The Wordsmith Journal Magazine; May 2013 Issue by Pamela S Thibodeaux

2013 The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

The Premier Magazine forâ&#x20AC;Ś Lovers of the Written Word! ~ Est. Oct. 2011~

Pamela S Thibodeaux CEO/Editor/Ad Sales Director http://thewordsmithjournalmagazine.com

May 2013 Welcome to the May 2013 issue of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine! Wow this year is moving right along and we have lots of exciting things to share with you this month! First we'd like to wish ALL the mothers out there a very Blessed & Happy Mother's Day!

1 Columns & Blogs: The Proactive Author by W. Terry Whalin You Are Not Alone by Dawn Kidd Behind the Mystery by Ellen Kennedy Michele's Musings by Michele Abshire

Next, we'd like to congratulate author Mary Manners for winning our 2012 Reviewer's Choice Award with her title, The Wisdom Tree. Mary has graced us with a special Mother's Day Guest Editorial.

Faith & Fitness by Kellye Davis

Also, Mary Picked Kathie FitzPatrick as the reader to receive a copy of The Wisdom Tree!

Pamela's Ponderings by Pamela S Thibodeaux

We'd like to Thank all of the Authors for allowing us to review their book(s) ~ You are ALL winners in our sight!

On the Other Side of Freedom by Brandon Western

Don't forget, this month we're giving away a Kindle Paperwhite OR Nook Color with Glowlight (winner's choice!) Enter to win on our For Readers Page! Authors & Publishers, feel free to check out our Advertising special of the month! Oh and one more thing, TWJM & CEO Pamela S Thibodeaux have donated items to Brenda Novak's Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research

The Power of Positive Faith by LaSharnda Beckwith Consider This by Rita Schulte

To Your Health by Dr. David Biebel

YA Perspective with Sarah Heath: The Golden Wood by William D Burt SR Perspective ... Just Saying by Barb Shelton: Short Stories Bad Company by Bruce Cooke Moving Over by Liz Flaherty Old Books by Jan Powell Poems by James D Stone Book Store Featured Books Featured Trailers Featured Publisher Revell Books Healthy Life Press RMS1437 Publishing

In This Month's Issue

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Author Pages Mary Manners

May 2013

Kathi Macias Michelle Sutton Shawna K Williams Delia Latham Tracy Krauss Beth Trissel Author Interviews: Katie Collins Dianne Butts Amy Roloff Norma Jean Lutz Book Reviews: A Soft Place to Fall by Liz Flaherty The Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners ~~~~~~~ Want to purchase a title you see advertised here in TWJM? Simply click on the cover image, ISBN# or Title (if highlighted)! ~~~~~~~

A Soft Place to Fall Liz Flaherty Early McGrath didn’t want freedom from her thirty-year marriage to Nash, but when it was forced upon her, she did the only thing she knew to do—she went home to the Ridge to reinvent herself. Only what is someone who’s taken care of people her whole life supposed to do when no one needs her anymore? Even as the threads of her life unravel, she finds new ones— reconnecting with the church of her childhood, building the quilt shop that has been a long-time dream, and forging a new friendship with her former husband. The

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definition of freedom changes when it’s combined with faith. Can Early and Nash find a Soft Place to Fall? Available from the publisher in Ebook & Print! Review of A Soft Place to Fall by Kim Ford “He’d been a soft place to fall long before it had become wither a popular phrase of the name of a quilt shop.” Liz Flaherty has written a tender story that will rock your heart to the core and cause you to consider the soft place to fall in your own life. The story of the McGrath family begins at a very broken point. Divorce after many years of marriage becomes rather like trying to untangle the threads of – well, of a quilt for instance. The stitches of your life are so blended that its hard to determine a good or right place to begin pulling it apart. Early and Nash McGrath have grown children, grandchildren and aging parents to care for, and they are finding it difficult to move in separate directions with so many threads binding their hearts and minds. Nash has declared his intent, and Early finds herself in a home of her own, running a business and caring for her parents. Is this the new direction of her life? Direction is something that both Nash and Early are seeking, and both of them can’t seem to find anyone to point the way. And then….life takes unexpected and alarming twists and turns, and the entire McGrath family must make profound decisions that will change the course of their lives forever. Flaherty’s novel is a magnificent portrait of family, mercy and unfailing grace. This novel kept me glued to each page, and left me challenged and changed. It has mounting tension, realistic emotion and family dynamics that will make your heart ache. I laughed. I cried. I was left a different person than when I began the journey. I enthusiastically recommend this novel!!

May 2013

3 her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love with a man...especially a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.

Kim Ford has been a resident of Alabama for more than ten years. Originally from Georgia, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Brenau Women’s College. She has spent the past 11 years in sales and marketing and has been an avid reader of Christian Fiction for more than 20 years. A mother of two teen sons, both nearing the end of high school, Kim’s life is full and blessed. She enjoys singing, writing and spending time with her family. Keep up with Kim on her Window to My World blog! ~~~~~~~ 2012 Reviewer’s Choice Award Winner!

The Wisdom Tree By Mary Manners Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with. Carin O'Malley is dealing with the death of

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But when Corey's antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan for them. Available now in Ebook & Print! Review of The Wisdom Tree by Deena Peterson "The Wisdom Tree" by Mary Manners is an extremely enjoyable reading experience. Mary knows how to sprinkle the literary breadcrumbs to keep you turning page after page until the tale she has spun concludes. Jake Samuels has his hands full, pastoring a congregation and raising his kid brother. Corey used to be so different: happier, more lively and able to laugh easily. Losing their parents in a tragic accident has robbed Jake of both his parents and his younger brother. Can anything break through the wall of defiance Corey's built up? Enter new middle school English teacher Carin O'Malley, eager to teach and more strict than expected. When she and Corey butt heads over his outrageous behavior and lack of effort, Carin has no choice but to conference with his older brother. When a case of mistaken identity gets Jake and Carin off on the wrong footing, a disagreeable introduction quickly turns into a joint task force on helping Corey for the better. Can cooperation lead to romance? Will Carin's secret past be a stumbling block to finding love, or will Pastor Jake be able to help her find faith in

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God once again?

~~~~~~~

Mary has crafted a novel that's rich with faith and filled with delightful characters. Even though Corey is an obvious handful, it doesn't take long for his pain to reach you through the words on the page, and Jake's evident love for his brother and for God are easy to spot as well. You'll be curious about Carin's past and urging her to unburden herself and to lean into God...and to fall in love with Jake along the way!

Kindle/Nook Books

As a bonus, Mary includes a 31-day journal. Since it was good for Corey (and he's fictional) it's good for us to! I enjoyed reading through the daily devotions, and each day's reading includes easy to respond to questions, a passage from Scripture, and a prayer for you to guide you as you speak to God about what you've read.

Bad Company Bruce Cooke ©May 2013 When I opened the door my heart leapt to my throat. The last person I expected to see was Mr. Butler, my ten year old son's teacher. He immediately noticed the color drain from my face.

This is the first of Mary's novels for me, and I'm eager to read more.

~~~~~~~

"It's alright Mrs. Knight, nothing has happened to Kevin, at least I don't think it has." "Then why are you here?" I asked still shaken by his appearance, after all, it isn't every day your son's teacher makes a special trip to see you. "Perhaps I can come in and we'll talk about it," he said seriously.

Deena Peterson has been devouring books since she first learned to read. Her preferred genre is mystery/suspense, but she tends to read a little of everything. She's a pastor's wife and a mother to eight (nearly all grown, which leaves her more time to read). In her free time she's trying out new recipes and bugging her husband for new books. Check out her blog at A Peek At My Bookshelf ~~~~~~~ Happy Mother’s Day!

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"Of course Mr Butler, please have a seat." He eased himself down into the lounge chair and then tapped the ends of his fingers together. It was obvious he was choosing his words carefully. "Mrs Knight, I'm very concerned about Kevin and I thought it only right to discuss it with you before any action is taken." Action? He's talking about my angelic son, a boy who always cares about people, a boy who has never done anything wrong in his life, a boy who has always done his best to help out in the home since his father died. ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013 This caring lovable son of mine was in big trouble, trouble enough to bring his teacher to my doorstep. "I don't understand Mr Butler. Kevin has always been a very good student." "I agree entirely Mrs Knight, but since he's been playing with Scott Taylor his attendance has been slipping." "Attendance?" I asked incredulously. "Kevin hasn't missed a day for a full year. When his father died I expected problems but he's been so good." "Sometimes an event like that has delayed results, and Scott Taylor has been having an unfortunate influence on him for some time." His words frightened me. "I don't think I know this Scott Taylor."

5 "My God, I had no idea. Where has he been?" "He wouldn't tell us, and that's why I came to you." Mr Butler filled me in on Scott's activities and I grimaced when I heard the things he had done. To think my Kevin may be heading down the same path truly horrified me and it was obvious I had to nip it in the bud. "Believe me, Mr Butler. I'll talk to Kevin as soon as he gets home." "I'm sorry I had to bring you this news, Mrs Knight, as Kevin really is a good student. I hope you can resolve it quickly." I showed him out and waited for Kevin's appearance noting he was at least an hour late. At five p.m. he returned home. As soon as he saw me, he knew the game was up.

"Scott is in similar circumstances to Kevin. His father died several years ago and he is the youngest of five. I'm afraid Scott has been in trouble nearly every week. He has been most disruptive."

"Hi Mum," he said sheepishly and tried to walk into the kitchen.

I couldn't believe this, Kevin would have told me about Scott. Then it hit me. He did say something about this boy, but I wasn't listening. I was thinking about work and completely ignored him. How could I have been so insensitive?"

With a guilty look he sat and stared at the floor.

"You said poor attendance," I said numbly. "Yes, every Friday afternoon for about four weeks he has been missing from school. At first we thought he might have been sick, but after four missed half days we knew that couldn't be the case. As today is Friday and he was absent again then it was time to see you." "And Scott Taylor?" "Yes, him too. I believe they are together."

"Just a minute young man," I said and pointed to a chair. "Sit down."

"Well, I'm waiting. Where have you been with Scott Taylor?" "Nowhere," he said softly. "You've never lied to me before so don't start now. You're not moving from that chair until I find out." The tears began to form in his eyes. "Honest Mum, I wasn't doing anything wrong." "Then tell me," I said in as fierce a voice I could manage. "We've been at the supermarket." "Doing what," I asked fearfully.

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May 2013

"Scott said we could earn some money." I became really alarmed now. Visions of shoplifting exploded in my eyes. "How?" I demanded.

6 2007 but her memory will always be with him. ~~~~~~~ Featured Books!

"The man pays us money for collecting trolleys in the car park." "And you've been doing this for four weeks?" "Yes?" "Why?" I asked softening my tone. My eyes filled with tears at his answer. He reached into his pocket and handed me a small wrapped gift. "It's your birthday tomorrow, and I wanted to buy you a present. Happy birthday Mum." Author Bio: Bruce Cooke was a technical teacher in the Victorian Education system for a total of 29 years.Forced to take an early retirement because of a hearing loss, he began writing. He has now completed 23 novels in multiple the genres such as romantic adventure and historical fiction set during Colonial Australia's gold rush of 1850. Bruce also writes stage scripts. His play adaptation of C.S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe ran in all the Capital cities of Australia. Bruce tried the American market and achieved success almost immediately. He now has ten books published or under contract with multiple presses in the U.S.A. Bruce has converted some of his stories to movie scripts and hopes to have success there but his first love is writing novels. My books and success can be found on my website. Bruce lost his beautiful wife to leukemia in

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~~~~~~~ The Greater Things in Life By Brandon Western ©May 2013 Have you ever wondered if your life is where it is supposed to be? How can you really be sure? Is there such a thing as predestination, or are we merely creatures of chance? Do you know that feeling that you sometimes get of not knowing whether or not you can make it through one more day of the same old routine? You begin to ask yourself if this is all there is to life; knowing deep down that there has got to be something more. It was during one of these times in my life that I was hit with a revelation. I was complaining to God about feeling trapped in my daily routine, and begging for him to move me forward to something new when “it” just came out of nowhere. That still small voice of the Lord said to me, “Do you remember a few days ago when you met that young couple outside of the grocery store that looked like they were about 10 seconds away from death, and you started talking to them about the ups and downs of your life, and what I have brought you from because of your commitment to follow

May 2013 Christ? Right then and there you planted a mighty seed, and through uncontrollable tears they gave their heart to Me.” “Do you remember last month when you met the man who had been going to church his whole life, but he had no idea what it meant to have an intimate relationship with Me? He told you that he was an alcoholic, and he felt an emptiness inside his soul that in all his forty-some-odd years of living he could never fill. You told him about Me, and once again, through uncontrollable tears, another lost child was brought into My kingdom because of your willingness to give back what was so freely given to you. That is how you know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, at exactly the right moment in your life.” I cannot say for sure whether-or-not there is such a thing as predestination in the sense that most of us think about it, but I do know for sure that if we keep our eyes open to opportunities to be a blessing in the lives of others, then the opportunity will certainly present itself. (John 14:12 KJV) says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” I studied this verse for many hours, asking myself what in the world could I do that would be greater than what Jesus was doing. I believe the problem lie in the fact that when I saw this verse, I started contemplating the miracles that Jesus performed, and how perfect He lived His life. For instance feeding the 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, turning water into wine, or healing the sick. How could I possibly do greater things than that? Our natural mind cannot wrap around the idea of these things actually happening, or at least happening to us. We will try every way imaginable to understand (with logic) how He did it. The reality of the situation

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7 however, is that Jesus was trying to establish something much greater than the miracles. He could do all the miracles He wanted, but it still would not accomplish His goal. Jesus was more interested in changing hearts, and transforming lives. Our free will is the deciding factor in whether or not we are going to allow God to move in our lives. He will never force Himself upon us. With that being said, He needs people like you and I to go forth and carry the Gospel message to those who are lost without Him. Which is the greater victory? Turning water into wine, or watching as someone's life is completely turned around for the better? Being a part of that is the most rewarding experience we could ever have. These are the “greater things” that Jesus was talking about. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. He is waiting for us to answer the call. (Matthew 22:14 KJV) says, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” He is not saying that some people are predestined for failure, but He is talking about those who choose to follow Him, and conform to His ways. Those who are not afraid to put themselves out there for the cause, and help mend the broken-hearted. Remember when Jesus said that He did not come to do away with the law, but He came to fulfill it? In another verse He says that all of the law and the prophets hang on 2 commandments; “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37-40 paraphrased) It is all about sharing His love, and being a part of something special. These are the “greater things” in life. There is no amount of fame or fortune that could take the place of even one experience of helping someone see themselves as Christ sees them. Get out there and share with another what Christ has done in your life, and experience

May 2013

the “greater things” for yourself! When you start to make these kind of things happen in your life, and in the lives of others, just know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be! Interview With Katie Collins By Mary Nichelson ©May 2013

Brandon Western is a recovered drug addict with a heart for helping others who are stuck in the bondage of addiction. He loves to write, play guitar, and share the Gospel with those in need. Brandon is currently employed with Teen Challenge Georgia International, which is a Christian discipleship program that is designed to help people get free and stay free from lifecontrolling issues including: drugs and alcohol. He has a deep love for the word of God, and have spent many hours studying His truths. Biblical counseling, speaking, and evangelism are Brandon’s strong suits, and he plans on staying in the ministry field permanently. “My faith in the transforming power of meeting Jesus Christ is what I hope to portray in all areas of my life, because now I know what it is like to be on the other side of freedom.” Find out more by visiting Teen Challenge Georgia International on the Web, FaceBook or email Brandon at: brandonrwestern85@gmail.com ~~~~~~~ Interested in Advertising YOUR book in The Wordsmith Journal Magazine? Visit our Advertising Info Page or Email: twjadsales@gmail.com ~~~~~~~

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Katie Collins has a hard core message for teens worldwide. “Life is too precious to take it away with the flick of a knife, with the pull of a trigger, with the knot of a rope or with a bottle of pills.” Her objective is to save others from the private battle she fought for too long. “I know what it is to struggle, to fight the demons who haunt you, to try to escape. I struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. Nobody knew; but internally I was a wreck. I reached the point where I just didn’t see the purpose in living any longer. Alone; unwanted; unloved; couldn’t get it right; worthless; burdensome. That’s how I saw myself.” Unfortunately, Katie represents current statistics regarding teen depression and suicide. According to Child Trends Data Bank “suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers ages 15-19. Females are much more likely than males to report seriously considering suicide (19 and 12 percent, respectively, in 2011), attempting suicide (10 and 6 percent, respectively), and requiring medical attention (3 and 2 percent, respectively).” Katie survived and overcame her depression and her story does have a happy ending. “I’m still here. I didn’t die. I’m not going to take my second chance for granted. It’s a day by day fight. Not for my life anymore, but for truth and hope and faith. For a focus on Christ when every other aspect of life is crashing in on me.”

