An honest review of Stasi Eldredge’s book, Becoming Myself: Embracing God’s Dream of You

Every once in a while, you'll read a book that resonates with you. It's a book so good that you simply have to share it! Family Christian Bookstore's blogger program sent a copy of Stasi Eldredge's book Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You, to me for an honest review. After reading it, I found that it is one of "those" books that is SO good that you have to share it! 

So without further ado, here's my review...

“It’s good to dream. We can’t out-give God. We can’t out-love him, and we can’t out-dream him. Give yourself permission to dream big! Dream deep. Dream wide. Because the thing about dreams is, dreams come true.”~Stasi Eldredge, “From Accepting to Embracing” (Ch. 6, page 101).

It is good to know that there is a God and He encourages us to dream. Such is the theme of Stasi Eldredge’s book, Becoming Myself: Embracing God’s Dream of You. In the 250 pages of Eldredge’s book, she bares her soul through the intimate storytelling of childhood memories and adult experience. The author shares stories from her life. Stories of searching for beauty, enduring drama, experiencing trauma and healing from pain. Eldredge does not hold back on giving in-depth illustrations about the lessons she’s learned along her life journey.

The first pages of the books are filled with a personal story that involves Eldredge’s mother-in-law, body image and a free massage at the spa. The author explains her anxiety about allowing someone to see what she thinks is her imperfect body, even if it’s just for the purposes of a relaxing massage. The scenario becomes embarrassing for Eldredge because of various obstacles she faces when she arrives at the spa such as barely being able to cover herself with the bathrobe provided by the spa, the same complimentary robe that fit the other women perfectly.

As a woman and writer, I think Eldredge does a good job of setting the stage for the rest of her book—an honest portrayal of how we as women see ourselves and a wonderful lesson of why it is important to ask God to help us to realize our true value and worth because we are all beautiful in God’s eyes. My favorite part in the book was the chapter “From Accepting to Embracing” in which the author spoke in-depth about the value of dreams and trusting God with the outcome in life. Eldredge’s story resonated with me as a female who’s struggled with self-image and realizing my true worth in God’s eyes. I found hope and encouragement in the pages of this book.

The only aspect of this book that I think could use improvement is the structure and flow of the storytelling because at times it seemed like too much information at once and there is a need for better transitions from story to story within each chapter. I think there are a few sections in Eldredge’s book that would be even more powerful if the words were arranged in a more precise and concise manner. However, it does not take anything away from Eldredge’s skill as a writer and her honest portrayal of her life journey as a woman seeking perfection in a world that is not perfect.

Ultimately, I believe the author accomplished her objectives in telling this story and inspiring women who get lost in these pages of Eldredge’s book to discover God’s dream for them and realize that they are enough, they are more than enough in God’s eyes. The author did a beautiful job of encouraging my heart and helping me to remember that my value is within what God thinks of me and knows to be true, not the lies the negative forces in this world will tell me to believe.

Therefore, I recommend this book to every woman, especially young women, as a source of real-life encouragement for your life journey. I believe this book deserves a rating of four-stars.

~*~

Visit Stasi's official website for more info on "becoming myself"

http://www.becomingmyself.com/

Author interview: Misty M. Beller

Today, I am delighted to introduce you to a writer who describes herself as a "Southern Country Belle," loves the slower pace, appreciates the beauty of living in the South so much that many of her fictional stories happen on ranches and involve horses. Misty M. Beller is this sweet writer's name and she has agreed to be hosted here on my blog today. 

Here's my author interview with Misty (Questions from Alexis in bold, answers from Misty not in bold)...

~*~
Alexis: Why do you write historical romance novels for the Christian book industry?

Misty: I tend to be a bit of a sentimentalist, so Historical Romance is perfect for me! My favorite period is between 1860 - 1880, when the cowboy days were really ramping up. I love the simpler life, where there's no rat race. Just hard work, plenty of alone time (can you tell I'm an introvert?), and a strong family unit. God is the central element in my life, so I want my books to naturally reflect him.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer? Share the story.

All my life, I've been a true book lover. Give me a good novel, and you probably won't see me again until it's finished. I've also always enjoyed writing, and tend to express myself best through my written correspondence. In high school, I had a poem published in a commercial poetry compilation book. But I never seriously thought about writing a novel, until about four years ago when I put together my bucket list. "Write a novel that's published" made it near the top!

I decided, it's now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can't recommend it highly enough!

From there, I've soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I've spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. The Lady and the Mountain Man is my first release, but the second novel I wrote. My first novel is under contract with Prism Book Group to release in 2015. Writing is in my blood. It's my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.

Describe your writing space. 

I've written in a few coffee shops, on the beach, and around a campfire in the mountains, but most of my writing spots aren't nearly as romantic. I write on a laptop, so I'm usually sitting Indian-style with my laptop on either my bed or the living room couch. One of the most important things for me is NO DISTRACTIONS. It's almost impossible for me to write with my husband or daughters around. Just too hard to get lost in the words.

Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? Please explain how you make ends meet.

Alas, I'm not one of the lucky full-timers yet… (dramatic sigh) Kidding aside, I do enjoy my day job, but between that and my family, writing time is precious!

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being an author?

Keeping up with it all. Between word counts and deadlines and critique partners and marketing efforts, there are so many balls to juggle!

What is the most rewarding part of being an author?

Honestly, hearing from readers. Whether it's a review on Amazon, or a note through my website, it makes my week to hear from a reader they've enjoyed my story.

How many books have you written? Are they all for the Christian market? Why or why not?

I'm just finishing up my fourth book right now, the sequel to The Rancher Takes a Cook that will release from Prism Book Group in June 2015. I love reading and writing Christian romantic fiction, because it provides a place where we don’t have to always be concerned about inappropriate language or too-graphic love scenes. It’s a “safe zone” where our imaginations and emotions can run wild and free, living out exciting times and experiencing God-orchestrated happily-ever-afters – without having to clean-up at the end of the day.

As a writer, who or what has been your most valuable resource? Please explain.

Wow, I've learned from so many amazing people, books, etc. If I had to name a single resource, it would have to be the organization American Christian Fiction Writers. The wealthy of learning opportunities, connections, and support is amazing!

As a woman of faith, how does your relationship with God affect your writing?

Oh, yes. Through the years, it's been abundantly clear to me that the words I type onto the blank page are God's words. I try to pray before I begin each writing session, and I earnestly seek God's direction for each story.

Why do you love books?

Wow, that question looks so simple but runs so deep! I love stories. I love immersing myself in another world, seeing life through the eyes of another person. It can be a powerful experience.

Who is your favorite author and which one of their books do you love the most? Explain why.

Hmmm… So many great authors, it's hard to choose! One of my favorites is Karen Witemeyer, especially her book Short-Straw Bride. It's such a fun historical romance, and Karen's use of word pictures is exceptional.

You grew up in South Carolina. Would you describe yourself as a Southern Belle? Why or why not?

Yes, I guess I have a bit of the old-fashioned type of Southern Belle in me. I may be more of a Southern Country Belle. I love the beautiful charm of the South, the slower pace, and the kindness in the people. Not to mention sweet iced tea.

Explain your love for the simpler farm life. How does your love for farm life translate to your characters, or does it?

My stories also take place around horses and ranching, which comes from my love for those animals. I was completely horse crazy growing up, and actually trained and showed horses professionally for a couple years after high school.

Would you say your family has always been supportive about your writing career dreams? Explain.

Yes, my husband is usually very patient with my many hours spent writing. My parents and grandparents are my biggest supporters, always asking for updates and cheering me on.

What is your favorite feature of this holiday season?

Our traditions. We live close to both sides of our family, so we are able to enjoy so many rich traditions with both my family and my husband's. It's such a special time of doing things together that bring back wonderful memories.

What do you want for Christmas?

Slippers.

Every writer has a muse. Who or what is yours?

Hmmm… I haven't thought about that question before. My inspiration is often spurred by alone time. Sometimes reading another good book.

Complete this sentence: At the end of the day, I am _____________________because _____________________.
At the end of the day, I am thankful because God has me in His will, wherever that might take me.

~*~
Author bio:

Misty Beller writes Christian historical romance, and is the author of The Lady and the Mountain Man. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and two daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Read more about Misty at her website, and check out her book, The Lady and the Mountain Man.

