A Royal Ball

Okay, so maybe it's a cyber ball... but anyway... I'm excited to be a part of a FaceBook party for several authors today! We've already had some fun the past week and there's going to be a lot more. I'm "on" from 6:00-6:30 (CST) if you're on FaceBook and would like to stop by for a chat. I've got something fun planned out with me and my character, Belle, from Befriending the Beast.

But! I wanted you all to be a part of the giveaway, even if you're not on FaceBook! I've not read most of these authors, but a giveaway for a Kindle is pretty fun! :)

The CROWN JEWEL PRIZE giveaway for a Kindle e-reader and 12+ e-books is sponsored by the authors of the “Meet the Authors of 2016 Royal Ball.” The giveaway will remain open until 12:00 am (EST) on Monday, November 14. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on the event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/1755476794702604/) on Monday, November 14 at 1:00 pm (EST). No purchase necessary. Open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open Honesty: Hard Days

I sit at the piano, plucking things out, trying to find something creative, but all I get is a monotonous run of the same-ol', same-ol'. Come on. I've arranged hundreds of songs! Surely one more won't be the end of me!

I dig into God's Word... only to come up dry. Shouldn't I find something -- something -- to encourage me for the day?

I stare at my computer screen. One hundred words. This is all I need to write for my novel today. But it is hard. Nothing is coming. And I get further discouraged. (By the way, THIS makes 100 words -- yeah, not much is it?)

The examples can go on. Whether it is with projects, home-life, friendships, spiritual life, or church issues, we've all been there. Days can be hard. Tough. Dry. Discouraging. Days in which we want to do nothing but surround ourselves in a fat layer of self-pity and mope. Because after all, writers are supposed to write, aren't they? If I'm in God's Word daily, I should get something out of it daily, shouldn't I?

When I was having a hard week recently, the Lord had to put some things into perspective for me.

1) I can't claim verses such as 1 Peter 4:12-13.

When I truly think about my "hard days" in light of Scripture, I am not suffering for Christ, per se. Sure, it may be an attack from satan, if I am truly striving to do something to follow Christ. But I'm not spilling blood because I'm standing up for Christ. I'm just frowning because my day isn't going smoothly. There is a big difference.

 

2) I'm not the only one struggling.

It's easy to think that I'm the only writer out there who can't get words or ideas to come. Even when I know that two of my author friends have admitted writing had been hard for them too. On spiritually hard days, I tend to forget the friend that just texted me that she's also having some spiritual struggles.

3) My struggles aren't the biggest ones out there.

While I'm sitting there, tempted to mourn about lack of ideas and inspiration for my pet projects, there are several families in our community who are morning the tragic accident that killed three family members and sent seven to the hospital in critical condition. This is just one instance I know of. Many others around me are facing life-threatening issues. I am nothing but a selfish wimp that wants things to go my way.

4) My focus is on ME.

The magnifying glass is on my problems. They're more acute, more painful, more serious than the problems anyone else is having. Which often leads me to not having "room" for other people and their struggles because really, "Mine are more than I can handle."

5) I need to get beyond this.

The beauty of realizing points 1-4 is that the Lord then shows me ways to overcome them.

-  One of the greatest ways is to pray for others. When struggling spiritually, pray for other believers and their spiritual walk (even if I think they have it all together). When words don't come, pray for other Christian authors who are striving to share the Gospel. When I'm tempted to pity myself, pray for people with real problems -- big problems -- that only God's grace can help them through. The list of people and needs I can pray for are much larger than my life.

- Another very important thing is to "count it all joy" or "in everything give thanks." Seriously. I stop and start listing things I'm grateful for. I could never count them all... so by the time I get through a dozen or two, wow! I'm really blessed.

You know what? I have had some puddles to wade through, but when I think realistically -- when I turn my focus away from myself and to God and others -- my days really aren't that hard after all.

How do you get through hard days? What helps turn your focus away from yourself?

Angels We Have Heard on High | Piano Duet

It is always fun to arrange a song more than once. A few weeks back, I shared the advanced piano solo of "Angels." Now, here's a duet, per request.

Sheet music info here.

Journey of Choice | Quote Day 04

If you're subscribed to my writing newsletter, then you know that nope, I'm not doing NaNoWriMo this year. :) I haven't done it yet, actually, as Novembers tend to be super busy for our family. BUT... I am going to try really hard to get 20,000 words done in Choice. Already I'm lagging a little behind and need to step it up. Prayers really appreciated as I'm in the home-stretch!

What is one of your favorite things about the Civil War era?

Scriptures Graphics 12

"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;" 1 Chronicles 16:12

How often do we think about God's marvelous works: in our lives, the lives of people around us, our parents, those in history, and what's recorded in His Word?
When we stop to truly recall God's works, we can't help but praise Him! How great is our God -- yet how often do we let daily matters cloud our praise of Him?

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." 1 Chronicles 16:29

"And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God." 1 Chronicles 17:16-17

These two verses show David's humility. Though he was king, he openly acknowledged that God had given him the throne. Though in the world's eyes he was "a man of high degree," he knew that he was but dust compared to God's glory. How often do I look at my small accomplishments and think I am someone -- when I should look to God and realize that I am no one.
"Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever..." 1 Chronicles 17:24
His focus was that, in all, God would be magnified. Is that my focus in the tasks ahead?

Even though preparations were made and Solomon knew what to do, his first step still needed to be seeking the Lord. I may know what needs to be done, what tasks are ahead, but I still need to seek God, to set my heart and mind on Him.

Books I Read - October 2016

Okay, so I'll confess it. I get a bunch of good ideas then I usually don't do so great with keeping up with these ideas. ;) I figured it'd be fun to recap what I read each month (in addition to the Friday reviews I try to keep up with), but I know me. I might get busy and forget. I'll do my absolute best to remember though!

What did you read this month?! Thanks to a few 4-hour trips, here's what I read October 2016 (plus "Emotion Amplifiers" by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi on my Kindle). 

Almost made even balance -- 2 for enjoyment, 3 for writing purposes (and I'm okay with overdoing the books for writing purposes 😉). I actually liked them all, though Skip Rock Shallows ranks highest. 

What did you read this month? 

Do you read more Kindle or paperback books? 

What is your favorite book read this month? 

Do you try to balance your reading diet?

I'm already starting my TBR pile for November (okay, actually I started three books in October that I need to finish in November 😉 but I'll let you wait to see what those are! Okay, okay, I'll share one: I'm going through Elizabeth George's Colossians study and am greatly enjoying it!).

What's on your to-read list for November 2016?

----
Read my reviews for my October books on Goodreads:
Guide Me Home
What They Fought For
The Sword of Antietam
Skip Rock Shallows
Emotion Amplifiers

Open Honesty: About the "Money" Issue

 Some days, it's time to give you a little x-ray vision into my life. Today is one of those days. My life right now is spent teaching piano and violin, running With a Joyful Noise music, writing, and occasionally doing photography or graphics designing. I enjoy it all very much, but then there are days…

If you've been in the self-employed business world for any length of time, you know that building a business isn't a bed of roses (or maybe it is -- because you see more thorns than blossoms ;) ). It takes a lot of work, sometimes with very little monetary gain.

And usually, money is the last thing I think about.

Until my computer basically crashes.

And my website needs to be renewed.

And a room needs to be finished for a piano studio.

And the price to print books increases.

And postal prices increase.

And, and, and…

The list goes on until even the smallest things ("What?! My phone bill is about to be raised $5?!") are catastrophic.

Then, the brain begins to work.

What can I do to get more followers?

How can I promote my music so more people notice it?

How can I convince people to buy my books?

I need to stop doing giveaways.

I need to spend more time on social media, being interactive.

Don't people even see my photography work anymore?

HELLO WORLD, I'M OUT HERE!!!!

Okay, so maybe the means aren't quite that desperate, but you get the picture. The temptation comes to stop viewing my businesses as ministry and instead view them primarily as a money maker (or the desire for them to actually make money).

I was recently reading a passage with which I'm very familiar (in fact, I have it memorized), but I suddenly noticed two verses that connect. You'll recognize the verses: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1 Timothy 6:10-11)

I acknowledge that 1 Timothy was written to a preacher, but as I read these verses, it suddenly struck me as a business owner/manager. My goal should never be money, but that which fades not away, because it is the desire to be rich that leads into a temptation and a snare (1 Timothy 6:9).

These verses beg me to evaluate my heart.

- Am I spending as much time pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, as I am thinking about better ways to publicize my businesses and gain sales?

- Am I more concerned about the dollar sign attached to my product or whether it leads its consumers to these spiritual truths?

And as I evaluated, I realized some places where I had been tempted to go.

In writing, "genre" is pushed. Non-romantic, Biblically-solid historical fiction is not what's popular. Dystopian? Romance? Fan-fiction? Oh yeah.

In music, hymns are a dying thing. You've got to catch up to the rave of pop, soundtracks, and limited popular modern Christian songs of the day (note: some of these Christian songs are Biblically solid).

My reasoning for doing any of these would be one thing: they will likely get sales.

Which leads me to a third evaluation:

- Am I working to get sales… or to present truth?

Just a few seconds evaluating my heart, and I realize where I've slid.

I'm looking at money, not ministry.

I'm looking at popular, not prayer.

I'm looking at cash, not Christ.

And I am reminded of all of the lessons that God taught me these past years in my businesses: my eyes must -- at ALL times -- be fully fixed on Him.

In my entire life, He has provided for my EVERY need. When I need the money, it's there. When I need the work, it's there. And sometimes, He even goes a step further and gives me an extra-special blessing, something that I don't even need -- just because He's good like that.

Above and beyond that, God has blessed me more times than I can begin to count by the encouraging words of others. Hearts are being reached… and I'm worried about money?!

At the conclusion of this heart-searching and reminders, I am brought back to the place I needed to be the whole time: my knees. I can cast my every care upon Him, for He cares for me.

So my computer's basically dead.

My website needs renewal.

My piano studio needs to be finished.

Books are more expensive.

Postage is more expensive.

Sure, I have these cares. But am I thinking about these things which will one day fade away? Or am I looking at the things of God:

Righteousness

Godliness

Faith

Love

Patience

Meekness

Because when it's all said and done, this is what God has promised me: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33, emphasis added)

So yeah, I can work double-time to promote my businesses, but it will be at the expense of my spiritual walk. What is really more important for me? What kind of blessings does God have in store for my businesses -- if only I will get my perspective right?

- - - -

What lessons has God been teaching you recently?

O Holy Night | Music Video

It seems like one of the popular Christmas favorites is "O Holy Night." One of my newer students requested this for Christmas. As she knew music before I began teaching her, I was able to make it a late-beginner arrangement for her, using elements of the original arrangement.

Here's a sample of the music:

You can find out more about the sheet music here.

Journey of Choice | Quote Day 03

Time for more quotes! One of the things that I "dreaded" the most about writing Choice was the battle scenes. I'm not so sure I'm doing a swell job with the rough draft, but it's coming. In fact... I think I like writing fighting scenes!

The following quote about the Hornet's Nest is true history. A regiment is supposed to be 1,000 men. From what I've researched, The 18th Missouri never really reached full strength. But after the Hornet's Nest, there were only about 300 men left in the regiment who were not killed or captured.

*spoiler alert* Yes, one of my characters that is close to Nat ends up captured by the confederates in this chapter! :)

Scripture Graphics 11

If I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind, then should there be any room in my heart, soul, and mind for that which is eternally nothing? Where my heart, soul, and mind has true allegiance is revealed by my actions -- do I push away people and relationships for things of no eternal value?

Though there are many spiritual truths in this passage, it can also be applied to physical talents God gives us. God knows our abilities and what we're able to handle. Our duty is to be faithful to do what He's given us -- whether it's one talent or five, one responsibility or five.

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay....lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:6, 20b

Because He lives, we can face today, tomorrow, whatever the future holds!

"So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse." 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

Saul's transgression against God started by him not keeping the word of God. It may seem like making a commitment to be in God's Word and keep God's Word daily doesn't amount to much, but...
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11)

"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded." (Proverbs 13:13)

Guide Me Home | Book Review

Follow the lives of Hardin sisters, tame Rebekah and wild Cissy, who are poor hills girls with a rich family heritage of faith in Christ Jesus. Add to the story city slicker Devlin with his mapping project and colored guide, Tolly, and there you have the ingredients for a rich story!

