What About YOU?

I’m way too small to fill the world, even my own little corner of it. So every Monday I ask a question, to get to know YOU better. I’ll try to make it fun and lighthearted. After all, it is Monday. But now and then, I may throw in a serious one, just to get us all thinking.

Okay, ready for today's? What scent elicits the happiest memories for you?

Here is mine:
Eucalyptus takes me back to my childhood, when my brother, I, and the babysitter’s kids romped in a grove of Eucalyptus trees every day after school and throughout the summer. The woodsy-spicy smell of those earthy brown leaves relaxes my mind, eases my tension and brings a five-year-old's grin to my face.

Your turn…

P.S. Please return Wednesday when a fellow-member of my agent Diana Flegal's authors' group, Caroline Brown, interviews me! I will also be giving away my final two blogiversary prizes drawn from this month's postings as well as prizes drawn from comments on the interview....

This is Why I'm Not Posting Today

These are the three reasons I'm not posting today. "Grand Babies" fill my home and my heart!

A Thanksgiving Tradition of Encouragement

When our kids were small, we started a Thanksgiving Tradition that has proven to be a source of fun and encouragement. We put each person’s name on a slip of paper and drop them in a basket or hat. After the meal, everyone draws one name from the basket—no peeking!

Then we sit with pen and paper—fancy stationery or plain note pad—and write our chosen person a note, telling them why we are thankful for them. When the children were too small to write, they whispered their dictations to us.

When all are completed, we go around the table and read them aloud. Some bring laughter, others tears, all a sense of kinship and gratitude.

How amazing it’s been to see the Lord’s hand at work during these “Thankful Letter” moments. A sister forced to write why she is grateful for her snotty brother sees him in a new light for a moment; a dad suddenly realizes he needs to express his esteem for his son more often; a spouse receives a compliment for a quality they thought had gone unnoticed.

Hearts stir to new feelings of love and affirmation. God is proud. We are ministering to each other the way He intended when He created the family, bringing out the gifts in our relatives' lives. Thanksgiving becomes a time of refreshing our commitment to the ones we love most.

If we choose to save the letters, we have something to read on a future day when we need a scrap of proof that we are making a positive difference in someone's life.

Do you practice Thanksgiving traditions in your family?

What About YOU? and More Blogiversary Prizes to Give Away

I am sick of me. I’m way too small to fill the world, even my own little corner of it. So I decided to start a new feature on my blog called “What about you?”

Every Monday I’ll ask a question, just to get to know you better. I’ll try to make it fun and lighthearted. After all, it is Monday. But now and then I may throw in a serious one, just to get us all thinking.

Before we talk, however, I would like to congratulate two more winners of Blogiversary Prizes, Parsley from Seasons of My Mind and Wendy Love from Dipsy Doodling around Depression.

Please email me at jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com to give me your addy and pick your prize!!! BTW, every comment on every post this month is entered to win a prize.

And now, for the first What About YOU question: What is your favorite room in your house and why?

Mine is my living room. It’s where I pray and read the Word, charging my batteries for the day. On the wall facing the love seat where I sit hangs my Thomas Kinkade painting, Amber Afternoon (see above) that my DH bought me one year he was working three jobs. This room is cozy and homey and full of sweetness from God’s generous hand.

Your turn…

You Can Do This, part 2

Wednesday I shared about my challenge of an empty tank after one year in the writing race. I asked God to show me if I was travelling in the right direction when I attended the ICWC last weekend…

God was faithful to answer my prayers for help and direction by a few divine connections. But the most exciting event of the weekend was when He spoke to me early Saturday morning as I poured my empty soul out to Him in my prayer journal. His words were short but clear, as usual: “You are trying too hard. You cannot force grace; it flows from My heart. It isn’t wrenched out by effort on your part. You can’t fill yourself or grow yourself up.”

Oh. I knew that. Then how did I forget so soon? I had allowed that pesky demon, fear into my life. Fear that I wasn’t good enough caused me to panic, blocking the flow of creativity. Fear that if I didn’t blog and post on Face Book a certain amount of time per day, no one would follow my blog, then I’d be a nobody from nowherseville, and no one would be willing to publish me, blah, blah, blah… Have you been there?

I’m happy to report: I'm still in the race. Not becuase I'm a better writer than anyone else out there, but because I made a decision to get rid of fear. I purposed in my heart to allow God’s grace to flow into my tank, filling me up with Him instead of trying to run this race myself. As I said on Monday, it's not about me. It's this gift He's given me, buring a hole in my heart, compelling me to tell everyone I can how exquisite this God is that I serve.

What about you? How do fears paralyze you, hindering you from being and doing all God has called you to? I will stand with you in prayer in this fight against the enemy of our souls and destroyer of our dreams. We are a threat to Satan because we carry the words of life to a dark world.

