Part XXXI-More of Jesus September 28, 2012

As I near the present time in our story you might wonder if I ever deal with any of my old issues.

I am so glad you asked.

I dealt with lust this summer, but in a much different way than the past.

I mentioned on the previous post that God spoke to me about my job. Last year I read Extraordinary by John Bevere. That book changed my life.

In the book John talked about praying in faith.

I never truly prayed in faith before, I never really believe God for something I asked for. I just prayed and hoped God might answer my prayer.

For five years I taught in a school district that pushed against everything I believed in. I never made any friends, I never belonged.

The job was an hour from home, and many days I didn’t get home until 6:30.

After reading Extraordinary I  sensed God say, “Pray in faith Melissa. Pray to be released from your job.”

So I did.

I prayed and I knew God would release me.

I am skipping tons of details to shorten this post.

God started lining up my future in February by bringing a homeschooled mom into my life and introducing me to another writer in my community. I started getting paid to write-yahoo!

In March I had to let my district know if I wanted to reduce or increase my hours for the following year. I thought it was my job to convince Patrick that I should request to go down to three days.

God stopped me.

He said, “If you believe I am releasing you why would you need to reduce your hours?”

He was right, I wanted to reduce my hours just in case God didn’t come through.

I didn’t reduce my hours.

After months of disagreements, Patrick and I finally reached a compromise when a music position became available in a district twenty minutes from our home. The position was part-time but we thought if I was offered the position I would give lessons to home schooled children the rest of the time.

I applied and had an interview set for June 18.

A week before my interview my “dream” job became available. This was the job I wanted since I received my teaching certificate. This job would allow me to teach my own children.

I submitted my resume, but of course I still went to the other interview, because you never know.

As I left the interview I didn’t feel positive about it. I didn’t do anything to make myself stand out.

Two hours later I received a call from that principal and she offered me the job.

God answered my prayer, I was released from the job that took me so far from home.

But I wanted more. And I knew God wanted to go above and beyond all I dreamed or imagine. What an awesome testimony I could give if I got my dream job.

I finally got a call for an interview, set for August 2nd.

I showed off all the music I composed for my students that tied in with science and social studies, I showed my pre-tests and post-test and how all my students improved. I made myself stand out.

The interview took place on a Thursday, they said they would let me know by Tuesday.

On Monday, August 6th I woke up lusting.

I wanted that job so bad. The last time I had those feelings they were for a man, but this time I lusted for a job.

I cried out to God. I knew what I felt wasn’t right.

During my prayer time God clearly whispered to me, “Do you want Me or this job? If having more of Me meant you couldn’t have that job would you be okay with that?”

I wept.

In my journal I wrote, “I want JESUS more than I want that job.”

I didn’t get the job.

I am getting Jesus.

To say I wasn’t heartbroken would be a lie. I was angry at God.

When I went to my new job and talked the principal, guess what she told me? She said, “You clearly stood out above everyone else.”

Really?

I didn’t do anything special for that interview, yet I stood out.

There is no other explanation but God. He wants me there and He made me stand out.

I am so glad to be in His hands, in His will.

Patrick didn’t take it so well and is still working through some stuff, but I can’t wait until he finds his Genesis 5020 from all of this, I know he will in time.

I am so happy.

I drive twenty minutes to work.

My building is surrounded my fields and rolling hills.

I get to shine the love of Jesus into 500 kids lives every week.

I sit on the porch and watch my kids get off the bus and thank God every day that I am there.

I just got done giving a guitar lesson to one boy who wants to be a worship leader when he grows up, and God is allowing me to be a part of that child’s life.

I am overcome.

God. Is. Good.

No, things didn’t turn out like I thought they should. But they did turn out exactly like my Savior thought they should.

So, do I still struggle with lust?

The enemy will never stop, he will look for new ways to make me fall. But the difference is now I listen for my Father’s voice and I will obey.

Lust will not have me again.

Jesus always will.

Only I can tell the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. I will call a swift bird of prey from the east — a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it. Isaiah 46:10-11 NLT

Has there been a time in your life when  you wanted something but God had other plans? Can you share your story with us?

