The Heart's Design

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

When Scripture speaks of the heart, it is describing the deep center of our inner life — the place where our desires, convictions, and affections are shaped. Modern science, interestingly, has begun to uncover a physical dimension that echoes this biblical truth. Neurocardiology has shown that the heart contains its own network of about 40,000 neurons, capable of sensing, responding, and even forming a kind of “memory.” While this doesn’t make the heart a literal third brain, it does remind us that God designed us with an intricate connection between our spiritual life and our physical being. The heart is not just a pump; it participates in the rhythms of our emotional and spiritual life.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Science shows that about 80% of vagus‑nerve signals travel upward toward the brain. Those signals come from several organs, including the heart, and help shape our emotional and physiological responses, influencing areas responsible for emotion, attention, and decision-making. In other words, the heart speaks, and the brain listens. How fitting that Scripture calls us to trust God with all our heart. When the heart is aligned with Him, the signals that rise within us — our emotions, our discernment, our inner peace — become ordered and steady. Heart rhythm studies show that positive emotional states create more coherent patterns, which in turn support clearer thinking. It is a beautiful picture of how spiritual trust can shape emotional stability.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

If the heart influences how we feel and think, then the condition of our heart matters deeply. Science can describe the pathways, but only God can transform the source. David understood that the heart is the wellspring of our moral and spiritual life. When we invite the Lord to cleanse and renew our hearts, we are asking Him to reshape the very signals that guide our thoughts, choices, and responses. A heart surrendered to God produces a mind more attuned to His truth.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15).

Heart-rhythm research shows that peace is not just a feeling; it is a measurable state that brings order to both heart and brain. Scripture tells us that God’s peace should rule in our hearts, acting like an internal governor over our emotional life. When His peace reigns, the heart sends signals of calm, steadiness, and clarity upward to the mind. Science can observe the effects, but only Christ can supply the source. The more we allow His peace to settle into our hearts, the more our whole inner life — emotional, mental, and spiritual — comes into harmony with Him.

__________________________

The Line Between Seeing and Believing

One of the driving tensions in Veiled Intentions is the struggle between hard evidence and human trust. Jenna Osborne enters her assignment trained to observe, to gather facts, and to keep her emotions firmly in check. Yet the more time she spends with Brad Foster, the more she realizes that facts alone don’t always tell the whole story. His steady kindness and quiet sincerity challenge the narrative she was sent to confirm, raising the uncomfortable question: what do we do when the heart challenges what others claim is true?

This conflict unfolds against a backdrop of robberies and confident eyewitness accounts. But eyewitnesses can be mistaken, and fear can push a community to choose a villain before the truth is clear. The novel invites readers to consider how easily assumptions take root and how difficult it can be to untangle perception from reality. “She came for a criminal. She stayed for a man worth fighting for.” That sentiment captures Jenna’s journey as her sense of duty collides with the unexpected decency she discovers in Brad.

Another thread woven through the story is the power of collective belief. Once a town decides who is guilty, that judgment can ripple outward, shaping reputations and influencing justice. The pastor’s unwavering faith in Brad offers a counterbalance—trust grounded not in forensic proof but in long knowledge of character. His stance doesn’t dismiss the need for evidence; instead, it complicates the picture, reminding readers that character testimony has long played a role in how communities discern truth.

Veiled Intentions doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it presents a layered portrait of decision‑making under uncertainty, where loyalty, duty, and affection rarely align neatly. For anyone who has ever wondered whether love clouds judgment or reveals it, Jenna’s struggle will resonate. Ultimately, the story explores what it means to seek justice in an imperfect world—one where intentions can be veiled, and sometimes the clearest witness is the heart itself.

__________________________

Adam's Fall, Jesus' Triumph

Read Matthew 4:1-11 and Genesis 3:1-7.

The temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4 reveal a striking truth: Satan’s strategies haven’t changed. In Eden, the serpent approached Adam and Eve in a garden overflowing with beauty, provision, and fellowship with God. In the wilderness, he approached Jesus in a place of hunger, loneliness, and physical weakness. The contrast is sharp—abundance versus deprivation—yet the core issue is the same. The first Adam fell in perfect conditions, while Jesus, the last Adam, stood firm in the harshest conditions. The setting only highlights the deeper reality: temptation tests trust, not circumstances.

In both accounts, Satan twists truth. With Eve, he begins by questioning God’s word. “Did God really say…?” He mixed a grain of truth with lies and hid the deadly consequences. With Jesus, he quotes Scripture accurately but applies it wrongly, urging reckless actions under the guise of faith. Jesus responds by untwisting the distortion, wielding Scripture with right understanding, and with obedience. The temptations themselves line up: food, identity, and authority. Adam and Eve indulge, grasp for godlikeness, and choose independence. Jesus refuses to misuse His power, refuses to prove His identity on Satan’s terms, and refuses the shortcut to glory. Where Adam and Eve reach for autonomy, Jesus chooses obedience.

At the heart of both stories lies trust. Satan convinces Eve that God is withholding good, that He cannot be fully trusted, and that she should take matters into her own hands. He tries the same tactic with Jesus—prove God’s protection, seize the kingdoms without the cross, use power for self. But Jesus refuses every invitation to distrust the Father. The outcomes could not be more different. Adam and Eve’s fall brings sin, death, and exile; Jesus’ victory brings righteousness, redemption, and restoration. Their stories remind us that temptation is ultimately a question of trust—whether we will believe God’s goodness or grasp for life on our own terms. Jesus shows us the way to triumph.

________________________

Veiled Intentions 

Jenna Osborne never planned on becoming an undercover agent, but when her twin brother convinces her to join The Brides of Liberty Bureau, she reluctantly agrees to help him investigate a man suspected of criminal activity. Brad Foster, however, is nothing like the hardened outlaw she expects. Steady, kind, and quietly compelling, he unsettles her in ways no criminal ever could. As a string of robberies shakes the region, Jenna vows to stay objective. Then, eyewitnesses claim they saw Brad fleeing a bank with money bags and firing shots. With only the pastor defending Brad’s innocence, Jenna must decide whether to trust the evidence or the man who's come to matter to her more than she ever intended.

Veiled Intentions released on Tuesday and is now available in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats. It’s the first of two books I’ll be contributing to the Mail‑Order Brides Undercover multi‑author series. Each novel stands alone, connected only by the heroines’ secret work for the government‑sanctioned Brides of Liberty Bureau in St. Louis. These agents often pose as mail‑order brides to get close to suspected criminals, a strategy that leads to plenty of tension, unexpected twists, and rich storytelling possibilities.

I’m thrilled to finally share Jenna and Brad’s story with readers who enjoy mystery woven with romance, danger, and emotional depth. If you love undercover missions, moral dilemmas, and a heroine who must choose between duty and the stirrings of her own heart, Veiled Intentions offers all of that and more. I hope you’ll pick up a copy, meet these characters for yourself, and join me as this exciting new series unfolds.

_________________________________

Teach a Child

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children… (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Teaching a child begins long before formal instruction, and it begins with example. Children learn what faith looks like by watching how we live it. Praying with them at breakfast for the day ahead, praying again at night before bed, and lifting up every concern — exams, trips, worries, and decisions — shows them that God is not a Sunday‑only presence but a daily refuge. When praise and worship are woven naturally into the rhythm of home life, children see firsthand that loving God is not a duty but a joy.

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

Training a child in faith is not a one‑time lesson or an occasional reminder. It is long‑term, steady, and intentional. Faith grows through repetition, consistency, and the quiet patterns of everyday life. When parents and grandparents model prayer, gratitude, and trust in God, they plant seeds that continue to grow long after childhood. Even small habits, such as pausing to thank God for blessings, praying before a difficult conversation, or turning to Scripture for guidance, become lifelong anchors.

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord… (Psalm 78:4).

Our calling is generational. God designed faith to be passed down, lived out, and demonstrated in real time. Children need to see adults leaning on God, worshiping Him, and seeking His wisdom. They need to hear testimonies of answered prayer and witness the peace that comes from trusting Him. Teaching diligently means showing them that God is faithful in every season and that a life built on Him is a life that stands firm.

_________________________

The Joy of Writing Across Eras

Although I always write for the Christian market, my work spans many subgenres. I’ve never believed in locking an author into a single category unless that’s truly where their heart is. Stories come to us from all directions, and I’m a firm believer that a good writer can step into any field they feel inspired or called to explore. My own writing reflects the many interests God has given me, and I enjoy moving from one era or setting to another as new ideas take shape.

Out of the ninety-five books I have on Amazon, six are set in medieval England, three are set in the 1700s in America, and seventy are set in the 19th century (and most of them are Westerns). Three are set in the 1900s, nine are contemporaries, and three are Christian nonfiction. I have already published one book set in Victorian England, and I have two more scheduled for next year. I also have plans to write novels set in biblical times beginning in 2028. And who knows what the future might hold?

I hope my readers will appreciate all of these different journeys and enjoy my writing style enough to follow wherever the stories lead. Perhaps, like me, they prefer variety, fresh settings, new challenges, and unexpected paths. Writing across so many time periods keeps the work exciting for me, and I pray it brings that same sense of discovery and delight to everyone who reads my books.

________________________

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.

____________________________

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.

____________________________

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. 

________________________

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.

__________________________

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.

____________________________

 

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.

______________________

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.

________________________

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.

______________________________

 

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.

___________________________

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. 

_________________________