This Mornings Latte: Peanut Butter Macadamia Nut Cookie with Susan Elliott

(c) Wenx

Good morning!


I hope you're finding yourself healthy and happy! I must admit I've been a little stressed the last few days, but today I have really been able to let that frustration go. I'm currently working on a new book called, My Heart Will Not be Troubled, and it is really helping make sense of the life we now have post-stroke.

It is easy to say you are going to cast your burdens on God, but putting it into practice is an entirely different matter. Even so, I am trying to become the master of not worrying (Philippians 4:6), and really relying on God.

So, today as you set about your daily life, I want to encourage you to lean on God for support. He is there and will help you make it through everything from big to small.

Oh, and this morning my latte is my own creation it's peanut butter macadamia nut cookie. I like it, and so do the people I've insisted trying it around my house.

Peanut Butter Macadamia Nut Cookie Latte

Here's what I added to my coffee -- it's in a 30oz Yeti. One tablespoon peanut butter powder, one shot of sugar-free Belgian cookie syrup, and 1/4 cup white chocolate macadamia nut liquid creamer.

Enjoy and Hugs!
Susan

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- John 14:1-6

Not Just Sundays and Wednesdays by Alexis Danielle Cornett

"Not Just Sundays and Wednesdays is a weekly devotional book meant to be a means of study and reflection. The title says it all, our bible study and worship should not be limited to just Sunday's and Wednesdays. Each week has a devotional to read and meditate on, and exercises for each day of the week. There is a total of 52 devotionals, therefore it can be used as a yearly devotional book. However, it could easily be used in ladies bible classes. Just as the deer pants after the water, so must we long after God and His word! A lesson a day, keeps the devil away!" (Cornett)

You can find Alexis books on Facebook at Books by Alexis Danielle Cornett, or click here: Alexis Books

Paul the Unstoppable by Katheryn Maddox Haddad

Check out the second book in the Intrepid Man of God Series by Katheryn Maddox Haddad.

Paul the Unstoppable

"The Apostle Paul is strong. And unstoppable. He walks thousands of miles. He is driven by one goal: Tell everyone about Jesus, their new king. He allows nothing to get in his way.

Dare to experience with him every rod slamming into his bones, every whip lashing through his skin, every breath struggled for when treading water a day and night. Survive with him through all the ship wrecks, going days without food, a snow storm in the Taurus Mountains, being robbed on the highway. Listen as, each time his body is mercilessly attacked, he calls out, “Jesus! This is for you!”


Discover what makes this man tick. In this present-tense book, you will walk with him over twenty years of crisscrossing the often hostile Roman Empire, challenging pagan priests and trying to convince Jewish rabbis to listen to him. Understand what Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and Dr. Luke go through to keep this man alive to do what he has to do. With Paul, it is never enough. What drives him? Why can he not stop?


Dare to walk with Paul." (Amazon)

Treachery and Truth by Katy Huth Jones

Wow! Can I just say, wow!? I just read the synopsis of this book and it has moved to the front of my reading list. It looks amazing. I love this genre and this era, and well, I just love Katy. I hope you take the time to check out one of her newest books.

Treachery and Truth by Kathy Huth Jones

"Immersed in the historical background of the tenth century, this true tale of Good King Wenceslas, as told by his faithful servant Poidevin, brings the reader into the Dark Ages. Fear grips the land of Bohemia as the faithful face betrayal and persecution under the reign of the pagan Duchess Dragomira. As she struggles for power with the rightful heir, Prince Václav, her foes forge alliances in secret despite the risk of discovery. Who will survive?" (Amazon)

Uncertainty: Poetry by Susan Elliott

(c) Clarita

I.

I carried the future with you:
promises,
dreams,
expectations.

II.

Those first few months I learned who you were,
and you learned the soft thump of my heart.
I remember you running hand to hand
gently touching everything in sight for support.
You were strong and beautiful.

Time pushed forward I learned who you were,
and you learned the grasp of my hand.
I remember you singing and clapping
carefully turning your hands to butterflies.
You were kind and wonderful.

As if in a whirlwind I learned who you were,
and you learned my devotion.
I remember you striving
through year after year
you were a leader and leading.

III.

Yet, the looking glass has darkened; I don’t know who you are,
and somewhere you’ve forgotten who carried you this far.
I see that your lost, confused, alone,
but unwilling to harken
you won't look toward home.

So I sit and I pray, as time rushes by
my heart full of pain, tears concealing my sight.
That someday you’ll turn and look toward me
and know when you’re drowning
you don’t have to be.

The lamp that was lit in your tender heart
is waiting to burn, you carry the spark.
I beg that you listen and look to his light.
The Savior is waiting.
He calms the night.

