Choose Carefully What You Say

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad

(Proverbs 12:25, Amplified)

Our words, syllables and vowels uttered from our lips, are the most powerful force on earth. We can either produce pain, hurt, or torment in our lives and those around us; or we can bring healing, peace, comfort, or encouragement. Words are so important, and have such power that the very course of our lives depend on them. The bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” (NIV). The Message Bible is even more direct, “Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.”

Do you remember a time when someone said something ugly about you, and it wasn’t even true what he or she had said and how the hurt was devastating, especially if it was a loved-one who said it? Conversely, how about when you were having a bad day and someone, a stranger quite possibly, told you your hair looked great, or how you had a wonderful smile? You might not have believed them when they had said it, yet in some way their kind words were a salve. One moment you felt like the day would never end, the next thing you know you’ve forgotten how bad your day had been going. Even if it was for the briefest moment of time, those kind words caught your attention. In Proverbs 15:23 it says, “a word spoken at the right moment--how good it is!” (Amplified).

In our daily conversations, whether at work, the grocery store, at home, at school, or even at church, can have a profound effect on those around us. Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”(NIV) What we fill our hearts with is what will come out of our mouths. The greatest words a person can fill up on, are from the Word of God.

Our Youngest Daugter's Wedding

On Saturday March 10th, I was the proud Father of the Bride, again. This time, our youngest daughter Ashley was married to Dan (my other son-in-law's name is Dan). It was a beautiful wedding, in fact there were several comments from those in attendance that it was the most elegant one they have ever seen. I am so proud of my daughters that they have married Godly men; men whom I know will honor and cherish my daughters.

I was so happy that my dad was able to come to Ashley's wedding. Due to health reasons, he was unable to attend Allison's. Also, my sister Judy, her husband Don and their daughter Stacey came as well. They're so much fun to be with.

Now that the wedding's are behind us, the house has been on the quiet side. Even though I've managed to grasp the reality this is a part of life, I do miss my daughter's laughter, their calls to me at work asking what's for dinner, and telling them every day that I love them. Even as I write this, I pause to dab the tear that rolled down my cheek.

Yet, I now ponder and look forward to when each of my daughter's and their husbands come and visit. One thing for sure, I'll be cooking for them, and will make sure that I tell them how much I love them.

A Valley of Betrayel by Tricia Goyer

For reasons beyond her control, Sophie finds herself alone in the war-torn Spanish countryside, searching for her beloved Michael. His work as a news photographer has taken him deep into the country wracked by civil war. What was once a thriving paradise has become a battleground for Nazi-backed Franco fascist soldiers and Spanish patriots. She is caught up in the escalating events when the route to safety is blocked and fighting surrounds her.

Secrets abound in the ruined Spain. Michael is loving but elusive, especially about beautiful maria. The American who helped Sophie sneak into Spain turns up in odd places. Michael's friend Jose knows more than he tells. When reports of Michael's disappearance reach her, Sophie is devastated. What are her feelings for Philip, an American soldier who comes to her rescue?

Sophie must sift truth from lies as she becomes more embroiled in the war that threatens her life and breaks her heart. On her darkest night, Sophie takes refuge with a brigade of international compatriots. Among these volunteers, she pledges to make the plight of the Spanish people known around the world through the power of art.

Acclaimed author Tricia Goyer creates a riveting cast of characters against the backdrop of pre-WWII spain. Love, loss, pain, and beauty abound in A Valley Of Betrayal, the first book in her new series, Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War.

Blogging. Why?

I just read a blog from a close writing friend Christina Berry, and in it she had a link to take a survey of why we blog. I thought it was interesting to ask some simple questions to why I blog. I think the bottom line for me is to connect with others, especially writers, and to keep connected with my writing friends who I know read my blog. It also gives me a chance to write--something I enjoy doing.

Go ahead and take the survey; it only takes about two minutes.

"If The Shoe Fits" by Marilynn Griffith

Have Glass Slipper, Need Prince...
If the Shoe Fits is the second book in the Sassy Sistahood Novels. The first in the series was Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006).

