True Autumn Glory

Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. 

Psalm 125:5-6

This is a timely verse for Autumn, a time of reaping what has been sown, of farm-stands dotted with orange pumpkins and squash and corn. 

  "Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow"--the image is of farmers who  carry onerous bags of seed across their fields, laboriously sowing row after row. Their work is so hard, the seed so heavy, they weep.   

"Will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." But then they reap the bounty of harvest. The sheaves of wheat or other grain, are their reward. They have armfuls of them to show for their labor. Food for home and families.

   But I urge you to look past the agricultural image and see the deeper spiritual meaning. 

The "seed to sow" represents our prayers. We carry them to the Lord in what often feels like a burden, a labor.  

I don't know about you, but I can rarely come before God without shedding tears over the "seeds" I carry. The heartfelt pleas for lost loved ones, for needs and requests that, apart from grace, could weigh me down. 

I "plant" my seeds into the LORD's loving hands. And I know the joy will come. Answered prayer. Miracles. Intervention where none could be seen coming; help where none was expected; healing where there was hurt; saved souls where there was darkness and hopelessness. Sometimes the answer is "no," or "wait"--but plant the seed of prayer and joy is on the way.  

This is true Autumn glory--God's assurance that when we sow in tears, we will reap in joy. 

Weeping may tarry for the night,

    but joy comes with the morning. 
Psalm 30:5

A free book on Amazon this week may help you find determination to spend more time in prayer. The Lost Art of Intercession. I haven't read it yet but share it in the hope that it's well written and encouraging.  

Till next time,blessings and grace,Linore

NOW AVAILABLE!

NEW! THE PULSE EFFEX BOX SET

SAVE 50% OFF THE PRICE OF INDIVIDUAL BOOKS!

NOT SURE? READ A SNEAK PEEK AT BOOK ONE IN THE SERIES. 

Autumn Wonders

View  on our property

Don't you love Autumn?

Here in Ohio, we've had 85 degree weather for the last week--not very autumnal--but today it dropped to 55. A thirty degree change overnight--that's Ohio! But I welcome it, for I love the chill in the air, the turning of the leaves, the crisp footfalls through leaves as I hike, and the deep blue sky.

While storms are rocking other parts of the country (our family prays for those affected), here is most definitely a beautiful pumpkin-harvest fall. Over the next few weeks, I'll post images from my area, and other things that delight me at this time of year--beginning with a fall poem.

I'll be posting more autumnal beauty, poetry, recipes and quotes--so stay tuned. :)
Enjoy!

 Autumn

 By Gerald E. Greene

                                           The heat of summer slowly dissipates.

Long days grow shorter and the weather cools,

as Autumn equinox delineates,

when children move from beaches back to schools,

and leaves begin to dry as sap recedes,

preparing for their colorful array.

When frost arrives with glistening silver beads,

Fall’s arbor shines in glorious display,

while pumpkins ripen in the farmer’s field.

Thanksgiving overflows from grateful breast,

with larders full of generous summer yield,

and nature slows for winter’s frozen rest.

Bright leaves fall, leaving twigs and branches bare,

as forest floors acclaim autumnal flare.

Gerald E. Greene is the author of Kaleidoscope - A Poetry Collection

"Harvest Time" by Alfred A. Glendening

Writing Update:
My time-travel regency is with my agent. I'll keep you posted on its progress and publishing plans! 

Happy Autumn! See you soon,

Linore 

The Country House Courtship
PRINT EDITION NOW AVAILABLE! (click here)

[Amazon really messed up the book description--it's one big jumbled mess, despite my efforts and emails--click the ebook version to read it the way it SHOULD look. Amazon has recently decided to become a printer of books instead of just a seller of them. Sadly, they have a long way to go in terms of quality control.]  

Metamorphosis of a Novel, Part III

In the last two posts, we saw how my novel Before the Season Ends, was transformed from its first, self-published edition to a new one with Harvest House Publishers. The book was well received and so popular with many Christian authors that a bunch of them went on to write regencies themselves.