May 2013 Here is Katie’s story. MN- Your family is very active and has been involved in several projects over the last few years. Can you share with our readers some of those projects and the places you have traveled to while involved in these projects? KC-My family (parents, young brotherSam, and I) has been traveling actively since I was 7. We went to Athens, Greece for the Olympics that year. Since then, we have traveled with Alex and Brett Harris on their Do Hard Things Conference tour (which lasted 5 years); been back to Europe nearly half a dozen times for varies reasons; shot in Singapore, Berlin and Bali for our television series (Samuel L Collins and the Search for Biblical Truth), and visited every continental state except Idaho. MN- I have watched some of your speeches/debates and have to say that I am very impressed. When did you realize that public speaking was something you enjoyed doing? KC- Speech and debate was something Alex and Brett turned me onto. When I was ten, I read a book titled "The Criminalization of Christianity" by Janet Porter and quickly realized that politics was where I wanted to spend my life. The twins suggested that learning to speak would be connotative in that pursuit and sent us off to look up the NCFCA. This year marks my fifth year competing, Sam's third. Last year, I "marathoned" the National tournament, which means that I competed in five different speech events- the most you're allowed to participate in at one tournament. So far this year has been pretty incredible too. MN- You write online for your website Through Purple Lenses. I love the name. Is there a story behind its meaning? KC- A year or two ago I considered starting a blog and naming it "my purple lenses". Purple is my favorite color and since it was, ideally, a blog about my

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9 perspective of life, or life seen through my lenses, it seemed to fit. Well, that never actually happened, but when I started this blog I needed a name. Through Purple Lenses again seemed to fit. MN- Let's talk about your struggle with depression for a few minutes. It began with performance pressure. You write, "speeches (for you) were more about making impacts than anything else. But I couldn’t escape the sub-conscious, spoken expectation of achievement." Did that take the fun out of the experience for you? KC- No, it didn't take the fun out of it. I love speaking. However, it did change my mindset going into rounds. For instance, I gave a speech about Islam, specifically whether or not it was a religion of peace. I tried to go into my rounds focusing on changing the way the judges viewed Islam. When I broke to Finals at Nationals, however, I determined that I would do what it took to win, and went into my speech focused on winning. Because of that, I did pretty badly and placed last in the room (8th). What you're thinking about going into the room really effects how your perform. MN- In spite of this pressure, you kept winning competitions. That should have eased the pressure but you said it made it worse. Tell me about that. KC- When you win, one of two things happens. One, people call you a "Cinderella story" and never expect it to happen again, usually it doesn't. Or two, people think you're actually that good and start expecting you to win. My dad thought I was really that good and expected me to win. When I won, it didn't surprise him. He took it in stride, and instead wondered why I hadn't won when I blew it and performed poorly. MN- You make a great point in that because of your depression, when you had conversations with your parents, what they said and what you heard weren't the same. All you heard was how bad you were, what a

May 2013 terrible sister you were to your brother, etc. Do you think this is common for someone struggling with depression? KC- I think it's common for most kids, not just ones struggling with depression, to hear things differently from the way they were meant. It's awfully hard to distinguish between "what you did was bad" and "you are bad". That goes not just for teens, but for everyone really. We hear things through our view of life. If you believe that you're never good enough, someone riding your back because you didn't do x perfectly only further cements what you already believe to be true. If you believe you're not pretty, someone could innocently tell you that your other pair of shoes would be cuter, and all you hear is that even your best attempts can't make you beautiful. Communication is difficult, emotions only add further confusion. MN- Tell me about Justin and how he saved your life. KC- Justin. Yes. I wasn't extremely close to him, though he was a friend of mine. We went to the same speech and debate club. I remember filing extemp articles with him, practicing speeches, laughing, and dancing with him. So we knew each other, but certainly weren't best friends. I guess it's pretty simple really, Justin saved my life by committing suicide first. From talking to other teens, I know that I wasn't the only one at his funeral thinking "that could have been me". Maybe even "that should have been me". Justin wasn't a popular kid in the NCFCA, he was one of those guys people don't like because he wins as the underdog. But his death shook our community even still. All of us knew him. He died and people starting asking questions. Why? What had changed? He had always been the happy, go-lucky guy! There was no standing room left at his funeral. His friends, all kids from speech and debate, spilled out the door. People said how much they liked him and loved him and wish they had told him so. His parents were heart-broken, as any parents

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10 would be. At Nationals, the next month, everyone was talking about Justin. People had pictures of him on their phones and would start crying whenever they turned it on. It was a single drop in an ocean of perfectly still water. We saw firsthand the rippling effects, the reality of suicide. Those are images you never forget. A Facebook wall of people saying they wish you were still here because they miss you so. A funeral packed fuller than the funeral home has ever seen before. Pictures of your friend who you were laughing with just days or weeks before and the gut wrenching realization that he's dead now and never coming back. You realize that suicide isn't just about you. It isn't just about escaping. It certainly isn't just about everything finally being okay again. No. Justin left a hole in the hearts of many people. Suicide prevention is as much about helping kids realize that others care about them and need them, that their death would have more impact than they ever realize, as it is that life will get better soon. Quite simply, no one had ever died on us before; that year in the NCFCA, Justin was one of three. MN- How are you doing now? KC- You know, life has its ups and downs and some days are better than others. The friends that I have now are extremely encouraging and I finally fit in somewhere. I still believe lies; but all people do. It's hard to share this message over and over again. It's hard to know what to say on my blog, but God and my dearest friends help me out in that area. MN- You have known since you were ten that you have a life of purpose, as you say. You know your journey will take you into politics. What is the greatest influence you would like to make in the political world? KC- Oh goodness. The greatest influence I would like to make on the political world? That's just asking for a hyperbolic response. (laughing) Short-term, I'd like to run a campaign in the mid-term

May 2013 election. I'd like to go to Patrick Henry College for a political journalism degree. I'd love to be a speechwriter, or campaign manager, or political journalist. My mom says I'd make a pretty good White House Press Secretary. I do know that whatever I end up doing it will be alongside my husband. Maybe I'll marry a politician and write his speeches for him. (laughing) I don't know exactly what, but I do know that it will certainly be exciting!

11 topics such as the fear of success. Katie resides with her parents and brother, Sam, in Florida when they are not travelling. ~~~~~~~ Featured Sponser: John Poche’ Arts

MN- Any words of advice for teens struggling with performance pressure? KC- Go talk to your parents (or whoever you're feeling pressure from) about it. Really. That sounds like torture, and maybe it is. But the reality is that they probably don't know you think they expect that much from you, because they probably /don't/ really expect that much from you. It's easy for us to want to try and impress our parents, but they're probably already impressed. Most likely, they're just not very good at communicating it. If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts please please please find someone you can talk to. Anyone! A real person though; not someone online. Online there are many communities which are very dangerous for teens. They claim to try to help, but only push you further into cutting, suicide, or anorexia. Instead talk to a friend, maybe someone you know who has struggled with suicide. Talk to someone you trust. They can help you, or they can help you find someone else who can help you. Life is totally worth living! It WILL get better! Find hope in the future. None of it can come true if you don't get through today. Author Bio-As an accomplished writer, Katie has competed annually in the NCFCA (National Christian Forensics and Communications Association-a national speech and debate league) since 2007. She also maintains her blog Through Purple Lenses where her writing ranges from simple daily encouragement to discussing

