The “Next Big Thing” Blog Hop

What exactly is a Blog Hop? I learned of it last week when Kristi Burchfiel invited me to join this one.  Kristi answered the same questions I’ve answered below about her “Next Big Thing” a new daily devotional. Then she gave links to five other authors – one being yours truly. So I guess the hop comes from reading here and “hopping” over to the authors I’ve linked at the bottom or back to the authors that have already posted. Visit Kristi’s Blog.

Here’s my answers about my “Next Big Thing”

What is the working title of your book?

PEAS: Learning to Spend Time with God. This may change as I don’t know how many kids are excited about peas. The idea is an acronym for their time with God.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea came when I was doing a Bible study by Beth Moore on the fruit of the Spirit. Beth explained a pattern she uses in her time with God. I thought it was a great model and wanted to present it in a way that would work for children to use with their parents or on their own.

What genre does your book fall under?
Christian Devotional, Personal Growth, Children’s

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Hmmm. I really don’t have an answer for this one. Any child who would sincerely play a role showing a grow relationship with God and family. I’m not much of a movie goer so I have no idea. I don’t know that I would ever think of it being a movie anyway.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

PEAS is an easy to follow format to make spending time with God simple and meaningful for children.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My first two books are with Tate Publishing. I need to do more research into my options now that I have some experience before I decide.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It’s been drumming around in my mind for at least 4 years. The first draft I guess came together really quickly – an afternoon maybe. I can’t say I have the manuscript finalized yet. I keep changing my mind about exactly how I want to format it so the manuscript is still in process.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I haven’t used many children’s devotionals so I don’t know if it would compare to any that are out there. It is not a Bible study with workbook type fill in the blanks, at least that’s not what I’m

going after. I hope children will interact with God and record that interaction, like a guided journal I guess.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Well, Beth Moore’s model, and my passion for knowing God better. Mostly my passion for my children to be better equipped than I am when it comes to living what they believe inspires me.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I think anyone who has read this far deserves to know what PEAS stands for, so here you go.

P is for praise. E is for empty. A is for ask, and S is for share. If you want to know what I mean by those then you’ll have to keep your eyes open for blog posts and the next book!

Thank you for reading!

Here are some authors who will be sharing their “Next Big Thing” next week. You may find a new favorite author!

Amy Gatliff wrote "The Power to Never Give Up."  It is her testimony of God's faithfulness and provision throughout her life especially in the area of finances.  Visit Amy’s blog

Ursula Gorman author of 'Old Aquaintances', and 'The Wayne Brothers Book I: The Best of Us', both are mystery/romances.
Check out her fan page and invite friends http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=388526903624&ref

Laura Abbott  author of Daddy's Shoulders and I Love You Infinity

Sherry Rossman author of The Miracle of Rain and Guardians

In Need of a Makeover

This +

this =

This!

I'm a "piler". I make piles of stuff instead of decisions. I am getting better, but I'll likely never be cured.

I wanted something to contain the pile plus the pile I use on a daily basis. This freezer basket won the nomination.

I took an old comforter cover and tore it into strips. I wrapped during the week while the kids worked on their lessons.

I found some wonderful ideas for fabric flowers on Pintrest. First I tried this one. I didn't like the pointed petals so I used that design for my leaves.

Next I did these flowers. My daughter discovered that bigger stitches allowed to gather the petals closer for a smaller center.

I attached the flowers leaves and twine with Tear Mender, my favorite fabric glue :). 

I'm happy with my basket and the top of this cabinet my now be my longed for control center...

I'm still in desperate need of a makeover myself. While I work on that I will be encouraged by my basket.

What are your favorite ways to stay organized?
What helps you juggle your many roles?

Always Remember

How do we redeem our loss?

 Where is there peace in our grief?

 How do we find comfort and hope?

May the God of all comfort

be your hope and peace.

Only He can redeem our grief. His comfort brings hope and peace. 

When we lost our unborn son in May of 2003 we were given many precious gifts. As I try to simplify my life and reduce the things in my home I have had to let most of them go. It's hard for me to part with gifts of love. It's also hard to have things around that may cause visitors to wonder questions they don't know how to ask. One gift I have kept is a small wooden paddle with a lighthouse and Peace. We know it is in honor of Josiah, to others it is a decoration in our bathroom. It reminds me of all the love poured out on our family.




I created this gift for my brother and his family. I hope it will do the same for them.