In the Wilderness

For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord . . . (Joshua 3:6a).

Bible experts say it should have taken the Israelites from 11 to 40 days to go from Egypt to the Promised Land. So, what happened? Why the 40 years? Disobedience happened. The Israelites were always complaining, wanting things their way, and even made a calf idol of gold to worship. Despite the miracles they had seen God do for them, most of them weren't committed to Him and didn't have a strong faith. They had been influenced too much by Egyptian culture instead of clinging to God. 

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers (Deuteronomy 1:35).

Therefore, God declared that none of that hard-hearted generation would step foot into the Promised land. Only Joshua and Caleb had remained faithful, and only they and the younger generation would cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The group ended up wandering for 40 years until all the older generation had passed away before God led them to take their promised inheritance.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way. . . (Isaiah 53:6a).

We can look at these Israelites and shake our heads, but are we really much different? No matter how good God is to us, don't we want our own way? Too often, we pursue things we think will make us happy instead of pursuing the true source of joy. Let's learn our lessons from the wilderness and live in faith and trust like Joshua and Caleb instead of being fickled like the bulk of the Israelites.

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 Chapters That End in Cliffhangers

While I don't appreciate books that end with cliffhangers, they can be effective for chapter endings. Leaving the reader yearning to find out what's about to happen as a chapter ends creates pageturners. "Just one more chapter" becomes an entire book in the wee hours of the morning. Where did the night go? It slipped away through the pages of a good book.

Some genres lend themselves to this kind of writing better than others. Mysteries, thrillers, or novels with a lot of conflict make it easy to end pages with cliffhangers. But even with other genres, some if not all of the chapters can end at a point where the reader is compelled to keep reading. Most writing manuals say that there are two acceptable ways of ending a chapter. End it at a natural pause or end it with a cliffhanger. I've done both.

Another theory of thought says it's good to combine these two methods. Ending some chapters in cliffhangers and some chapters at a natural pause keeps the reader interested but gives them some breaks where they can put the novel down to do some needed tasks or sleep without becoming overly frustrated. It's not always good to have a reader lose sleep because they can't get your book off their mind. They may choose not to read you again. I have read some authors who create so much tension it's uncomfortable, and I prefer to read a more enjoyable book. Like many issues in writing, it becomes a balancing act, and it's good to have a feel for your fans and readers and what they enjoy best.

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Out of Egypt

And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush (Exodus 3:4a).

When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and told him to go to Egypt to lead the Israelites to freedom, Moses responded with reluctant questions and excuses. But who could blame him? He'd fled Egypt to avoid the consequences of killing an Egyptian guard who whipped a Hebrew slave, and Moses didn't want to return. However, he finally agreed.

And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharoah, and upon Egypt (Exodus 11:1a).

In Egypt, Pharoah resisted any attempt to release the slaves, so God sent ten plagues. Between some of them, Pharoah promised to release the Israelites, but he reneged when the plagues ceased. Here are the ten plagues:

1. All the water turned to blood
2. Every surface was covered with frogs
3. Lice became rampant throughout Egypt
4. Swarms of flies invaded
5. The Egyptians' livestock died but not that of the Israelites
6. Severe boils covered all the Egyptians and their animals
7. Hail and fire rained down on Egypt
8. Locusts descended, covered the earth, and devoured all plants
9. A thick darkness covered the land
10. The firstborn of all living things died, except for with the Israelites 

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left (Exodus 14:22).

With so much death, including Pharoah's firstborn, Pharoah told the Israelites to leave. However, he again regretted it and sent his army to bring them back. But God took care of His people by parting the Red Sea, so they could walk through it. When Pharoah's army tried to follow, the sea walls fell, drowning them. Through one miracle after another, God brought His people to freedom.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8 28),

God's timing and ways might not be what we expect, but He takes care of His people and hears their pleas. We can rely on Him to always do what is best and see us home. 

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Fun Friday at Wild West Reads

The weekdays end in a celebration every week on the Facebook page, Sweet Wild West Reads. The event, called "Fun Fridays," features an author, one of his or her books, and the fun (activities, games, prizes, and giveaways). I have been the guest host two other times, and I will be again this Friday, September 24th, where I'll be featuring my newest book, Southern Belles. Although it might not sound like it, this is a western and the last book in the Catcus Creek series. The two gals in the book aren't your stereotypical Southern belles, and both end up in Catcus Creek, New Mexico. Join the Facebook group, Sweet Wild West Reads, and then come by Friday for the event. 