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John Poche' is a Christian businessman, an author and a pen, ink and watercolor artist. ~~~~~~~ Kindle/Nook Books

~~~~~~~ MOVING OVER Liz Flaherty ©May 2013 “Mom—” Click. Buzz. “Hey, Ma…oh, crap, don’t—” Thumping sound. Click. Buzz. “Mom, I need—” Long silence. Click. Buzz. It was the third one that got her. The third blink of the red light on the answering machine. The third aborted message. Just ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013 home from church, Jess stopped in the middle of hanging up her raincoat and stared at the phone as though it wasn’t done. Surely there was another message on there, a complete one that was going to explain the tremor in her youngest child’s voice when he said “I need.” He’d called three times, for heaven’s sake, this bone of her bone who thought parental demands that he check in once a week were both uncalled for and unreasonable. Needed what? “Call him back,” her husband suggested, tossing his jacket at the coat tree beside the front door and missing it entirely. Well, of course. Call him back. It was 1993— all the dorm rooms at Manchester College had phones in them. Tim wouldn’t like it if she called. He might be embarrassed in front of his roommate, the cool new friend who smoked cigarettes and kept beer in their dorm fridge and more than likely drove around with a Ziploc bag of an even worse substance under the passenger seat of his car. She picked up Brad’s jacket and hung it in the entry closet, then went to the phone, dialing the number she’d memorized in spite of herself. She’d taken care of Tim for the first eighteen years of his life. She still signed the checks that kept him in the small private college. Even if he’d cut her neatly from his day-to-day life, she had no wish to excise him from hers. The dorm room telephone rang often and unanswered, and she finally hung up. “I guess if he really needs anything, he’ll call again.” “Sure he will.” Brad grinned at her, the crooked and sweet expression Tim had inherited. “We have three kids, Jess. They always manage to call home when they need money.” “I know, but he had that wiggle in his voice.

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12 Like when he wrecked the car or had a fight with Kelly.” She didn’t grimace anymore when she said Tim’s girlfriend’s name. Brad’s mother had set her straight on that one. “You’re in it together,” she’d said. “You both care about him and it doesn’t matter which one of you he loves best. Just scoot over.” Tim hadn’t called back by Monday afternoon when Jess got home from work. No one answered the phone in his dorm room even though she called every half hour until she fell asleep sometime after midnight. “They’d call us from the college if anything was wrong, wouldn’t they?” she asked Brad, picking up his jacket from the back of the couch and hanging it up. “Yes.” She didn’t see him roll his eyes, but she knew he did. She stuck her tongue out at his back and thought he flinched. He wasn’t a mother—why did she expect him to understand? On Tuesday, she went to Kmart on her lunch hour and bought an answering machine, two packages of Oreos, and six pairs of white Fruit-of-the-Loom underwear. She put it all into a Priority Mail box to send to the college as soon as she got a chance. He didn’t call that day, either. And he didn’t answer his phone. Kelly didn’t answer hers in her dorm room at a different college, either, so she called Kelly’s mother, who said her daughter had sounded fine when she talked to her on Sunday. Then she called Brad’s mother, who told her to worry less and pray more. By the time Jess made it to the post office on Wednesday, it was closed. When she got home, she hung the sack containing a loaf of whole wheat bread on the coat tree and put Brad’s jacket in the refrigerator. The answering machine was dark. “I think we

May 2013 should call the student advisor in his dorm.” “Leave the boy alone, Jess. He’s fine.” Brad rescued his jacket, but gave her a hug as he passed. On Thursday, she went to the post office to mail the package, but forgot her purse. There were two messages on the machine when she got home. One of them told her she’d won a cruise to the Caymans—all she had to do was call back with her credit card number. The other one was no message at all. Just long silence. Click. Buzz. She called the student advisor’s office at the dorm. The answering machine there invited her to leave a message. She said, “I’m trying to reach--” and the tape ended. Click. Buzz. When it was time to get up for work Friday, Jess turned off the alarm before it sounded. She’d been awake since two o’clock, when the phone beside the bed rang and someone else’s juvenile delinquent kid asked her if she had Prince Albert in a can. Brad had snickered and she’d wanted to hit him in the head with the receiver she still held. She was tempted to dial Tim’s room again, but the phones were shut off after midnight. She forgot to go to the post office.

“Michigan.” “Michigan? What were you doing there?” “Picking apples. Studying orchards. For school.” “I didn’t know you were going there.” “Sure, you did. It’s right on the school calendar.” “What was wrong when you called last Sunday?” “Huh?” Why didn’t colleges teach kids not to say “huh”? Exasperation raised her voice. “When you called and the message didn’t go through. What was wrong?” “I didn’t know the message didn’t go through. Sheesh, I left you three.” “You did?” In a pig’s eye, he did. If she ever got hold of him, she was going to instruct him in the fine art of leaving messages. She’d talk to him about “huh” while she was at it.

While she was weeping helplessly into the dish towel she was carrying, the phone rang. She picked it up, glaring at Brad. “Hello?” she croaked.

“Well, sort of. The first one, I just told you I got an A on a test in chemistry and I thought I deserved some Oreos. The second one, I got interrupted, so I didn’t really leave one. The third one, I told you I needed underwear because I’m having to do my laundry every week and it’s a real pain. You need a new answering machine if you didn’t get the messages. I wish we could have them here, but we can’t.”

“Yo, Mom.”

“But your voice was wrong.”

“Tim!”

He rolled his eyes. She knew he did. He was just like his father. “My voice was fine. Hey, I gotta go. I want to call Kelly before supper. Tell Dad thanks for the money and the lunch.”

Brad was late getting home from work. When he came in, she yelled, “Where have you been?” in her best fishwife voice and burst into tears.

“You sick? You sound awful?” Her heart was pounding so hard she could hear it in her voice. “Where have you been?”

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May 2013 A glimmer of light broke through the fog the week had been. “When did you see Dad?” “Today. You knew that, didn’t you? Oh, and tell him he left his jacket in my room.” “I’ll tell him. Love you, Tim.” “Me, too.” He hung up before she could tell him to have a good week. To be careful. To stay away from beer and cigarettes and weed.

14 will be out in January, followed shortly by her first inspirational romance--A SOFT PLACE TO FALL will be released by Harbourlight Books--and she hasn’t annoyed hardly anyone about that yet. Visit Liz at http://lizflaherty.com or email her at lizkflaherty@gmail.com —she’d love to hear from you and the coffeepot’s always on! ~~~~~~~

She replaced the phone receiver. The answering machine emitted a quiet click. Buzz. For a minute, she stood quiet, damp dishtowel in hand, and thought of Tim. Of Brad. Of Brad’s mother and Tim’s girlfriend. Of worrying less and praying more. It was time. She scooted over. Author Bio: Life is new and wonderful for writer Liz Flaherty these days. She retired from the post office in 2011, promptly gained 15 pounds—she swears it was overnight—and promised her grandchildren, The Magnificent Seven, that she would make each of them a bed-size quilt. She also planned to write all day, every day. What was she thinking? She’s learned to write when she feels like it, sew when she feels like it, and maybe even to eat a little less. She’s learned to share the house and sometimes even the kitchen with Duane, her husband of, oh, lots of years. And she’s having a Very, Very Good Time. Her fifth book ONE MORE SUMMER, has been released to exciting reviews by Carina Press. She is thrilled to the point everyone she knows rolls their eyes as soon as she opens her mouth. JAR OF DREAMS

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Interview with Dianne Butts By Mary Nichelson ©May 2013 The face of advocacy takes on many forms, and author Dianne E Butts shapes several of them well. She has written on topics such as grief, unplanned pregnancies and patriotism. In her latest series, Prophecies Fulfilled, she writes of history impacting our generation in Biblical proportions. While many authors tackle the sometimes intimidating subject of spiritual revelation, Dianne ventures a step further and offers her rendition in a user-friendly, pro-bible study format. While her layout is certainly impressive, her passion leaves an impression that motivates the reader to dig as deep in their study as she did in writing. In fact, you don’t have to look too far throughout our interview to see how committed she is to the series. MN-Tell me about your Prophecies Fulfilled series. DB-This three-book series explores the prophecies in the Bible that have already been fulfilled in or by Jesus. The first book, Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of

May 2013 Jesus, released for Christmas 2012 and explores 35 prophecies that were fulfilled during the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Most prophecies were written in the Old Testament, hundreds or thousands of years before Jesus was born. But some were written or spoken only days, hours, or moments before they were fulfilled. Yet each was fulfilled perfectly in every detail. The second book in the series just released in April 2013, Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death & Resurrection of Jesus, and explores 52 prophecies given then at a later time fulfilled in the events of Christ’s arrest, trials, conviction, crucifixion, and resurrection. I love the story of the two men on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35 when the resurrected Jesus talked with them, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (v. 27). That’s exactly what we explore in this book. It’s what we might have heard could we have listened in on that conversation. I’m currently writing the third book of the series which will release this summer, Prophecies Fulfilled in the Life of Jesus. In this third book I’m looking forward to discussing prophecies written in Scripture, such as when Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1-2 at the beginning of His ministry in Luke 4:16-21 and applied it to Himself saying, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Then we will also explore what I think of as the “prophetic pictures” God gave us of Messiah, for example how Jesus “personifies” the Tabernacle/Temple, how He was the ultimate fulfillment of the various sacrifices, and how He fulfills the seven Feasts of the Lord. I don’t yet know how many prophecies (chapters) there will be in this book. These are the three books I’m contracted with Pix-N-Pens Publishing to write for this series. I can’t tell you how excited I am about this series and the opportunity to write these books. I’m a prophecy geek. I

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15 always have been. And I’ve always wanted to share what I’ve learned and am learning with others because looking at the prophecies God gave us and then seeing them fulfilled in every detail can’t help but strengthen a person’s faith. God has everything under control. It is working out with precision, like the inner workings of a watch. Prophecy is incredibly important, but I don’t hear it preached on or taught very often. Finally, I get to share all my prophecy geekyness with anyone who will listen! MN- I believe Jesus is the most controversial and misunderstood man who ever lived stemming from the fact that many view him as just that, an ordinary man. If we could ever really embrace that he was sent on our behalf, it would create a paradigm shift in the way we see our own existence. I sense that one of the reasons you are passionate about writing the Prophecies Fulfilled series is to introduce readers to the one who changed everything, He changed the world single-handedly. Is that a fair assessment? DB- Absolutely yes! Thank you, Mary, for putting that so succinctly. Jesus is absolutely unique. He is not “one of many” gods. He is like no other. There is only one true God, and He came to earth, fully human, and His name is Jesus. That’s also part of the controversial nature of Jesus: Christians know He is the only true God, excluding all others. This upsets some people. But the true God will not share His glory with another (see Isaiah 42:8-9, 48:11). Other religions claim we all worship the same “God” but this is so completely not true. A good, close look at different religions shows many, many differences that contradict each other. This means all these different views of God cannot all be true. All can be false. But not all can be true. If one is true, then it is the only one that can be true. All others that contradict the true one are then worshipping a false god. How do we

May 2013 know which religion is true? Prophecies prove which God is the true God. Only the true God knows the end from the beginning. He spoke what would happen in advance, and everything that has been fulfilled so far has happened just as He said it would in every detail. God said through the prophet Isaiah: “I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass… Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could not say, ‘My idols did them; my wooden image and metal god ordained them.’ You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them?’” (Isaiah 48:3, 56, NIV 1984) You are right in saying, “If we could ever really embrace that he was sent on our behalf, it would create a paradigm shift in the way we see our own existence.” I believe that paradigm shift is exactly what happens when an individual comes to accept Jesus as his or her personal Savior. To accept that, one has to realize and accept that he or she is a sinner, condemned to death, and that Jesus willingly took their death penalty and paid it. Once that truth is grasped and accepted by an individual, that is lifechanging. And that life-change is the paradigm shift you’re talking about. MN- The second and newest release in the series is Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death & Resurrection of Jesus.Aside from the anticipated prophecies-52 of them to be exact-what else is included in your book? DB- I dedicated a chapter to each prophecy that I found (35 in the Birth book, 52 in the Death & Resurrection book). In every chapter readers will find all of the following: · A “Key Verse” that highlights the prophecy · Where in the Bible that prophecy is found

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16 · Who originally wrote it · When it was written, including the date if possible · The context the prophecy was written in · A “Prophecy Fulfilled Bible Reading” to read from your own Bible which is that part of Jesus’ story where the prophecy was fulfilled · The body of each chapter is my discussion of the prophecy and its fulfillment, which might include history, science, Jewish traditions or understanding, etc. · At least three questions to help readers apply the timeless themes in the chapter to our lives and current times today · A “Final Thought” from me · A suggested prayer to pray · And “For more, read” Scripture verses on related topics for further study. This book is not only for study and learning and faith-building, it is also a research or reference book with a ton of information. Before Christmas I was interviewed on a radio station in Chicago and the host said there was nothing like this when he was in seminary. I truly hope and believe I have given readers a wealth of information in an anyone-can-understand-it format that is far more valuable then what they’d spend on the book. MN- As I read through the book, I couldn’t help but think “small group” and “study group.” I think your Prophecies Fulfilled series would be perfect for book clubs. Do you think the experience would be enhanced if used by book clubs, or do you prefer the reader use it for individual study? DB- I wanted these books to be accessible to all of those—groups and individuals. Individuals can read it, even as a devotional with one chapter per day. But I also pictured it for small (or large!) group Bible studies and definitely book clubs, if they want to delve deeply into the Bible. Christians also can use it to mentor or disciple an individual in a one-on-one study. And if

May 2013 someone is curious about the Bible but not yet sure Jesus is Who He claimed to be, I believe they could read this book, understand it, and understand why we believe. To me, prophecies given and fulfilled are proof that the God of the Bible is the one true God and Jesus is Him come in human flesh. I challenge anyone to read this book and disagree. MN- It’s obvious that studying the Bible is very important to you. Do you have a particular method you use during your personal study time? DB- Hmmm. That’s a hard one because I so want to give others direction in how to gain a deep understanding of the Bible, but I’m not sure I have a “method” that I can give. What happened for me is that I had an incredible hunger to know the truth. Unsure if He even existed, I kept asking God to show me how to understand the Bible. In 1992 my husband and I moved to a small town in eastern Colorado and I heard about a Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) class in a town 60 miles away. I begged the ladies who were going to it to let me go too. It took a few requests because new-comers have to take an orientation class before they can attend and they only give those once a month. Plus they break for the summer. But I finally was invited to go. When I first started it was a series of five one-year, college-level classes. They added two more, so then there were seven. I attended for ten years, repeating a few of the classes. BSF International gave me an extraordinary foundation. I wish everyone could attend a great BSF class. This is why I acknowledged Bible Study Fellowship International in the Acknowledgements section of this second book. I owe BSF a lot. Now when I read the Bible, I have an understanding so I can see the story of the entire Bible as a whole. I want to share that knowledge that God has given me with as many people as I possibly can because I believe it will make a real difference in their lives. The only method I know is read, study,

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17 study, read. Regularly. And pray. Ask God to teach you about His Word and He will. He’ll get you in a class if that’s what you need. Or He’ll provide you a book… MN- You are also a screenwriter. Tell me about the various projects you have worked on related to film. DB- I first heard about the Act One Program: Writing for Hollywood in about the year 2000 while at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. It had never occurred to me to write for the screen. But God planted a seed that day and in June 2010 I was off to Hollywood for the Act One Writing Program. In October that year I entered the 168 Film Project’s “Write of Passage” contest. This is where you write a short film (10 pages) based on an assigned Bible verse in 168 hours (one week). I had just completed my book Deliver Me (see page 28) and sent it to my editor the day before the contest started and my assigned Bible verse fit perfectly with one of the true stories in Deliver Me. So I wrote that and my script ended up a finalist in the contest! I hope one day that script will be produced and I may produce it myself. Then a classmate from Act One hired me to write a screenplay based on a nonfiction book. I worked extensively on that project, but in the end didn’t get to write the script. My contract has a confidentiality clause so I can’t tell you about it, but should that project ever be produced I will get a credit. Next, in February 2011, some of my classmates from Act One formed a team and we entered the 168 Film Project in which teams produce a short film based on an assigned Bible verse in 168 hours. We produced a short film titled Steel City and I learned a ton doing that. The next year, in February 2012, I headed up my own 168 Film Project team and along with my husband, produced, wrote, and directed another short film based on assigned Bible verse. Again, I chose a true

May 2013 story from my Deliver Me book called “The Choice” to base the story on since it fit the Bible verse. We didn’t place in the contest, but I’m still very proud of that project. You can watch our 10-minute film on YouTube. The 2-minute trailer is here. Every April I used to love to participate in the ScriptFrenzy.org program and wrote a feature-length screenplay during that month for several years. Last year, in 2012, I wrote a screenplay called Daemon and last fall entered it in the Kairos Prize for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays. In January 2013 I learned Daemon was a semifinalist in that contest. Sadly ScriptFrenzy has been discontinued but a group of writers from Act One are continuing the tradition of writing 100 pages of script in April. In the screenwriting world it’s a big deal to have an IMDb page, and this work I’ve listed here has allowed me have one. You can see my IMDb page here. MN- This is an age old question, but barring any shortages in time, ability, resources or finances, what is that one project you dream of doing “one day”? DB- Oh my. There are so many projects on my to-do list. This Prophecies Fulfilled series was one of those “dream of doing it one day” projects, and I’m so grateful to PixN-Pens Publishing for giving me the opportunity to write it. I think of two projects I’d do. One is another series of books I’ve had in mind since at least 2005 that I quite vaguely call “The Story.” I realize there’s a book out by that title now that is, I believe, basically a chronological and abbreviated Bible (meaning not the entire text of the Bible). My idea that I researched and outlined years ago took a modern-day atheist and sucker her through a secret time-travel portal, whisking her back in time to the days of the Old Testament and then forward to the days of Jesus. I have four stories in mind: In the

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18 first she would experience the building of the Tabernacle and Temple and how that Jesus fulfills that picture, in another she would experience the seven Feasts of the Lord, a third would showcase the picture of purity in Scripture (I’m talking spiritual as well as sexual purity which are related), and the fourth would address the healings Jesus performed. (Any of those themes sound familiar? Here’s a hint: Many are also in my Prophecies Fulfilled series.) If time and resources were no problem I’d write these four stories as novels with accompanying Bible studies. The other project close to my heart is a story about a young woman who was raised by a physically and emotionally abusive mother. When her mother receives a terminal diagnosis and she is called home to care for her mother, she must decide how she will treat her mother. I believe the life-lessons in that difficult situation will ring true with many people. How many people have been wronged by another and cannot or will not let go of it? How many have been wronged by someone who said they were a Christian and hate God because of it? What would happen if they did let go, if they chose the way of forgiveness? What happens if they do not choose to forgive? I believe this story could be very powerful. I hope to write it one day as both a stand-alone novel and as a screenplay. MN- We are on the heels of the Boston Marathon bombing, and so many people are asking questions about humanity. Many are losing hope in a higher power-they ask where God is. What would you say to those searching for answers in the rubble? DB- For as long as I can remember I have firmly felt I would live to see the “End Times.” I know that term sends a lot of people scurrying off in different directions: some thinking I’ve now put myself firmly in the ranks of the lunatics, others running away to hide from the fear it brings. I try hard to remember how frightening that thought it to some people because I don’t

May 2013 react that way and I tend to forget how much it frightens some people. Why do I believe that? There are prophecies that have been fulfilled in this generation (a generation is 70 years, according to Psalm 90:10) that have never taken place before in all of human history. First and foremost is that Israel is a nation again, since May 14, 1948, just as Jesus prophesied would happen. (Read Matthew 24:32-35 with the fig tree representing Israel.) I believe 70 years will be an extremely important spiritual birthday for Israel, and that is scheduled for 2018—less than five years from right now. Furthermore, according to Matthew 24:29 and Joel 2:30-31, “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31). I believe there is extreme spiritual significance to the two lunar eclipses (blood moons) coming in 2014 on two major Feasts of the Lord: Passover (April 15, 2014) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot – October 8, 2014). These will be followed by a solar eclipse on March 20, 2015. Then the tetrad (the pair of lunar eclipses) will repeat in 2015 on Passover (April 4, 2015) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot – September 28, 2015). This is not a coincidence. This is God speaking to us. What do we see in terrible events like the bombings at the Boston Marathon? We see the clash of religions—those who believe they are of the true religion attacking those they believe are of the false religion. But whose religion is of the True God? Here’s a hint: It is not those who murder and set off bombs to kill children and women and maim countless others. The true God of love does not tell His followers to operate in that way. He wants us to win over peoples’ hearts and minds with His truth, not kill those who reject Him. The “End Times” have a purpose. This is a time, I believe, of God separating His sheep from the goats, those who will follow Him

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19 from those who will not. The true decisions of people come out when they are under pressure, and God is allowing that pressure to be applied to this last generation in order to separate those who are truly His from those who never will be. The gap between us is growing ever wider and will continue to widen until a time when that gap is too wide to be crossed. But that time is not yet. There is still time for those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to cross over and come to faith in Him. But don’t put it off much longer because your time is short. If you want to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior for all eternity, all you must do is recognize that you are a sinner (you have sinned against God), repent or turn from your sin, and accept that Jesus paid your death penalty for you. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NIV). “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NIV). “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, ESV). Author bio- Dianne E. Butts has more than 300 articles and short stories published in over 50 Christian print magazines, including the Salvation Army's War Cry, Young Salvationist, Focus on the Family's Clubhouse magazine, Today's Christian Senior, Enrichment Journal, On Mission, and Encounter. She has written for online magazines including www.FindingGodDaily.com, www .ThinkingAboutSuicide.com, www.CBN.com , and www.TheChristianPulse.com. Her work has been published in Great Britain, Bulgaria, Poland, Canada, and Korea. Dianne has contributed to nineteen

May 2013

compilations including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Stress, as well as Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Best Stories of Faith, For God So Loved the World...He Created Chocolate!, and Zondervan's New Women's Devotional Bible.

~~~~~~~

Her next book is Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death & Resurrection of Jesus (Pix-N-Pens, due out May 2013), is the second in the 3book series, following Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus (Pix-N-Pens, November 2012).

Sandra stopped beside the barrel of red flowers and leaned over to scan the odd assortment of titles on the weathered threetier shelf outside of the store. Every volume came from another time, not a single justoff-the-press book in sight. She noted the words above the door, Old Books. The door opened and a slender brown-haired woman exited. She glanced at Sandra and hurried away.

When she's not writing, Dianne enjoys riding her motorcycle with her husband, Hal, and gardening with her cat, P.C. They live in Colorado. You can stay in touch with Dianne Butts and keep current with her new releases by visiting her Amazon page personal websites Dianne Butts & Deliver Me Book as well as her blogs Deliver Me Book, Butts About Writing, & GrandParenting Thru Obstacles. Dianne is also on Facebook and Twitter: @DianneEButts and @GParentObstacle ~~~~~~~ Featured Books!

