Saying Goodbye--For Now

I haven't posted in awhile, so I thought I'd let you know that

I did not fall off the planet. (In case you were wondering.)
Haven't gone to my heavenly home.
No--I've been, it seems, in the netherworld of INDECISION.

I see that, now. I also recognize that I need to say an official farewell, to you, my faithful friends and readers! It's time to switch out this blog for something that aligns more closely with my current pursuits.   

Here's the thing:
This blog has been with me for some time now. When I started, my idea was to share the devotionals I enjoy writing, as well as other inspirational posts to support and encourage believers and writers (among whom I have many friends).

As a published author of inspirational romance, I like to write. The blog was a forum. Simple, right?

Not so. I'm still a Christian and still a writer, but my blog focus began shifting from devotionals and Christian issues to other stuff. (Lots of writers post devotionals and some of them do it really, really well. How many of us need another source?)

Then, just to complicate matters further, my WRITING focus started to shift. Instead of crafting novels, which I enjoy doing, I started dreaming of a children's series. Not just any series, but one that would combine my love of children's stories with my passion for Paleo-style food. Voila! A new venture was born. A venture that doesn't exactly fit beneath the heading of "Woman of Faith."

Am I a woman of faith? Yes! At my deepest, darkest moments I may get angry with my Lord and shout all kinds of undeserved things in His direction, but I would find it impossible to ever lose my "faith"--that would be like trying to deny my husband exists. Ain't gonna happen. I've had too many encounters with Jesus to ever doubt Him. (That's another work in progress, by the way. For my family if no one else, an autobiography of my "God-encounters." God is awesome! I want my family, including my descendants, to know it.)

But being a woman of faith and maintaining a blog called "Woman of Faith" are two different things. One is inescapable--that is who I am, by God's grace. A woman redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. A sinner saved by grace, written in the Lamb's Book of Life, not due to any merit on my part. A human being given the greatest honor possible...to know the Lord!

The other gets tricky.
It takes time, planning, forethought, and all that stuff to maintain a good blog.
So, the INDECISION was whether to cut the cord on this baby and let it go.....or not.
My absence was a sort of default option, letting it go by sheer neglect while I focused on the kids, all five of whom are still at home, and that Paleo lifestyle I've adopted. (I told you about that, right? 
It takes time, planning, forethought and all that stuff to maintain a healthy family and kitchen. And I want to create a blog that is a reflection of where my time, planning and forethought are going.)

I also lost a much loved sister-in-law this September. The summer was tinted with grief, knowing she was failing, and it became a flood of sorrow for me. I mention it only because it contributed to my absence from blogging. But, in my grief, I did a lot of reflecting.   
   

And now, much as I've enjoyed this place, I'm saying goodbye...for the time being.

I've got one children's picture book in the works and a whole series after that, for tweens.
I've got novels to work on, too, and I'll check in now and then just to let you know how they're doing.
In the meantime, I sincerely pray that all of you wonderful friends and believers and writers will
continue to be beautiful women of faith, and keep that faith well,
stay in touch,
and leave a little room in your heart for me for when I manage to revive this blog.

Thank you for being with me. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a writer doesn't come with royalty checks. It's YOU--readers!

I'll send out a post when my new blog is up and running, along with an invite so you can come along
on the new journey of health and well-being, and kid lit. I believe with all my heart that if any people in the world should know how to live well, it is God's people. The Paleo lifestyle, despite its name (Paleo, short for Paleolithic) is in reality a call to return to food as God made it.


But more of that on the new blog...
Stay tuned for my invite!
Warmest Blessings,

Linore
PS: When I say to keep in touch, I mean it! Please feel free to contact me at Linore (at) LinoreBurkard (dot) com, or leave a comment here. I love to hear from you.

   

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

Can I Trust This Man?

Every woman asks herself this question when she's considering a relationship. No woman would
willingly marry a man she felt she couldn't trust.

Would you?

Welcome to Woman of Faith, where I am happy to introduce you to author Carrie Turansky's latest release: A Man To Trust.

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Faith Element: High

A Man To Trust, Love Inspired, March 2012

After years spent helping run her family’s Christian Bookstore, it’s time for Adrie Chandler to give her own dream of playing flute as part of a symphony, a chance. But can she really trust the beloved shop to new manager Ross Peterson? The man is too handsome, too charming…too much a reminder of another dream Adrie had to let go of – marriage. Yet Ross surprises her by knowing a thing or two about making sacrifices. Suddenly, Adrie’s questioning what she really wants, after all. And whether the dreams she once thought unlikely are actually--with a man to trust--within reach.

"I thoroughly enjoyed Carrie Turansky's first book in this series, and was eager to return to her realistic and memorable characters in the quaint town of Fairhaven.

I loved the welcoming and cozy bookstore, Bayside Books (it made me think of a grownup version of The Shop Around the Corner in the movie, "You've Got Mail") and the entire setting of the story along the bay--so picturesque. I even learned about clam digging. I loved seeing both main characters confront and work through the emotional issues of their pasts, then realistically grow in sacrificial love. And I loved finding again what Carrie Turansky is so well known for writing--a satisfying story with a warm, and happy ending."

