Heart Songs, Church of Christ Women Authors First Anthology

I can't believe this day is finally here. The kindle edition of the first ever Church of Christ Women Authors is out. The print edition will be available mid-November. I want to thank everyone who sent material for the anthology. It's because of you that this first anthology is so huge. I am speechless at how great it turned out. I have surprises in store for the print release book, so stay tuned! And, thanks again.

Susan

About Heart Songs:

"Grab your favorite blanket, a cup of Joe, and a hearty snack, because once you start reading you won't put down the first ever anthology from the Church of Christ Women Authors Blog. Whether your traipsing through the stars with Captain Regina Griwaldy, on a romantic getaway at the Cliffs of Moher, defeating a warrior clan, looking for some inspirational poetry, or great articles; this anthology has it all. There is no other like it. Heart songs features some of your favorite authors; including, award winning author Sandi Rog, as well as some of your new favorites like Lynn Nodima, Jenny Harp,and Arwen Chandler. The Church of Christ Women Authors Blog invites you to read deep into the night, and enjoy this anthology!" (Anthology)



Featured Authors:

Libby Barnes
Ruth Carter
Renate Braddy
Renee Aleshire Brown
Arwen Chandler
Arianna Elliott
Naomi Elliott
Susan Elliott
Sarah Floyd
Jenny Harp
Anne C. Heart
Lillian Humphries
Naomi Rouse Morey
Lynn Nodima
Sandi Rog
Carol Shaw
Helene Smith
Julie Trujillo

A Message from J.K. Rowling for Writers

We can learn lots of things from contemporary authors, if we just listen. Authors who are making an impact on today's literary environment are some of the best people to talk about what it takes to be a writer. I've enjoyed the opportunity, in the last few years, to meet several writers; including, Orson Scott Card, who wrote Ender's Game, and The Seventh Son, Todd McCaffrey, author of some of the Pern books, Christopher Paolini, author of the Inheritance Cycle, Peter David, author of numerous Star Trek books (and so many more), and several other authors.  Each of these authors was more than willing to spend a few minutes discussing their livelihood -- writing. And, I have found more encouragement toward my writing in the few minutes speaking with them than I have at any other time.

While we can't all talk to every author we'd like to, we can watch interviews. Today, I ran across a video from an author who's name is almost a household word, and she has had a lot to say about her success with the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling attributes her success to several things, and I think we can apply these things to our own writing.

This message from J.K. Rowling is both encouraging and  helpful for aspiring writers.  I hope you enjoy it.

Remember you can do it! You can write, and you can publish your book. I believe in you. Now, believe in yourself!

This Mornings Latte: Jungle CocoNut & Does the Story Write Itself?

Whoo-Hoo! This mornings coffee is stout and good, and after a late night writing I had to have something wonderful this morning. Several years ago I had a latte called Mocha Jungle Monkey. It was so good. It featured banana flavor, peanut butter, and coconut. I don't have banana flavor, so I made a latte as close to this one as I could.

I have a favorite Starbucks coffee mug with a mermaid on it that I like to drink from. It reminds me of an Ed Hardy art piece. Most mornings I am sipping from this porcelain tumbler; however, I am not a true creature of habit so I do alternate between a Snow White coffee mug, and a  Dia de Los Muertos mug. I think surrounding myself with interesting things like my fun coffee mugs help me write.

Do you have any interesting writing quirks like that?

Today, I have crossed over the 47,000 word mark on my fantasy novel, and I love seeing the word count climb. As my novel progresses, I've been wondering something that I wanted to ask you.

Where do you think the words come from when you write?

I know most writers say the story writes itself, but have you ever considered how? I would love to hear your thoughts on writing in the comments below.

This Mornings Latte Recipe: Jungle CocoNut 


Jungle CocoNut Coffee

Ingredients
Pecan pie coffee
1 Tbs cream of coconut
2 Tbs powdered peanut butter
1 shot sugar free coconut syrup
1 shot caramel macchiato coffee creamer

Place the cream of coconut in a 20-ounce coffee tumbler, and add 2-TBS of powdered peanut butter. Stir until the peanut butter is well incorporated. Add 1 shot of sugar free coconut syrup to the mixture. Fill the cup half way full of coffee, and then mix. Add a shot of caramel macchiato coffee creamer and then fill the cup the rest of the way up with coffee.