I will be wrapping up my Genesis 5020 next week. That doesn’t mean I won’t write, I will. But I want your Genesis 5020. So what it is? I have only a couple of people lined up so far. Will you share yours with us? Let God get the glory He deserves. You know if you stay quiet you are stealing God’s glory. Speak up and share. Email us at : 5020genesisstories(at)gmail(dot)com.

Write to the Point with Laura Hilton September 26, 2012

 Congratulations to Karen who won Kat Heckenbach’s book.

This week we get write to the point with Laura Hilton.

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Healing Love will begin the Amish of Webster County series in September 2012. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

Tell us about yourself, family, where are you from, how long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. My husband and I will be celebrating our in December, and we have five children – two boys and three girls. We live in Arkansas, near the Missouri border.

How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior? 

I was saved when I about nine years old. It was a communion Sunday, and I remember asking my mom what some of the words the pastor said meant, and I didn’t take communion that Sunday, I went up during the invitation and talked to the pastor. And he explained salvation and helped me pray.

Tell us about your latest book. What do want your readers to take away after the last page? 

Healing Love

Who knew Cupid had four paws? Amish midwife Kristine Lapp’s dog, Chinook, develops a slew of unfamiliar ailments that sends Kristi to Shane Zimmerman, their veterinarian neighbor. Shane’s grandparents were Amish, but his dad left years ago in favor of education and marriage to an Englisch woman. After Shane’s wife died in childbirth, Shane returns to Amish country to live and serve, but he’s determined not to return to the faith of his father. Prejudiced against the herbal and natural remedies that Kristi uses in her practice, the vet is determined to avoid what his eccentric neighbor cooks up. Can God use a loyal pet to mix a little old medicine with new and bring two neighbors past their differences so they can find a love with a positive prognosis?

 I’ll leave the take away between God and the reader.  I know what I took away, but God may have different plans for others.

How often do you blog and what do you cover in your blog? 

I blog on http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com every day, with reviews, press releases, and interviews promoting other authors.   http://laurav.hilton.blogspot.com is sporadic, its news related to me, my family, verses, sometimes promoting others, and Bible verses.  Right now it is a verse a day with lovely illustrations to go with it.  http://booksbylaura.blogspot.com is my book news.

Can you share with us a favorite book you have read?  

I have so many favorites, it’s hard to choose one.   The best books I read recently would be Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon, Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble, Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney and The Reunion by Dan Walsh. I’m currently reading With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin. So far it’s great. 

Can you share with us a Genesis 5020 in your life?

There are so many incidents like that in my life. Some we’re still trying to figure out the “God intended it for good part.” But one that stands in my mind is when I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. I went through chemo and radiation and really found a passion for encouraging other cancer patients going through treatment with me. I tried to be as upbeat as possible and pointed so many toward God at that time.

Do you have a life and/or a ministry verse? 

My life and ministry verse is Jeremiah 29:11.  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”

Where can we find you on the web?

Facebook – Author Laura V. Hilton.  Twitter – Laura_V_Hilton.  And the blogs I listed above.

Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to add? 

I’m offering a giveaway of Healing Love, the first book in The Amish of Webster County series.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us today Laura.

Readers, as Laura mentioned she  is giving away a paperback copy of her book to one commentator. Leave a comment for Laura by October 2 at 5:00 PM  to be entered in the drawing.

Part XXX-Freedom in the Attack September 21, 2012

As you can imagine after Patrick and I shared our story and started blogging about our Genesis 5020 everything floated along peacefully. We got along better than ever, life seemed perfect.

NOT.

Quite the opposite happened. The enemy was ticked and went on attack.

The first two months writing this blog Patrick and I dealt with some serious spiritual warfare.

Patrick found it difficult to relive our story as he read it on this blog. I grew impatient with his need for reassurance.

It also didn’t help that God had spoken to me about my job. I felt Him clearly tell me to pray in faith that he would remove me from my teaching position and give me something closer to home.

This scared Patrick because he didn’t know what that would look like. I had some unstable ideas that freaked him out and honestly, looking back, I understand why.

So, not only did we argue about our marriage, we argued about our future.

We reached a point of crying out to God, “Lord, if it hurts this bad to obey you, I don’t know if it’s worth it.”

We couldn’t understand why God would tell us to share our story and not protect us from the enemy. Why did we have to suffer yet again?

