Devotional: Poured Out

¹⁴ Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵ that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Philippians 2, NKJV)

The passage reminds me of a children’s animated series several years ago, titled 3-2-1 Penguins. This particular episode, The Amazing Carnival of Complaining, featured a nefarious carnival owner who attracted children to his establishment, set them up for disappointment, and encouraged them to whine and gripe. This turned the children literally into little seeds of discontent, which he then used to pollute an entire planet. The main character of the series realized after a while that the remedy was found in Philippians 2:14, a verse his grandmother had conveniently quoted to him earlier. He encouraged the complaining children to find something to be thankful for. Duly exhorted, the “seeds” turned back into real children and the planet was saved.

Sometimes, of course, life dishes out far more than mere disappointment over a two-bit carnival. Maybe it’s having to stand by and watch someone else receive recognition while your work is passed over. Maybe it’s outright loss. Maybe it’s having to keep plodding on and serving others from your own place of hurt and need.

I think it’s no accident that this section falls next in line the week I’m taking over care of my medically fragile mother, because that last is what hits me square in the heart.

Caring for others is physically as well as emotionally taxing. I’m not as young as I used to be, nor as fit. I’m on my own for a week, assisting my stepdad and learning Mom’s medical needs and routines, while my family is home. I miss my husband and kids. I miss my bed, my coffee, my own car. But you know—I’ve longed for years to be more involved in my mother’s care, as her health has failed. To be closer and spent more time with her. To have the chance to minister personally, before God decides to take her home.

Well, He’s giving me the opportunity now.

Yes, this is hard. I was scared spitless going into it, and already I’ve felt overwhelmed at times. But God’s grace and strength have been absolutely present in the moment I actually needed them.

What I hadn’t expected was the joy ... the sheer blessing (yes, the word is overused but there’s no other word for it) of being here for my mother, to serve her and care for her in ways I never really have before ... in ways maybe others can’t.

Because ... it is a blessing. And I’m so grateful for it.

¹⁷ Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2, NKJV)

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Interview with Sylvia Bambola

Heritage Publishing, 2015

BB: Hello, Sylvia! Welcome to The Borrowed Book. Do you ever read your dialogue aloud to see how it sounds? And have you ever performed an action you want one of your characters to carry out in order to help you visualize or describe it?

Bambola: I actually read the entire manuscript out loud. It’s amazing how those awkward words or phrases will jump off the page! And yes, especially the dialogue. Hearing it lets me know, in short order, if it’s stilted, awkward, fake, or doesn’t resonate with my particular character. I rarely perform the actions of my characters. But what I do is visualize each scene as though I’m watching a movie. I literally see it in my mind’s eye, how my characters move, their facial expressions, their emotions. If it all seems realistic and possible, then I go ahead and put this vision to paper. If not, I rework the scene in my mind.

BB: What aspect of being a writer is the most challenging for you? What steps have you taken to overcome this hurdle?

Bambola: Hands down, the most difficult aspect of being a writer is the marketing—a problem since marketing is a big part of a writer’s life. It’s absolutely necessary if we want to sell books. And traditional publishers expect this from their authors. Only problem, most writers want to write not participate in the business end of things. So what to do?  For me, overcoming this problem meant I had to get over myself and realize that both writing and marketing are “all as unto the Lord.”

BB: If you felt the Holy Spirit urging you to quit writing, would you do it?

Bambola: Without a doubt, “yes.” For me, writing is a ministry and would have very little meaning if God were not in it.

BB: If you’re a plotter, have you ever tried pantsing it? If you’re a pantser, have you ever given plotting a try?

Bambola: I’m definitely a pantser but I have tried plotting as well and found it too restricting. I want to be surprised by the story line and by my characters, and for me pantsing works best. That’s not to say I don’t have some idea where the story is going, because I do, especially when writing historical fiction since research of the times and events will dictate where you go. My recent novel, The Salt Covenants, takes place in 1493 Spain when the Inquisition is in full swing. What would happen if a young Jewess, who had converted to Christianity, suddenly came under the scrutiny of an inquisitor? Would she flee? Would she go to a new land with someone like Christopher Columbus, and could she reasonably go by herself or would she have to be accompanied by a man? And if yes, would that man be a husband? A brother? A father? The answer to these questions, and others, restricted where I could go in my novel. But even when writing historicals I’m a paster and generally am surprised by some of my plot twists. And I hope my readers are too. 

