Author: Cindy

Author Interview: Terry Spears + Giveaway

Posted on by Cindy

I can actually remember the day that I was offered my very first Terry Spear book and it was through Danielle at Sourcebooks. I got it just before I went to Lake George (New York State) on vacation. I devoured that book within a short period of time and I have to say I was completely hooked.

That book was:

To Tempt The Wolf is book three in the wolf series.

Then came:

Legend of the White Wolf book four.

Then Finally:

Seduced by The Wolf book five.

I was fortunate to have the fabulous Terry Spear do a guest post which you can read here back in 2009. Which I was thrilled about and honestly one of my wishes was to one day interview her and I finally got the chance to do so.

Now today I am very honored to be able to share a interview I did with Terry. I was super excited to get the chance to interview her. She is one of my favorite authors and she already knows she rocks in my books.

Terry has a brand new book out called Wolf Fever (book 6 in the wolf series) and it just came out this month.

I got my copy for my birthday and I can’t wait to start reading it. Hopefully during the Christmas season. I think this is a perfect book to curl up and read especially this time of the year when its cold and miserable outside. The cover alone could warm you up.

I hope that you will enjoy my interview with Terry. I had so much fun doing it. Following the interview there will be a give away announcement.

Why did you decide to write about wolves? What is your favorite kind of wolf?

TS: I go for the underdog, pardon my reference to dogs here. Wolves do not like being referred to as dogs in any way, shape, or form. But here you have a guy who shapeshifts into a wolf and what happens? Women go screaming off into the night. Men accuse the wolf of killing their livestock. Some say that the wolf bit them and now they’re werewolves too. And the wolf is nothing more than a mindless beast.

So someone had to stand up for them and take the side of the downtrodden wolf (werewolf) and show the whole werewolf shapeshifting business in a more positive light. They are not cursed, unhappy beings. They are well-adjusted (except for Carol who has issues about shifting, but she has her reasons), and they were born into this life, for the most part. Although a few were turned. But even they are happy with who they are. And when they’re wolves, they still have their human thought processes too, not beastly in the least.

Now, my favorite kind of wolf is a red. I love the grays and Arctic wolves too, but I love the red because they’re rarer, smaller, and I love their coloring.

In your wolf series, the information that you provide about each wolf pack is very interesting. Do you do a lot of research on them?

TS: Yes, I do a lot of research, and do it over and over again. I’m always picking up something new to share either about wolves, or an area where they’re living, or some other aspect, like in Wolf Fever, how to get rid of werewolfism. I know, I know, I said my wolves are well-adjusted and love being werewolves… There’s a reason for this! Truly. A good reason. Trust me. If you were a well-adjusted werewolf, you’d be feeling the same way also!

I absolutely love the wolf series and I saw on your blog that there is going to be 10 books in this series (as of now). Do you think there will there be more?

TS: Yes!! My editor asked if I could have at least three Highland wolf tales, and fans have asked for another story about the pack from Heart of the Wolf, and Tom needs a mate, and somebody said they wanted to see more of zoo man Thompson, and I’m sure fans will fall in love with a couple of secondary characters in The Wolf and the SEAL—who were based on a fan’s suggestion of what she wanted to see… and, well you see there’s just got to be more! Thanks so much for loving the series, Cindy!

You introduced so many great characters in the previous books and I agree I want to see more Thompson too.

I also read on your blog that your grandmother was raised in Canada. Have you ever been to Canada? If so, what did you think about it? If not, do you plan on visiting?

TS: I was in Toronto and taught Happy Hookers, the workshop. LOL! I’ve written a lot about my roots in Canada in genealogy magazines and wished that my mother and I could have visited Prince Edward Island before she died. That’s where her Highland Scots settled. Although her mother and father were from Manitoba, and my mother was born in Alberta. Most of her mother’s family was in Ontario for a time. She was raised in B.C. Her father’s family was from Scotland and Ireland and Wales and settled first in Quebec. And a few of the relatives moved to Saskatchewan. So they settled nearly everywhere!

You would love Prince Edward Island if you were to go. I love it. So much to see and do and it feels like a whole other world there.

Are you working on anything now? If so are you able to share with the readers what you are working on?

TS: Going into stores in 2011 will be Heart of the Highland Wolf (June 2011) and Dreaming of the Wolf (December 2011). I’m finishing up The Wolf and the SEAL (to be released in Spring 2012)—what is a SEAL to do but protect a wolf from danger? After that, I will start working on The Highland Wolf in Paradise (Fall 2012), set in the Cayman Islands, which will include one of the brothers from Heart of the Highland Wolf.

