Today's Thoughts -- Which Prisoner Are You?

This is a somber day, for Christians. It is a day that we remember and grieve the death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And always on this day, I read the account of His death.

Today, I'd like to take a closer look at the two prisoners who were crucified with Jesus. One was cast into hades that day and the other knew paradise..

Luke 23: 32-43

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said. "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One." The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to Him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed. "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!"

But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong. Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

And Jesus replied, "I assure you today you will be with me in paradise."


So, which are you? The sinner who sees his sin or the one who refuses to look?

It's not easy to see ourselves as we truly are. We'd like to imagine that we always have others best interests at heart. And that even the "small" sins we engage in aren't really that bad. We want to believe that we are "good enough" and that when the day arrives when we step out of this world and into the next that God will recognize our goodness and welcome us into heaven. But there is no one who is good enough. We all need a Savior.

Be brave--look into a mirror with a clear reflection--one that reveals your heart. I wince at what I see, especially when I consider what Jesus did for me. "Thank you, Jesus."

God loves us so much that He provided a Savior so that even a sinner like me will see heaven and be part of His eternal Kingdom. And Jesus, in obedience to His Father, went to the cross and sacrificed Himself for all mankind. We need only to believe.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting me free.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Books & Writing -- The Winner Is . . .

It was so great having Margaret Daley as my guest last week. Thanks to all of you who stopped in and left comments. Margaret has graciously offered a free copy of her latest book, Scorned Justice to one visitor.

AND THAT VISITOR IS . . .

ANN ELLISON!!

Congratulations. 

Margaret will contact you.

Thoughts For Today -- A Mom Season

Life is made up of seasons. Some come upon us unexpectedly.

Last year, I was thrown into a season I had't counted on and was unprepared for -- A Mom Season.

I thought my life was busy, but that was before my eighty-seven-year-old mother became  ill and during that illness she was widowed. She moved to an assisted living center in a town close to my home. I have no siblings who live nearby so it's a me and Mom season.

There are doctor visits, ER visits, surgeries, bills to pay, hands-on care, shopping to do and a whole other list of to-do's for my mother that are part of my life now. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I can't find time for my job or my family or me. And there are days that, after leaving Mom, I cry all the way home because it hurts to watch her struggle through this difficult season in her life. And I know that one day I will drive home and it will be the last time. That makes me cry too. 

And so, I am reminded that this is only for a season. It is a time I will never be able to retrieve, which makes it precious.

This is a me and Mom Season. It's a time to love each other. A time to share memories. A time to make new ones. It's a time for story-telling, and a time to get to know one another better, and to gather with family to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. 
. 

Mom and I have quiet conversations, lunches at the duck pond and drives along the river. We share favorite movies and talk about books and family. 

This is a blessed season.

I am grateful for these days. Without them, I would never have known my mother the way I do now.

She's lived here for a little more than a year. We recently celebrated her 88th birthday. I'm chronically trying to catch up on my email, find time to finish my next blog or work on my latest book project. I worry more and sometimes I don't sleep, but I am thankful. These days may be difficult, but they are sweet. I've been given the gift of knowing the depth of my mother's love. And I've discovered her courageous heart.

I've always loved my mother, but I didn't understand how grand a lady she truly is. Now I do.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Books & Writing -- Welcome Margaret Daley

It is a privilege to have author Margaret Daley today as my guest. 

Welcome, Margaret.

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-four books has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn't traveling she's writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household.

You began your career, as an author, writing for the secular market. Can you share a little about how and why you made the transition to the Christian market? 

Often my stories were about family and relationships so it

wasn't that hard to make the change. But mostly the Lord gave me a story I could only tell as an inspirational romance. Love Inspired bought that book and the rest is history. But when I look back on my career, I can see where the Lord was pushing me in the CBA direction.

God always works those things out. So much peace in that.

What are some of the differences and similarities you see between the two markets?

The biggest differences with the CBA market are it has a

faith element in the stories, no cursing and no sex scenes. Other than that the markets are similar. Plot and characters are important. A good story is paramount. A compelling opening is essential in each market.