I clung to Hebrews 10 during that time:

²² let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

²³ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

³⁵ So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! ³⁶ Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

³⁷ “For in just a little while,
    the Coming One will come and not delay.
³⁸ And my righteous ones will live by faith.^[k]
    But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”^[l]

³⁹ But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. NLT

Those verses  walked me through months of uncertainty and I still turn to them to remind me of all my God has done.

I also did something else to really make the devil mad.

One of campus pastors wives and I started a group for women who have been abused. We had nine brave ladies come to that first group.

My heart swelled with love for them, knowing the courage it took for each of them to admit what happened and seek the healing only God can give.

But, of course Satan didn’t like that either.

From February to May the enemy tried to pull us apart.

By May we reached a resolve about my job (but that is another post, an amazing story of God’s goodness) and that seemed to be the last thing the enemy had, for a while.

In June we finished up our first group for women who had been abused.  

One of the girls (yes, she was nineteen) who went through the group said when she heard my story she realized that my story could be her story one day if she didn’t get the help she needed.

Now that young woman says she feels free for the first time and wonders why she waited so long to get help.

If only that one woman benefits from our story and found freedom in her Savior then all the junk, all the attacks from the enemy where worth it, just for her to walk in freedom.

Praise Jesus.

Freedom is available to all. If you carry chains of shame, abuse, divorce, fear, insecurity…..I have a cure for that.

Total dependence on God. There is freedom in His arms.

Fall into them, child, and let your Father hold you.

We have started singing a new song in church, I love it. Click here and be reminded that never once has God left you all alone.

When was that last time you fell into the arms of your Savior? Do you need to today? Fall.

What’s your Genesis 5020? Share your story with us at: 5020genesisstories (at)gmail (dot)com.

Write to the Point with Kat Heckenbach September 19, 2012

Congratulations to Carol who won Lillian Duncan’s book, Dark Alleys.

This week we get write to the point with Kat Heckenbach. Instead of the normal interview with several questions Kat wanted to share her Genesis 5020 with you. Be blessed.

Kat Heckenbach spent her childhood with pencil and sketchbook in hand, knowing she wanted to be an artist when she grew up—so naturally she graduated college with a degree in biology, went on to teach math, and now homeschools her two children while writing. Her fiction ranges from light-hearted fantasy to dark and disturbing, with multiple stories published online and in print. Her YA fantasy novels Finding Angel and Seeking Unseen are available in print and ebook. Enter her world at www.katheckenbach.com

Why Now?

by Kat Heckenbach

            What threw me the most about my cancer diagnosis was the timing.

            I know, there are a lot of reasons to go into a tailspin when you are faced with a life-threatening illness, and “timing” is not usually one of them. There’s never a good time or bad time to find out you have cancer.

            But in my case, because of where I was in my life, being diagnosed felt like I’d been backhanded by God.

            I had been raised in a Christian home, attended church every Sunday, and accepted Christ at the age of twelve. A very smooth path to salvation, one would believe.

            But, my church had never felt like a real home to me, and when my parents divorced and could no longer make me go there, I quit, no looking back. I considered myself a Christian still, but the combination of circumstances during my teenage years interfered with my newly formed relationship with Christ. The divorce, my non-believer boyfriend, and the easy accessibility to drinking and drugs in my high school pulled me farther and farther from the Lord.

            I spent years struggling with the emotional turmoil of my situation. Even after dumping the boyfriend, giving up drugs, and patching up my relationship with my parents, I still felt lost. Somehow, my connection with Christ had disintegrated. I knew He was there—I still believed that wholeheartedly—but I didn’t know what to do to reconnect with Him.

            At the age of twenty, I met my husband. After six years of marriage, I had my first child, followed by another two years later. I suddenly had a new motivation to find my way back to Jesus. I wanted my kids to know Him, and I wanted us all in a church that felt like home in a way my childhood church never had.

            The search for a church took only a few months, and in the process I felt my relationship with Jesus begin to reform. I voiced my recommitment to Him in prayer.

            Then, WHAM! Adenocarcenoma of the cervix, stage 1B.

            “It’s not fair!” I cried to the Lord the day of my diagnosis. “I’ve come back to You, and this is how You repay me?”

            Of course I knew I’d done many things to deserve retribution. The lifestyle I had chosen during my teens and twenties was surely an abomination to God. But, I couldn’t understand why I had not suffered the consequences back then. Why didn’t God strike me down while I was living such a sinful life? Why did He wait until I returned to Him? God was supposed to be loving and forgiving, not vindictive.

