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Interview with author Rich Phelan
I’d like to introduce you to author Rich Phelan. After reading an excerpt of Rich’s work, I’m excited that he’ll be speaking at the Writer’s Conference in April. You can find more details about this conference at the end of the interview. One thing I enjoy about interviewing other authors is seeing how differently our minds work. I enjoy knowing that some of us share a similar writing process while others encourage me, through our differences, to try something new. I also love hearing how different authors describe themselves and the part of their brain that houses all the stories waiting to be written. In this interview, I particularly enjoyed…
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Interview with author Jane Nice
Jane Nice is another author who will be speaking at the Writer’s Conference in April. I hope you enjoy learning more about her and don’t forget to check out the conference details at the end! Jane, I’d like to highlight your book, Married to Millie, what is the significance of the title? I came up with the title Married to Millie even before I knew I was going to write the book. Herb Monroe, already in his 80s, was being honored at a reception at the Paulding County Senior Center after winning the Ohio Caregiver of the Year Award for how well he cared for his wife Millie during her…
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Interview with author Susan Paulus
Would you like to walk, today, where Jesus walked? Thread your way through the crowded cobblestone streets of Jerusalem, smell the roasting lambs in the market, hear the rumors about this man called Jesus? Come Walk with Me by Susan Paulus takes you on a journey with those who were there. Experience the life and ministry of Jesus through the eyes, ears, and hearts of those who walked with Him. Rejoice as Jesus’ loving touch transforms their deep despair into a fullness of life. And in the end, you will have come to know Jesus in a more intimate way than ever before and will want to reach out and…
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4 Comforting Truths for Those Grieving the Loss of a Nonbeliever
Many of us have lost loved ones who died apart from Christ. Perhaps they lived in opposition to God, denied Him, and expressed a rebellion towards all things spiritual in word and deed. Maybe they followed a false religion or were simply apathetic. Whatever the situation, saying we’re heartbroken only scratches the surface of our anguish. I don’t hesitate to say I shudder at the thought of my loved ones spending eternity separated from God. The thought of eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth is almost more than I can bear. So how does the Christ-follower grieve the death of someone who did not share in the hope of salvation?…
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15 Journal Prompts to Build a Life of Thankfulness
Have you ever noticed what happens when you focus on the negative things in your life? The heartaches or the disappointments? If you’re like me, your focus turns inward after a while, and suddenly, every aspect of life is tainted with negativity, and giving thanks seems impossible. You might struggle to find anything to give thanks for. While we need to acknowledge that life is hard and take time to process the things weighing us down, we also need to not be consumed by them. Believe me, I know that’s often easier said than done. When we lose a loved one, get a diagnosis, or bear the burdens of those…
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Free Little Libraries – Owen Sound, Ontario edition
My hubby and I took two lovely road trips this summer. Our first was to Madison, IN (the setting for my next book!) Our second adventure this summer was to Owen Sound, Ontario. The hunt for Free Little Libraries was especially fun in Owen Sound because I had the opportunity to meet some of the owners. If I weren’t the socially-awkward author that I am, I would have asked to take a picture with these families in front of their libraries. Maybe my awkwardness will cease over time.
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Free Little Libraries – Madison, IN edition
My hubby and I took two lovely road trips this summer. Our first was to Madison, Indiana – the setting for my next novel! I love leaving my books in Free Little Libraries when we’re on vacation, in part because they are all unique and I love seeing the creativity that went into each and every one of them…much like the books they hold inside. Here are some I found in Madison. Yes, I know, this next one is not a Free Little Library. This is the inside of Crafted Coffee Co., where my husband and I visited almost every day. The owner was so friendly and kind enough to…
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7 Benefits of Mentorship with Another Couple
Whether you’re a newlywed or have been married for decades, there is always room for growth in your marriage. One way to achieve growth is to meet with another married couple regularly. Romans 12:4-5 says, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” In other words, we need each other. Engaging in mentorship with another married couple can be highly beneficial as you each bring your unique needs and gifts to the table. Join me in exploring seven benefits of marriage mentorship. 1. Mentorship Can Breed…
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Mother’s Day and the Dilemma the Church Faces
Mother’s Day was the brainchild of a woman named Anna Jarvis. After her mother died in 1905, Anna wanted a way to honor her mother’s sacrifices for her children. Thus began her campaign for Mother’s Day, which President Woodrow Wilson officially established as a national holiday in 1914. This holiday, which was established with good intentions, has turned into a day of mixed emotions. I’ve seen these emotions displayed each year as church leaders strive to celebrate mothers while being sensitive to those who are not. As your church begins preparation for Mother’s Day, I encourage you to pray for your church leaders as they navigate these waters. If you’ve…
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Should I Let My Kids Believe in the Easter Bunny?
Every spring, a familiar discussion arises amongst Christians. This discussion concerns a bunny, plastic eggs, and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you’ve ever wondered how to (or even if you should) involve the Easter Bunny and a candy-filled basket in your resurrection celebration, you’re not alone. Rather than try and persuade you one way or the other, I’d like to touch on some of the reasons other brothers and sisters have decided to or not to partake. Hopefully, this will help you make a clear conscience decision for your family or, at the very least, give you some common language to discuss this topic with others lovingly.…