Cowgirls for Jesus

When Elaine told the theme of the ladies' day I was speaking for last Saturday was "Branded for Christ," I admit the picture that popped into my mind was a room full of women with “JC” seared into their backsides. Not a genteel thought for a pastor’s wife, eh? Well, you know me. I’m not your stereotypical pastor’s wife. Yee-hah!

Behold the cowgirls of Olivet Nazarene Church in Olivet, IL. Ain't they purty?

My message title originated from Hebrews 10:24: “Let us spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Using SPUR as an acrostic, I encouraged these Bible totin', devil bustin' ladies to bring out the gifts in one another by:

Speaking words of encouragement—tell another what you admire about them.

Praying for each other—focus on praying, not saying. Spend more time asking for the answer than rehearsing the problem

Understanding others’ points of view— why doesn't everyone think like I do, when I'm so obviously right? God made us different to complement each other.

Rejoicing with those who rejoice—showing genuine happiness for another’s blessings plants seeds of joy in our future.

After a pint-sized teaching on the first three points, I had the ladies circle up into small groups and practice what we'd heard. On the final point, we stayed in one large circle, sharing what favors God had showered on us. As each cowgirl told her happy news, we all yelled, “Yippee-yi- ay!” while I clanged my dinner triangle.

The cowgirls of Olivet Nazarene Church in Olivet, Illinois were one of the best audiences I've ever spoken to. Some people sit with their arms folded across their chest, daring you to help them grow in the Lord. Not these gals. They pulled the Word out of my heart slicker than pulling off your boots at the end of a long day on the trail. And their chow of beef stew, corn muffins and apple crisp made my innards smile, too!

Do you think of "Spurring one another to love and good deeds" as a positive or painful thing? What letter of the acrostic spoke to you today?

Rhapsody in Red

If you like edge-of-seat murder mysteries, music, witticisms, and a salting of romance you will love “Rhapsody in Red” by Donn Taylor, who graciously sent me a signed copy when I commented on his interview on my agency's blog, From the Heart.

From the back cover: “Preston Barclay is a self-made recluse (and he likes it that way). Teaching college history allows him time to grieve the loss of his pianist wife and find relief from the musical hallucinations that have been playing in his head since her death. But when he and a headstrong colleague, Mara Thorn, discover the body of another instructor on campus, Press’s monotonous solitude is destroyed.

“When the preliminary evidence singles out Press and Mara, they must take some chances (including trusting each other) to build their own defense—by bending the rules just a little bit.
“They choose to form an unlikely alliance to stay ahead of the police, the college’s wary and incompetent administration, and whoever is trying to get away with murder. Otherwise, they both might end up unemployed, behind bars, or worse…”

In spite of little time for leisure reading, I made time for hearty helpings of this superbly-crafted plate full of mystery, with flavorful side dishes of humor and romance.

If you’d like to purchase Rhapsody in Red, go here . Although I usually share my wealth, this is one book I refuse to give away!

What great book are you currently reading?

Five Word Challenge

Have you particpated in the Five Word Post Challenge yet? The idea is to write a blog post using five words you've received from a fellow blogger. Janna Qualman was kind enough to supply me with my five words: Health, Tissue, Time, Savor, and Rest. I chose to write a thank you note to the congregation we pastor. They planned a surprise ten-year anniversary party for us today, and blessed my hairbows and Kevin's moustache wax plumb off! You can see below by the lack of said items...

"Thank you, Edgar County, but especially our “sheep” at Nevins Christian Church for welcoming us to your hearts and your community. Our time here—ten years on Oct. 24th—has rocketed by faster than you can eat a pile of mashed potatoes and noodles.

I would be lying if I said the last decade has given us nothing but vibrant health and sweet rest. We’ve wept bitter tears as we’ve buried dear saints, and asked “why?” to some gut-wrenching questions. When misunderstandings have arisen, I’ve even questioned our calling. Satan does not play fair. He loves to hit us where we hurt the most, and for us, that’s in the heart. Our heart is people.

Whenever we’ve been tempted to despair or run away in defeat, someone will say, “Thanks for being our pastor—you really care,” or “We’re so glad you came here.” Once it was a card to Kevin from an elder that read, “In twenty years of serving as an elder here, I consider you to be the first preacher I could call a pastor.” Now that will make you reach for your hankie, or in my case, a tissue.

Today it was a surprise dinner at Ryan’s, cards, and gifts that made us feel loved and welcomed all over again. How do you find enough words to thank people for that kind of precious love?
When we reminisce around Jesus’ throne in a city with no tears, the memories we’ve made in Paris, IL will be some we most savor.