You are a prolific writer, having published a whopping eighty-three books. Do you have a favorite and a least favorite story and can you tell us why?

My favorite story is Saving Hope (the first book in The Men of the Texas Rangers Series) because it was a story I felt I had to tell. Another story that is a book of my heart is a Love Inspired Suspense, Heart of the Amazon. I love the feel of suspense, romance and adventure in it. The characters wrote it for me.

It is thrilling when characters take the helm and write a story.

In order to create that many books you must put in a lot of work hours. I’d love to know how you do it. Can you share a little about what your day/week looks like? And do you find time just for you? And what might that be?

I work usually at least six days a week. When I start in the morning, I check emails, then start on whatever story I have to do. I only do one at a time if possible. I work through the day until seven at night with breaks throughout the day. I need to get up and move around periodically. At night I often watch T.V. while I do my promotional activities, emails, etc. In fact, I'm doing this interview while relaxing and watching Project Runway.

Discipline and long work days -- can't get away from it. 

I like your idea of doing promotional work while watching television. 

I'm going to try that.

You have a new book out, Scorned Justice. Can you tell us a little about the story and how you came to write it?

Scorned Justice is the third book in The Men of the Texas Rangers Series. Rebecca Morgan is a judge on a difficult trial involving the Russian Mafia. This story is about justice and revenge and the lengths people go to seek revenge.

 Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case.

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody's faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love?

Wow! Sounds good. And what a gorgeous cover!

For a chance to win a copy of this book leave a 

message, along with your email address. 

I'll be drawing for a winner one week from today!

Is the book available now? Where can readers find it? 

Yes, Scorned Justice is available everywhere online now. It will be out in stores soon, if not already. 

Where can you be found on the web?

Website: http://www.margaretdaley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaretdaleybooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/margaretdaley

Thank you, Margaret -- Fascinating.

Books & Writing -- And The Winner Is . . .

We have a winner!

Thanks everyone who stopped in for Mesu Andrews interview. I wish you could all win, but there can only be one. And the one who gets to take home Mesu Andrews new book, Love in a Broken Vessel is LAURA POL! CONGRATULATIONS!

Laura, Mesu will be contacting you soon.

Wasn't Mesu fun! I hope she'll join us again one day.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Desert Flower

The beauty of desert flowers always surprises me. Surrounded by an arid plain makes them especially vibrant. And a desert seems an unlikely place for any kind of blooming. Yet, there they are--lovely and determined, against all odds.

These exquisite flowers remind me of my sister Leslie who led a troubled life. She lived with mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction and a physical illness that took her from us far too early. Much of her life was a misery. And when she was forced, out of need, to live in a nursing home it seemed such a desolate place for a young woman.

However, we know some of the most stunning flowers bloom in desolate places. God had big plans for my sister and she did bloom in that nursing home. Her life became greater than her sorrows.

Each time I look back, I'm newly amazed at God's workings in her life. And yet, while speaking recently during an  interview I forgot about desert flowers. I boldly stated that if I'd had any control over whether or not I would be injured in an auto accident, that  took place back in 1991, I would have chosen not. I am not courageous enough to choose chronic pain and disability. But I had no choice, and a log truck tipped over on a curve striking my van and changing my life forever.

When I see how small my faith is, I am stricken. And thankful that God does not rely on me to make the grand decisions.  :-)

Before the accident I lived something of a charmed life--happy marriage, children, good friends, a glorious place to live and a job I loved. After the accident all I could see was the desert. And yet, in that desert I bloomed. God used every bit of my angst and sorrow, questions and groanings to help me grow. He directed me down paths I'd never thought possible.

The path God chose for me opened doors into people's lives. I hear from individuals almost daily who find life a little bit easier or their sorrows more bearable because we share the bereavement, the questions, the fears. and the daily grind of living with our heartaches. They may discover something in a book I've written or even a word here on my blog that encourages them. And sometimes they find  hope when I'm speaking to a group. When I hear from these dear ones I feel like a desert flower. I've bloomed--brighter and transformed. But it is only because I submitted to and, on my best days, even embraced the path chosen for me.

