Devotionals for the Heart: Dreams

Audacious Dreams
A devotional by Wade Webster

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

–Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Here in the United States of America, school children are often taught this poetic statement, “In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”

Today (Oct. 12) is a special day here in the USA. This day was set aside to commemorate good old Christopher Columbus. That sailor who discovered the new world. There are a few interesting details about this voyage that should be looked at.

First off, he had a hard time getting funding for this historic event. It seems most governments were convinced the prevailing thought of that day was correct and the earth is flat with the oceans setting the edges of this supposed boundary.

Columbus kept two separate journals during the journey. One entered the accurate events and measurements that they were traveling according to the stars. The other one gave a more optimistic view of things. He hid the accurate one and kept the good news report available for the crew to see if they were curious about things.

When the three ships did find land again, they all thought they were on the west side of India. That's why they called the native folks Indians. They had no way of knowing there was another continent and an even larger ocean to cross before they reached that destination.

I'm sure there are even more interesting tidbits of information about this but those are the only ones I know of that I remember. The most important thing to keep in mind is that Columbus had an audacious dream that he believed in and followed through with. That's why we have this day in remembrance of him.

Many people have dreams. Most of them are small like where they want to go for their next vacation, or what color to paint the rooms next. Some folks have big dreams like getting a degree or going back to get a bigger degree to advance their career. Very few have audacious dreams, dreams that will change the world like Christopher Columbus did in his day.

The challenge with dreams is that they pull us out of our comfort zones. We like the familiar where we’re safe. We want to know what will happen next. We want to keep as much control of our lives as we can maintain.

God wants us to change the world for the better and to do that, we must dream out of our comfort zone. We need to read Philippians 4:13 (NLT) like we mean it: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” And then we need to show the world what that looks like. Yes, this will shove you out of your comfort zone but that’s where God does his best work.

So, my friend, where has God been prompting you to go where you have not gone before? What can you do to change your part of the world for the better?

Even if all you can do is pray then pray like there’s power in every word you send to our Heavenly Father because there is great power there!

~*~
Author Bio:

Wade Webster is a farm boy turned city slicker, heathen turned born-again Christian, truck driver turned writer doing his best to point folks to his best friend, Jesus Christ.  

He currently lives in Plano, Texas.

Wade is the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer, a book that didn't begin as a book, just weekly prayers to a group of writer friends.

He enjoys spending time in nature, running for exercise and dark chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. Apart from driving 18-wheelers for a living he has a part-time job painting houses on the side...and the front and back and inside.

As a teenager, he told his friends he never wanted to be considered normal. So far he's done a pretty good job of living up to that aspiration.

Little Lamb Book Spotlight on "God’s Blessings of Fall (Bountiful Blessings)"

Interview with Jean Matthew Hall about her book, 

God’s Blessings of Fall (Bountiful Blessings):

Congratulations on writing this book “God’s Blessings of Fall” for children! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Jean: I love God’s creation in the natural world. I find the Fall season to be especially beautiful. I want young children to appreciate the beauty and gifts of Fall, too.

Alexis: What was your inspiration behind this story?

Jean: When my grandson, Mikey, was about four years old we were playing in my backyard one fall day. He was so delighted by the falling leaves and having such a wonderful time that I wanted to capture that feeling for other children.

Alexis: Why did you choose the Fall season to be the theme of this book?

Jean: There are four books in the Bountiful Blessings series. God’s Blessings of Fall was the first one we published. Hopefully the next book will be coming out soon.

Alexis: How does your real-life faith in God impact your storytelling?

Jean: Wow! That’s a mouthful. Every manuscript comes out of the mind God gave me, the imagination He blessed me with, the hope and joy and peace He gives me. I hope the manuscripts all reflect His gifts, His love, His redemption to those who read them.

Alexis: What role does belief in God play in this fictional story?

