#ThursdayThoughts: Guest post by Lillian Duncan

Good Morning,

Today we welcome Lillian Duncan back to our blog with something to think about....

The Faith of a Child

(cdndloven)

“I just came across this verse, Pink. Made me think of you. Want to hear it?”

          Not really. “Sure.”

          “In Matthew it says unless you become like children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

          “Yeah, I’ve heard that one before.”

          “But what do you think it means?” His voice was insistent.

          She leaned against the door, suddenly so tired she could barely stand. “I don’t know. What do you think it means?”

          “It’s all about trust and faith. The kind children have. Especially the kind they have at Christmas. Think about it—kids just believe in Santa because their parents tell them he exists. Even though it makes no sense, they believe.”

          Zoe slid down to the floor with her back against the door. “And you want me to have that kind of faith in you?”

          “Not in me. In God.”

The above is a short excerpt from NO Home For The Holidays, my new Christmas-themed novella. In it, Chloe Sullivan needs a miracle but has given up on getting it. Ex-FBI turned preacher, Colton Douglas believes no miracle is too hard for God.

He has the faith of a child and he wants Chloe to have the same.

When we were children, we accepted the myth without question that Santa flies around the world, leaves gifts for every child, and even takes a moment to eat a bite or two of the cookies we left out. Our logical minds told us that it was impossible, but that was the magic of Christmas.

Faith comes easy when we’re children. Not so easy as adults. Our adult mind tells us:

Jesus couldn’t be the Son of God born of a virgin—that’s where faith comes in.

Heaven sounds too good to be true—that’s where faith comes in.

God couldn’t really love us after all we’ve done—that’s where faith comes in.

I can admit that sometimes my teeny-tiny human mind has difficulty comprehending such amazing concepts as heaven or forever or unconditional love. But I don’t need to understand it to believe it, just as I don’t need to understand electricity to believe in or to use it.

So this Christmas season close those adult eyes. Instead, look at Christmas through the eyes of a child—through eyes of faith. And be amazed at God’s love for each of us.

Be amazed by the miracle we call Christmas.

To celebrate the release of No Home For The Holidays, Lillian is running a contest on her blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes. Five lucky winners will receive a $10 Amazon Gift card. So hop on over to www.lillian-duncan.com and leave a comment under the No Home For The Holidays blog post so you’ll be entered to win one of the gift cards.

You can purchase No Home for the Holidays right now for only $.99 cents at Pelican Book Group ($1.99 at Amazon)

Lillian Duncan: stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem!

Lillian is a multi-published writer with several Amazon bestsellers, including The Christmas Stalking and Betrayed. Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch or two of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us

Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. Tiaras & Tennis Shoes is her personal blog at www.lillian-duncan.com. 

Hope you enjoyed today's treasure. Lillian will be back for Saturday Spotlight this month so drop by often!

Until later, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#TuesdayTreasure: Special Guest post and Contest by Lillian Duncan

Good Morning!

It is with great pleasure I bring you today's guest. Lillian Duncan is a fellow Pelican Book Group author and she is sharing with us something she treasures!

CELEBRATE!

My latest release is No Home For The Holidays, a Christmas-themed romantic suspense novella. Christmas and suspense? I love the challenge of finding a way to mix the two together. The gist of the story is about a “prodigal daughter” who wants to go home but knows she will put her family in danger as well as herself if she does.

In the story, Chloe is downright grinchy. Christmas reminds her of home and since she can’t go home, she refuses to acknowledge or celebrate Christmas in any way. I wonder how many of us do the same thing.

I’ve got no kids so why put up a tree?

I’m alone now, so what’s the point of decorating?

It’s too much work.

I’m so busy.

Mmmm….Do any of those excuses sound familiar?

There’s nothing like a serious health crisis to teach us to appreciate life!  It started on April Fool’s Day in 2012 when I developed Bell’s palsy (an inflammation of the facial nerves). An MRI brought even more shocking news—bilateral brain tumors and a diagnosis of NF2, a genetic disorder.  It continues still today.