I am not always lovely. I am human, after all. But I know that I am better than I would have been if my life had been effortless. It is the pressure of adversity that molds and shapes. It teaches us to rely on God and to step onto a path of His choosing.

I pray I will, we will, be courageous and desire the best . . . God's will rather than our own.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- A Desert Flower

The beauty of desert flowers always surprises me. Surrounded by an arid plain makes them especially vibrant. And a desert seems an unlikely place for any kind of blooming. Yet, there they are--lovely and determined, against all odds.

These exquisite flowers remind me of my sister Leslie who led a troubled life. She lived with mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction and a physical illness that took her from us far too early. Much of her life was a misery. And when she was forced, out of need, to live in a nursing home it seemed such a desolate place for a young woman.

However, we know some of the most stunning flowers bloom in desolate places. God had big plans for my sister and she did bloom in that nursing home. Her life became greater than her sorrows.

Each time I look back, I'm newly amazed at God's workings in her life. And yet, while speaking recently during an  interview I forgot about desert flowers. I boldly stated that if I'd had any control over whether or not I would be injured in an auto accident, that  took place back in 1991, I would have chosen not. I am not courageous enough to choose chronic pain and disability. But I had no choice, and a log truck tipped over on a curve striking my van and changing my life forever.

When I see how small my faith is, I am stricken. And thankful that God does not rely on me to make the grand decisions.  :-)

Before the accident I lived something of a charmed life--happy marriage, children, good friends, a glorious place to live and a job I loved. After the accident all I could see was the desert. And yet, in that desert I bloomed. God used every bit of my angst and sorrow, questions and groanings to help me grow. He directed me down paths I'd never thought possible.

The path God chose for me opened doors into people's lives. I hear from individuals almost daily who find life a little bit easier or their sorrows more bearable because we share the bereavement, the questions, the fears. and the daily grind of living with our heartaches. They may discover something in a book I've written or even a word here on my blog that encourages them. And sometimes they find  hope when I'm speaking to a group. When I hear from these dear ones I feel like a desert flower. I've bloomed--brighter and transformed. But it is only because I submitted to and, on my best days, even embraced the path chosen for me.

I am not always lovely. I am human, after all. But I know that I am better than I would have been if my life had been effortless. It is the pressure of adversity that molds and shapes. It teaches us to rely on God and to step onto a path of His choosing.

I pray I will, we will, be courageous and desire the best . . . God's will rather than our own.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Books & Writing -- Meet Mesu Andrews

Welcome, Mesu. 

I was privileged to join Mesu Andrews for two book signings last summer. She's a real sweetheart. I know you're going to love her. 

To win a copy of her newest release read to the bottom for details.

Mesu and her husband, Roy, enjoyed fourteen years of pastoral ministry before moving to the Pacific Northwest to pursue the next step in God’s calling. They have two married daughters and live in Washington, where Mesu writes full time. The Andrews’ have a Rottweiler-pitbull named Bouzer, who keeps Mesu company while she enjoys her fireplace and hot coffee on rainy Northwest days. She loves movies, waterfalls, and travel.

Biblical fiction is her favorite genre to read and write. Her first novel Love Amid the Ashes (Revell) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year in the Debut Author Category. Love's Sacred Song (Revell) the Song of Solomon story, is available now and received a 4 1/2 star rating from RT Reviews. And Love in a Broken Vessel (Revell), the story of Hosea and Gomer, releases in March 2013. The Shadow of Jezebel is scheduled for release in March 2014. 

Mesu, as a teen you rejected Christianity. Can you tell us how you found your way back to Christ?

Though I grew up in a Christian household, my parents and grandparents were extremely diverse in their  theological convictions, so God was not my favorite topic. I turned my back on religion and gave my heart to success, friends, and Jack Daniels (whiskey). but very few people knew about the drinking.

