The Treasure of His Presence

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

Whether we realize it or not, God Himself is the true treasure of our lives, the One whose presence brings the deepest joy and meaning. From the very beginning, Scripture paints a picture of a God who delights in closeness with His people. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day, enjoying unhindered fellowship with the One who made them. That nearness was not incidental; it was intentional. God created humanity for companionship, for relationship, for the joy of walking with Him. Every page of Scripture echoes this truth: we were made for His presence.

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (Exodus 33:14).

Throughout the Old Testament, God continued to reveal His desire to dwell with His people. The tabernacle of David was far more than a sacred structure; it was a place centered around the Lord’s presence. David understood something many overlook — that God’s presence is the greatest treasure a person can seek. His songs, prayers, and life choices all flowed from a heart that longed to be near God. When we look at Scripture’s great men of faith, we see the same pattern. Enoch walked with God. Abraham was called the friend of God. David was known as a man after God’s own heart. Their distinction was not in their accomplishments, but in their pursuit of God Himself.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (James 4:8).

What set these men apart is the same invitation extended to us today, to seek God’s presence above all else. Their lives remind us that closeness with God is not reserved for a select few; it is available to every believer who desires it. When we pursue Him, we find rest, direction, strength, and joy that cannot be found anywhere else. God still longs for fellowship with His people. He still invites us to walk with Him, to know Him deeply, and to treasure His presence as the greatest blessing of our lives. May we be counted among those who seek Him wholeheartedly, discovering that He Himself is our greatest reward.

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Amazon Audibles

I have put all my books on Amazon Audible, and I enjoy Audible books myself. I listen about six days a week as I take my two‑mile walk for exercise — something important for me since I spend so much time in front of a computer writing. I also listen while doing mundane household tasks or traveling long distances in a car or airplane. Audiobooks make the time speed by, and I enjoy getting immersed in the stories.

Although I have lost some talented narrators when they left the business or decided not to do royalty share anymore, I still have a great lineup. Since all profits from my books go to a scholarship for missionary children, I don’t want to pay money upfront but prefer to share the profits with my narrators. I try to choose the producer with the best voice for each particular novel.

Although my Audibles had a slow beginning, sales have picked up in the last couple of years. As of today, I have sold 11,672 Audible books. My best‑selling title is Building Something Beautiful, narrated by LB Neibaur. In second place is Off the Streets, narrated by Douglas Birk and Jennifer Groberg, and third is Mistaken Bride, narrated by Douglas Birk and Jennifer Groberg.

For fiction, I much prefer Amazon Audible with narrators over Amazon’s virtual narrations. I want different voices for the different characters, almost like a dramatization, rather than the one‑voice‑fits‑all approach. The variety brings the story to life in a way that feels richer and more engaging. I plan to continue with my narrators and hope for many more excellent Audible books to come.

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Devotion Instead of Drifting

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord (Psalm 122:1).

In today’s world, staying connected to God grows harder with each passing year. Technology, entertainment, and constant noise pull at our attention from every direction, making it easy to drift into a life where spiritual things feel distant. Yet Scripture reminds us that gathering with God’s people is not merely a tradition; it is a lifeline. When we choose to step into His house, even for one day each week, our hearts are steadied, our priorities realigned, and our joy renewed.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another (Hebrews 10:25).

Modern advancements promise convenience, but they often deliver distraction. The world’s influence is stronger than ever, and without intentional effort, it slowly dulls our spiritual sensitivity. Church provides a needed counterbalance, a place where truth is spoken, fellowship strengthens us, and worship lifts our eyes above the material pull of daily life. It is the solid reminder of what truly matters and the anchor that keeps us from drifting.

But it is good for me to draw near to God… (Psalm 73:28).

If we are not diligent, our faith can fade quietly, almost without notice. But when we choose to draw near to God — to worship, to listen, to be encouraged — we remain grounded in His presence. One day set apart for Him helps us resist the carnal, worldly tug and keeps our hearts aligned with eternal things. Staying close to God is not accidental; it is intentional. And every week, He invites us to return, to rest, and to remember that His presence is our greatest need. 

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A New Anthology

The Christmas anthology I decided to participate in is progressing. We now have twenty-three authors telling their stories. Click on the cover to see their names. Readers will get twenty-three novelettes for only $3.99 on preorder, which is scheduled to be up by September 15, or $5.99 when it releases on October 13. What a bargain!

I will admit that writing in the anthology has presented some challenges. I had to craft a complete story within 7,500 to 10,000 words, and all my others have been much longer. Then, handling the business side of the anthology, submitting all the extras to make it a success, and coordinating everything is taking much longer than I expected, and time is at a premium for me. Still, I'm enjoying it and hope it's a huge success.

