Goodbye, 2017.

Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow. Psalm 144:4

Coming to the end of this year I am grateful for the ordinary things:
My family
Good health
A warm home

Highlights of 2017:

♥ I contracted and wrote an Amish romance for Annie’s Fiction. I’ve contracted for a second book with them and am almost half way through the first draft.
♥ I independently published MIRACLE IN BLACK.
The ONLY way the writing happened: Prayer warriors stood with me and encouraged me. Thank you, one and all.

Lowlights of 2017:

In January, my father-in-law passed away.
In September, my father passed away.
There is so much I want to say about these two wonderful men, but when I sit down to write out my thoughts, the words dry up. They just aren’t there. Some day I’ll be able to do it. In the meantime, I’ll treasure the memories. Daddy Gavitt and Dad Greene will always be in my heart. ♥♥

Looking forward to 2018

The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

After the difficulties of the past two years, I’m hesitant to look forward. Business plan? (Hmmm.) Health goals? (eye-roll) What was once so easy for me to do—plan and follow through—feels almost impossible this year. But doing nothing doesn’t feel right, either.
So my faith journey for the new year begins NOW as I take the first step into the unknown that stretches before me a full 365 days—and beyond. 

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.     Philippians 4:13

I many not know what the new year holds for me, but I do know the God who holds me and all the days of 2018 in His hands.

The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Isaiah 58:11

Goodbye, 2017   –   Hello, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

Miracle In Black – Available Now

I’m excited to announce that MIRACLE IN BLACK is now available.

Carrie and Aaron are the youngest hero and heroine I’ve written so far. She’s nineteen years old and he’s twenty-five. Their story makes me laugh and cry. That’s why I finally decided I wanted to publish this book — the first full length novel I wrote. It’s the book that should, according to traditional advice, stay hidden under the bed. I just couldn’t do that to these two characters.

Written 12 years ago, smart phones were not part of our lives. I updated and changed the plot where necessary. Also, my ‘voice’ is more developed and that meant rewriting sections to sound like my SeaMount books. Thanks to my wonderful editor, Judy Roth, the story is much better than it was when I entered it into contests and shopped it to agents all those years ago.

I  hope you enjoy Carrie and Aaron’s story. After you’ve read their story, if you could be so kind as to leave a review where you purchased the Miracle In Black, I would appreciate it so much. Just a couple of words will do. There are some places I cannot advertise the book until I have a minimum number of reviews. (And the review doesn’t have to be a 5 star – though I try my best to make every story deserve 5 stars.)

Click below to go to the book page.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Apple iBook

If you love to read a real book, the print version is coming soon. The files are being formatted to go to the printer.

And a special note for a special friend — QueenMommy, contact me! I ‘lost’ your last email.

The God Who Sees Me

God sees me!

Let that sink in for a moment. In a world that is inhabited by 7+ billion people, God sees me, and He sees you. He is that great. He loves us that much.

Whatever our circumstances, God sees us just as He saw Hagar when she fled Sarah’s cruel treatment. “She (Hagar) gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13-14

God sees us and knows our circumstances. Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Are you worried about finances? Are you sitting in a shelter because you’ve lost your home to wind and water? God sees each of us in our individual circumstances.

The good news doesn’t end with God seeing us.

He loves us through the circumstances. If we turn our eyes to Him and trust His sovereignty, He will give us strength and courage. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 

He will give us wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

God sees us. He is our Guiding Light in the storm of life.

 

 

 

 

Seeing From God’s Perspective

It’s easy to become completely wrapped up in my own small sphere of family, work, and responsibilities. There are times this is necessary and not a bad thing. That is where I’ve been and perhaps because of this hyper-focus the following felt like a wake-up call.

The Story is Bigger Than Yourself.
“Your prayers play a critical role in the harvest of souls. Destiny is not about you, but rather a purpose God has positioned you for that is bigger than yourself. You are entering into and inheriting a six thousand year labor of prophets, martyrs, reformers, and missionaries who came before you.” Lance Wallnau

I’ve always believed I’m here in this place at this time for a purpose. I look around me and can see all kinds of reasons why God has me here now. But I’ve never thought in terms of ‘Destiny’ or a purpose bigger than anything I can imagine. (And I’m pretty good at imagining!)

I can trace my Christian heritage back four generations. But, have I considered the thousands of years that went before that? I should be looking back as well as forward. Going bigger and wider and trying to see from God’s perspective where the past, present, and future all exist at the same time. It’s mind-boggling and makes me feel small. Which is just the opposite of how I should feel.

So how do I reach for a Destiny I can’t see and an inheritance larger than my understanding? I go back to the first sentence in the quote. “Your prayers play a critical role in the harvest of souls.” I remain faithful in prayer and the seeking of His will.

Most days I’m focused on the next hour and the next necessary step. But there will be those precious days when I will remember to look up, and I will marvel that I am invited to be a part of God’s epic story.

 

 

 

My One Word for 2017: Praise

I began the year 0f 2016 wondering which elderly person I loved would no longer be here when Christmas rolled around. The year has ended, and all four are still with us.

Two couples. The men in nursing facilities. Their wives at home. All four are deeply unhappy. They are not where they want to be, or with the person they have loved for many years. Though everyone is well cared for, there is a sadness that permeates every aspect of their lives.

Their frustration and sadness is also ours—the family caregivers. We can not undo the ravages of dementia and disease. We cannot turn back the clock to happier days. We cannot give them what they want most of all—life the way it used to be.

The weight of their unhappiness has made me sad. I’ve acquired a negative outlook that has spilled over into other areas of my life. I don’t like who I’ve become.

I need an attitude adjustment. It’s time I focused on something other than the all consuming task of caregiving. It’s time to turn my heart’s attention to Someone greater than myself and the tasks He’s given me. To the One who numbers my days, and their days, and helps us through the hard places. The Almighty God. The Everlasting Father.

I’ve selected PRAISE as my one word for 2017.

I look forward to the days when it will be easy to glorify and honor God. I hope there are many. But I know there will be days when praising Him will be difficult. When my world, and the world of those I love, will appear to be falling apart. On those days my most important task will be to intentionally choose to praise an all-knowing God I do not understand. I can praise Him because He is good, and He is trustworthy. He is my God in every situation.

My praise is not a reward I give Him when He blesses me. My praise cannot be based on my feelings, or how well I think God Almighty has performed His job.

No matter what my circumstances, God is worthy of praise. Always.

Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

“…He is my God, and I will praise Him…” Exodus 15:2

A Prayer for November 8, 2016

O Lord,

You are the mighty and holy God of the past.

You are the living and righteous God of the present.

You are the omnipotent and eternal God of the future.

You fill today with your presence and already dwell in every tomorrow.

You know the choice our nation will make before Election Day dawns.

You have already woven it into your eternal plan.

You are, and will always be, in control.

Amen

 

 

My Marian P. Merritt Interview!

Marian Merritt invited me to spend time with her at her Lagniappe blog. (If you’re a Northerner like me, you’ll appreciate that she gives you the definition of that Southern Louisiana and Mississippi word!)

I met Marian at the first (and only) American Christian Fiction Writers Conference I attended. We were newbies and nervous beyond words! Both of us had signed up for editor/agent appointments. Yikes! And both of us were finalists in the Genesis Contest. She won in her category. I was so happy for her. She’s a fabulous writer.

So pop over to her blog and check out the interview. While you’re there be sure and leave a comment. Also take a moment to look at the books she has written.

 

 

Under Starry Skies ~ Book 3

Here it is – finally! (I’ll say that for you.) Book 3 of the SeaMount Series. Ethan Thomas’ story.

As always bits of my life have crept into the story. Memory care for an elderly loved one, a handcrafted angel (see her on the cover – top left?), sisters, and a favorite holiday.

Ethan and Talia’s story is a novella so it’s shorter than Book 1 and Book 2. I love this couple. They are perfect for each other.

Just a note to new readers: Your enjoyment of this novella will be greatly enhanced if you first read INTO THE DEEP (Jack and Lucinda’s story). This story – Under Starry Skies –  contains spoilers for Into The Deep.

Happy reading!

Amazon: Kindle available now. (Print coming soon!)
B & N:  Nook
Apple: iBooks

 

 

Living #D-Strong

January is whizzing past and I still haven’t wished you a Happy New Year. I’ve been mulling over what to say that would be inspirational.

I just tossed out all my ideas because right now, in my hometown, there is a story—a life being lived—that is grander and more inspiring than any thing could I write.

If you have spent any time on social media or watching the news, you have heard of Dorian Murray. A bright 8 year old boy who began his fight with cancer four years ago. Early this month, just after the start of a new year, his mom and dad received the devastating news that cancer cells had shown up in his spinal fluid.

Dorian and his family made the decision there would be no more treatments. What time he had left, they would spend making memories.

A few days after that decision, he told his dad he wanted to be ‘famous on that bridge in China.’ The Great Wall of China. Since the travel would be too much for him, he adjusted his goal. Before going to heaven, he wanted to try to be as ‘famous as much as he could.’

Family and friends took to social media. What followed has been incredible.

His wish to be famous has gone global.

People have responded from all over the world and yes, from the Great Wall of China. Astronauts, celebrities, the famous, the not-so-famous, local businesses, faraway newspapers, first responders, military personnel, puppies and kittens have rallied ’round a little boy with a big, beautiful smile.

There are lessons for us in Dorian’s amazing story.

Dorian’s wish was simple, but BIG. He wanted to be famous. How about our dreams? Are they big? If not, why not? Let him be our inspiration to dream big!

His wish has given people all over the world the opportunity to connect with something bigger than themselves. Dorian reminds us that reaching out is a good thing. There are people who need our help, and there are people willing to help us.

And finally, whatever you choose to do this coming year, cover it with prayer. Dorian’s Facebook page is titled, Praying for Dorian. Before this young boy made this wish, family, friends and local churches were holding him up in prayer. Thousands continue to pray for ‘D’ and his family. Prayer can move a mountain—and create a global movement. Don’t under estimate your dream—or where it will lead—when you invite God to participate.

The following links are a place to start if you want to know more about Dorian Murray. Just enter his name into any search engine to see who is reaching out to this young hero.

CNN article

NBC News

The Westerly Sun (hometown newspaper)

Happy 2016 to you and yours!

Anita

 

Happy First Day of Fall

Fall is my favorite time of year. Perhaps it’s because I live in New England and there are those occasional glimpses of life mirroring Norman Rockwell and Currier and Ives pictures.
Trees brilliant with color.
Corn shocks in the field.
Pumpkins and bumpy gourds.
Crunchy leaves underfoot.
Apple cider from the mill.
Top heavy sunflowers.

What is your favorite part of Fall? Please share.