Sunday, August 30, 2020

Guest Post Why Writing is a Form of Personal Therapy by Adrienne Quinn


Journaling has saved many of my days and it has given me the gift of mental dumping. In past years, I journaled daily, more than I have done consistently in the present time. The journaling was probably more consistent years ago because it was my only form of therapy, until I started counseling two years ago. By mental dumping and saving many of my days, I mean when moments become emotionally heavy or filled with confusion, I can gather myself at the end of the day in the comforts of a warm bed, an aromatic candle, and silence and mentally dump the details onto a piece of paper. The paper does not talk, it does not laugh, it does not whisper my secrets when I put it away in its hidden place, it does not judge, and it does not falter when a tear tarnishes its perfect lines of ink. I can choose the leave the day on paper, rest through the night with less mental weight, and start the next day anew.

I have written in journals for many years. Recently, I decided to read my prayers and journals from the past.  It enlightened me on how far I had grown mentally and emotionally. It made me aware of how intact my personal relationship is with God. It reminded me of how blessed my life has been and that many of the things that I had asked for, I have been gifted. Reading over old journals made me grateful for the times that I thought I was mentally warped and too low to bounce back. Reviewing the pathway that lead me to where I am now, places my life into perspective. That is the personal therapy that writing gifts us. Writing out your journey gives you the ability to go back, to evaluate, to reset, to alter, to remember, to readjust, to forgive yourself, to forgive others, to grow, to measure, and most of all to be grateful. 




 

Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a two-week book tour for Through Healed Lenses by Adrienne’Quinn. The book tour will run August 24-Sept 4, 2020.

               

Genre: Non-Fiction    

 

ISBN-13: 979-8648414099

ASIN: B08DC1P8MY

                                                                                                                                Meet Adrienne

 

Adrienne Kelly, pen name, Adrienne'Quinn, is a practicing Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Atlanta, GA. Adrienne's childhood included being raised by a single mother and growing up in a small town with a large, close-knit maternal family who heavily influences her upbringing and writings. She is a mom two a boy, Joziah and girl, Azariah. She is the CEO and founder of Gifting Love LLC, an organization that focuses on holistic mentoring through the use of spiritual and emotional education, as well as therapy services for adolescent girls. Adrienne started her therapy journey years ago and has become an avid supporter of counseling services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                About The Book

 

How often do you find yourself wondering why the same outcomes in relationships, be it familiar or personal, continue to happen to you? When is the last time you caught yourself feeling as if there was something missing? Or something more to life than your current predicaments? When was the last time you had a negative thought about yourself, that you could not comfortably say aloud because society would judge it by their skewed standards? Or how about a time when you felt defeated but had to keep moving forward for the sake of image or responsibility? In Adrienne ‘Quinn’s new book, every page answers, provides depth, and context to the above questions.

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

           

Life is a slideshow full of relationships. The journey we experience with our parent, children, brother, sister, friend, teachers, strangers, significant other, and spouse are all relationships in which we learn to exist and navigate life. The people gifted to us by blood were, in some realm, ordained by God to guide and influence our life experiences. These life experiences do not always present as the most favorable or positive; however, they are a part of our story.

 

Connect Socially                                                                            Purchase Link

 

 

 Facebook       IG       Website                                                                  Amazon

 

 

Tour organized by Write Now Literary

 






Saturday, August 29, 2020

Hidden Realities by Kathleen Friesen

  

As we drove west across Alberta’s prairie, my husband and I eagerly anticipated that magical first sight of the Rocky Mountains. Flat lands became rolling hills, sparse bushes gave way to luxuriant evergreens, and we knew we’d reached the point where the majestic mountains should be obvious. But no matter how we strained our eyes, we couldn’t see them. A thick haze from distant fires obscured our view.

My husband joked that perhaps the mountains had decided to move. I responded that maybe we’d only imagined them every other time we’d travelled between Saskatchewan and British Columbia. The absurdity of our suggestions made us laugh, and as we continued west, before long we were surrounded by massive peaks. Right where they’d always been.

Even more permanent than mountains, God is with us. Everywhere. Always.

Psalm 139:7-8 reminds us, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

But many times fears, deep disappointments, and heartbreaks have come between me and my loving Father. I look but cannot see Him through the smog of life. I begin to wonder if He has moved, or perhaps my faith was unfounded.

When I gaze nearsightedly at the circumstances swirling around me, God seems hidden. But just as the smoky haze dissipated the closer we got to the mountains, my own murky doubts disappear when I grasp the truth of God’s presence.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)


Bio:  Kathleen Friesen has always loved to lose herself in a good story, especially tales of love and faith that overcome. She admits that these days, she'll often get lost in her current work in progress, whatever it may be. Kathleen's stories invite the reader to risk faith, to dare to love, and to enjoy the results.