Old Books Jan Powell (c) May 2013

Sandra paused to examine her reflection in the window; a faint smile crossed her unlined face. No one knew her here. No one would ever imagine her age from her appearance. She took a deep breath and entered a place that represented the past to others, but held her present. An old fashioned bell tinkled over her head when she pushed the door open. She cast a glance upward and smiled at the memory it evoked. A slender, young man behind the polished wood counter on the right leaned forward. His lips curved upward. “Hello, may I help you?” “Thanks, but I’ll just browse.” She examined the hand-printed signs topping each shelf of books that formed straight corridors to the back of the cozy store.

~~~~~~~ Want to purchase a title you see advertised here in TWJM? Simply click on the cover image, ISBN# or Title (if highlighted)!

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The man came around the counter and stood beside her as though he’d not heard her response. “The rows are marked alphabetically. Is there an author you’re interested in?” Persistent. Helpful. She took a moment and glanced back at the door. Still not a soul in sight. She turned and faced him. “Poetry. I’m fond of old books of poetry.” The

May 2013 spinning blades of the ceiling fan brought her a whiff of his woodsy fragrance. It echoed the smell of fresh-cut wood that permeated the store when Edward made the first shelves. He stared at her features. “You look familiar. Have we met before?” “I’m sure we haven’t. I have one of those faces people think they remember.” She turned her head and gazed to her left. A collection of old oval-rimmed photographs adorned the wall. Below the pictures two comfortable wing-backed chairs with a narrow coffee table created an inviting reading area. Several volumes lay on the glass surface. “Lovely old pictures.” She let herself move forward and peruse the gallery of sepiatoned images, each representing a different generation and time, but all styled to imitate the oldest ones. He brushed the light fabric of her sleeve when he pointed. “It’s a family history of the store. My great-grandparents are the portraits at the top with the middle picture taken the day they opened the store. The next row of four is my grandparents on the left and my parents on the right.” “But you’re not framed?” He crossed his arms and focused on the wall. “Haven’t gotten around to it. I want to keep the old-fashioned theme of the photographs and keep putting it off.” When she looked at his ring free hands, his gaze shifted. Her deep smile crinkled the corners of her eyes. “They’re all in pairs. Is there a wife to be photographed with you?” Ah, the impertinence age could create. He blushed and twisted slightly to look out the front window. Silence let the fan blades above contribute a soft whir.

21 elbow to guide her and moved toward the center corridor. At the entrance of the row, he released his light touch and swept his arm forward in an old-fashioned, gallant gesture. “We’ve got a section at the back just for poetry.” Then he stood aside so she could walk ahead of him. The scent of incense mingled with the stale odor of old publications. Passing between the tall shelving, Sandra hesitated at a series of three identical olive green volumes on the middle shelf. She stopped, reached out and trailed her fingers down the spine over the words A Village Remembers. Then she nudged the top edge and gently slid it out. Cradling it in her hands, she opened it at the front. Beautiful script under the title read Edward Heppincott. She stared at the page and raised it closer to her face. With closed eyes, she inhaled. Its musty smell held the silence of seven decades. “Ma’am. Excuse me.” Sandra gave a start, jerked her gaze to her left and met his eyes. A tiny furrow etched his brow. Now she blushed. Closing the volume, she held it against her chest. “Sorry. This just caught my eye.” Her eyes darted sideways to the remaining two books and back to him. His features relaxed. “Must be the day to revisit the history of the store.” He held out his hand, and she relinquished the volume to him. He held it with fondness. “This is an early history of the town written by my great-grandfather—the man you saw in the top photograph up front.” He held it back out to her and grinned. “I should at least introduce myself. I’m Edward Heppincott IV.” Sandra accepted the book with her left hand and held out her right to shake his. Edward’s grip was firm, yet gentle. The touch of a man who’d appreciate published words.

“This way.” He placed his fingers on her

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May 2013 “I’m Sandra. What a delightful store you have.” He gestured around her toward the end of the shelves. “The poetry’s back here. And there’s another reading area too. Feel free to bring this along.” The poetry section filled the rear of the store. Two large framed country scenes hung on the back wall. On the right matching chairs shared an end table with a lamp. A pair of closed doors interrupted the shelving; one said office and the other, restroom. A small cart held a coffeepot with cups, filters and containers of coffee and tea stored below. “Lovely.” Sandra stood at the edge and took in the welcoming area. She strolled over to the bookcases and slowly read the spines. “Ah, a Whitman.” She took it from the shelf and settled into a chair. She set the Whitman down, opened A Village Remembers, and glanced up. “I think I’ll look at this first.” He stared at her. “Are you sure we haven’t met?” She smiled. “I’m sure.” Then she opened the book and began to read. When the bell at the front of the store tinkled, Edward looked away. “I’ll check back with you later.” “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be right here.” With a quick glance, she returned to the book. His soles made slight scuffing sounds when he left.

22 Edward laughed. “Yeah, and by Saturday I may only have two left. A new customer came in a while ago, and she’s sitting in the poetry room reading it.” “New?”“Never seen her before, but there’s something familiar about her.” “Take me back and introduce me. I remember everybody. Memory like an elephant.” They laughed while they walked to the back where Edward introduced Frank. Sandra laid the open book on the lamp table and stood, tucking a strand of silky hair behind her ear. “I’ve really enjoyed this. Seems just like yesterday when I’m reading it.” She grasped Frank’s extended hand and released it. “I’m sure Edward would rather I buy, and not simply read it. Otherwise,” she waved her hand to encompass the parameters of the store, “How would he stay in business?” Frank looked sideways at Edward, “Edward? So formal?” He looked at Sandra. “We call him Quattro, you know, for four.” Edward brushed his hand sideways in an erasing movement. “No, he calls me Quattro. Most people call me Ed.” “Well, Ed, I think I’d like to get this. Do you have any other books about this town?” “Yes. But it’s not for sale.” “How interesting. A bookstore with books not for sale.” “Let me explain. It’s just one. A special one.”

Words drifted back to the poetry section. “Frank, good to see you. How’s everything going for the Founder’s Day celebration?”

Frank interrupted. “You’re right.” He stared at her in silence. “You look familiar. You from around here?”

“Crazy as usual. Are you still planning to donate that town history book to the raffle?”

“Well, with the memory of an elephant, you’d know.” She grinned.

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

May 2013 Frank shook his head. “I can’t place you, but it was nice meeting you, Sandra. I need to head out.” He winked at her. “Call him Quattro. Really. He loves it.” Ed punched his arm playfully. “Listen to nothing he says.” He gave him a slap on the back. “Later Frank, or should I say Frankie.” “I’m going. See you,” Frank said, heading to the front. A moment later, the bell tinkled; and the door whooshed shut. “Ed. Is that what you prefer?” Sandra rested her hand on the open pages. “Sure.” “What about that ‘not-for-sale’ book?” Ed crossed to the other chair and sat down. “It was written by my great-grandmother, Elaine Heppincott. It’s the first copy, signed by her, and it’s a family heirloom. “I wouldn’t part with it.”

23 customer, a really attractive woman he felt he should know, but couldn’t place.” “Just a customer. She’s sitting in the back with a Whitman and one of my greatgrandfather’s books.” “A Village Remembers? The one you’re donating for Founder’s Day?” “The same. Do you want to meet here at six when I close on Friday to help with the celebration set up?” “I’ll be here about a half hour early. What about your customer?” “Sandra?” “So you’re already on a first name basis.” “It’s nothing. She’s just someone interested in the old family writings.” “Okay, Ed.”

Sandra leaned toward him, reached out and put her hand over his. “I wouldn’t have to buy it, but it would be a real treat to see it, look through it.”

Paper crinkled and the register clanged. “Don’t forget your book.”

The bell tinkled again. Ed stood and said, “Maybe later. I need to go.” He walked away with quick steps.

The bell sounded again and the store became quiet. Soft footsteps padded to the poetry room.

“Lauren.”

“Sandra?”

“I got the message my book came in.” A lilting female voice drifted through the corridors of shelves.

“Yes.” She lifted her head, and shut the book, using her right hand to hold her place.

“Right here. Came yesterday. I know you could research it and get it on the internet.” “But that would reduce my excuses to come in and see you.” “You don’t need an excuse. Ever.” “I don’t know. I saw Frank a minute ago going into the cafe. He said you had a new

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

“See you tomorrow.”

“I close for an hour between two and three. Everyone in town is used to it.” He grinned. Anyway, they know where to find me.” Sandra stood. “You’ll need me to go.” “Or we could,” he looked around the room, avoiding her gaze, and then met her eyes. “Would you like to get a bite to eat? There’s a great café on the next block.” He pressed his lips together and added, “I just feel we

May 2013 have a connection.” A flush spread up his neck and over his face. “That’s not some lame come on.” “I’m sure your friend Lauren would be pleased to know that.” She held the book out. “I’d like to buy this. And, yes, getting a bite would be delightful.”

24 shoulder. “I’ll take that as a compliment. That’s a lovely picture.” She grinned at him. “I told you. I have one of those faces that reminds people of someone. But thank you.” If he only knew. He stood rooted, but dropped his hand. “It’s uncanny.”

“Of course.” Ed locked the door behind them and they walked down the sidewalk.

“Maybe that’ll encourage you to let me see her book.”

“Such a lovely place.” Sandra let her gaze sweep across the shops on the other side of the quaint downtown area and stole a glance at Ed. “Do you like it here?”

They returned to the rear of the store and entered the small office. After flipping on the lights, he pulled open the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet and withdrew an ancient box. He placed it on the table and removed the lid. Inside, wrapped in old tissue paper, was a faded red book. He held it out to her.

Ed halted for a moment and looked over her head at the same view. A glint of sunlight shone on his smooth forehead, broadened by premature receding hair. “I do. I loved college, but knew I’d come back. My roots are here. And the Book Shop.” His look became quizzical. “What about you?” Sandra smiled at him. “It reminds me of the small town I grew up in.” “Where was that?” Sandra tilted her head back and laughed. “Not far. Not far at all.” She stopped in front of a door. “It looks like we’re here.” Over sweet southern iced tea and chicken salad sandwiches they discussed favorite authors and then returned to the store. “About the poetry book. Would you let me see it?” Sandra smiled. She stood in front of the framed photos and late sun gleamed on her clear skin and fair colored hair. Ed started to speak and stopped. He pointed past her to the old pictures. “That’s it. Sandra, stand right there. No a bit to the right and look at me.” His eyes were wide. He hit his palm against his forehead. “You look like her!” Sandra laughed and glanced over her

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

“Horizons. Nice title.” They walked out to the twin chairs and sat. Sandra opened it. Ed leaned forward with an eager look on his face. “She was beautiful. There’s a photograph in the box. You really do look like her.” “That’s probably why you think you know me.” She shrugged and lifted a palm. “That’s all there is to it.” All he needs to think. “Maybe you’re right.” Ed slumped back in his chair. “Still.” He shook his head. Sandra turned a page. In faded ink the script read, January 25, 1935 The first copy of my poems. I’ll keep this one for myself forever. To see my words in print makes my heart leap with joy. Cassandra Elaine Heppincott She raised her eyes. “Your great grandmother’s first book, with her inscription. That’s why it’s not for sale.”

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He nodded. “She said she’d keep it forever but one day she vanished. After that, it became the trust of each succeeding generation to keep it.” “Vanished?” Ed leaned forward, took the book, and pointed to the title on the spine, Horizon. He turned to the last poem. The book fell open easily, as if the words had been read many times. Horizon Stand with me, love, and cast your gaze ‘Cross whitened sand and gentle waves. Look up. The dome of heaven’s grace Surrounds and purifies this place. Let troubles fall across the sand Release each one and clasp my hand. Together we can find the spot Where travel shimmers from our thoughts And setting rays of sinking sun Assure us that our walk is done. For when the sun splits night and day The skyline skips our lives away. Horizon’s path the future steers And lets us cross unnumbered years. Ed quoted the words from memory with closed eyes. Sandra watched his face and never looked at the page. He opened his eyes and grinned. “You did it perfectly.” She smiled at him. “It’s my favorite.” Sandra leaned forward. “Why?”“It’s the link to my whole family history.” “You said she disappeared.” Sandra settled back to listen. “What happened?” Ed glanced down the shelving corridor. The store was quiet. “I’ll make us coffee or tea. Which do you prefer?”

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

“Tea. Please.” Such kindness. So like his greatgrandfather. He heated water, added tea bags to two cups and pulled out a basket of artificial sweetener and sugar. “Do you like it sweetened?” “Yes. I’m partial to sugar.” He added it and sat beside her again. “She was born in 1899. Apparently, she loved the idea of crossing over two centuries with her life. When she was eighteen, she married my great-grandfather who was ten years older, and a professor at the college she attended. Their marriage marked the end of his teaching career and her college education. So they decided to open a bookstore.” Sandra looked around and nodded. “Well, it’s been updated over the years, but each generation has tried to keep the family feel they created in the beginning.” “You said she vanished.” Sandra sipped her tea and peeked over the rim. So far, his facts were right. Missing college had been distressing, but the bookstore might never have happened. Or so many other things. “In 1940, a few months before her birthday she took a walk on the beach. It was a Saturday evening and she usually went with her husband. They loved watching the sunsets together. But he was putting final touches on new shelves and wanted to complete the project. So she took her bike, parked in the usual spot, but never came home.” “Did they suspect foul play?” Ed shook his head. “My grandfather was nineteen and his sister, Hannah, fifteen. Her unexplained disappearance was hard.” “And?”

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“He began to go to the beach every day after he closed the store and stare across the water while the sun set. He persisted for months until the shorter daylight of winter kept him in the store into the evening. He’d return at dark and sit in front of his living room window staring out. When asked how he was doing, all he’d say was, ‘I wish she’d waited for me.’”

golden sun washed lower and sideways through the front windows. A glow flowed around her while she paid for the slender volume.

“What did that mean?”

She brushed the comment away with a little hand gesture. “They still spend. They were tucked away.”

Ed held up the book. “The story goes that he thought she’d skipped across time.” “What did people think about that?” “Some people said she ran off. Others thought something bad happened. My grandfather left college to help run the store. After a year at home, he went back and finished. Then he and Hannah continued the family business with their dad.” “What do you think happened?” Ed pressed his fingers over eyes he’d squeezed shut. “I don’t know. It’s our weird family story.” He dropped his hand and looked to the side at her. “What do your parents think?” “It’s just me now. My grandparents died when I was twenty and last year Mom and Dad were hit by a truck in a bad rainstorm.” They fell silent. Sandra looked at the slim old-fashioned watch on her wrist. “I need to go.” She handed the book back. “I’d like to stop by tomorrow. Maybe I can sit back here and read some more. I’m really intrigued with the story.” She tilted her head and laughed. “Especially since I resemble her.” They stood. She smoothed her vintage-look skirt and blouse and adjusted the belt at her waist. She led the way. At the counter,

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Ed paused and checked out both sides of the money holding it up to the light. “These are really old bills. Haven’t seen any like this in a long time.”

His head was tilted down, but his eyes were raised to hers. “Collectible bills? Just lying around?” She nodded with a serious smile. “Tucked away.” She moved over to the door and opened it, lingering while the bell sounded overhead. Ed followed her outside to retrieve the three-tiered bookcase. She trailed her hand over the wooden bench on the other side of the door and walked toward the café. “You need a ride?” Sandra paused, glanced over her shoulder. “It’s a short walk. I’ll see you tomorrow.” At the second corner, she turned down the side street. Friday morning at ten Sandra walked through the door. “Good morning, Ed. Looks like a perfect weekend’s coming.” He held her gaze and replied without glancing outside. “It certainly does. Are you coming to the Founder’s Day events?” “And those events would be?” “A parade Saturday morning, booths and crafts, and usually a short speech by the mayor. Any business over fifty years has a display in the square, and all of the shop owners have open house in their stores. By the way, Frank’s the mayor, but don’t let

May 2013 that impress you.” “The mayor. What’s his last name?” “Raulson. His family’s been here as long as mine.” “Do they have a family business, too?” “Real estate. But they have a long history in local politics.” Sandra smiled. Some things never change. Some lives just repeat through each generation. “I’ll take you up on the offer to read your book Horizon again.” “Follow me.” Incense burning on a small brass holder wafted from behind the counter. Sandra inhaled, held the memory of it, and walked behind Ed to the back. He retrieved the book and handed it to her. “Tea?” “Thank you.” Ed had filled the pot and emerged from the bathroom when the bell chimed. “Go on. I’m perfectly capable of heating water.” She shooed him with her hands. With her tea steeped and sweetened, she settled to read. The poem Generations opened the volume. (For my son Edward to celebrate his first year) Amazing gift of trav’ling time You are my holy, happy sign To loose my grip on yesteryear And view your future bright and clear. Your tiny face I now inspect Each change a reason to reflect. From days to years so swift they’ll pass And memories are all I’ll grasp; To wrap with words and leave behind Your life’s my gift, bestowed in time.

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

27 Recall my words, create anew A legacy both strong and true. I wait beyond or in these lines To clasp our chain of family times. Sandra set her cup on the lamp table and stroked each page as she revisited words published seventy-five years earlier. Her lips moved as she read. At times, it seemed the slim volume trembled. She placed it on her lap and pressed her hands against the page. Then the shaking would stop. But was it the book or her hands? The sensation suggested to her mind that in some way the book was alive in her grip. “How’s the reading going?” Ed stepped into the poetry room and smiled at her. Sandra closed the book and placed it on the table beside her. “Finished.” She folded her hands into her lap. “What’d you think?” “I really like it. She seemed so connected to her family and loved the water.” “The beach she used to walk on is only blocks from here. The access to the shore not only attracted her, but outsiders as well. That’s why we’ve remained a viable community through the years, tourism and sea.” “I think I’d like to take a walk there. Would you give me directions?” “Better yet, I’ll take you.” “What about the store?” She consulted her watch. “It’s two hours before your break. Just tell me how to get there.” As if I don’t know the way. The bell tinkled. Sandra stood and handed Ed the book. “I’ll walk up with you.” The woman Sandra had seen leaving the store the first day stood by the counter. She furrowed her brow, then smoothed her face

May 2013

into a smile. “Hi, Ed.”

door that Frank held open for them.

“Lauren, this is Sandra, the woman who was interested in my great-grandmother’s poetry.” He pointed to the portraits. “She bears a striking resemblance to Elaine.”

Sandra looked back and gave the two men a smile. “See you later.”

Lauren studied Sandra’s face and then the top pictures. She nodded. Sandra said, “I was hoping to visit Elaine’s favorite place at the beach.” “I’m free now. If you’d like, I could take you. It’s not far.” Sandra smiled. “I’d love that.” She picked up her small bag, tucked it under her arm. “Whenever you’re ready.” Lauren reached across the counter and touched Ed’s hand. “We’ll be back by the time you break for lunch.” She pressed his hand for a moment. The door opened and Frank stepped in. He cast an appraising glance over the two women. “Well, hello. You certainly brighten the day.” His eyes lingered on Lauren. “Where are you lovely ladies off to?” Ed crossed his arms and a frown creased his forehead. “Always the politician.” Lauren ducked her head and then glanced at Sandra. “We’re walking over to the beach.” “She’s taking me to Elaine’s spot.” Frank grinned at Lauren. “I could escort you.” Lauren brushed him away with a gentle hand sweep. “No need.” “You sure?” he asked. “It’ll be a girl outing.” Sandra said. “Thanks anyway.” Lauren led through the

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Lauren pointed out shops along the three blocks and chatted about the owners and the stores’ histories. “You know so much,” Sandra said. “I should. I’ve been here all my life.” Sandra absorbed the details Lauren shared. When they turned at the corner, the ocean’s scent gusted around them on the spring air; the smell of salt drew them on. She exhaled. “Beautiful.” The boardwalk was straight ahead. “It’s a popular place. We’re near the spot where they say Elaine left her bicycle. Did he tell you the story?” Sandra nodded. “You know it too?” “Well, yes.” “I also suspect you like him rather much. Would I be right about that?” Lauren blushed. “It shows?” “Yes. But is that a bad thing?” “It depends on how much the liking is mutual.” Lauren looked away, silent until they reached the narrow road in front of the beach access. “I know it is, but...” “But what?” “Let’s walk on the sand. I’ll show you.” Locals and visitors spread out along the boardwalk, standing in clusters or sitting on the weathered wooden rail. They climbed the steps and looked down the beach where people lay on colorful towels, walked on the packed sand at the water’s edge, and filled

May 2013

the air with conversation and laughter.

“Definitely.”

To the right below them, a stand of sea grass bent in the breeze. Lauren descended to the beach, stood in front of the tall green strands, and turned to face Sandra. “Here.” She pointed down. “This is where they found her bicycle.”

“What do you think about the story about Elaine?” Lauren watched for her response.

Sandra examined the place and observed Lauren’s position in front of it. “I see.” She moved onto the white sand, paused to slip off sandals and dangle them in one hand, then motioned Lauren to join her. “Let’s walk.”

“You really do look like her. I was looking at your profile and your nose, your chin.”

Lauren removed her shoes and they headed south. “You know the poems suggest…” “What?’ “That she chose to leave.” “Do you believe that?” Lauren scrutinized the gentle waves. “I believe a lot of things. I don’t know.” While the breeze blew and wrapped their skirts around their legs, Sandra looked up and down the white expanse. Except for the crowds, little had changed. She lifted her hand to shield her eyes and gazed at the horizon, blue meeting blue. The sun remained high in the sky. Sunset was hours away. What a difference sunset could make. She wiped a sudden sheen of perspiration away with her fingers. Lauren cocked her head to see Sandra’s response. “What do you think?” “About the beach? It’s lovely.” She glanced at Lauren. “But that’s not what you’re asking me, is it?” “No. Do you think Ed…”“Is fond of you?” Lauren nodded. Sandra stopped walking and studied her.

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“Intriguing. What do you think?” Sandra crossed her arms and tilted her head to observe Lauren’s face.

Sandra laughed, “I hardly think the shape of a nose and chin makes a face.” “You’ve read the poem Horizon. It implies she skipped across time. And she did disappear.” “Well, then, if I am Elaine, I guess I’ve returned.” She rubbed her hands against her arms, laughed again at the startled look on Lauren’s face, and glanced at her watch. “I’m a bit tired. Let’s head back so we can meet Ed at the café.” Mid-afternoon business moved at a slow pace in the small restaurant, with less crowds making service prompt. After a leisurely meal, Ed and Sandra headed to the Book Shop and Lauren returned to work. Sandra said, “Without being a pest, I’d love to reread some of the poems again.” “Sure.” Ed went to the office, retrieved it and handed it to her. Sandra settled into a chair and opened it. “Are you familiar with Generations?” “I’m familiar with all the poems.” She read a few lines. “I love that image of clasping family times and creating a legacy. What do you suppose she meant?” Ed regarded her in silence and then sat in the other chair. His gaze fell to his lap. When he looked up, he let his eyes skip past her to one of the pictures on the wall. “Family was important. I think she wanted her life to go on from generation to

May 2013

generation. And it did.” He pulled his eyes to hers. “Till me. I’ve stayed single. Let the generation ball drop.” Sandra tilted her head, but remained silent. “When Dad and Mom were gone, so suddenly, I put away the ring I’d gotten Lauren. She doesn’t even know. The thought of family, here and then gone, made me retreat.” “Perhaps it’s time to get the ring out.” Ed stood and entered the office. The old desk drawer creaked open and shut. Ed returned with a small object he held out for her to see. They smiled at each other. He tucked it into his pocket. “I need to get back to the front.” Without another glance, he hurried away.

Healthy Life Press was founded in May 2008 with a primary goal of helping previously unpublished authors to get their works to market, and to re-issue worthy, previously published works that were no longer available in the marketplace. At Healthy Life Press, we see health as a verb, and achieving optimal health as a process - a crucial process for followers of Christ if we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, AND strength, and our neighbors as ourselves - for as long as He leaves us here. The four books featured this month are by my father, Rev. Warren C. Biebel Jr., in honor of his 85th birthday. Keep on going, Dad; and, keep on writing, too. – David B. Biebel, DMin, Publisher – Healthy Life Press

Sandra stood and removed an antique pen and sheet of linen stationary from her bag. She wrote and placed the note on top of the book with the pen resting on it. She’d be gone when he came back. Thank you so much for letting me read my words again. Take the thoughts of the poem to heart. You are my legacy, too. Cassandra Elaine Heppincott Author Bio: Jan Powell is a graduate of the University of South Florida and small business owner. She writes, speaks at retreats and resides in Tampa with her rescue cat. ~~~~~~~ Feature Publisher Healthy Life Press

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Rev. Warren C. Biebel Jr. has been communicating the Good News and hope of the gospel for more than 60 years. While pastoring in New Hampshire and Vermont for 25 years, he also served as a chaplain at the Vermont State Prison and the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Jct., Vermont. He and his wife founded Singing Hills Conference Center in Plainfield, New Hampshire, in 1972. Throughout his ministry and now through his writings, Rev. Biebel has demonstrated an interest in helping people come to know the Lord and to grow in their faith. We’ve Got Mail This new paraphrase is like a Reader's Digest version of the New Testament letters, intended to draw readers closer to the Lord through reading these letters in modern language, with no

May 2013

denominational slant. Recommended for devotional reading for new and experienced believers. Order from the Distributor or directly from Publisher.