Jean: The animals, the colors, the signs of the season of fall are all gifts to us from God’s Hand. I don’t think I can write anything without remembering that it all comes from Him.

Alexis: How do you tell this story? Do you use main characters or do you tell it through your voice as the narrator speaking about all of the elements that make up the Fall season?

Jean: I told this story as a narrator. I am trying to give the reader a panoramic view of the natural world around them in the Fall of the year.

Alexis: What lessons are you trying to teach children through this book?

Jean: That all the beauty around us is a gift from our loving God. It all flows from His creative heart to ours.

Alexis: In what ways do you hope that parents will bond with their children as they read this book?

Jean: Each great picture book is designed to be an experience shared between adult and child. I hope many parents and grandparents spend chilly afternoons cuddled up with their kids, reading and oohing and ah-ing over God’s Blessings of Fall. I also hope they make it a Fall family tradition to read it to their kiddos at Thanksgiving to remind their kids to be grateful to God during that season.

Alexis: What is your favorite feature about the Fall season? Why?

Jean: Oh, my goodness! The colors, the smokey/musty smells, the chilly winds, warm sweaters and hot teas.

Alexis: Do you have a favorite Fall treat that you like to indulge in every year, such as pumpkin flavored drinks from Starbucks or cinnamon apple flavored candy from the store?

Jean: I bake! During the fall I try every apple, pumpkin and squash recipe I can find. And then, I share the goodies with people I love.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Jean! Would you like to share closing comments?

Jean: Thank you, Alexis, for letting me share about God’s Blessings of Fall. Your readers can purchase it on any online book store. Or, they can go to www.littlelambbooks.com to buy it.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a pre-teen Jean dreamed of being an architect or an interior decorator. 

As a high school student she dreamed of being anything BUT a teacher. As a college student she dreamed of being a vocalist. As an “over-fifty” woman she dreamed of writing stories for children. But, as life unfolded it seemed that none of those dreams would come true.

But, Jean spent twenty-six years teaching children and teens–and loving it! Then twenty more years teaching women’s Bible studies. She never designed a house, but she lived in, and decorated on a shoestring, more than a dozen houses. She never performed before thousands, nor recorded any music. But she sang hundreds of times leading people in praise to the LORD. Now, she is working hard and trusting God to lead her down the road to traditional publication.

In 2016, Jean signed her first book contract with Little Lamb Books for the Bountiful Blessings series of four picture books about the seasons. The Blessings of Fall was released in September 2019.

Sometimes our dreams come true in ways we couldn’t imagine. Jean’s have. Jean has spent most of her adult life singing songs, reading books, playing games, cutting, coloring and gluing with children of every age. And she has loved it! Creating encouraging board books and picture books is her idea of fun, but her favorite times are those she spends with her own eight grandchildren.

Both things are HUGE blessings!

It is Jean’s daily prayer that The Christ within her shines through the cracks and broken places of her dreams, and that Christ shines through the things she writes to uplift, encourage and inspire others through: 

Poems and devotionals for adults and children 

Picture books and board books 

Stories and poems for children’s magazines

~*~
About the Book:

The whoosh of the wind, the crunch of the leaves, squirrels skittering about, the aroma of freshly baked pie: these are God's blessings of fall!

Children will love getting up close to the sights, sounds, and smells of fall. See an owl swoop to her nest in the hollow tree. Watch a mouse roll an apple all the way home. A spider weaves a web, while bear prepares for a long winter's nap.

With lyricism and whimsy, debut author Jean Matthew Hall celebrates the beauty of this magnificent season and the One who created it all.

~*~
Connect with Jean:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JeanMatthewHallAuthor/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jean_hall/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/jeanmatthew_hall/

Devotionals for the Heart: Blessings

Name Your Blessings
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”

–1 Samuel 2:1 (KJV)

Recently, I was divinely prompted to review the Prayer of Jabez, found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

In this Scripture, the obscure character named Jabez prays for the blessing of expanded territory, not solely for his own exaltation. He wanted to create distance and differentiation from his brothers who were not as noble and peace loving as he was. He wanted space in order to live a sanctified life in harmony with the will of God. 