~*~
Connect with Misty:

Website, http://mistymbeller.com

Blog, http://mistymbeller.wordpress.com

Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/MistyMBeller

Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/MistyMBeller

Pinterest, http://www.pinterest.com/MistyMBeller

Google+, https://plus.google.com/+MistyBeller

A holiday devotional about cardinals

Cardinals Color My World
A devotional written by LoRee Peery

Photo credit: LoRee Peery

Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)—“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Psalm 51:7b (NIV)—“Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.”

Hebrews 9:22b (NIV)—“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

My sister and I have an affinity for cardinals. Whenever I hear the recognizable cardinal’s song, I smile as though God is greeting me through that bird. My sister loves cardinals so much she even recorded one singing for her time in Arizona where cardinals are not native.

I like to imagine what the red bird is saying: “I’m here, here, here”; the higher “find me, find me, find me”; or the lower whistle sounds to me like a repeated “cheery, cheery, cheery.” I’m sure the birds are happy because God gives them a joyful song to greet the day (and lift human hearts). My sister claims no two cardinals sound alike. I stop what I’m doing to lift my eyes in order to find the source, usually high on a branch. Once in a while the vocal trills like a wolf whistle. I’ve tried to answer the way my dad did when I was a girl, but I’m not a whistler.

My dad could be crusty with people and gentle with small creatures. While building the bedroom additions onto the back of our tiny farmhouse when I was a girl, he made a pet of a male cardinal. Dad and that bird whistled back and forth until it eventually flew in through the windows and perched on his finger. For three or four years afterward, my sister and I often woke up to a cardinal’s song (we thought it was the same bird), right outside our bedroom on the northwest corner of the house.

Many years later, a singing fake cardinal in a cage often greeted my sister’s only son when he entered the house. After he was tragically killed at age twelve while riding his bicycle, she thought of him every time that fake bird pealed. For years now, her adult daughters, my nieces, are welcomed by cardinals wherever they live. Who knows? Angels may take the form of cardinals, simply for God to let us know He cares as He colors our world.

In my own novel, Sage and Sweetgrass, I looked at cardinals from my character’s viewpoint. “The brilliant scarlet males against the pure snow, perched vivid in the ethereal backdrop, brought to mind the shed blood of Jesus. Once a soul believed, Christ saw a saint as pure, white as snow. Without sin.”

And that purity is what I see when that familiar flash of red, especially bright against the whiteness of snow, further brightens my landscape.

I decorate with cardinals at Christmas. A beloved writer friend, Delia Latham, also loves cardinals. Early this fall, she sent me a cardinal ornament. I set it aside knowing it would soon decorate the Christmas tree I set up in the TV room. The new bird didn’t stay in the box long. In October I unwrapped it and hooked it where I can see it from my easy chair. When the sun hits the ornament during the day it glows an iridescent glassy red. At night it shines silver calls to mind angel wings reflecting on my Delia and me.

Even in the summertime I pull up pictures I’ve taken of cardinals flashing crimson against the snow. The vivid red birds are a constant reminder of Jesus, who gave His blood, the perfect sacrifice for me.

We live in a hurtful world. Tragedy and heartache strike all of us at some point. But God in His goodness always gives us hope. Because I’m a country girl, He shows Himself to me through nature. For others, it’s the smile or laughter of a child or any numerous ways. Wherever we are physically or emotionally, He reveals Himself through ways that only speak to individual hearts.

All we have to do is open our souls and listen.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for placing me in the country, in a state where seasons abound. Thank You for the reminder each time I see a cardinal, especially against the snow, that though my sins be scarlet, You have washed me clean. Thank You, Jesus, for shedding your blood for me. Amen.

Note: Portions of this devotion appeared in RED, a free author devotional available at Pelican Book Group. http://tinyurl.com/nbbsk3a

~*~
Author bio:

A Nebraska country girl, LoRee Peery attempts to see God’s presence every day. Often that gift comes from nature, and she is most relaxed in the outdoors. The call of a cardinal draws her to look for the distinctive flash of crimson. A meadowlark’s melody always transports her to the farm where she grew up. A rainbow holds special significance, since one appeared the day of her father’s funeral and means the promise of the Lord’s presence in her life. She clings to I John 5:4 and prays her family sees that faith. 