My story, One Crazy Christmas, is already written and edited. In it, Marianne Kincaid has only ten days to save the freight business her uncle built, and the only way to keep it is to marry. But in Sundale, Nebraska, decent men are scarce, and the ones available either drink too much, are fortune hunters wanting her business, or can’t stomach a woman who carries a pistol and drives a freight team alone. When a handsome stranger steps off the train and is promptly accused of robbery, Marianne makes a desperate choice. One bold claim, one accidental lie, and suddenly Jonah Benton is her intended fiancé.

Jonah never planned on staying in Sundale, much less courting a woman he just met. But Marianne’s grit, faith, and quiet vulnerability stir something in him he can’t ignore. And when rifle shots ring out on their first freight run together, Jonah realizes Marianne’s troubles run deeper than a rushed wedding. With Christmas approaching, danger closing in, and a marriage deadline looming, Marianne and Jonah must decide whether their unexpected partnership is a temporary convenience or the beginning of something real.

This is a heartwarming, crazy Christian romance filled with frontier grit, unexpected danger, and the kind of love that arrives when you least expect it. Watch for it.

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Your Value

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (Psalm 139:14).

Every person carries immense worth, not because of their position or what others think, but because they are created by God Himself. Just as the same bottle of water changes price depending on where it's being sold, our sense of value can shift when we measure ourselves by worldly standards. Yet, in God’s eyes, our value never fluctuates. He formed us with care and purpose, and His craftsmanship defines our worth. When we remember that, we can praise Him with confidence, knowing we are wonderfully made.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Our true value shines brightest when we draw near to God. In His presence, we find clarity, peace, and purpose that the world cannot offer. Sometimes we feel misplaced or overlooked, but that’s often because we’ve drifted from the One who gives meaning to our lives. Seeking Him wholeheartedly restores our sense of belonging. When we stay close to Him, we discover our worth isn’t determined by circumstance. It’s anchored in His love.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).

Remaining connected to Christ is what keeps our lives fruitful and full of purpose. Just as a branch draws life from the vine, we draw strength and value from abiding in Him. When we stay rooted in His Word and His presence, we flourish, no matter where we are planted. So if you ever feel undervalued or unseen, remember: your greatest worth is revealed when you’re close to God, because in His presence, you are exactly where you belong.

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A Case for Compact Novels

Longer isn’t always better when it comes to books, and modern reading habits make that clearer every year. Surveys from Pew Research show that nearly one‑third of American adults read primarily on tight schedules, squeezing books between work, family, and digital distractions. It’s no surprise, then, that many readers quietly avoid anything over 350 pages, not because they dislike reading, but because they fear the commitment. A hefty novel can feel like a project, while a shorter one feels like a pleasure.

There’s also a misconception among some authors and publishers that “more pages equal more value.” In reality, reader feedback consistently shows the opposite. A 2023 Goodreads analysis found that books not going much over 250 pages earn the highest average ratings, while significantly longer books see a noticeable dip. Why? Many readers assume long novels contain extra description, slower pacing, or filler chapters that could have been trimmed. They want tight storytelling, not a marathon of meandering scenes. And by all indications, the optimal length will continue to decline.

And, of course, attention spans have changed. In the era when Dickens, Tolstoy, and Eliot were writing, leisure time revolved around reading, church, and community gatherings. Today, people juggle streaming services, social media, hobbies, travel, and endless to‑do lists. Reading competes with dozens of other activities, so a shorter, well‑crafted book often feels more inviting. A novel doesn’t need to be sprawling to be satisfying; it needs to be purposeful, engaging, and respectful of the reader’s time.

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Jesus Changed Everything

For I am the Lord, I change not… (Malachi 3:6).

A religion professor once told my class he couldn’t understand why the God of the Old Testament seemed so different from the God of the New Testament. In his view, the Old Testament revealed a God who judged, punished, and appeared harsh, while the New Testament introduced a God who was loving, gentle, and forgiving. I remember sitting there, stunned that this puzzled him. To me, the story of Scripture has always been one unified revelation—one God, unfolding one plan, moving steadily toward one world‑changing moment.

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son… (Galatians 4:4).

Although I don’t have a doctorate in theology from Edinburgh like this professor, I do understand something simple and profound: Jesus’ coming, death, and resurrection changed the relationship between God and mankind forever. Sin had created a chasm no human effort could bridge. Yet from the beginning, God had a plan to restore what was broken. Christ’s sacrifice didn’t make God more loving. It revealed the love that had been there all along. Through Jesus, anyone who believes can have a close, personal relationship with the Father. Grace didn’t begin at Calvary; it was fulfilled there.

Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Jesus changed everything. His life showed God’s heart. His death paid our debt. His resurrection opened the door to mercy, hope, and eternal life. The God who judged sin in the Old Testament is the same God who provided the remedy in the New. The difference is not in God’s character but in God’s covenant. What the professor saw as two different Gods was really one. God completed His plan, bringing love, grace, and redemption into full view through His Son. That was His gift to us. That was His purpose from the beginning. And that changed everything.

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Completing the Circle

With tomorrow's release of Chloe in the Disabled Daughters trilogy, readers will finally experience the long‑awaited conclusion to the series that began with Ava and Jo. Each sister’s story has explored a different facet of faith, family, and the quiet courage to take a chance on love. Now it’s Chloe’s turn, and her journey promises to be the most surprising of all. She has always stood a little apart from her sisters, not out of rebellion, but because she has never quite felt like she fits the mold everyone else seems to slip into so easily.

Chloe Walsh enters her story with a clear plan: find a husband who can provide comfort, stability, and the kind of life she believes she deserves. Ava and Jo have found happiness in marriage, and Chloe is determined to follow that same path — but on her own terms. What she doesn’t expect is that God may have something entirely different in mind. The road ahead is full of twists she never anticipated, and the lessons waiting for her will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, purpose, and what truly matters.

This final book brings the trilogy full circle, weaving together themes of identity, surrender, and the gentle but persistent way God redirects our steps. Chloe’s story is not just about romance; it’s about discovering that the deepest kind of fulfillment doesn’t come from comfort or control, but from trusting the One who sees beyond our plans. Readers who have followed the Walsh sisters from the beginning will find themselves moved, surprised, and ultimately uplifted as Chloe learns that what she wants may not be what she needs — and that God’s version of happiness is far richer than her own.

As the trilogy closes, Chloe, Disabled Daughters, offers a heartfelt, faith‑centered finale that honors the journeys of all three sisters. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt out of place, anyone who has wrestled with expectations, and anyone who has discovered that God’s path, though unexpected, is always the right one. Chloe’s transformation is tender, emotional, and deeply satisfying — a beautiful ending to a series that has touched so many hearts.

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Saved by Grace, Moved by Love

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). 

Salvation is never earned, never achieved, never won by human effort. It is wholly and beautifully anchored in Christ’s sacrifice, offered freely as God’s gift. When we rest in that truth, we stop striving to deserve what has already been given. Instead, we learn to marvel at the depth of His mercy. Our works cannot add to salvation, and our failures cannot subtract from it. Grace stands firm, reminding us that Christ alone is our righteousness.

We love him, because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Because salvation is rooted in love, our service to the Lord becomes rooted in love as well. Serving Him is not a requirement to maintain our standing with God; it is a natural response to His goodness. When the heart is moved by gratitude, obedience becomes joyful rather than burdensome. We serve not to earn favor, but because we already have it. Love transforms duty into delight, turning everyday acts of faithfulness into worship.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing (Psalm 100:2)

When service flows from a redeemed heart, it becomes a privilege rather than an obligation. The believer discovers joy in honoring the One who saved them. Whether through kindness, prayer, giving, or quiet acts of faith, serving the Lord becomes a way to reflect His love to the world. It is not a heavy yoke but a cherished opportunity. Salvation may not be based on works, but a grateful heart can’t help but work—gladly, willingly, and joyfully for the glory of God.

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Writing Series

Some of my readers love a series. They enjoy following familiar characters from book to book and watching their lives unfold over time. Over the years, I've written seven true series:

Appalachian Roots series

The Farmers series

In from the Storms

Another Chance series

Cactus Creek, NM series

Idioms & Clichés series

The Matchmakers - AgathaReturns 

The first novels I wrote were The Farmers trilogy, and the Appalachian Roots series became the first series I published. But because I've been writing in a lot of multiple-author projects, and most of them are standalones connected by a common theme, The Matchmaker - Agatha Returns ended up the last true series I published until now. A Match for Reece, the final book in that series, released in November 2024.

My eighth series, Disabled Daughters, is wrapping up now. It's a trilogy, and Chloe, the final book, publishes on August 4. The way my schedule has worked out, I won't have another true series until 2028, and even that may change. It could get bumped into another year because I'm trying to trim down my yearly workload. At one point, I wrote sixteen books in a single year. I reduced that to twelve, then ten, and I'm hoping to get it down to seven or eight. But series have always been close to my heart, and I plan to write more in the future. Even as my schedule changes, I'm grateful for every reader who loves following these stories as much as I love writing them. 

