Tug-of-War

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15a).

Most Christians are in a tug of war, even if they don't realize it. The world is on one side, and faith and spiritual life are on the other. The world has a strong pull, but it doesn't usually win immediately. Instead, it inches opponents in its direction with a tug here and a tug there or by applying steady pressure that moves them gradually.

A person might begin by skipping church a few times, and it gets easier each time. Soon, the person isn't going much at all. When people quit attending church, their focus strays from God. Next, they stop reading their Bibles or praying if they ever did. They might let a little profanity begin slipping into their speech "for emphasis." It sounds cool, and what does it really matter? Movies, television shows, and music they once avoided now seem fine and even enjoyable. The world is gaining momentum and winning.

From there it's an easy slide into much more harmful things: drinking too much, a few drugs, lying, cheating, underhandedness, selfishness, greed, etc. And strange, as their priorities change, they never realize what is happening. They still don't consider themselves backsliders or sinning more than they once did.

They never stop to think this world is temporary. In the end that comes much too soon, wealth, possessions, power, or social status won't matter at all. The only things that matter are what we've done with Jesus and for the Lord. Those will be all that follow you into eternity. Hold fast to your faith and rely on the strength of the Lord to win this important tug-of-war.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye might prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).

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To Deadwood Again

A year and a half ago, my husband and I drove the long trip from North Carolina to Deadwood, South Dakota, to research a book I was planning to write set in the old Western town. That book, Beckett's Brides, has now been published. Little did I know at the time that another book would also be set there. The Miner will publish on March 11 and is ready for preorders now.

In the new book, Lorne Merritt, a mine foreman, finds a lost-looking young woman roaming the streets of Deadwood. Since Deadwood can have some ruthless characters, he steps in to assist her. It turns out that Addie Shea came to find her father, but he's been killed after he found gold on his claim. When someone starts taking shots at her, the situation gets even more difficult, but Lorne refuses to abandon the newcomer who has no one to help her.

Will there be another book set in Deadwood? I honestly don't know. Part of the fun and excitement of writing is the unexpected. I don't have any definite plans to do so right now, but it's certainly a possibility. I love seeing where the writing journey takes me.

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 A Successful Life

Have you noticed a pattern of success in the Bible? Whether one individual, an army, or a nation, God gives them instructions, and if they obey, they come out victorious. If they don't, they end up defeated. Although there're many more, here are just a few examples:

• Noah was instructed to build an ark in the desert. He followed God's directions, although all his neighbors thought he was crazy, and his entire family was saved in the flood while everyone else perished.
• When God called Abraham to leave his homeland and everything he knew to journey to some unrevealed location, he went and became the father of a great nation and a founder of the faith.
• Moses might have been reluctant when God first called him to go back to Egypt to set the Israelites free, but he went, and despite the challenges, he did what God said and successfully led them to the edge of the Promised Land.
• Joshua took over when Moses died and led his people to be victorious in battle after battle because he allowed God to guide him.
• David also won many battles and became the most noted king in Israel's history because he listened to God most of the time. He came to regret the few times he didn't, and he humbly repented.
• When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom to rule, which God granted. As a result, God led him in a reign of peace and prosperity. He even built the great temple in Jerusalem.
• God called Nehemiah to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. Despite opposition, he followed God's plan and successfully completed the task in record time, restoring the city's protection and the people's morale.

It is the same for us. To have the best life, we need to follow God's instructions. Only he can see the future and know what we need to do. Why wouldn't we choose to follow One who is all-knowing and perfect in every way?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall make direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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Why "The Greatest of These" 

You may or may not have noticed that my books are published by The Greatest of These Publishing. This isn't a title boasting of being great. It refers to 1 Corinthians 13:13. "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love (ESV).

All the books I publish have love in some form: romance, the love of a parent, God's love, etc. It really is an essential part of life -- some would say the most important part. Look at how many songs are written about it, even hymns like "Love Lifted Me." Science has proven it's hard to survive without it, and no sane person would want to.

So far, The Greatest of These Publishing has only published my books, but who knows what God has in store for the future. I just pray that all the books will bring God glory and fulfill His purposes. Without Him, there would be no love.

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Some Ancient Biblical History

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders and they will tell thee (Deuteronomy 32:7).

I enjoy studying biblical history. I guess it's the history buff in me and the fact that my undergraduate major is in history. Recently, I came across some interesting facts I would like to share with you. Some of it I knew, some of it I had forgotten, and some of it, I had never heard before.

I knew the Edomites had descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother who married two Hittite women, Judith and Basemath. A third wife, Mahalath, was the daughter of Ishmael (Abraham's son by Hagar). Their descendants became known as Edomites, and they have a history of conflict with Israel.

Nineveh

The Canaanites came from Canaan, the son of Ham and the grandson of Noah. They were also enemies of the Israelites. The Amorites, another contentious group, also descended from Canaan and are a branch of the larger Canaanite group. Rahab, who aided the Hebrew spies in Jericho was a Canaanite. Nimrod, Noah's great-grandson and Ham's grandson through Cush, established the two great cities of Babylon and Nineveh, part of Assyria. 

