Author: Carol Underhill

Passport Journey #1: Abraham’s Journey

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

I recently created a Children’s Church curriculum series entitled: Passport to the Promised Land. It is my hope to publish this series sometime this winter.

Here is a preview of the first lesson in this series:

Title of Lesson:      Passport Journey #1: Abraham’s Journey

Scripture Verse:     “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Introduction to Lesson:

We are taking a pretend journey in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Our story begins after the Great Flood. Noah’s sons and their wives had children, who had more children, and families grew. They started to spread out across the land.

HERE IS A COPY OF THE MAP FOR YOU. (The link to this map will be provided when the curriculum is published.)

The land of Ur, where our journey begins, is in the region that is present day Iraq.

If you were traveling to a foreign country today, what would you need to take with you?
A passport

For our journey through the Bible, we are also going to carry a passport.

(HAND OUT PASSPORTS – Instructions on how to create passports will be provided when the curriculum is published.)

Now we’re ready to travel with Abraham and his family.

WALK ALONG HALLWAY, STOP IN FRONT OF CLASSROOM DOOR.

Let’s check our mailbox for a message from God’s Word that will tell us which land we are entering.


Message from God’s Word:

Genesis 11:31

31 Terah took his son Abraham, Abraham’s wife Sara, and Abraham’s nephew Lot. Together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. (Although Abram’s name has not been changed to Abraham yet, I have included the new spelling to make it consistent throughout the curriculum).

(SHOW HARAN ON MAP)

Passport Stamp: Haran (Passport stamps will be explained when curriculum is published)

Introduction to Story:

A man named Terah and his family came from the land of Ur of the Chaldeans. He wanted to move his family to the land of Canaan (SHOW ON MAP).

But they settled in Haran.

It was a long journey. Do you think they had buses back then?

Trains?

And definitely not airplanes, right?

How do you think they got from one place to another?

Walking, riding donkey/camel, cart

What did they need to take with them to survive the long journey?

shoes good, comfortable clothes, provisions like water and food

Bible Story:

Read aloud Genesis 11:27 – Genesis 12:5

After story:

Abraham went from the land of Haran to the land God promised him. What was this land called?

Canaan.

Today you get a second sticker on your passport for the land of Canaan.

Story in Action:

Use picture cards (These will be provided when curriculum is published.)

We’re going to go on a “journey” around the room.

First person is Abraham. Draws card. “I’m Abraham, and I’m going to the Promised Land. What or who am I taking with me?” Says what’s on the card.

Second person draws a card. “I’m going with Abraham and we’re going to the Promised Land. What or who am I taking with me?” Says what’s on the card.

Third person draws a card. “I’m going with them to the Promised Land. Who or what am I taking with me?” Says what’s on the card.

Continue until all cards are played, even if the players have to start over with number one person again. Play until all cards are played.

Lesson Point:

God made a promise to Abraham. God promised Abraham that He would give Him a land that would belong to Abraham and his descendants.

What are descendants?

Abraham’s, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and so on.

God told Abraham that his descendants would be like the stars in the sky, too many to count.

The Bible tells us that Abraham believed the Lord. Abraham had faith that God would do what he promised.

God had a plan for Abraham, and God has a plan for your life, too.

Our Bible verse today is from Jeremiah 29:11. (Read aloud).

You were not put on this earth by accident.

God created you with a special purpose in mind.

God isn’t asking you to physically move. He wants you to trust Him with the things that come up in your everyday life.

You can ask for God’s help to make good choices.

Craft:

Print off a picture of Abraham and the stars. (Link will be provided when curriculum is published.)

Color, place gold star stickers on stars in picture and sandpaper or brown paper torn in pieces to glue over the ground for sand.

I will make an announcement in mid-November about the details for how you can purchase the curriculum for use in your church’s children’s program.

Meet the Author: Suzie Waltner

/ Carol Underhill / 1 Comment

Good Morning. My guest today is Suzie Waltner, author of Midnight Blue, a Christian romance.

Suzie, thank you for being my guest today. Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.

I am a busy single gal (although, I’m probably past the age where I can get away with “gal,” LOL!) who writes in her free time. During the day I work in the mortgage division of a large bank. I love my church and my group of friends, dog sit for a few people, and love watching my Predators (National Hockey League) play.

What is Midnight Blue about?

Ten years after Jake Turnquist broke up with his high school sweetheart in order to pursue his music career, he crosses paths with her again. Scarlett Sykes now has a daughter, but Jake is interested in renewing a friendship with her. What he doesn’t know is that Harmony is his daughter.

When he discovers the truth, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave Scarlett up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?

So tell us, Suzie, what was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I don’t have the typical story where I loved writing from a young age. I did write, but I didn’t really think much of it. In fact, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian up until my second year of college when I passed out during a sheep surgery. It was after that little episode I decided that I wasn’t cut out for the vet life.

Long story short, I ended up taking a lot of detours in college and ended up with an English degree, but I wanted to be an editor, not a writer (although I did take some creative writing classes).

Fast forward several years and a co-worker had posted something on Facebook about NaNoWriMo. When I saw her at work the next week, I told her I’d always wanted to give it a try, but it was usually halfway into November when I saw people talking about it. This particular year, I saw it in October. My co-worker encouraged me to do it, and I did. And then I kept writing and discovered I enjoyed it.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

I do have a 40-hour-a-week day job, so most of my writing is done on the weekends when I can dedicate large chunks of time to my stories. I love writing sprints, but they’re usually not running when I am writing so I will find a pre-recorded video or two on YouTube because it makes me feel like I’m writing with others plus those sprints provide for short breaks. Isn’t it funny the mind games we can play with ourselves to get something done?

Who was your favorite character to create?

Harmony (Jake and Scarlett’s daughter) was a fun addition to the story. It’s through her we see how differently Jake and Scarlett react to their daughter. She also adds some fun elements because kids are unpredictable.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I am 100% a pantser. I’ve tried to plot a few times, but the characters refuse to follow my outline, so I’ve learned to let them steer the story. The one downside of being a pantser is that edits are more intense since I don’t have all the plot points worked out at the beginning of the book.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is extremely supportive of my writing. I am the only one of my siblings (one brother and one sister) who is a reader, but both of them order my books. And my parents are always recommending my books to others or picking up another copy to give away.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, I am part of several writing groups. I belong to a couple of the big organizations like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. I am also involved on more local levels as the current president of the ACFW Middle Tennessee chapter and I have two critique partners I work with weekly. I also love encouraging people who are interested in writing or new to it.

What’s next for you as an author?

I am currently writing book three in the Love in Color series while awaiting edits for book two. Readers are introduced to the entire band in Midnight Blue, and each member is getting their own story over the four-book series.

Thank you for being my guest today, Suzie.

Before we go, where can readers find you online?

Website: https://suziewaltner.com

Newsletter: https://suziewaltner.com/join-my-newsletter/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/suziewaltnerwrites

Instagram: https://instagram.com/suziewaltner

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nashpredsfan

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/suzie-waltner

Buy Link:

Pet Tails: Abner

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Abner is a 6 year old neutered domestic long haired cat.

He is front declawed and is missing his back right paw, possible from an injury as a kitten.  He still gets around just fine.

He is a large cat that is full of love.  His owners were very allergic and decided it was best to surrender Abner and his sister Priscilla.  

Abner gets along with other cats as long as they aren’t always in his face.

He loves chin and head scratches and would do best in a quiet home

You can find out more about Abner and other cats available for adoption at http://www.arcofmecostacounty.com.

Meet the Author: Rachelle Paige Campbell

/ Carol Underhill / 1 Comment

My guest today is Rachelle Paige Campbell, author of Her One in a Million, a Christian romance. Rachelle, thank you for joining me today. Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.

I write contemporary romance novels filled with heart and hope. I believe love and laughter can change lives, and every story needs a happily ever after. I earned my masters’ degree in Fine and Decorative Arts from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. I love to include Art History elements in my novels so I have an excuse to research. This book was a great opportunity for that!

What is Her One in a Million about?

