Fictitious Friday Finale!

In two days, on All Saints Day, I will announce the winner of the Fictitious Friday giveaway!

STARBUCKS & A SUSAN MEISSNER NOVEL??
=====================================>>>

What a treat!

Read on, answer the question in the comments, and enter for the LAST CHANCE TO WIN!!

I have had so much fun sharing bits of my favorite character's heart....ok, she's a real historical figure, but I have glammed her life up a bit--if you can consider just letting her live a bit glamourous.

Back in the 16th century, if you walked into a lesson (by a tutor, not a school teacher), you might find a Classical lecture on Plato or Aristotle, you know, those Greek guys waaaay back when?
And Lady Jane is known to have been a well-versed student, a studious young lady, a gal with her nose in a book.

In my novel, Lady Jane Lives, I do not change this about the reprieved queen, but I illustrate her heart with such knowledge. Here is our final peek, until you might read the whole story for yourself some day!

So, final question, 

Have you seen the old movie LADY JANE with Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes?

They were young ones back then. It was my favorite movie in high school, and I tried my hardest to bring a fresh, new rendition of the Nine Days Queen upon the pages of my novel. But I soooo love that movie still and appreciate its accuracy, besides the gorgeous love story!

If you haven't seen the movie, please share your favorite love story...it could be yours, or a fictitious one!

See you back here on ALL SAINTS DAY to announce the winner!!

Happy Fictitious Friday!

Teen iPhone Be Gone: TBT with a Lesson

Waaaay back in the Nineties:

When I was in high school...maybe middle school (but I doubt it)... I would talk on the phone for hours--into the wee hours of the morning....on the WEEKEND. I didn't just play around after school on the phone. I didn't have instantaneous chats with my friends at all moments of the day. The drama of school and gossip and stressors was literally left at the school curb.

Flashforward to Present Day:

There's only one thing that my husband and I can take away from our teenage son as a consequence...have any guesses?

His iPhone.

Yep. That is his entertainment, his social media link, his chat board with friends, his radio, his calculator his...everything.

I have heard it said that teenagers actually NEED social interaction with their friends on a frequent basis. That, it helps with self-esteem and growing up. Isolating them is a no-no, because they feel out of the loop with the going-ons at school, peers, and the world.

I know EXACTLY how that might feel. It's no fun to be an island. So, I have been very careful when it comes to dishing out a consequence that involves taking away the device.

But you know what, sometimes the popular parenting research doesn't measure up to the uniqueness of your kid, your situation, and your own experience as a teen waaaay back when.

The other day, my son earned a major consequence....and like I said before, the only thing that's major to him, is his phone. Usual punishment is to limit his time on it more than normal. Don't want to isolate the poor boy (um...please coat that last sentence in syrupy sarcasm). But his behavior deserved a major kick in the SD card...seriously. I would have thrown the stupid phone in the trash if it didn't cost so dang much.

While our son stewed upstairs, wondering what our new terms would be for his lost attachment to his palm...my husband skimmed through his texts and social media...yeah, you might not agree with this invasion of privacy, but that's a whole other blog post.

You know what? All those things I mentioned that I left at the school curb in my day?? My son brings home with him...and they are with him from the time he steps into our "safe place" (read my last post if you wonder), until we pry the dang thing from his hands before bed. No wonder the kid has been a bear to live with! The kid has the weight of the social pressure with him all day, all afternoon, and all night long!

So, we've taken his phone without telling him when he will get it back. And honestly, I don't know if I want to even go there yet.

The kid has been....a kid again. He has been relaxed, happy, goofy, and actually talkative. The stress has literally been cut off with the power button.

In this new frontier of technology gripping the minds, hearts, and hands of our kids, is the consequence of going with the flow bigger than the privilege of living in such convenience?

I am sure my son will get his phone back...eventually. But it's going to be with much different restrictions than before.

I like having the kid back. This Throwback Thursday is pre-iPhone, pre-social media, pre-teen. Because sometimes, the past has its perks.