"In all my thirty-five years, I, shoe designer Rochelle Gardner, have never had so many men interested in me! My teen son's dad is back in my life after suffering from amnesia (yes, really). The church deacon has had his eye on me for years (and never said a word). And the young waiter (from the restaurant I've visited for singles' events) is trying to steal my heart. I've been struggling with my faith, trying to figure out which man God has chosen for me and wondering if I have the courage to step forward, on my not-so-pretty feet, to accept love. It's almost too much for the Sassy Sistahood to handle, but my girlfriends always have my back"!

Follow this link to purchase the book.

Snap.com

I am an avid reader of a blog called The Writing Life, posted by Terry Whalin. Today, he had a link for a really cool tool from Snap.com. It's a free item you can download to your blogsite, and anytime the mousepointer hovers over a link, a small preview of the website appears. Give it a try by putting your mouse over Snap.com, then click on the little window and download this neat little gizmo yourself. It will add quality to your blog site.

Someone Else's New Year's Resolution

I had one of the most interesting and somewhat comical experience today. As I approached the short line at the Starbucks inside Barnes and Noble about 11 am this morning, I noticed a man sitting at a table, who suddenly looked up towards the cash register, smiled, and several moments later walked over to the whomever he was looking at. I didn't pay anymore attention until I saw him come around where I was paying for my double, which chocolate mocha, and he introduced himself to this lady, which first sounded as if they knew each other. The woman then introduced to the man her niece.

I still didn't think much of their conversation until I listened some more and deduced they had not known one another. Then, what really caught my attention was the next question from the man,
"Are you a early or late person?"
"Well," She said, "Being her now should tell you."
It wasn't a cold answer, but her tone told me these two had never met.

Now, curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to watch to see what this was all about. I'm not usually nosey, but I couldn't resist.

As their conversation continued, I noticed how the man was going out of his way to be nice to her, as if he wanted to make sure she knew he wanted her to feel comfortable around him. In contrast, her body language spoke volumes, like I'm not sure about you, so keep your distance.

My coffee was ready, so I picked it up, and instead of finding a seat to wait for my friend Mike, I casually hung around the book rack and watched this interaction.
While I watched, the lady turned to her niece and told her it was alright for her to leave, and she was going to sit down with the man.

It finally hit me what was taking place. These two were meeting for the first time, and probably from one of those on-line dating services--meet first for coffee, in a public area, and see where things go from there. The clue that finally was the key, was the niece. It was quite obvious this lady was not about to meet a total stranger alone--good for her.

When my friend Mike arrived, we sat down in the same area these two potential lovebirds were sitting. It was quite comical how in about an hour the walls the woman had up, were starting to come down as she became more talkative, smiling, and enjoying their conversation. The niece showed up later, and again the lady told her all was well. The two love birds got up, and walked the aisles of Barnes and Noble.

I wonder if this was either of their New Year's resolutions. If so, I certainly hope these two enjoyed the rest of their high-tech blind date.

My Daughter's Wedding

This last Saturday my oldest daughter Allison was married to Dan, a wonderful man. Allison was beyond beautiful ; as was my youngest daughter Ashley, who was in the wedding. My wife was radiant in her black, low-back dress, with a long black shawl. As father and husband, I was the proudest man there.

We were also truly blessed to have both of my sisters visit us, Judy from California and and Teri from Florida. My father unfortunately could not attend due to health reasons. So, while my family, my sisters and their children were all sitting in the family room at my home, we called dad and passed around the cell phone so he could talk with everyone there.

I also had a very unexpected surprise when my cousin Keith came as well. I have not seen Keith for 25 years, so you could only imagine how shocked I was.

Truly, God has blessed me and my family. With one daughter now married, I have one more to go when Ashley is married next March to another fine young man, Dan (yes, I will have two son-in-laws with the name Dan).

Get the "Scoop"

Want to read a great book, with characters who seem to be real people, funny lines, and a wonderful story? Then you have to read "Scoop" by Rene Gutteridge.