You can find her at www.loreepeery.com or the Pelican Book Group site http://tinyurl.com/kwz9enk

Connect with LoRee:

Website, www.loreepeery.com 

Follow on Twitter, https://twitter.com/LoreePeery
"Like" or "Friend" LoRee on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/LoReePeery

Buy LoRee's books via Pelican http://tinyurl.com/

A Baby Changes Everything

Just 15 days before Christmas Day! Are you enjoying this holiday season?

What better way to celebrate and appreciate this special time of year than to enlighten your mind through reading Scripture and holiday devotionals? Okay, there are many wonderful ways to celebrate the Christmas season but today, I encourage you to enjoy this way which is reading a devotional written by Lillian Duncan, a Christian writer who loves God, Christmastime and writing suspense-filled romance stories.

Today, Lillian will shine light on how the Light of the World (Jesus Christ) came into this world as a baby and changed everything. If you're a parent, I'm sure you can relate on a very real level because you have experienced firsthand how the birth of your first baby changed your life forever. The birth and life story of Jesus Christ is no different, only He changed more than His mother Mary's life, He changed the world.

~*~

A Baby Changes Everything
A Christmas devotion written by Lillian Duncan

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." ~ Luke 2:10-12 

A baby changes everything, there's no arguing that point. Ask any parent, new or experienced, young or old, tired or rested. A baby changes everything for their family. And that’s even more true for the baby we celebrate during this Christmas season. Let's take a look at the reason for the season.

JESUS—his birth, his life, and his death changed the world!

Atheists, agnostics and some who just aren't sure often give Jesus his "due." Oh, he was a great teacher, they say, but He wasn't GOD. Let's take a practical look at that for a moment, shall we?

What's the year? Oh—it's 2014 A.D.

A.D. does not mean “after death,” as a lot of people believe, but it stands for a Latin phrase: “anno domini” meaning “in the year of the Lord,” the year Jesus was born.

B.C. stands for “Before Christ”, though now people have changed it in an attempt to downplay the religious aspect.

Wow! Time is measured by Jesus's birth and death. I'm impressed! JESUS—His birth, His life, and His death changed the world!

Let's take a look at Jesus's life for a moment and those who knew him best: his disciples. Without going into the gory details, ten of the original twelve apostles chose death rather than renounce Jesus's divinity. Why? Because they experienced life with the Messiah. Some were with him the day he was baptized and they heard God's voice come down from the heavens saying, "This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased." They experienced the darkness the day he died. They knew beyond a shadow of doubt that Jesus was the Son of God and they were willing to die rather than renounce His divinity. Because of that certainty, they spread the good news of the gospel throughout the world.

JESUS—His birth, His life, and His death changed the world!

But even better, Jesus changed my world. Christianity isn't about rules and religion. It's about a relationship with God through His only begotten son, Jesus. And that has made all the difference in my world!

Indeed, a baby changes everything!

~*~
Author bio:

Lillian Duncan writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem. She writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

Visit the following sites to learn more about Lillian and her books: Official website, www.lillianduncan.net and devotional blog, www.PowerUpWithGod.com

Holiday author interview with Valerie Comer of Snowflake Tiara

"Whether you have already seen the first of the season's snow or are still awaiting its arrival, you'll want to curl up with a cup of cocoa as you enjoy these two sweet tales." ~Sarah, 4-star customer review on Amazon.com.

If you haven't already guessed from Sarah's review on Amazon.com, today we're talking about Christmas stories! Actually, two Christmas stories in one book called Snowflake Tiara written by Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer.

We're going to focus on Valerie's novella called More than A Tiara. Valerie will share information about the writing process, the Christmastime story setting, the characters and she will also talk about collaborating with Angela to write this book.

Most fun of all is the news of what's in it for you-- a free book! :) Valerie is willing to give away one free e-book of Snowflake Tiara to the lucky winner! Here's how you can qualify to win: After reading Valerie's interview, answer her question at the end. You must include your e-mail address with your answer in the comment section in order to enter the contest because we need to contact you if you're the winner so you can receive your free e-book! :) 

The contest starts today, Dec. 7 and will end Sunday, Dec. 21. I will announce the winner on Monday, Dec. 22 so if you're the winner, you'll have time to read your book before Christmas Day! :)

Now read on to Valerie's holiday author interview (questions from Alexis in bold, answers by Valerie not in bold)...