If You Let Us: A Parent's Cry To Parent

Son,

It's been a hard year. School's not as safe as it used to be. You used to say, "School's not about being social, it's about grades." And now, the social monster has scared away the focus on anything real.

Your heart is on a battleground and other kids are poking and prodding and trying to see just how tough it is. They don't know what they are doing, but it feels like they are winning a fight you didn't sign up for.

Your dad and I know what it feels like. Even though you think we don't understand...

We do.

It's a heart attack that nobody is ever prepared for. It's a fact of broken humanity that always seems like a blow...even if we say it could happen, even if the counselors warn you against it.

This battle just pulls you off your feet and makes you feel like an ant about to be smushed.

Being on the defense hurts on a battleground that appeared to be neutral. Starting from scratch is no fun when you've grown so much.

But there's something that Dad and I can do. There's a way we CAN help.

If you let us.

We can provide for you a safe place. When you enter these walls, we can give you sanctuary. We are here for you. And we want to talk. There's only a few things we ask:

Can you be honest when we ask "How was your day?"

Will you take a deep breath before you give in to anger?

And will you at least try and consider our advice- honest, well-thought out advice- before taking that next step?

That's all.

We just want to close the gap in our communication. We want to have this partnership with you in growing up. It's kinda what we're meant to do...just like you are meant to get through school, maybe find a sport or hobby, and grow up.

We've gone through the same growing pains as you. And right now, we are freed up to share in yours. To share...not take them away from you. That's not our job...and it's not in our ability. There's Someone who knows best. And He's the Guy who put us here to share in them with you.

Bud, we feel your pain, and we hope to ease your heartache by being your advocate, your safe place. We can help you grow stronger and wiser.

If you let us.

(Mom&Dad)

Upcoming Friday Series: Nano Newbie!

This week is the big finale of Fictitious Fridays!

 I am soooo excited to find out who will get the giveaway prize!

STARBUCKS & A Good Read?

Be sure to come by on Friday and have your last chance to enter to win.

Stay tuned for my next series as I participate in Nanowrimo 2015!

50,000 words in a month? I have just the book in mind... and it takes place when?? Any guesses?
Can't wait!

Writer, are you participating in Nanowrimo?

Fall Girl

My little girl is an enthusiast... 

She's a Fall Girl.

She squeals at the mention of pumpkin, or the newly crimson-colored leaves on the tree outside our house.

She dances around when I finally buy the ingredients for pumpkin pie, and she refuses bedtime until we make it (I sit here right now, smelling it in the oven while she could no longer stay awake for a taste).

Each day, she begs for hot chocolate and Halloween decorations. 

Her bright blue eyes become even brighter at the mention of the word "fall", the sight of hay bales, or the advertisement of an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.

My little girl LOVES Fall.

And I am so glad the sweet Midwest native gets to experience to the full!

A Raison D'Etre By Moi: Fictitious Friday

Only one more week of Fictitious Fridays before we have our GIVEAWAY! YEAH!!

Remember, all you have to do is answer the question below (and like my Facebook page if you haven't already), and you will be entered in the drawing for a Starbucks card and a great novel by Susan Meissner, Lady In Waiting.

Have you enjoyed the little snippets I have given over this past month?

You have no idea how much I bubble with excitement every time I talk/write/blog/dream about my latest story, Lady Jane Lives. I recently wrote a short story based on the conspiracy that has unfolded from my three book proposal. Realizing so many stories can spring up from this little twist in history. Hoping to, one day, share many of those stories with you also.

For now, I decided to share a bit of my own writing in this Fictitious Friday intrigue. If I am going to play with history, then there has to be motives explained, and goals reached by the characters in the story. I want each character to have a long-lasting impact on the other characters...and in the case of this story, all these characters are actual people who've walked the earth. So...I'll make their raison d'être dependent on each other a bit:

Any guesses??

Ok, your turn to share:

Who was the first person to take you to a live performance--play, musical, or concert? What did you see?