Women of Scandal by Cindy Colley

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Crown of Creation series, and have used the first three books in two different ladies classes. I am so excited that there is a third book in the series available. (I just have to add that I love this cover. It is so striking!)

About Women of Scandal:

"Are we living in the worst of times? Take a peek into the shocking lives of women of Old Testament kings. A sampling of the most appalling are atrocious parenting, rape, murder, incest, jealousy, and adultery. Queens, concubines, and maidens in distress illustrate topics such as ''A Pawn in a Death Wish,'' ''Royal but Not Loyal,'' and ''Kids at Risk.'' 13 chapters, including questions to stimulate Bible study and class participation." (Publishing Designs)

Women of Scandal is available from Amazon and Publishing Designs.

If you're new to the series make sure to check out her other books:

Women of the Genesis
Women of Deliverance
Women of Troubled Times

This Mornings Latte: Peanut Butter White Chocolate Snickernut

Good Morning!

Things have been going busy lately. Our dear friends the Gonzales are stuck in Houston after Mr. Gonzales heart surgery. It's been a long road for them and slow recovery. We have been spending time here and there for a little over a week now. So, I haven't had much time to blog. This morning, I wanted to try and catch up with some Church of Christ Women Authors stuff.  But first, this mornings latte recipe. (If you're like me, coffee is your writing life line.)

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Snickernut

Snickernut coffee (My favorite is HEB coffee)
2 Tsps Powdered peanut butter
1 shot white chocolate mocha coffee creamer (I use liquid)
Three drizzles White chocolate sauce

I use a 12-ounce coffee mug tumbler. I add the powdered peanut butter first, and then pour a little bit of coffee into my cup. That way I can mix it and make sure that it really dissolves. Then add the coffee creamer, fill up the cup with coffee, and then drizzle the white chocolate sauce. YUM!

Church of Christ Women Authors Anthology News

So, the anthology is coming together! Let me just say that it is going to be big. I am so excited. So far it is more than 100 pages!!!! I still have a few more pieces to add to it, and then it will be ready to be edited, and I will design the cover, and get it printed. My plans are for it to be out mid-November so it will be ready for Christmas gifts. Thanks to everyone who submitted to it. Don't forget you will get two print copies for all your hard work.

Writing Progress

I am in the middle of working on my newest book, "Let Not Your Heart be Troubled." I can't wait to have it done. And, Arwen Chandler has been working hard on Collision of Fire and Ice, and I think it will be out before Christmas. (Fingers crossed!)

You Can Do It!


I just want to encourage you all to keep writing. I know it can be stressful and hard, but you can do it. If you enjoy reading don't forget that our book of the month club book is Katy Huth Jones book, Mercy's Prince. Check it out. I will be doing a blog post about it soon. You still have time to read it.



Well, I hope to hear from you soon.

Hugs!

Susan

This Mornings Latte: Caramel Machiato with Susan Elliott

(c)MichelleHorst

Good morning! I have been so busy the last week, and I see this week is going to be even more hectic. This week starts three Bible classes that I will be teaching, and I have a ladies day engagement on Saturday! So, I am busy making last minute preparations for my Bible classes and ladies day. The good news is after all is set and done, I will have three new books. I haven't found a title for two of them. One will cover the book of Acts, the other will be covering the topic ladies learning to lead ladies, and the third has a working title of My Heart Will Not be Troubled.  And, of course, I am still working on the anthology. I have plans for it to be out late November, just in time for Christmas. Let me just say that we have quite a list of fantastic writers in there!

So, since I have been so busy (and I didn't even mention the craft fair last weekend where I tried to sale my art) my husband took me to our local coffee shop and got me a caramel machiato this morning. So, I have no recipe for my morning latte.

I just wanted to touch base and wish you all happy writing and reading. Oh, and don't forget the book club starts this month! The book Mercy's Prince by Katy Huth Jones is this months book. You still have time to check it out.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. -John 14:1

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)

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. 