Sweet Wild West Reads link

This makes the eighth western I've written, and I have two more planned for next year. I find I enjoy this genre, and as my husband says, in many ways, they're similar to the ones I write set in the Appalachian Mountains. I know even more westerns will follow because my readers seem to like them, too. I'm looking at possibly five in 2023.

My third book that's written as part of a team series where different authors write one or more books in the series will be one of the westerns next year. I just began the rough draft for Runaway Bride Candace. I've been brainstorming for a long time and look forward to the story developing. I've thought out my setting, basic plot, and main characters, and I've written the beginning. Now, I'll write to see where the characters take it. So much fun!

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Bondage in Egypt 

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver and they brought Joseph to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Our story begins when Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers who are with the sheep herd. In their jealousy, they attack him, throw him into a pit, and sell him to a slave caravan. He ends up in Egypt where he experiences ups and downs as a slave, spends some time in prison for a crime he didn't commit, comes to Pharaoh's attention when he interprets his dreams, and ends up as the second in command over all of Egypt.

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it (Genesis 41:15).

Pharaoh's dreams told that seven years of prosperity would be followed by seven years of famine, so Joseph prepared Egypt for the difficult times. Eventually, his brothers come to Joseph seeking grain to take back to Canaan. As the famine continues, Joseph's father, brothers, and their families and livestock move to Egypt at Joseph's request and Pharaoh's invitation. Things went well for them at first.

Now there arose up a new king over Egypt. which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply and it come to pass, that when there falleth any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmaster, to afflict them with their burdens... (Exodus 18-11a).

But as new pharaohs come to the throne, the Israelites lose favor. After generations, the Israelites became so numerous the current pharaoh feared they might also become too powerful, so he took them captive and made slaves of them where they would remain for many more generations. Jacob and Joseph would never have imagined such a thing would happen to their descendants.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1).

Today, bondage still sneaks up on people. They think they can experiment with drugs or liquor and never get hooked. They believe they can view pornography, shoplift, gamble, or make other poor choices and it won't affect them. But sin always leads to some type of bondage. It's better not to get involved at all. However, there is a way out of bondage, and His name is Jesus. Just as God sent Moses to rescue the Israelites, He sent His son to rescue all that would accept Him. Whatever holds you down, He will lift you up and set you free if you'll let Him. And just like with Joseph, God can bring good out of the bad in our lives.

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 Mid-Series Celebration

If you've been following me or reading my blogs, you know that I'm participating in three team series where different authors write one or more books in the series. The Old-Timey Holiday Kitchen series is about halfway through its publications for this year, and all the books are available for purchase (some, like mine, for preorder). We're having a big celebration this afternoon that will feature more about the books and authors, offer games and activities, and give away prizes. Be sure to join us.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/SweetAmericanaBookClub/

Starting with Kris Kringle's Kuchen by Katrina, four books in the series have been published so far with another due to be released soon. The others are available for preorder. Here is a list of the books:

Kris Kringle's Kuchen by Karina - Elissa Strati

Shoofly Pie by Selah - Kim Grist

Charm Cake by Charity - Annee Jones

Lemon Pie by Lucinda - Marisa Masterson

Pumpkin Pie by Patience - Annee Jones

Cranberry Cake by Cora - P. Creeden

Ginger Cake by Glenna - Linda Caroll Bradd

Apple Pandowdy by Alice - Kim Gist

Figgy Pudding by Francine - Zina Abbott

Walnut Cake by Wylene - Janice Cole Hopkins

Cider Cake by Cecily - Kandice E. Geddes

Each book is a standalone. And for the icing on the cake, the featured recipe is shared at the end.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096XKBML8?binding=kindle_edition

Remarkably, with no prior knowledge, I already had the rough draft of my contribution, Walnut Cake by Wylene, written when I got the invitation to join the group. All I had to do was change the title and the name of the main character. Because my editor will finish its last edit this week, the novel will be ready to publish far ahead of the deadline, but it still won't release until its publication date. However, you can preorder it now. This book was such a joy to write, and I hope readers will find it just as enjoyable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0964JF3P9

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 Following Jesus

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it (Matthew 16:24-25).

