with Mary Moss

Hats? Writer, speaker, Biblical storyteller, Mary Moss wears many! She is a consummate blogger, prolific writer, creative and energetic woman with a passion for life and a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. Mary is also a devoted wife, loving mother, true blue friend, and child of God. Jobs? Mary has had just about any you can think of! “Jill of all trades” and master of none, she leans on the Lord to make it through every day—every hour. Okay . . . every minute.

You can keep up with Mary through her blogs Divinely Designed, Godly Graffiti and Crayon Chronicles or on her Website: Divinely Designed.

The Woman At the Well
We all long for the living water of Jesus Christ. Like the Samaritan woman at the well in the gospel of John, we beg Christ, “give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw” (John 4:15 RSV). The poetry and devotions within the pages of this book reflect and recount many aspects of the author’s faith journey. Her desire is that as you find some of your own journey in these pages, you will be encouraged and uplifted.

In a book review on Amazon Julie Arduini wrote: "Mary O. Moss is the vessel God uses to pour love, wisdom and encouragement to the reader. Laced with Biblical Example and Scripture, the poems and short works really encouraged me. As I read I thought what a perfect gift book for someone who might be hurting through their own choices or even circumstances. I believe this would be a great book for someone who is searching for fulfillment, much like the Biblical woman at the well. Lastly, I think it's a wonderful work to keep for yourself. Let God love on you. Woman at the Well is a perfect means to feel His love today."

Mary, thanks so much for being with us today! Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing.
I was “born” to be a writer! I composed my first “short fiction story” when I was about 8 years old. As an adult, it wasn’t until a few years ago and due largely to the support and urging of several close friends and members of my Christian Writer’s Group that I considered writing as a vocation.

What prompted you to write this book?
Several friends had been “pestering” me to share my poetry and devotions with the world—as an expansion of my blog ministry. Also, publishing this book was an exercise in obedience. I knew God wanted it done; I just fought Him for a long time!

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
For me, the most difficult obstacle was deciding to “just do it” in the first place. The only ongoing obstacle to writing I have found is lack of time! I can and do write prolifically but if I could wave a magic wand . . . that’s all I would do 24/7!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I don’t know if it’s quirky or not, but I love to make up rhymes. I love the challenge of writing a poem or limerick with a word limit and making it make sense and be creative while telling a story—even for no particular reason.

What would a perfect day for you look like?
Up just in time to watch sunrise, sipping coffee on my deck. Blogging, writing, surfing the net, reading and then writing some more. A burger cooked on the grill with roasted vegetables for dinner and our grown children all with us -- on the deck. The only thing I would enjoy as much is any day at the beach – rain or shine in any season.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Poetry, inspirational, historical fiction, adventure, over the years I’ve read a little bit of everything except romance novels.

Are there certain foods or snacks that keep the words flowing for you?
Unsweetened Iced Tea. =)

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
His lessons, like his mercies, are new each day! He has been working on my obedience a great deal lately and affirms His ongoing desire for me (and my need) to “be still and know He is God.”

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
I don’t know when the next one will be out as I’ve just started compiling the poems and devotions. I recently decided I’ll do a series of books, all with titles based on “unnamed” women of the Bible. The title of this next one will be “Woman With The Alabaster Jar” and Jim Harris (who painted the Woman At The Well cover) has already agreed to paint that cover art for me. I am seriously thinking of including in this one the story of how Jim and I met and how God continues to use our ministries and our relationship with each other to enrich each other’s lives and advance God’s kingdom.

Mary is giving away a copy of The Woman At the Well. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment and check back on Wednesday, August 26th to see if you've won. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar. OR you could sign up to have Patterings updates delivered to your inbox. If you do, it will give you a bonus entry in the giveaway, otherwise you can enter twice--once for each post you leave a comment on. :^)

On deck for tomorrow is Tammy Barley.

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with Nicole O'Dell

Our winner of Darlene Franklin's 365 Whispers of Wisdom for Single Moms is Catrina Bradley! Send me your snail mail addy, Cat! And thank you so much for being with us, Darlene!

And now here's our interview with Nicole...