You mean I have to wait until June and December 2011 to read your next book? The suspense is going to kill me.

I am curious about your writing—how long does it take you to write a book? On your finished books do you have input on the covers? (I love the covers!)

TS: It takes me about 3-4 months. Although sometimes it takes longer, particularly when I’m editing other books in the interim while trying to write the new book. Thanks on the covers. They are great, and I’m so excited about Heart of the Highland Wolf, I want a poster, and then a marquee of it as soon as they make a movie of it. 🙂

Yes, about having input on the covers. We send specs on who might be included, symbolism, and I always send pictures of settings I think might work. I was excited because the art department is working on Dreaming of the Wolf’s cover right now (book 8) and asked me about some of the pictures I sent showing wildflowers in Colorado in the summer. It’s always exciting to see what they come up with next. They’re always beautiful!

I love your covers. I mean whats not to like about a half naked guy standing there?
When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?

TS: Garden, create teddy bears, hike. I enjoyed seeing 7 castles in Scotland to use in the Highland stories, and also visiting a wolf reserve to observe the wolves’ behavior. I hope to go to another one next year.

With Christmas approaching do you have any traditions that you do every year?

TS: We always open one gift Christmas night, have a nice dinner, play games—chicken foot dominoes or some other game like Scrabble, then the next morning get up early and get started on the Christmas presents, then begin cooking the turkey. I can smell the turkey browning as we speak!

Terry are households are very similar as we open one gift on Christmas Eve and either watch some tv or play cards or games before my son goes to bed. Then of course Christmas morning he is up early and we open a few presents, have breakfast and then open the rest of the presents. Thankfully we have dinner at my in laws so I don’t have to make a turkey dinner. That happens on Christmas Eve Day. Hmm I can smell it too. Only a few more days.

Thank you Terry for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions. As you know I am a huge fan. I love the books. Keep them coming. Happy Holidays!

Thanks so much for hosting me, Cindy. I so appreciate that you love the series. If you need book marks, just send me an SASE (information on my website)! Have a lovely Christmas and thanks again!

WOLF FEVER by TERRY SPEAR—IN STORES DECEMBER 2010

ABOUT THE BOOK:
She may be his destiny, but she’s not his first choice…

Hospital nurse and newly turned red werewolf Carol Woods is being pressured by her pack leader to find a mate, but he’s the only guy in the pack who remotely attracts her… Why is he playing so hard to get?

The fate of the pack rests on his shoulders…

Gray pack leader Ryan McKinley doesn’t want anything to do with Carol unless she’s willing to embrace her wolf nature—no matter how beautiful she is.

But when a virus infects the local lupus garou pack, Ryan realizes just how wrong he’s been not to seize the moment with the woman he’s come to love. And now, it may be too late…

Praise for Terry Spear’s To Tempt the Wolf:

“Ms. Spear’s has spun a web of drama that pulled me in… Get it; read it; you’ll love it!”

—Romance Reader at Heart

“A paranormal romp that sizzles! Action-packed romance and suspense-filled plot add up to pure magic. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Terry Spear is a great addition to the paranormal genre!”

—Armchair Interviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With 70,000 copies sold, Terry Spear is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. She received her MBA from Monmouth University. An eclectic writer, she dabbles in the paranormal as well as writing historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.terryspear.com/.

GIVE AWAY TIME:

Thanks to Danielle I am able to offer two lucky readers of my blog a copy of Wolf Fever. One to a Canadian resident and one to a American resident.

To enter please leave me a comment with a way to contact you should you be a winner.

Please note that a valid mailing address (no PO Boxes) must be provided should you be the winner and you will have 48 hours to reply back to my email with your mailing address. Failure to do so within that time period I will be forced to draw another name.

