Jeanette Levellie: On Wings of Mirth and Worth

How Do YOU Say Goodbye?

2012-01-31T05:45:00.001-06:00

Are you tired of the standard "Blessings," or "Love" that everyone and their parrot uses to sign their emails and letters? Me too.

When I asked on my Facebook Book's page how people said goodbye, my friend Ed Vandemark challenged me to write a blog post suggesting 25 ways to sign off. Let's see if I can manage this:

1. Sincerely
2. God's Best
3. TTFN
4. Simply sign your name with no embellishment
5. Have fun
6. Goodbye
7. See You Later
8. Happy Trails
9. Yours Truly
10. Have a Great Day
11. Here's to You
12. God be With You (the original saying that was shortened to become Goodbye)
13. Never Give up
14. Bless You
15. Thinking of You
16. Fondly
17. Warmly
18. Praying for You
19. Forever Yours
20. Bye
21. Adios, Au Revoir, or Ciao
22. Best Regards

I couldn't manage it, Ed!

Can you help me? I need three more suggestions for ways to sign an email or letter. How do you say goodbye?

De-junking

2012-01-27T04:55:00.001-06:00

One of my goal's this year is to de-junk my house, basement, and garage. We have way too much stuff!

I first heard the term de-junk from cleaning expert Don Aslett, in his book Clutter's Last Stand. That's when I became convinced that clutter was an enemy of my sanity, and I've been at war with it ever since. But lately it seems to have crept back in, especially in my closet and my emotions.

So, I cleaned out my clothes--about 25 pieces of them--and am working on managing my emotions, with the help of Joyce Meyer's book, Living Beyond Your Feelings.

Sometimes good can crowd out best. If I own so much I can't find anything, I waste time. If I let my emotions rule my life, I'm out of control. I need to get back to my first love, Jesus, and the realization that I am His princess.

That's enough. That fills my heart, so I can get rid of the clutter.

And you?

Need to Feel Smart?

2012-01-25T09:15:00.002-06:00

The Five Dizy Doings I wrote about on Army of Ermas today will make you feel smarter than you thought you were! Please join me for a laugh or five...

An Airline Joke and a Winner

2012-01-23T05:35:00.004-06:00

"Only twelve seconds airborne?" said Orville to his brother, Wilbur Wright. "But my luggage is stuck in Denver!"

The winner of my Choose Your Prize Drawing is..........

Carol Garvin a romance writer from Canada. Congratulations, Carol! I hope you enjoy your prize.

Have you ever had your luggage "rerouted" when you traveled? To where would you most love to fly? What kinds of prize drawings most entice you?

You Choose Your Prize

2012-01-19T05:58:00.007-06:00

In keeping with my promise to have more giveaways this year on Mirth and Worth, I am offering my first drawing of the year in which... YOU choose the prize! Here are the three dandy gifts I am offering:

1. The Perfect Life novel by Robin Lee Hatcher

2. No Greater Love novel by Kathi Macias

3. 4"x6" lined sticky notes, colorful daisy design

To enter: Please leave a comment with your email addy at the end of this post, telling me something about yourself that I may not already know. Do you like to cook? Is your dog's name Matilda? Did you meet your spouse on a hiking trip? Anything.

If you retweet or share on FB, I will give you an extra entry, but please tell me in your comment that you did so.

Drawing ends Saturday, January 21 at noon. I will announce the winner on Monday, January 23rd.

And btw, I like cooking as much as a cat likes a bath, I love dogs but don't own one, and I met my prince charming at Bible college.

Blessed, laugh-ful day,

I Did Another Dumb Thing

2012-01-16T05:42:00.001-06:00

My post entitled I Did a Dumb Thing was so popular that I decided to do it again. The post, not the dumb thing. If I can continue to do dumb things, I may even make it a regular feature of the blog...

Believe me, I did not look this great

Oops!

When I was thirty-five and teaching History at a Christian School in Hermosa Beach, CA, I decided I needed to start coloring my hair. It never occured to me that the hair color would blend with my natural color to make the final hue. In my case, maroon!