Welcome to Patterings, Nicole! Tell us which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite?
I think that each book and every character are made up of parts of me. So, with every new book, it feels more complete. I really enjoyed writing Making Waves most recently. Being a part of the swim team when I was in high school is one of my favorite teen memories. I still go weak in the knees when I pour bleach into my washing machine—it immediately transports me poolside.

Of my recent releases:
In Truth or Dare, I identify with Lindsay and Macy the most. Like Macy, I struggled with my weight as a small child and then got in shape right before high school. The mental struggles with body image that Macy dealt with are close to my heart. Watch for a future book about that very subject.

In All that Glitters, I completely relate to both Dani and Drew. They represent the battle of the mind that I faced as a teen. I wanted to do what was right (Dani) but I wanted to be popular and attractive (Drew). It was a spiritual and mental dilemma and one that many girls face.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Time. With six kids, three of them not even one yet, I sometimes don’t have the time I need to write and work without interruptions. My husband is fantastic to jump in and take over so I can disappear and my older children are the best kids and the greatest helps. But, I feel torn a lot. I want to be with my family, but I want to hide out with my computer. It requires a real balancing act. I try to make sure that family wins more often than not.

Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote?
In All that Glitters, Dani Daniels made me sad. She was the one who stayed the same but had to watch her best friend—her identical twin sister—go a little wild. Not only did she have to watch it happen, but she had to suffer the loss and deal with the worry. I felt her pain. It wasn’t really because of anything I’ve experienced, but it rang true to me and I hurt for her.


What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
On a beautiful summer day, when normal people were swimming, biking and boating, I went to a library and spent three hours and $75.00 to take the test to join Mensa. I passed the test and was asked to join (another 75.00). I joined and participated in a few groups and things, but overall, it felt a little kooky and I didn’t renew my membership. Sometimes I think I’d like to join again (another 75.00) but, I probably never will.

Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
Phone calls! I’m terrible at making calls.

Oh, me too! I hate making phone calls! Cannot stand them! LoL
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love Bible history, literary non-fiction, and literary fiction. When I read for pleasure, I really love books that make me think, and force me to confront social, economic or political issues.

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
Coffee! I love when the kids are still sleeping and the coffee is brewing. In those early morning hours, there’s almost a feel—maybe even a smell—that something great is about to happen. It’s creativity, freshness, warmth and fullness drip, drip dripping into the pot. Mmmmm.

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
I feel relief when I come to the point in my stories when relationships are restored. I’m not good at letting people be upset with me—I can’t take it. So, when my characters are embroiled in that, it makes me crazy. I need them to repair the hurt and redeem what the enemy tried to destroy.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
To quote Facing the Giants, “If we win, we’ll praise Him. If we lose, we’ll praise Him.” I really think that He’s asking me to apply that to a lot of life. I’m learning how to do that.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
Magna and Making Waves will be released in April, 2010, through Barbour Publishing.

In Magna, Molly Jacobs gets her first job in retail. She’s faced with the dilemma of sharing her discount and eventually the possibility of stealing, or “borrowing” clothes for her friends.

In Making Waves, Kate Walker faces loss, then decides she needs something different so she joins the swim team. Realizing just how talented she is, Kate begins to entertain the hope of a scholarship to help her single mom offset the cost of her education. The schedule becomes too much for her and she starts using caffeine and is eventually offered the real thing—speed.

I’d also like to invite everyone, especially tween girls, to the new website www.scenariosforgirls.com. There are giveaways, devotions, an advice column, girl talk, shopping tips, product reviews, etc. A new giveaway will be posted every single day in August and weekly thereafter. Commenters have a week to enter each giveaway.

You can keep up with Nicole on her website, her writer's blog, family blog, at Facebook and Twitter.

You can purchase the Scenarios books at Amazon and CBD.

Nicole is giving away a copy of All That Glitters AND Truth or Dare. To be entered in the book giveaways, leave a comment and check back on Sunday, August 23rd to see if you've won. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar. OR you could sign up to have Patterings updates delivered to your inbox. If you do, it will give you a bonus entry in the giveaway, otherwise you can enter twice--once for each post you leave a comment on. :^)

Come back tomorrow and meet Mary Moss--another book giveaway!

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meet Nicole O'Dell

Fog, Trees and Sun By TGIGreeny

Today I'm posting at Exemplify Online's Blog about fog...and Christians...and what I want for my life. I'd love to have you stop by!
Blanket Me


and now I'd like to introduce you to Nicole O'Dell, a special guest for our...




