Never Say Diet Update: Third Month Update

I've lost 15 pounds!!! :) I'd be able to say that I'd lost a few more, but I haven't done too well sticking to a reasonable amount of calories the past two weeks - and I've exercised a little less. What reassures me is that Chantel points out in her book that this is not a diet it's a goal to have a permanent lifestyle change. So today, I'm taking the challenge back up again to do my very best.

I love that she says, "fruit is God's candy." I have been a junk food addict since I left home at eighteen. The thought of ordering fruit for dessert at a restaurant appalled me. Well okay, it still does, but I'm hoping that in time that will change too. The effort of giving up junk food of all kinds for a month proved to be a big challenge for me - but the thought of disappointing myself solidified my resolve to keep my commitment. And I prayed. A LOT. I'm finding it easier to say no to sweets and junk food...and at times all I want is a big bowl of fruit. I would also have to say that fruit tastes better to me than it ever has before. I'm being transformed by the renewing of my mind in a whole new way which I find Very Exciting!

Next Time: My veggie cream cheese (which I love!) alternative...

Novel Update: My Fourth Edit

So, I am in the early stages of editing (re-writing) my novel for the fourth time. I got a one-on-one appointment at the Lancaster Writer's Seminar this past weekend - and received some encouraging news. This dear sweet published author asked me if this was my first novel. I told her yes. She said that a first time novelist will re-writer their novel five times - and then every novel after that will need to be re-written three times. I hope that doesn't count the re-writes you do with an agent or an editor :)

She liked my "hook" which is the first sentence...and first several paragraphs, I think. Hurrah! Last summer, I repeatedly heard that I needed a new "hook." I also heard someone say (at the L.W.G.) to take that part and write it ten times. Often, what you will end up with is a combination of several of those ten attempts. So, that is exactly what I did!

You know, if I knew what I was getting myself into when I started writing this novel almost exactly three years ago, I probably wouldn't have attempted it. The funny thing is though...I'm in the early stages of plotting to start my next one...

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven K. Scott

In The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, Scott guides readers in a step-by-step application of the life-changing principles, skills, and methods that Jesus used throughout his earthly life. Although believers may spend a lifetime learning from Jesus’ teachings, it’s easy to overlook the powerful lessons demonstrated in His life. But when these incomparable lessons are learned and put to use, they enable ordinary people to achieve extraordinary success and happiness.

From Jesus’ earthly life you will learn:

• How to break through the barriers that prevent them from achieving extraordinary success at work and relational success at home.
• How to experience a level of happiness and fulfillment that nothing the world offers can duplicate.
• How to use adversity and opposition as a springboard for greater success.
• How to love others in a way that increases their love as well.
  
  No matter what a person’s area of expertise and in what setting a person influences others, living by the principles of Jesus’ life on earth produces extraordinary success, unprecedented achievements, personal fulfillment, and blessings for others.

ABOUT Steven K. Scott:

Steven is the best-selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, The Greatest Words Ever Spoken, and Mentored by a Millionaire. After failing in nine jobs, he started reading a chapter of Proverbs every day—and the wisdom of Scripture changed his life. Scott and his business partners have built more than a dozen multimillion-dollar companies from scratch, achieving billions of dollars in sales. He is the co-founder of Max International, Total Gym Fitness, and The American Telecast Corporation. He is a popular international speaker on the subjects of personal and professional achievement and the application of biblical wisdom to every area of life.

If Tomorrow Never Comes by Marlo Schalesky

Book Giveaway of If Tomorrow Never Comes by Marlo Schalesky!!!

Post a comment here by March 27th to enter the drawing for a copy of this book!

Childhood sweethearts Kinna and Jimmy Henley had simple dreams—marriage, children, a house by the sea… Everything they needed for happily ever after. What they didn’t plan on was years of infertility, stealing those dreams, crushing their hopes.

Now, all that’s left is the memory of young love, and the desperate need for a child to erase the pain. Until…

When Kinna rescues an elderly woman from the sea, the threads of the past, present, and future weave together to reveal the wonder of one final hope. One final chance to follow not their dreams, but God’s plan.

Can they embrace the redemptive power of love before it’s too late? Or will their love be washed away like the castles they once built upon the sand?

ABOUT Marlo Schalesky:

Marlo is the author of several books, including Beyond the Night and Empty Womb, Aching Heart. A graduate of Stanford University, Marlo also has a masters of theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Married over twenty years, she lives with her husband, Bryan, and their five children in California.

Don't Let Me Go by David Pierce

The true story of how a father and his teen daughter connected through
an ice axe and well-worn running shoes.

One day after reading a book about a wilderness adventurer, David Pierce’s fifteen-year-old daughter Chera announced that she wanted to climb a mountain. What David heard behind that wish was a bold declaration: “I’m growing up, Dad—what are you going to do about it?” A few weeks later they bought matching backpacks.

Over a three-year period they climbed five mountains and ran in two marathons. Together they suffered sore muscles, bitter cold, sprung knees, shin splints, and broken spirits. But they also reveled in blazing sunsets, glissaded on a glacier, and celebrated numerous victories great and small. And in the process, they built an unshakable father-daughter bond that will stand the tests of time.

In Don’t Let Me Go, David Pierce—the husband of popular Christian comedienne Chonda Pierce—offers a down-to-earth, funny-yet-serious book for parents with the same universal appeal as Bob Carlisle’s heart-tugging song, “Butterfly Kisses,” only with well-worn running shoes and an ice axe.

Back Cover Review:

Congratulations to Chuck who won the giveaway for a copy of this book!!!

My husband snagged this book and read it in just a few days. This is the same man who just a few years ago didn't read. He really enjoyed it. He said its funny and heart-tugging (no, he didn't use those exact words - he said it made him cry at times instead) and it made him want to spend more time with our daughters. He also said it made him want to take us all camping. Yes, it's a manly reaction, but we do all enjoy camping. It definitely makes for some quality family time minus so many of the distractions. I think this book would make a great father's day gift!

Michal by Jill Eileen Smith

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Michal
Revell (March 1, 2009)
by
Jill Eileen Smith


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of several articles, poems, and stories, and her unpublished novels have placed in five writing contests in the past five years. A children’s story, which she wrote for her church led her youngest son to faith in Christ several years ago; much like a gospel tract led her to the Lord at a similar age.

That story, “Seeking Treasureland,” is now available. Jill is a member of several online writing groups and helps promote fellow authors’ works through monthly interviews on the "Spotlight" page of her website. She, along with her husband and children, are active members in their local church. A stay-at-home mom, she homeschooled the couple’s three sons for twelve years through high school, seeing them go on to higher education.

In her spare time, Jill teaches piano, reads, does picture scrap-booking, and enjoys trying out new recipes, especially those that include dark chocolate. Jill and her family make their home in Southeastern Lower Michigan.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Can their epic search for true love survive a father's fury?
The daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege--but one that is haunted by her father's unpredictable moods and competition from her beautiful older sister.

As a girl, Michal quickly falls for the handsome young harpist David. But soon after their romance begins, David must flee for his life, leaving Michal at her father's mercy in the prison that is King Saul's palace.

Will Michal ever be reunited with David? Or is she doomed to remain separated from him forever?

Against the backdrop of opulent palace life, raging war, and daring desert escapes, Jill Eileen Smith takes you on an emotional journey as Michal deals with love, loss, and personal transformation as the first wife of King David. Jill Eileen Smith has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has gathered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Michal, go HERE

We just started Beth Moore's study on Daniel - I'm so Excited!!!