How it will end? Only God knows. It’s been a long and difficult journey, but God has taught me much. And one of those nuggets of wisdom is to celebrate life!

For the past several years, we’d cleared off our enclosed porch and filled it with Christmas trees--lots of them!  It's just for fun and just for us--no grandbabies around to enjoy it.  But when I started experience side effects from my second brain tumor treatment in 2013 much earlier than expected, we decided to forego the Christmas Porch.  Too much work and I didn't feel well enough to help.

But one morning I woke up to a porch full of Christmas trees, thanks to my sweet husband.  I can’t tell you how much joy I got from just seeing the Christmas Trees every time I walked past them.  And it taught me a lesson, life is worth celebrating, especially at Christmas. Last year there wasn’t even a question. The trees were going up!

At this time of the year, we have so much to celebrate--the birth of a babe in a lowly manger. A birth that changed the world! A birth that brought heaven to earth! It’s a time of the year when we should all be celebrating, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.

We’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, our king, our savior!

You're right, Lillian...the gift of LIFE is definitely something to treasure!

To celebrate the release of No Home For The Holidays, Lillian is running a contest on her blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes. Five lucky winners will receive a $10 Amazon Gift card. So hop on over to www.lillian-duncan.com and leave a comment under the No Home For The Holidays blog post so you’ll be entered to win one of the gift cards.

You can purchase No Home for the Holidays right now for only $.99 cents at Pelican Book Group ($1.99 at Amazon)

Lillian Duncan: stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem!

Lillian is a multi-published writer with several Amazon bestsellers, including The Christmas Stalking and Betrayed. Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch or two of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us

Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. Tiaras & Tennis Shoes is her personal blog at www.lillian-duncan.com. 

Hope you enjoyed today's treasure. Lillian will be back for Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight this month so drop by often!

Until later, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight: The Serpent Beguiled Eve by Acacia Slaton

Good Morning Friends,

It is my pleasure to bring you this Saturday Spotlight by Acicia Slaton and PrimeStar Publicity....

A young married woman with two daughters deals with her husband's infidelity and his struggle with homosexuality. She seeks spiritual counsel, but when he refuses to cooperate with spiritual leaders, other than on a surface level, she has to make the most important decision of her life.

This story, Acacia’s story, gives readers a deeper understanding of the pain caused by infidelity (for the spouses and their children.)  It also shows there is hope beyond the grief for those who put their faith in the promises of God. 

This book, The Serpent Beguiled Eve,  will help anyone in a relationship. It's not just about infidelity. It's about moving on, with or without your partner. It's about dealing with the aftermath. It’s about learning to love yourself and truly understanding how the power of forgiveness can heal your life.

Excerpt: Chapter 12 The Spirit of Perversion (page 53)

David isolated himself more and more with his games, playing five hours a day on weekdays and more than fifteen hours a day on weekends.  I attempted to get him to agree to us reading the Bible aloud together each morning. Out of frustration, he threw the Bible across the bed and onto the floor.

I knew something was terribly wrong.  One night while I was asleep, the spirit of The Lord spoke to me in an audible voice.  He whispered, “It’s the spirit of perversion that has blinded his eyes and closed his ears to where he can’t see or receive the truth [the word of God].”  I awoke and looked over at David.

“David, the weirdest thing just happened as I lay asleep: the Lord spoke to me.” I repeated the words. David smirked and stared off into the distance.  

“It’s funny you said that because your pastor told me the same thing,” he said.

The Serpent Beguiled Eve can be purchased in paperback at Amazon and is currently part of KindleUnlimited!

Acacia Slaton is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and also has a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.  She is an author of an award-winning book titled Launch Out Into The Deep.  Launch Out Into the Deep is a recipient of a Mom's Choice Award, a Dove Award, and won the Silver Award for Christian Living in the Readers Favorite annual contest. 

Find out more about Acacia by visiting her Website!

Thanks for stopping by friends! Hope to see you again soon.

IMW...take care & God Bless.

PamT

PS: Don't forget... contests for Circles of Fate are only going on for 1 more week so enter today!