Mine is a bit embarrassing...my parents took our whole family to a New Kids On The Block concert when I was in 8th grade! ACK!! Not the most cultured experience, but one I'll never forget!

Please comment below. And send your friends by! The more we have entered, the greater fun the drawing will be! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Man Who Took A Stand

In our youth group this past Wednesday, the pastor dedicated his sermon to making an example of Martin Luther.

The man who took a stand.

Something the pastor mentioned was that Martin Luther wasn't necessarily calling for a "Protestant" reformation...but a reformation of the church. Many might have a bitter taste toward the German monk who was taking a stand for the people versus the establishment...but we should always call out the establishment when they are inflicting oppression and putting words in God's mouth.

It doesn't matter that this occurred in which church or which society, what matters is that, as all history, we can learn from it and follow in the footsteps of a revolutionary and take a stand for what is right here on out.

And teach our children to do the same.

One of the truths Martin Luther clung to is Ephesians 2:8-10. It's such a freeing verse. One that shows us that God's love is a gift...His salvation is given to us without any work that we can do...that from our acceptance of His love, we bring forth great works according to His plan.

Imagine if a German Monk never allowed the Word of God to seep into his heart and convict his spirit? Where would we be today?

Raising Skeptics Without Forfeiting Faith

**With the election year gearing up...can I hear and UGH!?....I needed this reminder, so I am posting it again! Have a great Wednesday!**

Lately I have noticed a trend across social media, political media, and whatever media: The audience's lack of skepticism. 
It seems human opinion is becoming GOD to the public. And I kinda understand. Because I know how it feels to have my pre-conceived ideas justified in print. In the past, I often cast off skepticism for an idea that aligned with my worldview. I would refuse to listen to the opposition with ears unplugged. I refused to let myself see the matter from a different view point. Sometimes, even now, I'll see something cross my newsfeed that appalls me, and I choose to believe it (and re-post, ack!) instead of seeking the truth of the matter.

More often than not, no matter the source, there is a truth being half-told, or covered up altogether.

One of my biggest fears used to be changing my worldview. I was told that there was only one way to look at things--"God's" way or the highway. I had been trapped into thinking that being loyal to God meant including myself under certain labels, certain opinions, certain trends. But all of those labels, opinions, trends...(ahem, political parties for example)...are man-made. Media is man-run. And lately, it all stinks of flesh to me. Many times, I find truth being covered up by even Christian sources. Sad but true.

As a parent trying to shape my kids' worldview, my fear swells at the responsibility.

Am I leading my kids down a path that is riddled with lies and cover-ups all in the name of God ('s people's opinions)? 

I have seen where this type of misinformed path might lead. My husband swore off religion altogether and identifies as an Atheist. You think I am being dramatic? I have fought that fight these past two years, and MUCH OF IT is because of the ugly actions and attitudes of Christ's church finally bringing my husband to a breaking point. I don't want that end for my children.

If we allow ourselves to align with certain truth-cover-uppers...or slanderers...our children will one day have minds of their own and realize the lies. If those lies taint Christian voices, then healthy skepticism for the world transfers to skepticism for the Church itself.

Once you become skeptical toward's Christ's church, more than just your political affiliations crumble...but your faith in Christ dies as well.

I want to instill faith in my kids, but teach them that God's truth and a keen sense of skepticism are all they can count on.

Regardless of who preaches, teaches, reports, or writes an article, I want my children to seek the truth of the matter with the truth of the SPIRIT guiding them.

I don't want them to view opinions equal to God's opinion. Every thing needs to be mulled over these days and affiliation with a media-driven idea needs to be held at arms length.

 My pastor often says that Christ's economy is upside down from the world's. And I am seeing that applied to all sides of all issues. Nothing is black and white. There is so much grey because We, The People muddy it. I am teaching my children to take EVERYTHING they hear with a skeptical, Christ-grounded look. If they need to turn it upside down to find truth, then skepticism will serve them well for a point of view with the whole truth, without the expense of their faith.