Cathy Golhke, Reviewer

Purchase link:

http://www.carrieturansky.com/books/amantotrust.html

Thanks for coming by Woman of Faith, Carrie. Before you go,
I'd like to get your answers to a few questions that readers often ask authors:

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect in writing?

One of the most challenging skills a writer needs to learn is to silence the internal editor that slows you down and questions every word and sentence. Turning her off helps your creativity flow. You can write more quickly and your unique writer’s voice appears on the page.

2 . Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?

For me, the ideas and characters simmer together at the same time. I like to use resources from My Book Therapy (Susan May Warren) and Michael Hague to create my characters and plot. Both of these teachers encourage you to work on your characters and plot at the same time, step by step.

3. Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

In A Man To Trust, the heroine, Adrie Chandler, is trying to decide what’s more important to her in life. She has spent years training as a classical musician and wants to play her flute professionally with a symphony, but when the opportunity finally arrives, she’s not sure she should follow through on that dream. I hope readers will identify with Adrie’s desire to find God’s will and discern how to best use their gifts and talents. I also hope they’ll see how trusting God and forgiving hurts in the past can help build trust and stronger relationships in the present.

4. Is there a particular Bible verse that has helped you through a difficult time?

I love the Psalms. That’s where I usually run for comfort and guidance when I am facing a difficult time. Psalm 46 has been very meaningful to me: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” He doesn’t promise to just send us help and strength, he says He IS our refuge and strength, and He is always available to help us. That is so comforting!

5. Can you tell us something more about A Man to Trust?

All the main characters are Christians, but each is struggling to learn and grow in their walk with the Lord. The hero is a new believer. The heroine is the daughter of missionaries and was raised in Kenya. She struggles to find God's will and path for her life, how best to use her gifts and talents, and how to find her significance. Plus there is a sweet romance.

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of ten novels and novellas. Carrie writes contemporary and historical romance, and her latest releases are A Man To Trust, Surrendered Hearts, and Christmas Mail-Order Brides. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, speaker and counselor. They have five young adult children and three grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys gardening, reading, flower arranging, and cooking for friends and family. She loves to connect with readers on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and through her website: www.carrieturansky.com

GIVEAWAY!
Leave a comment about a trust issue you've had to face in your life. One commenter will win a free book from Carrie! Note: Don't forget to include contact info so we can let you know if you win!

Winner's name will be announced on Tuesday, April 10th!

Love is a Miracle

Have you seen this? A sweet YouTube vid with Sara Groves singing "Miracle." My favorite shots are those showing babies (of course!). Hopeless baby addict, here.
I've embedded the video so you should be able to view it here without waiting for another page to load.

Miracles come in all shapes and sizes, but they all include love.



Enjoy!
Warmest Blessings,

Linore
Connect with me on Twitter

GOOD NEWS

Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!"
Isaiah 40:9

On today's "Revive Our Heart" broadcast, Nancy Leigh DeMoss reminds us that we have GOOD news to share with this world. Are you weary of all the bad news today? Look up, and BEHOLD YOUR GOD.

Be reminded of the One who has all things in His hands.
Who has called you with an everlasting love,
Who knew you from the womb, before you were born,
Who is the same yesterday, today and forever;
Be reminded of the love of the Saviour for YOU.

To forget God in his glory and strength is to forget His love and care for you.
It is to falter from the wind and waves like Peter on the water.

Your life is the water, fellow believer.
Don't allow the wind and waves to frighten you, though at times they may be fierce.

Instead, BEHOLD YOUR GOD.
Accept his strong hand of help. Bask in the GOOD news that He is
ready and willing to help you across the sea of this life.
In fact, He knows precisely which direction for you to take.
He certainly has led me on my path! And I praise him for it.

Behold your God!
Amen.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable
in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19: 14

Imagine for a moment if every word you spoke was pleasing to God;
if every thought of your heart was "acceptable.

" Would you not be
doing what Jesus would do? This morning as I meditated on this
verse, it occurred to me that if we could only control our tongues
and thoughts, we would live constantly in God's will, and by
extension, be living the life He approves of. It suddenly seemed so
simple!think

But alas, the same Bible tells us that "the heart is deceitful and
desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) Notice the emphasis
is on the heart more than the tongue. Jesus explains: "For out of the heart
come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false
witness, slanders. These are the things which defile a man." For,
"The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and
those defile the man." (or woman.) Matt.15:19-20, 18

This is not to say the situation is hopeless, however! Jesus is the ultimate
"heart-changer."
As we go about our day today, I encourage you to pray with the psalmist,
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable
in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." (Ps.19:14)
Let the Redeemer redeem you! I certainly need the filter of the Holy Spirit
as I speak, answer email, and interact with my family. What about you?

PRAYER: O Father, let us today speak and even more, /think,/ as You
would have us do. We pray that you would guard the door of our lips,
be our "filter"-- and sprinkle our thoughts and words with salt and
light so that
we, in turn, may show such to the world. Even better, we will be
acceptable in Your sight. We know that You accept us in Christ, Lord--no
matter how short we fall, or how easily beset with sin; But speak to our
hearts when we err in our thoughts; bring truth where are lies, and shine
Your light upon us so that we may reflect that light to a dark world.
In Jesus' Name, and by Your mercy , Amen.

Hugs,

Linore

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?