~*~
Alexis: Why is your latest release (2014) titled Snowflake Tiara, Two Christmas Romances 125 Years Apart? What type of book is it—a novel or novella or another category?

Valerie: The title is Snowflake Tiara, and the remainder is a quick description of the contents. It is a collection of two long novellas.

Who is Angela Breidenbach? Did you two write this book together? Or are there two separate stories, one written by each of you, in Snowflake Tiara?

I should be really good at introducing Angela by now! She visited recently and we did several events together at which she was the main speaker and I was her sidekick. She is pretty awesome, frankly! She's Mrs. Montana 2009, a sought-after speaker, and an author as well as a pageant and life coach.

Can you speak for Angela and tell my readers why she wrote The Debutante Queen which is the first story in Snowflake Tiara?

Angela is passionate about volunteering and believes we can make the world a better place by pitching in. She's a pageant queen herself and knows how much light pageantry can shine on worthy organizations, so the combination is a natural one for her. She set her main character, Calista, on a quest to help the children abandoned at the last stop of the Orphan Train in Helena, Montana, in 1889.

Who is your favorite character in your story? Explain why and include details on their character traits.

I protest. This isn't a fair question! I like all the characters. Well, except for the one who… Never mind. Hmm. I'll go with Bren Haddock. She's a good friend of the heroine, a single mom who's been kicked in the teeth by life, but she's determined to make a better life for her two young kids. I loved her spirit and was thrilled to find I could help in her quest in some small ways.

Are your leading ladies in both stories related? Is there any connection between the first story by Angela and the second story by you? If so, please explain.

There's a lot of connection between the tales. My heroine, Marisa, is the triple-great granddaughter of Angela's heroine, Calista. They have a similar passion for helping children. Angie and I had a great time working back and forth while planning, writing, and editing, to tie the two stories together on numerous levels. The most obvious is that both of them compete in the Miss Snowflake Pageant in their time periods.

Why did you write More Than a Tiara? What is it about and how does it tie in with Angela’s story? Explain the concept.

More Than a Tiara is set 125 years after The Debutante Queen with ties back in numerous ways. I'd have to say I wrote it because God had things to teach me. I was born into a very traditional Mennonite family, and I can assure you beauty pageants were not on my radar growing up. Through knowing Angela and writing this story, God showed me how beautiful I am to Him. I think this little snippet from Jases's point-of-view may explain some of it:

How much time did you spend writing More Than a Tiara? How did you research for creating your holiday story world?

This story is about half the length of my other books, but it took at least as long to write. I struggled with the story line, and it took me a while to figure out what the problem was. I usually interview my characters, create a few notes and ideas for a story, and jump in. More Than a Tiara required a more rigid structure because the second half (about the spot where I usually swing out into no-man's-land as a seat-of-the-pants writer) took place during the beauty pageant with defined events and expectations. Once I realized the issue, I found ways to work through and around it, but I'd been stuck at that point for several weeks.

What was your favorite part of writing More Than a Tiara?

The children, hands down. I mentioned Bren earlier. Her kids are 8 and 6 and were a delight to write, especially once I'd added in the hero's niece (6) and nephew (4). There is nothing like child-like wonder at winter and Christmas!

Which character in More Than a Tiara do you relate to the most? Why?

That's a tough one. Because Marisa has been a super model and is now competing in a pageant, I identified with her less than I usually do with my heroines. Still, I gave her some of my passions to run with, and that helped a lot. She simply had a very different angle of pursuit of our mutual passions than I do as a middle-aged wife of a farmer and beekeeper!

Does Snowflake Tiara have a happy ending?

Definitely. It was fun to bring it all the way around to add a bonus closure to The Debutante Queen as well in the final scenes.

What do you hope your readers will take away from reading More Than a Tiara?

So many things! I hope they'll see again the wonder of Christmas. I hope they'll revel in their beauty and value in God's eyes. And I hope they'll consider the value of good, healthy food every day…and how to provide that for folks less fortunate.

Complete this sentence: My favorite Christmastime memory is _______________________because____________________.

