You only have to watch the news once to know that we live on a fallen planet, a planet filled with darkness and suffering. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of evil in the world, especially as it seems to be flourishing. So, what are we to do? Stop watching the news is one way to combat the “darkness fatigue,” and that’s not a terrible strategy. If you’re like me, however, you want to keep up with world events. Personally, I have compromised by cutting back on the number of times I watch news programs, from every day to only a couple of times a week.
Another strategy is to watch the news with a different perspective—to observe events unfolding and consider how they might line up with Biblical prophecy or God’s unfolding plans for humanity. And to watch with a deep desire and commitment to pray for the people involved in the stories being told—both victims and perpetrators—as well as for wisdom for world leaders and all those in authority. Ultimately, we pray for peace and justice, even as we know that perfect peace and justice will only be achieved when Christ returns.
My latest romantic suspense series, two sparrows for a penny, delves into one of the darkest issues prevalent today—human sex trafficking. Although this is a difficult topic to read—and write—about, it is an important one for us to be aware of and to be thinking and talking about. After all, unless we acknowledge the existence and extent of the darkness, we cannot comprehend the healing, redemptive power of the light.
The series title comes from Matthew 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” And that is the theme of these books, that God sees these precious women (and some men and children). He has not abandoned them. He loves and cherishes them and, one day, He promises that perfect judgment will be meted out against those who perpetrate such evil against the weak, the vulnerable, and the exploited.
Join me in praying for that day, and for all those caught up in this heinous practice, that they might personally experience the truth of John 1:5, that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Sara Davison is a Word, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner of romantic suspense. She resides in Ontario with her husband, Michael, and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org
I remember a time when I was filled with shame and guilt and doubt because of the kind of life I was living. My husband and I attended a new church, a place we’d never set foot in before and there, in the quiet of the service, I heard God say, very plainly, “You are forgiven.”
Did that change my life? Not completely, but it did set me on the path to change. Isn’t that what faith is all about–changing as we get to know Him and hear His voice in whatever means He uses to speak to us?
When I start writing a book, I don’t always know the referencing scripture. Most of the time, I don’t even have a blurb or tagline or anything to develop the story around. I’m 100% panster when it comes to creating, but somewhere along the journey, these things fall into place (especially if I’m listening to the Holy Spirit, who guides my stories as well as my life). This is what happened with Kyleigh’s Cowboy. A secondary character, a young woman whose life has been anything but easy, comes to know the Lord from hearing His voice, even though she never knew Him before and had no idea at first WHO was talking to her! Thus, our defining or supporting scripture…
“The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3
The Bible gives us many scriptures that assure us God speaks to those who “have ears to hear.” It also gives us vivid imagery of Jesus’ invitation to turn to Him and let Him into our hearts, minds, and lives. Let us be quick to listen and to act, but most importantly, to move toward Him instead of away in our darkest times.
Dear Lord, Whether audible, a whisper on the wind or a gentle knock on our hearts, may we be quick to hear, listen and obey Your voice.
She’s attempting to start a new life. He’s roamed for more than a decade. Can they let go of the past and grab hold of the future?
Seven years after the death of her husband, Kyleigh Winters turned their old vacation home into a brand new guest ranch. Not willing to join the ranks of lonely women trolling the bars or online in search of a man, Kyleigh is sure if God wishes her to have another husband, He’ll send the perfect someone in His own time. But will she be open to the possibility of new love when He does?
Searching for a place that calls to his soul, Lance Stevens has been a roaming cowboy for ten years since retiring from the Marines. He finds that sanctuary the moment he drives through the Silver Star’s gate and meeting the lovely owner speaks to more than his soul. Will he open to the healing power of love?
Get Pamela Thibodeaux’s second chance romance novella today and see how love and faith conquers all. Kyleigh’s Cowboy releases 10/18, but you can preorder it today!
Award-winning author Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story!
Hi Stacey, thank you for having me here! I’m excited to share about my newest novel, A Dim Hope!
A Dim Hope is a story about not giving up—about pressing on. In the book, Amber, the main character in my story, is faced with many challenges. Not only does she face emotional challenges, but she’s also actually fighting for her life in a man-against-nature type plot. It is hard, and she wishes things were different. In fact, more than once, she is given the opportunity to back out of the adventure she’s been handed—to give up and go back to “normal.”
Of course, the problem with giving up is she would be returning to a “normal” full of problems. If she faces her challenges head-on, she might find the answers she needs to fix some of her problems.