A dose of Encouragement on Mama Drama Monday

Today, I am hosting guest blogger Patricia Beal over at the Alley today. And while she is a Mama Writer like me, her words of wisdom can stretch way beyond just writing. Be sure to stop by for...

The Writer's Alley

False Identity: Fictitious Friday Part II

**Were you able to stop by part I this morning and enter the first giveaway of the day? My dear friend, Pepper Basham, who helped brainstorm with me at the beginning stages of my own novel, Lady Jane Lives, is releasing her SECOND Historical novel! Her faith and heart are so big, and her stories reveal it in an amazing way!

Be sure to get her first novel, The Thorn Bearer, and then be on the look out for her next one, The Thorn Keeper.**

LADY JANE LIVES?

It's time for another crumb from the Tudor legacy....another glimpse at the intertwining of the bard and a woman years before his time...AND a GIVEAWAY opportunity!

In high school, I had to stand in front of my English class and recite Polonious's monologue to his son. And I will never forget the timeless morsel of wisdom carried on across culture and time.

Today's Fictitious Friday (part deux) highlights this:

Intrigued yet?

GIVEAWAY entry time!

If you haven't yet, go "like" my Facebook page, and then answer the question below! You'll be entered in the All Saints Day (Nov. 1) drawing for a Starbucks card AND a great Tudor-inspired novel. 

What line, phrase, or character has stuck in your mind from your school days? And how can you apply it to your life today?

I would have to say, besides the above quote, Jane Eyre has been a character who has been in my mind since my Junior year of high school when I first read Bronte's novel. Jane overcame much, and even though she was wronged, her love and compassion win above all!

Hope to hear from you!

Be sure to stop by my first post today if you haven't yet! 

Fictitious Friday, Part I: Pepper D. Basham's Cover Reveal

We are having a Cover Release Party for Pepper D. Basham’s second historical romance, The Thorn Keeper, set to release in February 2016. Pepper’s debut novel, The Thorn Bearer, arrived in May 2015 and has been met with fantastic reviews.

A few notes of praise for The Thorn Bearer:

“Tucked inside a wonderful romance, you will find more depth here than most books you’ll ever read.” – Charity Andrews 

“Wonderfully story-telling, a realistic faith journey, memorable prose and a dry wit that I appreciate very much all make this book one I won't soon forget.” Cathy West 

“From the opening scene to the end, I was completely caught up in this amazing tale about forgiveness, second chances, and even blooming in the middle of pain.” Candace Joy 

“This just-released debut is a special one. The historical pieces of the puzzle were there and added a great punch – and often surprise – to the story, but the real focus of The Thorn Bearer was about the people and their faith in God. Books like this make me so happy to be a reader and reviewer.” Savanna Kaiser 


As we look forward to the second book’s release, here’s a little blurb to tempt you.

With her past in shambles, how can she fashion a future of hope?

Catherine Dougall’s past of manipulation has left her future in threads. With a new faith, she longs to take the remnants of her life and make something beautiful, but shame, societies’ judgments, and the natural consequences of an unplanned pregnancy test her newfound hope. Dr. David Ross doesn’t help either. His kindness, sacrifice, and tenderness tempt her to impossible dreams. A fallen woman doesn’t merit a fairytale. 

David Ross has made every effort to keep his life above reproach. His passion for the sick pump fresh purpose through his choices, but without financial support to maintain his war hospital, all is lost. When his notorious aunt offers an easy solution, David is tempted to give in to her demands, but his growing affection for the reformed flirt, Catherine Dougall, unwinds the careful wall around his heart and offers an unexpected choice. 

When the worst of war tears them apart, can love renew the memory of what was lost or will tragedy steal away their hope forever. 

From the beautiful Derbyshire countryside to the trenches of World War One, Catherine and David must learn to trust in a God who designs a masterpiece out of brokenness and fashions hope in the most unlikely places. 


This book has many of the same things enjoyed in book one – historical details, deep emotions, adventure, humor…and, of course, romance. (An extra dose of romance in this one). I have read some of it already...and it promises to be a page turner just like Pepper's debut!