The characters all felt very real, their growth genuine and easy-paced. Because there were diverse characters, there were also diverse goals and subtle plots woven throughout the story, which I enjoyed.

I loved the setting too. I mean, poor communities and the Mammoth Cave... It felt very well represented.

Yes, there was romance in this book. It wasn't quite a, "girl loves lost guy, then guy gets saved so now she can marry him" story, but hinted at it. Also, Cissy's infatuation with flirting and making plans behind her parent's back made me cringe (it was resolved, yes). There were only two kisses that I remembered mentioned; it was more about the characters talking about the kisses in both situations.

There were some loose ends that I felt weren't tied. Who had taken their packs and why? Who had stolen the minerals? While a certain family was pointed out, I didn't feel satisfied that the questions were explicitly answered. And then Nick kind of just disappeared in the end. So for me personally, the story didn't quite feel complete, though I did enjoy it very much.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Blogging for Books*

About the Book

Working in the massive cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family. But will it claim more than it gives?

After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities in for hardworking, capable"men." But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a"himself," then she s up to the job. 

Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, Reb begins to learn the complexities of the cave and the two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale.
The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels not to fall for a girl in disguise. Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight from the past?

Purchase the book on Amazon

The Distracted Writer (and how to not be one)

We've all been there.

*Write, write, write, check email, check FaceBook, get a snack, reply to some texts, look at stats*

Oh yeah... where was I?

*Write, do some research, remember something else online unrelated to writing...*

I'll be the first to raise my hand. It happens here. Even when I know that I'm getting distracted, I still let it happen. In fact, as ironic as it sounds, as I'm writing this article I've already gotten distracted three times. The struggle is real, folks!

Some days, I write just fine without distraction. Other days, it seems like everything but writing is on the brain! And on these days, when I don't quite know what I'm supposed to do in my writing, my mind wanders. And distractions come up.

Not that I'm the queen of solving these problems (obviously), but here are some tips I've applied to my own life in fighting against these distractions.

If you've got text tones on, turn them off. If your FaceBook or email notifications come up on your screen or make a sound, turn them off. Do everything you can to make your writing time your writing time.

If you just can't stay focused, set a timer, then appoint an award (e.g. "I will do nothing but write for fifteen minutes, then I will spend five minutes working on emails.").

How many words are you going for? Do nothing until you've written 100 words (or 500 or 1,000), or finished the chapter, or completed a scene (whichever goal suits your style).

 Find a fellow writer or friend to keep you accountable. Tell them your goals at the beginning of the day, and report back to them at the end of the day.

Whatever tip you decide to apply, don't be scared to "award" yourself somehow. Whether it's chocolate or internet time, after you've accomplished your goals, give yourself some freedom and relax.

You've heard my tips, now... what are your tips? When you find yourself getting distracted, what do you do to prevent it? Ready... share!

'Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus | Music Video

"O for grace to trust Him more!" -- I know I keep saying that these hymns rank at my top favorites, but seriously, there are so many good hymns out there. Here is just another one of them. ;)

Info about sheet music here.

Journey of Choice | Quote Day 02

Before I share more quotes, I just have to say, y'all are an amazing encouragement! I've not really shared many WIP's as I go along... there is the pressure of people wanting me to finish this, and I'm just trusting in God to help me reach "the end." :) In the meantime, enjoy another glimpse of Nat's life, and thank you for your encouragement and excitement!!

Yeah, I'm liking Zeke and Nat's relationship. Kind of an antagonistic type of love. And then, let me introduce you to one of my top favorite characters. This guy is loosely inspired by my younger brother, Samuel. ;) 

And another character who "popped up" there is Gregory. He's not a favorite of mine, but he serves a purpose, so he needs some room to shine.

The following quote is between Grits and Camden. Those two... I envision their relationship and am hoping to get that idea clearly on paper.

Scripture Graphics 10

The journey of following Christ is a daily battle of saying "no" to self and "yes" to Christ.