BB: Does your best writing flow? Or are you most satisfied with the work that you’ve labored over, sweating and groaning?

Bambola: I’d love to say that inspiration carries the day, when words flow so beautifully and freely that my fingers can’t type them fast enough, but for me this doesn’t happen often. In reality, my writing feels more like pushing wet concrete hill, very labor intensive and often frustrating. So I’d have to say usually my best work comes only after hours of much labor and groaning and sometimes even sweating.

BB: Do you prefer writing the initial draft, or do you enjoy the revision process more? Do you revise as you write, or do you first produce a big mess that you later have to fix? If your first draft is rough, do you have to cut out a lot of dead wood, or add flesh to the bare bones?

Bambola: I don’t think there’s anything more intimidating to a writer than that dreaded blank page. The purpose of my first draft is to fill pages, get my characters from point A to point B, and make sure that where they are going and where the plot is going are rational and believable. Is it a big mess? Actually, it’s more like some nasty thing you’d scrape off your shoe. Usually I have very little dead wood to cut, just a lot of flesh to add. But that’s the process I really LOVE. For me it’s a joy to see my characters come alive, to begin breathing on their own and to see the plot actually develop in a way that carries the story smoothly from scene to scene. 

Author Bio:

Sylvia Bambola

Sylvia Bambola is the award winning authored of seven novels, has two grown children, teaches women’s Bible studies, and is learning the guitar. Born in Romania, Bambola lived her early years in Germany. At seven she relocated with her adopted family and saw the Statue of Liberty and America for the first time. But the memory of those years in post World War Germany inspired her to write Refiner’s Fire, which won a Silver Angel Award, and was a Christy Finalist. Publishers Weekly, in their starred review, called Bambola’s latest novel, The Salt Covenants, “transcendent” and “beautifully written” while Library Journal says it “adeptly depicts a time and place not often explored in Christian historical fiction.”

To Buy:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0989970779/

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/1120995842?ean=9780989970778

Books-a-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/9780989970778?id=6217838042591

Links:

website: http://www.sylviabambola.com/books

goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83706.Sylvia_Bambola

facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sylvia-Bambola/78754640991

twitter:  https://twitter.com/sylviabambola

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God's Grace by Sylvia Bambola

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

Heritage Publishing, 2015

When that scripture raced through my mind I knew it was from the Lord. I had not been thinking about God’s word or even about God, for that matter, as I stood in the hospital confronting the reality that my beloved husband of nearly forty-four years was losing his battle with lung cancer.

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

Again that thought filled my mind. But doubt filled it, too. Was God’s grace really going to be sufficient in the coming days, months and years as I struggled to carve out a life without my beloved Vincent? My husband and best friend? You can’t live with someone for over forty years without becoming “one.” Time has a way of balancing out the differences. The best of our individual personalities complimented the other, the worst became grounds out of which patience, understanding, and kindness were forged. But two becoming one meant a tearing apart when only one was left. And tearing hurts.

When the inevitable happened, there was a flurry of activity: funeral arrangements, memorials to put together, people coming and going, out of town visitors. The activity blunted the pain. But when it was all over the real business of healing and moving on, began.

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

Family and friends can’t hold your hand forever. In the midnight hour, when alone, lonely, and floundering, I discovered there is God. And every time I reached out for Him, He never failed me. He’d pull me from the brink of that pit of self-pity, and kept me from sliding down a slippery slope from which it’s so difficult to escape. But here’s the deal: I had to make that decision each and every time; the decision whether to call upon God, whether to remind myself that His grace is indeed sufficient, or whether I would indulge my feelings. And when I chose “grace” it was miraculous. I’d find myself praising God, find myself really believing that my life wasn’t over, that He still had a plan and purpose for me. And doing this wasn’t a denial of my feelings, rather it was an admission that God did all things well, that His ways were higher than mine, and that I could trust Him.

I’d like to say this was easy. That reminding myself of the scripture God gave me made all the hurt and difficulties go away. It did not. Often this was a moment by moment decision. But as time when on, it became less so. My husband has been with the Lord for nearly four and half years now and still I’m finding God’s grace sufficient. It’s there for me whenever I enter an arena with all couples and I’m conspicuously a solo, when family birthdays come up, during our wedding anniversary date, etc., and throughout it all God continues to pull me into a joyful present and a promising future.