So without further ado, we introduce The Thorn Keeper – available February 1, 2016 from Vinspire Publishing.:

Isn't it beeeeaaaauuuuttttiiiful????

And…don’t forget that Pepper’s first contemporary romance novel will be available in January 2016! A Twist of Faith is a modern retelling of My Fair Lady with an Appalachian twist.
My dear friend, Pepper, is a story teller across the ages...she has a beautiful historical voice, and a wonderful contemporary one!

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!!

Leave a comment for your chance to win a digital advanced review copy of The Thorn Keeper, which will be sent to the winners near the end of November!!

What’s one thing you like about this cover? Or, if you read The Thorn Bearer, what was one thing you enjoyed about Pepper’s debut?

Stop by later for Part II of my Fictitious Friday as I continue to reveal tidbits about my latest novel, Lady Jane Lives.

What's Up? Oct 16th!

Today is a busy day and it's just beginning! Be sure to stop by for Fictitious Fridays Part I & II!

When Your Kid Wants To Hide

This school year started out great...now it's kinda fizzling. And it's only October.

Have you've seen the sweet video of the little girl telling her parents to stop fighting and to bring their emotions down? ( I'll put a link below.)

Sometimes I just want to tell my children, "Be steady, bring it down." just like the little girl. Crazy high emotions around here....But then I think, oh boy, we have a good fourteen years ahead, all the d-r-a-m- that comes with adolescence to adulthood is in our future as well as our present.

I really don't have anything profound to say today. I am tapped out of any practical, pro-active solutions. The little human beings running around my house have hearts out of whack, emotions flooding their little brains, and outsiders putting a big fat wrench in their plans (and mine) to be A-okay, happy, un-touched, thriving school kids.

Honestly, there isn't anything huge stunting their joy. But there are little things that are making it seem pretty big.

There's the mean kid who pushes his weight around by teasing...I mean...our name is sooooo easy to tease...but come on-- sometimes I wish I wasn't a conscientious parent and could give my boys some zinger-come-backs. Yeah, I could talk the talk when I needed too.

And then, there are kids who mock my son's abilities. The abilities he used to pride himself in--now, he's letting them get in his head. He's agreeing with them. "I suck," he says.

How did it come to this?

Didn't we teach our kids well?

Didn't we prepare them for the mean ol' world out there?

What can I even say to help him? Right now, he just wants to stay home from school. He wants to hide.

And while that sounds like a solution, that's just living in fear.

I have told him that I feel the same way sometimes when it comes to my writing. Like, I am not good enough each time I get a rejection. And believe me...after ten years of pursuing publication...I have had PLENTY of rejections. Seems like a pretty good analogy, right?

But he's a kid. And like I said, his heart is out of whack--it's reaching out for acceptance in all the wrong places. The only true place to find it is up.

 Yeah.

Tell that to a bullied kid....I will have to look up FOR him, I guess.

This mama's heart is being tested to the max...and I just don't feel up to the challenge. Ever felt that way? Pray for me if you are a praying type. I can sooo relate to wanting to hide too!

{Click here for the video I mentioned above. }

Writing Mamas Unite! Mama Drama Monday

There's just nothing better than other mamas out there encouraging you in this season. And the ones who have been wired just.like.you. are certainly very special indeed.

I have been blessed with Mama-Writer friends. We have the same crazy passion to make up stories and make them count!

One gal who has made this reality, is my dear friend, Pepper Basham. She debuted this past May with an amazing book, The Thorn Bearer. Seriously, the message and the writing are just so brilliant. NOW, she is already promoting the second in the series, The Thorn Keeper. I have had the chance to read some of this story, to brainstorm with her, and to watch an amazing weaving of words and characters create a very purpose-filled message and beautiful romance.

Intrigued yet?

Well, this FRIDAY, Pepper is going to reveal the cover!!! I am soooo excited, because it's such a great cover (yes, I have had the chance to take a peek...privilege of a Mama-Writer friend).