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)

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

4 Ways to Ignite Your Fire For God by Susan Elliott

This article was originally written for Come Fill Your Cup. If you've never been to their site check it out!
-- Susan

In my twenty years of being a preacher’s wife I’ve met all kinds of people who were at various stages of their Christian walk. Some had fizzled out and some had completely given up, but the people that made the most impact on my own walk were those who had been Christians for years and were as still on fire for God as the day they arose out of the baptistery. I’ve often wondered what keeps that zeal going strong in some, while it fizzles out in others. After all, we all desire to be strong for Christ at least one time in our lives. I am sure none of us as babes in Christ would have looked to the future and thought, “In 15 years I’m going to attend services once-in-awhile, and I’m going to only talk about God when I’m pressured to do so.”

Fortunately for us we can retain our zeal for Christ and his word, and if we have lost our Christian enthusiasm we can get it back. 

Here are a few tips to help you light the fire in your soul.

Pray. We will never find ourselves in a situation so tough that we can’t fall on our knees. For a moment consider the prophet Elijah as recorded in I Kings 18. He found himself a lone prophet of God in the midst of 450 prophets of Baal. Elijah had grown tired of the people of Israel straddling the fence between Jehovah and Baal, so he challenged them to choose who they would serve. In a magnificent showdown between the prophets of Baal and the prophet of God, God showed his power. He consumed wood on an altar that had been soaked with water with a fire so fierce that it consumed the stones, the dust and the water in the trench around the altar (vs. 37-38).

While God  does not act miraculously today to answer our requests, he does answer our prayers. The book of James teaches us that if we humble ourselves in the sight of God, he will lift us up (James 4:10). If we draw near to God, he will draw near to us (vs.9), and if we ask God for what we need, he will provide (vs.3; James 5:13). Christ even stated that God knows the needs of his people, and God will give to us abundantly (Matthew 7:7-11). To get on fire for God we must pray!

Study. Our society isn’t really big on study. We love little bits of information that we gather in passing. One of my author friends once stated that she believes we live in a meme religion based society. I worry that she may be right, but to set ourselves on fire for God we have to get past this obstacle and dive deep into the word. The apostle Paul states, that we must “study to show ourselves approved unto God” (II Timothy 2:15). We develop a relationship with the Bible when we really get into the word, and we learn things that we may have never realized through deeper study.

For a moment imagine a tornado is barreling down on you. Your family, your animals, and your friends are all safe, but in that moment before you climb into the tornado shelter you have the opportunity to choose one thing that you can take with you – one thing that would not be utterly destroyed. What would you choose? Would you choose your personal Bible, the one with all the notes and underlines? If not, why not? God’s word must be precious to us, and to grow on fire for God we must study!

Love. To grow on fire for God we must learn the true concept of love (I Corinthians 13). Love is so much more than a fluttering heart and raging hormones. Love is having true compassion for those around us. Love is what moved God to offer sacrifice for Adam and Eve in the Garden even when they rejected him. It is what compelled him to send his son to save the lost and dying of this world. Love is what held Jesus to the cross, and love is what drives us to teach those around us. Our love must be strong enough that we will recognize the needs of those around us and we will do our best to reach out and fill them. We will be on fire for God if we truly know love.

Work. Our zeal for God will grow when we work for him. We must remember that everything we do has an expiration date. We are not promised tomorrow. Reality Check --what we do for God today may be all that we will ever have the opportunity to do for him. We must get excited for God today (James 4:13-15).

The great thing is that while we breathe we have time. We can turn from a life of lukewarmness, and wandering to a life full of zeal. All we have to do is to determine that we will. It is up to you and it is up to me. If you’re already on fire for God; great! Today I want to challenge you to grow your zeal no matter the state you’re in. You can do it!

I AM BACK!!!

(c) Susan Elliott

Hello readers!! It has been a huge two months for us (nearly three.) As you probably know my husband had a stroke January 01, 2016. Good news is he is recovering. Since then we've had to relocate back to South Texas. The U-Hauls have been unloaded and I am in the middle of unpacking and getting used to our new schedule. Right now it's doctors appointments and church stuff, but I decided this week my blog is going back live -- even though I don't have a working office yet.