Kathleen and her husband recently moved back to Saskatchewan, Canada. They enjoy kayaking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends in Canada and the U.S.A. Spoiling their five grandchildren is a special joy!





Bite the Dust: Low Country Dog Walker Mystery Series




Bite the Dust: Low Country Dog Walker Mystery Series, Book 1 

Paperback – EBOOK

February 28, 2020

By Jackie Layton

  • Paperback : 250 pages
  • ISBN-13 : 978-1611949841
  • Publisher : Bell Bridge Books 


  • Secrets can be deadly.


    One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.


    Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.


    If you love strong heroines, coastal small-town life, and dogs, you’ll love Bite the Dust.


  • My thoughts (lvh):  BITE THE DUST is the first book in this cute cozy mystery series. I enjoyed book two, so went and picked up book one so i could be up-to-date on the story.

  • There were some twists I never saw coming, but the who-dun-it was beyond obvious, we were also told that Andi Grace was a calm quiet person but what we were shown  was confrontational. The faith message was  weak.

  • I did enjoy the story and would read more by this author.   

  • I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.









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    Friday, August 28, 2020

    Sown In Peace (Operation Return To Peace)


    Sown In Peace 

    (Operation Return To Peace) 

    Paperback – ebook

    August 27, 2020




     

    Thursday, August 27, 2020

    Hearts on Lonely Mountain (Librarians of Willow Hollow Book 3)


    Hearts on Lonely Mountain 

    (Librarians of Willow Hollow Book 3)

     Kindle Edition

  • Publication Date : September 1, 2020
  • ASIN : B08BDTP47G
  • Can two lonely people find more than a fleeting friendship or will a prejudiced town keep them apart?

    When Ivory Bledsoe left the city to minister to the people of the rural mountain town of Willow Hollow, she never expected to be shunned rather than welcomed. Seeing the town as a lost cause, she’s eager to return home, but when the bridge leading out of town is washed away during a flood, she finds herself stranded in the last place she wants to be.

    Ben Thrasher was content with his quiet life until he met the new librarian. He can’t help but be drawn to the friendly and lively Ivory Bledsoe, despite her being at the center of the town’s latest superstition. It’s only a matter of time until she captures his heart, turning his world upside down in the process.

     

    This is a beautiful story showing God’s love and following His will can bring challenges, misunderstandings, but leaning on Him and showing unconditional love is always right. I loved the characters and descriptive interactions and events as I felt like I was right in the midst of the mountains with the poverty, superstitions, and wariness of the mountain folks plus the historical setting during the 1930’s. It was extra special to read names of books and the authors for this era that the library had in Willow Hollow. A beautiful ending had me applauding and smiling not wanting the story to end.

     

    I look forward to reading every novella in the Librarians of Willow Hollow series as they are released.

     

    I received a complimentary advance reader copy from the author and was under no obligation to write a review. I have shared my own opinion.   




     

     

    Wednesday, August 26, 2020

    Love and a Little White Lie (State of Grace)



    Love and a Little White Lie 

    (State of Grace) 

    Paperback – ebook, audio, hardcover

    August 4, 2020







     

    Sunday, August 23, 2020

    Touching the Robe of Jesus by B J Bassett

     

     

    In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages. She had spent every penny she had on doctors but not one had been able to help her. She slipped in from behind and touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. At that very moment her hemorrhaging stopped. Luke 8:43-44

     

    My children loved their blankets like Linus in the comic strip Peanuts, created by cartoonist Charles Schulz.

     

    One day, while cleaning the house for company, my children’s blankets were everywhere. They were on the floor, sofa,—wherever they’d left them. I wanted my home to look perfect. Well, as perfect as I possibly could make it. So I asked my children to take their blankets upstairs to their bedrooms, or I’ll throw them in the trash. 

     

    My impish daughter, Kathy, spoke up, “I don’t care.”

     

    I was surprised by her response. Because she was an active little girl who, by the end of the day, loved to cuddle up with her blanket and thumb, it was soothing and comforting for her. Of my four children, Kathy loved her blanket more than her siblings did theirs.

     

    I was the kind of parent who followed through with what I said. Yet, how could I throw her beloved blanket in the trash? I knew at bedtime, she’d feel differently, so I hid her blanket instead of throwing it away. I also didn’t want to be up all night with a grieving child.

     

    How often do we seek comfort or healing, especially at the end of a busy day?

     

    All we need to do is reach out and touch our Father’s robe.

     

    Father, thank you for your healing touch, like a favorite blanket. Amen.



     

    B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

     

    As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

     

    Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

     

    She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

     

    Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

     

    She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.