During my sophomore year of college, a five-year romance ended and I felt my life was over. Some folks have asked about the dedication in Love in a Broken Vessel because I mention my "forever best friend" who saved my life and gave me the opportunity to meet Jesus. Joni was there the night of the break-up and somehow knew what I intended. She refused to leave me for two days and set up a double-date a week later--her with her fiance and me with a mutual high school friend of ours. That high school friend had gone to Texas and gotten "religion", but I told her I wasn't worried. I'd handled "religion" all my life . . . but Roy was different,. He talked about Jesus like they were close friends. Two months later, my soon-to-be  husband led me to a vibrant, living relationship with Jesus Christ.

I've come to recognize that my family  truly loved (and still loves) Jesus. The arguments I saw as hypocritical or embittered came from their passionate belief of God's Truth seen through differing opinions. It still makes my toes itch when folks argue doctrine. *grin* However, I now realize their arguments can, and often do, come from a sincere desire for another person's good.

Your journey was long and painful, but what 

freedom and wisdom you gained. 

And I've met Roy--He's awesome! 

You have three novels in print, all biblical  fiction. Launching a career in this genre would be intimidating to most writers. The research alone would be daunting. And in this market, it's not an easy sell to publishers. Why biblical fiction?

    Actually, I had no choice! Ha! The truth is, I never intended to be a writer. I fell in love with God's Word because it's where I met Jesus. I began teaching Bible studies and then traveling to teach at conferences and women's retreats. By 2001, I was teaching three adult classes at our home church and traveled an average of two to four times a month for larger events. In July of 2002, my body decided it had had enough, and I spent six months in bed without any medical explanation. Blood levels were screwy and my strength was nil. After a year, I had regained some strength but not enough to resume speaking. God's Word was burning a hole in me. Writing became my voice.

I don't write to tell a nice story. Hopefully, it's enjoyable and intriguing and gripping--but it must mean something. When readers turn those final pages, I hope they run directly to their Bibles. I hope they can't wait to see what God's Truth says about the novel they just read.

I'm often asked, "What's true and what's fiction?" I love that, and I try to give you some of the answers in the Author's Note of each book. But my real desire is that the reader will read God's Word to discover it for herself.

I've heard others say "I had no choice". I love how God's 

plan gets worked out in spite of us. 

  Your life is full--wife, mother, new grandmother, writer . . . How do you find balance? What is your greatest challenge? 

   Bonnie, you know as well as anyone the struggle with chronic pain. My health remains my greatest challenge to balance all the blessings of life. After the initial health "crash" of 2002, other symptoms continued to emerge, resulting in a two-week visit to the Mayo Clinic in 2003. They confirmed no life-threatening illnesses, but diagnosed several chronic issues (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, P.O.T.S., chronic migraine). In 2005 other symptoms ebbed and migraines began their daily attack. By early 2007, we found a combination of medications that allow me to function, though I'm limited on how much activity I schedule. I try not to plan a lot of evening activities since the migraines are most severe when I'm tired.

   How do I find balance? My husband is a huge help. I've just completed the rough draft of book #4 and we're still working out my schedule. I can edit existing story almost anywhere, anytime, but to write new storyline, I must have long, uninterrupted periods of time--hard to find these days. Roy has helped me organize my week into sections. He's Mr. Organized, and I' Miss Seat-Of-The-Pants. Not good, when I've got deadlines, kids, grandkids, etc. I'm learning (finally, still, again, continually) that I can't do everything I WANT to. I can't even do everything that's a great idea! Some of those great ideas will have to be left for someone else.

You have a brand new book, Love in a Broken Vessel, that has just been released. Can you tell us about it and where readers can purchase it?

    I know I'm supposed to say this, but I really mean it . . . I'm REALLY excited about this book!!!! Love in a Broken Vessel was the best and worst writing experience of my life! I was so excited to tackle  the story of Hosea and Gomer because my very favorite Christian novel is Francine River's Redeeming Love, and I couldn't wait to do the biblical story of this love story! Oh my . . . I had no idea how hard this would be. The first law of good fiction isx that the story must be believable. Impossible! How did Francine create a believable story in which a man REPEATEDLY forgave his adulteress wife? And more importantly, how could I do  it?