Nicole O’Dell is happily married to her husband Wil, with whom she is attempting to restore an old Victorian home. She is the mother of six wonderful children, the most recent additions being triplets, born in August of 2008. Along with her six kids, Nicole is very proud to have birthed a unique teen-fiction series called Scenarios: Interactive Fiction for Girls. It has been a true labor of her love—in the most literal sense. The completed manuscripts for Truth or Dare and All that Glitters, the first two books in the Scenarios series, were submitted from her hospital bed as she awaited the arrival of the triplets.

You can keep up with Nicole on her website, her writer's blog, family blog, at Facebook and Twitter.

She has also just launched a website for tween girls: Scenarios for Girls. It's a Christian cyber-hang out for tween girls with giveaways, girl talk, product reviews, devotions, etc. My girls are really enjoying the site. ;-)

Scenarios: Interactive Fiction for Girls
Decisions, decisions! How is a girl supposed to choose? Lessons of right and wrong are put to the test in the Scenarios series, where you can test your decision-making abilities in an eye-opening, but safe, way. Each book follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?


Truth or Dare
Lindsay Martin is faced with a tough choice: Does she give in to peer pressure and make her friends happy or does she do what she knows is right—even if it means losing her friends forever? Tween readers make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Lindsay’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.









All That Glitters
Drew Daniels finally has what she thought she wanted—popularity and a cute boyfriend. But now she’s faced with choosing between pleasing her boyfriend and doing what’s right. Tween readers make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Drew’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.

Scenarios for Girls, Book Trailer: www.nicoleodell.com, www.scenariosforgirls.com from Nicole O'Dell on Vimeo.

And here are excerpts of Truth or Dare
and All that Glitters

Truth or Dare
 “Well, let me put it this way,” Kelly said while the other girls sat silently, waiting to see what would happen. “If you do it, you will prove that you not only keep your word based on our deal when this game started, but you will also prove that you really are cool and fun to hang around with. But if you don’t do it, you won’t be able to be a part of the sleepovers or our group
anymore.”

Sam and Macy gasped in shock at Kelly’s words. “Kelly, that’s not what
we. . .”

Kelly interrupted Sam. “Look, we said as a group that we were going to take this
game very seriously. Consider it a test of her loyalty.”

“But, Kelly, we don’t want to put anyone’s friendship on the line over a
game,” Macy pleaded with her.

“It’s not just a game. It’s a matter of honor. All four of us were there when these rules were decided, and we all agreed to uphold them. If she decides not to, then she has no honor and isn’t interested in keeping her word to us.”

Sam stopped trying to convince Kelly and turned to Lindsay instead. “Linds, you’re not going to get caught..."


All that Glitters
“Drew, this goes so much deeper than just forgetting me after school. It’s that you’re slowly pulling away from everything having anything to do with me, and it just doesn’t seem to bother you one bit. You don’t even miss me.”

    Dani’s words cut like a knife. Drew knew Dani was right, and she didn’t know what to say to make her feel better. “Dani, it’s just that I don’t believe that we, or I, can’t have both. Why can’t we have our relationship and I can have a boyfriend and a commitment to a sport? Why does being your sister mean that’s all I can have?”

 “No, Drew, you’ve got it all wrong. Loyalty is the issue here. It’s not about having it all— you could have it all without even trying. Instead, you have chosen that other stuff over me and pushed me aside without any consideration of my feelings. It’s not that you want ‘both,’ it’s that you want me to step aside and let you do your own thing until you decide you need me again. The sad thing is, I’ll do that. I’ll be here—I’m not going anywhere. But I can’t pretend it doesn’t hurt.”

You can purchase the Scenarios books at Amazon and CBD.

Nicole is giving away a copy of All That Glitters AND Truth or Dare. To be entered in the book giveaways, leave a comment and check back on Sunday, August 23rd to see if you've won. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar. OR you could sign up to have Patterings updates delivered to your inbox. If you do, it will give you a bonus entry in the giveaway, otherwise you can enter twice--once for each post you leave a comment on. :^)

Darlene Franklin's book giveaway is still open today! Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing! The winner of Darlene's book will be posted first thing in the morning, just before our interview with Nicole.
See ya then!

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Surrender

One of the highlights of my year has been reading through the Bible from cover to cover, in chronological order. I've enjoyed it every time I've done this, but this year has been one blessing after another for me. Just this last week I finished reading Jeremiah, and I'm still chewing over some of the lessons I found in there.

Jerusalem was under siege, again, and things weren't looking good. (Jeremiah 38:14-28) King Zedekiah called for Jeremiah and asked him what he should do. Jeremiah gave him very clear instructions.

white flag bandiera bianca By portobeseno

He said to surrender and not only would Zedekiah's life be spared, but so would his family's, and Jerusalem wouldn't be burned. He only had to obey.

When the time came, instead of surrendering as God had told him to King Zedekiah and his ruling officials ducked out a hole in the wall during the night and ran. There were great consequences, just as Jeremiah told him there would be. He was hunted down then forced to watch his family's execution. That was the last thing he saw because they gouged out his eyes and hauled him off into captivity. (2 Kings 25:1-7) Jerusalem, his city, was burned, too. Instead of things going well for him even though he was in captivity, as they could have, they went horribly wrong.

All Zedekiah had to do was listen, trust and obey. He had asked for God's direction and received it, but he ignored it. He didn't act on what he knew to do. How many times have I done the same thing? I've known what to do but chose to do things my way. The consequences might not be as immediate nor as severe as Zedekiah's were, but there are still consequences. At times there may even be lives at stake or spiritual lives—whether I know it or not.

Can you imagine what Zedekiah's life was like in captivity? Put yourself in his shoes. He knew what he should have done and he knew that if he had obeyed, his family would not have been killed and his city burned. Instead, I'm sure those images were freeze-framed in his blackness.

I S U R R E N D E R By rajiii

There are times in life when we'll be able to really live only after we have surrendered –even though it seems to go against logic. Just like it was only by surrendering themselves that the people in Jerusalem were spared and allowed to live, it's only by surrendering to God Almighty that we truly live. Surrendering allows God to work in and through us.

I don't know about you, but there are things I need to surrender so that I can really live.

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Winner!

We have a winner of Mary Connealy's book Montana Rose!
Stina Rose has won Montana Rose. How fitting is that? =) Stina, send me your (folks') snail mail addy.

Mary, thank you so much for being with us this week! It was wonderful and I hope we can do it again sometime. =)

On deck for this week: Nicole O'Dell, Mary Moss and Tammy Barley.
There's still a giveaway going on with Darlene Franklin. Be sure to scroll down to Thursday's post and check it out.

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A Fragile Balance

Fiction Friday hosted
at Rick's Pod Tales

For Fiction Friday...

Shattering glass in the kitchen jerked Lauren's head up.

“What just broke?” she called, doing a mental inventory of what had been on the counters. The sudden silence guaranteed heartache. “Do I want to know?”

“Um, I don't think so, Mom,” came the quavery reply.

Lauren's eyes clenched shut. The reigning silence easily carried her voice, “My china mug?”

“Ah, yeah.”

Looking up at the ceiling Lauren groaned. Lord, that was my favorite gift from Mom...

Taking a deep breath she stepped into the kitchen and encountered two pairs of wide eyes.

“We weren't horsing around, Mom, honest.”

“I'm so sorry, Mom. I tossed the pot holders to Brad to put away, but I threw too hard and they knocked your cup.” Tears edged his voice.

Holding up her hand for silence Lauren hunkered down and observed the damage. Scattered across the linoleum were the remains of the china mug her mother had given her after returning from England. It was the prettiest thing she owned and she treasured it.

Promise me you'll use it and not just leave it sitting on a shelf, her mother demanded when the tissue paper had revealed the roses nestled in baby's breath painted on the delicate china. It's made for service, Lauren, just like we're made for service to our Lord.

But it'll get broken if I use it, Mom. Growing kids are killers on glass and fragile things; have you forgotten how many glasses I broke when I was a kid?

Being broken is part of being used. Don't fear it...

A few short years later her mom was completely dependant on others for her basic needs: she was physically broken, yet she was still being greatly used by God.

“Don't move. Let me get these pieces first, then we can take care of the splinters.” She gathered them all onto a plate and carefully set it aside. Looking at the boys she saw trembling chins.