But aside from understanding that God’s grace is sufficient, I’ve learned that every loss can be a testimony to God’s grace in our life. And since we all have or will experience some kind of loss during our earthly journey, we can rejoice in this truth. God is wonderful and cares so deeply for each of us. So when hurtful difficulties arise, and they will, remember God’s promise:

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

Author Bio:

Sylvia Bambola

Born in Romania, Sylvia Bambola lived her early years in Germany. At seven she relocated with her adopted family and saw the Statue of Liberty and America for the first time. But the memory of those years in post World War Germany inspired her to write Refiner’s Fire, which won a Silver Angel Award, and was a Christy Finalist. Publishers Weekly, in their starred review, called Bambola’s latest novel, The Salt Covenants, “transcendent” and “beautifully written” while Library Journal says it “adeptly depicts a time and place not often explored in Christian historical fiction.”

To Buy:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0989970779/

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/1120995842?ean=9780989970778

Books-a-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/9780989970778?id=6217838042591

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Devotional: God Who Works In Us

How much of what we do is us? How much us God working in us?

I would submit, it’s both.

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2, NKJV)

Work out our own salvation ... because it is God who works in us.

How on earth can that be?

In all the debates between faith vs. works, this is the concept that seems hardest to wrap our brains around.

We give ourselves ... we surrender, we pour our hearts into what God has for us ... and the beautiful mystery is that in the giving, in the surrendering, God is the one preparing us, softening our hearts, pouring His Spirit over and through all we do. We cannot even desire to do the right thing without the Holy Spirit’s influence.

That means I can’t even want to do good without Him.

So, what is my own willingness? What is God working in me?

Both. All of it. And until we reach eternity, I’m not sure we really can properly comprehend it.

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Author Chat ~ Kim Vogel Sawyer

Welcome, Kim! Thank you for taking time to chat with us about your writing journey. How long were you writing before your first publication? How many manuscripts had you written by that time? Have you published any of your early works since? Do you plan to? 

People often ask me how long I’d been writing before I was published. If the questioner isn’t an aspiring author, I answer without hesitation. If the questioner is an aspiring author, I hesitate. I’d never want my lengthy wait to discourage someone! But honestly, the timing—although much longer than I would ever have envisioned—was perfect, as God’s plans always are. 

I have always wanted to be a writer. I told my kindergarten teacher that people would check out my

WaterBrook, 2015

books in libraries someday. That was in 1966. All through my school years, the dream rolled in the back of my mind. When I graduated from high school, I chose English and journalism as my dual major with the goal of becoming a published author. 

I began writing seriously in 1981 but didn’t submit my first manuscript to a publisher until 1994. Back then you mailed your manuscript along with a return, post-paid envelope. My first story went back and forth from publisher to publisher for two years. Then in 1996, an editor from Zondervan called me. She liked my writing style but she preferred contemporary to historical; she asked me send her a contemporary story. Frankly, I wasn’t keen on writing contemporary—I preferred historical. But how could I say no? One year later I sent my contemporary novel directly to the editor, only to have it returned with a note that she was no longer at Zondervan. The disappointment of that event kept me from submitting another story for eight years, but it didn’t stop me from writing. My computer filled up with novels—A Seeking Heart, A Heart Surrenders, a three-book WWII series, contemporary novels...I had the writing bug, and I couldn’t help but let the words pour onto the screen. 

In 2002, my dad informed me I’d waited long enough to see one of my books in print. He had researched Christian self-publishing companies and chose one he wanted to utilize. I was hesitant, but he insisted. He and my mom took out a sizable loan (back then nothing was done digitally!) and had 2500 copies of A Seeking Heart printed. Unaware of the negative stigma toward “vanity publishing” and thrilled with my book, I approached every bookstore within driving distance and even visited the warehouse of Choice books to see if the stores would carry my novel. To my delight, many of them took it, and I began received reader feedback—a delight to every writer. 

With the goal of learning more about the publishing world, I began attending writers’ conferences. At the ACFW conference in 2004, I met my agent, Tamela Hancock Murray. Armed with a half dozen manuscripts, Tamela began contacting publishers. In March of 2015, I got my first offer from Barbour’s Heartsong Presents line, and three weeks later Bethany House requested the purchase of two full-length historical novels. By November of that year, I had signed contracts for ten books with three different companies. My full-time writing career has been launched like a rocket from a concrete pad. 