~~~~~~~

Interview with Amy Roloff By Mary Nichelson ©May 2013 Each generation has had at least one public figure that epitomized what the “perfect” wife and mother was to that particular era. In the 50’s, June Cleaver was hailed the domestic queen of her time. Carol Brady was a modern housewife, minus domestic duties in the 70’s. Elyse Keaton juggled home life with a successful professional career in the 80’s. As the turn of the century loomed, Helen Seinfeld and Jill Taylor made their mark on prime time. Many viewers would say the bar was set high; others would argue it needed to be raised. When Amy Roloff entered the picture, however, being just a wife and mother suddenly paled in contrast. Viewers know her as the matriarch leader on TLC’s reality show, Little People, Big World; capable of managing an energetic

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

husband and four children with one hand tied behind her back. As easy as she makes the job appear, Amy takes her role as mentor, mother and friend seriously. Unlike most reality stars, Amy doesn’t have aspirations to be witty, dramatic or flashy. She is too busy with the things that matter, like raising her children with a solid moral foundation. She readily admits that she is not alone in her endeavors and that what God has in store for her and her children is what matters most. She proudly states, “Being a Mom is priceless.” Here is the back story. MN- Congratulations on your recent climb of Mount St Helens! Describe what that sense of accomplishment felt like for you. AR- It was a huge accomplishment. I think more so on a personal level then anything else. Yes, I'm 50. I'm so very thankful I can do most anything physically still at my age and a dwarf. Person with Achodroplasia dwarfism. Many face a lot of health issues by time they are this age. I know I most likely will not be able to do something like this in the next 5 years. Who knows. And mentally. I've chosen to be an at home mom and loved every minute of it. Now that most of my kids are grown up, in college and/or moved out, my last is currently a sophomore in HS. I'm wondering "What do I do now?" I'm on that journey of discovery. What does God have in store for me. I hope I'm open to what ever it may be. The climb was a personal ' I can do it! The 'unknown' is going to be awesome. Own it physically, mentally, and from the heart. MN- On your show Little People, Big World, you said that the idea to attempt the climb was born from an ‘empty nest’ sort of feeling where you didn’t feel needed by Jeremy, Zach, Molly and Jacob as much as you had previously. Did that sense of loss surprise you, especially in light of the fact that you have a successful career otherwise? AR- Absolutely. Becoming an empty nester

May 2013 was more of a loss of my 'Mom role'. That role was pretty much all of me - time, thinking, planning, managing, organizing, people I interacted with, activities .... you name it. Now that role is changing. I wasn't quite prepared for it. Yes I'm successful in several areas and the time to appreciate what I was able to do - stay at home mom to a more working mom, philanthropy and community advocate when it comes to children is a transition for me. It's needing to know more about marketing, finances, networking, branding, all of that. Not a bad thing, it's an adventure and exciting just seems more scary at ramping up at 50. MN- You are a reality star, entrepreneur, speaker, advocate, mom, and wife. Breaking it down to the most basic of explanations, who is Amy Roloff? What defines you as person separate from these titles? AR- To be frank - I'm really a simple person who doesn't need a lot to be happy. A roof over my head, food on the table, a car that gets me from A to B, and travel .... but what I do like are choices and opportunity. I'm thankful I don't have to agonize over which bread I can buy at the grocery store, or be ok turning down something because I'm ok with what I have ... MN- Your family wrote a book titled Little Family, Big Values that shared what life was like inside the Roloff family and chronicled how you grew as individuals by doing life together corporately. You named and described eleven key values that were taught to your children as a road map for other families to follow. Of those eleven values, which of them was your personal favorite? AR- That was a good book for us to do at the time. I've made many a mistakes I'm sure and what I've tried to model and teach my kids. You just hope some of it sank in. Writing the book at the time kept me and I think Matt and the kids on track. Going down the media road can be tricky and keeping what is really important

ÂŠMay 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

32 in the fore front was critical to me. Geepers, that's a hard one. I'm stuck between Respect, Commitment and Love. I'll have to say Respect. If you respect yourself then you like you. It's key in many other ways, such as if you respect and like you then you allow God to work through you and not fight him in trying to correct yourself. Respect means believing in you, your passion, beliefs, right and wrong and if you have that for yourself you'll want to see and give to others and know they deserve that from others too. Respect will help you embrace and enjoy the good times and also help you pick yourself up when things don't turn out the way you had hope. It's easier to follow through on your commitments, and of course Love is the first and foremost. I'll have to say respect. MN- As your children were growing up, what age was the most challenging for you as a mom? AR- The last ten years. Raising a family and keeping them grounded, happy in life, appreciative at any age was tough while filming. If you are not careful you can get lost in that media world and I was afraid of that. That was a balancing act while also trying to always see the positive thing we were doing through tv and what it provided to us. Now that my youngest is 16 I tell my older three they did not prepare me for him - he is my teenager. The aloft attitude, in his room a lot, not very communicative, not interested in a lot now, but smart and so talented but choses not to show it. This is a hard age to help him see how unique and wonderful he is but he doesn't or at least show it. MN- What is the best piece of advice youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been given as it relates to motherhood? AR-Each one of the kids are individuals. Embrace each one and love them for who they are. Don't expect one to have the same traits, goals, style, attitude ..... as their siblings. And just because I as a Mom think this is what they should do

May 2013

doesn't mean it is what they want or is good for them. I'm here to love, teach, guide, support and help them to make the best choices and decisions for them. I've got to be their best cheerleader in good and bad times.

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MN- If you could sum up your experience so far as a mom in one sentence, how would it read? AR- I've been given the best gift in life God could ever have given to me. Being a Mom is priceless. Author Bio- As a devoted wife and involved mom to her four children Jeremy, Zachary, Molly and Jacob, Amy’s faith, family and sense of value is what gives her focus and purpose in all that she does. As a working women and mom Amy is invested in balancing all aspects of her life including managing to navigate a hectic family life along side a very project orientated husband and successful family farm. She may be best known for filming her TLC phenomenon hit reality show “Little People Big World” that tells the story of her and her family for over 6 seasons of filming, 229 episodes averaging over 2.5 million viewers worldwide. In 2009 Amy founded, established, and serves as president of the non-profit Amy Roloff Charity Foundation (ARCF) to advocate, support, and inspire kids including youth at risk, kids with special needs, and other challenges. To date Amy has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that help educate and support kids in foster care, teen moms, children’s hospitals, sports, homeless kids, and internationally. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University. You can stay in touch with Amy through her websites Amy Roloff.Com, Amy Roloff.Org & The Roloff Family ~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~ High Yield & I Shall Not Grow Old James D Stone (c)May2013

High Yield This is God's Formula from above: People grow better in sunshine and love. And to love someone is always to show Them new and challenging ways to grow.

I Shall Not Grow Old In years to come I shall remember how The mellowed sun of fall came peeping through The lacy curtain tacked above the door; The blue jay's sharp and scissored call to arms When danger hovered near its nest of twigs. How ragtag thistles I gave space to grow Apologized with bloom and odor sweet. The ecstasy of kisses in the rain; Of spines from old salt cedars in my shirt. The grip of newborn infants' little fists; The feel of my own flesh against my arm. The loyalty and love of family. Mending wings I thought forever broken. I shall remember these in years to come--And I shall not grow old.

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

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34 ~~~~~~~

James David Stone (1916 - 2000)