You must be a follower of my blog to enter.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 7)

Posted on by Cindy

Title: Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.

~~~

Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

by Stacie Ruth Stoelting

Feel sad this Christmas? Hey, I know the feeling. In fact, many programs have interviewed me to share about it! Last year, I tried particularly hard to share stories and tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays: I wrote a feature for CBN.com, Coping with Grief at Christmas, visited and counseled grieving people, etc.

Then irony hit: Near Christmas, two people I loved died within two days (December 15-16, 2009).

Are you or a loved one hurting during the holidays? I relate. But let me encourage you: Jesus remains faithful! As real as my pain, He met my needs and comforted me with peace unexplainable. I’m serious. He’s real.

Before I continue with tips, let me share this: If you feel suicidal, contact an emergency counseling service like the New Life Call Center at 1-800-NEW-LIFE(639-5433).

10 Tips for Hurting Hearts to Hope and Cope at Christmastime

1.    Realize and internalize it: God still loves you and wants to hear from you. He wants you to know that there is a Way out of your pit of despair. The Way is Jesus.

2.    Sometimes, our suffering causes us to forget His. Understand He understands you. He suffered more than any of us when we bore the weight of every sin and pain on the cross! In fact, Is. 53:3 describes Jesus: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Think of it: He took your punishment and pain on the cross. He was your capital punishment Substitute! And your Deliverer -your Rescuer- wants to hear from you. His heart hurts with yours. Will you pour your heart out to Him now? He’ll pour His love in where the fear previously resided. Let Jesus inside. Do you know Jesus on a personal, one-to-One basis?  Visit here to learn why Jesus was born to die and how to be born again. (Hey, Jesus said it: “You must be born again.”)

3.    Rather than mere gifts, make a Christmas prayer list of other hurting people. Then pray for them and request prayer for yourself, too. Contact your church. Tap into ministries (including CBN.com) that offer extra prayer support. And feel free to join my prayer e-group at www.PrayingPals.org or on Facebook by clicking here.

4.    End the Christmas comparison game. Don’t compare your Christmas to your neighbor’s. Don’t compare your Christmas to past celebrations.

5.    Center on the Savior! This year, trade a superficial Christmas for a real one. Deepen your appreciation for the true Christmas: the arrival of Jesus Christ to banish the effects of sin and death!

6.    Whatever your loss or pain, open up and let God be your Gain. Maybe your pain comes from another cause: a divorce, a devastating diagnosis, a job loss…the list extends. God offers to be your Counselor, your Father, your Healer, your Provider. Let Him answer your heart’s cry.

7.    Love on people. Even if you don’t “feel” like it, prayerfully do something for someone else who is hurting.

8.    Remember: Feelings change. God doesn’t. Loved ones’ deaths never kill His love for you. God’s immeasurable, unconditional love still flows to you! When you know Jesus, you know eternal love and security. Nothing separates you from His love! “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV).

9.    Realize the reality of the sudden reunion. Holidays exacerbate the feeling of long separation from our loved ones in Heaven. Does it feel like it will take forever for you to see your loved one in Heaven? Be encouraged: Jesus IS coming again and it will be a time you don’t expect! So the fact that you feel like it won’t happen soon is a good thing!  Once reunited, it will feel like no time transpired. All sadness will be entirely removed!

10.    When Jesus comes back to earth, it will be a celebration greater than any previous Christmas you’ve ever experienced!

For believers, losses hurt but never win. We will celebrate Jesus together -and it will be glorious “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (I John 5:4, NIV). In that Day, all believers will be able to jubilantly say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all the true Light!”

Additional Help: Ready for some practical tips for coping with grief at Christmastime? Here’s one: Rearrange furniture to reduce absence reminders. To read this tip and others found in another of my CBN.com’s articles: “Coping with Grief at Christmas”, visit www.CBN.com.

Going thru a rough time? Join Stacie Ruth’s prayer group at www.PrayingPals.org.

 ~~~

About Stacie: Stacie Ruth knows pain, but she also knows Jesus! After Stacie Ruth met Jesus, her life blossomed with true joy and purpose. Life’s blows hurt her, but Jesus heals and strengthens her. Now an author, actress, and recording artist, she laughs at the irony and praises God, who uses unlikely people…like herself.  Discover why she’s written a book at age 15, sung/spoken for the 43rd President, been pictured in major media (i.e. The New York Times, USA Today), and keynoted conferences since she was a teenager. To watch video clips, worship Jesus with music from her album, or get in touch with her ministry for women, visit www.brightlightministries.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Local Book Blogger Meet Up Surprise Edition

Posted on by Cindy

This morning was a unexpected meet up with Tina from Book Shipper. Tina had contacted me earlier in the week to see if it was me who was the next person on a ARC Tour we both were on. Much to our surprise as we didn’t think each other was on this tour. It was me so we figured we would meet up instead of Tina mailing me the book.