“I'm sorry, Mom.”

Lauren pulled them into a hug. “I know you weren't horsing around, you were working together and getting your jobs done quickly. It's ok.”

“But it was your favorite, Mom.”

“Yes,” she sighed, blinking fast. “It was my favorite, but what's done is done; there's no going back. Besides, there's more to life than a pretty china mug. C'mon, let's finish taking care of this mess.”

Later she picked up the plate of shards and went to her desk, finally allowing a few tears to fall. Lord, my mother is in a broken body yet she's still beautiful and You're using her, just not as You used to. This cup has been special to me for so many years and I 'm not ready to let go of it yet. Can I have it for a little while longer?

Wiping her eyes, Lauren pulled out the super glue and painstakingly pieced it back together, her mom's words echoing in her heart. Being broken is part of being used. Don't fear it...

When she was done, the mug was laced with glue lines and had several chips on the rim and the footed base. There was no way it would ever be used as a drinking cup again, but to Lauren it was beautiful.

“Mom?”

“Come see, guys,” she said, turning to them with an exhausted smile.

Disappointment filled their eyes when they saw it.

“It's ok, boys.”

“How? It's still all busted up, even though you glued it.”

Lauren smiled. “True, but its life isn't over, it just has a new purpose.”

The boys looked dubiously from the china mug to their mother.

“It's going to sit on my dresser and remind me to always get on with life and let God use me and work through me, even when there are pieces missing.”

“Kinda like Granma?”

“Yes, son, like Granma.”
~*~*~*~*~*~

This is one of my favorites. As I wrote it, the message reached out and gripped my heart, sinking deep inside me. The china mug in the story (and picture) is real, and I'm happy to say it's still in one piece. It was simply the jumping off point for the story.

There was supposed to be an author spotlight today, but something must have come up--If I hear back from her in time, I'll put it up just as soon as I get it.

Don't forget to check in at Rick's for links to more Friday Fiction!

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with Darlene Franklin

Each Thursday during the Book Bonanza here at Patterings we'll spotlight a different Christian author and their devotional or nonfiction book. Today's author is Darlene Franklin--a lady who has experienced just how ditzie I can be when my brain is a few bricks shy of a full load. LoL She was so gracious and kind as she cleared the fog out of my head.

Thank you, Darlene. You get gold stars in my book! :-) And thank you for being with us today!

Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin has recently returned to cowboy (and cowgirl) country—Oklahoma. The move was prompted by her desire to be close to family—mother Anita, son Jaran, daughter-in-law Shelley and three beautiful granddaughters. Her daughter Jolene has preceded her into glory.

Darlene loves music, needlework, reading and reality tv. Talia, a Lynx point Siamese cat, proudly claims Darlene as her person.

Visit Darlene’s blog at www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com.


365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom
for Single Moms
Single motherhood—it’s one of the toughest jobs imaginable. Yet amid all the cooking, cleaning, errand-running, and disciplining, you can find some of the great satisfaction imaginable. Sometimes you just need a little inspiration, a little comfort, a little encouragement. . .a much-needed pick-me-up.

This daily devotional provides the boost you need for every day of the year. Whether you’re experiencing the highest highs of motherhood or the lowest lows, 365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Single Moms will refresh your spirit and remind you that you aren’t alone on the journey.


Darlene, tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing.
After I had separated from my husband, and was dealing with serious emotional issues through therapy, God kept ministering to me over and over again through His word. One night I sat down and wrote about one particular verse in the tradition of “Writing is easy. Just open a vein and write.” Emotions spilled out of me onto the page. From that point on, I have written almost every day.

What prompted you to write this book?
I learned that Barbour Publishing was putting together several devotional books, including 365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Single Moms. Since I have been a single mother myself for almost two decades, I jumped at the chance to share lessons God had taught me. My work also appears in the companion volume, 365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Busy Women.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I struggle with getting going in the mornings. Once I get started, I’m okay, but getting into the flow is a struggle. I haven’t overcome it as well as I would like; I waste too many hours. But some things do help. A handful of friends keep me accountable. We share goals and challenge each other to meet those goals on a weekly, daily, sometimes even an hourly basis. I’ll write and say “I need a whip crack” and they’ll give me one. I also fool myself into miniscule goals to get into writing gear. I have a timer that says “You can do anything for 15 minutes.” So that’s what I do: I set the timer for 15 minutes, write furiously, and then take a short break.

