Are You Running the Race?
By Kelley Benson
Acts 20:24, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
Running has been a favorite pastime of mine for several decades now. Not so much the aching bones, the cramped muscles, or trying to get motivated to run in frigid conditions, but instead the satisfaction of completing a run.
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Sunday, December 31, 2017
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Featured Blog: Paws and Reflect
Fit for a King
By Kathy Akins
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
Most Christian homes will have at least one nativity scene set up as part of their Christmas decorations. In addition to the stable with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, there will be shepherds with sheep, and more than likely, three wise men with their camels. This is a lovely picture and has become the traditional view of Christ’s birth.
On the night Jesus was born, the angels announced it to the shepherds, who immediately hurried to see the Messiah. They then ran to share the good news with others. The wise men, or magi, were traveling from the east using the star to guide them to the location of the new king. These men were familiar with the stories of an expected savior, probably passed down from the time and teachings of Daniel in Babylon. They were coming, as was custom, to honor the newborn king.
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By Kathy Akins
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
Most Christian homes will have at least one nativity scene set up as part of their Christmas decorations. In addition to the stable with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, there will be shepherds with sheep, and more than likely, three wise men with their camels. This is a lovely picture and has become the traditional view of Christ’s birth.
On the night Jesus was born, the angels announced it to the shepherds, who immediately hurried to see the Messiah. They then ran to share the good news with others. The wise men, or magi, were traveling from the east using the star to guide them to the location of the new king. These men were familiar with the stories of an expected savior, probably passed down from the time and teachings of Daniel in Babylon. They were coming, as was custom, to honor the newborn king.
Read More...
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Featured Blog: Paws and Reflect
God's Gift
By Kathy Akins
“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
The Christmas holiday brings thoughts of sharing and giving to others. Many will feel compelled to donate money to charities or homeless shelters. Others will volunteer time to serve meals or distribute toys to those less fortunate. The attitude of generosity and love seems to hover over our collective society. How I wish this could continue throughout the year and not just for a season.
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By Kathy Akins
“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
The Christmas holiday brings thoughts of sharing and giving to others. Many will feel compelled to donate money to charities or homeless shelters. Others will volunteer time to serve meals or distribute toys to those less fortunate. The attitude of generosity and love seems to hover over our collective society. How I wish this could continue throughout the year and not just for a season.
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Sunday, December 10, 2017
Featured Blog: Kelley Benson's Books
God's Infinite Power
By Kelley Benson
El Shaddai, the Hebrew name that means “God--the Powerful One, God--the Almighty.” It’s a commonly used name in the Bible for God, but descriptions of that name are illustrated all throughout the Bible: the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:19), Builder of everything (Hebrews 3:4, Ecclesiastes 11:5, Genesis 21:33), the King of Heaven (Daniel 4:37), the only God (Jude 1:25). Paul says it this way in Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
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By Kelley Benson
El Shaddai, the Hebrew name that means “God--the Powerful One, God--the Almighty.” It’s a commonly used name in the Bible for God, but descriptions of that name are illustrated all throughout the Bible: the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:19), Builder of everything (Hebrews 3:4, Ecclesiastes 11:5, Genesis 21:33), the King of Heaven (Daniel 4:37), the only God (Jude 1:25). Paul says it this way in Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
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Saturday, December 9, 2017
Writing Tip
Debra Chandler
"As you read over your writing, try to find the things about it that make it different from anyone else’s writing. If those are things that feel good and right, keep doing them, this is how to uncover your voice. If they seem awful, ditch them, but only with a second, third or hundredth opinion on the matter. It’s hard to spot a hedgehog."
"As you read over your writing, try to find the things about it that make it different from anyone else’s writing. If those are things that feel good and right, keep doing them, this is how to uncover your voice. If they seem awful, ditch them, but only with a second, third or hundredth opinion on the matter. It’s hard to spot a hedgehog."
Friday, December 8, 2017
There's nothing like a good murder for Christmas!