     

     




    Saturday, August 22, 2020

    Dog-Gone Dead (Low Country Dog Walker Mystery Series)

     

    Dog-Gone Dead

    (Low Country Dog Walker Mystery Series #2) 

    Paperback – ebook

    June 26, 2020

    • Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 
    • ISBN-13: 978-1611949889

    Friday, August 21, 2020

    Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women Kick-Off Package and #giveaway!!!



    About the Book

    Book:  Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women
    aGenre:  Devotional
    Release Date: April 29, 2020
    Creator God made the world in which we live. He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and ocean on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features/attributes that are common although the degree varies depending on where a person lives. In winter we think of cold weather; in spring, blooming flowers; in summer, warm weather; and in the fall, beautifully colored leaves.
    As Christ-followers we also experience spiritual seasons. These seasons do not come in order like seasons in nature, which come regularly without fail. Each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features also. In spiritual winter we think of the coldness of our relationship with God; in spring, new
    This devotional is focused on summer—both calendar and spiritual. Our spiritual summer is a time of growth, hard work, and relaxation as we nurture and care for the new things that were planted in our spiritual spring and allow them to ripen or mature.
    My thoughts (lvh): GLIMPSES OF GOD: A SUMMER DEVOTIONAL FOR WOMEN has a refreshing cover that makes you want to grab your fruit-flavored ice tea and settle in for a  conversation. The devotional tone is friendly, inviting you in to spend time in scripture reading,  discussion, and applying it to real life.  There is a short prayer and an application for you to take away.
    The print is large, making it easy it to read. 
    I really loved some of the topics, some were relatable to what  I'm going through now and  some made me laugh.   You can hide from God--but He will always find you.
    If you are looking for a new devotional for yourself or a friend, grab a  copy of GLIMPSES OF GOD.
    I was given a  copy free. All opinions are my own.

    Click here to get your copy!



    About the  Authors

    Shirley Crowder was born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa, where her parents served as missionaries. She and co-author Harriet E. Michael grew up together on the mission field and have been life-long friends. Shirley is passionate about disciple-making, which is manifested in and through a myriad of ministry opportunities: biblical counseling, teaching Bible studies, writing, and music.
    She is a biblical counselor and is commissioned by and serves on the national Advisory Team for The Addiction Connection. She is an award-winning writer who has had several of her articles appear in “Paper Pulpit” in the Faith section of The Gadsden Times, and in a David C. Cook publication. She also writes articles for Life Bible Study, Woman’s Missionary Union, The Addiction Connection and Inspired Prompt. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to eight books.
    Shirley has spiritual children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren serving the Lord in various ministry and secular positions throughout the world.



    Harriet E. Michael was born in Joinkrama, Nigeria, deep in the African jungle in the Niger River delta, where her father served as the only missionary doctor at that station. A few years later, the mission moved the family to a larger hospital in Ogbomoso. Co-author Shirley Crowder and her family lived right across the dirt road. The two children became constant playmates. Today they continue to enjoy their lifelong friendship.
    Harriet is a multi-published, award-winning writer and speaker. She has authored or co-authored seven books (six nonfiction and one novel) with several more under contract for future release. She is also a prolific freelance writer, having penned over 200 articles, devotions, and stories. Her work has appeared in publications by Focus on the Family, David C. Cook, Lifeway, Standard Publishing, Chicken Soup for the SoulThe Upper Room, Judson Press, Bethany House, and more. When not writing, she loves speaking to women’s groups and teaching workshops on freelance writing.
    She and her husband of more than 40 years have four children and two grandchildren. When not writing, she enjoys substituting at a Christian school near her home, gardening, cooking, and traveling.


    More from Shirley

    In the same way that nature’s seasons serve a purpose on earth, so do the seasons in our spiritual lives. God provides, cares for, and sustains the earth, and in His faithfulness, He does the same for us. Our responsibility is to be obedient to God’s commands in the Bible and to cling to the truth that God is in control.
    Our “Glimpses of God” series consist of:
    • Glimpses of God: a winter devotional for women
    • Glimpses of God: a summer devotional for women
    • Glimpses of God: a spring devotional for women (due out in early 2021)
    • Glimpses of God: an autumn devotional for women (due out in late summer 2021)
    We pray that as readers meditate upon the Bible passages and truths in each devotional, they will catch glimpses of God in and through everything around them.
    How has He provided for you? How is He protecting you? How is He teaching you?

    Blog Stops

    Get Cozy Book Nook, August 12
    Artistic Nobody, August 13 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
    Older & Smarter?, August 14
    Texas Book-aholic, August 18
    Mary Hake, August 19
    Lighthouse Academy, August 21
    CarpeDiem, August 21
    Splashes of Joy, August 24

    Giveaway

    To celebrate their tour, Shirley and Harriet are giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.







    Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction #Devotional by Laura Poole

      Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction   “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words.” ~...