Be sure to stop by on Fictitious Friday, comment, and then click on Pepper's website (below)!

Here's an official invite to Pepper's Cover Release Party. Don't worry, I will put a reminder up on Friday! It's a Double Giveaway as Mamas unite:

Fictitious Friday giveaway and at www.pepperdbasham.com

Mama Drama Monday is about praising all those Mama Writers out there, and the drama it takes to make a dream come true!

In Out: Verse Map Club

A group of verse-mappers (inspired by Kristy Cambron) has started the book of Romans.

Whew. That is a tough one.

I just attempted my first verse map/Bible journaling today, and, of course, it hit me right where I was at. I had just given the advice to a dear one to "look outward" not "inward" in a social environment...but God has used this so much deeper in His word. We can get stuck in our heads and literally have a back and forth confused mess of what is Him and what isn't, but when we look out to what He shows us is evident, and what what we can glean from those who walk in faith, the confusion lessens, the darkness leaves, and we bask in the glorious light of someone who follows Him.

I can't say much, but I can say, I have seen first hand what each of these scenarios look like. It's too close, too real, and just so true.

Lord, bring Your LIGHT.

History.repeat.History

Does history repeat itself? Will we ever learn?

As You Like It: Fictitious Friday

Good morning! I am always itching for these Fridays! I love sharing peeks into my story world. 

This Fictitious Friday is especially near and dear to me, as I had to memorize the entire monologue from Shakespeare's As You Like It in high school during my drama days. I am oozing with excitement to share the connection to this quote with my novel, Lady Jane Lives. 

How many "parts" does the reprieved traitor play in this historical conspiracy? One day soon, maybe you will find out in print. But for now, let's start a chat and put more friends on my list for the giveaway! Right now I have,

Morgan

Amy

Ann

Cheryl

Marion

Deane

Kerry

Abby

You all rock, and I have loved hearing from you! If you haven't entered yet,  all you need to do is like my Facebook Page, if you haven't already, and answer this question:

If you could play a part--in a movie, in a book, on the stage-- who would you like to portray? And, if you think more practically speaking, what is your favorite real life part?

I tried out for Lady Macbeth in high school. I actually played the role of Lady McDuff. I would love to play such a complex character as Lady Macbeth! I am probably a little rusty in the Shakespearean stage acting...although, I do love to write about the ol' bard.;)

A real life part for me is definitely being a mom! I am the leading lady and the stage manager and the director all in one. ;)

Hope to hear from you! 

The Next Best Step: Growing Up from the Valley

I've noticed a pattern lately. A different way than putting the next foot forward. Something better than that.

Honestly, a year ago, the lesser is all I could do...make some sort of forward motion to keep up with life around me, even though I was barely living inside.
Stumbling around got me from there to here. Even if I chose the easiest way to lift my foot and place it down again...no matter how small, how insignificant at the time...at least I was moving. At least there was something ahead of my heart...even if it was just my toes.

This crippling motion is my valley walk. It's when I am shadowed by giant mountains all around me, and I can't hardly see the light.

It's when I stare at that latest rejection of my writing, and choose to take the next step by slamming the computer shut. It's moving somewhere--even if it's just away from the defeat.

It's when I storm out of the house and shove myself into the car. Just sitting there. To get away from it all--the arguing, the whining, the unwise words from my mouth landing on the ears of my children. It's a step. At least a change.

Or as I felt mostly last fall, it's when I turn away and weep, facing away from the disappointment...facing...somewhere ahead of me. That's the next step. To just look away from all the hurt.
But now, I am still moving forward, realizing something more--after the surviving and striving. After the near backward falls into quitting the writing, snapping once again at the kids, and almost giving up on my marriage, I stumble onto a new way. Not just trying to move in a direction, but taking the next BEST step.

When you've been in the valley long enough, you realize there really is only one direction. Up.

Life is brighter. Growing Upward really does make a difference. And I am no longer settled with scraping by with little shuffles but finding that next best step up and out of this valley.