Let's Get Down to History

I'd spent my last four dollars on the hair color, so couldn't go back to the store for more and color over the boo-boo that looked like a chrysanthemum in bloom. When I walked into the school building Monday morning, several kids asked, "Did you color your hair, Mrs. L?" Finally, I made an announcement to the whole class: Yes, I colored my hair, that's why it looks so fruity, remember this when you get gray hair and learn from my mistake, now let's get down to History.

Have you ever had a hair coloring snafu? How did you fix it?

Not Worth Ruining My Marriage

2012-01-12T05:13:00.003-06:00

How Do I Resent Thee?

I resent people telling me things I’ve known since I was four. Wait, that was a lie. I resent my husband telling me things I’ve known since I was four:

 Kangaroos originate from Australia

 Chocolate comes from cacao beans

 The sky’s color is a reflection of the sea.

When he tells me little facts like these, it hurts, offends, and angers me. My brain fills with all kinds of unkind thoughts. Sometimes they spurt out my mouth. Like, “If I’m such an idiot, why did you marry me?”

It’s Not About Me

I know it’s not about me. He doesn’t think I’m stupid. He has a teaching gift, and needs to explain things, or he’ll burst. I’m handy, so he explains to me. It never occurs to him that I may already know that it’s the man who determines the gender of a child, or that it’s against the law to marry your first cousin.

Someday I’ll Grow up

Someday I’ll grow up, and get over my touchiness. Or perhaps Kevin will find a friend he can explain all these little tidbits to, who won’t resent them (that’s my preference, but the Lord doesn't alwys do things the way I'd prefer). It’s certainly not worth ruining our marriage over.

What I Do Love to Hear

What I do love to hear is writing and/or time management advice that works for you. Agent Chip MacGregor had some excellent posts about this topic recently, and they got me to thinking about you. I’d love to hear your best writing/time management advice. Because I’m not married to you, I promise I won’t be offended if I’ve already heard it a dozen times, or if I’m currently using it.

And did you know that a cat’s brain is the size of a pea? Which explains why dogs are smarter than cats.

Prepare for Your Dream

2012-01-09T05:49:00.000-06:00

Bing images

When a well-known preacher was a boy, his mother decided their family needed a swimming pool. In spite of her husband’s refusal to agree, she persisted in her dream. Every few weeks she’d bring up the matter again, undaunted each time he said, “No.” She even measured the back yard, planning the right spot for their future pool. After many months of praying, praising God, and preparing, her dream materialized.

A couple attended the church her husband pastored, telling him that they were pool builders, and the Lord had directed them to travel across the country and build their family a pool free of charge. When they arrived at the house to measure the backyard, they were surprised to find the wife's calculations were perfectly suited for a swimming pool.

In spite of her husband’s nay saying, the Lord gave this faithful lady the desire of her heart.

What dreams has God put in your heart? Is Satan trying to steal them from you by discouraging words from others, or negative thoughts? What are you doing to prepare for them to materialize?

Start today with a baby step to pave the way for God to make your dream come true. Pray, praise, and prepare for that dream to become reality!

More Grace, Guts, and Giggles

2012-01-06T05:45:00.001-06:00

Do you set goals, or simply take life as it comes, then deal with whatever happens?

I need a plan or I become discombobulated, disorganized, and distracted. So I’ve decided to set some goals for this blog.

In 2012, I hope to:

Be more transparent with you;
Encourage you more;
Make you laugh more;
Give you more prizes!

I know, I know, I used the words MORE and YOU four times in the above list. That’s because I write this blog for YOU, and I want to give you MORE of Jesus’ grace, more of my guts, and a whole lot more giggles in the coming year.

Are you up for that? If so, stay tuned for a great year of Mirth and Worth...

Fat to Skinny Fast and Easy

2012-01-03T05:50:00.001-06:00

Ever longed to become skinny fast? Now you can!
My friend and fellow Hartline author, Doug's Varrier's popular book Fat to Skinny Fast and Easy has expanded…so everyone can get skinnier. And we all need that after the holiday feasts...
In the original Fat to Skinny Fast and Easy, Varrieur distilled the “science” behind low-carb eating and laid out an amazingly simple system for eliminating the chief offender in weight gain: sugar. