The Merry-Go-Round Mutiny

How does a 9-year-old change the world? The answer is simple -- a child does it the same way an adult does it, with temerity and truth. The hard part is... well, you might have to plot Mutiny at the Merry-Go-Round. Since merry-go-rounds have been deemed dangerous by modern day standards, maybe you're stuck with Sedition at the Slide.

Check out my post on Geezer Guys & Gals  The Merry-Go-Round Mutiny

Tag Line for My Latest Novel: No Safe Place

I've asked a few people to help me choose a tagline for my latest novel, No Safe Place. That resulted in a no-decision vote. If you'd like to help, read the following blurb and let me know which tagline you prefer.

No Safe Place is a romantic thriller about a young, promising football star whose career-ending injury sent him spiraling downward into the world of drugs and drug dealing. When he hides to break free from a drug cartel, his past endangers both him and the young woman who falls in love with the man she sees he can be …  if he can only forgive himself. Together they find that as long as your past haunts you, there is no safe place.

Tagline # 1:  As long as your past haunts you, there is no safe place.

Tagline # 2: His past brought danger to her present and promised to eliminate their future.

If you've got a moment, let me know what you think -- 1, 2, or something else.

The Best Time to Be a Kid

The '50s was very likely the best time to grow up in the United States. If you would like to know why, take a look at what an old geezer has to say on Geezer Guys and Gals.
http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-best-time-ever-to-be-kid.html

If you would like to read more about this special time to be a kid, my book, Colby and Me, written primarily for family and friends, has a collection of adventure stories set in the '50s and early '60s.

I'm still awaiting a release date for my romantic thriller Hide and Seek. The trailer is up on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWG7IbsbeG0

Guest Post: Eternal Values by Cynthia Simmons

Today I have Cynthia L Simmons as my guest. Cynthia is a fellow member of ACFW , and we were introduced through Jennifer Slattery.

Eternal Values: Receiving God’s commendation for setting the right priorities

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

My friend and I prepare floral arrangements for church. One Saturday we placed miniature sunflowers in a huge blue pitcher and attached a floppy yellow bow. It was stunning. After placing them in front of the pulpit, I went home quite smug. To my horror, I found limp noodles hanging out of the container the next morning. I snatched them out of the sanctuary and disappeared with them. Even though I added fresh water, they didn’t revive.

Now I know that a flower with a heavy stem needs a lot more moisture than the oasis we used. The sunflowers might have performed well in large container with lots of water, but we never tried that variety again. Instead we’ve mastered all sorts of techniques to make our floral designs last. We’ve learned roses survive longer if immersed in cold water for a couple of hours.  Floral preservative increases blossom life while heat and sunshine shorten it. I’m thankful none of our other creations croaked before the service.

Regardless of what I do, however, cut flowers die. As I pull apart the crisp remnants, I remind myself of I Corinthians 4:18  “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Just like those droopy sunflowers, the latest cell phones, a snazzy outfit, or a new purse won’t matter fifty years from now, much less eternity. I share God’s beauty with the congregation knowing my work won’t last, but I hope the visual reminder focuses hearts on the creator. Because Christ died for me, I have an inheritance in heaven that won’t ever fade.

So how do I keep a long term perspective? It’s a constant battle for me because temporal things can appear important and even glitzy. I have to keep my heart close to God with constant Bible study. When I’m faithful in prayer, the Holy Spirit points out my attitudes, so I can adjust my goals.  Spending time with other believers and mediating on Scripture helps too.

My sunflowers embarrassed me, and I took steps to prevent that. On the other hand, I don’t want to get to the end of life and realize I spent too much time on temporal things. I’d rather receive God’s commendation for setting the right priorities. I encourage you to join me. In eternity you’ll be glad you did.

Cynthia Simmons

Read Cynthia's latest book:

Struggles and Triumphs WORKBOOK

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.
Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU
Purchase the book at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html

If you've never read her book, Struggles and Triumphs, you can get a copy on Amazon. See how women of faith hundreds of years ago triumphed through difficult circumstances, women such as Kateryn, queen of England-who finds herself about to be arrested by her husband, Henry VIII, because she spoke to him too freely about her faith in Christ.

