Book Review- Stealing the Preacher

I recently finished reading a fabulous new release, Stealing the Preacher by Karen Wittemeyer.

I had no idea this was an old west type of story, and had I not promised to do a review, I might not have picked up the book.

What a HUGE mistake that would have been. 

I LOVED THIS STORY!

Right from the beginning action leads the way and it doesn't stop unit the last word. 

Crockett Archer knows the Lord called him to be a preacher. He gathers a few things and boards the train to the new church requesting his presence at an interview. Along the way bandits h0ld up the train refusing to take any money or jewelry. So what do they want? The new parson on the train.

Hog tied and forced to ride to the hideout, Crockett watches time tick by with the movement of the sun, knowing he'd be late for his interview.

Joanna Robbins asks her daddy to bring a preacher, but she had no idea he would don his old bandit clothes to deliver her birthday present. He orders his gang members to haul the preacher down off the horse and proudly shows off his gift to his daughter. Joanna apologizes to the preacher and leads him to the abandoned church, explaining her true wishes. She hopes he will stay and take over the church, after all, her daddy needs to hear about God from a real preacher man. Joanna secretly promised to carry on her momma's passion to introduce Daddy to Jesus.

Humor, true love, shootin', horse races, a grand community picnic complete with white washing the church building are only a small piece of this entertaining story. Of course Crockett's is a man any girl would swoon for, mostly because of his handsome features and his display of a proper Christian heart. In fact, the whole community takes no time to form a liking to Crockett.

All would have been just fine since Crocket accepted the Lord's plan to miss out on the job of a life time until Miss Holly Brewster, local beauty queen at Joanna's church aimed to cause terrible mischief. 


If you could see me writing this post, you would find my hand restraining my lips from spilling the most fantastic ending ever. I can at least tell you the pages of your copy will fly to the end.

Few books offer such an unexpected twist at the end of the story and then boldly end in the way the reader expects. This story not only will go beyond your expectations, but tempt you to read it again.

Whether you are an old west reader or not,  Stealing the Preacher is a book sure to please.

I only have an advanced readers copy, or I'd gladly do a book give away. Since I can't, I will encourage you to get a copy and tell us what you think.

Am I right about this book? I am confident there will be a resounding YES!

It's There - Set it Free

"God puts the statue into the marble, and artist merely cuts them loose." Michelangelo 

He then proceeded to chip away and released the work within.








God begins His handiwork with us from the first day of our lives. 

We are exposed to the world with our first breath.

We hear sounds and over time connect meanings to the vibrations. 

Words. 

Phrases. 

Idioms. 

Tones. 

Concerns. 

Joy. 

Rants. 

Blessings.

We see those who care for our needs and over time connect meanings to the actions. 

Family

Friends

Neighbors

God

Love

We read words in books and over time connect meanings to the ink. 

Stories

Instruction

Deeper 

Truth

Lies

Defining

Enlightening

And so much more. Take a moment and consider the work you have become over the years. Your loving Father has walked with you, guided you, directed you, so that no matter what came your way, He has insured you would see Him and His love for you.

So, Reader, please share one way God has showed you Himself and His love for you.

Fabulous Friday Feature-Daniel Patterson

Today I welcome an author who discovered his gift for writing after an a crisis. His journey is one we can identify with: Daniel Patterson. 

Enter to win an autograph copy of Daniel Patterson's book,

One Chance 

My Situation Made it Difficult to Surrender

As I sat in that conference room chair, I couldn't help but look around the room at my colleague's faces. Were they feeling as shocked as I was? The news shouldn't have been a surprise since there had been much discussion about the company being sold, but when I heard the actual words, it was as if I none of the previous information had registered. After eight years at the company, in a few short weeks I would be out of a job. 

For the past fifteen years, my world was computers. I went from being a web designer, to a creative director, and then to managing an entire IT Department, which also included the engineering and web development teams. I loved my career and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow co-workers. But then the news hit, and just like that, I was faced with a new world where I had no job and feeling very apprehensive about what the future held. 