Much to my surprise I managed to come home with a few extra things ie books. Here is what found its way into my bag: (Thank You Tina)


Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg (ARC January 2011) This is the book for the ARC tour we are both on.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.


The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone (ARC January 2011)
ABOUT THE BOOK
Phoebe Stone, author of the sleeper hit DEEP DOWN POPULAR, is back with a middle-grade code-breaking mystery full of romance and excitement. Think CHASING VERMEER meets THE SECRET GARDEN!

Felicity’s glamorous parents have a secret. When they leave her with distant relatives in Maine, Felicity hopes they won’t leave her long. Her new Uncle Gideon hides things. Her Aunt Miami is star-crossed. And Derek, a kid her age, refuses to leave his room.

But Felicity needs Derek’s help. Gideon is getting coded letters from Felicity’s parents, and she’s sure they’re in trouble. Can Felicity crack the code, heal the family and save her parents, all while surviving her first crush? It’s a tall order, but – like THE SECRET GARDEN’S Mary Lennox before her – Felicity’s up for the challenge.


The Darlings by Melissa Kantor (ARC January 2011)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jane, Victoria, and Natalya. Together, they are the Darlings. Best friends forever. They have matching necklaces, their own table at Ga Ga Noodle, and even a shared motto: May you always do what you’re afraid of doing.

When the friends begin freshman year at three different high schools in distant corners of New York City, they promise to live by their motto and stay as close as ever. The Darlings know they can get through anything as long as they have each other. But doing scary new things is a lot easier with your friends beside you. And now that the girls aren’t spending all their time together, everything they took for granted about their friendship starts to feel less certain. They can’t help but wonder, will they really be the Darlings forever?


The Lo-Down by Lo Bosworth (ARC January 2011)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Reality TV personality Lauren “Lo” Bosworth has witnessed her fair share of bad dating and has experienced some herself. As a star on two reality shows, she is no stranger to drama and what comes along with it. Now she is offering her advice gleaned from her and her famous friends’ relationship experiences on dating and love. Featuring personal photos and anecdotes about her experiences on “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills”, The Lo-Down is a further glimpse into the lives of the people that have enthralled so many.


Sequins, Secrets and Silver Linings by Sophia Bennett (ARC January 2011)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nonie’s a freak for fashion. Bleeding-heart Edie wants to green the planet. And starter-starlet Jenny just landed a small part in a BIG Hollywood blockbuster. But when these trendy London besties meet Crow, a Ugandan refugee girl who just happens to be an amazing designer, their worldview gets an extreme makeover. As they learn about the serious situation in Africa, the three decide to pool their talents to call attention to the crisis. One of Crow’s designs on the red carpet at the Oscars-quelle chic way to raise awareness! Now…how to “make it work”?!

Thanks again Tina for passing along these great books. They all sound so good that I can’t wait to read them but first I must read Prom & Prejudice so that I can get that book in the mail to the next person on the tour.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 6)

Posted on by Cindy

Title: Wrapped in His Love

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.

~~~

Wrapped in His Love

by Rebecca Ondov

The temperature is below zero and dropping quickly—probably to -15 or lower. Old Man Winter gusted in a couple days ago, leaving cold temperatures and a foot of snow behind. Moments ago I bundled up in my long johns and Carhartts to go out and feed. Of course I had a warm horse blanket draped over my arm. When it’s below zero I wrap Czar in two horse blankets.

Czar nickered as soon as he saw me coming. When I buckled up the blankets, it was as if I was wrapping him in my love. He buried his head in my chest. I snuggled him and stroked his long red winter hair. I pulled a couple icicles out of his black mane as my mind drifted through memories.  I’d bought Czar when he was a month old; it was love at first sight.  After he was weaned from his mother, I brought him home.

Czar leaned into me, almost as if he was hugging me. I patted his neck, “That was thirty years ago, Czar. Can you believe it?”  Czar had been my main saddle horse when I worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. I’d ridden him over 20,000 miles. Together we’d faced grizzly bears, mudslides, forest fires, and even fallen off a cliff. He’d saved my life more than once. With my finger, I traced a couple gray hairs that dotted his forehead. “You’ve earned your blankets, buddy.”

The icy breeze nipped at my cheeks and I thought how much his blankets resemble God’s love for us. God was there when we were born—and He loved us at first sight. He’s faithfully been with us through every step of our lives—through every joy and sorrow. He’s cried with us and laughed with us. He cheered when we’ve overcome. Most of all, when I’ve gone through tough times, it’s been God’s love which wrapped itself around me like a shield and pulled me through.

I glanced around me. The snowflakes glistened in the sun. His love surrounded me: the wind whispering in the pines, the chickadee that serenaded me this morning, the gurgling creek that flowed through the pasture. And His greatest love is manifested in the prize of His creation –you and me, the ones created in His image.

This Christmas season, I’m praying that you feel the God of the universe—the one who hung the stars in place—wrapping His loving arms around you and holding you tight (two horse blankets worth). And I pray that all of us experience the love He’s given us in Jesus.