My favorite Christmastime memory is spending the day after Christmas at my grandmother's house every year when I was growing up because my cousins and I had so much fun together.

Alexis: Thank you for the interview, Valerie! Please leave a question for my readers to answer which will qualify them to enter the book giveaway contest to win an e-book from you.

Valerie: What organization embodies your passions so much that you'll spend precious time volunteering to help them meet their agendas?

~*~
Author bio:

Valerie Comer’s life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their creation-care-centric church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.

Valerie writes Farm Lit where food meets faith, injecting experience laced with humor into her award-winning Farm Fresh Romance stories.

Connect with Valerie: 
http://valeriecomer.com
http://valeriecomer.com/blog
http://twitter.com/valeriecomer
http://pinterest.com/valeriecomer

Info and buy links for Valerie's books at various online stores:
Raspberries and Vinegar: A Farm Fresh Romance (Farm Lit) by Valerie Comer
Wild Mint Tea: A Farm Fresh Romance (Farm Lit) by Valerie Comer
Sweetened with Honey: A Farm Fresh Romance (Farm Lit) by Valerie Comer
Snowflake Tiara: 2-in-1 Christmas Collection by Angela Breidenbach, Valerie Comer

Buy Snowflake Tiara: Amazon, Kindle, iBooks, Nook, Kobo

A holiday satire with a special guest

We're four days into the month of December and 21 days away from Christmas Day.

So much planning and preparation goes into these few weeks leading up to this world famous holiday. But sometimes amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas dinner and celebrations with family and loved ones, is it possible that we forget what this holiday season is truly about?

Enter "How Not to Do Christmas," a holiday satire written by Raelee May Carpenter. It may shine a light into your life and cause you to think twice about how you celebrate this holiday season. Enjoy!  :)

~*~
How Not To Do Christmas
A holiday satire written by Raelee May Carpenter

1. Spend money you don’t have to buy people things they don’t need. Even better, go into massive amounts of debt on expensive toys as a substitute for putting thought into the gifts you give. Maybe a home-cooked dinner at home with you is what your loved one really needs, but you don’t have time for that, so spend a month’s salary on a new entertainment system for them instead.

2. Spend days and months planning and tweaking every detail and decoration. Having trouble staying motivated toward holiday perfection? Make it your mantra, “This holiday will be ruined if it’s not perfect. This holiday will be ruined if it’s not absolutely perfect.” Record it and loop it in your sleep, so you can’t rest, and you never forget that the tiniest wrinkle in the gift wrap, the smallest speck of dust on the floor, or a single Christmas ornament out of place can completely destroy Christmas for your entire family, if not the whole world.

3. Eat yourself sick. You should avoid all fruits and vegetables for the whole month of December. Pumpkin and apple are okay, but only in pie form. You must consume at least 5000 calories worth of cakes and cookies everyday. You have to eat every bit of food you’re offered at every party and potluck, or you will destroy Christmas for the people who cooked every dish. If you aren’t constantly on the edge of vomiting from November to January, your holiday spirit is forfeit. If you aren’t a glutton for Christmas, you must not love Jesus.

4. Forget that Christmas is really about Jesus. Pretend it’s about toys, tinsel, food, and gift cards, anything but Emmanuel who was born in a barn so you could be free. Spend your time, energy, and focus on everything else. You can get back to Him after the holidays…or maybe after you get your tax return filed.

How To Do Christmas
1. Remember that God loves you. This time has been set aside to honor the greatest gift we ever could receive. Make that more important than anything else, at the Christmas season…and the rest of the year too.

~*~

Author bio:

Raelee May Carpenter is a Christian who writes novels, shorts, essays and poems. She writes about God's Grace. Raelee loves to work as a storyteller and entertainer and her passion is creating stories with deeper meaning, stories that tell people about the gospel Truth.

Connect with Raelee: 

www.raeleemaycarpenter.com
Twitter.com/raeleecarpenter
Facebook.com/raeleemaycarpenter

A Christmas devotional written by Ada Brownell

It's what American culture calls "The most wonderful time of the year" because Christmastime is here! :) Countless songs, books, blogs and devotionals have been written about this significant holiday on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who is known to Christians and people of faith as the "Savior of the World." 

