Happy Christmas everyone

I want to wish all my readers a very Happy Christmas. Thank you for following me this year, thanks for your comments and support it has been appreciated by both myself and authors. Thanks also to all the authors who have given there time to be on my blog this year. I look forward to sharing more interviews, reviews and new books to you. I look forward also to introducing more Aussie fiction in the new year.

Focus on Christmas with Merrillee Whren

Please welcome Merrillee Whren to my blog today to talk about Christmas. Welcome Merrillee

Firstly thanks for coming to my blog to focus on Christmas.

1.      What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

I always associate Christmas with the reason we celebrate--the birth of Christ. But if you are wanting something that is unique about the Christmas celebrations in the area where I live, I can mention a few. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel near our home has a huge Christmas display every year featuring a gingerbread house or something made of gingerbread. Last year they had a ship. I'll include a photo. Also our little town has a Christmas parade, and you will see palm trees decorated with Christmas lights and Santas wearing flip flops, as well as a parade of ships decorated with lights.

2.      Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

Our traditions are about food. I always make chocolate nut caramels with a recipe passed down from my grandmother. My husband makes the nut roll that his father always made before he passed away. They are two family favorites. I also make my Christmas cookies, and I decorate my house--inside and out--for Christmas. I have a collection of Nativity sets and international Santas that I display each year.

3.      Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

My favorite Christmas Carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," is one that isn't often sung, but I love it's message, especially in these times. I particularly like  the third and fourth stanzas. I will quote
them here.

               "And in despair I bowed my head:
               'There is no peace on earth,' I said,
               'For hate is strong, and mocks the song
               Of peace on earth, good will to men."

               "Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep:
               'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
               The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
               With peace on earth, good will to men."

4.      If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you

celebrate?

I would spend it with family, especially our two girls and their families. This year we will be apart because it is their turn to go to their spouse's family for  Christmas. We live far away from each other, so we have to share. Some Christmas I would love to be able to gather with my three brothers and all of their  kids' families as well. That would be quite a family reunion.

5.      Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

I guess the best memory was from a year when I was in college and didn't know whether I would be able to make it home for Christmas. I was attending college over a 1,000 miles from home. One of my classmates discovered that an acquaintance of hers was making a trip to Spokane with her family and that they were willing to give me a ride. We drove through a horrible snow storm in Montana, but we made it. My parents didn't know I was coming, so I enjoyed surprising them with my visit.

6.      What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

There is no typical Christmas Eve or Christmas day for our family. Because over the years we have lived away from extended family, we often traveled later on Christmas day to be with family in another state. Now what we do depends on the year and whether we will be traveling or staying home. If we are home, we usually gather on Christmas Eve and share the time with family and friends who have come to visit. Christmas day is for opening gifts, sharing in a meal and reading the Christmas story.

7.      Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

I like to watch 'Miracle on Thirty-fourth Street' both the old and new versions. The best Christmas book is the Bible.

8.      Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Remember the real reason for the Christmas season--the birth of Jesus, and try to do good, not just at Christmas, but all year round.

My current Love Inspired book is MONTANA MATCH. It takes place on a Montana
ranch and features a minor secondary character from my previous book, LOVE
WALKED IN. The heroine of MONTANA MATCH was a teenager in LOVE WALKED IN.
Here is a blurb:

Nanny to six-year-old twin girls isn't exactly the position Brittany Gorman
is looking for. But she needs a job. And the twins' struggling single dad,
rancher Parker Watson, needs all the help he can get. Soon Brittany is not
only assisting with the girls, but also helping Parker make peace with his
past. It seems Brittany's finally found a place to belong. And with two
little matchmakers on the loose, there's no telling what the future holds.
As her time on the ranch runs out, can Brittany and Parker find the strength
to face that future--together?

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas by Poppy Smith

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas By Poppy Smith   Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas.  My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws.  After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!   But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide tochange our perspective.  So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time! Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1. Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul. Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world. Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time! Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive. Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart. Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love. Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page). May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.   Author Bio

Poppy Smith With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

Sign up for Poppy's THRIVE newsletter at: http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you notify KCWC at russ@kathycarltonwillis.com.   All other standard copyrights apply.