             I thought about this daily as I underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Being physically ill from my treatments gave me a lot of isolated quiet time. And during that time, the little miracles made themselves known one by one, leading me to understanding.

            My kind of cancer is normally not found in early stages. The urgent symptoms that had sent me to the doctor generally don’t appear until the last stage. The tissue around the tumor had stretched, and the cancer did not spread even though the tumor had grown quite large.

            There were other miracles as well, including my one and only break from chemo falling on the week of Christmas (exactly as I’d prayed for). Support came from every direction. Friends and family provided more food than we could ever hope to eat. My husband’s schedule allowed him to visit me during every chemo treatment, and I had help with the kids available at all times.

            I soon realized God had not given me cancer. He was not punishing me. A God who provided that much care for me even after all my rebellion was a God of love and mercy. He had not shown vindictiveness. He was proving Himself to me through timing.

My cancer had started years before, as a minor genetic change in a cell, the result of choices I had made. It had started during the years in which my back was toward God.

            God could have revealed my cancer during my rebellious years. But I believe He knew I would have only turned farther away from Him. And just as surely, He knew someday I would return to Him, so He waited.

He could also have chosen to heal me instantly upon my return, instead of letting me suffer through symptoms and treatment. But if He had done that, I would never have known the cancer had existed in the first place and I wouldn’t have witnessed His power through my healing.

When I think of this, I am reminded of Lazarus. Jesus could have healed Lazarus when he was merely sick. But to demonstrate His full power, Jesus raised the dead man from the tomb. The timing had thrown everyone, until they saw Lazarus walk.

Now I walk, hand in hand with Christ, knowing He leads me to everything at the perfect time.

Kat, thank you so much for sharing your Genesis 5020 with us. I love hearing about God’s goodness, that is a story I never grow tired of hearing.

Readers, Kat is giving away your choice of either of her books in ebook format. Leave a comment for her by September 25 at 5:00 PM.

Part XXIX-The Blessings September 14, 2012

On Sunday mornings the worship team always goes into a back room to pray for the service. Obviously, Patrick and I weren’t leading the day we shared our story but we went back into the room with the team. Natalie Benko leads the team when I am unable or just to give me a break (thank you Natalie) so she lead that day. She had no clue what Patrick and I would be sharing but she asked the group to gather around us and pray.

She prayed all the right things without even knowing what to pray for. Emotion overwhelmed me.

When the service was over many people came up to hug us and I heard a lot of, “I had no idea.”

I didn’t want anyone to have any idea how messed up my insides were, I had become the master of disguise.

One woman approached  me and shared that she had been abused.

A woman told me our story opened up the door for her husband and her to talk about their marriage and take a hard look at it.

Another couple saw they were asleep in their marriage and we gave them a wake up call.

We received numerous emails thanking us for being so honest and transparent.

A young woman told me how much my story paralleled her mother’s story. Unfortunately, her mother is still in darkness but this young woman displays a strength rarely found in young people today because she relies on Christ. She is beautiful.

Of course we also heard there were people who said they didn’t need to hear our story in church.

REALLY??

If you don’t need to hear a story about God redeeming a life, a marriage,  in church then why are you coming to church? And where do you need to hear that story?

Yes, that was frustrating but there will always be those people.

It hurt me to know not everyone  accepted us and maybe they still don’t, but I know we were obedient and that is all that matters.

A few weeks after Patrick and I shared our story Patrick gave a message about his idol: control.

Again, this post is short in the hopes that your might take some time to listen to Patrick’s message. Click here.

God’s blessings….sometimes they come in nicely wrapped packages, other times they come in wrapping that is worn and torn. But the blessings do come, hold on to the Bless-er.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5 NLT

Share some blessings God has done in your life, we all need to rejoice with you. Seriously people, this blog isn’t suppose to be about me, it is supposed to be about God, so share something!!!

What’s your Genesis 5020? We would love to post your story on this blog in the future. If you have a Genesis 5020 to share (we all do) send it copied into the body of your email to: 5020genesisstories@gmail.com

Write to the Point with Lillian Duncan September 12, 2012

Congratulations to Amada who won Linore Burkard’s book last week.