Today, I'll show two other editions of the book from Harvest House Publishers.
FIRST, A PICTORIAL RECAP:

1. The Self Published Edition

2. The Harvest House Edition

I loved this cover. The model captured Ariana perfectly.(Mr. Mornay, not!)  

OTHER EDITIONS

And here's the other editions from Harvest House (Yea, Harvest House! They were great to work with, by the way, and wonderful to do so many editions of the book. They've got great people over there. My editor, Nick Harrison, has moved on from being a Senior Editor with them to a literary agent with WordServe Literary.)  

3. Large Print Edition

This is a hard back, beautiful version of the book.

4. Before the Season Ends--Russian Edition

There may be a book club edition also;  I have a copy of the sequel in a hardcover book club edition, but couldn't find it for this one. (If YOU have a book club edition of  Before the Season Ends, please send me a picture! Thank you.)  There were also, of course, kindle, Nook, and EPub editions.  

I have to say that getting letters from Russian readers was thrilling. Each one was incredibly SWEET. They seem to be the nicest people you could ever want to meet. (At least, the readers of historical romance are!)

I've been privileged and blessed with this book and its "metamorphoses."

THE NEWEST EDITION

Here's the latest Lilliput Press edition--newly revised and edited, with some new content added, a bonus recipe and bigger glossary. There's also a foreword from Nick Harrison, the editor who acquired the book for Harvest House.

The new imprint has been accepted into the Library of Congress and the LCCN# has now been added to the copyright page. (So excited about that!)   

WHAT'S NEXT

Next stop: Audible! (ACX) The cover is already prepared. :) 

If you're published, do you have books that have gone through a metamorphosis? Self-pubbed to traditional? If it's a clean read, leave your links so we can take a look. Thanks!

Warmest Blessings,

Linore

Tip for Writers:

1. Do you have a book that is with a publisher but out of print? See if you can get the rights reverted back to you. (The conditions under which you can do this are probably in your contract.) By getting back the rights, you can edit your original work--if desired--and give a book new life!  I've mentioned how Harvest House was so easy to work with. This was another instance where that was true. I had merely to send a letter requesting the rights to my three books with them, and I got them back. You will get legal documentation of this so that there is no question of copyright infringement when you re-publish.    

  

The Mad, Mad, World Giveaway Winner!

Much thanks to all of you for your marvelous comments in this giveaway--such fun!

Using random.org, the winner drawn is CAT WILKE. 

Congratulations, Cat!

Please choose a book from my regency series:  

Stay tuned next week as I share "The Metamorphosis of a Novel" and run another giveaway.

I'll be showing the various editions of my first novel, telling a little "behind the scenes" info. about each one. I'll hold another drawing for a free book. 

In the meantime, if you haven't seen the hilarious comments from the original post, take a look. (It will give you a chuckle or two.)

See you soon!

Linore
http://www.LinoreBurkard.com
http://www.LRBurkard.com

Shedding the Weight of Bitterness

This short devo is from The Christian Pulse and such a great reminder that I wanted to share it with you. All too recently I've been here--allowing bitterness to take root without my truly acknowledging it--or repenting of it. It's always a good idea to keep short accounts with God--and others. Don't let things simmer...the pot always and only gets hotter.

Vacation Declaration

Posted: 18 Mar 2016 01:11 PM PDT

By Cindy Martin –

How much unforgiveness are you carrying? 

On a recent family vacation, during a time of casual conversation, our 13 year old daughter made the following spontaneous declaration, “I tried holding a grudge once, but it was too much work.” The manner in which she expressed herself caused us all to chuckle enthusiastically. Revealing her deep desire for meaningful relationships, she followed up by saying, “I just wanted to talk with my friend”.
While her little pronouncement has brought me much amusement, it has also challenged me to reflect on the high cost of unforgiveness. Hebrews 12:15 reads, “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many” (NLT). We learn in this verse that by withholding forgiveness, we are depriving others and ourselves of God’s grace. It also reminds us that the choice not to forgive results in many unexpected and destructive happenings in our life. While forgiveness leads to peace, unforgiveness leads to misery and our misery poisons those around us. Many of us have experienced the harsh stinging words or attitude of someone else’s misery. Perhaps, we’ve been the ones extending misery instead of grace.