#ThursdayThoughts: Knowledge + Experience = Value

We've all heard the old adage, "knowledge is power" and the many variations that go along with that....

© Stephen Vanhorn | Dreamstime.com | Knowledge Is Power

The more you know the more valuable you are.
Knowledge & Experience = job security.

Yada, Yada, Yada.

But how many times in life are we REALLY paid our worth?

Better yet, how often do we charge what we're worth?

As a freelance writer/editor/promotions person I'm often faced with the issue of knowing what to charge. I know what the industry standards are, I also know how it is to need these services and yet not have the budget for them.

Add to that I love what I'm doing and I love helping people and well....there's a fine line that often gets blurred or crossed out altogether when it comes to getting paid for my work, my knowledge and my experience.

© Arcady31 | Dreamstime.com - Experience Sign Photo

We've also heard..."Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."

That's bull LOL! Most of us who do what we love work harder and longer than in a "normal" 9 to 5 job. 

Just ask any self-employed/freelance/contract labor professional. Ask any teacher for that matter.

Here's the deal....as much as I love helping people and sharing what I've learned, my knowledge and experience ARE valuable and I deserve to be paid for doing what I love most!

Yes, like many people I too take advantage of free stuff....like royalty free photos which can be found at Dreamstime, videos and tutorials on YouTube, etc., but I always try to pay something....whether that's a simple acknowledgement and link back to the origin, a byline, or a gift/donation to the provider.

So when I offer my knowledge and experience to you like I have by putting these articles on my website, if you can pay then please do. And, if you ask for my services and I don't know what to charge or you can't pay what I would normally charge, at least offer something, pay what you can, and/or set up a payment arrangement and honor it.

After all, Knowledge+ Experience + Time are valuable.

Something to think about!!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

PS: Speaking of FREE things...don't forget you still have multiple chances to win a copy of Circles of Fate! Details HERE.

New Release & Fitness Giveaway!

We’re celebrating the release of Cami Checketts’ novel Dead Running with a huge fitness giveaway.

Prizes Include:

Experienced and beginner yoga packages from Hugger Mugger

Two MIO Global Active Watches

Three months online personal training from Fitcore Fitness

Three Lebert Stretch Straps

Fitness Apparel from Running Chics

One pair of running shoes from Altra Zero Drop

iFrogz Earbuds and Armbands

Six month adult membership: Smithfield Recreation Center

One month membership: Crossfit UAC

Autographed copy of Dead Running by Cami Checketts

Win one of these amazing prizes simply by following this blog or liking my Facebook page and leaving a comment below. Please visit each of our sponsors’ websites to learn more about their products and decide which one you’d like to win. While you’re at their site, like their page or follow their blog to show our gratitude for their donation to this fun blogfest. You can enter on as many different blogs as you like, a list of the participating blogs is featured at the end of this post.

 

Hugger Mugger Yoga Experienced
and Beginner Yoga Packages.

  Value: $325.00

Hugger Mugger Website

Hugger Mugger on Facebook

Two MIO Global Active Watches

Value: $239.98

MIO’s Website

Sign up for My MIO

Like MIO on Facebook

MIO is the number one brand in strapless Heart Rate monitoring

with features like calorie management systems, all day steps counting,

distance tracking, and fitness assessment tools.

Three months online fitness training

Value: $150

Fitcore Website -- Fitcore on Facebook

Three Lebert Stretch Straps

Value: $48.49 each

Lebert Fitness Website

Like Lebert Fitness on Facebook

Flexibility and mobility are two vital components of fitness.

The Lebert Stretch Strap is a simple, innovative tool that will

allow you to stretch more comfortably and hold that stretch longer!

Two $50 Gift Certificates to spend on Running Chics fitness apparel.

Running Chics Website

Running Chics on Facebook

Whether you're running a race or just running around town, you should feel comfortable.

And there's no reason you shouldn't look good, too!

We're Running Chics...just like you,

and we know that fashion and performance can go hand-in-hand. 