Isn’t this how it is in life? We can settle for the status quo, but we won’t ever see things from the mountaintop. Maybe we don’t even have a choice to settle. Life has thrown us mighty challenges, and we do not get the choice to “give up.”
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
It is my sincere hope and desire that A Dim Hope will give encouragement to Christians to keep going. Don’t give up! No matter the challenges we face, through God, we will always be victorious.
Does Amber find victory over her challenges? I won’t spoil the story for you, but I will say she finds more than she could ever imagine when her trials began!
Amber is in trouble. Her sister is dying—and so is her homeland. The Lifeforce stones that power their world are waning, and no one knows why. When the rulers of the land prepare a scientific expedition to study the place where the veins of the Lifeforce run deep, Amber is forced to travel as a servant with the expedition. Though Amber has longed for adventure, her dream always included her sister. Now her only wish is to return home with a cure before it’s too late.
Crops are wilting, food is scarce, and sandstorms, avalanches, and earthquakes threaten to doom the expedition. Besides this, there are more sinister forces at work. Quiet arguments and missing supplies lead Amber to believe their efforts are being sabotaged. She uncovers clues, but the real source of their trouble—and hope—lies in places she never expected.
About the Author
KATIE CLARK started reading fantastical stories in grade school, and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes young adult speculative fiction, including her romantic fantasy novel, The Rejected Princess, her Beguiled Series, and her dystopian Enslaved Series. You can connect with her at her website or on social media @KatieClarkBooks.
The season was “Summ-fall,” that time when summer’s blossoms were gone and autumn’s were yet to come. We’d returned from vacation, and even though we’d soaked the plants before we left, they didn’t survive. The combination of Georgia’s hot September temperatures and the end of the growing season did them in.
My husband discarded the impatiens from the clay pots on the porch and began preparations for the pansies that would take residence next. I grabbed the broom and went out to sweep up the dirt scattered about the old “patina-ed” pots he loves, and I saw it. A volunteer, orphaned impatien. Science might have said the timing was wrong and the setting certainly less than ideal, but the little flower didn’t listen. It did its job and bloomed away.
Timing is Everything
Timing is everything. How many times have we heard that phrase tossed about, often in reference to a commercial campaign? Millions of dollars are spent by corporations and advertising companies to determine the perfect time to introduce a product to the market. Thousands of man-hours are invested in polling people to ensure the product is relevant, attractive, and appropriately priced.
And yet, if the season is wrong, all that time and money are wasted, and hopes and dreams are dashed. And the plans? Maybe they’re postponed. Maybe they’re discarded. But certainly, those who invested a portion of their lives into the venture never believed failure would be the outcome.
God’s word doesn’t tell us that timing is everything, but that everything has a time. The fuchsia flower had no idea the growing season was supposed to be over. It only knew what its job was, and against all odds, in a crack between the bricks and the concrete, it put down roots and bloomed. Summ-fall was its time, its season.
God’s Timing is Perfect
As Christians, we’re called to be faithful with any gifts and talents God has given us…even when the prevailing opinion might be that the timing is wrong. I remember when I first started writing, I had no idea what I was doing, but people said, “Write what you know.” So I did. I wrote a novel set during and after the Vietnam War. While attending a writers’ conference, I had the opportunity to ‘pitch’ my manuscript to some agents and publishers. Filled with butterflies, I sat down at my first appointment and began telling an editor about my manuscript. Before I could complete my narration, she raised a hand and said, “Why in the world did you choose that time? No one wants to read anything set during Vietnam.” I wanted to cry as I stood and walked away, but a voice deep in my heart said, “Wait. The timing will be right one day.”
God has ordained a time for everything, every activity. Even writing. And whether the timing seemed perfect or not to me, the little flower fulfilled its purpose and bloomed. When its season came, it was ready. Our job is to be ready and obedient so that when our seasons come, we can bloom, too.
When we planted the pansies, we took care to leave the little impatien undisturbed, happily growing next to the winter flowers. So it could fulfill its season, its purpose, as a reminder of God’s perfect seasons and timing in our lives.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Charlee Bennett is running from her past. Once deserted by her musician ex-fiancé, she’s vowed to avoid anything that reminds her of the pain of his betrayal. Chance Jackson is starting over. Hoping to redeem the mistakes of his earlier life, he wants to become the music and worship pastor of the largest church in Crescent Bluff. Charlee tries to convince herself she should not be attracted to Chance. But then she discovers an old letter hidden in the secret drawer of an antique desk. The pain expressed by its author resonates deep within her. Can the words of long ago soften Charlee’s heart and help her to discover that there is a time for singing?