Forgiveness is not forgetting, denying, approving of or excusing another person’s actions. Rather it is an active choice to be a conduit of God’s grace. Refusing to forgive is choosing to stay tied to someone in a link that is sometimes stronger than steel. God’s work of grace in our hearts to extend forgiveness is the only pathway to release. When we choose to forgive, we are untying ourselves, freeing ourselves from an often suffocating weight in our lives.
Matthew 6:15 explains another way we feel the weight of unforgiveness in our lives, “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (NLT). Whether it’s the weight of being tied to another person (or persons) or the heaviness of our own unforgiven sin, my daughter was right, “it is too much work.” The load is overwhelming and the loss of intimacy in our relationship with our heavenly Father stifles His work in and through us. God never intended it to be this way. He modelled ultimate mercy and pardon so that we could enjoy the life giving lightness and freedom that forgiveness brings.
Prayer: Lord, please show me if there is any unforgiveness in my life that is weighing me down. If there is, I ask You to do a work of grace in my heart. Help me to choose to follow Your example of mercy and forgiveness.
Verse: “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13 NLT).

You can subscribe to the Christian Pulse for free here.

New, New, New!

The sequel to PULSE is here!

Available for pre-order on Amazon.

It takes faith to be resilient.

Now that an EMP has sent the United States into a seeming Dark Age, society has fallen apart at the seams. Andrea, Lexie and Sarah must survive despite the loss of technology, electricity, and worse, the threats of marauders and lawless opportunists. The appearance of FEMA camps might be reassuring except that the military seem determined to force civilians to enter them.

Is the US government also a threat?

And can the country recover from the loss of technology before everyone--and everything--is destroyed?

COMING APRIL 29TH! PRE-ORDER NOW!  

Blog for Sale! (And Winner Announcement)

Yesterday's post went out by accident, so I apologize for the missing winner announcement.

I  still can't figure out how that happened, but in any case, here is the winner of the current giveaway: 

 

 

Veronica Sternberg!*

 

 

 BLOG FOR SALE

When I first started this blog, I called it "Today's Woman of Faith" because I was posting devotionals and Christian content with regard to books, ministries, and current events.

I've veered away from those posts--not because I'm less interested in these things but I really enjoy sharing information regarding healthy living and "honest learning." So I've prayed about it and agonized over it and I've decided to put the blog up for sale so that I can start one with a title that is more fitting for my content.

 

Do you know of a ministry that might want the WOMAN OF FAITH blog to call their own? Please spread the word that it's up for sale.

  

As for what to title my new blog? I need your help with that!

There are literally tons of food blogs and recipe blogs, but mine will be geared towards healthy living AND learning. I'll continue to feature Organic recipes, Paleo recipes, make it yourself home products and beauty products, etc. But it will also have posts on visiting museums and historic sites, since I love to do those things and share my experiences.

If you have an idea of something to call such a blog that can incorporate these interests beneath one umbrella--send it along. I'm putting together a basket of goodies for someone who sends me a winning name.

It's not that I see my current interests as clashing with the "Woman of Faith" title, but I recognize that women who lead ministries for other women could make better use of it. And I think it fails to describe the content I've been putting up.

So--as my readers, what do you think? Do you like the idea of my re-vamping what I'm doing with a new blog, new title, to better fit my healthy living and learning themes?

 I appreciate the feedback I've already received on this question, but please keep sending in your thoughts and ideas. What blog title would grab YOUR interest? What sort of content would make you check the blog often for new posts?

Regarding the sale of this blog: Interested parties please email me for details at Linore (at) LinoreBurkard (dot) com.
(*Veronica, please send me your complete mailing address via the above email so I can send out your prize!)        

Contest Winner!