I may still find rejection in my writing--but what's my next best step for me? Not the quick step of throwing it all away and starting over. But what is the BEST thing to do? It might not be seeking publication wherever I can grab it, or finding a new dream. The next BEST thing to do might just be keep trying. And when my growth is stunted, "keep trying" is not much of an option.

Mistakes will ALWAYs find me as a parent...and sometimes, I am so defeated...running away for a moment...or three...seems like the next step. But now, after I may lapse into such cowardly retreat, what's the next BEST step for us all? It might just be apologizing and moving on. Or, as it has often been the case, saying no to the expected activity of the evening. It might be saying never to it...ever again. When I am growing Up...I am able to decipher what's better and best.

And speaking of mistakes in parenting...well, marriage is a whole different tangly mess. And married life last year was NO FUN. Now, there are still plenty of thorns that snag my forward movement along the way. Every once in a while, I find one and I have to wrestle myself away from it so I can choose the next BEST step. And I am sure my husband also feels the same. We are both learning and growing...um...direction?...well...that's debatable. ;) But each day that I choose to love, choose to hope, and choose him...I stumble across the next best step. Thank God I can tell the difference between these steps and the stumbling of a year ago.

Choosing
#thenextbeststep

Monday at The Writer's Alley

Head over to The Writer's Alley and check out my three reasons to be on PINTEREST! Happy Monday!

It's All About The Heart: Verse Mapping

I cannot believe what I have just uncovered as I mapped a verse...or two, today. I started at Mark 4:33-34, and then ended with Isaiah 6:9... Can we say back to front? Well, funny enough, that's what I learned in my Bible Study today... Jesus literally turned words upside down to right everything upward.

Taking Scripture and translation for face value possibly gives us false doctrine. Digging deep and understanding the context, meaning, and language...that will reveal something huge! I am seeing how important it is to have educated,

wise instruction, as well as extensive resources to get to the "heart" of the matter.

Praising God in all His consistency and GLORY!
I may still have a thing or two to learn about verse mapping, but it has been such a blessing so far!

Aaah...in the words of Kristy Cambron, "MIND BLOWN!"

to learn more, go to: 

#VerseMapClub

Only Worthy

I retreat away from the world. It has crept into my heart and caused a battle within. So today, I focus in on the only true Peace. The only one worthy of such focus.

An Inspiring Underling: Fictitious Friday

Good Morning to you!

**We have a number of entries in our giveaway already! If you commented last week, then comment below for a second entry! If you haven't entered the drawing yet, all you have to do is like my FB page then let me know in a comment below with an answer to our question of the day!

It was a wretched morning over half a century ago for a certain traitor to the throne. But today, on this

Fictitious Friday, you'll get another glimpse into the heart of my protagonist, the reprieved Lady Jane Grey Dudley. Surprisingly Will Shakespeare almost fifty years her junior, has captured her struggle in yet another verse:

So much to discover in this brewing conspiracy! If you would like to gain more insight into the construction of this twist, please read my blog post here (It was featured this week on Tudor Weekly).

If you want to gain an entry in my GIVEAWAY (coffee and a good novel anyone?), answer this question--a bit more uplifting than the bard's message today:

What fictional or historical character has inspired you to be a better person or to pursue a certain dream?

Mine has to be Lady Jane Grey Dudley. I discovered her story on the brink of my own spiritual journey as a young adult. Her devotion and love for the reform inspired me to be a loyal believer...which makes the novel I have written about her, all the more heart-wrenching and heart-growing, because she is given a choice that goes against all she stood for.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

It's Fall Y'all...Again! TBT

While I have been wrapped up in everything 16th century lately, I decided to fast forward a bit and celebrate the upcoming Autumn season! Yes, it seems like just yesterday my 3 year old and 7 year old were jumping in a giant pit of corn (that's what you do in the American Midwest)...but now, they are 4 and 8! At least they still have loads of fun a year later!

Have a wonderful Throwback Thursday! Hope to see you here tomorrow for Fictitious Friday!