My word to you today is: You can do this. You can be a writer, or whatever else the Lord has put in your heart. God is on your side. He believes in you and so do I.

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your computers...

You Can Do This, part 1

When I attended the Indianapolis Christian Writers’ Conference last year, I returned home saying, “This Is What I Want to Do with My Life, Lord—BE A WRITER.” My tank was full of enthusiasm, my engines were revving, I was ready to jump in the driver’s seat and start the race. I committed to write an hour a day. That was one year ago.

In that year, I’ve sold several humor and devotional articles, finished my first book, written and rewritten two book proposals, signed a contract with my #1 choice for an agent, and finished 70% of my work in progress. I also blogged three times a week, visited others’ blogs one hour a day, increasing my blog following from eleven to over sixty, opened a Face Book account, and attended the famous Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, IL where I gluttonized on information and inspiration from Those Who Know What They’re Doing.

And then I ran out of gas. Instead of saying, “This Is What I Want to Do with My Life, Lord,” I was asking, “Is this what I want to do with my life, Lord?” I wasn’t ready to drop out of the race yet. But I was running on fumes, my tires were flattened masses, and my enthusiasm was waning. I questioned the wisdom of attending this year’s ICWC, wondering if I’d benefit from it, or slow others down with my less-than-sporting attitude. I prayed a dozen times, “Lord, connect me with people who can give me some direction. Show me if I’m on the wrong track, or if I should even be in the race. Help me, please!” Come back Friday to find out if I left the race or am still driving…

I'm Ba-ack! With Prizes and Praises!

Thanks to all you darlings who wished me well during my unplug week, and especially those who prayed for me--it worked! I should say, He worked. I am so thrilled to report I finished two chapters on my WIP, bringing me up to 71%; I sent an article to Guideposts for consideration in a book called "From Tragedy to Triumph;" I sent two samples devotionals to Life from the Word, and I relaxed. And got reaquainted with Jesus, mu first love. It was wonderful!

Mostly I rediscovered that this journey is not about me, it's all not up to me, and God is faithful. I will be talking more about that in Wednesday's post but for now, we have two more winners in my Blogiversary Celebration:

Wendy from All in a Day's Thought and

Diane of That's What I'm Here For.

Congratulations, ladies! You may choose from the following:

"Write His Answer" autographed book by Marlene Bagnull, a devotion for writers. I met Marlene at the ICWC, and she's a sweetheart. Her desire to help writers shines through in this inspiring book.

"Answering the So what?Question" cd by Ginger Kolbaba;

or "Giving Your Dreams a New Beginning" cd by Joel Osteen.

Please email me at jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com with your mailing address.

All comments on any post this month will be entered to win more lovely prizes!

Bless you as you write for your Audience of ONE, Jen

First Round of Blogiversary Winners

Announcing… the first two winners in my Blogiversary Giveaway:

Eileen from A Christian Romance Writer and

Tamika at the Write Worship.

Please choose from the following prizes:
Love Inspired book, “The Healing Place” by Leigh Bale (larger print);

“Answering the So What? Question” CD by Ginger Kolbaba, editor and writer, from the Write to Publish Conference 2009;

“The Dream in You” CD by Joel Osteen;

Orange or Purple fan-fold Post it notes

Congratulations, friends! Please email me with your choices. I will be adding prizes as the month progresses. Do I hear a Yippee Dippee!!!?

For the first time in a year, I'm unplugging this week, organizing my notes from the Indy Christian Writers Conference and working on my WIP. But you never know when I may plug in for a minute to choose a few more names for prizes. Every comment on every post this month is a chance to win a prize.

Have a great week as you write for your Audience of ONE,
Jen

Beware of Moths and Sligs

I will be attending the Indianapolis Christian Writers' Conference this weekend, so I thought you'd enjoy a little devotional today. I covet your prayers as I seek God for direction in my writing, and renewed passion. Thanks and love, Jen

"Life and death are in the power of the tongue." Proverbs 18:21

From the open kitchen window, I heard Esther and Ron playing in the sandbox on our patio. Ron was touring his Little People bus up and down the trails he’d made in the damp sand.
“Now, Ron,” began five-year-old Esther, her tone full of caution, “if you ever go on a real bus, make sure you sit way in the back.”
“Why?” asked Ron.
Estie’s voice became dark with caution: “Because if a moth or a slig (her word for slug) comes in the front, you can run out the side door before it gets to you.”
Ron stayed his usual calm self. “What will it do if it gets me?”
“Well, the moth will bite all your clothes off. I’m not sure what the slig will do, but you just better sit in the back like I said!”

Although Esther’s motive was protecting her younger brother from harm, I wondered where she’d picked up the idea that moths would gobble your clothes down to the zippers. Perhaps she’d overheard Kevin and I talk about putting moth cakes in her closet so her clothes wouldn’t be ruined. That’s how rumors get started, I chuckled to myself.