The winner of 365 Ways to Prepare for Christmas is Karen K!  Congratulations, Karen! I'll get your book in the mail right away.


Just Sayin':
The blog has been REALLY quiet, and many of you have missed opportunities to win free books. I've had two readers who have won more than once recently (including, now, Karen) as they have simply taken a moment to leave a comment after a post!

Let me encourage you to participate.

My goal is to run drawings throughout 2013, so be sure to open WOMAN OF FAITH emails when you see them. Read the post, leave a comment, and perhaps win a book. It's that easy.

Besides the chance to win, it helps me get to know you. 

While I haven't had a new full-length fiction release this past year, I have manuscripts with my agent and I'd love to know you're getting the news when one gets picked up by a publisher. So please subscribe now if you haven't already!

Before you go:
Don't forget that my Christmas ebook is still available at a sale price! 

         Regency House Christmas: The Definitive Guide to a Remarkably Regency Yuletide!

Read more about it, or get your copy here.

Find out some fascinating facts about a Regency Christmas from my recent post to "Regency Reflections".

Thanks, and
Warmest Blessings,

Linore

Why Christians Must Vote

Politics is a touchy issue, and I know I run the risk of alienating readers with this post. But hey, it's my blog,  and I'll rant if I want to.  And here's the reason I want to:

It came to my attention recently that a lovely Christian couple of my acquaintance were not planning on voting this year. I was saddened, to say the least.  It made me think about why we should vote, and how being people of faith only adds incentive to that responsibility.

And make no mistake, voting is a responsibility. These misguided people (and many Americans) evidently think of it as an optional activity, to be exercised only if they wholeheartedly approve of a candidate.This is naive.

First of all, there's this principle which says that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction. Jesus said "He that is not with me, is against me." (Matthew 12:40)
Obama could say, "He that votes not against me, votes for me."

Here's the thing: By abandoning their responsibility to choose the candidate who comes CLOSEST to their values, they are by default casting a vote in favor of the one who doesn't. 

"Well, I can't vote for a Mormon," they say.

 ..If Christians abandon the political playing field, they do not leave it empty. They leave it to the other side to come and fill the dugout.

Puh-lease! Jimmy Carter furthered his platform by claiming to be a "born again" Christian, and yet, until Mr. Obama came along, his was the single most disastrous presidency of this country's history. While it's true that Christian principles are what made this nation great, it doesn't mean that just being Christian will make someone a good leader, no more than being Christian makes someone a good worship leader or preacher. And if  neither candidate running has the track record of being effective at Christian leadership, then you choose the one who at least supports godly values. Romney takes the record for that over Obama OVERWHELMINGLY. (Not to mention that Romney's running mate is a Bible believing Christian, a Catholic.)

Mr. Obama has consistently acted against Christian principles, but that could fill a post in itself. 

(Did you catch Joe Biden saying his life has been shaped by his Catholicism? Right. And I have a bridge to sell you...)

One preacher put it this way: "I'd rather vote for a Mormon than a moron."

 One preacher put it this way: "I'd rather vote for a Mormon than a moron."

The point is that if Christians abandon the political playing field, they do not leave it empty. They leave it to the other side to come and fill the dugout. As we have seen over the course of the history of this country, misguided Christian people feeling they should stay out of politics has done nothing but empty the field of good people. My husband has long held that the (sorry) state of our nation is because of the church not stepping up to the plate--not participating on the field.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."  We've all heard this before. But are you aware, dear Christian, that by not casting your vote for the better candidate you are effectively doing NOTHING to prevent the triumph of evil in the political arena?

It's more than sad, it's a waste of a privilege. Heck, it's a sin. Voting is a privilege, a right, AND a responsibility.
I will unashamedly cast my vote against the current president who has voted against my Christian principles time and time again. Why? Because I am a woman of God.

That's my rant. 
See you at the polls.

Devo Monday is Back! With thoughts today from Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Believing God
Nancy Leigh DeMoss: “We have no right to be believed so long as we can be explained.” Pastor Adrian Rogers said that at a conference years ago, and it’s stuck with me. “We have no right to be believed so long as we can be explained.” 