He Sees You When You're Sleepin'... by Dr. Charles W. Page

He Sees You When You’re Sleepin’... By Dr. Charles W. Page   Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out on Santa’s visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa’s ability to be aware of my wakefulness.  Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and hinder our rest.  There is someone who “sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” It’s not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds us, God’s eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.     “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4)    We erroneously think that as we “turn in” that God somehow “turns off” or moves on to do more important things. But God doesn’t wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is awake guarding our lives.  What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God give? Understanding God’s generous nature, one rendering would be that God gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom and direction with decisions as you “sleep on it” overnight (Psalm 16:7, James 1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8).  God’s gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17), eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available 24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God’s greatest gift did not arrive under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)  It’s plain to see, God has our back as we sleep. Try this Christmas recipe for rest.   Repent—in areas where we are aware of our transgressions. “A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.” Release—control of problems you’re facing and give them over to God. Relate—connect with God through prayer and meditation while in bed. Rest—allow God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep. Receive—God’s unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep. An English proverb reminds us, “As you make your bed so you must lie in it.” The truth of God’s Word helps us face our situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest with a clean conscience based on God’s gift of forgiveness. Our current circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God’s greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: “He sees you when you’re sleeping.”   Author Bio

Charles W. Page, M.D. Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Page is currently a rural surgeon and has taken numerous medical mission trips to South America and the Middle East. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. You can find more information atsurrenderedsleep.com.

Surrendered Sleep A Biblical Perspective by Dr. Charles W. Page   PUBLISHER: Camino Real Publishers ISBN-10: 0983138109 ISBN-13: 978-0983138105 PRICE: Paperback: $14.95; Ebook: $10.95   Available at: Amazon Surrendered Sleep

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you notify KCWC.   All other standard copyrights apply.

Focus on Christmas with Meredith Resce

Please welcome another Australian Author to my blog today to share Christmas in Australia. Welcome Meredith Resce. 

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

If you mean in my actual street, it’s the house down the road that is lit up like….well, like a Christmas tree. A spectacular light display that has cars driving by just to stop and look at the lights. If you mean in our city of Adelaide, it’s the hustle and bustle of getting everything sorted to wind up the end of school year, have Christmas/end-of-year parties for businesses and clubs, and the onset of warm weather. For your northern hemisphere readers, we don’t switch the Christmas lights on until 9pm, and we take a walk in the warm evening to look at things going on in the neighbourhood. If you mean in the state of south Australia, being as I’m originally from the country, it’s harvest time, and I keep close monitor on how the crops are yielding. We watch out for bushfires, and get our BBQ’s working. We love a good open air carols-by-candlelight night.  (Jenny here I love the open air carols too.)

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

Every second year, we gather at the family farm with the whole of my family – about 30 of us now. On the other year, we do a city Christmas, and those of our family in the city get together and walk around the streets singing Christmas Carols. Our family have a tradition of eating Port Wine Jelly with Cherries and ice-cream for Christmas breakfast. I’ve always done it, and I asked my mother where that tradition came from. She told me it was from when a travelling green-grocer used to go from farm to farm, and stopped by our farm every week, he would sell cases (wooden-box) full of fruit for preserving. My mother always bought a case of cherries, and would preserve them in her Fowlers preserving jars. She would always open the first jar of preserved Cherries on Christmas eve, make the Port wine jelly, and we would have it as a treat Christmas morning. 

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? 

Can’t limit to just one – Joy to the Word – Love the words. ‘He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove, the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love.’

Silent Night – The most beautiful carol, and evokes all sorts of memories from a wonderful childhood of faith.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

We almost always celebrate with family. I love to have a Christmas Eve service, acknowledge the wonder of God with us in the Christ child. I am such a traditionalist, I love to celebrate the way we have always done it.

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

The majority of my memories of Christmas are special. When we were kids, it was great, everything just happened magically. Now I know that the magic was really my mother, grandmother’s and aunt. They made everything happen. O Joy, I get to make it happen now, and I love to know that the kids are having a wonderful time, but it is a lot more hard work than it used to be. My mother used to always organise a small Christmas concert for the grandparents after Christmas lunch. We would have costumes, and do little plays, sing songs and play the piano. Our grandparents always clapped and told us we were wonderful.