Today we get write to the point with Lillian Duncan.

TELL US ABOUT DARK ALLEYS.

DARK ALLEYS is a suspense-filled story about a woman who ends up homeless and alone in a dark alley on a cold winter night. She witnesses a murder while in a drunken stupor and almost becomes his second victim. She awakens in the hospital with no clear memory of how she was injured. She attempts to put her life back together but, of course, the murderer has other plans.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Being innocent and proving it are two different things, especially when a powerful politician is involved 

Tessa’s life spiraled out of control after the death of her only child, and she finds herself in a dark alley on a cold wintry night.  After she witnesses a murder, she almost becomes his second victim, but manages to escape—just barely.

 

Homeless and alone, she knows the authorities won’t believe someone like her, leaving her only one option—to run.

IS DARK ALLEYS THE FIRST BOOK YOU PUBLISHED?

No, I’ve published several others. Last year I published DECEPTION and PURSUED.  I love to write books that have an element of mystery or suspense along with some romance.

WHY DID YOU WRITE DARK ALLEYS?

I always root for the underdog—sometimes I have to do it in secret so my husband won’t know just how uncompetitive I am. Anyway, I wanted to write a story where the main character was the queen of underdogs and I think I did that.

WHAT DO YOU WANT READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM DARK ALLEYS?

At one time or another most of us end up in dark alleys, but God never deserts us. And that’s what I want readers to take away from this story. No matter what we’ve done, God never stops loving us.

 

WHAT IS YOUR WRITING PROCESS? DO YOU OUTLINE YOUR STORIES IN ADVANCE?

I am not an outliner. I wish I were—it seems easier to me. But my mind doesn’t work that way. I never know what is going to happen in my story on any given writing day. It’s as if my mind is a movie screen and I watch that day’s events and then I write it.

When I start a new story I usually have a clear picture of the main character in mind and what obstacle he/she will face.

For example, in DARK ALLEYS I knew I wanted the main character to be homeless-the very epitome of powerless-and her opponent to be very powerful. When I started the story I didn’t know why she was homeless but as the story evolved, I learned more about Tessa and what brought her to that dark alley.

In another book, PURSUED, I knew I wanted the female lead to be a powerful type A personality and the male lead to be a laid-back, down-home kind of a guy. It was fun to watch the two of them interact with each other.

DO YOU KNOW WHO THE BAD GUY IS WHEN YOUBEGIN YOUR STORY?

Not usually. Most of the time I have several characters who it might be and as the story comes to a conclusion, I am surprised right along with my readers.

In the case of DARK ALLEYS, I knew as will the readers who the bad guy is from the start. The mystery and suspense comes in from not knowing if Tessa will discover the murderer before he succeeds in his second attempt on her life.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T THINK OF MURDER MYSERIES AND SUSPENSE NOVELS AS CHRISTIAN FICTION, WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THEM?

I can certainly understand their point of view. And for some readers my stories might be a bit too graphic or edgy and that’s ok, I understand that. I would say my readers are those who like traditional suspense and mystery novels but are tired of all the explicit language and sex scenes that aren’t necessary to a good story.

I don’t promote or glorify violence in my stories and show characters experiencing the natural consequences of their bad choices and bad actions.

THEN WHAT MAKES YOUR STORIES CHRISTIAN FICTION?

My stories always have an element of faith in them. How that plays out depends on the individual plots of each specific story. My main characters are always on a spiritual journey, though some may be further along than others.

One more word about Christian Fiction, it has changed dramatically over the past ten years. Other than erotica, readers can find their favorite genre as Christian Fiction as well as mainstream fiction. There are Christian Fiction books out there for every book lover—historical; romance; regency; science fiction; even horror novels.

IF DARK ALLEYS BECOMES A MOVIE WHO WILL PLAY THE MAIN CHARACTERS?

Wouldn’t that be awesome? Usually, I have a hard time with this question but not this time. Tessa would be played by Demi Moore and Mark Lawrence (the detective) would have to be Richard Gere. And the politician would be Bruce Willis—if he would agree to act with Demi!

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?   