During that time of uncertainty, I prayed all the time. I knew in my heart that God had other plans for me, but the day-to-day reality of my situation made it difficult for me to surrender and let things unfold the way they were supposed to. 

I grew up knowing the Bible, but I never had the relationship with God that I wanted. It was time to trust in God's plan and I made a commitment to renew my faith. I began by reading the Bible my father gave me, and as time progressed, the scriptures seemed to come alive for me in a way that they never did before. One verse in particular stood out, Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Suddenly I was experiencing God's power as never before. 

As my faith blossomed, so did my life. I decided to take a break from the technology world and focus on my creative side. While I've always enjoyed telling stories, I had trouble with the writing. Instead of giving up, I pushed myself to try new techniques. I began by noting down characters and outlines for fictional stories, and then filled in the missing pieces. But it wasn't until I had a heart-to-heart with an author friend, that I ever considered writing Christian fiction. When he suggested that genre, it all made perfect sense. This was what I was supposed to do. 

In 2012, I put my writing in front of a major audience and published One Chance. This book is a Christian story about family, friendship, love, honor and courage. It's a fictional tale that is one part mystery and one part romance. I am humbled by the amount of people who have purchased my book and for those who have given me such amazing feedback. 

The combination of God and my wonderful readers led me to continue writing. With my next book, I did something a little different. Instead of just writing and publishing, I used a formula that I was familiar with when I was designing and creating websites. 

First, a website is in its "alpha" phase where the site functions, but it still looks a little rough. For the book, this was the time that I was writing a rough draft of the story. 

Second, a website goes into "beta" mode. This is the time period where others will use and critique the site.  After I finished my first draft, I sent it out to many of my readers on Facebook and they in turn provided me with fantastic suggestions and ways to improve upon the story. 

Finally, once all the improvements and edits have been made, the website will goes "live." This collaboration has come to fruition with my second book, The Devil's Game, which goes "live" Fathers Day weekend on Amazon for the Kindle and through Barnes & Noble for the Nook. It's a Christian suspense thriller about a young Pastor and how his work takes an unexpected turn when a man shows up claiming to be the devil himself.

I am grateful for my life and give thanks to God for where I am today. I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. This gives me great peace, especially during the harder days. 

I am constantly reminded that everything we need will be added into our lives and that no matter how dire a situation, to just remember that Jesus is by our side.

Here is how to contact Daniel Patterson:

Facebook

Daniel Patterson's website

Twitter

You can also go to Amazon and search his name.

To enter the contest for a copy of Daniel's book: "One Chance":

leave a comment (and email address)

and become a follower of this site if you aren't already.

U.S. residents only. 

Winner announced on my facebook page.

Thank you, Daniel, for Joining us This Weekend!

Wow! I feel blessed just having read this story, Daniel. Reader, how about you? Have you or a friend struggle with a huge change in your life, one that stretched your coping skills? Have you seen God's hand in helping you walk through the shadows of the trial?

It's My Birthday

No it isn't one of those special decade birthdays, or even an in betweener. 

It's just have fun, go to the woods in Michigan with hubby and have fun on your birthday kind of day.

If you are stopping by and haven't become a follower, would you? 

I have set a goal. 

To be reached by my birthday. 

So, call your loved ones, friends, and neighbors and ask them to become a follower on Mary's website.

Please?  Awww, thanks.

And I will even have a book give away today. 
To win leave a comment about your favorite birthday, and become a follower if you haven't already

I love giving gifts.

(U.S. residents only)

winner announced on my 

facebook page

In the meantime, stay dry all ye in the path of the storm, and safe from the fires all ye in the path of the blaze.

I look forward to each time we have a chance to talk.

When You Do This To the Least

Whatever you did for the least of these, you did it for me Matthew 25:40

Not long ago, I received a letter from a medical provider. It wasn't a form letter. Although it was typed, the message clearly came from him to his past patients. The letter said, "I am retiring." 

The news bothered me. I had only seen this medical provider twice, yet felt confident in his competency and witnessed his heart in his work. Had I known he was retiring I would have found a way to convey my appreciation better. 