News About Upcoming Events and the Anthology

For all of you who have asked if you can submit something previously published to the anthology, YES! The anthology is still a go, but I want to extend the submission date to July 4th instead of May 4th. I will get to all my emails ASAP, and I am hoping the MailChimp newsletter will start again next week. Also, keep your eyes open for new YouTube content, and we will be rescheduling the last few months book of the month club readings.

I can't tell you how much I miss talking to you all. I hope to hear from you soon!

Much love,

Susan

Blogging 101: The Top 15 Things You Need to Know as a Blogger

I really enjoy learning, and especially learning things that I can share with other people. My mom says that's because I am a teacher at heart, and maybe that's the case. I don't feel like you have to be in a classroom to learn. In fact, our motto for our home school has always been, "non scholae sed vitae discimus" which means, "We learn not for school, but life." The philosopher Seneca penned those words thousands of years ago and they still ring true.

All of our life is about learning, and we can learn a lot from the people around us. This is why I reach out to the experts when I have the desire to learn. While I wouldn't consider myself a blogging expert, I have had the opportunity to reach out to people who are. The following things I learned at a panel discussion a few years ago, and I thought their advice was invaluable. So, I am passing the information on to you.

The following information comes from the notes I took from the panel "Blog Much" featuring David Halperin, Steven H. Wilson, Sharon Stogner, Brandon Blackmoor, and John Hartness.

Basic Blogging Information

Get your own domain name.

Keep your blog layout simple with clean lines.

Use a light background with dark type.

Baskerville Font is a great one and has been called the most believable font, but any serif font should be good. Don't forget about Times New Roman!

Never use Comic Sans for your blog.

Websites that work best use the same styles that you would see in a book publication.

Always use Alt Text for images.  Just fill out the blanks.

Post at least 3x weekly, preferably once a day. But, don't over post.

You can register your blog as a business.

Link to other sites.

Use original and meaningful content.

Beware of people peddling SEO information, "It's like snake oil.

Important for Personal Blogs

Don't criticize your place of employment.

Don't reveal too much personal information.

Assume EVERYTHING you write will be read by someone, and probably by the person who you would least like to read it.

Don't forget there are creepy people on the Internet, and NEVER argue with people on the Internet.

A Heartfelt Thank You After a Disastrous New Year

I want to wish you all a happy New Year! I would like to say mine has been all giggles and smiles, but New Year's Day was one of the worst days of my life. My hubby of 20 years and six months (yep, the handsome guy in the photo taken a few days before New Year's) had a stroke.

He is currently in the ICU, and I still don't know much. I've been told that's pretty normal after a stroke, but it is so FRUSTRATING! I am just thankful that God has all things in his hands.

I know that there are many people praying for him and my family. I can't thank you enough. The past two days has really shown me how many friends and family we have. I had no idea.

The support we have had here in South Texas and at home in Virginia has been unbelievable. I can't thank all the people who have stepped up to help in ways that I never even thought possible.

I am hopeful that Larry will make a speedy recovery, but I am sure the next few days, weeks or months are going to be trying and difficult as he relearns how to do normal everyday tasks. I would like to continue to ask for your prayers as we go through this together.

It is my plan to continue running the Church of Christ Women Authors Blog and YouTube Channel, and I will do my best to post as often as I can; although, the next few weeks are going to by spotty.  I look forward to hearing from you and I hope you remember the book club books for January. I know I look forward to reading them again.

Thanks!

Susan

Update:

I want to update everyone about Larry and he said it would be fine to let you know. Larry has for certain suffered a stroke (I believe in the thalamus). It has left him with the loss of mobility on his left side. The information stored in that part of his brain is gone. There is no way to tell what all that entails at this point in time. He may or may not have all of his memories; although, he has recognized and recounted stories with many people here and on the phone. Only time will tell what damage or loss there is.