I have a Christmas novella that I’m finishing final edits on. It’s being published by Harbourlight Books and will be out in November or Decemeber. It’s called THE CHRISTMAS STALKING. It’s my first novella I’ve written and I loved that format so it won’t be my last.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

The Christmas Stalking: During the Christmas holidays, a country music star hides out from a stalker at a remote cabin in upstate New York. Destiny knows fame always comes with a price, but she’s tired of being a prisoner of the very fame she sacrificed so much for.

Terrorized by an unknown stalker and fearing for her life, she escapes to the summertime home of her youth. She yearns for a simpler life, but her fame follows—and so does her stalker.

The cover for THE CHRISTMAS STALKING is so awesome, you should take a look at www.lillianduncan.net

CAN YOU SHARE A GENESIS 5020 WITH US?

After high school graduation, I rebelled and chose to live a self-centered non-Christian lifestyle for more years than I care to admit. Looking back on those years, I can see where God steered me in the right direction regardless of the bad choices I was making.

 

None more obvious than when I decided I would go to college-almost 37 years ago. And yet I remember the moment quite clearly even to the point of knowing exactly where I was. I was driving toward home and was trying to decide what my major would be in college. And it was almost as if a voice spoke on the inside of me–TEACHER. I asked what kind of teacher? Deaf children the unheard voice told me.

 

Those words led me to a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and a Master’s degree in Deaf Education which led me to a more than 30 year career that I have loved and still love.God blessed me that day by guiding me to a career that was perfect for me.

 

HOW CAN READERS FIND YOU ON THE INTERNET?

My website is www.lillianduncan.net and I have a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com I’m also on Twitter as @LillianDuncan and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lillian.k.duncan

Thanks so much for sharing with my readers.

Readers, Lilllian is giving away an ebook copy of her book to one commentator. Leave a comment for Lillian by September 18 at 5:00 PM.

Part XXVIII-The Birth of Genesis 5020 September 7, 2012

We are now in 2012 of our Genesis 5020. We knew this would be the year to share our story with our church family. We were just waiting on Pastor Gayle to say now was the time.

Before we could do that we had to share with Patrick’s brother and sister and their spouses. Somehow we managed to put it off again and again which only added to my nervousness.

When Pastor Gayle gave us the date of February 12th to speak to the church we knew we had to talk to Patrick’s siblings.

Once again I was shown love and forgiveness. I still am in awe of the love that has been given to me by all these people I hurt or could have been hurt or could hate me. I don’t take it lightly and I am forever grateful for the kindness that has been shown to me.

This time also brings the birth of this blog. I felt God lay on my heart to post our story for anyone to read, to offer hope to the hurting. There is hope when you cling to Jesus, but before you can cling to Him  you must let go of yourself. 

Now we are on February 12, 2012.

This post is short because I thought if you wanted to listen to the actual talk Patrick and I shared  you can by clicking here. You will want to go to Bowing Down to Idols and that is us. Forgive all my “um’s”. Oh my. I listened to the recording and realized my default word is “um”. Yuck. Now I try to be aware of it but I am sure I fall into that word when I am thinking about what to say or I am nervous.

I hope you’ll carve out 50 minutes to give it a listen. More than anything I hope you hear our hearts. We thank you all for being a part of God’s story in our lives.

What’s your Genesis 5020? Give God the glory, don’t hold in your stories, share them! Email your Genesis 5020 to: 5020genesisstories@gmail.com Don’t send attachments, copy into the body of the email.

Write to the Point with Linore Burkard September 5, 2012

Congratulations to Jackie who won Sherri Johnson’s book last week.

Today we get write to the point with Linore Burkard.

Tell us about yourself, family, where are you from, how long have you been writing?

I’m from a large family, Melissa—eight children. We lived in a big three-story house in College Point, New York, which, despite its proximity to New York City, was a quintessential small town at that time. From my house, if you sat outside on the rickety iron fire escape up on the third floor you got a wonderful view of the Manhattan skyline. Alone in a high perch like that, I had time and space to dream big dreams. Never thought I’d be a writer, but since I wrote my first novel when I was nine, I guess I already was one!

How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior?

Well, my family was Catholic, but my parents weren’t devout. When I was a teenager, one day a few boys from a nearby Protestant church came around to where my friends and I often hung out, to “evangelize” us.  At first, we just scoffed, but they made the audacious claim that they knew they were going to heaven. To a Catholic, that sounds presumptuous and impossible. Though I dearly loved debating about any possible topic I could hold my own on, I found that I was unable to refute their claims because they were using Scripture to back them up and I was not familiar enough with the Bible to argue. I accepted an invitation to their church and ended up going to the altar to say the prayer of salvation.