By Stephen B. Bagley
Mystery - When Assistant Librarian Bernard M. Worthington finds the body of the dreaded Agatha Ryton-Storer, he has no way of knowing her death will begin a series of murders that will stun his small town and reveal secrets hidden for thirty years. He, roving reporter Lisa Trent, and Police Chief Chuck Donaldson must outwit a ruthless, determined murderer.
What was stolen from the library safe? What happened to the missing janitor? Why is Lisa a target? Who stole the Ryton family jewels? Why did Eliah Ryton will his hideous mansion to the city? What secrets does it hold and who is killing to hide them?
Appealing characters, sly wit, clever plot, and chilling suspense mark this first novel in the Measurements of Murder Mystery™ series.
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Wednesday, December 6, 2017
On Sale Now!
By Barbara Shepherd
Historical - Belle Strong expected her husband to meet her when she stepped off the ferry in north Texas, but she was in for a surprise—her husband is dying. Pregnant and alone, she faces challenges along the Red River where her world includes fur trappers, Indians, and a rugged sea captain.
Jacob Owens spends most of his life on the high seas and is a self-proclaimed bachelor. But when a green-eyed beauty enters his world, he finds his thoughts drifting in different directions. Why can’t he stop thinking about her, and why is he trading fine beaver pelts for exquisite fabrics to surprise Belle to use in her quilting?
Can she protect her son in such an uncivilized country? Or will she be forced to rely on a complete stranger?
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Writing Tip
Wendy Blanton:
"If you find yourself staring at the blank screen, pack up the laptop or a notepad and pen, and go somewhere else. If you can walk there, that's even better. Sometimes a little exercise and a change of venue wakes up the muse."
"If you find yourself staring at the blank screen, pack up the laptop or a notepad and pen, and go somewhere else. If you can walk there, that's even better. Sometimes a little exercise and a change of venue wakes up the muse."
Monday, December 4, 2017
Writing Tip
Stephen B. Bagley:
“Learn, learn, learn. We must realize we are always pupils. Read writing magazines and books. Attend writing workshops online and in person. Seek out authors who write better than you or have more information. Share your information with other authors so they can share with you. Read other author’s books and see what they did right and what they did wrong. In this way, your knowledge of the writing craft will continue to grow.”
“Learn, learn, learn. We must realize we are always pupils. Read writing magazines and books. Attend writing workshops online and in person. Seek out authors who write better than you or have more information. Share your information with other authors so they can share with you. Read other author’s books and see what they did right and what they did wrong. In this way, your knowledge of the writing craft will continue to grow.”
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Featured Blog: Kelley Benson's Books
Breath of Fresh Air!
By Kelley Benson
Imagine a country where corruption was a regular headline in the papers, where every day you heard of another crime against humanity and against the authorities. Imagine how hopeless you may feel when you look out over your fellow citizens and realize the corruption in the leadership has trickled down to your neighbors. If you’ve read a newspaper in the past 20 years, you probably don’t have to stretch your imagination too much.
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By Kelley Benson
Imagine a country where corruption was a regular headline in the papers, where every day you heard of another crime against humanity and against the authorities. Imagine how hopeless you may feel when you look out over your fellow citizens and realize the corruption in the leadership has trickled down to your neighbors. If you’ve read a newspaper in the past 20 years, you probably don’t have to stretch your imagination too much.
Read More...
Saturday, December 2, 2017
A Dangerous Bargain
By Elizabeth Joy (Wendy Blanton) & Scott Carman
Fantasy - Robyn's life and Army career were on the fast track to success when a rescue mission went awry. Captured by intergalactic slave traders, she bargains for the release of her team with the only thing she has: herself.
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Buy for the Nook on Barnes & Noble
Friday, December 1, 2017
What Happened in Bethlehem?
Tales from BethlehemBy Stephen B. Bagley
Inspirational - You've heard the story a thousand times: glorious angels, lowly shepherds, brightly shining star, three Wise Men, and wee babe in a manger. But have you ever wondered about everyone else in tiny Bethlehem on that marvel of nights? What did they think? What did they do? How would you have responded? In these funny and touching tales, you'll meet a stable boy, a serving girl, an honest spy, an astounding clerk, an empty innkeeper, a mighty ship of the desert, and many others as they share their amazing Tales from Bethlehem.
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