Both Dear John (Heartsong) and Waiting for Summer’s Return (Bethany House) released in June of 2006...forty years after I’d made my little-girl declaration that people would check out my books in libraries. Those forty years in between were wonderful growing years for me—growing in my relationship with God, growing in my discipline to stay at the computer and see the story through, growing in my ability to craft meaningful characters and story lines. 

I have no idea what the future holds for me. My 33rd novel recently released, and I have two more to write on my current contract. After that, who knows? Publishing is changing so rapidly, I don’t suppose any of us can be certain what will come next. But one thing I know for sure: the One who set me on this writing journey will be with me in the next miles. Whatever He wills for my writing, I’ll follow. And I know the pathway will be laden with joy. 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher someday people would check out her books in libraries. That little girl’s dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer’s Return. Since then, Sawyer has watched God expand her dream beyond her childhood imaginings. With more than 30 titles on library shelves and more than a 1.5 million copies of her books in print, she enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Her books have received the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Empty-nesters, Sawyer and her retired military husband, Don, enjoy a quiet existence in small-town Kansas, the setting for many of her novels. When she isn’t writing, Sawyer stays active serving in her church’s women’s and music ministries, traveling with “The Hubs” and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings. 

Keep up with Kim Vogel Sawyer at www.kimvogelsawyer.com, on Facebook (KimVogelSawyer.Author.Speaker) or by following her on Twitter (KimVogelSawyer).

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Specials During RT Booklovers Convention!!

During RT Booklovers Convention Only!!

Here it is...and not just for attendees!

I am thrilled to be able to announce that Bethany House will be offering to everyone the opportunity to own some of the very best in Christian fiction. Select from any of the titles listed here, but act fast! It's only available from May 12-17th.

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When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kendall Grace

In July of 2013 I became a grandmother for the tenth time with the arrival of Kendall Grace. Even though I’d been down the becoming-Gramma road a few times before, Kendall Grace’s arrival was every bit as joyous as the first one had been. Shortly after our little darling’s entry into the world, however, we learned things were very different than her cousins’ entries, which put a damper on the rush of joy. You see, Kendall Grace was born with a variety of challenges that confounded doctors and opened the floodgates of confusion and pain.

When a child is born, hopes and dreams are born with him. When the child has disabilities, one wonders how many of those hopes and dreams must be set aside. Doctors’ predictions for Kendall Grace were discouraging—she might never walk, she might need a shunt, she might be developmentally delayed... There were no certainties, only a list of “what might be” and none of them were positive. It seemed every visit with a specialist led to another possible problem, and after a while I wanted to plug my ears and not listen anymore.

Funny how a deeply seated hurt can bring you to a fork in the road. You can either go on the path of bitterness and anger or you can take the road toward acceptance and determination. Little Kendall Grace chose our pathway for us.

This baby girl came into the world with some wonderful God-planted gifts: An innate joy, a fierce determination, and a family who refuses to give up on her.

Even though she is constant pain due to pressure in her head from fluid, digestive issues, and abnormally fitting joints, this baby never stops smiling. She melts the heart of ever doctor and nurse she encounters and has a cheerleading team made of hundred of prayer warriors.

She is also the most determined little person I’ve ever met. When she wants to conquer something, she works and grunts and strains until she finds success. Due to her desire to succeed, she has learned to sit up, crawl, and even walk with the help of implements!

WaterBrook Press, 2015

Finally, God chose the perfect family for Kendall Grace. Her mommy already had the skills and experience for Kendall’s intensive therapy regime. Her daddy is one who unconditionally loves, and he adores his baby girl. Her big sister loves her to pieces and challenges her to keep up. Kendall also has a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents who pray for her daily. She landed in good hands all the way around.

Kendall Grace has undergone a lot in her short life—major surgeries, countless medical exams and tests, daily therapy... And she’s handled all of it with strength and grace. Not even two years old yet, but she has taught me so much about trusting God to know what doctors don’t. She’s showed me how joy can wash away pain. This little girl has a smile who could melt the Abominable Snowman, and I cannot wait to watch her grow and develop into the person God designed her to be. Our Kendall Grace is a precious gift. Even though the past months have been laden with angst and questions, we wouldn’t change her one bit even if we could. We are ever grateful she belongs to us. 

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author with more than one million copies of her books currently in print. Her latest release, When Grace Sings, released in March from WaterBrook Press. Awards include the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Sawyer lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.

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