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas Eve – a church service, and singing carols somewhere, somehow.

Christmas Day – even though my children are now adults, we still get up early, as my nieces and nephews are still young, and we have to do the Christmas thing all together. My father readers a Scripture and prays, then we share presents. Then we eat our Jellied cherries, and the grown up mothers get to start lunch preparations. The kids play. We have a traditional roast lunch, even if it’s 40 degrees (110 degrees F) outside. We eat our Hot Christmas pudding, and the works. Then the grownups get to clean up lunch, and the kids play some more. The grownups sleep, and then go ahead and fix leftovers for tea. We use cold ham and cold chicken, and just have salad for tea.

7.    Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

The Nativity; It’s a Wonderful Life; Miracle on 34^th Street; I’ll Be seeing You (old movie with Ginger Rogers and Shirley Temple); The Christmas Card (New movie with unknown actors). I like to watch these with the Christmas lights switched on. (Jenny again, I enjoy the Christmas Card also I have it on DVD)

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Christ is the whole reason the Christmas celebration began, but it is so easy to remove Christ, or shove him aside while we indulge in all the other Christmas things that have developed over the years. Make sure you keep Christ front and centre, and remember that Christmas is always followed by Easter – his work and victory over sin.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come – don’t forget, He’s still here in the person of the Holy Spirit, so, come, let us adore Him.

This is Meredith's latest book and one I can't wait to read. 

When Sarah Montgomery finds a man lying half-dead in the snow, she doesn’t stop to think of the consequences of trying to save his life. But being a Good Samaritan yields nothing but trouble. In her parents’ absence, she struggles against a deadly fever and a vicious snow-storm, doing her best to save the life of a stranger. But when her self-righteous neighbours eventually come to see how she fared during the storm, they draw a very different conclusion. Before she knows it, her reputation is in tatters, and she has been cast out of the church and her home.

Alone and destitute, Sarah is determined to seek work as a servant from the man whose life she has saved. But all is not well for the master of Mellington Hall.

 Someone wants Lord Alan Mellington dead, and he doesn’t know who or why.

The only person he seems to be able to trust is the gamekeeper’s daughter, Sarah Montgomery, who has intervened to save his life not once but twice.

This story blending mystery, scandal, murder and romance comes from one of Australia’s best-loved authors, Meredith Resce.

Focus on Christmas with Penny Reeve

Please join me in welcoming Penny Reeve back to my blog to talk Christmas.

2. Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

We have a special Christmas Quilt which goes up on our wall in the first weeks of Christmas. The quilt is initially a plain background of hills and a night sky peppered with stars. As the days approach Christmas more and more items are attached to the quilt including a busy inn, a stable, Mary and Joseph, a donkey etc. We follow the journey to Bethlehem by moving the piece around until Christmas day when the baby Jesus is added to the scene!

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

No, not really. I think unfortunately I have allowed the commercialism of Christmas dampen my enthusiasm for Christmas carols!

 4. If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

I would have a quiet family Christmas with my immediate family. I'd make sure everyone could stay in their PJs for as long as possible and we'd eat all our favourite things regardless of whether they were traditional Christmas munchies or not! Then, perhaps in the afternoon, I'd like for us to be still for a little while and remember everything Christ did for us and consider some of the enormity of what that means. (Jenny here, now I am basically alone I do eat what I want regardless of tradition. although I do have bacon on Christmas, I like you idea of a quiet family Christmas, I have other friends who dont like the day due to the busyness and the rushing around etc)

 5. Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

I think this is probably where my ideal Christmas ideas come from. When I was about 12 my family were living as missionaries in North Australia and we had to travel to a remote location to cover the base there while another family was away. So, we were away from our regular home, but that Christmas is one of my most special ones. Yep, we wore our PJs all day. We had a lovely lunch with home baked bread rolls and our present opening time was one of quiet, special enjoyment.