Thank you again for loving us and letting us love you. We do love you,
Jeanette and Pastor Kevin Levellie, Nevins Christian Church

P.S. If you'd like your own five words, let me know and I'll send you some snappy ones!

The Prayer of Jeanette

I’ve never heard the audible voice of God. But as I was meditating on the bold, miracle-embracing prayer of Jabez in I Chronicles 4:9-10 recently, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: “Write your own prayer.”

The result was my Prayer of Jeanette:

1. Change me to think and behave, but especially to love, like You;
2. Use me to create that which glorifies You and enlarges others’ hearts;
3. Love me in ways only You can love, so I know it’s You;
4. Protect me from darkness of thought and word;
5. Empower me to achieve far more than I alone am capable of, so others will acknowledge You and love you;
6. Make me fruitful—full of fruit—colorful, sweet and nourishing;
7. Prosper me—cause me to go forward, increase me—so that I may impart more than I take. In Jesus’ Name, so be it.

Have you considered writing “The Prayer of (your name)?” Just as writing our goals helps us achieve them, writing a life prayer may enable us to see how our loving Father works in our behalf year by year.

What item will merit the #1 spot in your life prayer?

Getting Familiar: Interview with Chrisitina Berry, Author of The Familiar Stranger

Today I'm welcoming one of my blog followers, Christina Berry, author of The Familiar Stranger.

Jen: I'm so excited to have you here, Christina, so we can get to know you a little better.

Can you tell us a little about your debut novel?

Christina: The Familiar Stranger—formerly known as Undiscovered—is about a couple going through a really rough patch in their marriage. When an accident incapacitates the husband, their relationship must be redefined. Which would be a lot easier to do if BIG secrets from his past didn’t raise their ugly heads. Despite the upheaval, the choices they make involving forgiveness and trust might allow a new beginning. Or … they might not.

You can see the back cover copy and what other authors have said about The Familiar Stranger by going to http://www.christinaberry.net/books.aspx

Jen: What takaway value do you hope readers gain from reading Familiar Stranger?

Christina: The recent changes in my life—losing my husband, facing finding a “real” job, selling my home—have done nothing but solidify what I hope to be the theme of the book and my life: Live Transparently—Forgive Extravagantly. If reading The Familiar Stranger makes even one man or woman be more honest with his or her spouse or delve into trust issues in a healthy way, I’ll consider it a success. Maybe there’s a hurting heart that can find a new path to forgiveness because of the story.

Jen: Wow, I love that theme. All of us need to grow in those two areas. What fun facts may surprise your readers about you?

Christina: I was the team captain and second answerer in the speed round for our family on Family Feud in 2000 … and we won! Also, I grew up in Nigeria, West Africa, while my parents were Southern Baptist missionaries. I remember being awed at the selection of toilet paper in the grocery store when we returned to the States.

Jen: Wow, I guess we take those little things too much for granted.

I notice you and your mom write together. How does that work out in practical terms?

Christina: Well, it helps to share a brain! We honestly do finish each other's sentences or say random things at the same time. Because we did in depth character charts, we were both able to write all three points of view. Then we would switch chapters and edit each other's work. By the end of the book, we didn't even remember who had written which scenes. And feedback from editors is that they only hear one voice.
We put the 65 chapters we had plotted up on note cards and just took the next one, no matter which character is was, and wrote the book linearly.

Jen: I love that you think as one. What a blessing!

Lastly, I'd like to ask you how your writing journey has changed your Christian walk?

Christina: I see writing as one of the tools He uses to form me into His image—a tool to teach me patience, self-control, determination, reliance on Him, and other life lessons. I also see writing as a gift that brings me hope, fulfillment, and purpose when the rest of life is not so nice. The journey has sharpened me, yet also softened me.

Jen: Thank you so much for joining us today, Christina. I know my readers were blessed by this glimpse into your life. I certainly was!

If you'd like to purchase The Familiar Stranger, you can go to one of the following links:

http://www.christianbook.com/familiar-stranger-christina-berry/9780802447319/pd/447319?netp_id=612553&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

http://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Stranger-Christina-Berry/dp/0802447317/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239913987&sr=1-1

And if you leave a comment at the end of this post, your name will be entered in a 10-book giveaway drawing on Oct. 31st. Make sure you leave me your email address like this: jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com so if you win, Christina can email you to get your addy.

Tomorrow, join Christina and Trish Perry at http://www.trishperry.blogspot.com/ for the next stop on the tour of Familiar Stranger. Thanks for joining us!

Five Things to Accomplish in Five Minutes

Ready? Set? Five!