As an Air Force brat, the longest Carol James ever lived in one place was a year and a half. Maybe that’s why, when she and her husband bought their first home forty-two years ago, they stayed put. She lives in a town outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband, Jim, and a perky Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe.
Loving intriguing stories with happy endings, she writes Redemptive Romance. Her debut novel, Rescuing Faith, was an Amazon number one best-seller. Visit her website to sign up for her newsletter and learn about new releases: www.carol-james.com
Recently, Carol allowed Zoe to establish Instagram and Facebook pages with two of her dog friends, Sandy and Brody. Follow them at 3 Dogs and Their Authors to discover the behind-the-scenes info about being a writer’s dog.
When she’s not walking Zoe, Carol enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as traveling. On Sundays, she loves serving in the production department at her church. And most days, in the late hours of the night, you’ll find her bringing her newest novel to life.
When a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, it’s typically not a surprise. Symptoms have alerted them for some time. I knew there was something causing the shaking of my hands. It had increased to the point where people noticed. I found myself tucking my shaky right hand out of sight or holding it still with my left hand. My primary care doctor suspected Benign Essential Tremor but sent me to a neurologist for an expert opinion. The neurologist matter-of-factly stated, “This is not Essential Tremor. You have Parkinson’s Disease.” I had suspected it and left his office not overly alarmed. Many people have PD. I shifted my care to a Movement Disorder Specialist, began medication, and continued with my life, working as an elementary principal. I joined an exercise group specific for people with PD and began attending info luncheons provided by our local PD support group. It was there that reality hit me in the gut. I saw people with advanced stages of the disease. Some who couldn’t walk without assistance. Some whose speech was garbled, rendering it incomprehensible. Some who tremored; some who swayed; some who drooled; and many with blank faces. I wanted to run from there and put my head back in the sand where I thought of PD as a nuisance instead of a life-changing disease. But that wasn’t possible. Once we learn something, we can never unlearn it. I cried and prayed but knew that without a miracle from God, PD isn’t curable.
I know that God is able, but instead of asking for a miracle, I prayed for peace and the ability to face my infirmity with grace. I believe that the Bible speaks to us about dealing with physical ailments. When Lazarus was sick, his sisters knew Jesus could heal him. Yet despite their pleas, he tarried for two days, and Lazarus died. They couldn’t understand why Jesus didn’t help them. But we know he had greater plans. The Bible talks about a ‘thorn’ in Paul’s side. Some scholars believe it refers to a physical ailment. While Paul asked God to remove it, God’s answer was this. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9. I cling to that truth. And sing the words of “Even If.” MercyMe – Even If – “Even if You don’t, my hope is You alone.”
God has done remarkable things in the ten years since my diagnosis. I retired from my position and turned my attention to writing—a lifelong desire. Here’s an amazing blessing. My compromised small motor skills prevent me from writing legibly (micrographia), but I can type with great fluency. I see that as God’s provision for me to write. I’ve had six novels published in those ten years, but this latest one is special to me. I wrote a character with Parkinson’s. I’ve wanted to do that for some time. My goal is to offer readers a quality story while bringing awareness to PD. I hope you enjoy Kate’s story. I noted some common symptoms in this message, but Though the Mountains be Shaken will expand your knowledge. PD is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, second only to Alzheimer’s. Everyone knows someone suffering from this disease, so I hope you’ll arm yourself with information, whether through this novel or elsewhere.
Kate Dunbar puts 100% into everything she does—a career as a literary agent, a mom of preschool twins, and the wife of Ryan Dunbar, a criminal defense attorney. She appears to have the perfect life, until it begins to crumble piece by piece—her marriage, her health, and her job.
Kate blames emotional stress for her fatigue, stiffness, and tremors. As symptoms begin to increase, Kate finds herself unable to control her body’s erratic movements. At the same time that she and Ryan separate, she receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Determined not to tell her estranged husband of her diagnosis, Kate faces an unknown future and the possibility that she’ll face it as a single mother.
As glimmers of hope for a restored marriage begin to surface, more upheavals await them. A case that Ryan is defending endangers his family and his career.
Kate and Ryan both harbor secrets that threaten their marriage. Can they mend their broken family? How will Parkinson’s affect their future? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others. Every vow they spoke eight years ago is being tested. Can they survive the storm?
Kathleen Neely is a retired elementary principal and enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading.
She is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes, The Least of These, Arms of Freedom, and In Search of True North. Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance.” Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions.
Kathleen continues to speak to students about writing and publication processes. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Kathleen online:
