A Match for Milton

I'm happy to announce that my fourth book in The Matchmakers - Agatha Returns series releases on Monday, a week from today. There will be one more novel to follow to end my five-book series within a series. Although all five are set in Pinyon Falls, Texas, and have continuing characters, each one features a different couple and a definite conclusion, so they can be read as a standalone.

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In A Match for Milton, Milton Cauley tried marriage, and it didn't work out very well. Now a widower, he has no intention of ever marrying again. He's content enough running his barbershop until a misguided friend orders him a bride from the matchmaker other couples in Pinyon Falls have used. Milton is furious, but as far as he's concerned, the man can just handle the problem himself since he created it.

As with all my books, this one will be available on Kindle, KU, print, and Audible. My dual narrators, Douglas Birk and EJ Lavery, have finished production, and we're just waiting for ACX to approve it. Don't miss this beautiful story of what the right woman can do for a man, even one broken by a bad experience.

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Captaining Your Ship

Read Matthew 14:25-33.

You may remember the story of Peter walking on water. When Jesus came to join the disciples on the boat, He walked on the Sea of Galilee to get to them. Peter saw him coming and asked to join Him. Jesus told him to come. Peter pushed down his doubts and got out of the boat. At first, he walked on the water toward Jesus because he kept his eyes on his Lord, but when the raging storm drew his attention, he began to sink. Jesus reached out and saved him. However, note that Peter trusted Jesus enough to take the risk and leave the boat.

Too often, we do the same thing. We have good intentions, but we give our circumstances too much attention and take our eyes off Jesus. Sometimes, trusting God requires what looks like letting go of our comfortable, secure positions, and that's hard to do. Still, we have to get out of the boat because faith doesn't grow well in shallow water. It's a matter of trust. Do we take God at His promises and believe His Word? We'll be fine if we keep our eyes on Him and do His will.

At other times, we try to be captains of our own ships, thinking we can handle it, but that's not a good plan if we want to arrive safely at our destinations. Pride can quickly sink a ship. Let God steer you. Let Him be the captain and never plan a mutiny. He'll guide you safely home.

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 Why I Write

Recently, I did a guest blog about how and why I became an author. (See guest blog.) I enjoyed focusing on my real reason for writing and sharing it with others. I write for God's glory, hope that my books will always inspire and motivate, and pray that they deliver messages that God wants and can use.

This past week, I did a week-long online event where I agreed to focus on a Western book that involved a cattleman. I chose one of my books in the Hers to Redeem collection, Boone's Burden. That called to mind a touching review that talks about how the reader ended up evaluating her own Christian walk:  

"It is sad to see someone who is a Christian and yet does not see himself as God sees him . . . forgiven. Sometimes culture and opinions of others stir up self-doubts as well. Boone is one of those people. Though he has sworn never to marry because of past behavior, God has other plans for him. It's a hard journey for Boone to forgive himself and becomes even more challenging when he meets the preacher's daughter in church. Made me think of how I might be part of that culture that judges instead of encouraging others in their walk with God! Changed my heart and mind!"

I've had many other examples of this. One reader was struggling to be the caregiver for her husband whose health was declining rapidly with Alzheimer's. She read one of my Christian romances and told me that it reminded her of what she and her husband once had and why she wanted to do everything she could to help him now. Her testimony brought tears to my eyes and still does sometimes. These people encourage me to keep writing.

I write for God. I pray that He directs everything for His purposes and His glory. I'm humbled that he called me to serve Him in this way and amazed when I look back on my life and see how he trained me and directed my paths to bring me to this point without me understanding it at the time.  Now and always, to Him be the glory!

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 Seeking God with All Our Hearts

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray to me, and I will harken unto you (Jeremiah 29:12).

". . . God invites His people to call on Him, come to Him in prayer, and assures them that He will listen to them. This verse reveals the loving and attentive nature of our Heavenly Father, who longs for a deep and intimate relationship with His children. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God with all our hearts."

"Seeking God involves more than just offering superficial prayers or going through religious motions. It requires a sincere and genuine pursuit of Him, acknowledging our need for His wisdom, strength, and grace."

"He knows us intimately and longs to connect with us in a personal and meaningful way. Seeking God with all our hearts also involves aligning our desires with his will."

"In our busy and often chaotic lives, it's easy to become distracted and lose sight of what truly matters. But when we prioritize seeking God with all our hearts, we discover the peace, joy, and fulfillment that can only come from Him. We find comfort in His presence, wisdom in His Word, and strength in His unfailing love."

*Taken from 50 Devotionals: What's the Good Word?: Volume II by Christian Piper

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Carmen and the Gypsies

I have traveled quite a bit, and I've noticed that many of the European countries still have small bands of gypsies, a group that I've always found fascinating. It's always been in the back of my mind to write a novel including them. My chance came when I became a part of the multiple-author collection, The Matchmaker & the Mother-In-Law. However, it wasn't until I chose my book cover from the ones offered that I locked onto the idea. By the time I saw them to select mine, the only one I liked was a Spanish-looking woman. I remembered the gypsies I saw on my trips to Spain, and Carmen's Wedding Dilemma was born.

In the book, although Carmen was born in America, her parents and grandparents had been gypsies in Spain. Once here, they decided it would be better to hide their gypsy heritage. After the Civil War began, they moved to Utah, and her father started a horse ranch. When Carmen becomes a young woman, her parents decide that Mateo should be her matchmaker. After all, who has her best interest at heart more than a girl's father.

Holden Judd's mother is driving him crazy, trying to match him with a woman he has nothing in common with. When he goes to buy horses from Matteo for his livery business, he keeps returning, and it doesn't take long for him to fall in love with Carmen. However, his mother is determined to break them up, even if she has to be secretive about it. Carmen's Wedding Dilemma published today (August 5th) and is available for Kindle, KU, print, and Audible. Check it out - link to Carmen's Wedding Dilemma.

(Available for Kindle, KU, print, & Audible)

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Coming to Christ

Yesterday, as part of my morning devotion, I came across a very good narrative of what salvation means. Not only is it important to reach out to those who haven't committed to Christ, but it's so crucial that it's good for longtime Christians to reflect on their salvation throughout their Christian walk. This one comes from Sandra Kennedy.

"Being born again is the most important event in the life of any human. In that moment, our eternal destination is changed and we have a home in Heaven with God. At the same time, God comes to live within us by His Spirit. Being born again allows us to know God and be in a relationship with Him. He guides us, helps us, counsels us, provides for us, protects us."

"... it's important that you find a church that believes and teaches the Word of God so you can become grounded in the Word and have fellowship with other believers. Ask the Lord to lead you to the church He wants you to attend. Read the Bible each day. That's how we grow spiritually."

"Walking in a relationship with God is a wonderful adventure. Getting to know the Lord is a fun and exciting lifelong journey that will bring you joy.  . . . walk with Him day by day. Love Him. Worship Him, Live for Him."

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