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.
My guest today Is author Sharon Rene. She is here to tell us about her new release, a young adult dystopian novel entitled Defying Destiny. This is a prequel to her Divine Destiny Chronicles Series.
Sharon,, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Mississippi and have lived in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. I now live in Memphis, Tennessee. I’m an only child and have always been close to my parents. My father passed away years ago and my mother lives with me now.
I taught in the youth department at my church for over fifteen years. I’ve also participated in the drama, puppet and prison ministries as well as going on several mission trips.
What is your book, Defying Destiny, about?
In 2042, Twenty-year-old Sierra Stone leads a group of Irish rebels in an attempt to stop Hunter and River Wallis from conquering the planet. Country after country falls to the powerful brother and sister duo, but Ireland refuses to surrender. Until Sierra is captured by the enemy.
Imprisoned in an ancient castle, Sierra faces the biggest challenges of her life. River Wallis wants her dead, and Hunter wants to win her heart. She knows how to fight River, but her battle skills prove useless against Hunter’s charm. Now, Sierra must decide if she’s fighting for her personal freedom or for world peace. No matter what choice she makes, one thing is certain–For the first time ever, the Irish rebel may face defeat.
What is the inspiration behind your story?
Defying Destiny is a prequel to Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels. Both of these books are dystopian young adult but without the unsavory elements found in some of the mainstream YA. The books have a Christian worldview.
When I was writing Relentless Rebels, I realized that the adults in the book had really exciting lives when they were younger. I decided to write the prequel.
Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?
I work as a legal assistant at a large corporation. It’s never easy to find time to write. The weekends are usually the best time for me to squeeze in some writing.
What book do you wish you would have written?
The Hunger Games. That book got me interested in Dystopian Young Adult fiction. I wrote Hesitant Heroes after reading The Hunger Games series.
Who was your favorite character to create?
I love all the characters, but I had the most fun writing the villain, River Wallis. River is completely evil, but she doesn’t see it that way. She has reasons for every terrible thing she does, and it was really fun to create this type of character.
Are you a plotter or a panster?
I’m a little bit of both but definitely lean more to panster. I didn’t have an outline when I began Hesitant Heroes and was still devising the plot in my head. It was a lot of fun. I would just write and see what happened next. In Hesitant Heroes, Christian students start disappearing from the main characters high school. I wrote at least half the book not knowing what had happened tothese kids. I didn’t know if they were dead or alive. I had to write to find out what happened.
I did much more plotting for the sequel, Relentless Rebels. Defying Destiny is a prequel, so I already knew all the major events and plot points before I even started the book.
Are you part of a writing group?
I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers both national and local. I have learned so much from my local Memphis group. I was a member of the Scribes critique group online through ACFW and now I am in a smaller young adult critique group with ACFW. I can’t imagine being in this writing world without these wonderful groups.
Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?
Mom, of course. Now my critique partners read my WIP as I go. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of a critique group but now I love it. They have helped me develop as a writer and also become good friends.
Sharon, thank you for joining me today. Your book sounds very exciting. What’s next for you as an author?
I have completed a Romantic Suspense set in New Orleans and I’m currently working on a middle-grade book about four seventh grade girls who want to be detectives.
Today I’m interviewing author Michelle Lowe about her new book, The Autumn Keepsake. Michelle, I’m happy to have you here. Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I live in Asheboro, North Carolina with my husband, Brian, and our eighteen-year-old son, Jake. We have a very spoiled bluetick hound-mix named Daisy. I am a Registered Nurse as well as an author. I work part-time for a small company out of Raleigh completing nursing assessments during the week, and I enjoy writing whenever I have free time. I also enjoy cooking and searching for Native American arrowheads on our property.
What is The Autumn Keepsake about?
Tessa Stanley survives an unimaginable childhood tragedy. Her best friend, a sweet old hound dog named Laura, has been with her through thick and thin– even more recently during a broken engagement.
When Tessa befriends an eccentric neighbor, and accidentally calls the police on the woman’s great-nephew who also happens to be the local fire chief, she and Laura embark on a special journey reconnecting her with the past and the reason behind her dog’s personifying name. And most importantly, she learns the events in her life, good and bad, have all been a part of His greater plan.
What is the inspiration behind your story?
I love dogs, and as you have probably gathered, our sweet Daisy is partly the inspiration for this story. She has been a faithful friend to our entire family! The grandparents even love her and bring her special treats!
I also lost my mom to Multiple Sclerosis many years ago. And although this loss is still very painful, I can see many blessings in my life, too.
Are you a night owl or a morning person?
I am definitely a morning person. I got into the habit of going to bed early when my son was small, and I still go to bed before anyone else in our house, sometimes around 8:30 p.m. or so! I’m usually pretty tuckered out by then! I am much more creative and ready to go early in the morning.
How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?
I often look at lists of boy or girl names until I find something that fits with the character I have in mind. For example, the name Tessa just seemed to fit perfectly for the strong heroine in THE AUTUMN KEEPSAKE. When I chose this name, I could picture my character, with her chestnut-colored hair and her pretty brown lace dress, in one of the last scenes.
What are your favorite three books?
I have read almost every book by Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. I have my mom’s old hardbacks which I treasure. This is kind of funny, since these are historical romances, and I write contemporary romances. My favorite books by these authors are:
THE BLACK OPAL by Victoria Holt
THE INDIA FAN by Victoria Holt
DREAM OF ORCHIDS by Phyllis Whitney
What does your family think of your writing?