 

About Cynthia:

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers.  “Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.us. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year. She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.

Book Review: Deep in the Heart by Staci Stallings

    Romance, faith, forgiveness, reconciliation, Deep in the Heart has them all. Like each of her books I've read, Staci Stallings' new romance quickly draws you in. Deep in her readers' hearts is where she plants her two main characters, down-to-her-last-dollar Maggie Montgomery and handsome Keith Ayer, son of wealthy, blue-blooded Conrad Ayer.

    Both Maggie and Keith have deep wounds from painful childhood experiences. Maggie's wounds are healed…almost, but Keith's are still festering. Coming from socially opposite ends of the universe and scarred by their past, can these two ever find enough common ground to share what each has that the other desperately needs?

    Rather than spoil the story and its many surprises, I'll let Staci's skillful writing spoil you with her rich character development and captivating story line, combined with a strong cast of supporting characters.

    Set deep in the heart of Texas, this is a story all romance readers are sure to enjoy, especially those who like a solid faith component to their romance.

About Staci Stallings:

    Staci attended Texas Tech University—the Texas Aggie writing this review forgives Staci for being a Red Raider :)—where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Journalism along with minors in Secretarial Business and Education. After graduation Staci worked at Alamo Catholic High School  in Amarillo, Texas, where she taught English, literature, journalism, and typing. She lives in Amarillo, Texas where her main career now is her family. She continues to write and has several novels in print, ranging in genre from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian.

    You can read more Staci on her web site: http://www.stacistallings.com/

and blog: http://stacistallings.wordpress.com/

Guest Post: Author-Editor, Fay Lamb

GOD’S LEADERSHIP: AN AWE LIKE NO OTHER

(Fay Lamb)

The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied;

 he shall not be visited with evil.

Proverbs 19:23

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

Hebrews 10:31

On occasion a character will ask a question the author isn’t sure how to answer. Dig deep enough and a writer might find that the question is one she needs answered for herself. If we’re asking, it is logical to think this might be a teaching moment for our readers.

Recently, while writing a scene between a football coach and his favorite quarterback and team captain, the young man challenged the teaching of his angry, oppressive father saying, “I’ve been told a good leader is one that makes his followers fear him. Is that true, Coach?”

The question seemed to come out of nowhere, but I needed an answer for the kid, for myself, and for my reader.

Proverbs 19:23 tells us, “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”

Because I fear my God and my Savior, I never fall into His hands. I am covered by them. I receive protection from my mighty King, and His word promises I will never be taken from His hold.

All about me, my enemies rage, yet Psalm 23 tells me God sets a table before me in their midst. Because I fear Him and not my enemies and because I follow in His ways, the Lord’s hands fill my cup with goodness and mercy.

The waters of troubles might billow and roll, but I do not need to be afraid. God bids me to keep my eyes upon Him, and I am able to rise above the crashing waves that threaten to pull me under. Should I take my eyes off of Him and be swept out to sea, He is the very lifeline that will bring me safely into His grasp.

When I walk with a reverence, with an abiding awe of my Father’s love for me, the past, the present, and the future have no hold. My Father is the Great I Am. And wherever I was, wherever I happen to be, and wherever I go in the future, His Word was, is, and will be a light for each step on my path, and His hands will bid me safely follow.

But what about those who disregard God’s love, those who do not fear Him, those who fail to accept the wondrous sacrifice He made for us? Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” This same God who will one day take righteous vengeance upon His enemies is the same God that freely gave His only son so that no one has to fall into His hands. Instead, they can find protection in them.

So what did the coach tell this young man? He said, “When it comes to God, son, respect and fear are intertwined. Fear is reverence, and when we look to God with awe in our heart, He walks with us and guides us. Who are we that anyone should fear us? True discipline, the desire to do our best, is born of respect and not fear of retribution. Shouldn’t you and I lead by God’s example?”

And that, I discovered, is a question, that each leader should ask.

Fay Lamb

January 25, 2012

Website: http://faylamb.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fay.lamb

 Read Fay's latest book

Because of Me

Not your typical Christian fiction.

Michael’s fiancée, Issie Putnam, was brutally attacked and Michael was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s home to set things right.

Two people stand in his way: Issie’s son, Cole, and a madman.

Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart and protect him from the man who took everything from Michael so long ago?

Available through all fine book retailers, Amazon.com, and Mountainview Publishing, a division of Treble Heart Books.

Purchase the book at Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Because-of-Me-ebook/dp/B00722KIME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327670357&sr=8-1

Or at Treble Heart Books at: www.trebleheartbooks.com/MVLamb.html

Guest: Zeke Lamb, Preparing for Obedience

Preparing for Obedience

(Zeke Lamb )

            So often we cry out to God for His working in and through our lives. We beg for His will and plan to become clear to us day by day. In those quiet moments when we feel as if God has forgotten about us, our only yearning is His leading. In this condition of longing for His voice, it is absolutely critical that we prepare ourselves to respond when the call comes forth.

             Preparing for obedience is about daily crucifying the desires of our flesh so that the works of Christ can be manifested in our lives. Galatians 2:20 states: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.” Why is this so critical one might ask? Often times, God may bring forth a call that does not come close to what you had in mind. He may ask you to sacrifice in ways you never imagined. He may ask you to do things you never thought you were capable of or comfortable with. If we do not prepare ourselves for absolute obedience, the call may come and we may not answer.

            When we crucify any and all personal, fleshly desires and willfully submit to God’s purpose for our lives, we position ourselves for His glory. As we daily surrender to Him, His desires become our desires and we prepare our hearts to obey no matter what God asks of our lives. In this spiritual condition, we remain active and ready to respond to His call upon our lives.

            Consider an athlete for example. Often times they know not when that BIG moment will arrive, but he or she must steadfastly prepare for that "such a time as this" moment. Are you daily preparing yourself for obedience? If not, one of two things will happen. 1) You will not hear the call. 2) You hear but do not have the courage to obey. God has a mighty plan for you! Prepare to respond to the call.

            Faithfulness and intimacy with the Father is the only way to ensure that you and I remain in a condition that is prepared to obey His voice when it is our time to be used. Consider Abraham as you analyze and ponder this subject. Because he pursued a relationship with God, he was willing to offer his son as a sacrifice. Abraham could have rationalized in a number of ways. First, this was his son! Who could possibly slay his own flesh and blood? Also, Isaac was the promised seed. Sacrificing him had to appear contrary to God’s plan. Despite these two intense factors, Abraham prepared his heart to obey the command of his Father.

            The question is not, “will God speak”. The question is, “will we obey”.

Zeke’s Bio

ZEKE LAM is the author of Submission,  a book that draws readers closer to the Savior. He is also the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

Zeke’s Book

Submission

Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.

—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia

In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…

—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas

________________________________________________________________________

What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge:  submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.

Ø  Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?

Ø  Is the presence of God evident in your life?

Ø  Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?

Ø  Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?

Ø  Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?

Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
________________________________________________________________________

ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSIONMinistries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

3.  ISBN-13                  978-1-9374-8100-1

4.  ISBN-10                  1-9374-8100-X

5. Author website

http://submissionministries.org/

New Book, Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek, by H L Wegley - an espionage thriller with a dose of romance. Coming soon from Harbourlight Books, Pelican Book Group

When a corporate computing system is outsourced to an offshore firm, he expected security breaches. But the conspiracy she discovers sends them running for their lives and wondering if there’s enough trust between them to find a way to survive.

 

    Lee Brandt, IQ 145      Jennifer Akihara, IQ 200

Jake the Encourager/Evangelist

     If you read the story on Living the Body of Christ about our autistic nephew, Jake the Encourager, you might be interested in another story about Jake that I recently heard from his grandmother. 

     Jake has a way of making people feel safe around him, even though he's completely uninhibited about sharing his faith. The pastor of Jake's church recognized this quality and asked Jake's mom if he could take Jake calling with him and was given permission to do so. The pastor said this has opened many doors to homes, opened many serious conversations about spiritual things, and opened hearts to the gospel. Jake puts people at ease. He talks about spiritual things and they don't feel threatened, so they too open up and talk.

     God truly does equip the church with all of the spiritual gifts it needs to minister. Sometimes those gifts come in surprising packages...like Jake the evangelist.

Eph. 4:7-8  ⁷But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why it says:    “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”  NIV