Jabez wanted to live where he would not be distracted by the evil that enticed his brothers. He knew what caused pain in his life and he wanted to rise above the den of iniquity so that he would not be a cause of pain in other people. So, God granted what he requested. You have probably heard of the prayer of Jabez. You may have read the book by that title written by Bruce Wilkinson.

Subsequently, I was divinely guided to the story of Hannah in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel chapter 2. Hannah was married to a man named Elkanah who had a second wife named Peninnah. She was fertile and had given birth to several children. Hannah had not given birth, yet. The women contended for Elkanah’s attention and affection. He favored Hannah with more material things than he gave to Peninnah and her children.

In those days a fertile womb was considered a sign of divine blessing. The opposite, was considered, the opposite, a curse. Peninnah reveled in her fertility and lorded her stature over Hannah. When all else failed, Hannah went to the temple and prayed. Soulfully, in speechless anguish, she prayed.

The story says that her prayers caught the attention of the senior priest in Israel, Eli. He chided her for being drunk in the temple. When she protested and assured him that she was not a wicked woman, the priest empathized with her and assured her that God would hear and answer her prayer. God did answer Hannah’s prayer by opening her womb and allowing her to conceive a son who grew up to become one of God’s most legendary prophets. His name was Samuel.

My devotional focus today is not on the ministry of Samuel but upon the prayers of Hannah. Two of her prayers are recorded in the Bible. The first prayer was her request of God that we read about in the first chapter of the Bible book of first Samuel. Hannah’s prayer is for a male child and we read how she made a vow to commit the child to the service of God. The second prayer is quoted in detail in 1 Samuel, chapter 2. It is considered to be a prophetic prayer.

The 17th century Bible commentator Matthew Henry says that this prayer was “dictated not only by a spirit of prayer but by the spirit of prophecy.” Who says women cannot be oracles of God or prophets? Weren’t Miriam and Deborah female prophets of Old Testament fame? Add Hannah to the pantheon of the prophetic women who we read about in The Holy Bible.

The key to this devotional is not the gender of the prophetically prayerful voice but that tenor and tone of the prayer and the mind of the one saying the prayer. Hannah was thankful after God blessed her with Samuel and she dedicated him to serve the Lord. She was obviously and vocally thankful for the interventions of God in her life. Herein is a lesson for each of us. Thanksgiving is not optional.

When we demonstrate with verbosity our thankfulness to God for His manifest mercies, those thanksgivings and praises become the catalyst for even more of His presence and His blessings. Hannah’s first recorded prayer was inaudible, but her praise report was intoned for the world to hear and subsequently record.

Our anguish should be private. However, our deliverances, our enlargements, our victories should, with enthusiasm, be shared. Your victory, your deliverance, and your divinely deposited acquisitions may strengthen someone else in their prayerful pursuits of God.

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, don’t just count your blessings, articulate them. Name them one by one. Share your story about how God’s glory came into your life and changed everything for the better!

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps. 

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

Devotionals for the Heart: Victory

Walking in Victory
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 

2 Corinthians 2:14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, Romans 8:18, Acts 7:54-60, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Philippians 1:29 (NASB)

The sermon at my church was one that I’ve felt in my heart for so long. 

It’s from 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, where the Apostle Paul tells us that we are always led in triumph in Christ, and that it is everywhere. I meet so many believers who are walking around as the defeated, rather than the victorious, and I believe the enemy rejoices.

What does “led in triumph” mean? Paul tells us that we will be “afflicted in every way, but not crushed.”