To take up our own cross and follow Jesus means we put Him ahead of everything else. It means we die to our own selfish desires and instead live for the Lord. It means laying aside worldly pursuits like wealth, success, and fame and seeking what really matters for eternity.

It can also mean ridicule and sometimes even persecution. Worldly people don't appreciate those who don't agree with them or don't want to be like them. After all, they ridiculed and persecuted Jesus, the only perfect man on earth, so why should we expect to be treated differently? We should also value our faith above our own lives as countless other martyred Christians have done throughout the ages. Things of faith are the only things that will have meaning beyond our lives here on earth.

But oh, the joy of such a life lived close to the Lord! It may not always be easy, but it will be glorious. When He matters most, other situations affect us less, and He promises that we'll never have to face anything alone. I pray it will be so for you and me.

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 New Book Cover Options

Book covers are important. They're the first thing the reader sees and the first way of drawing them to buy a book. Because my traditional publishing house has its own cover designer, I didn't need to come up with a cover for my first books. However, when I went with the small, independent print-on-demand publisher, they did not, so I went with a designer the publisher recommended. I furnished the cover photo, chose the font, and suggested an arrangement at her request. For all practical purposes, I ended up paying her $250, but I designed the cover myself. It was my first experience with such things, and I "lived and learned" as the saying goes. Needless to say, I designed my own covers for all the books that followed. But I only have basic cover design software, and I can't do as much as full-time designers with more expensive programs.

Therefore, I still kept my eye on book cover designers and checked the prices of any I saw advertised whose work I liked. When I became involved with a team series where a team leader organizes a series around a theme with different authors writing one or more books in the series, I was required to use their cover designer, so all the covers would have a similar look. I checked before I agreed to write for the series, and the cover price was doable since she gave us a discount for the group project because she would be able to use the same background for all the books. Virginia McKevett of Black Widow Books did a great job, and she added print and audible editions to my order at a package price. Walnut Cake by Wylene will release on December 6 of this year. I will be doing one more book in this series to be released in October of 2022. Virginia has already finished a similar cover for it so that I can describe my main character by the young woman pictured on the cover.

Since then, I've also come across a designer who has even cheaper prices. If I order her pre-made, ebook covers from the sale page (which normally sell for $50) on a Friday, I can get them for $20. I ordered one for Mistaken Bride, the only book I'm far enough into the planning to be sure of, although it won't be published until 2023. She didn't have anything that fit the entire series of 5 books I have coming out in 2022, and I've already made covers I can use for them. However, I did find one to fit one of the books, and it had the cover I'd made that I was least satisfied with.

Going the Extra Mile will be the second book in the Idioms & Cliches series. There are some minor differences between the cover and the setting in the book, but I liked the cover enough to get it anyway. I am also considering 3 more covers from her for a Disabled Daughters series, but I'm concerned about ordering them too far in advance because they could need changes by the time I get them written. However, I'm glad to know I now have three viable options for cover sources. And who knows? I may find others.

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 Becoming Like Christ

Read Matthew 5:3-16.

Too often Christians spend much of their time doing things to try to please God, but God isn't pleased by what we do as much as He is by who we are. Jesus explained this further in one of the greatest sermons ever preached. We know it as the Beatitudes, where he tells us how we're supposed to "be." The traits he describes will lead us to become more Christ-like. It's crucial how our hearts open to Him, welcome Him in, and surrender to His Lordship.

Too many people try to substitute doing as much good as they can for being who they should be. Many of the Pharisees did this during Jesus' time, but it's truly getting the cart before the horse. What we do is important, but our good works accomplish the most and are the most meaningful when they come from a right relationship with Christ -- when we are growing in Him and becoming more like Him. This should be the first goal of all Christians. Our doing should stem from this right relationship and be Christ-directed.

Doing things outside of ourselves is much easier than being who we should be on the inside.  In fact, we can perform good works and never ask Christ into our lives or allow Him to change us. He must be our vine, our source of life, and we the branches that grow and are nourished in Him. As Andy Ripley says in his book God Is Speaking: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, "It is only through your connection with Jesus that you can do something of true value." Let's BE who He teaches us to be.

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