Tell us about your latest book(s). What do want your readers to take away after the last page?

I want readers to finish my books with a sigh of contentment, but that’s not all. I strive to give my heroines (and in some cases, heroes) the kind of living faith that is “active,” alive with the presence of God. The Lord has been so kind to me, showing me many miraculous signs of His care and Presence, which I absolutely long to share. Using the context of history and religious experience of their day, I put my characters in situations where they must rely on faith, just as we must, today. Many readers have reported the desire to pray more after reading my books; they want to deepen their Christian walk, and that ismusic to my ears.  

My most recent books are ebooks, and they’re “novelettes.” Unlike my novels, they’re not regencies, and one is even contemporary fiction. They are meant to appeal to a broad audience (have a lower key faith element) but are very much in keeping with the sort of story I like to tell: adventure with romance! The first is Her One True Soldier, available only on Kindle for the time being.

The other is, Coach and Four: Allisandra’s Tale, which is available in most any e-format, including Kindle.

How often do you blog and what do you cover in your blog?

My blog is called Woman of Faith because by grace, that’s what I am. But like me, it’s not just one-dimensional. I post all kinds of things, from devotions I write, or guest devotions, to recipes, book reviews (by me); guest authors and pro-life musings. I try to stick to a schedule of devotions on Monday, “Beautiful Life” Wednesdays, and “Fiction Fridays.” (“Try” is the operative word.) I also do numerous book giveaways. (Right now, anyone who sends me five new subscribers, which can include their own subscription, gets a free book by me. Period. Subscriptions are free, so there’s nothing to lose! Details are on the blog.)

Can you share with us a favorite book you have read?

I have many favorites, but some of my oldest to return to again and again are the James Herriot books. Herriot is the pen name of an author who lived and worked as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales—he is a natural master storyteller, and his tales are laugh-out-loud funny and yet poignant. Other favorite authors are Jane Austen, Dickens, and Pearl S. Buck. A recent book I enjoyed was The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennett (It’s a hoot–not Christian, but clean) and, in nonfiction, Broken Down House, by Paul David Tripp.

Can you share with us a Genesis 5020 in your life?

When I was young, only thirteen, I had a traumatic experience with an eighteen year old boy. It was date-rape, statutory rape, but being thirteen, I kept it to myself. I was distrustful of the entire male sex for many years, and not a little traumatized. But the Lord used it for good in my life. My family was troubled, and I had many opportunities to be as wild as I wanted, but, largely because of this experience, I didn’t want to. I had boyfriends, but I was angry. My motto was, “Look, but don’t touch!” God used that anger and kept me clean for when I became His child and later, for my husband.

Do you have a life and/or a ministry verse?

I have several, but the first one that the Lord used in my journey to Him was “He that finds his life will lose it; but he that loses his life for my sake, will find it.”(Luke 17:33) Early in our Christian walk we have choices, and we need to choose the narrow path, the way to life. This verse always helped me see that when I consciously chose to “lose my life” (by going to church, going to Bible Study, not sleeping in, etc.), I was paradoxically finding REAL life. For Christians, it’s second nature to do Christian things, but for new believers it’s a stretch! We are called to a life of sacrifice, and so this verse continues to empower and encourage me.    

Where can we find you on the web?

Home-base is my website, but I love to entertain guests at home and on my blog, so come on by! I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and GoodReads, to name a few.

What are you working on right now?

In between homeschooling and getting my house ready for an appraisal, I’m writing a really fun regency time-travel (think: “Kate and Leopold.”)  I had to drop this project for a long time but I’m so happy to be at it again. In October, I’m part of a Greater Harvest Workshops Day For Writers, which raises another of my labors of love: mentoring and editing other writers.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Linore.

Readers, Linore has a great treat for you. You may choose from any of Linore’s books, even her new ebooks. All you have to do is leave a comment and subscribe to her blog, so let us know in your comment that you have signed up to follow her blog (not mine). Do all of this by September 11 at 5:00 PM . Not sure what books she has? Go to her blog to see them all.