Monday, November 24, 2008

ROMANTIC TIMES REVIEW

I can't help but share my news! I've just learned that Romantic Times Magazine has given my book, No Place For A Lady, a 4 1/2 star review! At first I wasn't sure that it meant alot, but my marketing director said that that's the highest review that they give. She said the magazine is considered "the Bible" for readers for book buying, and has a circulation of 100,000 readers.

That's pretty wonderful for a new writer, and definitely wasn't something I was expecting. I feel very honored. I've had so much support from my family,critique partners, my publisher and agent. God's hand has been involved in the entire process. The one thing I want my readers to come away with is that Christ will reveal new truths to them through reading my story. Nothing could give me greater pleasure! :)

Sunday, November 16, 2008

A Writer's Recipe for Saving Time

One thing is for sure for a writer. There never seems to be enough time to "get 'er done"! I want to be able to eat nutrious meals but at the same time, planning can be tricky if you are on deadline or get so involved with your work that you haven't even planned dinner. My daughter-in-law, Amy and son, Jared had us over for dinner Saturday night. They served this delicious soup that's quick and easy to make, unlike some of mine that take a lot of preparation. We loved it! You can add as much or as little red pepper to suit you're own personal taste buds. In fact, it would be the perfect soup to serve this Thanksgiving or anytime during the winter along with thick, crusty bread. Enjoy! And leave me a comment if you do decide to make it.

PUMPKIN AND BLACK BEAN SOUP

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil,
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 C canned or packaged vegetable stock
1 can (14 ½ oz) diced tomatoes in juice
1 can (15 ½ oz) black beans, drained
2 cans (15 oz) pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin
1 C of heavy cream
1 Tbsp curry powder,
1½ tsp ground cumin,
½ tsp cayenne pepper or less depending on your taste
Coarse salt
20 blades fresh chives, chopped or snipped for garnish

Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add oil. When oil is hot, add onion. Sauté onions 5 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, black beans & pumpkin. Stir to combine ingredients & bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and stir in cream, curry cumin, cayenne and salt, to taste. Simmer 5 minutes, adjust seasonings and serve garnished with chopped chives.




Thursday, November 06, 2008

AUTUMN DELIGHT

November so far has been perfect fall weather and I relish walking through my neighborhood each afternoon admiring the canvas of God’s handiwork. His painting was so vivid that I decided to take my camera along on my walk yesterday. I took lots of shots and thought that I would post one.

As usual, I’m energized and observe the deep orange, brilliant reds, and burnished gold from the oaks, sweetgum, and maples on either side of the boulevard. I think God speaks to my heart through what I see reminding me of his goodness, and the fact that he remains faithful beyond what we humans can begin to conceive or even comprehend.

He does this in many ways, but one that’s so evident to anyone with a pair of eyes, is by ushering in fall with all its brilliancy on time without fail. The cerulean sky is cloudless and bright as I look up knowing that beyond this atmosphere is the 3rd heaven in all its splendor where He sits at the right hand of the Father. I contemplate my loved ones who’ve passed from this life, awaiting the time that they will return to this earth to reign with him right where Kind David ruled in Israel and my soul is comforted. Now, I ask you how cool is that? God said Heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool, from where He observes "the poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word". (Isaiah 66:1-2). He’s not saying that we should be scared of him, but rather that we take His Word seriously and be humbled at His sovereignty.

There are 3 heavens. One is the atmosphere where the birds, the wind and clouds are. The 2nd heaven is the celestial heaven where the sun, moon and our solar system hangs. The 3rd heaven is where God dwells. He has placed eternity in our hearts and nothing else will entirely satisfy us while we have our temporary existence here.

I’m reminded that my hope is in Heaven and not Washington. Have you considered this?