What’s your response to affliction? The dictionary defines the word “afflicted” as “grievously affected or troubled (as by a disease): mentally or physically impaired.” Believers suffer in these ways on a daily basis. Few walk in the victory and triumph, though. Why? What is the hindrance? How was Paul, in his own afflictions (beatings, floggings, shipwrecks, imprisonments) able to say he was not crushed?

The Bible tells us the reason for his perseverance and hope in Romans 8:18. He was shown a glimpse of what is to come. He saw what we will experience when we finally see Jesus, face-to-face. Stephen was able to ask the Lord to forgive those who were stoning him. He saw into Heaven and knew triumph was greater than the suffering of the time. (Acts 7:54-60) 

Neither of these men, nor the other Scripture writers, was living for this earthly life. None were looking to be fulfilled here. None expected to have their life be free of conflict, trouble, or persecution. The opposite was true. They reveled in those things! 

They saw their afflictions as badges of honor for the Lord. They rejoiced when persecutions came their way. Praised when they were deemed worthy to share in Christ’s suffering. (Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Philippians 1:29 and many others). Their eyes were fixed on what was to come, not what was happening right now.

That begs the question for those of us who have the Scriptures available to us to read and absorb more readily than Paul or Stephen. Why don’t we have that kind of walk? Why do we allow the enemy to steal the wonder and joy in affliction? Why do we walk around as if we are crushed and weak, when His “power is perfected in weakness”? (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Our eyes are fixed on the here and now, rather than the glory that is to come, and the enemy continues to rejoice. We have the entire Word of God which is filled with His promises of what is to come for us. We can recite some of those promises, but have not allowed them to penetrate our understanding to make changes.

There is nowhere in the Word of God that says our life will be easier once we submit to His authority. If we are honest this is the closest to hell we will get. Let that sink in for a minute. While we don’t get an “easy” life, we receive love, joy, peace, patience, and all the other fruits of the Spirit from Him. Those fruits should be making our lives easier to live. We also receive “perseverance…proven character…and hope”, as we’re told in Romans 5:3-4.

Do you see the difference? We look at suffering through human eyes. We see our discomfort and pain as a bad thing, but the Lord sees it as the molding of our flesh into something more beautiful…the image of His perfect Son. 

When we wallow in our misery and pain, we put the focus back on us. We look just like the dying and sinful world which has no hope, rather than the conquerors He’s created us to be. Take courage, instead, that He has overcome the world and always leads you in triumph.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, remind us that this world is not our home. Give us the courage to believe that suffering is a good thing for the renewing of our minds, and the transformation of our flesh into Your image. In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Romantic Reads: Here for You

Welcome Pat Simmons to the blog today! 

She's going to talk about her book, Here for You.

Pat is also giving away one copy of her book! Remember to enter the book giveaway contest toward the end of this interview via the Rafflecopter widget.

Enjoy!

~*~

Interview with Pat Simmons about her book, 

Here for You (Family Is Forever Book 2):

Congratulations on the September 2020 release of your new novel! Let’s talk about it … 

Alexis: What inspires you to write women’s fiction?

Pat: Everyday life issues that affect us. God’s gives me the parables, so He can minister to them.

Alexis: Why are the hero and heroine in your story, Here for You, better at taking care of other people than themselves?

Pat: They are committed to those they love and love hard. Both had strong family ties and when a trial hit, Rachel and Nicholas needed to fall back on those who loved them.

Alexis: What made you want to write a book about caregivers?

Pat: The thought came to me after I had been a caregiver for my late grandmother more than 10 years ago. It was hard work, and on the days where she hid my purse, left food on the furnace, let a four-pound Yorkie roam the neighborhood, or other acts that frustrated me, I had to remind myself that she was the best grandmother that I ever had and she wasn’t doing things purposely to hurt me.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s heroine Rachel Knicely. What makes her happy? What makes her sad? Describe her looks, personality and heart.

