Inspiration in Everyday Things

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Most writers find inspiration in things they notice or read about—I’ve certainly read a news article and thought, “Hmm, that would make a good plot for a romantic suspense book.” For two of my romantic suspense stories, the general plotline has its roots in real life. I based Dangerous Christmas Memories on a short news item about two celebrities who tied the knot in Las Vegas but didn’t realize it was a “real” marriage until years later. In my story, the heroine literally forgot she had said “I do,” in Vegas, then disappeared while the hero spent years looking for…

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Power for Tough Times

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that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Phil 3:10   This verse has special meaning to me. I met a curly -haired,  tan, fit college student leader  at Campus Crusade for Christ headquarters in the late summer of 1978. His Bible was so used and worn he had to have it rebound in rough tan leather and burned into the front cover was “That I may know Him” I fell in love with Bill Farrel not just for his good looks, but rather, for his God-chasing heart. …

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Joy is Relationship

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On my birthday, as my newest book, Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Bible Study Experience released, I pondered “What is joy, really?”  As I look back, seems God had me on a learning trajectory to find then live out joy. As a child, first born daughter of an alcoholic dad, I was naturally joyful but our home situation was chaotic and unpredictable so when things got volatile due to my dad’s anger or his own depression, I retreated and became a sullen, sometimes, pouty and often emotionally teary-eyed little girl. But God had something greater, something better for me…

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How Do You Spell L.O.V.E.?

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With Valentine’s Day season upon us, you might wonder how spell L.O.V.E.  In our  book, The First Five Years, we explain how to create a memorable romantic encounter for your spouse no matter how many years you are married. (And we will adapt this for those who are single and dating).  Keep this acrostic for LOVE in mind as you make plans to wow the one you love:   Listen Observe Vary Extract   Listen Your spouse will drop hints about the things he or she loves and you can use these hints to create more romance and sizzle in…

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Out Love One Another

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Jesus was a good son.  Bill and I recognize a good son, we enjoy having three good sons. A good son carries out the will of his father. A good son represents his family well and moves the family legacy forward. Good daughters would do the same.  We meet people each week and many of them are those who value the heritage that have been handed to them and they build upon that strong foundation. While writing our newest devotional book, A Couple’s Journey with God, we had the opportunity to stay on a beautiful farm. Within minutes of meeting…

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Holiday Relationship Tips

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While simplifying your holiday season, take time for relationships to thrive, not just survive the holidays.  Keep those relationships balanced with your holiday planning. People ARE more important than things at this time of year.  Here are some relationship principles using one of the familiar words of the holiday as an easy to apply acrostic:   C enter your heart on the true, deeper meaning of the holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Year’s.) This will help everyone become easier to get along with because the heart of the holiday will remain intact. H ear what your friends and family are…

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Sunday Reflection: Spiritual Intimacy

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Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving . . .  (Colossians 4:2 NASB) We travel, and we really appreciate the hotels that have the small peak holes so that when someone knocks you can look out and see who’s there. That is what prayer is like. People usually aren’t phony when praying because it is a time of vulnerability before God. Couples that pray together get a window into each other’s hearts. You might feel irritated at your spouse all day, you might not understand why she did or said something, but during prayer,…

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A Valentine’s Gift That Lasts

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A Valentine’s Gift That Lasts By Susan G Mathis On this Valentine’s Day week, I’d like to remind you of the importance of keeping your marriage strong. It’s the best gift you can give your spouse. “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails,” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Remember…

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To Drama or Not to Drama? That is the Question

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When is it appropriate to use your trauma, personal drama, family emergency – or other catastrophe to sell books? Some might say, “Never!” —but then only presenting the rosy, perfect, polished side of life isn’t very authentic. Recently, my husband’s brush with death in a traffic accident, a ministry friend’s early step into heaven and a leader’s home fire all caused me to ponder, “When is it good or a part of God’s will to post on tragedy and turmoil?” Here are a few questions to ask before your post (especially if sharing a story will result in a profit…

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Along Came A Writer on BlogTalk Radio and iTunes

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CAN members Linda Kozar, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Angela Breidenbach host shows on the Along Came A Writer Network. Along Came A Writer Network  2017/2016 Chat Noir Mystery and Suspense, with host Linda Kozar on the Along Came A Writer Network August—Nancy Mehl September—Anita Higman, McMullen October—Testimony: Growing Up Haunted November—Linda Davis December—Patricia Bradley February—Danny Mehl March—Rachael O. Phillips April—Sharon K. Connell April—Brandilyn Collins The Lena Nelson Dooley Show, with host Lena Nelson Dooley on the Along Came A Writer Network September—Kathy Ide October—Marji Laine November—Varina Denman December—A SPECIAL Christmas Interview January— Lynn Gentry February—Angela Breidenbach March— Michelle Stimpson April—Patsy…

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