Peering Through Life's Window

I'm so happy to have Elaine Marie Cooper here with an inspirational devotional, "Unwrapped Hearts," and a giveaway for February. She'll also tell us about her new book, The Road to Deer Run, and share some of her reviews. Be sure to leave a comment with your email address (name at address dot com) for a chance to win a copy. I'll draw a name and announce a winner on Monday, February 7th. UNWRAPPED HEARTS Don’t you love those bright, beribboned heart boxes of candy that appear in the stores in February? You hope against common-sense hope (how many calories in those sweets?? Oh my…!) that maybe you will be one of the lucky recipients this year. But imagine receiving such a heartfelt gift from someone you love…only to discover that someone had been poking around in there beforehand, leaving undetected holes in the bottom of each candy. I would personally be hurt and more than a little disappointed. No one wants such a special gift to be ruined by someone’s selfish ac...

STARTING IN FEBRUARY Stop by often Read a series of devotionals written by different authors. From time to time look for author interviews and giveaways. I'm excited to have so many good writers coming to my blog to share their devotionals. From time to time there will be author interviews and giveaways too. I hope you'll come by to read these wonderful, inspirational posts. See you soon!

It snowed in Georgia on Christmas day. It was the first time we’d had a white Christmas in over one hundred years. I think the birds were as surprised as we were. The area around the bird feeder in our backyard looked like an aviary. I was glad that my husband, Rick, checks and fills it every day. The cardinals, wrens, nuthatches and English sparrows found what they needed. They stayed with us for a long time and came in flocks throughout the day. I couldn’t help but think of Luke 12:24, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet, God feeds them…” That day the birds got a little help from Rick. I recalled the rest of the verse, “And how much more valuable you are than birds!” If we feed the birds, shouldn’t we help one another? Matthew 22: 37 - 39, “Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Multi-faceted Christian writer Jennifer Slattery talks about Clash of the Titles and her new romance novel. First, tell us a little about yourself. Wow, that’s a loaded question, Gail. First and foremost, I’m a follower of Christ who wants to bring Him glory in all I do. Everything else hinges on that. Second, I’m a wife, mother, Calvary Bible College student and writer. Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read? I was, although I always had a tendency to “check out” and venture into my own story. I went through a period where I was fascinated by Shakespeare, and I loved the Odyssey. I know, weird. I think I’ve always enjoyed “symbolic” writing. If there wasn’t a hidden meaning, I’d create one. grin. But I like things that have multi-layers that you can read again and again, digging a bit deeper each time. I enjoy symbolism also. What do you write? Wow, another loaded question. I write a bit of everything. As the Marketing Representative for Clash of the Titles, I do a lot ...

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY, SAFE NEW YEAR! Beginning on Tuesday, January 4th, join The Sweetest Romance Authors for a round robin writing adventure at Coffee Time Romance. We'll be writing a sci-fi story, and we'd like you to participate. Some of us have written science fiction, but lots of us haven't, so we'll see where the story leads together. The biggest thing to remember -- The Sweetest Romance Authors write only G-rated material. We hope to see you at our forum. It's http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1096

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! BE SURE TO CHECK BELOW FOR CHRISTMAS FUN GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES The Love of Christmas It’s Christmas Eve in Georgia. My husband, my daughter and I are riding on deserted streets into the cold, dark night. The pots and pans in my kitchen are washed and dried. The rolls of wrapping paper are empty; the presents under the tree. We pull into the church parking lot and go inside. We find a seat in the back, where the woman beside me brushes flour from her skirt. I smile at her and settle into the peacefulness reflected by the Christmas tree glimmering at the altar. Bright green wreaths with red bows line the sanctuary filled with a congregation dressed in red and green. I listen to the Christmas story. Ushers hand out candles, lighting one on the end of each row. The overhead lights go dim. We pass the flame from one person to another while we sing “Silent Night.” All the hustle-bustle of the season leaves me. I am still. I rejoice in Jesus’ birth. We finish with, “...

I’m so happy to have Delia Lathan to talk about Destiny’s Dream , the first book in her Solomon’s Gate series, which revolves around a Christian dating agency of the same name. A dating service – what fun! And, she’s having a contest. Be sure to click on “my website” at the end of the interview to learn about it. First tell us a little about yourself: I’m a born-and-raised California girl, recently transplanted to Oklahoma. (That’s a big change for a gal past 50!) I’m a wife of 37 years, a mother to four adult children, and Nanny to nine, counting the five extra grandchildren God “brought” into our family. I enjoy singing, and especially enjoy Southern Gospel music. And I enjoy designing marketing products, such as business cards, bookmarks, flyers, postcards, etc. Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read? It would probably be easier to say what I didn’t read! J I’ve loved books ever since I was introduced to “Dick and Jane.” (Okay, I know, that really dates me, doesn’t...