Pat: She enjoys life—socially, career wise, and family. Those things gave her a balanced. Because she loves hard, Rachel took Aunt Tweet’s sickness hard. Her death represented a circle broken. Rachel is pretty. Ridiculously long hair, she’s smart, fashion conscious, known for her big-hoop earrings, and confident in a man’s world.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s heroine Nicholas Adams. What makes him mad? What or who softens his heart? Describe his appearance, personality and heart.

Pat: Nicholas is even-mannered. He takes his God responsibility seriously. When people get in the way of that, he has a problem, such as some instances in the book. He’s attracted to Rachel’s beauty first, then her heart. He looks like actor Daniel Sunjata. Basically, fine!

Alexis: How did you do the research for this book?

Pat: Latonya Wilson, who I give a shoutout in the book, brought Rachel’s character to life. Of course, I do my standard research via online, and I like to interview subjects who are authorities on topics in my story.

Alexis: Who is Aunt Tweet and what role does she play in this story?

Pat: Aunt Tweet was the foundation in the three sisters’ lives since they were young. She supported them in every way, whether it was her presence at their events, or helping financially, but mostly their role model. Each of the sisters had inherited something from Aunt Tweet. Rachel had the sassiness of a diva.

Alexis: How do Rachel and Nicholas meet?

Pat: At her front door when she slams it in his face over a misunderstanding.

Alexis: What role does faith in God play in the minds and lives of your story’s main characters?

Pat: Faith in God is part of Nicholas’s makeup. It’s the trying of his faith that is tested.

Alexis: As a woman of faith, how does your relationship with God impact your writing?

Pat: The Lord directs my thoughts, points me to the Scriptures and many other emotional scenarios. I think that’s why a lot of readers connect with the stories.

Alexis: How would you describe your storytelling style?

Pat: I’m a scene-by-scene writer, not chapters or page count. I like to be the fly on the wall and see and feel the characters’ plight and emotions.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this book, Here for You?

Pat: None of us are exempt from trials, but remember how you treat people because you never know when you will walk in their shoes.

Alexis: If you could step into the story as a professional counselor, how would you advise Rachel and Nicholas concerning their relationship?

Pat: Trust God no matter what they see or hear.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Pat! Would you like to share closing comments?

Pat: I want to thank the readers and book clubs for their continued support throughout my writing career, and my developmental editor, Chandra Sparks Splond, and cousin, Darlene Simmons, both always push me to give my best. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author with more than thirty-five titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. 

She is a three-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system.

Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.

She has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.

Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Visit her online at www.patsimmons.net.

~*~
Here for You book blurb:

Emotional, poignant, and clean women's fiction from acclaimed inspirational romance author Pat Simmons featuring a hero and heroine who are better at taking care of other people than themselves, a dark moment that shakes their faith, and a well-earned happily ever after with a forever family.

Caregivers sometimes need a little TLC too.

Rachel Knicely's life has been on hold for six months while she takes care of her great aunt, who has Alzheimer's. Putting her aunt first was an easy decision—accepting that Aunt Tweet is nearing the end of her battle is far more difficult.

Nicholas Adams's ministry is bringing comfort to those who are sick and homebound. He responds to a request for help for an ailing woman but when he meets the Knicelys, he realizes Rachel is the one who needs support the most. Nicholas is charmed by and attracted to Rachel, but then devastating news brings both a crisis of faith and roadblocks to their budding relationship that neither could have anticipated.

~*~
Buy Pat's book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

~*~
Connect with Pat:
Website: http://www.patsimmons.net
Pinterest: pinterest.com/patsimmonsbooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patsimmons
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/patsimmonsauthor
Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/patsimmonsreaders/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/patsimmons

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devotionals for the Heart: Loving God

On Loving God—Not Money, People, Or Things
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you ever been so caught up in something—a new romance, your brand-new baby, that gorgeous sports car or perfect job you just know will change your life—that everything else fades into the background?

I’ve been there.