Author Bio: A native Texan, James David Stone was an award winning author of short stories and poetry with numerous publications, spanning more than four decades, in prestigious literary journals and poetry collections. He is the grandfather of author Shawna K. Williams. Shawna serves as submissions editor for The Wordsmith Journal Magazine, and it is her pleasure to share these poems written by her grandfather and this picture of him as an infant in his mother's in celebration of Mother's Day during the month of May. ~~~~~~~ Kindle/Nook Books

~~~~~~~ Want to purchase a title you see advertised here in TWJM? Simply click on the cover image, ISBN# or Title (if highlighted)!

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Interview With Norma Jean Lutz By Mary Nichelson ©May 2013 “My name is Norma Jean Lutz. I’m a lifelong author, speaker, writing instructor, and novel critique consultant.” For Norma Jean, those aren’t just titles; they are her identity. “I know writers. I know novelists. They are some of my favorite people. They are my “tribe,” if you will. I understand; I relate; and I empathize.” This kindred spirit, the official unspoken longing to be an author, is what motivates Norma Jean to help aspiring writers succeed. After working her way through multiple levels and platforms as a successful writer, she has unselfishly chosen to help others find the fulfillment they seek as a wordsmith through her Be A Novelist program. She admits she doesn’t go soft on her protégés. “I don’t coddle.” To her credit, determination has been the secret to Norma Jean’s success. Learning to manipulate road blocks and brick walls, and overcoming a less than desirable childhood has led to an outstanding career as a teen and young adult novelist. Her name rests on the byline of over 50 books and numerous feature articles, proving that for Norma Jean, writing truly is her passion. "I have to write like I have to breathe," says Norma Jean. "I cannot say I love just 'having written.' I thoroughly enjoy the entire process of creating a story. I literally get

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drunk on story/plot creation." Then she adds, "It's like a natural, creative high."

two together, because honestly, it's worked out to be a pretty good union.

MN- You are credited with writing over 50 novels, yet you began by writing feature articles and short stories. How did you transition from feature magazine writer to novelist?

NJL- The eight adult novels that I authored were written mainly because the opportunity to write for a certain genre presented itself. The door was open and I walked through, but I knew that was not where I wanted to camp. My heart has always been, and still is, with kids. My passion is to write for students, and I love hanging out with them as well. I’m an active sponsor in the youth group at my local church so I’m talking with and listening to junior high and high school students on a regular basis.

NJL- I have over 50 published books to my name, but not all are novels. Many are nonfiction works, most published through Chelsea House Publishing, and all for midhigh readers. I was delighted to take part in their author biography series where I studied lives of past authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jane Austen, Mark Twain, and F. Scott Fitzgerald among others. I was entranced to say the least. The transition from smaller works to fulllength novels was like turning around an ocean liner. Slow, slow, slow! Even while writing and selling magazine articles and short stories, my focus was ever on becoming a novelist. I wanted nothing more or less. I had created a comfort zone of earning with the smaller works, and it was extremely difficult to release that bit of security to invest time writing a novel, but I just did it. I knew what I wanted and knew what it required to get there. It was a long journey and I experienced many brick walls and dead ends along the way. The world of publishing has never been easy. On top of my yearly goals list was this statement: “I will hold my published book in my hand this year.” When it was time to create a new list for the following year, and no published book, I placed the very same statement at the top of the next year’s list. And the next, and the next, until it finally came to pass. I look back and am so thankful that I never quit. I never gave up. MN- You write for a young adult audience and your subject is based on historical events. How did you decide to mesh those

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

The opportunity to write historical novels for mid-grade readers came to me through Barbour Publishing via the American Adventure Series. The original series was comprised of 48 books of which I authored 16. (The marketing statement was: From Plymouth Rock to Pearl Harbor. The books covered that entire time period.) It turned out to be my adventure. I had such fun writing for this series and was loathe to see it end. I had no idea at the outset how much joy and delight I would derive from writing historical fiction. MN- What was your favorite time era to write about? NJL- My file cabinets are still jam-packed with file folders full of research that I conducted not only for the American Adventure Series (later the Sisters In Time), but also the four adult Tulsa Series novels (which take place in Tulsa in the early 1920s). I have to admit that I was enthralled with each era I wrote about. I learned so much about America that I never knew before. So I can’t say any one was my favorite. I guess my favorite was the one I was working on at the time. I just felt so blessed to be able to bring these time periods to life for the readers. Plus the added blessing of weaving in the Christian theme.

May 2013 MN- I am intrigued by your name. It has a poetic ring to it. Can you tell me a little about your family? NJL- This is a loaded question. During all my growing up years I hated my name. My biological father’s name was Norman. He was a ne’er-do-well who left the home when I was about 3. I was not the firstborn – my older sister received the lovely name of Carolyn Louise. I never understood why the firstborn was not saddled with the derivative of our no-account father’s name. I hated the name Norma so much, that by the time I reached college age, I began insisting everyone call me by both names – Norma Jean. Much later, everyone knew that that was Marilyn Monroe’s birth name, so then it became a sort of joke and the stigma slowly began to fade. But the real freedom came when I learned that the name Norma means model or pattern. And Jean means gift of God. I then embraced my name and now strive to put that meaning into practice both in my daily life and in my writing. (But I still insist on being called Norma Jean! Some habits die hard.) MN- Aside from being an accomplished author and writer, you consult and mentor other writers and aspiring novelists through your Be A Novelist program. Tell us a little about it. NJL- I think I may have had a couple articles published when I asked to address my son’s English class. (And his teacher was kind enough to let me.) I had struggled for so long to be published, I immediately wanted to teach others how to make it happen. That passion within me to teach has, all through my career, been nearly as strong as the passion to write. I created local workshops which I taught; I’ve spoken at writer’s conferences all across the country; and even founded and served as coordinator for an annual conference here in the Tulsa area. We called it the Professionalism in Writing School, where we brought writers and editors together for

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

36 a two-day conference. At times our attendance was close to 200. It was hard work, but I loved helping writers get their start. During the 90s, I served as an instructor on staff for an international correspondence writing school. My tenure lasted nearly a decade. I carried the full load allowed for an instructor which meant my office was filled with file cabinets and file boxes under the desk holding student files. What an education. It was like holding the position of an editor. I loved all my students and was pretty much in seventh heaven throughout that entire time. Now using the broad reach of the Internet I am using technology to encourage more writers than I ever did through physical writer’s conferences. While I teach writers in all many capacities, I mainly focus on novelists – because that’s my first love. Be A Novelist offers a blog site, workshops (available on Kindle), and for those on my mail list, informational emails (that have to do with writing and the publishing industry) are sent out once or twice a month. The crowning glory (at the present time at least) of Be A Novelist is a program that I worked on for over a year to create. I call it the Six-Month, Finish-My-Novel Challenge. It draws from my years of experience in the publishing world, as a novel critique consultant, writing instructor, freelance writer, speaker, and novelist. In researching to see what is available for up-and-coming novelists, I see many very practical helps such as how to plot, how to develop characters, how to write in viewpoint and so on. But if the wannabe novelist has no idea why he or she cannot finish the novel-in-progress, what good are all the practical tips? This course digs down to the core to equip the novelist to come to terms with why that unfinished novel is in a box under the bed, or in a long-lost file in the bowels of the computer. Meanwhile the novelist suffers under the weight of guilt

May 2013 and condemnation, and nothing constructive is happening. Time is lost and opportunities are lost. It doesn’t have to be that way! I know because I’ve been there; plus the fact that I’ve hung out with writers for over 30 years. I know writers. I know what stalls them out. It always broke my heart that the ones I met one year at the PIW school who had talked about a wonderful, promising plot idea, but returned the following year to tell me they hadn’t even made it to chapter 3. Why? I had no time or opportunity to walk them through the why back then. Now I do! MN- An ongoing question writers often ponder is which is most important; experience or research. Can you weigh in on the debate? NJL- All I can say in answer to that question is if I had had to rely on experience, my list of novels would have been really really short. I hadn’t been any place; I hadn’t done much of anything. But I loved to make up stories! The “write-whatyou-know” advice is – in my humble opinion – pretty thin. The most interesting thing about that statement is that few of us actually know what we know. We only begin to discover what we know as we plot our story and develop our characters. Then we find out what we didn’t know that we knew. (Does that make any sense to anyone but me?) Add to that the fact that I get a natural high on research. I have to pull back the reins and stop researching or I would continue researching instead of writing my novel. MN- Literacy is an issue close to my heart. With so many "things" vying for the attention of our young people, how can parents encourage reading within their family unit? NJL- I was reading aloud to my two children (son and daughter) before they

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

37 could talk, and had them in the library before they could walk. I read to them constantly. They then were naturally readers and lovers of books. My son’s home today is filled with overloaded bookshelves and his son is an avid book lover. My daughter’s three children are all early, eager readers. Both families read aloud to the children early on. Yes they all have their electronic toys and gadgets, but still love to read. I could write pages and pages on this subject. And I have. There’s only one way to encourage reading and that is to read. Reading aloud to a child creates a bonding time that exists in no other way. It’s a unique shared experience quite unlike watching a movie or a TV show. If I could speak to young families everywhere, I would encourage them to turn off all the electronics and set aside a special block of time once or twice a week for a read-aloudtogether time. It’s a given that children who love books are better students across the board. For who can name a field of study that doesn’t require reading? Author Bio- Norma Jean Lutz is an author, speaker, writing instructor, and novel critique consultant. She has been in the writing/publishing industry all her adult life. Her first bylines appeared on hundreds of magazine articles and short stories. Today her list of published books stands at more than fifty. Norma Jean -- still a teacher at heart -- loves to reach out and encourage budding novelists through her program "Be A Novelist” program. To learn more about the Be A Novelist program, visit the program's website. Norma Jean is offering a special discount for readers of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine. Visit to learn how you can get your first month free! Norma Jean also writes for her blog and encourages readers to check out her Amazon Kindle store where most downloads are .99. ~~~~~~~

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38 when the rest of the world has gone to bed. They write when the refrigerator lures with just one more soda or a piece of chocolate decadence pie. When writer’s block strikes they take a sledgehammer to it instead of pushing away from the desk, no matter how painful the sacrifice.

Guest Editorial: Marathons, Manuscripts and Mothers by Mary Manners! What do the three M’s…Marathons, Manuscripts and Mothers have in common? Well, as a former marathon runner, I’m convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that the countless hours of running and training during my marathon days prepared me for the other two. Marathon running is a solitary endeavor that requires 100% dedication, commitment, follow-through and sacrifice. Runners have to train when they don’t feel like it…when their legs ache and their heart feels like it will leap right out of their chest, when the weather is hot, humid, cold, rainy or just plain dismal. Runners train in the light, in the dark, and when a strong north wind tries to sweep them right off the path. Distance runners maintain focus and stay true to the goal. There’s no turning back…only looking forward. The same can be said of writing. It’s a mostly-solitary endeavor that requires 100% dedication, commitment, follow-through and sacrifice. After all, what reader would enjoy a book that lacks a satisfying ending…devoid of plot, direction, or character arc? What publisher would pay for such a book? So writers plot even when they don’t feel like it…when their friends are going to the movies or out to dinner, when they’d rather read than revise, when warm rays of sunshine beckon from an office window and their heart longs to run and play. Writers pound the keyboard early in the morning when the rest of the world has yet to rise from slumber and late at night ©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Being a mother remains a solitary endeavor that requires 100% dedication, commitment, follow-through and sacrifice. Saying no to a child has never made any mother popular. Moms overlook their own needs to care for a child. They mother early in the morning, late at night, and every moment in between. They remain strong as a century-old oak when the storms of terrible two’s and the teenage years rage, when they see their life flash before their eyes while teaching a teen to drive or while a toddler throws a tantrum in the grocery store check-out line. Along the way, moms enjoy and savor rays of sunshine that peak through the chaos. They mother when they’d rather take a warm bubble bath or curl up with a mystery instead of cooking dinner or playing the hundredth hand of Old Maid or Go Fish. My life’s journey has been a blend of the three M’s. My daughter entered college last August. We’re in a period of countless transitions. The child I once drove to basketball practice and choir rehearsal now chauffeurs me. I have learned, depending on the day (sometimes even the hour), that I know nothing…and everything. Recently, a college friend of mine sent a photo that was snapped our sophomore year (1982). Looking at the photo, I thought my daughter was staring back at me. Was I ever that young, thin and…unwrinkled? My daughter took one glance at the picture and gasped, “Mama, is that really you?” as if I could have never—possibly—been that smiling young woman in the snapshot. And, after a good laugh, I thought about the passage of time and how happy and truly blessed I am to have experienced the three M’s…Marathons, Manuscripts and, most especially— Motherhood.

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Author Bio: Mary Manners is an awardwinning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. Mary’s debut novel, Mended Heart, was nominated Best Inspirational Romance 2010, and was finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award and her follow-up, Tender Mercies, was awarded an outstanding 4 ½ star rating from The Romantic Times Book Reviews and was also a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Buried Treasures, her third novel, was named Book of the Year by The Wordsmith Journal. Light the Fire, her fourth novel, took top honors for the 2012 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone. Learn more about Mary Manners at her website:www.MaryMannersRomance.com a nd at her author pages athttp://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/ a nd www.Amazon.com ~~~~~~~ Featured Sponsor: Kevin Zimmerman!

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~~~~~~~ To Your Health: Dear Mom - a Mother's Day Letter By: David B. Biebel, D.Min. ©May 2013

[Author’s Note: I penned the original version of this letter to my mother more than 30 years ago. I still mean it now that I’m almost past middle age, but she is only 83.] Dear Mom, I can imagine that August 13, 1949, was a hot, uncomfortable day in Boston. Or was it rainy? Either way, my arrival took you by surprise. I know. Since I was several months premature, and just barely able to stay alive, I suppose you think I should have learned my first good lesson about impatience. By now, though, you must have realized that it's a hopeless case. Can you still remember how small I was...how fragile...how dependent? How many times did I wake you up the first night I was home?

Kevin Zimmerman is an author & radio show host! ~~~~~~~

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Thinking about it now, I suppose I cried then about a lot of things. I probably cried when I was hungry. And I probably cried when I was full. Sometimes it was because I was wet, but did I ever cry for no apparent reason at all?

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Did you talk to me when you fed me? Did you sing to me at night?

how many of those questions started with, “Why?”

Mom, I can imagine how your face was my security, how your presence brought me peace.

When was the first time I heard the name of Jesus? I know it was when I was very young. Perhaps His name was one of the first names I learned.

For months you helped me strengthen my rather tenuous hold on life, and I wonder how many times, as you held me in your arms, your thoughts turned toward God in prayer. One of my first mistakes was to assume that I was, indeed, the center of the universe. For all I knew, it was true. I mean, with all that attention, and special care, and all that loving, how could I help it? 1 wouldn't be surprised to discover that my first word was, “Mine,” and my first phrase, “I want.” In any case, after the trauma of those early months together, it must have been difficult for you to begin, in a serious way, the process of teaching me the meaning of, “No.” Though I did not heartily approve of every aspect of my discipline, I'm thankful for it now, because now I know it was because of your love and not in spite of it that you did what had to be done. Do you remember my first step? How many times did I fall before I took the next one? Thanks for letting me try again, for it was through my falling that I learned to stand. Do you remember the first time I was sick? Thank you for nursing me back to health, for getting up with me in the night, for helping me discover that people generally do survive the mumps, and the measles, and the chicken pox, though I may have wondered about it at the time. Mom, for my first few years did I expect you to be like a living encyclopedia, the source of knowledge about many things? How many thousands of questions did you answer for me? Did I ask, "Who made the tree?" or, "Where did I come from?" And

©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Since I had some understanding of God and His love by the time I was five, and since I spent so much of those first days with you; it's fair to assume that much of what 1 know of Him I began to learn from you. Thank you. Was it difficult to see me go off to school for the first time? Did you see that day as the beginning of many years of education, and an early part of the development of an ability to be independent of you? How did you survive my bumps and bruises? How did you weather my successes and failures? How did you handle my adolescent rebellion? Did you know I needed to decide for myself about ethics, and morality, and faith? When I think back over the years, I'm grateful. You worked so hard so we could have nice things. You cooked for us, you washed our clothes, and cleaned our house, while for many years working another full time job as well. And I wonder how I can ever thank you enough. Why do you love me anyway? I suppose you'd say, "Because I do ... I just do." And I suppose you'd say that you did all those things for me because they had to be done. But I know better, Mom, because I think there are mothers who don't love their children the way you love me. And I think there are some who choose not to do what needs to be done. So, Mom, this is my small way of saluting you. You've taught me many things. You've

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loved me, you've cared for me, you've laughed with me, and you've cried with me. Could any son ask of expect more than you have given me? I hereby arise and call you blessed. In the city gates I bring you praise (Proverbs31:28, 31). Your son, Dave

which have enjoyed the presence of many notable Christian writers over the years. This same vision for books that are both inspirational and practical continues to motivate the Revell publishing group today. Whether publishing fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence. Revell’s Featured Author: Lynette Eason

Dr. Biebel has authored or co-authored nineteen books. He founded Healthy Life Press, in 2008 to help previously unpublished Christian authors get their works into print, and to keep worthy out-ofprint Christian books available. He and his wife established Health-Wise Worldwide in 2005, as one means of educating the public in relation to achieving and maintaining optimal health, with an emphasis on the importance of whole food nutrition in biological health.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of several romantic suspense novels, including When the Smoke Clears, When a Heart Stops, and the Women of Justice series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Find out more at her website. When a Secret Kills: Deadly Reunions, #3

~~~~~~~

She’s come home to put a killer behind bars.

Feature Publisher Revell Books

But the killer plans to put her six feet under.

Revell began over 125 years ago when D. L. Moody and his brother-in-law Fleming H. Revell saw the need for practical books that would help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. From there, Fleming H. Revell Publishing developed consistently solid lists

Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She’s no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do—find the truth and expose it. And the truth is that Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago—and Jillian watched it happen. Didn’t she?

May 2013

Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to this explosive series.

~~~~~~~ The Proactive Author: Little Actions Have Big Potential By W. Terry Whalin ©May 2013 Are you dreaming of some great things happening in your writing life over the next few months? I hope so. I look around at the publishing community and see great opportunity for readers—online and in print—in books and in magazines. As I read the publishing news, I learn about a continual stream of new publications and new publishing efforts. Each one is full of big potential—only if you take action. As I speak with authors, I find many of them have deep-seated dreams for their novel to find a publisher or their nonfiction book to jump on the bestseller list. I applaud the dreams but they must be backed with consistent action. Are you searching for the right publisher for your next work? Are you actively approaching literary agents to champion your cause? When you learn about a new editor, are you writing that editor and pitching an article or an idea? Are you approaching long-term editor friends with your ideas and pitches?

When I dig into what these authors are doing to expand their writing life, I find very little action. I don't know what will catch fire and become the next best thing in the new year. I do know I will not find it, if I'm not actively looking. Also if you are stuck or not finding a place for your work, I encourage you to knock on a different door. If you are writing novels, then try to publish some short stories. If you are writing a nonfiction book or book proposal, then pitch some magazine articles and write some shorter works. If you don't have any presence online then begin building one. There are few overnight successes but the key is to take action every day and build potential. That potential remains unrealized if the pitch is never made and the book stays on your computer or in your file drawer. It's an old image but big doors turn on little hinges. As a writer, you are looking for the right connection or connections to move you into the next level with your publishing life. It will not happen unless you are on the move and taking action—daily action. And when you get rejected? I've been in this business many years and I believe it is important to plan your response for how you will handle rejection. I encourage you to follow the example of Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield. When they were looking for a publisher for Chicken Soup for the Soul and getting rejected. Each time, they turned to each other and said one little word, “Next.” That word propels you forward to the next opportunity and the next place to consider your work. It prevents you from sticking the idea back in your drawer and never sending it out again.

Author Bio: W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in Irvine,

May 2013

California. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. To help writers, he has created 12lesson online course called: Write a Book Proposal His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. ~~~~~~~ Featured Author: Beth Trissel

Married to her high school sweetheart, Beth lives on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia surrounded by children, grandbabies, and assorted animals. An avid gardener, her love of herbs and heirloom plants figures into her work. The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans and the people who journeyed here from far beyond her borders are at the heart of Beth's inspiration. In addition to American settings, she also writes historical and time travel romances set in the British Isles. Find out more about Beth by visiting her Website and Blogor connecting with her on Face Book or Twitter! ~~~~~~~ The Power of Positive Faith: Do You Know Him? By Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith ©May 2013 Do you know the number one reason why we see ourselves as failures, as less than others, as not valuable? It’s simple; we don’t know what God says about us. Oh yes, we hear things like God loves us and He will bless us, but is that really true? And more

importantly, you wonder if that is really true for you? I tell you that the only real way to find out if it is true is to ask Him. I don’t mean a “drive-by” ask, but ask with a deep and intimate talk with Him. I think that a lot of people imagine God as some big person in the sky that can only be bothered with us when something wild is happening to us. And for some Believers, it seems that they have compartmentalized their spiritual lives as being separate and distinct from their everyday lives. But it is not separate; we are holistic beings made up of mind, body and spirit and every piece affects the other. Our bodies can affect our emotions and our emotions can affect our spirit; a lack of connection to God affects all of us. When things happen in our lives we sometimes get depressed and we disconnect from the world because we feel inadequate. Before long we begin attracting negativity to ourselves like a magnet that attracts any other piece of metal that it comes in contact with. How do you change that? How do you change your negative opinion of yourself? How do you see the beauty in you that God sees? You really want to know? Get serious about Him. If you are serious about changing your life and becoming more positive, start each day in prayer. Taking the step to get up early each morning and spend time with God, without any distractions, will change you. It’s in the quiet time that you can really connect with Him & you can talk to Him about what you feel about yourself. I stress spending time with God because during that time of intimacy with Him, He can show you what kind of person you really are. You may not be as bad as you think when you begin to listen to what He has to say about you rather than what your critics have to say. Remember His Grace is sufficient; His power is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).

May 2013

Author Bio: Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, PhD, MBAA, MA, BPS, is an Empowerment Advocate, personal life coach, motivational speaker & leadership expert. She is a retired executive of more than 26 years with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service/Eastern Operations. She is currently a Professor in the School of Management at Texas Woman’s University. She is an author and talk show host. Her new book, When You're Happy With You focuses on helping others find value, build self confidence, self-esteem and confront issues that may be holding them back. Her radio talk show “Living Happy Every Day with Dr. LaSharnda” can be heard on www.LATalkradio.com, Channel 1.

Delia Latham is a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—but above all, she treasures her role as child of the King and heir to the throne of God. When she’s not writing, she loves to play piano and sing, read, enjoy nature’s beauty, and design marketing products for authors. A former newspaper Staff Writer and frequent contributor to her hometown’s regional publication, Bakersfield Magazine, she has also freelanced projects to a public relations firm and various magazines; has compiled, edited, and designed cover art for various Kindness Incorporated projects; and sold greeting card verse. Many of her short stories, articles, and devotions can be found online. Find out more about this author on her website or visit her blog. ~~~~~~~ Featured Author: Mary Manners!

~~~~~~~ Want to purchase a title you see advertised here in TWJM? Simply click on the cover image, ISBN# or Title (if highlighted)! ~~~~~~~ Featured Author: Delia Latham!