But as the years go by, is it just me or does Christmastime become more and more commercialized? Christmas music fills the shopping malls as early as the first day of November (yes, before Thanksgiving Day) and with Christmas items go on display as early as mid-October! And who knew such a beautiful holiday would cause concern and issues? By that I mean, there are people who do not want to even mention Jesus Christ or say anything about God during this time of year--even nativity scenes can cause controversy.

So what believers in God do to keep Christ in Christmas without offending people or sounding like a "preachy" Christian?

Today, I invited prolific writer and journalist Ada Brownell to address this topic. Ada's written a devotional about teaching the reason for this Christmas season to a secular world. I hope Ada's words will enlighten you and encourage you during this time of year and always. God bless you and enjoy reading! 

~*~

How to Teach the Reason for Christmas in A Secular World

A holiday devotional written by Ada Brownell

A disabled man who grew up in a Chicago orphanage during the violent prohibition era of the '20s and '30s gave his testimony at our church in Arvada, Colo. He told how the famous bootlegger and gangster, Al Capone, visited the orphanage every Christmas, bearing gifts.

Historians say despite his unlawful activities, Capone became a somewhat respected public figure because of donations to charities. I'm sure most orphans adored the man. Yet, at least one child discovered someone greater. He heard about a Heavenly Father who loved him, and God's gift to this boy was His Son coming to earth—for Jesus brought the gift of eternal life to anyone who would accept it.

The world still needs to hear the wonder of God becoming man that we might have life.

Death is why God came down. Sin caused death. Adam and Eve believed Satan when he said, "You won't die!" So they disobeyed, ate the forbidden fruit, and soon after had to bury a son. They eventually died , too.

The Father promised a Redeemer in the early pages of the Bible, Genesis 3:15, to restore immortality. Jesus, God's Son, was that Redeemer and He suffered on the cross to take away sin.

So, Christmas is about the cross as much as it is about the manger.

How can we share the true message of Christmas with our children and grandchildren?

· Memorize and talk about John 3:16

· Don't talk about Santa as if he compares with the all-knowing, all-powerful God who is everywhere. No one is equal to God.

· Teach about the wonder of "God with us." Jesus has many names, counselor, almighty God, the alpha and omega, the lily of the valley, but "Immanuel," which means God with us, is most significant. Isaiah prophesied that it would be His name 700 years before the Messiah was born (Isaiah 7:14.) Even now, God's presence is with us and if we open our heart to him He is in us "He dwelleth with you and shall be in you" (John 14:17).

· Teach about angels. We should never worship them, but according to Psalm 91, God gives angels charge over us to protect us. They also sometimes deliver messages, as Gabriel did to Mary, when he told her she would be the mother of Jesus.

· Teach about giving and gifts. It is more blessed to give then to receive (Acts 20:35).

· Talk about the stable and how Mary and Joseph were content in the humble place.

· Discuss the inn and the innkeeper. What would we have done if we owned the inn? Would we have given our bed so the Son of God wouldn’t be born in a stinky stable?

· Have you opened your heart to Jesus? "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Rev. 3:20).
He will never leave or forsake you, and He’ll guide you and bless your life.

©Copyright Ada Brownell

~*~
Author bio:

Ada Brownell is the author of five books, about 300 stories and articles in Christian publications, and she spent a large chunk of her life as a reporter, mostly for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. She and her husband L.C., have five children, one of them in heaven, eight wonderful grandchildren.and two great-grandchildren.

Among Ada's books: The Lady Fugitive (released July 18, 2014), Imagine the Future You, a youth Bible study (November 2013). Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult (Jan. 15, 2013), Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal (Dec. 6, 2011) and Confessions of a Pentecostal (out of print but released in 2012 for Kindle). All the books are available in paper or for Kindle. Imagine the Future You audio book is available at www.Audible.com Readers can receive a free book with new Audible membership.

Connect with Ada: 

Visit Ada's blog, http://www.inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com

Buy Ada's book The Lady Fugitive, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYDWAIW

See Ada on her Amazon author page, http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

"Like" Ada on Facebook, 
https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

Follow Ada on Twitter, @adellerella

Subscribe to Ada's blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com for "Stick to Your Soul Encouragement"