The summer I was 17, all I could talk or think about was my then-boyfriend. No one else mattered. I woke up wanting to spend the day with him, and he was my last thought at night when I fell asleep. I’d practice writing my name paired with his and imagined the kids we’d have one day when we were grown up and settled down. I’m sure my family was overjoyed when we finally broke up and my obsession waned.

My idolatry wasn’t just a thing of my youth. When I graduated from college, I obsessed over the job I wanted, stopping at nothing until I got it—certain it was the answer to all my wants and needs. I’d go in early and stay late, think about it all the time.

Fast forward another eight or so years when my son was born, and it was the same thing. After a couple of years struggling with infertility, my answered prayer had finally arrived. My sweet son became the sun around which everything else in my life revolved.

Today, I like to think I’ve tamped down my obsessive inclinations (though I can get a little tunnel-visioned from time to time!). I’ve realized a life well lived, one filled with joy and peace and true happiness, is one of balance and harmony, where I put God first, others second, and myself last. I’ve also realized my tendency to obsess over new things and wants is not only rooted in fear and out of a desire for security, but also a form of something far worse: idolatry.

If “idolatry” sounds extreme, sadly, it isn’t. See, God calls us to love Him with the entirety of our heart, soul, and mind as His greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). He also put that first on the Ten Commandments He gave His people Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 20:3).

In his letter to the early church in Corinth, the apostle Paul urges us to “flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14), for it is the path to destruction. Echoing Jesus’s warning that we cannot serve two masters, Paul elaborates, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21).

That means not putting world morals, people, or desires above or on the same level as God. It means staying as far away from these things or ideals as possible so we are not tempted to fall into their trap.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shows us exactly what to do when we are tempted by things other than God: Counter it with Scripture and personal resistance.

In the wilderness after His baptism, Jesus was tempted multiple times by the devil.

At one point, the evil one brought him to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, telling Jesus, “I’ll give you all these if you bow down and worship me.”

“Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matthew 4:10 NIV).

Remember: Only God can come first. Only God can provide what we need.

Nothing—truly, nothing—else matters.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She has a weekly YouTube devotional, too. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Little Lamb Book Spotlight on "Good Night, Fireflies"

Interview with Janet L. Christensen about her book 

“Good Night, Fireflies”:

Congratulations on writing this book “Good Night, Fireflies” for publication! 

Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book with a focus on fireflies?

Janet: When my youngest son was little, he used to be afraid of the dark. I remember one trip away from home that we forgot to pack his nightlight. We were all ready for bed, and I had to get dressed again and go out and purchase a nightlight before we could go to sleep. So, writing a book that spoke to kiddos about their fears had always been important to me. The fireflies? That was all God.

Alexis: How did you receive the inspiration for this story?

Janet: I run pretty fast and furious most days. Between working full-time, raising a family, helping out with different ministry projects, and writing, my mind is constantly working through one project or another. I bet you, and a lot of your readers, can relate. Getting my mind to quiet so that I can just listen to God is sometimes a challenge. Well, God found a way around that. He always does. How did He catch my mind completely quiet and ready to listen? He woke me up at 3 o’clock one morning. I found myself wide awake with the most beautiful story about fireflies dancing in my head. Then, of course, I was too excited to go back to sleep.

Alexis: The hero of your story is a boy named Landon. Tell me about him. What does he look and sound like? What are his hobbies? What does Landon want to be when he grows up?

Janet: Landon is sweet little boy, with a big heart and a glint of adventure in his eyes. He is fearless in all things by day, but when the lights go out, his fears of monsters chase him. He likes dinosaurs and superheroes and playing with his cat. And he loves spending time with his daddy. What does he want to be when he grows up? That is a good question. We haven’t really talked about that one. But I think Landon would be a great entomologist. He came up with some great observations on those fireflies.

Alexis: Why does Landon want to do anything but sleep?