Scoop, is the first of the series and centers around Hayden, who was age 20 when her parents died. If you haven't yet guessed by the series title, this book is packed with many laugh out loud moments and great one liners.

Hayden is a strong Christian who, having been homeschooled, lacks some of the politically correct social norms...like not praying in front of everyone during a crisis. She finds herself in an internship at a television news station with a boss that takes stress pills, an aging news anchor that everyone wishes Botox on, a weatherman who wants to predict love for himself and Hayden, and a reporter struggling with his own politically correctness of being a good reporter and being a Christian.

Old School meets New School meets Homeschool. A smart and funny read.

You can check out more of Rene's books at her website http://www.renegutteridge.com/splash.html

The Cubicle Next Door

Check out the new book by Siri Mitchell: The Cubicle Next Door is set in a civilian's view of working on a military post. That in itself is funny enough...then add that the main character is a tree hugging, anti-SUV lover, with a thing for Bollywood movies. (Her favorite it Bride & Prejudice.) Suddenly this civilian hippie is thrown into a cubicle next to an Air Force Pilot/Teacher who drives...yep...an SUV. Can't you feel the love?

You can also visit Siri's website at http://www.sirimitchell.com/

Christina Berry and Sherrie Ashcraft

I want to introduce and invite you to visit the NEW website for two very close author friends, Christina Berry and Sherrie Ashcraft--mother and daughter writing team. Their first novel is now with an agent.

I first met these two wonderful ladies at a Saturday one-day conference for Oregon Christian Writers in February of 2005. This was my first time I had attended any writing conference, and ended up being asked to join their critique group. One thing that stands out with these two is their total support for other writers with words of encouragement, enthusiasm and willingness to help in any way they can. For that, I am grateful.

So, please take a moment and check out their website at http://ashberrylane.net/default.aspx and sign up for their newsletter. You won't regret it.

The Election by Jerome Teel

The Election written by Jerome Teel is an exciting, non-stop novel with a well developed plot that makes for a great story. You will need to start reading the book early in the day, because once you start, you won't be able to put it down. But if you can't, don't let that stop you from reading it. Check out his website at http://www.jerometeel.com/

Like Dandelion Dust

This week Karen Kingsbury's new book "Like Dandelion Dust" is featured on Christian Fiction Blog Alliance at http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/

If you would like to read more reviews, please click on the link to Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931722854,

or visit her website http://www.karenkingsbury.com/.

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance: Violette Between by Alison Strobel

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance: Violette Between by Alison Strobel

Violette Between

Between Here and the PAST,
THERE LIES A PLACE...a place of longing for what has been rather than hoping for what could be!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Alison Strobel graduated with a degree in elementary education, and in the summer of 2000 she moved from Chicago to southern California where she taught elementary school for three years. It was in Orange County that she met her husband, Daniel Morrow, and the story developed for her first novel, Worlds Collide.
Violette Between is a poinant story of a true artist. When the love of Violette's life, Saul suddenly died, she died too. Then she meets Christian, who also is morning the loss of a loved one.As Violette and Christian begin to feel something that they both thought was impossible. Tragedy strikes again. Christian finds Violette on the floor of his waiting room, that she had been painting to look like a New York rooftop restaurant.As Christian holds a vigil at her bedside, begging her to come back to him, Violette is in a coma, traveling to a place where she meets her beloved Saul. And she finds that she may not want to come back!What would it be like to choose a place between the past and the present?Violette Between is a powerful character study of a woman finally relinquishing the past to move on, only to be thrust into the quandry of reliving that life and needing to make a choice.For Christians, this will definitely make you think about heaven and the consequences of eternal life."Delving into the underside of complicated relationships, Alison Strobel takes readers to unexpected places, but doesn't hesitate to deliver redemptiom when needed."---Melody Carlson, author of Finding Alice

A Pirate's Short Day

Arrr, today is a 'ery fine day, if you're a pirate. With the wind in our sails, the sea before us, we will ride the wa'es and scuttle us some ships for their treasures. My first mate is takin' the helm for the first time since comin' aboard last year. He's a young man and does a good job keepin' the other ingrates in line. Wait, I see a ship t' the starboard. Tis flyin' a British flag. Oh no! Mo'e o'er mate, let me take the wheel. We must outrun that lady, or she'll send us t' Davy Jones locker. Today we run for our lives, tomorrow will be a new day for pillagin' the ships on the high sea. Aye, me parrot concurs.