He will be entering rehab in South Texas -- we hope Rockport -- when he gets out of the hospital. He will be there at least two weeks, and at sometime after that we will be able to travel the long trip home. (It will have to be an extended return, so I don't know exactly when we will get back in Virginia after we leave here.) We are playing everything by ear at this point. He is also now insulin dependent, so friends who like to bake goodies and all, no more for now until we get this under control. I want to thank everyone for the prayers and the continued prayers.

A Pearl Seeker by Becky Blackmon

Click: Here for more Info

Becky Blackmon's newest book is now out! It can only be purchased from the Publishing Designs website.

About A Pearl Seeker:

"Becky Blackmon introduces a new series for women, Lord Help Me. As the foundation book, she chose A Pearl Seeker, a fresh, candid look at how today’s woman relates to the Scriptures. In the same intimate style of her bestseller The Begging Place, Becky lays out eleven vital goals for a woman of God to seek, such as: ''Seek a Spiritual Mindset'', ''Seek Second Chances'', and ''Seek the Good Part''. This motivational book will gently admonish the lukewarm Christian, and fortify the staunchest follower of Christ. The Bible truly is the Pearl of great price. Learn to value this Pearl as your greatest treasure." (Publishing Designs)

Carpe Diem by Katy Huth Jones

Click image for  more info

I was putting together my COCWA bookstore so you would have easy access to the books written by our great writers (link is on the right sidebar), when I stumbled upon Katy's newest book! I can't tell you how excited I was to see that she had published a book of poetry. I hope you're as happy to see it as I am. It's hot off the press. Check it out!

About Carpe Diem:

"All yesterdays are writ in stone;
The future's in God's hand.
We have this moment only
To see and understand.

Carpe Diem is a collection of poems inspired by the author's recognition of the brevity of life and her desire to savor each day as a gift and a blessing. As a professional musician who also composes songs, Katy Huth Jones tends to write poetry with rhythm and rhyme and likes traditional forms, such as sonnets and blank verse. But she doesn't mind writing free form if the poem demands it.

Katy has published poems in magazines and anthologies. This is her first published collection." (Amazon)

Heart Song: Poetry by Susan Elliott

I woke up this morning
with a tear in my eye
a heart sore and wounded,
yet unable to cry.
But as I lifted my head,
from its place of rest
I turned to the Lord
finding bittersweet solace.
In the breath of the moment
I reached out to God
thanking Him for loved ones,
the paths that I’ve trod,
for the life that I have,
and the world around me.
But, pausing in thought,
and still locked in my grief.
It took only an instant
to ask for reprieve.
While burdened in heart,
I thanked most of all
that I can turn to Him.

He picks me up when I fall.

© Susan Elliott

Will You Be My Friend? Growing Friends in the Church by Susan Elliott

Will You Be My Friend? Growing Friends in the Church is my newest book! I can't tell you what an experience writing it has been. There were times I cried, and times I laughed as I thought about my own life and the friendships I've had.

About: Will You Be My Friend?: Growing Friends Within the Church

"Will You Be My Friend: Growing Friends in the Church is a sixteen week study of the importance of friendship, and a practical guide for growing relationships and acquiring new friends. This book includes a practicum chapter following each lesson to teach you how to put these valuable lessons into practice. If you’re ready for a hands-on study, this book is for you!" (Amazon) ]

One exercise this book recommends is journaling, and there is a companion journal that you can buy in conjunction with the class book. It's the Will You Be My Friend? Growing Friends Within the Church Companion Journal. The pages feature full-page watermark images of water lilies and is 200 pages long.

I would like to mention that the book can be consolidated for those who only have a 13 week course study time allotment.

One of the best things that has come from this book has been the SAM program (Sisterhood Area Meet-up). A friend took what she learned from this book and ran with it. With her help we began an area SAM program in the Roanoke Valley and it is constantly growing.

The reason we started the SAM program is because we realized there are a lot of lonely women in the church, and we wanted to do something about it. So, every month we invite women from area congregations to meet us for dinner and to play get-to-know-you games. So far it has been wildly successful.

I recommend this book for women of all ages. It's about time we learned to be family and friends. I hope you enjoy it.

--Susan