 6. What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

It depends on where the Christmas day is to be held as we have to share Christmas between families who live in different states. But Christmas Eve usually has a flavour of expectation to it, no matter how hard I try to avoid the whirl! The children are keen with enthusiasm and there is an atmosphere of preparation, a giving kind of preparation which is nice to be a part of.

 7. Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see
 or read each year?

No. I am a bit of a commercialised Christmas rebel, really. So if there is something out there designed to make me buy it just because it is Christmas, I'll avoid it. I don't even like Christmas trees, we only have one becuase the children enjoy it!

 8. Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Take time, in the bustle, between picking up the wrapping paper and sorting the mis-matched presents to consider Jesus. The baby part of the story is just one section of the miracle. God went to every length possible to invite us into his kingdom. Don't let this Christmas wizz past without thinking about that, and if possible, sharing that wonder with someone you love!  

Penny has several children's books out and I am including the covers of several. You can see her books at http://www.pennyreeve.com/

The winner of Love Rekindled is

Martha Artyomenko congrats. Your book will be on its way shortly.

Fall Fiction Fling The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep by Dean Davis with giveaway

The ebook version is currently free (check under the bookcover for the link)

Retail price: $9.99

PUBLISHER'S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Dec. 12-17 only: $5.49 at:

http://www.cladach.com/Sherman-the-Sheep.html

Book Info:

Fiction / Youth (For ages 6 to 12 - or kids of all ages)

Trade Paperback 160 pgs / 5" x 7"

Discussion/Activity Guide Available (Included in eBook)

e-Book Version

Buy Now in Amazon Kindle store for Free until Sunday This is a good chance to get a free book.

Kids are using e-readers such as Kindles too. Buy as a gift for a Kid with a Kindle!Or buy for your own e-reader and read it to your kids.

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Watch Dean Davis reading a short, 4-minute section of The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep:

THE DANGEROUS JOURNEY OF SHERMAN THE SHEEP

An Allegory for Kids

by Dean Davis

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"Beautifully written. Highly recommended for use in a setting, either family or group, where you can take time to reflect and share on what has been read.... A must-read!" ~ The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

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When Sherman, a carefree lamb in the Good Shepherd's flock, grows into a young ram, he longs for adventure and acceptance by his peers. So, against his father's warnings, he climbs "Pleasure Mountain." There he encounters strange new enticements and dangers which at first seem exciting, but finally prove more than a young ram can handle on his own. Sherman finally admits his father was right when he called it "Sin Mountain," but how will he escape and get back to the fold? And what great adventure has the Shepherd prepared for him?

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Read First Chapters of print book
Read First Chapters of e-Book
Discussion/ Activity Guide (free - pdf file)

Author Bio:

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dean earned a degree in philosophy from U.C. Santa Cruz. After several unsatisfying years on Sin Mountain, the Good Shepherd rescued him, and eventually Dean became a pastor and Bible teacher in Santa Rosa, California, where he currently resides.

Dean has often worked with children and youth, and enjoys story telling. He is currently director of Come Let Us Reason, a Bible teaching ministry specializing in the study of apologetics and the biblical worldview.

Dean and his wife, Linda, are the parents of two sons and three daughters, all of whom have flown the family nest. In addition to The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep, Dean has authored nonfiction books including In Search of the Beginning and The Test: A Seeker's Journey to the Meaning of Life (Pleasant Word).

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To know Dean better, we asked him these questions:

What attracted you to writing, and in particular, writing an allegory?

Dean: I trace my interest in writing back to the early 1970s, the time of my spiritual awakening. The more I read, the more I saw; the more I saw, the more I wanted to communicate. Soon, I began to write short stories, poems, and essays. When, after a good deal of wandering, the Lord brought me into His fold, my desire to relate fresh insights resurfaced and intensified. From the very beginning of my Christian walk I admired a famous old painting called The Good Shepherd, in which we see a Shepherd (with face hidden) rescuing a sheep trapped on a mountain ledge. That picture said it all. It also suggested a story which I told, with ever-increasing embellishments, to my children. Eventually, some of the folks who heard me tell it at church asked me to write it down. As I wrote, I found myself targeting adolescent - or pre-adolescent - boys, who today are in desperate need of godly role models, a clear vision of manhood, and a revelation of the thrill of genuine Christian discipleship. I started out telling my own story - which is simply "the old, old story" - in a way that young boys could grasp. Soon, however, I realized that an allegory was taking shape under my fingers, one that could well speak to kids of all ages. I hope it has, and I hope it will.