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The Number of New Beginnings

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In her book, Love on Steroids, Tammy Byler says, "The number eight has always belonged to new beginnings." She goes on to recount that eight people walked off the ark when the floodwaters receded, and the world began anew. In the Jewish culture, a son was circumcised on the eighth day, set apart, and welcomed into covenant. In addition to what Byler mentions, On the eighth day, after seven days of consecration, Aaron and his sons began their priestly service and God revealed His glory [see Leviticus 9:1, 4, & 23-24). It's another picture of God opening the way to a new beginning. The feast of Tabernacles lasted seven days, but the eighth day was a sacred assembly, symbolizing a new start with God after dwelling in temporary shelters [Leviticus 23:36]. And when someone was healed of leprosy, the eighth day marked their full restoration to the community [Leviticus 14:10-13].

Behold, I make all things new (Revelation 21:5b).

Now I'm not one who finds numerology fascinating like some people do, but I had never heard this about the number eight. I knew seven had special meaning in the Bible (referring to completeness), and I may write a book on the lessons connected to the number forty in the Bible, but I'd never heard that eight means a new beginning. 

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Whether or not we focus on the number, the message behind it is clear: God delights in giving His people fresh starts. New mercies meet us every morning, and new beginnings appear in places we never expected. The Lord specializes in restoration, turning endings into openings and setbacks into stepping-stones. When we walk with Him, yesterday never has the final say. He offers new beginnings.

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Encouraging Reviews

As an author, I read every review posted about my books on Amazon. I find most of them very encouraging and motivating. The people who leave low ratings don't usually write a review. The reviews I treasure the most are the ones that say my stories draw them closer to God or teach important biblical lessons. Those are some of my main goals in writing. Here are a few reviews that particularly touched me:

"One of the best books I’ve ever read! So full of beauty and God’s truth. I smiled so much through it! The scene with the sheriff helping the sister and the dad coming to rescue her-the overwhelming kindness of the sheriff and the fierce protective love of the father…I was in tears and so deeply moved. The entire novel blessed me. It was like a gift from God to me. I didn’t want it to end. Janice is a gifted writer and I’m so thankful God led me to find her novels. Keep writing for Jesus Janice! He is using you to bring joy to so many (it is so hard to find a pure, inspiring, beautifully written novel these days) and to encourage us in our walk with Jesus."

"Five stars! I couldn't put it down! It was the perfect novel full of a sweet building romance, suspense that kept you turning the pages , and humor that made me laugh out loud. I love how Janice brings in other characters that are interesting and add so much to the story. And I love how she paints such vivid, beautiful scenes of the book's location--this time a farm up in the mountains. Thank you Janice for another wonderful novel that blessed, inspired, and entertained me for hours! Thank you for using your gift for the Lord and always using your books to point your reader to Jesus and draw us closer. You are a gem and my top favorite historical fiction author out there!"

"I loved this book, but that is no surprise. Janice Cole Hopkins has a gift for writing! She has a way of weaving a realistic storyline in with well-developed characters who can pull at your heartstrings. Her books make me feel like I am right there, experiencing all of the emotions right alongside each character. I love that she can write a great story while keeping it clean and wholesome. Love without graphic details and no bad language. This book touches on grief due to the loss of a wife and mother. Pastor McBride struggles a little in his faith after the loss of his wife. Being a single parent to his daughter is rough. Soon Chrisitne arrives in town and slowly wins both of their hearts. However, that is not without controversy as there is always that one saint (if that is what you want to call her). She causes strife and uncertainty for Christine, but only makes the picture clearer for Pastor McBride.There is grief, romance, and drama that keep the reader engaged. Scripture tells us that God knows the end from the beginning and certainly in this case.... He worked it all out for good. Get this one, you won't be sorry!"

"This story is completely different from others I have read by this author! I loved the uniqueness of it. I loved how he returned to his faith that he lost after devastating circumstances! It was just such a realistic story!"

"So good! I love how Janice filled this book with God’s Truth. I always feel so close to Him when I read her books and am encouraged in my walk with Jesus. Thank you Janice! This novel was full of action and kept you reading the pages to solve the mystery. (I admit, I did read a bit ahead at the end to see who did it! I was dying to know! Lol). And as always, the most beautiful love story!!! They always melt my heart the way Janice writes them :)."