While renovating a historic mansion, Samantha Holt discovers three hidden vases. If she sells the pottery with her family’s auction business, she can bring in a commission for her parents and help get funds for the mansion’s restoration. She calls an expert from Chicago, Zach Reynolds, for his opinion and is shocked that he wants to take the pieces back to the city. They both need the pottery for professional reasons, but the situation is complicated by their growing admiration and feelings for each other.

That’s a great story, Rachelle. Now for some questions about you:

Are you a night owl or morning person?

I am a morning person through and through! I love to get up and get going every day. My kids are early risers, too. This was an added complication for getting words in when they were little. Now that they are both in school, however, it’s perfect. After they are out the door, I can focus on my projects for a few hours and get a lot of dedicated time for writing in during the week.

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

I don’t always reward myself when a book is finished because sometimes I don’t have time or opportunity. But my favorite treat is a nice manicure. It’s lovely to get a hand massage and a new coat of nail polish after my fingers have been hard at work typing a story.

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

I love historical romance and historical fiction. I have read a lot of both and really enjoy the genre. When I first started writing, I attempted a Regency era novel but the book fell flat. My writer voice is too modern. I had fun on this project creating a historical journal. I finally had a chance to incorporate a tribute to the genre but in a way that was genuine to the story. It was a wonderful surprise to me as I started crafting the novel.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

The first people to read any of my completed books are my writing friends. Known as the Panera Supper Club, from the pre-Covid days when we would meet at Panera and write, I am blessed to be part of a very supportive group of incredibly talented, hard-working, and kind authors. We write different genres but are cheerleaders for each other’s work.

What book or author has inspired you the most?

I loved the Anne of Green Gables books so much as a kid. I continue to be inspired by Anne. I think I’ve been trying to be Anne Shirley my entire life. What I’ve always loved most is that she makes mistakes, takes responsibility, and learns from the experience.

What’s next for you as an author?

The fourth book in the Home to Harmony series is coming! I’m not sure when, yet, but it’s a Christmas book and ties the series together in an unexpected way. I’m really excited to share it with readers. I have loved writing these books and am so appreciative of the positive response.

Thank you for being my guest today, Rachelle. Before we go, where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3jKH9s0

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3KRvKCy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellepaigebooks/

Newsletter: eepurl.com/dEjzZz

Website: https://rachellepaigecampbell.com/

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U9lqep

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3U7d6f7

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3qB2yr1

Apple iBooks: https://apple.co/3BF8xl7

Good Monday Morning 10-10-22

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Blessed are they…

Good Monday Morning 10-10-22

The sunshine of the past few days, a break from leading children’s church for a week, and the removal of my husband’s old Chevelle from our yard all worked together to give me a relaxed state of mind. I’ve experienced some stress over the past few weeks related to work issues, car problems and financial challenges. It feels good this morning to say, “I made it through the storm.”

God is so good to me.

He promised to never leave us nor forsake us, and His word is good. We don’t ever have to question whether or not He loves us. Sometimes we rebel against His authority, however. We want the things that we want when we want them, whether they are healthy for us or not. I’m not immune to having some unhealthy habits and making choices that are not the best for me. We all have challenges in life and sins we struggle with, but that doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us.

His love is unconditional. His love is true, faithful and honest. He makes the storms of life go away or helps us walk through them. I cannot comprehend how God can be in all and over all and know all, but I can believe it’s true because the Bible tells us so.

How can I question the God who raised Jesus from the dead?

Jesus’ disciple Thomas questioned Jesus’ resurrection. This passage is from John 20:24-29:

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

We are blessed because we haven’t seen Jesus but believe in His birth, crucifixion and resurrection anyway.

I feel that blessing this morning as I start a new week.

I received notice from my boss of a cancellation for tomorrow. That means less money in my paycheck for next time.

But I guess God knows what I need. I’ve said since I started this job that God controls my schedule. I can’t control whether people get ill or cancel for other reasons, or when I might get sick and need a day (or days when I’ve had Covid) off.

Next week’s children’s lesson is the story about God providing manna for the Israelites when they were wandering through the desert.

The Bible verse to go with the lesson is:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

As I write the lesson point for this week’s lesson it will also be a reminder to me of how God provides what I need before I can ask.

Have a blessed week.