Meet the Author Kelli Hughett

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I knew it in fifth grade when I handwrote a book called “Katherine” which was basically a childish re-write of Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery. But as Anne says, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

How long does it take you to write a book?

I write very fast, but I homeschool three kids so full length novels take me about 8 months. Novellas take between 5 and 6 months.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I try to spend Thursday afternoons in my office doing nothing but writing and then all day Friday, because my kids go to an enrichment program that day. I struggle with schedules…it’s an area I’m focusing on this year.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?

When I’m in love with a story, I can go into a book coma. One time, I didn’t get up to use the bathroom, drink or even check the clock for four hours. It was like being under anesthesia. One moment it was 11 am and the next blink, it’s 3 pm. Time warp for writers. ☺ 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I like to follow cultural trends and news for ideas. When I wrote Red Zone, I read that women were the fastest growing NFL demographic and thought a football suspense would be a great way to reach those fans.

My next book idea came from similar sources. More women take up hunting every year, so my next book features a woman who owns and runs a hunting lodge. (she’s also an amputee!)

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love speaking to women on practical Bible topics, creating video Bible Studies with Oil in My Lamp Ministries, and spending time with my husband and kids. I’m a voracious reader of fiction and occasionally non-fiction. I love regency films and being outdoors in Colorado. 

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?

Welcome to the alternate reality of a writer, girl! It’s the best way to begin to know yourself, and God. Never write for anyone but God or yourself. Never write for fame. Write because you LOVE it.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written five novels. I think my favorite is a current WIP *work in progress* which is a suspense set in regency England. It begs a title, but I’ve yet to get a lightning strike of inspiration for it. ☺ Something like Murder at Holmestock Manor.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Get involved in a critique group early in your career. Keep writing in face of rejection and disappointment. Don’t dream of publishing your first novel --call that one a practice novel. Break some rules after you’ve established that you can follow them.

What do you like to read? 

I know I’m supposed to read in my genre, which would be contemporary suspense, but I rarely do. I love historical romance and I re-read my favorites regularly. (I’m a huge Austin fan) I also really enjoy some YA and dystopian.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A doctor. 

Fun fact.

At this moment, I’m sitting next to a crackling wood fire, drinking tea from a china cup, looking out at the snow-covered rural Colorado landscape I love to call home. 

Book of The Month Club Reading Schedule for September to December 2016

(c) svklimkin

So, it is time to start reading again! (As if you ever stopped.) Here is the list I've come up with for September 2016 through December 2016. (I know a couple have been listed before, but since I had to take a hiatus and never officially covered them, I've relisted them.) I for one can't wait to start reading the book of the month selections.

I will post the reading schedule for each month, and feel free to comment about what you're reading. At the end of the month I plan to do an in depth post about each title. So, friends let's get busy and read. I look forward to hearing from you all.

SAM (Sisterhood Area Meet-up) ladies if you want to we can discuss these books at our monthly meetings. If you don't have a SAM program in your area and would like to start one drop me an email at churchofchristwomenauthors@gmail.com, or leave me a comment below and I will tell you about it.

Susan


September:


Mercy's Prince by Katy Huth Jones

"As second son of the King of Levathia, seventeen-year-old Valerian desires the quiet life of a scholarly monk. But when he fails to save his older brother in battle, Valerian must instead become crown prince. While a traitorous knight schemes against him, Valerian meets Mercy, a pacifist Healer with whom he can speak mind-to-mind like the great dragons. Their bond emboldens Valerian to seek out the legendary dragons and ask for their help against the monsters who killed his brother. Can Valerian survive the traitor's assassins long enough to find the dragons? And if he does, can he convince them to lay aside their hatred of humans and help him save the land from destruction?" (Amazon)

October: 

A Lady's Pocketbook Ministry by Barbara J. Barnes


The inspiration for this book came from the love my grandmother had for God and for me. She showed her love in many ways that helped my growth in God's Word. My grandmother, Annie Lewis, always carried her purse and Bible everywhere. This study takes the items you carry in your pocketbook every day and gives them a spiritual application. Hopefully, this study will help you grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. All is to the glory of God. (Amazon)




November:

Finding Joy by Sarah Floyd

Joy Carnegie's parents know she's lost her mind. Her ex-boyfriend knows she'll fail. Joy wonders if they're right, but her search for a better life leads her to do it all anyway - to quit her job, sell her possessions, dye her hair, and move to the mountains of Vermont just in time for winter. With the help of long-lost family, new friendships, and a growing faith, she finds much more than she ever expected.




December:

Walks Alone by Sandi Rog

"A Cheyenne warrior bent on vengeance.

A pioneer woman bent on fulfilling a dream.

Until their paths collide.