In thirty-five years of ministry, we’ve had to dispel a few rumors of our own. Shortly after we were married, we moved from our first pastorate to a church several hours away. In the mail one day came a package from one of our former “sheep,” an elderly lady we’d grown close to. When I opened it and saw the lovely pale green and yellow crocheting, I squealed with delight, “Oooh, a lap robe. How thoughtful of Lydia. She must have known it was colder down here than in Fresno.” Then I saw them: silky pastel green and yellow ribbons on each corner of my new “lap robe.” I held it up for Kevin’s admiration.

“Um, Jeanette, I don’t think covering our laps was what Lydia had in mind when she made that. I imagine it’s meant to cover a baby.”
“Oh dear,” I moaned. “I wonder how she got the idea we were expecting?”
I sat down that moment and wrote her a sincere thank you note for all the work and love she’d put into our “lap robe,” explaining that we weren’t planning our family just yet, but when we did, she’d be one of the first to know.

Do you wonder how rumors get started? Are people bored and long to stir up some excitement, so they make up a shocking story? Do they see something that looks suspicious, and don’t bother to ask the people involved what’s really going on? Or, like Estie, do they misunderstand and misinterpret something they’ve heard?

Regardless of the reason for a rumor’s beginning, we children of the Lord must not be guilty of spreading questionable news about a person, group or business. It’s important that we go to the source of the rumor and find out the truth, so we can stop it if it’s gossip. The writer of Proverbs tells us, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose” (Proverbs 18:21).

We can ruin a person’s reputation or cause a panic by negative, deadly words. Or, we can lift someone’s broken spirit with positive, life-giving words. We’re not bringing death or life to only those to whom we speak. Our words bring curses or blessing to our own hearts as well.
Next time you hear something that sounds a little juicy, think before you pass it on. Those sligs and moths may be listening, and we wouldn’t want them to get the wrong idea.

Secrets of Witnessing for Wimps, part 2

Thank you for returning to part 2 of Witnessing for Wimps, an interview with author and SAHM Marie Adams. Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a blogiversary prize.

Jen: Are you naturally outgoing, or is it sometimes uncomfortable to share the Lord with others? Are you ever afraid they’ll reject you or argue with you?

Marie: I am outgoing when I'm with my friends and family, but I haven't always been that way; I was very shy as a teenager and had to make myself come out of my shell in college. I am uncomfortable sometimes and afraid of rejection or arguments, but I don't want to stop sharing the Gospel just because of that, because people's souls are at stake.

Many Christians forget that just as Heaven is real, Hell is also real and they both last *forever*. One of my teachers at Rhema Bible Training Center said about evangelism, "If you're worried about offending people by witnessing to them, I guarantee you that as soon as they get into Hell, they will be offended!" We don't want to regret not talking to them when we had a chance to lead them to Christ.

I really haven't run into much rejection, but I try to think of a positive, loving response ahead of time in case they are hostile, so I'm not caught off guard. For instance, if someone said all Christians are hypocrites, I could answer with, "Yes, that's sad that we're not always doing our job, but God isn't like that, and He loves you so much. I hope you'll consider getting to know Him."

Jen: What are some practical ways SAHM’s can witness to people; ie, how can you share Jesus by your life?

Marie: My mother told me recently that taking care of your children is a way to serve God. I know it doesn't often feel like it, but our first ministry is to our husbands and children, and we can dedicate the work we do for them as unto God. We want to train our children, not only in things like obedience and housework, but in knowing God. We can't do that if we're never there for them. Whether they receive salvation may largely depend on us and the spiritual environment in our homes.

If you want to find other ways to witness to people, good for you! People everywhere desperately need to hear the Gospel, even though we have mountains of laundry to fold and piles of Cheerios to dig out of the air vents. It's very important to have a godly lifestyle, both in and out of the house, so you don't damage your witness if you get a chance to share your faith. We don't want anyone thinking of us as hypocrites, including our kids.

You can always pray for unsaved people, and pray for "openings" to witness when you're out of the house (for people to express an interest in God and salvation; this way, you're not dealing so much with a fear of rejection when you witness to them.) If you don't get an opening, you can make one yourself: work God or spiritual things into the conversation and see if they'll talk about it with you. (i.e. mention something God has done for you lately, or a great church service you attended recently.) Ask them if they have a church they attend; if not, or if they need a new one, invite them to yours.

It's important to let God guide you in where to attend church, and that you go to one that truly loves God, loves people, has a passion for winning souls, and that you enjoy attending. It's hard to invite someone to church if you're not excited about going there yourself!

Ask people if there's anything you can pray for them about; I have found this is usually well-received because it's not as confrontational as "direct" witnessing (i.e. "Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?") If they say yes, be sure to remember to pray for their needs. You can keep a "prayer notebook" in your purse to write down their requests so you'll remember them. You also might want to keep business cards in your purse with your church name and address printed on them, to give to people when you invite them to church.

