Devotional: The Antidote

So, having written about jealousy and envy, I realized it isn’t enough to write about the problem. We must have a solution. A defense, if you will, against the sweet poison that gets pressed to our ears and hearts. Part of the issue is that it’s so much easier to talk about applying the antidote, than it is to actually do so. Why? Because we have to give up our right to hold onto the hurt, or to the anger. We must, as I wrote previously, forgive...

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What a Friend We Have in Jesus with Author, LoRee Peery

LoRee Peery This week, we welcome Christian romance author LoRee Peery. LoRee says she writes to feel alive, as a way of contributing, and to pass forward the hope of rescue from sin. She writes of redeeming grace with a sense of place. LoRee clings to I John 5:4 and prays her family sees that faith. She has authored the Frivolities Series and other e-books. Her desire...

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Take it to Jesus – No Matter what IT is

Pelican Book Group, 2015 by LoRee Peery Where Hearts Meet  Shattered by the loss of her parents, Deena pours her love into her patients at an assisted living facility. When the son of one her charges starts showing up to spend time with his mother, Deena's wary heart is warmed by his attention to his mother...and to her. Simon is plagued by his ex-wife's...

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Devotional: Pretty Little Liars

Jealousy and envy are the terrible, ugly stepsisters in the story of Cinderella. Everyone knows that. So why do we bother to give them the time of day? Because they’re so deceptively sympathetic when we’re hurt or angry. Oddly comforting, sweetly whispering in our ears that of course we have the right to be upset, who wouldn’t in our situation? A friend’s spending time with other people, while we struggle with loneliness. Being passed...

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Devotional: Do Not Fret

A storm system sweeps across the southeast, spawning tornadoes and lashing the landscape with wind, rain, and hail. Elsewhere, wars brew. Politicians bicker. Children starve or are exploited for the pleasure of others. So much going on in the world at the moment. So much in people’s personal lives. I’m overwhelmed just contemplating the prayer needs of those closest to me. But if I had not believed I would see Your good in the land...

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Take the Plunge Summer Challenge

An Interview with Christi Lynn, Bob Smithhouser and Jesse Florea with 'Adventures in Odyssey'.     Summer . . . a time kids pine for during the school year and parents may anticipate with something akin to dread. Fearing refrains of "I'm bored" or hours spent on the couch playing video games can make moms and dads nervous about the long, hot months...

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An interview with Anita Higman

Anita Higman For a single girl in her 30s who longs to be married, it can be easy to feel a little lost when all your princes keep turning into frogs. Anita Higman details the twists and turns, triumphs and failures, in one young woman's search for love in her new book, Summer's List (River North/June 1, 2015/ISBN: 978-0802412324/$14.99).  Life hasn't been easy...

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Devotional: The Glory of Grace

Anyone who’s grown up in church has heard the catch-phrase: Mercy is not getting what you do deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Getting what we don’t deserve. Heaven. Favor with God. A hope not just for this life, but for the life to come. But again, those are things we’ve heard before. What does it actually mean? The Greek word for grace, charis, is related to the word for joy, chara. In fact, charis sometimes...

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Battling the Procrastination Monster

by Karen Barnett I’ve discovered that most writers are masters at procrastination. It’s a topic that comes up frequently when we get together. For me, procrastination rears its ugly head when I’m struggling with fear. Why should I be scared? I’ve already written several novels. Shouldn’t this be getting easier by now? It’s not. I’m afraid because I don’t just want to write—I...

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