Recently, I was bummed out by some in the church who seemed to imply writing fiction is not a holy calling. They as much as said that if we aren’t engaged in outright evangelism, then we aren’t fulfilling the Great Commission. I did some soul-searching. Told God, “I quit. I’m done (writing).” He immediately began sending me encouragement, reminding me that I write because He called me to it, and it is no less legitimate a calling than my call as a wife, mother, or friend. But a reader’s note to me the very next day capped it and…
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A Chat with Author Terri Gillespie
Greetings, book lovers, from Marti Pieper! I’m writing today from the Mount Dora, Florida, fall, which means slightly cooler temperatures at night and less humidity during the day despite daytime temperatures in the 80s. I’m grateful to welcome author Terri Gillespie to our CAN blog today. I know you’ll enjoy meeting her and hearing about her work. Welcome, Terri! What inspired you to write this book? When women are in harmony, amazing things can happen. I wanted to find an environment—a culture—where women congregate. All types of women. The hair salon is a bastion of estrogen that can either be…
Pray, Eat, Live
In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 1 Samuel 1:10 (NIV) Hannah wept as she prayed for her heart’s desire to be a mom and to give birth to a son. Her fervent prayer was heart-felt, honest, tenacious, and bold—generated by a deep longing. In her anguish, she poured out her soul to the LORD (1 Samuel 1:15). Prior to talking with the LORD all Hannah could do was to cry. She was hurting, unable to eat, consumed with the desire to bear a child (1Samuel 1:8, 18). But, after she spoke her concerns to God, her…
Untethered
Therefore, do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil (Romans 14:16). Upon my recent retirement from a demanding leadership position, I found myself nearly paralyzed with fear. So many “I never thought I’d…” statements danced chaotically through my mind, robbing me of peace. Unbidden, my long-since-settled divorce reared its ugly head, reminding me of all of the losses I’ve incurred. My ideal picture of retirement had always included a husband, a family, and grandbabies. The real picture of my solitary leap into the golden years stood in sharp contrast before me, filling…
A Chat with Author Karen Whiting
Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I have the honor of interviewing CAN Treasurer and the award-winning author of over twenty-five books, Karen Whiting! Karen is well known for her creativity, her hard work for CAN, her generosity to other writers, and her adventurous spirit—I shared a kayak with her once! Karen, please tell us about your book, 52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve. A weekly theme with hands-on activities, a contemporary story of a family with someone who serves (first responder, military, volunteer, missionary, etc.), a Bible story, chat prompts, scrapbook prompts, and more make it…
The Hands of Jesus
What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (TLB) People need hope more than advice. What a freedom to know that it is never necessary to have our life all in order before helping another. God does not expect us to be experts but He does call us to come alongside each other. All human beings have two things in common. We all experience pain and we all need a…
A Chat with Author Lori Wildenberg
Hello from Davalynn Spencer! Transition. That’s what is happening now in colorful Colorado as the high-country plumage of summer flutters into the glorious gold of autumn. But transitions aren’t always as easy or lovely when it comes to people and relationships. Today I’m looking forward to author Lori Wildenberg’s take on it in her new book, The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections. Welcome, Lori. Please give us a brief overview of your featured book. The Messy Life of Parenting shows parents how small changes in their parenting can positively impact and influence family…
NEW RELEASE: 52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve by Karen Whiting
52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve by Karen Whiting Publisher: Rose Publishing Release Date: September 2019 ISBN#: 9781628628173 About the book: Help your children develop a servant’s heart as you discover more about the lifestyles of people who serve— first responders such as firefighters, police, and EMTs; military, missionaries, and families who volunteer? Understand the call to serve, the sacrifices, living with a member in a dangerous career, and dedication that impacts the entire family, plus the rewards and joys of really helping people. That’s what you’ll discover in 52 Weekly Devotions for Families who Serve as you…
A Remote Chance
Does God speak to you through everyday events as well as Bible verses? I have a tray on my living-room ottoman. Since I curl up on the couch with my coffee each morning for my prayer and quiet time, the tray contains my devotional material and Bible within easy reach. Last Saturday, I had absolutely nothing on my plate. A rare occurrence. I chose not to do any chores. I stayed in my pjs and vegged out on old TV sitcoms, game shows, and home-makeover episodes. That evening, I watched two clean mysteries, my favorite genre to read and write….
A Chat with Author Jolene Philo
Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I have the joy of interviewing popular author and speaker Jolene Philo. Raised in a home with a father with special needs—and then having a son with special needs—Jolene has a unique perspective and a heart for special needs families that she’s turned into a powerful ministry. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman, applies his famous 5 Love Languages concept to special needs families. Tell us about your book, Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities. Dr. Chapman and I wrote Sharing Love…