A lot of what takes place in the Christian world today can be easily explained in human terms. We rely on natural human efforts and energy, human abilities and plans. 

But have you ever wondered what would happen if God’s people began to operate in the realm of the supernatural? What if we believed Him for the impossible: for broken marriages to be healed? For salvation for unbelieving friends? For transformation of wayward children? For a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit in genuine revival? 

When the world begins to see the reality of God’s power in our lives, when we can no longer be explained, we’ll have earned the right to be believed. 

What do you think? Does this make sense to you?  

I think it's good food for thought, but consider this: The story of my life is God coming in and making something beautiful of my mess. It can't be explained in human terms alone; Unfortunately, to many people, this STILL isn't enough.

I agree that the unexplainable helps point to the reality of God, but the truth is that people will not believe unless the Spirit draws them--no matter what. When I consider that the crowds which cried out for the crucifixion of Jesus may very well have witnessed some of his "unexplainable" miracles, it just goes to show that having the right to be believed doesn't mean it's always going to happen.

I know many Christians who DO "operate in the realm of the supernatural." Personally, I have believed God for miracles in this life and seen them happen! It doesn't make my unbelieving friend or sister turn to faith, though. And this is a good thing. It doesn't depend on me, whether or not they come to Christ. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that blind eyes can be opened. (Whew!)

Come, Holy Spirit; open blind eyes to see the beauty of the Lord!  

Warmest Blessings,

Linore

Book Spotlight and Giveaway of Journey's Edge

by Dora Hiers

" An outstanding debut novel. Well-written, and packed with ample emotion, suspense, and entertainment. In Journey's End, [Hiers] has without doubt begun a promising journey of her own. I anticipate the next offering from this talented writer."
Delia Latham


Welcome to Fiction Friday here at Woman of Faith, where you can win a copy of debut author Dora Hiers's Journey's Edge!

(Dora has graciously offered to award one reader with a free book. Leave a comment after the post with contact info for a chance to win this exciting new story!)

Dora says the faith element in her novel comes from the following verse:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor 5:17(NIV)

The cover of the book looks like this journey will have readers on the edge of their seats! According to the back cover description, it just might:

A Routine Audit? Hardly.

Red flags—including some goon who's following her—raise McKinley Frasier's suspicions that numbers don't add up at the insurance firm. When someone tries to snatch McKinley's daughter from school, she turns to police officer and ex-fiance, Renner Crossman—the cop who walked out on her a month before their wedding. But Renner's not the same guy who broke her heart ten years ago. He calls himself a "new man." She trusts the new Renner with her daughter's safety...but what about her heart?

Now, thanks to Dora, we can view the story from the hero's eyes, Renner Crossman, himself:

"Hey. Renner here. The new and improved version, not the old Renner, the jerk who seduced women, then dumped them. Walls painted white by God’s grace, I’m determined to set things right with people I’ve wronged in my life. Beginning with Kinny.

Beautiful, wholesome, pristine Kinny. Like springtime opening her arms wide after a long, harsh winter; new blossoms popping out to embrace the sun. Unspoiled, if you catch my drift, until a month before our wedding date.

So, I called Kinny a few days ago to apologize, right? Got her voice mail and left her a message asking to meet in person. I could have called that number a hundred times just to hear that sweet voice. Yeah, I’m so not over her.

But, I did the right thing breaking up with her, even if it was lousy timing. She blamed me for the deaths of her mother and brother. Well, not me, but the badge in general.

Ten years later, I’m still a cop, just a different kind: a Deputy U.S. Marshal. That won’t matter to Kinny, though. I still carry a gun and a badge. So, it’s probably best that she blew me off and didn’t show up tonight. With an early morning appointment for a job transfer to Charlotte and plans to hunt down a house near my friends, my plate’s mighty full.

When Kinny stumbles into my room after midnight, a thug hot on her heels, what choice do I have but to protect her? Will she still see me as the “old” Renner? Or can I model the “new man” in Christ?