 ~~~

About Rebecca: Rebecca Ondov is the author of Horse Tales from Heaven: Reflections along the Trail with God and Horse Tales from Heaven: Gift Edition. She was a contributing author in several books including Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She lives in Western Montana with her family, horses, mules, barn cat, and golden retriever. By day she works for Fox Lumber, brokering lumber throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. By night she forges ahead with her mission, writing stories which equip Christians to lead extraordinary lives. Join her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn by going to her Website: www.RebeccaOndov.com 

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Christmas Card Exchange

Posted on by Cindy

The final exchange I took part in was The Book Bloggers Holiday Card Exchange hosted by Anastasia from BirdBrain(ed) Book Blog. I have to thank one of the Montreal bloggers for pointing this one out to me because otherwise I wouldn’t have known about it. Another blogger that I have added to my blog roll.

This was one of the easiest exchanges because all you had to do was sign up and commit to sending out five holiday cards. I got my list and I popped mine in the mail. The cards I sent out are going all over the place such as across the ocean, east, west and I believe south. All with little goodies inside them. I hope everyone enjoyes them.


Up until today, the 17th I have received all but one so I thought for now I would share with you what cards made their way to my door. They are all pretty cards and I managed to add four more new bloggers to my blog roll.

One of the benefits to doing exchanges. I love discovering new blogs and bloggers. It makes you realize how big the blogging community really is.

For picture purposes I set the cards I got in the tree to make it look more festive. When in reality I have my cards taped to the wall where I can see them from where I sit at my desk.

The great bloggers behind the cards are:
1.Ryan from Wordsmithonia. He recommended Agatha Christie to me and she has actually been an author that I have never read but kind of want to read. I think I might have to raid my nephews bookcase to grab one if her books.

2.Elizabeth from Elizabeth’s Books recommended Before I Fall, If I stay and The hungar Games all of those three books I have on my TBR pile which I need to read.

3. Caitie from Pub Writes shared with me some of her favorites from this past year and from her list I have The Lonely Hearts Club and If I stay sitting waiting to be read so I am thinking I really need to read them asap.

4. Trish from Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity. What a great blog name isn’t it? She has a lovely blog and I was drooling at all the yummy food pictures. Congrats Trish.

If you can see right about Trish’s card you will see a little green square with a yellow flower on it, well that is a corner bookmarker made by Trish’s sister Brooke. You can check out Brooke’s Etsy shop here at Paper Love by Brooke. She has made some beautiful cards. I definetly will be placing an order in the new year.

Thanks to Ryan, Trish, Caitie and Elizabeth for sending me some great suggestions and for letting me discover some new blogs. Looking forward to reading more of your blogs.

Happy Holidays everyone.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 5)