Often we find the kind hearted worker in our daily walk who excels in their job. Sometimes a thanks is given. Sometimes there isn't time.

I don't know about you but days, months, and in this case, years later the deed is remembered. 

This is not a post about saying thank you or making a big deal about expressing appreciation, you already know that. 

This post addresses the opposite.

You have done many kind and wonderful deeds/tasks for others. Perhaps nothing was said and you wondered, did anyone notice?

"Yes," the mind is consoled. "God sees." 

True to true. But so has other eyes. Eyes that have mentally noted the incident and days later wished they had said something and now feel it is too late.

Who are these grateful ones who noticed your deed? The mother or child in the store standing several feet away and witnessed your kind words. The church goer, who when the crowd parted for a moment saw you smile at a child. The neighbor who happened to open her door and saw you not get angry when you dropped something. The list could fill pages.

I haven't mentioned the family eyewitness reports.

You are loved by those close to you. 

You are liked and respected by those who are near you.

You are a treasure to many people in your corner of the world. 

Have a blessed day. 

And when you wonder if someone is noticing your good deed

and you see no one

smile

because someone has.

As Far as the East is from the West

As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our sins from us Psalm 103:12...what an assuring verse.

photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com

Using the phrase "as far as the east is from the west" paints a great picture for us. We understand that to be the ultimate in distance.

Not long ago, a massive earthquake in the Pacific triggered a tsunami in the far east. Towering waves roared toward the Japanese coast destroying life and property.

Compelled by the plight, Americans along with other nations gathered funds and supplies and sent them to the victims. We followed the news stories longing to hear updates, many praying for those affected by the tragedy, their businesses, and families. Short term mission groups travelled to Kessennuma to help with the clean up and rebuilding.

Time has trickled by for those in Japan. Businesses and homes have slowly been rebuilt. Companies reconfigured their businesses to enable more of their people to successfully become employable. The effort has helped with the healing, but the people have not forgotten what the tsunami did to their city.

Kessennuma businesses set aside a portion of their profits to establish an emergency fund to help their people in the future.

Last week, one Kessennuma business owner saw photos of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado disaster, the far west for her. She remembered the help given to her city during days of their great turmoil. 

Without hesitation, she donated funds from the emergency account on behalf of the employees of her company to the victims of the Oklahoma tragedy. 

As quoted by ABC News, she said, "We were so embarrassed the amount was so little," she said. "But we were able to live because of all the help [from Americans]. We decided we needed to give back, in a time of need." 

Despite the great distance between Kessennuma, Japan and Moore, Oklahoma, kindness, care, and concern has been shared between west and east.

To read more of this news article go to this link: Tsunami Victims Pay Back By Helping Tornado Victims

There are many conclusions I could write here, but I don't think they are necessary. This act of kindness speaks loudly for itself.

Fabulous Friday Feature- Bill Giovannetti

Today I welcome a Pastor/author who discovered his gift from those who sat in his congregation:
Bill Giovannetti

Enter to win Bill's new release,
Secrets to a Happy Life 

Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter.

I met Bill through My Book Therapy classes. We both have attended these sessions to improve our writings. When Bill mentioned his new book would release June 15, 2013, I asked him to share how God has led him on his writing journey. Here is what he said:

Near-Paralyzing Fears

I confess to a number of near-paralyzing fears: the fear of heights (acrophobia), the fear of bridges (long, high, windy ones with low side rails that threaten to suck me to a watery doom, gephyrophobia), and the fear of public speaking (glossophobia).

The last fear is one of God’s funniest jokes in my life: I am a pastor. I preach to a couple thousand people every weekend. I’ve told my church the worst walk in the world is the 30 feet from behind the curtains to the pulpit. I’m in good company; recent studies have shown the average person fears public speaking more than rattlesnakes.

Or death.

As in, “Go out there and preach or I’ll shove this rattler down your back."

I asked Bill to send a funny pic!

"Fine. Hand over the snake."

Why would God do that to me?

I can’t be sure of all his mysterious ways, but I do know this: God grows me by moving me into my fears. And I think this is the magic sauce that has dipped me into the publishing stew.