My family is very supportive of my writing, and I am grateful for this. My son, Jake, even read my first novella on his tablet. Being an eighteen-year-old, I’m not sure he’d want anyone to know this, but it sure meant the world to me!!
What’s next for you as an author?
I have a Christmas novella which will be released on November 4th by Anaiah Press, and another novella set to be released next summer in July. I am very excited!
This is the last Monday in September. This month went by so fast.
Summer is over and fall is here. That turning of the season was a difficult time for me when my kids were in school. It was as hard for me to shift from lazy summer mornings to bustling everyone out the door in time to catch the bus or drive to school. In fact, many years during this change of season, I suffered from increased anxiety.
It feels like I still experience the aftershock of those hectic days when this time of year rolls around. My mood shifted a few days ago. A little bit of depression is creeping in, stealing my motivation and my joy. That affects my mindset and my thoughts turn inward. I self-reflect and pick out the negatives instead of focusing on the positive.
It’s time for another appointment with my counselor. I can get through this, but I need a little help to sort through my emotions.
Three years ago I was on top of my game. I was in great health and my first novella was about to be released.
Two years ago, I had good lab results and felt physically stronger than I ever had, but I struggled to find a job. Finances became a hardship. I learned how to cook dry beans and make up my own soups, as well as portion out the meat that I ate so that it stretched farther.
Last year, I’d already started to let down my guard, not paying attention to what I ate and not exercising regularly. I had some disappointments that I couldn’t seem to get over.
In November last year, I began working with children’s church. Like I often do, I came up with my own ideas for curriculum. For the next few months, I focused on preparing lessons weekly with Bible stories, games and crafts. It didn’t matter to me that we only had 1-3 kids most Sundays. It was a lot of fun for me to get back into the area of children’s ministry that I enjoyed when my kids were little.
I decided that last year, in 2021, I chased after things that weren’t important. I decided that in 2022, I would focus on what God had planned for me.
I spend a lot of time working on curriculum to use in our local church and in preparation for future publishing.
Although I have several ideas for Christian fiction, I haven’t written anything this year. I keep thinking I want to get something going, but I don’t have the drive.
I can’t tell if it’s because the church curriculum consumes all of my creative energy or if it’s wrter’s block that’s lasted for several months.
Maybe a little bit of both?
As any of you who follow my blog can tell, I’ve been lax this summer in writing new posts. One thing I have continued is the Pet Tails Series. I’ve requested photos and stories of pets who are available for adoption from our local animal rescue coalition. The last one named Hash brown almost tempted me to seek adoption.
My “baby,” my Black Lab named Rosie, turns thirteen next month and is slowing down. I think she may have a tumor and plan to call the vet this week and get her an appointment. I don’t really want another dog to replace her, but after my husband died, she was the only reason I went outside the house. She’s been a good companion in spite of her stubbornness and occasional digging into the trash. I don’t know when but we will be saying goodbye to her sooner rather than later.
I don’t think I will get another dog, however. We have several cats. Adding a puppy or even an older dog to the household will be more work for me. I’d like to do some traveling in a couple of years and I don’t want the responsibility of a dog that I’d have to ask someone else to take care of while I’m gone.
Then there is the expense: Vet visits, spaying or neutering, shots, as well as food. My kids have been paying for all of that over this past year as I have struggled financially. I can’t afford another dog until my finances get sqared away. I’m working on budgeting but there isn’t much left over after bills to budget.
I have to believe that will all change one day, hopefully sooner rather than later. I made some poor decisions in the past that have put me in this situation. I am unable to work full time due to mental health issues. But I’ve missed a lot of part time hours this summer due to illness or said issues.
The Passport Journey curriculum has gone amazingly well and is still a fun project for me. I’m also working on a series called Hall of Faith, based on Hebrews 11 and am making trading cards to go along with the stories. I’m also working on New Testament stories that we can begin in January if God directs us to.
So there are some positive things in my life, I just have to look a little harder for them right now. I’m also making the commitment to eating healthier and exercising more often, but we all know how hard it is to stick with those good habits.
I hope you all have a good week and I’ll see you back here soon!
Oh, and I’ve lined up some author interviews and book features for the next few months so I can introduce you to some great Christian fiction.
I often have canned salmon in the pantry. While I have purchased boneless, skinless pouches of salmon for certain recipes, I have let these cans sit on the shelf for a few months because they have the bones and skin on the salmon.
I’m not a fan of fish to begin with. Add in the bones and skin, well, let’s just say it’s not enjoyable to me to work with it. Still, I made the effort to try a couple of recipes for salmon patties and salmon loaf. Although good, neither recipe was truly satisfying.
Then I ran across a simple recipe for patties that contained cornmeal and mayonnaise. Those are among my favorite ingredients. So I took the plunge. I used a pair of non-powdered gloves and opened two cans of salmon. I peeled off the skin and took out the bigger bones. Then I mixed the ingredients from the recipe, changing it up a little to suit my tastes.
After mixing well, I put olive oil in a fry pan and heated it. Then I fried the patties until they were golden brown and crisp on both sides.
For condiments, I prefer my own “tartar sauce.” I don’t like all the ingredients in purchased tartar sauce. My simple recipe is below.
I also served the salmon patties with a side of white rice with the sauce added to the rice.
Disclaimer: This is not a healthy recipe with all the mayo, but I use one that is blended with olive oil to make it somewhat lighter.
Salmon Patties
Ingredients:
2 cans salmon, deboned and skinned
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Mix together. Shape into patties. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Cook patties on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
Inspirational Author 