Janet: Landon is afraid of the shadow monsters that hide in his room after the lights go out. He will do anything to delay going to bed, even brush his teeth twice! Landon knows that as soon as his daddy turns off the lights and walks out of the room, the monsters will once again sneak out of their daytime hiding places to scare him.

Alexis: How does Landon’s daddy use faith in God to ease his fears about bedtime?

Janet: When Landon can’t quite picture how God can be with him since he can’t see Him, Landon’s daddy takes him outside into the summer night to catch fireflies. When they finally catch one, Landon’s daddy asks him if the firefly disappears when its light goes out. When Landon discovers that the firefly is still there, even when its light goes out, his daddy tells him that God is just like that firefly. Even though we can’t see Him, He is always with us and is there to help us when we are afraid.

Alexis: What role does your real-life faith in God play in your storytelling?

Janet: I think it plays a huge role. I really believe that He wants to use my storytelling talent to encourage others in their own personal faith journey. I enjoy writing for all ages, but the fun part of writing for kids, is the challenge of taking the abstract concepts of faith, love, and hope, and making them visual and relatable for young ones. I am blessed and humbled that He has allowed me to pen the beautiful stories He has given me for this purpose.

Alexis: What do you want readers to receive from reading this book?

Janet: I want readers to know that God is with them through all of the challenges they are facing. We are living in a turbulent time right now. It bothers me, even with my strong faith, to watch what is happening in the world. But God is still on His throne and no matter what happens down here, He will never leave us. He loves each and every one of us too much for that.

Alexis: If you could step into this story as Landon’s mommy, what would you do to comfort him?

Janet: I am not sure I would have done anything differently from Daddy. He hit it out of the proverbial park on this one. I would have hugged Landon, of course, and reiterated Daddy’s message. Then I would have probably baked him some cookies the next day, and we could have talked about it over cookies and milk. I would love to hear Landon retell what happened the night before in his own words.

Alexis: Do you (the author) like fireflies? Why or why not?

Janet: I absolutely love fireflies! Where I grew up, we didn’t have fireflies. But when I was a young girl, we would visit my dad’s cousin every summer on the way back east to see my grandparents. I remember giggling as my sisters, cousins and I tried to catch these elusive glowing bugs. It is a memory that brings a smile to my face every single time.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Janet! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Janet: I wrote Good Night, Fireflies six years ago, but God’s perfect timing released it right before all the chaos of this year. He knew this was the perfect time to share this story of overcoming fear with the world. While I was fretting and stewing over failed publishers and other publication challenges and setbacks, He had it all worked out. All that to say, even though the times we are living in feel so out of control, God is here with us every step of the way. And He will work it out for His glory in His perfect time.

Alexis: Thanks so much for inviting me to visit with you for a bit.

Janet: It has been a pleasure! May God bless you and your readers, today and always.

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Author Bio:

Janet L. Christensen is an award-winning writer, speaker and encourager who loves to captivate audiences with inspiring stories. 

Whether it is with the stories she writes or with the stories she tells with the help of one of her puppet friends, Janet is sure to deliver an entertaining message of hope and love.

Janet was born and raised in rural South Dakota and after spending some time living and adventuring in Idaho and Wyoming, she and her family have returned to the place of their roots. 

When she is not writing, she enjoys living the life of a pastor’s wife and leading children’s or women’s ministry projects. 

She is the proud mother of two teenage sons and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sully.

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About the Book:

What do God and fireflies have in common?

Landon will do just about anything to avoid bedtime. He can't sleep when the shadows turn ordinary things in his room into spookies and creepies! His fears are put to rest one memorable evening when his daddy teaches him an important lesson about God's everlasting, ever-present love: just like the fireflies, God doesn't disappear when the lights go out.

Through the power of prayer, Landon learns that he can call on God whenever he's scared and find comfort in the love of his Father. Children will find lasting comfort in relating this familiar image to our ever-present and loving Father.

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Connect with Janet:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetlchristensen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janet_l_christensen_author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/j_l_christensen