Squat by Taylor Fields

Taylor Fields book "Squat" is a slow-paced novel where the reader follows the lead character by the name of Squat, a homeless kid on the streets of New York. The story revolves around a conflict between Squat and the person he stole one hundred dollars from named Saw. The end is the most exciting part—I won’t divulge it to be fair. This book may be of interest for those involved in street ministry.

Summer? What Summer?

Boy, did this summer ever come and go. August turned out to be quite a busy month for me starting with the wonderful Oregon Christian Writer's Conference in Canby Oregon. It was packed with great workshops, including one taught by Karen Ball (which I attented). Karen's insight as an editor and author added so much depth to her class. I also met one of my favorite authors Randy Ingermanson, who just moved to the Portland area. His classes were awesome.
Besides the seminars and workshop at the conference, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new friends, as well as deepening the relationships I have with those I already know.

The most wonderful thing also happened to me and my wife Barbara in the month of August: our two daughters are both engaged. Our oldest daughter Allison and her fiance will be married this December, yes I know, in three months. Ashley, our youngest, is at least taking it easy on her old man and mother by waiting to tie the knot next March. I was honored to have my future son-in-laws (both their names are Daniel) ask my permission first. They are such Godly men and treat our daughters like gold--what more could I say than yes.

Needless to say, we've been tearing the house apart, looking for anything to sell on Ebay, Craigslist, or at our upcoming garage sale this Saturday. It's been awhile since I've been part of a wedding (mine and Barbara's of course), and I sure didn't realize how much these things cost. Wow!! Yet, for my two daughters, there's nothing in this world that could stop me from doing everything possible to help make one of the most memorable events in their life unforgettable. Besides saying I have two of the best daughters ever, walking them down the aisle will be a moment of great pride for me (I sure hope I can get down the aisle without crying).

An Appointment With God

What if someone asked us to make an appointment with God? I’m sure you might think, “Why? I can talk with him anytime. I don’t have to make an appointment with God!” Well, that is true. We can talk to the Lord anytime, any day, and He is there. No waiting in line, no receptionists to greet us and ask us to sit in the waiting area, saying, “It will only be a moment, God will be right with you.” Thank God that is not how He treats us.
In light of that, we know God does not have an appointment book. But, did you know making an appointment is something necessary for us to do?
Whenever we make an appointment, be it with a doctor, dentist, a teacher at school, or a dinner date with some friends, the key to any appointment is commitment. When we have committed ourselves to be somewhere at a specific time, we have now obligated ourselves to follow through by showing up for the appointment. Sure, we can cancel and reschedule the appointment, but the key thing to remember, once the appointment is scheduled, we will make every effort to keep the appointment. So it is when we make a commitment to meet with God. Our lives can be so busy, yet we need to make spending time with God a priority. Therefore, by making an appointment, or commitment, to meet with God, and to do it consistently, it will force us to change things our lives and honor our commitment. One key to all of this is to be consistent. One thing to remember, we are not to feel condemned at any time if we miss an appointment with God.
So, what time can God count on us showing up for our appointment?

I just finished reading an incredible suspense novel called "Waking Lazarus" by T.L. Hines, which will be released July, 2006. The only thing I can compare reading "Waking Lazarus" to is shooting down a river with class six rapids. The ride is exhilarating, heart pounding, with a twist of events you don’t see coming until seconds before the collision. What a great “page turning” book. One thing to remember before reading Waking Lazarus; hold on to something, because you will be on the ride of your life.