Sounds like an interesting journey, indeed. Ready to grab a copy? Show your support for a new Christian author, and show the world that Christian women not only have spending power but CHOOSE to use it for quality, clean, fiction.

Buy from Amazon:

Buy from the publisher: Pelican Book Group:

Or, buy an autographed copy at Dora's blog: http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/

After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son didn’t want her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing heart racing, God-gracing books. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers. Dora and her husband make their home in North Carolina. When she’s not writing, Dora enjoys reading and family gatherings. She despises traffic, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with happily-ever-after’s.

Readers can connect with Dora at her website: http://www.dorahiers.com,

or on Facebook: Dora Hiers Author,

or Twitter: @DoraHiers

Thanks for coming by and don't forget to leave a comment (with contact info.)for your chance to win a copy of Dora's book!

Winner Announcement!

The winner of the drawing from last week's fiction Friday is Lynn!

There's a new giveaway just about every time I host an author here on the blog, which means almost weekly. And you'll only find posts about authors and books that will appeal to you, Christian women of faith. The rules to enter a giveaway are ridiculously simple: Just leave a comment after the post (include a way to contact you, such as your email) and that's it!

What Did Lynn Win?
Last week's giveaway was a surprise package. After I hear that Lynn has received it, I'll post the contents. I've decided to do a surprise package every now and then, so that instead of winning just one book, it'll be a couple of them, and some add-ins that are either pretty, fun, tasty, or all of the above!

Don't forget to tune in this coming Friday, when I'll be hosting Carrie Turansky with her new release, A Man To Trust.

Read This for a Valentine's Day Treat

NOTE: Winner of The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson is GRANNYD.Congratulations,Granny, and thanks to everyone who entered last week!

I promised I'd only post about books I could endorse for you. Today's belated "Fiction Friday" post, "Love Under the Bubble Wrap," is one I'm happy to let you know about--and just in time for Valentine's Day!


No, it's not a Valentine's Day story, but it begins with the arrival of a mysterious gift (hence, the bubble wrap). And it's fun and sweet and even romantic --perfect as a Valentine's Day gift for yourself.

According to the author, this is a novelette--short fiction, so it won't consume your whole day (or evening). Just curl up with some dark chocolate and get cozy.
Best of all? It's available for only .99 on Amazon Kindle!
You can't beat that price for a treat.

No Kindle? No Problem

Eventually, Donna will get it on Nook and Sony and other formats, but for now,
if you don't have a kindle, get the FREE Kindle App from Amazon and read it on your pc, iphone, ipad, or android.

Not Your Typical Heroine

Donna's story is one you'll really want to devour because the female leading lady isn't your typical twenty-something reedy willow who's drop-dead gorgeous. No, ladies--this is a story about YOU. This is a story about ME. That's the fun of it, too.

Here's the Amazon Blurb:
"Love Under the Bubble Wrap"- A novelette. A sweet escape for anyone wanting to discover love in everyday life. A charming, witty, engaging short story. - Mary DeMuth, author of The Muir House

"With a story aimed to encourage older marrieds (not just singles), Donna Shepherd's characters are as familiar as a best friend and yet this tale is as fresh as an unopened present. Realistic and humorous--can't wait to see more from Ms. Shepherd!" - Linore Rose Burkard, author of Before the Season Ends. (Hey, that name sounds familiar. Really.)

Product Description
"Love Under the Bubble Wrap" hits the mark for fun with a short story sure to tickle the hearts of women, married or single, young or old. Ms. Shepherd's debut romantic escape resonates with comedy, love, and enough mystery to keep the pages turning. The perfect length to read on your lunch break - or anytime!


