need to register — though if you pay a bit each month, you get rid of all the crazy ads. Still, if I have to have log-in information to remember one more place I might go crazy. Certainly, my brain will explode and that is simply bad for this homeschooling momma and writer. The website is fairly intuitive, but you’ll want to play around for a bit.

On PicMonkey.com, there are several options. You can upload a photo you’ve taken and add text, edit to change the look, add overlays, etc. Or you can design collages and Facebook headers. You can start with a blank slate and create a quote. I made this book review pull quote on PicMonkey.com. Those with better design skills could make it sing, but I liked it If you’re going to do something like this, start with an image that does not have the quote. Then it’s super easy to open it, add the quote, and save it as a new image without recreating the basic image each time.

2) Quozio.com: This website is perfect when you want to create a quick quote. Once you’re on the website, you enter your text, where it’s from/who said it, and hit enter. After that it creates an image. You may choose from approximately 20 backdrops with preset fonts. This is not for those who like to create on their own. You have no design flexibility. However, it is GREAT for quick pull quote images. Download it to your desktop. Upload it to a blog, Facebook, Instagram, etc., and away you go. This verse is one I made on Quozio a couple years ago. It’s also great for pull quotes from book reviews.

3) Canva.com: This is a great resource if you want super professional, pre-made images. You can also create your own if you have the time and patience. Most of the images have an associate fee, but there are many free designs to choose from. The one at the top of this post is free — and it took me less than five minutes to create the image. Here’s another image I created at Canva.com:

BONUS: 4) DollarPhotoClub.com: When creating graphic images, using photos you’ve taken ensures you’re in compliance with copyright laws. But if you haven’t taken the right image that you need, the DollarPhotoClub.com is a great place to explore. For $1 per image, you can find great photos that make your verses, ideas, etc., come to life. Here’s an example of a photo I bought at DollarPhotoClub.com and edited on PicMonkey.com:

This final graphic is one I made on Canva.com, and then edited at PicMonkey.com

What tools do you use?

Never Say No: Breathing Life into Our Kids

Parenting is a tough job.

Each child is different. Each has a different calling. Different temperament. Different personality.

That means there isn’t one cookie cutter that will work for parenting each child. Because of that, I am always looking for tools that will equip me to better parent the children God has entrusted to me. One of my heart’s cries has been to not stand in the way of what God wants to do with my kids. At the same time I must partner with Him to channel them and mold them.

That’s where Never Say No comes in. It’s written by Mark and Jan Foreman, parents of Jon and Tim of Switchfoot. It’s their story of raising kids who are creative and chasing the dream God’s given them. But one of the most powerful challenges comes in the first pages of the book: Never say no, because you’re kids will stop asking. One yes is so powerful. Never say no to what they think God is telling them. And never say no to playing dress-up — um, ouch! I’m pretty good at the first, not so good at the second.

Never Say No has challenged me to say yes more than I say no. I want kids who want to be with me, who have a deep, meaningful relationship with me. I also want my kids to believe they can do anything God has called them to do. So if saying yes to a few more things along the way will help, I’m in. After all there will be many things I will say no to: tattoos, piercings, etc. But there are so many more I can say yes to.

If you are looking for a conversational, easy-to-read, yet challenging book that will help you in your parenting, Never Say No may be just the book for your library.

Never Say No (David C. Cook, May 2015)

The question Mark and Jan Foreman are most often asked is: How did you raise your kids?

Mark and Jan Foreman’s adult sons Jon and Tim Foreman of Switchfoot have influenced their world not only by a successful music career but also through their positive impact on communities around the globe. The Foreman parents instilled in their sons a belief that they could make a difference by living beyond themselves.

This powerful book gives readers an inside look at the process. It begins with both parent and child finding their identity in God. It then explores practical ways to encourage holistic learning while cultivating specific gifts, nurturing creativity in a media-saturated culture, and balancing structure with individual choice. Never Say No inspires readers to raise children to live in the wonder of life by loving others well. Parents will find encouragement for their own parenting journey as they guide their kids to live out God’s purpose in radical ways.

Fiction Friday: A Love Like Ours

A Love Like Ours is the perfect romance. A wounded hero. A heroine who just wants to help him. Horse racing. The heat of love. Horses. A great cast of secondary characters. Did I mention horses?

Looking for perfect #Romance? @Cara_putman suggests @BeckyWadeWriter A Love Like Yours. #amreading
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This is a book that I adored. Lyndie just wants to help her childhood friend — not an easy task when he’s deeply wounded by what he experienced as a Marine in Iraq. He begrudgingly hires her to exercise his thoroughbreds. Neither knows what to expect of the other, but Lyndie believes Jake can be more than he currently is. The pages of the story wander through the ins and outs, ups and downs of two people learning to see each other as they are. The question is whether fear will keep them apart. Fear and the belief that they aren’t worthy of each other. At the same time, Lyndie struggles to not lose her heart to a man separated from God by the past’s events.

These characters swept into my world and I didn’t want to leave theirs. This romance is going on my keeper shelf. It’s that good!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plagamaue him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

Purchase a copy here. Learn more at Becky’s website.

A Love Like Ours (Bethany House, May 2015)