You have only five minutes before you dash out the door for DS’s soccer match or DD’s dance lesson. What can you accomplish in this short zipper of time? You may be surprised how your use of five little minutes can make a big difference in your life and writing career:

1. Pray for guidance in your writing, protection for yourself and your family, direction for our nation’s leaders, and wisdom for your kids’ teachers. If you home school, you need all the prayer you can get!

2. Revise one paragraph or sentence of your WIP.

3. Read a page or two of God’s Word, a craft book or a devotional for writers.

4. Write a thank you note to a fellow blogger or editor who’s inspired you.

5. Answer an email from a friend, encouraging them on their writing journey. Since you reap whatever you sow, God is sure you send you a morsel of encouragement the next time you need it.

What ways do you make the most of little snippets of time?

P.S. Please join me Wednesday for an interview with author Christine Berry along with a drawing for a chance to win 10 books!

Writing

Writing must not be

My affirmation,

My way-station,

or my destination.

It often becomes

My aggravation,

My trepidation,

My aspiration.

I long for it to be

My elation,

My vocation,

My oblation.

copyright, JEL, 2009

Out of Order Mouth

Are you working at eliminating unnecessary activities and time wasters? Here is a shocking idea the Lord gave me on 10-4-09 as I journaled:

"Help me simplify my life, Lord."

"You can't be creative if your life is crowded and cluttered."

"Show me what to eliminate, Lord."

"Negative, doubtful words, for one. Dark thoughts. The entrance of My word gives light."

I was hoping He'd suggest something more along the lines of, "No more cooking or housework," but He went for the source of most of my troubles--my mouth and mind! My profound answer?

"Help me, please."

Am I the only one wrestling with a tongue that gets ahead of my heart, and a brain that leads me into depression and anger if I let it take the reins? No wonder Solomon said, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who indulge it will eat the fruit of it, for life or death" (Prov. 18:21). I need all the help I can get for this out of order mouth and strong-willed mind. What about you?

Jen

What, Where and How Many Do You Read?

• What books and magazines are you currently reading?
• Do you read more than one book at a time?
  
• Where do you read?

In my living room, decorated in shades of sage, maroon and gold, my couch is heavy with Bibles, Marlene Bagnull's "Write His Answer," "Daily Devotions for Writers" edited by Patricia Lorenz, "Miss Match" by Sara Mills, and "Me and My Big Mouth" by Joyce Meyer.

In my front bathroom, splashed with sunflowers, birds and kitties, I read, "Stop Whining, Start Living" by Dr. Laura Schlessinger, "Daily Faith Food Devotions" by Kenneth E. Hagin, and 20 lbs. of magazines.

In my back bathroom, bordered and bedecked with seashells and ocean life, I read, "Ending Your Day Right" by Joyce Meyer and "Writing with Banana Peels" by James Watkins.

On the nightstand of my blue and rose bedroom is another Bible.

My Thomas Kinkade bordered office bookshelf holds a plethora of reference and craft books, and novels yet to be read or given away in blog contests.

At work I keep a copy of the New Testament and "Just Walking" devotional by Clella Camp.

I take a book or magazine with me out to eat or shop, in case I have to wait in line or alone at the table (when Kevin is with me, we talk. I think it's rude to read when he's there). When we lived in Southern CA and often visited Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm, Kev took a book along to read while he waited in line for rides!

I'd love to hear about your reading habits...

A Moral Dilemna

For the last several months I've been faced with a moral dilemna. Keep buying some of my favorite skin care and gift products from a catalog I enjoy browsing, whose representative is a friend of mine, or discontinue based on their advertising, which now includes naked women?

No personal body parts show; they are covered with arms, legs or bubbles. But you know it. They have no clothes on.

I consider this type of modeling, even though it may be for a major retailer and not pornographic, an exploitation of the model. However, to completely stop buying products from this company would mean a huge sacrifice on my part. I love their skin care, foundation, bath products, mascara and jewelry. They often have gift items on sale at tremendous prices. I hate the thought of starting from square one to find cosmetics I like, at affordable prices. But... I also hate when companies use sex to sell products.

What decision do you think I made?

If you said I quit purchasing from this source, you know me well. I cannot support this form of advertising. I will buy my skin care, cosmetics and fun jewelry elsewhere from now on. If enough people make choices like this, perhaps we'll start to see a few positive changes in our world.

And yes, I told my Avon representative that I was bothered by this, so she'd know why I quit.

Have you ever been faced with a moral or ethical dilemna in which you were forced to make a painful sacrifice? What did you do?

Oops!

I am so embarassed. This time I even surprised myself with my ditzy doodle brain! I thought Analisa gave me the Precious Friend Blog Award, and yakked about it on my blog today, passing it on to several precious blog friends. Then I received an email from Analisa, saying SHE was not the one who gave me the award, even though she wishes she was.