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. She writes romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.Learn more about Mary Manners at her website and at her author pages at Pelican Book Group and Amazon. ~~~~~~~ Want to purchase a title you see advertised here in TWJM? Simply click on the cover image, ISBN# or Title (if highlighted)! ~~~~~~~

May 2013

45 Kindle/Nook Books

~~~~~~~ Consider This: For those days when you’re one step away from drowning By Rita A Schulte, LPC ©May 2013 You know about those days. Where getting out of bed seems like climbing Mount Everest. You don’t want to face the pain. You don’t want to face your life. Maybe you don’t want to face yourself. You try desperately to pull something out of your soul, something that will fill you. Nothing comes. It’s dry. But you’re drowning all the same. You can drown in two inches of water. But those days, they feel like an ocean’s consumed you. On those days you can’t breathe. You’re in way over your head. So those days require something more--more than just air to breathe. You need something solid. Something you can hold onto. You need to open your arms and feel the presence of something deep surround you. And you have it. He gave it. He knows what it feels like to drown---in his own blood and water. To gasp for air. To be beaten beyond recognition. He shows you every time you look up. Every time you see a cross. How do you make it on those days? By remembering. By inviting someone into the mess. Right into the broken and empty places of your soul. You tell the story of your pain. You tell someone ----you’re just one

step away from drowning ----and you ask for what you need. The needing is OK. And one thing is for sure; you need someone to come to your rescue. And someone did. You can feel it every time you put your hand on a nail. The piercing. He knows what it feels like. He took it into his own body. It was about carrying the weight of the world on his nail scared hands and feet, so that you and I don’t have to. If you want to make it on those days, the ones where you feel the pull of the current so strong underneath you that it knocks you down. You have to let the arms of mercy receive you, comfort you, support you, and yes, carry you. That’s when he pours life into those broken and empty places and fills you. For one more day. You can make it because of what he did. The Father sends the only Son to be broken for your remembering. The remembering is what keeps you from drowning. The remembering is what keeps your heart alive. The God man says, “It is finished.” Nothing else is necessary. This love was costly. I did it for you. For all those times when you feel like you’re drowning. For all those thin and worn places in your soul that make you feel so vulnerable. I did it so that you would remember. I did it so that you would know. I did it so that there would never be any doubt in your heart. I gave my only son, so that when you lost something precious, you’d know that I would understand your pain. I did it so that when you felt abandoned, rejected, unloved and all alone, you would remember. On those days, remember that I loved you to death.

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Author Bio: Rita A. Schulte is a licensed professional counselor in the Northern Virginia/DC area. She is the host of Heartline Podcast. Her show airs on several radio stations as well as the Internet. They can be downloaded from her website or on iTunes at Heartline Podcast. Rita writes for numerous publications and blogs. Her articles have appeared in Counseling Today Magazine, Thriving Family, and Christianity Today, Kyria. Her book on moving through the losses of life will be released in Fall 2013 by Leafwood Publishers. Rita loves feedback so please follow her website, on FaceBook and twitter @heartlinepod. ~~~~~~~ Faith & Fitness: Refresh, Revitalize, Rebuild By Kellye Davis Williams ©May 2013 We tend to think of physical fitness as being something that is purely physical. I mean, the word physical is right in there. But there are important spiritual aspects to your fitness and health as well. I'm not talking just about religion here -- although that is part of it. I'm talking about spiritual and emotional factors as well. Human beings are not just physical creatures. We have emotional needs. We have mental needs. And we have spiritual needs. You cannot neglect any of these areas if you want to live a healthy and balanced life. Peace and Stress

Stress is something that we need -- up to a point. Without some stress things get pretty boring. But our busy lifestyles and ever changing society have led to constant stress which has very serious implications for our health and fitness. Stress hormones make losing weight difficult and also drain our energy if we don't have time to recuperate and rest. You need to take some time to get in touch with your inner self as well as being in touch with God. It is important that you spend time connecting spiritually. This can involve prayer and study. It can involve meditating on the goodness of God. Even just taking time to smell the roses can be refreshing. Taking time to just sit and enjoy a cup of coffee can be relaxing. These things are important to refresh ourselves. Your spirit is the source of joy and peace in your life. It is the place where you can combat stress. You need to be aware of how harmful stress (and other negative emotions) can be to your physical body. Learning to deal with them in a positive way will help your body to be healthier and stronger as well. Make Time I heard a comment recently that many Christians are so busy that the only prayer time that they have is on the run. That really resonates with me and I'm sure you will find that you don't have the time for reflection and introspection that you need by always “praying on the run”. Without it you will find that your energy levels are constantly draining. You will find that your stress levels constantly rise. You will find that your life lacks joy, peace, and direction. You need to make time for your spiritual self. Pick a time that you know you can consistently set aside for this. Maybe it's only 5 minutes in the morning before getting ready for school or work. Maybe you can squeeze 15 minutes on your lunch break or before bed. Whatever time you can manage, make it a habit to spend that time

May 2013 quietly in whatever fashion is important to you. Pray. Read. Memorize. Meditate. Breathe. Relax. You may be thinking "I just can't afford to spend the time." Well, the fact is that you really can't afford not to. Having this daily time of refreshment can bring dividends that make the rest of your day a little bit smoother. It won't make the problems disappear, but it will help you to deal with them more effectively. Fitness isn’t just about being a certain size or weighing a certain number. It isn’t about vanity….or at least it shouldn’t be about these things. It is about overall health and that encompasses every area of our lives.

47 Revmedia network. Kellye resides in east Atlanta with her family. When she is not working out or training her clients, she teaches spiritual concepts to an adult class at her church as well as ministers in her role as Women's Ministry Director. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughters, shopping, traveling, and simply enjoying coffee with friends. ~~~~~~~ Featured Author: Kathi Macias!

Refresh your spirit. Revitalize your mind. Rebuild your body! 1 Tim 4:7-8 (Phi) ...Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit. Bodily fitness has limited value, but spiritual fitness is of unlimited value, for it holds promise both for this present life and for the life to come.

Author Bio: Kellye Davis Williams is a personal trainer who focuses on the health and well being of her clients as well as coaching them to make positive changes that will impact the rest of their lives. She helps them to achieve their health and fitness goals as well as encourages them to strive for and achieve their " life" goals with her message of hope. As a model, Kellye exemplifies the essence of artistic beauty while proving the power of a woman is more than superficial refinement. She is the co host of Thrive Radio Talk Show on

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al. Kathi is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency Find out more about Kathi by visiting her website. ~~~~~~~ Interested in Advertising YOUR book in The Wordsmith Journal Magazine? Visit our Advertising Info Page or Email: twjadsales@gmail.com ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013

~~~~~~~ Kindle/Nook Books

~~~~~~~ Michele’s Musings: The Lone Glove By Michele Abshire ©May 2013 This morning on my way to work I spotted a man’s work glove on the opposite side of the road. My attention was caught. If the glove could talk what would it tell me? What kind of work was it used for? Was the glove used by a hardworking person; a mechanic, welder, construction worker or a carpenter? Though seemingly a work glove maybe it was actually used to protect the hands of a gardener? Perhaps it just warmed cold hands during the winter? Would it tell me the kind of hands that once filled its empty spaces? Were they young, old, soft or calloused hands? Were they kind and caring hands? Or were they mean and careless hands? If the glove could talk, would it tell me how it came to be on the road where it now lay desolate and lost? Would the experiences the glove conveyed to me warm my heart or chill my soul? Had I picked the glove up and thoroughly examined it, I could have possibly determined what kind of work that it was used for. With forensics testing I could have learned a bit more about the glove but that would have been the extent of my knowledge. I would have never known the

intimate details of the glove’s life; such as, where it had been, who had worn it, how it had been treated and other intimate details unless I met the owner of the glove. Just as I could never fully know the details of the gloves’ life, we cannot see all the details of the people we encounter on a day to day basis. So often we see people and make instant assumptions about them and their circumstances. We judge them by the way they look on the outside, the clothes they wear and the style of their hair. We judge people by our standards yet we have no idea who they are on the inside. We have no idea what they have been through in their life. We don’t know what makes them do or say the things that they do. We judge based on limited knowledge. We don’t take the time to know people and ask intimate questions to find out just who they are and why they are like they are. We should never judge or make instant assumptions about others. Rather we should let mercy guide our heart and take the time to get to know people. I have found that most of the time my first impression is not an accurate account of who a person is on the inside. As I have grown in relationships with others, learning to really know them personally, I have found everyone is special in their own way with their own special gifts. Though we all come in different packages toting our own fair share of ‘baggage,’ God made us all special and unique and we should take the time to get to know people before coming to conclusions. Even then, we are to love as Christ loved. It is love that can win a heart, even a hard heart. The glove alone and abandoned on the road sort of brought a sadness to my heart. I was reminded of lives that seem to be in much the same condition. Lives that are broken, alone and lost on the path of life. For many we have no idea what led them to that place of abandonment but we tend to steer out of their paths, just as I drove by the glove not thinking it was important enough to stop and pick up. Often, we don’t want to be

May 2013 bothered with someone else’s problems. Heaven knows we have problems of our own to take care of. Sometimes we are too busy and caught up in the business of life. We overlook, sometimes unintentionally and other times intentionally, the hurting hearts that we come in contact with every day. People that are broken, alone and lost are broken, alone and lost for a reason. They were not born that way, adverse circumstances may be the very reason for their appearance and behavior. No matter the reasons for their attitudes, appearance, circumstances and situations God loves them with an everlasting love. He sent His son to die for them. He wants to rescue them from those broken, lonely and lost places in their life. He has a plan to pick them up from wherever they are and give purpose and meaning to their life. He wants to use us, His children, to be a light to those in need of His touch. May we be His vessel and take the time to stop, listen, touch and help so that a difference can be made in someone else’s life. Before we come to Christ every one of us has been broken, alone, lost and desperately in need of God’s touch at some time in our life. Even after we become the children of God through Christ there are times we feel as if we are helpless and abandoned on the road of life but we have His promise in Hebrews 13:5b, “he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Every one of us has probably wondered what our purpose in life is and why are we here? These are age old questions that many ask, often with a sense of hopelessness. Just as a glove needs hands to fill its empty spaces so that its purpose can be realized we need Jesus to touch us and to fill our empty lives. He has a plan and purpose for our life, “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)

49 purpose of every glove is to protect hands. As the glove protects the hand so God protects us. Gloves are made to fit a hand snugly and to conform to the hand. Well fitting gloves move in union with the hand, just as we are meant to move in perfect union and obedience with God. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28a) As we move with Him we are covered in God’s safety, defense, refuge, security and covering. A glove goes wherever the hand goes and likewise we are designed to be one with Him, to follow Him and allow Him to lead us wherever He leads. You are not a lost glove abandoned on the road of life but sometimes it may seem that your life reflects this scenario. You are so much more than you can even imagine. You are His most special creation. You are His beloved child. “For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:28b) His touch has the power to change any life. God’s hands are strong yet gentle, supportive, caring and loving like a father’s or mother’s touch to their beloved child. His hands are connected to everlasting arms that will encircle you in His care, love and fortification. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27a) He is always reaching out to pick you up and set you on a straight path. “He heals the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalms 147:3) Yes indeed, He loves you. “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3b) He keeps His promises and He is faithful. May you be blessed knowing His love and care and may you bless others by extending the love He “has shed abroad in your heart” to others (Romans 5:5). Love in Christ, Michele Copyright Started August 2012 ~ Michele LeDoux Abshire

In considering the glove I also thought of the purpose gloves serve. The ultimate

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50 readers and writers who enjoy edgy fiction, and in particular edgy Christian fiction. ~~~~~~~ Want to purchase a title you see advertised here in TWJM?

Author Bio: Michele Abshire is a housewife, mother, grandmother, and full time legal assistant. She has been published in Lake Charles, Louisiana publications, Christian Star Newspaper and Gumbeaux Magazine.

Michele began writing notes of encouragement to people God put on her heart which led her in the direction of writing short encouraging stories, letters, essays and analogies. This quickly became a ministry for her.

To forgive or not, is it really an option?

Michele's vision is to reach people with encouraging messages that will lift their heart and bring joy for sorrow and hope for discouragement. Michele enjoys your feedback so leave a comment in the form at the bottom of the page or email her at micheles.musings@gmail.com

Oh it’s easy to say the words, but are saying the words enough? Do we ever really arrive at the point of being victorious in our endeavors to forgive others as God forgives us?

~~~~~~~ Featured Author: Michelle Sutton!

Jesus taught us to pray the Lord’s Prayer in which we ask God to ‘forgive us as we forgive those’ but what does that really mean?

These questions have haunted me most of my life. They still haunt me. No matter what I say or how many times I say it, I wonder…Have I truly forgiven? The biggest breakthrough came when I learned this important truth: Forgiveness is a choice. It’s not an option, but it is a choice.

Michelle Sutton has written well over a dozen Christian novels. She is also a book reviewer, an avid blogger, the mother of two college students, a wife of over two decades, a social worker by trade, and follower of Jesus Christ. Michelle is the founder of Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers -- A group of

Forgiveness doesn’t mean erasing what happened or ignoring the past; forgiveness means not allowing the past control your mind, will or emotions. It means robbing the past of the ability to steal the joy of your present and the hope of your future. One of the hardest things I’ve had to do and the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced was in forgiving my ex-husband of the abuse that ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013 occurred in our marriage. Now, I’m not going to expect you to believe that I was totally innocent in the events of my life and the failure of that union. Whether victim or perpetrator, we all play a part in domestic violence. However, it has been the utmost test of my willingness to obey God’s command that we forgive others as He has forgiven us. And it was a l-o-n-g time in coming. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve yet to arrive. The journey began in 1987, two weeks shy of my ninth wedding anniversary. I knew that if I didn’t get out before we hit another milestone in our marriage, I might never get out. Or one of us would get out, but not necessarily alive. I kid you not. When you are at the point of sitting up nights, holding a shotgun on your lap and wondering if you could get away with murder, it’s time to LEAVE! Suicide never entered the equation because I couldn’t bear the thought of who & how my children would be raised. So, in February, I packed up the kids and the car and left. I wish I could say, never to look back. But that’s not true nor do I believe it’s possible. I can say, however, that I didn’t look back with thoughts of returning. Not that time. It was c’est tout, finis. O-V-E-R! Forgiveness, however, didn’t come so quickly nor so easily. It was a long, painful journey. Even today I wonder if it will ever really end. But I believe that I have reached a place of peace. Now I can look back without bitterness, anger and resentment; only a deep, abiding sorrow for the entire situation and yes, a bit of wondering what if… I’m told that’s normal.

How did I reach that place of peace? Prayer. Ranting, raving, crying, begging to be released from the bitterness in my heart. And finally, submitting to God’s command. It was His gentle assurance that as I continue saying the words and releasing the situation and my former husband to Him, the heart change would come. And it did. Or so I thought. Until the year 2001. My book Tempered Dreams (#2 in a series) deals openly and candidly with domestic violence. Believe me when I say it was sheer hell to write. Any writer knows that no matter what you create or how prolific the prose, writing from the heart pulls at your emotions, rips at your heart, and sometimes, tears at your very soul. So it was with this book. But the story had to be told. The hardest part, however, was the dedication. In the middle of a difficult chapter, God instructed me to dedicate the book to my exhusband “in the spirit of forgiveness.” What? Are You crazy, Lord?! You want me to put in writing for the whole world to see that I was abused? No way! I just can’t. Forgive as I’ve forgiven… Still I hesitated, praying for a way out; begging the Lord to change His mind. Just this once. In the end, I knew I had to be obedient. My prayer then became, “Okay, Lord. You win. Whatever. Just help me get through the last few chapters then I’ll write the dedication.” So He helped me finish the book and left me alone about the dedication. Then came the moment of truth. Just exactly how could I do it? After all, I’d

May 2013 ripped my heart out to tell the story. I’d searched every corner of my mind and soul to ensure that readers understood healing is possible through love, mercy, grace -and yes- forgiveness. Not only forgiving your perpetrator but forgivingyourself. But still….how could I lay the remaining shreds of my heart on the altar? How could I bare my soul in such a public display? How could I be sure others wouldn’t think I was just being self-serving or doing this out of false pride? Or worse, false humility. I couldn’t. The only thing I could do was trust in God and His wisdom and obey. So I wrote the dedication….

52 true. Thank you. I love you! Was it easy? No. Did it help? Maybe. I still have moments of intense feeling –not always good- toward my ex-husband and I still do what I’ve done for years…release him to God through the power of the Holy Spirit for Him to work in James’ life for his good and God’s glory. Am I glad I did it? Yes. Not only because of the blessings and peace that result from being obedient, but because of the comments I’ve received from others who used my example as encouragement to do the same. Have I arrived at the victorious destination of true forgiveness? I doubt it…Has anyone?