Tell us a little bit about Sherman.

Dean: "All we like sheep have gone astray," says Isaiah. In that sense Sherman represents any Christian whom Christ has graciously and lovingly rescued from sin. But I'd say Sherman specially represents kids who have grown up in the church but wandered away or have been tempted to try adventuring up "Sin Mountain." Dudley, on the other hand, is more like me - the guy who never had the advantage of a Christian family, but whom the Lord, with a mighty stretch of his long arm, somehow found.

Did you receive inspiration from watching your own five children?

Dean: Most definitely, especially from my two sons. Like Bertram (Sherman's father in the book), I observed their interest in the things of God, and also their interest in the things of the world. Like Bertram, I was concerned. Like Bertram, I wanted to be the voice of the Lord into their young lives, and the grace of the Lord, if and when they should fail. Sherman is not just for sons and daughters, but for dads and moms as well. I hope the story will encourage parents to trust in a good and sovereign God, and to aspire to work skillfully with Him as He ministers through them to His young ones.

You are a skilled writer of allegory. Are you a fan of writers such as C.S. Lewis?

Dean: I am definitely a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia. Those wonderful books penetrated to the depths, and I enthusiastically read them to all my children. I believe that in their fantasies Lewis and Tolkien did what they set out to do: to get a fresh hearing for the gospel among moderns hardened to the gospel. And they did it by giving us memorable characters shaped by the gospel, so we could see anew what godly Christian boys, girls, men, and women look like. If The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep will give the tiniest such peek to an impressionable tween, I will be pleased indeed.

Describe your typical writing session.

Dean: I like to compose on my computer. I have a wonderful homemade table that allows me to do so standing up (saves the back big time)! I'm a pretty slow writer: An excellent day's work will come to two or three pages. I suffer no interruptions, but toil on in more or less complete silence, holed up in my downstairs office. I keep lots of hot drinks by my side and take an occasional break to run upstairs and check out the latest developments in politics.

What other activities do you enjoy?

Dean: My wife, Linda, and I enjoy bicycling. I enjoy hitting a bucket of balls at the local golf course and sitting down for a pork tostada at Lepe's, my favorite Mexican restaurant.

Have you written other stories like The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep, for families to read together?

Dean: I have a few other stories tucked away in my heart; but they're on the back burner till I get a few theological projects out of my craw. I'm almost always writing. These days I enjoy posting short articles on my blog: devotionals, letters, essays, etc. Currently I'm doing a series on how to interpret Old Testament prophecies of the Kingdom of God.

Where on the Internet can people find you?

Dean: At my website: http://www.clr4u.org

Focus in Christmas with Shawna Williams

Please welcome Shawna Willliams to share her Christmas Memories with us this week and also promote her Christmas book (which is a great read and on special at present for .99cents details at the end of the post).

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Our Christmas parade and fireworks show. It's symbolizes everything that's wonderful about life in a small town. All of the businesses, organizations, clubs and churches build floats. The whole town comes together to watch. The businesses on Mena Street stay open late so you can browse, visit and do a little shopping. Many serve hot cocoa to enjoy during and after the parade. Following the parade there's an incredible fireworks show in the park, where you get to watch the display directly overhead, and right after the finale the whole park lights up. The last few years a museum train has stopped in town. The cars are full of Christmas villages with miniature trains traveling through. I love our little town on this night. It feels like something magical is taking place.

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

For a week before Christmas I sneak gifts under the little trees set up in my kids' rooms. When they were little they thought it was one of Santa's elves sneaking it into their rooms, and the gifts were small things, like a toy matchbox car for my son, or play jewelry for my daughters. I have three teens now, so the gifts have morphed into nail polish, favorite snack food, etc... but they still look forward to this. Of course, they now know that Mom is behind it all, but I still wait until they're asleep to sneak it under their trees. If I owned an elf suit, I'd likely put it on to deliver.

(Jenny here this sounds so cool would love to have had this happen as a child.)

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

I love the song Silent Night. I have ever since I can remember. It's a beautiful song, but there's also great nostalgia associated with it for me, so I think it will always be my favorite.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

Exactly as we do! At home with the family, celebrating the birth of our Lord and the love we have for one another. There's always plenty of food, games, lots of laughter. The one thing I'd mandate that we don't always have is snow. I love snow!

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

The best memories I have of Christmas time come from my grandparents' farm when I was a kid. It's not a specific memory, but a mixture of things from over the years. There was always a house full at Christmas time, and I remember evenings by the fire with everyone laughing. Most of the time I hadn't a clue what it was about, but the feeling created was one of warmth and love. There are several things that I have a particular fondness for: crystal chandeliers, the creaking sound of walking on wood-planked floors, the smell of pine, white German Shepherds, and funny shaped Christmas trees. All of these wonderful things are from memories associated with Christmas at Nonnie and Papaw's.

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

I do a lot of cooking on Christmas Eve, but by night we settle down. Christmas Eve is also my mom's birthday, so if they are with us we go out for Mexican food because it's my mom's favorite. If they aren't with us then I cook Salmon. Then the kids open a single gift (pajamas). If we haven't already started The Lord of the Rings trilogy, then we'll probably start it that night. We end the night with a prayer of thanks.

On Christmas morning I fix a huge pot of oatmeal mixed with tons of maple syrup and butter. Then we open gifts. I set out appetizers that I made the night before: deviled eggs, pigs in a blanket, bean soup, taquitos and cheese dip and we snack during the afternoon and play games. Then I fix our main meal of Cornish hens, mash potatoes, ham and all the other traditional favorites for the evening. Desserts are an all day affair. Not to brag, but I make an excellent pecan pie. We're likely to watch A Christmas Story and one of the movies in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

7.    Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

We like the movie Elf. I also love the old classics; It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34^th Street, and Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without A Christmas Story

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Mainly to take the time to be grateful. There's so much rush beforehand and afterwards. Take the day to give thanks to the Lord, and to relax and enjoy the blessing of family. These are the memories that will endure throughout a lifetime.

Orphaned Hearts.

Pastor David Langley understands six-year old Caleb Holsheyer -- what it feels like to be damaged and alone. His family killed in a fire, and his body severely burned, David grew up in an orphanage, ridiculed and shunned. He couldn’t let that be Caleb’s fate.

When adoption plans fall through, David is desperate to find Caleb a new home. But in the midst of the Great Depression, most families are barely getting by. No one seems willing to take on the responsibility of an extra mouth, especially one belonging to a crippled child.

Except for Sadie Miller, the town spinster. In Sadie, David sees the answer to Caleb's needs. But Child Welfare doesn't agree, and demands other arrangements be found, or the boy be returned to the orphanage.

David and Sadie team up, determined to find a home for an orphaned child, but while searching, might they find a family instead.

you can buy this for for .99 cents at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Desert Breeze

Winner of Formula for Danger is

The winner for Formula for Danger by Camy Tang is Melanie Winkler
congrats the book will be on its way this week.

winners

Winners from my blogiversary are 
 Together for the Holidays by Margaret Daley - Jess Collyer 
The Matchmaking Pact by Carolyn Aarsen - Michelle Evans
Face to Face - Debbie Clark
Going into Benny's Angel blog tour grand drawer is Jesse


Congrats to all winners. (If Jesse wins the grand draw I will announce it here also).


Dont forget the 3 draws still up for grabs. One book for North America, One for an Aussie and a $75 gift voucher.

Focus on Christmas with Paula Vince

Please welcome back Paula Vince an Aussie Author back to my blog for my focus on Christmas series. I wanted to have a few different perspectives of Christmas from different areas. I relate well to what Paula has said. Also her latest book Best Forgotten which won this years Caleb Prize would make a wonderful christmas gift.