Oh dear.

If you are the sweetheart who gave me this lovely award, I apologize. Please email me at jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot) com, or leave a comment here and I will recitfy this mistake right away. And if you want to take your award back, I will understand.

But I sure would like to keep it, in spite of my silly ways...

A Winner and An Award

Congratulations to the Winner of the Jim Watkins book drawing, Wendy from All in a Day's Thought! I hope you enjoy his writing as much as I do. Thanks to everyone who entered.

And now... Thank you, Analisa from A Word to Take Away, for this darling friendship award. Analisa is a new follower who's been a sweet encouragement to me.

I would like to pass on this award to the following blog friends, who've kept me writing through many dreary days when I wondered what the heck I had gotten into:

T. Anne from White Plantonic Dreams

Jessica from Booking It

Jody from On the Path

Sherrinda from A Writer Wannabe

Larie from My Heart Speaketh.

I cherish you all. Thank you for your friendship and gracious kindness. Blessings on you as you write for your Audience of ONE this week,

Jen

Three Books on a Planet

This is not the title of my new WIP; I'd like to know you better. If you were chosen along with a few others, your family included, to populate a new planet and could only take three books with you to last the rest of your life, which three books would you bring?

These are my choices:

The Bible

Me and My Big Mouth!

At Home in Mitford

Your turn! Please tell us what books you are taking. If I see you there, I will share my books...

P.S. If you've not already entered the drawing for a free Jim Watkins book, you have until Tuesday at 5 p.m. Go here to enter.

The Man Who Wrote the Book on Humor, Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of our interview with Jim Watkins, award winning author, editor and speaker. If you'd like to win one of Jim's books, please leave a comment at the end of this post.

Jen: One of my favorite writers’ resources is a compilation you edited called, “Writers on Writing.” It includes articles by Jerry B. Jenkins, Liz Curtis Higgs and James Scott Bell. My copy looks like a color book, with orange, pink and yellow highlights throughout. With all the craft and how-to-write books on the market, what prompted you to write another?

Jim: WOW is sort of the “best of” writing advice from a virtual “who’s who” in Christian writing. It was actually envisioned by Wesleyan Publishing House to use in conjunction with the conference they sponsor in Indianapolis every November.

WPH’s second writing book was Communicate to Change Lives, which specifically addresses how to write and speak persuasively. I think there is a great need for this book. I would go to writers’ conferences and learn the mechanics and marketing of writing, but never a class on actually changing lives with one’s writing. So I approached WPH with the proposal and they also felt there was a real need.

Jen: Do you mind talking a little about your somewhat unusual marriage, since you are a “preacher’s husband?” I understand your lovely wife, Lois, is the pastor of a Friend’s church. How do you like this role?

Jim: I think the motto on the Watkins’ coat of arms should be “Nunquam Normalis”—“Never Normal.” I was one of the very first full-time youth pastors in the 70s, lived in a girl’s dorm for six years (Lois was resident director) and have been a pastor’s husband for nearly twenty years.
There are the usual “living in the parsonage” challenges, but I am thrilled that Lois is living out her passion, affirmation and talents. She is a great pastor! So, I’ve been a champion of women in ministry in my writing: http://www.jameswatkins.com/womeninministry.htm

Jen: Although your book “Squeezing Good out of Bad” is a comic look at trials, it squeezed a few tears from these eyes. Can you tell us a little about a few of the trials God has brought you through, and how His faithfulness has strengthened your faith?

Jim: The premise of the book is that believers use Romans 8:28 as a promise verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” But we don’t always go on to verse 29 and discover that “purpose”—“to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

And so God has used cancer, unemployment, family crises, chronic nose hair, etc., etc. to conform me to the image of Christ. And here’s the most amazing verse of all: “So even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Amazing, indeed! If Jesus had to suffer to learn obedience, then I can expect a whole truck load of “lemons” in my life.
(You can read about the challenges I’ve faced at http://www.jameswatkins.com.)

Jen: Thank you, Jim, for joining us today. Do you have any final words of encouragement or advice for aspiring writers?

Jim: My pleasure! Let’s see, I think it all comes down to: Write. Rewrite. Network. Persist.

(You can find a lot more writing resources at http://www.jameswatkins.com/manu.htm .)

You will love Jim's website, I promise, or your money back. It is full of excellent advice for writers, humorous and poignant articles, and wonderfully outspoken opinions on everything from sex to spirituality.

Leave your name and email in the comment section for an opportunity to win one of Jim's books. I will draw the winner on October 6th at 5 p.m.