Posted on by Cindy

Title: Home

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.

~~~

There’s No Place Like….

by Melody Carlson

I grew up spending Christmases at my grandparents’ quaint Victorian home, surrounded by lots of relatives, laughter and love and really good food. For a little girl growing up in a single parent home, harried working mother, no church family, and TV dinners, these extended family holidays spent at my grandparents were like a real gift from God. But as a young adult, my grandfather passed on, the old house was sold, I grew up and eventually had a small family of my own.

   

Still I longed for those familiar kinds of “big” Christmases—I wanted that house full of relatives and fun times to go home to—I think the “child” in me thought I deserved it somehow. But my grandmother had gotten older and lived in a tiny apartment, and my mother and my husband’s parents were not comfortable hosting Christmas in their homes. For a while we went to my cousin’s, but I soon had to come to grips with reality. The days of going to Grandma’s for the perfect Christmas were a thing of the past.

In other words, it was time for me to grow up—time for me to start hosting our own Christmas celebrations. So biting the holiday bullet, I decided to just do it. With two very small children underfoot, I cooked my first turkey, made my first stuffing, invited some family, neighbors, and friends over, and we all crammed ourselves into our little house, balanced our plates on our knees, and had a very good time. Oh, I’m sure the turkey was dry and the gravy lumpy, but what I remember most is that everyone seemed truly happy to be there. And I realized that I wasn’t the only one longing for that sense of warmth and community—that longing to “go home again”—and I finally grasped that I could (with God’s grace) help to provide that for my family and others.

   

So for the next three decades we continued to host Christmas in our home. I got better at decorating, cooking, gifting…the works. Some years the place would be packed and crazy. A few years were thinner and quieter. But family, friends and neighbors could always count on the fact that the Carlson’s would be “doing something for Christmas.” It was a no-brainer.

   

Until this year. This year, for the first time in more than thirty years, my husband and I decided we’re going to take a pass on hosting Christmas—we are going to the beach. At first I felt terribly guilty, and even right now I’m a bit unsure—and wonder if I’ll end up changing my mind at the last minute. And yet, I believe it’s the right thing for us to do—for a lot of reasons. One being that my husband’s birthday is Christmas and he never gets to do what he wants on his birthday—this year will be different. But more than that, I hope that our stepping aside will encourage the younger members of our family to find and embrace some of their own traditions—to grow up and look for opportunities to stretch themselves a bit. Because, similar to how and oyster creates a pearl—or how a young mom learns to be a hostess—with some discomfort and distress a burnt turkeys, the end results are truly valuable.

 ~~~

About Melody: Melody Carlson lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Labrador Retriever. She’s the author of around 200 books including this year’s Christmas novella, Christmas at Harrington’s.Visit her website for more information, www.melodycarlson.com.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 4)

Posted on by Cindy

Title The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.

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The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances

by Lori Kasbeer

The Christmas season is upon us again. Starbucks is selling their Christmas blend; stores are posting their holiday hours; and moms everywhere are making a list and checking it twice, planning for a special Christmas day. It has been our family’s tradition to spend Christmas with relatives.  Last year money was tight and we were unable to travel, this is not how we had planned to spend Christmas day but circumstances were beyond our control. Realizing my three boys–who are now teenagers–will not be under our roof for much longer, I wanted to have a special Christmas with just the five of us.  

Leading up to Christmas morning we all made mouth-watering, cinnamon cut-out cookies, spent time together sticking tape everywhere while trying to wrap presents, and enjoyed spending time together.  We did not have much money, but were having fun making memories.  When Christmas morning arrived and we sat around to open gifts my eyes welled up with overwhelming joy.  This mother was trying to absorb all the activity that was going on all around her: the smiles from each of my teenage boys, the sounds of laughter, and the smell of cinnamon rolls cooking in the oven.  If I could freeze a moment in time, this would be it.  I don’t know what the future holds for each of my boys, but that Christmas morning I wanted to soak it all in so I could recall this special day for years to come.  Despite struggling financially, unexpected circumstances turned into immense joy and a lifetime of memories.

Mothers treasuring special moments is not something new.  Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, was one who tried to soak in everything that first Christmas morning.  Even after Christ’s birth she was still trying to absorb what the angel had said to her when he delivered the news that she was going to be the mother of the coming Savior.  She reflected on the time she had with her cousin Elizabeth while they were both pregnant.  Along with comprehending the unusual way her son came into this world. 

While very pregnant with child, Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register Mary for the census.  Never did she image she would deliver her baby in a barn with a manger being the only thing to lay him down in.  These were not the circumstances she had envisioned.  Before she had time to catch her breath, suddenly all around her there was excitement when shepherds showed up reporting what they had seen and heard.  There were angels—a multitude of angels—who were singing and declaring the Savior was born and a bright star led them to her and Joseph.    So much has happened in a short amount of time and Mary did not want to forget any of it.  Instead she stepped back and “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Mary did not exactly know what the plans were for her son, but she knew it was going to change the lives of everyone on earth.  She was preparing her heart to obey God concerning her son Jesus, without the full knowledge of what was going to come while at the same time quietly reflecting and capturing this one special moment in time.

May this Christmas be filled with joy and a lifetime of memories, even if you find yourself in unexpected circumstances.  Merry Christmas!

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About Lori: Lori Kasbeer lives with her husband Tadd and three teenage sons in Florida. She’s a contributor for Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace and a Christian book reviewer. Please visit Lori’s Book Reviews for more info. You can also find Lori on Facebook and Twitter.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.