After fleeing her abusive uncle, Anna is determined to reach the city of her dreams. But White Eagle and his fierce warriors take her prisoner. Anna attempts a harrowing escape, but her savage captor is determined to have her at all costs and forces her to be his wife. Has God forgotten her, or does He have plans of His own?

A man with a boot in one world and a moccasin in the other, White Eagle is disillusioned with his faith after a minister leads a massacre on his peaceful tribe. Where is his God? He’s definitely not with the white men who are slaughtering his people. But White Eagle also can’t give in to the idolatry practiced by his fellow tribesmen. Only the Truth can set him free.

And it’s found in beautiful Anna’s carpetbag." (Amazon)

Award Winner Out of The Ashes by Sandi Rog

What could be more exciting for an author than to know what they have written has made an impact on their readers? The Church of Christ Women Authors Blog wants to congratulate Sandi Rog on her most recent accomplishment. Her book Out of the Ashes won first place in the Short Historical Competition in the 2016 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. Way to go, Sandi!!!

I have read Out of the Ashes and I can see why it won such a prestigious award. If you haven't had a chance to read it, make sure to get your copy today. It is available in both Kindle and paperback format, and you can find it in the Church of Christ Women Authors Bookstore.

Out of the Ashes by Sandi Rog

"A stranger. A kiss. A shotgun wedding. NATHANIEL WARD, wealthy entrepreneur, needs a wife. But he's not interested in the preening, high-society women who are offered to him on a silver platter. He wants one woman, and one woman alone: the girl who gave him all the money in her reticule years ago when the Great Chicago Fire left him destitute. He sets out to find this woman and discovers she's unattached. There's only one problem, a shotgun wedding may be able to bind them, but will he ever be able to win her heart? AMELIA E. TAYLOR blows a kiss to a street rat. Little did she know, years later that kiss would follow her to Green Pines, Colorado. When a handsome stranger arrives in her hometown, she guards her heart from the stirrings this man ignites. Despite society's disapproval of spinsterhood, she is determined not to marry, having witnessed first-hand the lack of love and horrors that accompany marriage. But will a shotgun wedding reveal blessings that arise out of the ashes?" (Amazon)

Appointed: Rising to Your Spiritual Potential by Kristen Huntsman

Appointed: Rising to Your Spiritual Potential a Study of Judges and Ruth 

Check it out ladies! Kristy Huntsmen has a new book out in her Finer Grounds series.  I'm sure it's a great study. Don't forget to check out the other books available in this series via the Church of Christ Women Authors Bookstore!

What is Finer Grounds?

"Finer Grounds is a verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book, meaty, deep digging study of God's Word. Enrich your personal Bible time or study with a group of ladies. Thought-provoking questions help you reach new levels of faith. Studies are thoroughly researched and passages are expertly explained. Lessons are structured in 13-week (one quarter) segments so you can easily share them with your ladies' Bible class."

Appointed: Rising to Your Spiritual Potential

"What does it look like to be a true follower of God? Is claiming to wear the name of Christian enough? Are action and obedience really vital parts of our Christian walk? Join us as we study God's response to faithful obedience and to spiritual apathy.

Throughout the books of Judges and Ruth, we will witness men and women who stepped up to do amazing things for God. They took time to seek and obey God's will for their lives. Even when the entire nation surrounding them was doing otherwise, they had the courage in their convictions to stand up and act. Following their example, we can gain the necessary bravery to rise to our spiritual potential."  (Amazon)

Rising from the Ashes

(C) Diaforia

When I was a child my grandfather told me when you fall off of a horse to get back on. I guess you could say on January 1, 2016 I fell off of a horse. In the last six months my family has been through the ringer and back again. So many things have changed. My hubs is no longer able to work, and I have become a caregiver as well as a wife. We have relocated back home to South Texas. My Granny (really my second mom passed), my son moved out and stayed in Virginia, my middle child graduated high school, and recently my parents have moved in to help me out. Even though so many things have changed in the last few months, this blog has always been in the back of my mind because I love it.

I can now say that we have finally settled into our new home and our new routine. I've even been given the opportunity to teach two ladies classes and I have an upcoming speaking engagement. As things continue to return to normal I want to get back into this blog. I miss everyone who I've met through it, and I really miss introducing readers to new books. So, today is the day I arise from the ashes of our old life and start this blog anew!

I want to assure everyone that the anthology will still be out this year. In fact, it is currently at the top of my to do list. If you've submitted to it please know I haven't forgotten. I also plan to start recording my Youtube devos again this week or next. So, I hope you will tune in. (If you have a new book out and would like to do an interview please let me know!)

Thanks to everyone who has written me, prayed for my family and encouraged me in the last few months. I also want to thank you for giving me the chance to rebuild this blog. It means so much to me. 

Susan