All honor and glory belong to God for His wisdom, direction and strength to get through such a painful-yet beautiful-story. This is dedicated to battered women everywhere; may you find the peace and joy offered through salvation, forgiveness, and the healing power of God’s grace and mercy. To the people who counsel them and to the doctors who treat them; may God bless you in your endeavors. To the perpetrators of domestic violence and the children who are also their victims; may God reach your hearts and change your lives. For James, in the spirit of forgiveness. Though painful, what we experienced was nowhere near this horrific or dramatic; for that I am eternally grateful. And last but definitely not least, for my husband, Terry. Your love and support have paved the way for my dreams to come

Author Bio: Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Groupin Lake Charles, Louisiana and the Owner/CEO of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine. Multipublished 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.” Find out more about Pam by visiting her website and connecting with her on Facebook & Twitter @psthib. ~~~~~~~

May 2013

Featured Publisher: RMS1437

Welcome to RMS1437 Publishing LLC - a full service traditional publishing and printing house! If you are looking for a traditional - royalty based publishing house who agrees with your desire to produce family-friendly works that entertain and/or inspire readers, you have come to the right place. We are committed to prayer and serving our Lord by providing our current and potential authors with the highest level of integrity and experience to bring to life the story or message God has placed in his or her heart. We desire, and will continuously work to promote, a family environment amongst our authors so that they will support one another through prayer or words of encouragement. From mystery to humor, Bible studies to devotionals, poetry to biographies, and stories of healing, we are dedicated to providing personalized service to each of our authors from the initial submission to the professionally polished work ready for distribution. Our goal is to build a wellestablished relationship that will lead to additional projects. We know these will be used in a mighty way to bless, encourage, and challenge readers near and far.

"My relationship with the Lord is number one in my life. I am involved with Every Home for Christ, a prison ministry for teen boys, and am active in a Parkinson's support group. I enjoy writing stories for children that share the love of Christ and teach practical lessons. Currently in production is, "The Wedding Song" scheduled to be released late spring. My prayer is that all would come to know Jesus as Savior, Lord, and friend." Matha's debut release, Views of the Cross and the Tomb is available through your favorite bookstore, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble. You can also visit her page on the publisher's website. ~~~~~~~ SR Review: Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book 2 by Paula Rose Michaelson

Answer the call! Visit RMS1437 Website for complete details. RMS1437 Featured Author: Martha Black!

Naomi wants Chaz’s love. Chaz loves Naomi, but will not forgive his wife’s lying to him. The attorney wants Naomi’s estate. The Padre wants the couple to reconcile. Nicco wants to marry Lucinda. Lucinda wants to ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013

marry Nicco. Neither will wed until Chaz and Naomi are standing with them when they say their wedding vows. Who will get what they want?

and unknown interesting facts about Christopher Columbus will reveal much more about the Spanish Jews and their plight.

Find out when you read the second volume of Paula Rose Michelson’s saga, Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing.

Wealthy Chaz fled from New York in his private jet to Texas where he spent some time with his parents only to be told some bitter secrets of truth about his own heritage which agonizes him further about Naomi’s betrayal and adds deeper confusion to Chaz’s self-image. His loving parents send him to Mexico to visit with his Uncle Hilario for further counsel on his new findings. Soon, I understood why this old scholar was loved and respected so greatly by Chaz – I soon loved this wise man as my favorite character in this story. This gentle man that could hold a dove in his hand and stroke her underbelly so she would coo at him; and feed a morsel to a rabbit at the same time in his garden. Uncle Hilario taught Chaz many truths and surprised him with history to be held in reverence. Chaz has much to think about, so he decides to take a hike in the desert. The dove tamed by Uncle Hilario will have an endearing significance in Chaz’s metamorphosis, a fabulous thought of brilliance on our author’s part. What an imagination God has given Paula Rose Michelson, not mentioning her own experience that gives her story the strength to carry such burdens into joy in the Lord.

Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing books 1 & 2 can be purchased in paperback and ebook from the Publisher, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and is available in audio! Just Sayin…. By Barb Shelton Naomi fled, full of shame, pain and deeply confused. She huddled underneath the blankets in the backseat of her friend Alex’s car not wanting to be detected by those she felt shunned her just hours before at what should have been a surprise celebration blessing her by new husband Chaz and their friends. Her lifelong secret revealed by a vindictive girl seeking revenge for no reason but to steal the love of Naomi’s life. Naomi intended to tell Chaz herself that night,, but forced to admit her secret in front of Chaz and her friends – Chaz hollered at her “Why did you deceive me?” and walked away. As Alex sped her away from the Barrio, she showed no curiosity of where he was taking her. He explained he was taking her to a safe place at Wawayanda State Park in New Jersey, part of the Appalachian Trail. From here on Naomi was in strange territory with people like none she had never known. Her closest friend was Ruth – can it be God’s own humor that He would put another Ruth and Naomi together? Will you see the parallels in their lives? Will Naomi believe the truth that Ruth and even Marvin; a little child will tell her when she meets him on the Blessings Rock? Again, as I recommended in my review of Book One – please be sure and read the historical notes in the front of Book Two, as fascinating details about the Queen of Spain

What will happen to Chaz during his desert experience? What will happen to Naomi in her mountain top experience? Will their paths cross again during their journey’s to truth. They both seek love, not realizing they are searching for more than one love. Are they both headed for redemption and salvation in the one true redeemer? Did Paula Rose Michelson have a purpose for writing these two incredible stories about Naomi and Chaz? My answer is definitely yes. What will your answer be?

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Author Bio: Barb is married to Jack Shelton, a retired military officer and lives in Arlington, Texas. Having been married for thirty seven years, Barb and Jack share eight children between them, (His, Mine, Ours); 19 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. Barb was born and raised in Enterprise, Kansas. She is musically inclined and is a retired church music director. A former Weight Watcher lecturer, she has had many interesting and unusual jobs, including working for a private detective, defense attorney, office manager for a video production company and administrative assistant to two different pastors. She is involved in volunteer and church activities, and describes herself as creative, friendly and can talk with anyone. "I am a Christian and love to spread God's love and enjoy making others smile and lift up their day." Barb is a Certified Lay Leader and Lay Leader of her congregation at the United Methodist Church of the Covenant in Arlington, TX where she has been a choir member/director for over 30 yrs! Barb also occasionally fills in for the pastors when they are absent from the pulpit. She wishes to write a book one day. "I've been through several soap operas in my lifetime and lived to tell about them." Barb is the writer of two blogs, Passing it Forward and Blessed by Grace, both of which she invites you to drop by to visit one day. ~~~~~~~

Book III in the "King of the Trees" fantasy series by William D. Burt. WINEPRESS PUBLISHING: 2002. (Softcover; 288 pages. Illustrated by Terri L. Lahr and Rebecca J. Burt.) Includes glossary and pronunciation guide at the back for easier reading and for reading aloud. The gallows loom large over Timothy son of Garth and his friends when twelve trumpet blasts awaken sleepy Beechtown. Forced into exile, King Rolin and Queen Marlis set out with their companions to find a fabled golden forest and learn its secrets before the griffins perish of a deadly wasting disease. To save the sorcs, they must enlist the help of the mysterious Wood Folk, an ancient and noble race. In laying down his life for a stranger, Timothy discovers that the true measure of trees and men lies in the hidden treasures of the heart. The Golden Wood is a gripping adventure tale that will captivate pre-teens, teens and adults. Series website book page. Amazon softcover, Kindle, Nook & other formats. From a YA POV…. The Golden Wood had elements that remind me of some of my very favorite stories. Parts reminded me of Robin Hood, Lord of the Rings, and even Narnia. From an exiled group roaming the woods, wise tree folk, ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013 and talking animals, be prepared to delve into an adventure. Though it had portions that were similar to other fables, the story was completely the author’s own. William Burt created a world in which owl-faced griffins, tree-men, and exiled kings all exist together. Legend becomes reality in the world of Lucambra. A fun bonus were the wonderful pictures found within the book. They helped the story to really come to life. Turning the last page in The Golden Wood is a bit bittersweet, but thankfully, there are seven books total in the series, so, no need to say goodbye, there are many more adventures to be had with the Greencloaks! Throughout the books there are strong allegorical themes of Christianity. Self-sacrifice, a mention of a creator, and a King, who died on a tree for the love of all play an important role in The Golden Wood. Even though I haven’t read the first two in this series, it didn’t take long for me to get invested in the story. The Golden Wood was extremely enjoyable for me, even though I didn’t know the entire background of the story. This book is enjoyable enough to entertain preteens and challenging enough to occupy adults. The Golden Wood is definitely a great Christian young adult fantasy book to add to your shelves, whether you are 12 or 82!

Author Bio: Sarah Heath is a 20 year old college student from Dallas, Texas. She is currently obsessed with planning her perfect, dream wedding via pinterest (even without a groom a girl's gotta start planning sometime!), driving her convertible around town, and hanging out with her girlfriends. She enjoys drinking a tall glass of sweet tea while sitting down to read a good book or ©May 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

56 writing about her life on her blog. She has written reviews for publishers such as, Navpress, Thomas Nelson, and Bethany House. She is a member of FIRST Wild Card book review Bloggers. Her reviews can be found at Reviews by Sarah Katie. ~~~~~~~ Interested in Advertising YOUR book in The Wordsmith Journal Magazine? Visit our Advertising Info Page or Email: twjadsales@gmail.com ~~~~~~~ Featured Author: Shawna K Williams

Having never considered becoming a writer, Shawna K. Williams' path changed in a single night all because of a dream. Her early writings were a mere attempt to fill in gaps within the dream and satisfy her curiosity, but later became the inspiration for her first two novels. She is an editor for Desert Breeze Publishing and Solstice Publishing, speaker and teacher on writing techniques, homeschooling mom and multipublished author of historical fiction. Shawna enjoys books in almost any genre as long as they contain strong characters tackling real-life grit -- even if the book is sci-fi/fantasy. She also has a thing for dogs and pygmy goats, and believes the world would be a better place if people aspired to be the person their pet believes them to be. Find out more about Shawna by visiting her website or blog and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter! ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013

I was seven when my baby sister was born, and was overjoyed. Here was a real-live doll for me to play with who actually couldburp, wet a diaper and say “Mama.” What a treat it was to show this new little person the ropes. I taught her all the best children’s songs, read her my favorite books and together we came up with a cartoon character named Chubby Chick (two circles, a dot for an eye and straight lines for his legs) that we used for our notes to each other. She, for her part, became the president of my fan club and seemed to think everything I said was the ultimate wisdom, carved in stone. When she was around four years old, my sister contracted a strange illness with a high fever. Her personality actually seemed to change from a sunny child to a cranky, snarling brat. We were terribly worried about her, especially when my parents had to call an ambulance to take her to the hospital. I vividly remember pressing my face against the window screen as I watched the ambulance pull away from the curb. It was nighttime and the stars were out. I was eleven, and it was the first real, earnest prayer I remember praying, and I didn't pull any punches:

she’d had. Except God. Fast forward many years and my sister—all grown up and married with a law degree and a beautiful daughter--was hospitalized, battling cancer for a second time. The night before her surgery, I all at once remembered that long-ago night in the window. My prayer was more respectful this time, but nonetheless urgent: Dearest Lord, please let us keep her! We need all her! Once again, I felt assured that He had things under control. The doctors told her that they have no way of knowing what the prognosis would be, because they’d never seen a condition quite like it. They were not optimistic, but I was, because the Lord had again put an assurance in my heart that there would be no more cancer, ever again. And it has proved to be right. It’s been over ten years, and there has been no recurrence. My sister has become a great prayer warrior and Bible teacher. She lives far away, but we speak on the telephone frequently and still laugh about Chubby Chick. I am profoundly grateful to God for giving me back my little sister and best friend. After all, fan club presidents are had to come by! O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. Psalm 30:2

God, don’t you DARE take my baby sister away from me! And somehow, I knew that He heard me, and didn't take offense. It was touch and go, but eventually my little sister made a complete recovery. Later, I learned that the illness that sent her to the hospital was the dangerous condition now known as Reye’s Syndrome. For many years, none of us realized what a narrow escape

Author Bio: E E Kennedy, author of IRREGARDLESS OF MURDER and its sequel, DEATH DANGLES A PARTICIPLE (August '13) grew up in far northern New York State, where these mysteries are set. ~All Rights Reserved

May 2013

As an advertising copywriter, she wrote interview articles for art magazines and produced radio/TV commercials and print ads. She is a graduate of Huntingdon College and studied counseling and guidance at the University of Alabama. She and her husband live in North Carolina, are born-again Christians, and the happy, blessed grandparents of five little answers to prayer. Her mystery website is: MissPrenticeCozyMystery.com There you'll find fun info, previews and an exciting free novella! JoinEllen on Facebook! (as Ellen Edwards Kennedy)

were active advocates of the homeschooling movement for many years. They currently reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC, known for its waterfalls. Find out more about Tracy by visiting her website or blog. Connect with her on FaceBook and Twitter! ~~~~~~~ TWJM Journalist: Mary Nichelson!

~~~~~~~ Featured Author: Tracy Krauss!

Tracy Krauss is a best-selling author, playwright, artist and teacher. She is a member of 'American Christian Fiction Writers', 'Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship', and ‘The Word Guild’ as well as several writing related social networking groups. Originally from a small prairie town, Tracy received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Sask. with majors in Art, and minors in History and English. She teaches High School English, Drama and Art. Apart from her many personal creative pursuits, she also directs an amateur theatre group and leads worship at her local church. She and her husband, an ordained minister with the PAOC, have lived in many remote and unique places in Canada's north, including Churchill Manitoba - the 'polar bear capital of the world', the Yukon, and the NWT. They raised four children and

Mary is an avid reader, writer, editor and self-proclaimed advocate for the authors that make Christian publishing the great industry it is. She supports publishers by interviewing authors and promoting their new releases, as well as upholding a standard of ethics that defines the word “Christian”. Her passion is to see the publishing business excel by promoting literature that speaks to our generation without compromise. Mary is the host of Marysworld Internet radio talk show, maintains a website affiliated with several publishers, and is a member of the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) Mary's World Website & Blog Friend Mary on FB ~~~~~~~ Kindle/Nook Books

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May 2013 You are not Alone: A Lesson in Hair By Dawn Kidd ÂŠMay 2013 Two sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head. Matthew 10:29-30

Having a daughter has meant I received a new education....in hairstyling. I was never the mom who placed big bows in her hair, but I always made sure she was well groomed and donned a hairstyle appropriate for each occasion. Today, I gave our daughter a trim. Well, I took off three and a half inches off. Her hair had grown so much, it really needed to be cut so new growth could continue. This is important to her as she is wanting to donate her hair when it becomes the length that is required. (Proud mom here) As I was cutting her hair, this scripture came to mind. Many times I have struggled with things that have been out of my hands, out of my control. For instance, the pregnancies with Nathan and Haylee. As much as I wanted to wave a magic wand and "will" the outcome as perfect, God ultimately had control over everything. I wasted so much time, energy, and emotional stress on those things that do not matter.

59 by us. However, do we ever really take control of them? We complain about the extra weight we have gained, but we do this as we take another bite of the doughnut in our hand. We do not take a beak and go for a walk or even attempt to be proactive about our health. We complain about our finances, but do this as we swipe the credit card, yet another time, hoping that this is not the time it is declined. Our schedules are packed, but as we complain, we pencil in another appointment or obligation. And church....we want to be more active, but as we complain about this, we sit in our recliner on Sunday morning, watching the sports channel. We become obsessed about those things that we cannot control, and yet we neglect to see the things that we can control. Our focus has been turned off of God and into the land of Anxiety! I know that in life, especially in our times right now, we will face difficult moments. But, if we keep our eyes on God and not on the things that we cannot change, imagine the way we would see ourselves, others, and even life. For God knows you and I intimately. He knows each thought, each desire and even each hair that he placed on all of our heads. Now, I love my daughter with all my heart, but even as her mother, I could never tell you how many hairs are on her head. But God takes such concern over you to know those tiny, most fine details about your life. To care that much about the hairs on your head tells me that he must care even more about the struggles and difficulties that I face. Those things I can and cannot change. The next time you are tempted to sit in your "anxiety-ville" think about the one that controls everything ~ the one that knows every hair on your head ~ the one that loved you so much, he gave his son and only asks for your heart. Give God control....

As I thought about this further, I thought about how we complain about our weight, our finances, our schedules, our time at church. All of these things can be controlled

ÂŠMay 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

May 2013

60 We sincerely hope you enjoyed this edition of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine! Be sure and subscribe at our website so you can stay informed of all the great things happening @ TWJ as we strive to....

Author Bio: Dawn Kidd is the author of "You Are Not Alone" that chronicles the loss of her two infant children. Along with her daily column at The Wordsmith Journal Magazine, she is a weekend columnist for The Paragould Daily Press. Dawn enjoys her position on the board of TCF of Northeast Arkansas. (The Compassionate Friends is an International Organization that assists families with grief, who have lost a child, at any age). ~~~~~~~ Kindle/Nook Books

Publish His glorious deeds among nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. ~Psalms 96:3 ~~~~~~~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine is owned & operated by Pamela S. Thibodeaux, Enterprises, LLC http://pamelathibodeaux.com ~~~~~~~ Disclaimer Our goal at The Wordsmith Journal is to introduce readers to authors of books with a strong moral message. Primarily Christian based, we do not adhere to any particular denomination, nor do we question the integrity or worship of our readers, interview candidates, columnists, sponsors, reviewers, or authors who advertise with us. We understand reading is subjective and what one person deems sweet, clean, cozy or inspirational, another will not. Please know we do not read nor endorse every book advertised in our magazine but trust that the author understands our goal and his or her work fits the desires of our readers. ~~~~~~~

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ÂŠMay 2013 ~ The Wordsmith Journal Magazine