"This was another amazing book by Janice Cole Hopkins—the best author in Christian fiction today! I just love her writing and the beautiful love story she crafts with the purity and sweetness that reminds me of when my husband and I first fell in love-she captures the feelings so well. And most of all I love how she always exhorts her readers to live more holy and surrendered to God. She’s an amazing and gifted author and this book was yet another 5 stars!" 

Aren't my readers the best!

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Generational Faithfulness

Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation" (Joel 1:3).

Passing faith from one generation to the next is not merely a suggestion in Scripture. It is a divine mandate. Parents and grandparents are called to do more than bring their families to church or offer a surface-level understanding of what they believe. They are instructed to cultivate a deep, abiding faith that shapes character, anchors the soul, and endures trials. Grandparents often hold a unique place in a child’s heart, and with that comes tremendous influence. That influence is meant to be used for eternal good: to give the most valuable inheritance possible, a biblical faith that cannot be shaken.

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done (Psalm 78:4).

We must ask ourselves if we have truly done what the psalmist says. Have we taught the younger generations with the seriousness and consistency God intended? The widespread falling away in churches today suggests too many gaps—gaps in homes, gaps in congregations, and gaps in the mentoring relationships that once shaped young believers. But Scripture also teaches that it is never too late to begin again. Today can be the day we recommit to being present, intentional, and spiritually nurturing to the youth around us.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs: 22:6).

God calls His people to be living examples of faith, visible, accessible, and engaged. Children and teens need role models who demonstrate what it looks like to walk with God daily, not just on Sundays. They need adults who will speak truth, pray with them, listen to them, and show them the mighty acts of the Lord through both Scripture and personal testimony. When we invest in them spiritually, we participate in a divine chain of faith that stretches far beyond our own lifetime. Scripture is clear: faith is meant to be handed down deliberately, lovingly, and continually.

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts (Psalm 145:4).

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A New Opportunity

I was offered an exciting opportunity this week. Heather Blanton is putting together a historical Christmas anthology, and although my 2026 calendar is full, I couldn't pass this up — not with the chance to work alongside writers of this caliber. Besides, I happened to have a November slot open.

Now, I don't like to write short stories (1,000-7,500 words) because I like to develop the characters and plot beyond what the length allows. Since the anthology will contain about a dozen stories, each one will fit the novelette requirements (7,500-17,500 words). Over the years, I've found I enjoy writing and reading the long novellas (17,500-40,000 words) or shorter novels (40,000 words and up) better.  However, the first ten or so novels I published were longer ones. I'm looking forward to trying my hand at this new venture.

I have already started the research. Mine will be called One Crazy Christmas and be set in Nebraska in 1890. Marianne Kincaid is running out of time to find a husband before she loses the freighting company inherited from her uncle. She sees a handsome man about to be arrested for a crime she knows he couldn't have committed, so she pretends he is her mail-order groom. He goes along to keep from ending up in jail and perhaps prison or worse. As soon as her ploy works, she panics. What had she done?

Be on the lookout. I'll share more details as the research and writing continue and the anthology moves closer to being released. This promises to be an unforgettable Christmas collection — one you won't want to miss.

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When the Word Takes Root

"But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit ... " (Matthew 13:23).

The Word of God was meant to penetrate. It is living seed, and seeds must sink into the ground before they can grow. As Dr. Mike Dease said, "The mistake that many sincere believers often make is they act on head faith instead of heart faith. The difference is that we can have a mental agreement with God and even acknowledge it as true, but it has yet to take root within our hearts" (Dr. Mike Dease, Called According to His Purpose). That is why we must study, confess, and proclaim Scripture. When we handle the Word with our intellect, it remains information. When we handle it with meditation and obedience, it becomes transformation.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:11).

Heart faith grows when the Word is planted, watered, and tended. We hide Scripture in our hearts by returning to it daily, speaking it aloud, praying it back to God, and applying it to our lives, especially in moments that test us. Confession is not merely admitting truth. It is agreeing with God so fully that His truth reshapes our desires, our reactions, and our decisions. As we proclaim His Word, it strengthens our faith and reminds us of who He is, even when feelings waver.

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only ..." (James 1:22).

When the Word takes root, it produces fruit: steadfastness, obedience, peace, and spiritual maturity. Head faith hears the Word and admires it. Heart faith hears the Word, obeys it, and incorporates it into core beliefs. The difference is life-changing. We study Scripture so we know God's voice, we confess it so our hearts align with His truth, and we proclaim it so others may see His power at work in us. As we do, the seed grows, the roots deepen, and the word becomes the very foundation of our lives.

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