Friends like that are such a treasure! What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
I wear dentures. Occasionally I forget to pop them in and head out the door looking like a toothless crone. I usually shrug my shoulders and go on ahead. Better toothless than late.

The last time I left home without my dentures, I went to work and walked into our team meeting. It was my last meeting before I left the company after almost ten years. My manager walked in, and with him, the vice president in charge of my department—to say goodbye. I felt completely embarrassed. But if they thought I was unprofessional, the worst they could do was fire me—and I was already leaving.

What would a perfect day for you look like?
A perfect day overall includes time with my precious grandchildren, an episode of a favorite TV show or a Rockies’ baseball game, a steak dinner and of course—a good book. Topped off with news of a writing sale!

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Unless I make myself look elsewhere, nine times out of ten I pick up a mystery. All kinds of mysteries, from hard boiled private eye to warm cozies. Since I am writing historical fiction, I read a lot in that genre as well. I also read nonfiction, but more slowly, trying to absorb its life lessons. At the moment, I can’t wait to go see the movie version of my favorite book of all time (after the Bible and Lord of the Rings), A Time Traveler’s Wife, which doesn’t fit into any of my usual categories.

For example, books I am currently reading include (in addition to the Bible, of course): Messy Faith by A.J. Gregory, There and Back Again by Sean Astin, Safe Haven by Hannah Alexander, Curse of the Kissing Cousins by Toni Kelner and California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker.

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
Lots of diet coke. Any kind of food, really. Since I’m now in empty-nest mode, I often eat meals at the computer and continue working.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
2008 was the hardest year I have ever lived through. My daughter committed suicide in March, my mother had open-heart surgery early in October, followed by my own major knee-replacement surgery at the end of the month. God took me through the valleys of those months, loving me and comforting me every step of the way.

Now I feel like I’ve started a new phase of my life. I left my job of ten years, moved from Colorado to join my son and his family in Oklahoma, and have started writing full-time. I appreciate the sunshine of these days all the more after the dark times last year.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
I have devotionals appearing in two upcoming volumes: Cup of Comfort Christmas Prayers (Christmas 2009) and The Book Lovers Devotional (date not determined). The Book Lovers project was a lot of fun, as I reread A Tale of Two Cities, The Grapes of Wrath, Sherlock Holmes and The Picture of Dorian Grey in preparation for writing the devotionals. There’s a reason they’re called classics! Each devotional explores a spiritual theme from the book in question. I’m currently working on short pieces for 365 Fun Bible Facts.

I also have two works of fiction under contract: Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter will appear in the Christmas anthology Wild West Christmas next month; and next summer, the first book in the Green Mountain Brides series, Prodigal Patriot, will come out. Except for the Cup of Comfort Christmas Prayers, Barbour will publish all of the books.

Here's an excerpt from 365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Single Moms

From Devotional titled “Letting Go,” based on Jeremiah 23:23
Mothers let go all the time.

For most of us single moms, leaving our children with a caregiver is a regular workday occurrence. But we vividly remember the first time we left our precious babies in someone else’s care. We gave the babysitter detailed instructions in case of emergencies. We cried as our children did when we had to leave them behind.

We let go on other occasions, too. There’s the first day of school, the first sleepover at a friend’s house, the first time at camp. Or we send our children off to visit their days, watch them leave for their first dates, and eventually, wave good-bye as they venture into adulthood.

As long as our children are in our sight, we feel that we can somehow protect them. We feel more confident in their safety. And we relish their company.

God knows how hard it is to say good-bye. So He gives us a promise. He is the God at hand—in our homes and schools and churches. He is also the God who is far off—at camp, in another state, with people who may not honor Him. Even when we can’t be present with our children, He is. No matter how far they roam, they cannot travel to a place where God is not.

As we say good-bye to our children today, let’s take courage in the fact that God goes with them—wherever they may roam.

You can purchase 365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Single Moms from Amazon and CBD.

Darlene is giving away a copy of 365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Single Moms. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment and check back on Wednesday, August 19th to see if you've won. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.

Darlene, thank you so much for being with us today!
On deck for tomorrow is Roxanne Rustand.

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