Altra Running Shoes - Value: $109.99

Altra Zero Drop Website - Altra Running on Facebook

Altra Zero Drop Footwear features the world's first ever line of
fully cushioned Zero Drop running shoes
designed to improve form and reduce initial impact.

iFrogz Armbands and Earbuds - Value: $175.00

iFrogz Website - iFrogz on Facebook

 iFrogz is native to Cache Valley and offers awesome
accessories for your iPods, iPhones, and iPads.

Six month adult membership - Value: $157

Smithfield Recreation Website - Smithfield Rec. on Facebook

One Month Membership - Value: $90.00

Crossfit’s Website  - Crossfit on Facebook

*Available in Cache Valley only

Dead Running

Autographed Copy

Donated by Cami Checketts

Buy Now only $3.99 Kindle

$14.99 Print
Cami's Website

Cassidy Christensen is running.

Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.

Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable. 

Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she’ll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

Follow this blog or like my Facebook page and leave a comment below to enter to win one of these great prizes. Please list the top three prizes you're interested in with your comment. An entry will be chosen from each of the participating blogs and then drawn through random.org. Prize winners will be posted be on Cami’s Blog.

Contest closes: May 18, 2012

Open to residents of U.S. and Canada.

Thanks for stopping by!

The blogs involved in this giveaway are some of the top fitness, running, book, and Mom blogs on the internet. Have fun checking out their content and entering the fitness giveaway on each of their sites.

Running Diva Mom

Caution: Redhead Running

The Sassy Pear

The Book Bug

Book Journey

Tall Mom on the Run

I Have Run

Secrets of a Running Mom

Janet Jensen

Cheryls Book Nook

Rachelle Writes

If I Can't Convince You I'll Atleast Confuse You

Just Trying is for Little Girls

Amber Argyle

Socrates Book Reviews

Diony George

Miss Mae

Lo Johnston Writing

The Balanced Writer

Pams Wild Rose Blog

Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

Fitness for Mom

Jill Will Run

Good Clean Reads

Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts

Happy, Healthy, Successful

Rachel Ann Nunes

Mom and More

Reading with Monie

Sarah's Blog of Fun

A Book Lover Forever

Always Training Trio

Charity's Writing Journey
Love. Pray. Read.

Just Me and My Running Shoes

Running Rachel

Princess Runs

Larissa Milano Fitness
Raketer Mama
Hungry Runner Girl

Make it Simple Sister
A Journey in the Shoes of a Foodie, Athlete & Wife
Sexy Moms Running Club
Tom Mall on the Run

Last Week to Win!

This is the LAST week to participate in White Roses in Bloom Authors’ “Our Cup Runneth Over” Contest!

You must visit the website or blog of each participating author and find the White Rose Publishing mug – notate the color and where the mug is located for each author and email your answers to: mailto:hcarolann.erhardt@gmail.com with WRIB Contest in the subject line.

There are still prizes to be had and a Grand Prize winner will receive: Seven e-books, A box of White Rose Organic tea, Your very own beautiful White Rose mug, and A little basket of Arbonne skin care products.

Here are a list of participating authors and their site:
Pamela Thibodeaux http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/
E.A. West http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/
Karen Cogan http://www.karencogan.com/Cami Checketts http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com/
Janelle Ashley http://www.janelleashley.com/Wendy Davy http://www.wendydavy.com/
Diane Miley http://www.diannemiley.com/
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter http://www.sandywick.com/Teri Wilson http://www.teriwilson.net/
JoAnn Carter http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/
Nicola Beaumont http://inicola.net/Carla Rossi http://authorcarlarossi.blogspot.com/
Carol Ann Erhardt http://www.carolannerhardt.com/
Sharon Donovan http://sharondonovan.blogspot.com/
Cindy Green http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/e-mail
Vicki Caine http://victoriapitts-caine.blogspot.com/

I'll give you a couple of hints - to find the location of my mug scroll down and watch the sidebar.......for Nicola Beaumont's mug....think books, reviews & lighthouse. ;-)

Have fun and GOOD LUCK!

Until later take care & be BLESSED!
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)