I cried and moped around for a few days, ready to call my editor and tell her I'd bitten off more than I could chew--when my critique partner gave me the hard talk. "If you thought you were the one writing this book, you should never have accepted the contract in the first place." (You gotta love friends like that!) She reminded me that I was telling the biblical story. It was TRUTH. Whether it was believable or not was irrelevant--considering most of God's Word is miraculous anyway, what was the big deal? "Let God work." That became my hope, my prayer, and one of my two editors said this was her favorite book so far--so I think the Lord answered!


Deserted by those who love her and betrayed by the gods she once worshiped, Gomer lives a bitter existence . . . until one day her childhood friend reappears--Hosea. But is it too late for Gomer? Is her heart too broken to capture even a drop of love? While unfaithful Israel breaks God's heart, Gomer's broken spirit tests Hosea's faith. Can the two find faith in Yahweh's power to love?

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/embed/nI5Cav_ApPI?rel=0

(Wow! I love this book trailer, Mesu. Fabulous!)

  What are you working on now?

   We just got titling confirmed on book #4--The Shadow of Jezebel, which is scheduled for March 1, 2014 release with Revell. Here's a little bit about it:

   Princess Jehosheba (Sheba) wants nothing more than to please her Baal-worshiping abba, Judah's King, and his first wife Queen Atalyah, the daughter of notorious Queen Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the king's household, Sheba realizes her dark skills as Baal's priestess reach beyond the world of earthly governments. When both light and darkness align, forcing her to marry Yahweh's high priest, Sheba enters the unknown world of Yahweh's Temple. Her husband shows her Yahweh's truth and a love beyond hope, but can Sheba overcome Jezebel's lingering torment? Can Yahweh use a fallen priestess to shine the unquenchable light of His love to faithless Judah? 

The Shadow of Jezebel--Meet the woman who saved

 a king delivered a nation, and preserved the Light of the World.

Sounds amazing!

  Is there anything more you'd like to share with your readers?

·         Please stop by my website and say hello! http://www.mesuandrews.com/

·         Or visit me on Facebook: Mesu Andrews

·         Twitter: MesuAndrews

·         Pinterest: MesuAndrews

·         Blog posts on Fridays (inside scoop on characters, plots, and new releases!): http://www.mesuandrews.com/blog/

Thanks so much, Bonnie, for giving me the chance to chat with your readers! I’ve got a question for them:  Who is your favorite Old Testament character and why?

Contact Information:

§  Website: www.MesuAndrews.com

§  E-mail: Mesu@MesuAndrews.com

§  Mailing Address: P.O. Box 873243, Vancouver, WA 98687

Information for Love In a Broken Vessel:

Thank you Mesu for joining us on Books & Writing. You are a beautiful example of what it means to be a lover of God's Word and a follower of Christ. Bless you.

WIN A FREE COPY OF 

LOVE IN A BROKEN VESSEL!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT ALONG WITH YOUR 

EMAIL ADDRESS!
(I will be drawing for the winner one week from today)

Quiet Moments With God -- In the Moment

The past week has been one of challenges--the kind that bring tears and worry and threaten to strip away hope. I've been afraid,  But I've called upon the Lord and I have felt His presence. His Word to me today comes from Proverbs 4:23 which says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

I close my Bible and hear God say, "Live in the moment." I feel His powerful presence and look out my office window. It is a gentle morning with delicate white clouds drifting against a soft blue backdrop of sky. Aged cedar trees stand tall and strong. They are quiet in the stillness of morning. They live in the moment, without thought of yesterday or fears about tomorrow.

Can I live like that? Can I guard my heart from the world's troubles? Can I stand strong and quiet, knowing that God stands with me? I can . . . at this moment. And all I need to consider today is the moment.

May you have grace and peace in the knowledge and presence of God.

Bonnie