Complete abandon. This was Christ's life for us. If He so freely have so that we could have life, should not we freely give of our time and lives for others?

Falling for Books - freebies and sales!

Trust me, yesterday ALL I wanted to do was forget all this "business stuff," find a swing, and read. The weather is gorgeous right now!! But... I used a little bit of self-control.

How many of you like to read when the weather gets cool and snuggly? I'm definitely there! Guess what? I've linked up with several authors from Clean Indie Reads and there's a pretty sweet sale going on right now. You can find all the info (you know, for freebies and discounted prices) HERE. I haven't read many of these books so I can't personally endorse them, but you can look through and decide what suits you. :)

Oh yeah, some of my books are there. ;) Coffee Cake Days and Letters from a Scatter-Brained Sister are free. Journey to Love is discounted $.99.

Other books to look out for at CIR are by my author-friend, Faith Blum. If you like Western romances, there ya go. ;) You're welcome! :D

The Sound of Silver Birthday and Giveaway!

I had the privilege of reading The Sound of Silver when it first released -- and now it's Silver's birthday! Read my review of it here, and read on for the fun stuff Rachelle has planned for her book's "birthday party." :)

The Sound of Silver is Rachelle Rea Cobb’s second installment in the Steadfast Love series, an inspirational historical romance set during the 16th century! Rachelle is also the author of The Sound of Diamonds, the first book in the series, and a newlywed! This summer, she married a man with the same first name as the hero of the series! I’m joining in this blog tour to tell you a little more about Silver and spread the news about the rocking giveaway Rachelle is hosting—make sure you enter using the Rafflecopter form to win the lovely necklace pictured and your choice of any of the Steadfast Love titles!

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter using the Rafflecopter form above to win a beautiful necklace created by Baubles, Beads, and Stuff and your choice of any one of Rachelle’s three books (the series begins in Book One, of course, but in case you have one or two of her books already, Rachelle will gladly send you the next one to read!).

International friends, the paperback & necklace giveaway is open to continental U.S. addresses only (sorry!). But do still enter, because one international winner will also be chosen to receive an e-book.

ABOUT The Steadfast Love SERIES

In 16th-century Europe, the Reformation rages between Protestants and Catholics. Gwyneth, half-Dutch, flees from England to Holland to escape the man who murdered her parents. When he follows her there and insists he came to rescue her, will she trust this man called Dirk? When tragedy strikes, will their steadfast love erode?

ABOUT The Sound of Silver

The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One fights for faith, the other for honor…

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

Find The Sound of Silver on…

Amazon Paperback: http://is.gd/1HwJoi

Kindle: http://is.gd/EZ7DJ1

Barnes & Noble: http://is.gd/qhoCTc

Books a Million: http://is.gd/M2y5P2

Goodreads: http://is.gd/iBE2lJ

>> And if you want to learn more ABOUT BOOK ONE, The Sound of Diamonds

Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her, but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome.

Find The Sound of Diamonds on…

Amazon: http://is.gd/7z9vls

Kindle: http://is.gd/EZ7DJ1

Barnes & Noble: http://is.gd/qhoCTc

Books a Million: http://is.gd/M2y5P2

Goodreads: http://is.gd/F7HILk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Times gone by snatch Rachelle Rea Cobb close, so she reads and writes about years long ago--her passions include the Reformation, Revolutions, and romance. Rachelle wrote the Steadfast Love series during college. Five months after she graduated, she signed a three-book deal with her dream publisher, WhiteFire. She's a homeschool grad, Oreo addict, and plots her novels while driving around her dream car, a pick-up truck. In June 2016, she married a man with the same name as her fictional hero, and they live happily ever after in Small Town, South.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://RachelleReaCobb.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/RachelleReaCobb

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelleReaCobb

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/RachelleReaCobb/

Instagram: @RachelleReaCobb

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-Rea/e/B00RZHIL1Q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8144149.Rachelle_Rea_Cobb

Journey of Choice | Quote Day 01

Because I like making graphics, and because I like sharing quotes, here are a few more from my WIP, Journey of Choice. I wish I could promise that I'll do these every week, but... I know me. ;) And I have a hard time with consistency. So enjoy them today. :)