When you make a new friend, cultivate the friendship with the intent of finding out if she's a Christian and witnessing to her if needed. Finally, you can accept defeat gracefully; if someone makes it clear that they don't want to hear about God, you can politely drop the subject. If you push the issue, it will probably give them a more negative view of Christians than they already have. You can always pray later that God gives them a hunger for Him, and that He brings other people into their lives to witness to them again.I hope this information has been helpful to you and given you some ideas for sharing your faith. I pray that God blesses you as you reach others for Him!

Jen: Marie, thank you for the precious time you took to answer these questions. May the Lord direct your life in Him, and give you much fruit from your sharing Him with others.

P.S. Marie is my DD. Is it any wonder I'm proud of her?

Secrets of Witnessing for Wimps: Interview with Author and SAHM Marie Adams

Do you long to witness to unbelieving friends, but lack the guts?

Have you tried and failed at what you perceive is your duty to witness?

Are you eager for some fresh ideas on ways to witness from a fellow writer and SAHM? Then you've come to the right blog.

I am excited to welcome Marie Adams to my blog today.

Jen: Marie, you are a stay at home mom and author. But you also have a call as a missionary, is that correct?

Marie: Yes, I have felt a call to the mission field since I was 16 years old. I have never lived in another country, but I have taken 5 short-term trips to Mexico, Colombia, and several Navajo Indian reservations in the USA.

Jen: How do you fulfill that call while raising three young children (ages six, four and two)?

Marie: We attend a church that places a big emphasis on missions; they even speak to the children a lot about missions! We support several missionaries through the church, and pray for them. My pastor says that for missions to work, you need 4 types of people: those who go to the country, those who help them (i.e. sending newsletters, handling travel details), those who pray for them, and those who support them financially. My husband and I also took our oldest daughter with us on our trip to Colombia when she was 2 years old. Even though she doesn't remember it, I'm glad she was with us to experience another culture.

I occasionally talk with my children about other countries and how much the people there need Jesus. We also discuss Christians in persecuted countries, and we subscribe to the "Voice of the Martyrs" magazine that shares stories about the persecuted church (they have publications suitable for kids as well.)

Jen: I greatly admire your willingness to speak to people about the Lord in different settings. What are some of the methods you use to share Jesus with others in non-threatening ways?

Marie: Many times when I'm out somewhere or on the phone, I say "God bless you" or "Jesus loves you" at the end of the conversation. I pray for unsaved people whenever I think of it or see a reminder (i.e. we're eating Chinese food for dinner and I pray for everyone in Asia to find Jesus.) A prayer like this doesn't have to be long; it can be as simple as, "Dear God, please help everyone in Asia to find You or know You better."

Sometimes I pass out books on salvation to people I run into when I'm out of the house. My favorite small book on salvation is "The New Birth" by Kenneth E. Hagin. If you're looking, you can find a lot of people to give books or tracts to, even if you're not out much: the grocery store clerk, the waitress at the restaurant, your children's teachers or sports coaches, etc. I like giving books because they only take a few seconds to hand out and they're less likely to be rejected than a conversation about faith.

If you find out someone is a Christian after you've given them a book, don't worry; either it will strengthen their faith, or hopefully they'll find someone else to pass it on to. And once in a while, I mention my faith or something God has done for me on my Twitter posts; those are pretty easy, since they don't take long to write and I don't have to be afraid of "face-to-face" rejection from my followers.


Please return Thursday Nov. 5th for part two of this exciting interview. Remember, every comment on every post this month is one chance to win a blogiversary prize . For details, go here.

Wanna Win a Bloggiversary Prize?

This month I'm celebrating one year of blogging bliss! I began co-blogging with my husband Kevin one year ago with "Custom Made Grace." After realizing our paths were wending in different directions--imagine that!--I gifted the original blog to him and created "Audience of ONE." Kevin changed his blog's name to "Jesus in the Real World," where he posts on a plethora of subjects, all pointing to his love for the Savior.

I have been saving books, cd's and other nifty gifts for this party, and I hope you win one! Here are the rules:

Everyone who comments on a post this month will have their name put in my prize basket to receive a gift. One comment per post, please. On random days throughout the month, I will draw several names and announce the winners.

If you are not a follower and you join this month, you will get your name put in the basket twice. This is in addition to the comments you post.

If you put a link to one of my posts during this month on your blog, I will enter your name again. Please email me at jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com to inform me of the link.

Thank you, wonderful bloggers, for all I've learned from you, for the many ways I've grown as a writer by reading your stellar prose, and for being my buddies. If not for you, my successes this last year would be lonely and hollow.

Do you enjoy parties, or do you prefer a quiet evening at home with your family?