The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. The lineage can be traced back to when Lot and his two daughters escaped the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and hid in a cave. The women, thinking they were the only three people left in the world, got their father drunk and slept with him. The older daughter had a son named Moab, and the Moabites descended from him (see Genesis 19:30-36). The younger daughter had Ammon, and the Ammonites descended from him. 

If you remember, Ruth was a Moabite who left Moab with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to travel back to Bethlehem where she met Boaz. Ruth is in the earthly genealogy of  Jesus and probably Rahab, the Canaanite, also. These accounts are reminders that poor choices can have far-reaching effects. However, God can bring some good out of even them, like with Rahab and Ruth. Can't ancient biblical history be interesting? It's just one more reason to read and study the Bible.

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Westward Home and Hearts

I'm excited about writing for a new multiple-author project this year. Well, the series isn't new because it began in 2022, but it's new to me.  Willa's Woes just published on Friday, and it's the 54th book in the series. I'm scheduled to have four books in this Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides MAP, three this year, and one in 2026.

Willa's Woes is set in the Dakota Territory in 1880, the winter that deposited record-breaking snow accumulations and low temperatures nationwide, but especially in places like Fargo. Willa has had a string of hardships in her life, and she hopes when she goes to a remote farm in the Dakota Territory as a mail-order bride, things will get better. Will it? Willa's Woes is available now on Amazon in print, Kindle, and Audible.

Here are the books I'll be publishing in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series:

Jan. 10, 2025 - Willa's Woes

Jul. 08, 2025 - Daphne's Determination

Nov. 10, 2025 - Morrow's Mishaps

Feb. 10, 2026 - Melissa's Match

I hope you'll watch for them.

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 Mind Your Thoughts

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Several noted philosophers and speakers have said something to the effect of "You are what you think," and there is some truth in that. Our thought process has a lot to do with who we become. Letting your thoughts run astray can lead to dark places. 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).

Every sin begins with a thought. If you allow those improper thoughts to continue they can lead to sorrow for you and others. The process of getting rid of rogue thoughts and imaginings is a type of spiritual warfare that you must fight with intent.

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established (Proverbs 16:3).

Yet, it's a battle that you don't have to and shouldn't fight alone. Christians have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and help them. They have God's Word to recite or read to distract them from unwanted thoughts and prayer to strengthen them. Even doing good works in service to God can keep us busy in a positive way and help. And remember, God can deliver us from anything.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

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2025 Is Here!

I always have my publishing schedule in place for at least two years ahead. Of course, there might be minor changes to come, but some of the books are locked in. Right now, I have ten books scheduled for 2025.

After writing nothing but MAPs (multiple-author projects) for the past two years, I break that string in 2025. I have six MAP books publishing this year and four of my standalones, one of which is Christian nonfiction. I'm excited about the lineup and already have most of the rough drafts written. I like to stay ahead of the deadlines, and it takes time to get the Audible editions ready. 

Jan. 10 - Willa's Woes (Westward Home & Hearts)
Feb. 12 - Writer's Rescue (Rich Man Takes a Bride)

Mar. 1 - The Miner (Men of the West)

Apr. 4 - Mistaken Bride

May 2 - Satan's Wiles

Jul. 8 - Daphne's Determination (Westward H & H)

Aug. 1 - South to Freedom

Oct. 3 - Heather, Hot Springs Bride (Nat'l Park Brides)

Nov. 10 - Morrow's Mishaps (Westward Home & H)

Dec. 5 - Annie's Uncle  

I'm writing the rough draft of Heather right now. I'll be sharing more information about the individual books throughout the year. It promises to be a good one.

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Faith, Our Foundation

But without faith it is impossible to please him (Hebrews 11:6a).

Faith is a substantial belief put into practice. Once you plant God's truths deep within your heart, you begin living your life differently. Faith is the foundation for the Christian life, and we need a solid one that can't be shaken or weakened.

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4b).

The groundwork for faith is God's Word. It does no good to build a strong foundation on shaky ground because it won't stand firm. Christians who don't take time to read their Bibles daily are doing themselves and their families a disservice. Even a short time in the scriptures will make a big difference in your life.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans1:16a).

The gospel is the heart of our faith. We should understand it, cherish it, and share it with others. It is through the atonement of Christ and His sacrifice for us that we are reconciled to God and can approach Him. There is no other way. This is the message we need to be sharing, but we must never come across as holier-than-thou. None of us are worthy, and it's only by God's grace that we can move forward in faith.

And Jesus said unto them . . . for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you (Matthew 17:20).

You need both offensive and defensive faith. In one of his books, Denver Cheddie explains it this way: There is a faith that moves mountains, and there is a faith that gives us the strength to climb the mountains. There is faith to walk on water, then there is faith [to] keep your head above water. There is faith to heal the sick..., then there is faith to remain faithful to God when He chooses not to heal. May our faith be strong and true.

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