My first attempt at writing was a horribly boring — though grammatically correct — rewrite of what was then my most popular sermon series. My very best friends on earth hemmed and hawed before pronouncing it boring.

I smiled on the outside, but did a silent scream on the inside. In many ways, I am a fundamentally insecure guy. So I shoved my insane writing fantasy into the black abyss where it belonged and gave up writing for almost ten years. Fear of rejection. Fear of failure. Fear of bad reviews. I was already enduring the public-speaking phobia on a weekly basis, so one's enough, I figured.

But the writing bug isn't that easy to kill.

Fast forward to a new church in a new state, where I discovered a handful of established authors sitting in my pews. Over lunch, Dave Meurer, a multi-published humor writer, said, “Bill, people need this stuff you’re preaching. Have you ever considered writing?”

“It’s boring,” I blurted out. The alarmed look on his face prompted me to elaborate. Dave gently coached, prodded, taught, rewrote, and cajoled me into a book proposal and a visit to the legendary Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference.

You should also know, I am, by nature, an introvert.

We drove the four hours to the conference together. Dave explained the importance of "the pitch." I practiced my butt off, but couldn't nail it down. I kept freezing halfway through. I'd never be a rich, famous, New York author like Richard Castle.

Pitch clumsily memorized, we arrived in time to join the line for dinner. The stranger in front of me turned around and asked the fatal question: "Do you want to practice your pitch on me?"

I froze.

What planet was this? Who asks those questions? What kind of author-boot-camp-hell was I at? Introverts are not good off the cuff. I knew I had a rational brain in there somewhere, but I couldn't access it. Don't talk to me, Ms. Stranger-Danger! Where's that gaping chasm when you need one?

My Inner Dummy conscripted my vocal cords and my ears heard a voice that sounded like mine blurt out, "It's boring."

"I'm sure it's not," Ms. Smiley Face said, evidently immune to pre-authorial lunacy. "Give it a shot."

So I did, throbbing headache and palpitating heart adding audible punctuation. I pitched my pitch. Again and again and again in that rustic camp in California's mountains.

And that blasted pitch never felt good or right or fearless, not even once. Pathetic, I know.

When God tells his people, "Fear not," I have a hunch he doesn't want us to let fear tower over our lives like an orc over a Hobbit.

Later that week, at a meeting on a bench under a tree, I nervously pitched my book to Janet Kobobel Grant, an agent I would later find out was one of the best in the biz. I went down in flames, no doubt. One phone call later, she took me on as a client.

A charity case, perhaps, or a clerical mistake. Nobody would want my book.

A few months after that, Janet produced my first contract. And now I'm under contract for my fourth.

I can't speak for anyone else, and I know God works in different ways with different people, but for me, the journey into writing has passed through the scary valleys of rejection and failure and incompetence.

Writing, like life, flows with emotion. And true emotion, wrapped in wisdom, humility, and perseverance, is the golden ticket to publishing success.

Bill Giovannetti teaches at AW Tozer Theological Seminary and is the senior pastor of the 2,500 member Neighborhood Church of Redding. He enjoys life with his awesome wife and two great kids surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes of northern California. With humor and grace, Bill’s writing informs the mind in ways that touch the heart. His third book, based on the life of Joseph in the Bible, just came out from Bethany House Publishers, called Secrets to a Happy Life.

Websites:
http://www.BillGiovannetti.com
http://www.secretstoahappylife.org
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BillGiovannetti
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bill-Giovannetti-Author-Pastor-Professor/119890724311
Blog: http://www.maxgrace.com

To enter the contest for an autographed copy of Bill Giovannetti's book: "Secrets to a Happy Life":

leave a comment (and email address)

and become a follower of this site if you aren't already.

U.S. residents only. 

Winner announced on my facebook page.

Thank you, Bill,  for Joining us This Weekend!

Oh to sit in the sanctuary and be blessed by Bill's preaching of God's Word.  God placed the right writers in his congregation to spur him on to publication. Take a look around your life, who has God placed in your presence to help you whether by encouraging words, or technical help?