Donna J. Shepherd is best-known for her children's books, although the members of the church she and her husband pastor might think it's for singing on Sundays, or leading women's groups. Besides writing children's books, Donna does voice-overs, and is the Co-Leader (with me) of Greater Harvest Workshops for Writers. Donna also loves to blog! Visit her on her website or one of her many blogs at:

Devotionals by Donna: http://www.devotionalsbydonna.com
Topsy Turvy Land: http://www.topsyturvyland.com
Donna and Friends: http://www.donnashepherdandfriends.blogspot.com
Reviews by Donna: http://www.reviewsbydonnashepherd.blogspot.com/
Recipes by Donna: http://www.recipesbydonna.blogspot.com/
Oodles of Fun (Dog Blog): http://www.poodleanddoodle.blogspot.com
VoiceOvers by Donna: http://donna-shepherd.blogspot.com/

My Ratings for "Love Under the Bubble Wrap" (to help you assess this work)
Five Star
Contemporary romance
Sweet, funny
Faith Element: Low

EXTRA: A New You-Tube video to Donna's latest book for children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tINWwlRj8zg

Giveaway Alert!

Let us know what you think of the story! Don't wait to get a copy--it's only .99 cents, but you can also win a copy for a friend, loved one, mother, daughter, sister, etc. by leaving us a comment about how you liked it. Winner's name will be posted next week. So get your copy of "Love Under the Bubble Wrap," right away!

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/

Beautiful Life Wednesday: Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark

I received this bit of wisdom from a friend via email a long time ago. It was one of those viral messages that get passed around but I saved it because it was so concise and yet spot-on.

I'm posting it as I got it, and then beneath that, with a teensy bit of commentary.

Everything I Need to Know, I Learned From Noah's Ark

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something
really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow
waiting.

Now here's the same again with just a dash of my opinionated comments. : )

ONE: Don't miss the boat. [Stay alert to what's happening in the world and around you. Opportunities don't come with neon lights.]

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat. [No one has it easy in life. Don't judge yourself against other people--you don't know what they're going through or have survived to get where they are.]

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. [Listen to wise voices who know more than you and act accordingly.]

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. [You don't know how long you'll live but staying fit is a gift you can give your future self and loved ones.You can accomplish much more than you think, at virtually any age.]

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
[That includes your own inner critic.]

SIX: Build your future on high ground.[Trust the tried-and-true, like biblical principles that have prospered civilizations wherever they take hold. Christian nations are never ruled by despots and tyrants--not even communists, for that matter.]

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.[Marriage is a good thing. And "a three-fold cord is not easily broken."]

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.[Do the groundwork before starting any venture; take time to arm yourself with the knowledge you need, and, even if you're a snail, you'll catch up and overtake the cheetahs with your capabilities and expertise.]

NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile. [Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy! A well-rested individual can work and think at peak performance; All work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) dull!

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. [I'm in the process of writing a book set on Titanic, so this one really struck me. The Ark was built by amateurs, perhaps, but was directed by a PROFESSIONAL--God himself. Seek GOD daily.]

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. [Amen.]

Remember, it really is a beautiful life. Just keep it in perspective (God's perspective, that is!)

If you were writing the above tips, is there another you'd include? What little bit of wisdom do you live by that's based on a biblical principle? Leave your comment. I'll send one commenter a free copy of one of my books!


Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: http://www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/

Are you a woman of faith? Do you have a website, a book, a mission to help others? Let me know and I'll consider adding your link to this page. I'm just starting this (my fourth blog) as I've been unceremoniously "locked" out of my other accounts. I've gone through the "help" loop time and again only to find the door firmly shut. I can't access the editorial area of the blogs to add to them--and guess what--Blogger doesn't offer any live help.

So here I am. Here we are.
I learned a long time ago that if God closes a door, He always opens a window.
This time, three doors were shut all at once. But this is my window. (In fact, I don't even remember EVER setting up this blog, but there it was in my email. A note from Google telling me this blog was in my name (my first name only, but it's a rare name. Linore, with an 'i' where most people spell it with an 'e'.) I have no idea where it's been hiding for the last few years that I've been online, or why google never told me about it, sooner. Strange, huh? I'm just going to accept it as a "God" thing. The same day I can't access my other accounts, this one, by the name of "Woman of Faith" is sent to me.

And the truth is, that is what I am. A woman of faith.

What about you?