1)      What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Some blistering hot days and pleasant, warm summer evenings full of the aroma of outdoor barbeques. Cool fruit punch and festive salads. The Christmas holiday period is a wonderful time for winding down as our Australian school year comes to an end.

2)      Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

We love to watch or visit our Adelaide Christmas Pageant, which is said to be one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere. There are also other local pageants and festive occasions we attend. A five minute drive from where we live is a town named Hahndorf which was settled by German pioneers in the nineteenth century. Each December a traditional visit from St Nicholas takes place there, which I love to take part in with my children. 

On Christmas Eve night, we attend an 11pm service at our church. I love singing carols in the auditorium lit by nothing but splashes of candlelight. And, of course, one of our favourite traditions is driving around at night searching for light displays and nativity scenes set up in peoples’ gardens. We have a town named Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, another one founded by European settlers, and its people hold nothing back when it comes to light displays, making it one of Adelaide’s most renowned tourist destinations each Christmas.  (Jenny here I would love to see the lights of Lobethal I have heard they are amazing)

3)      Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol, and if so do you know why?

It would have to be O, Holy Night. It is such a majestic piece of music that makes my spirit soar on the high notes, while I want to ‘fall on my knees’ with the chorus at the same time. I love the lyrics, which speak of the power and love of Jesus for each of us. The fact that he entered the world unobtrusively as a tiny baby fills me with awe each time I hear it. (Jenny here this is a song that many have picked and its one I really Love too.)

4)      If you could spend Christmas anyway you could, how would you celebrate?

I’ve never known anything but hot Aussie Christmases, but I wouldn’t mind, just once, celebrating it in a traditional cold, snowy climate for the contrast. Friends and family who have been lucky enough to be able to do it describe the experience as terrific.

5)      Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

My sister and brother are older than me by several years. During my childhood Christmases, we’d all sit around the tree first thing in the morning with our parents, taking turns to open presents. After lunch, we’d have a sit-down lunch with turkey and salads at the table. It was probably the only day of the year we used to spend together like that and I valued the time.

6)      What is a typical Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for you?

Christmas Eve is my birthday. I try to keep the day free to relax and observe it in some special way instead of simply letting it filter through my fingers in a mad effort to finish off last minute wrapping, cleaning and shopping. I spent it in that frantic way once before and promised myself never to repeat it. Last year, I spent my birthday driving home from Nelson, over our Victorian border, where we’d had a holiday for a week. I even called into the Naracoorte Christian bookshop and said, “Hi” to Jenny. (Jenny here I remember that you dont know how exciting it was for me to meet an author I even bought one of Paula's books. didn't realise it was your birthday at the time.)

On Christmas Day, we have lunch with one of our extended families and dinner with the other, alternating each year. This year, we’ll have lunch with my family and dinner with my husband’s.

7)      Do you have any Christmas movies or books you like to see or read?

We watch “The Greatest Story Ever Told” or whatever Christmas movie is televised. I’d love to get my hands on a movie called, “Bushfire Moon” about a true-blue, colonial Aussie Christmas. I saw this one at the movies in my teens and always remembered it. (Jenny here again I forgot about Bushfire Moon I also saw it at the movies. I remember it was really hot but one family still had a yule log.)

The kids and I borrow Christmas books from the library and I also like to read over every Christmas story by Laura Ingalls Wilder in her “Little House” series.

8)      Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

I’d like to tell everybody to have a joyful and blessed time. Saying, “Don’t get caught up in the commercialism” is pointless, so get your necessary commercialism out of the way quickly so you can enjoy every minute of the days leading up to Christmas. Take time to reflect and relax. I love to think of us as a world-wide family all celebrating the birth of Jesus together.

God Bless, everyone.  

A young accident victim wakes up in hospital and can’t remember who he is. Why does he have nothing in common with his family? Why does he despise the person he was supposed to be? Why has his best friend disappeared without a trace? And is somebody after him?

His family can offer no solutions. His girlfriend is strangely aloof. And he cannot shake off a feeling that the answers will prove more foreboding than his amnesia. Yet he must find out before he runs out of time. Paula Vince has woven elements of secrecy and suspense with her trademark warmth and compassion to bring you a new, fascinating story.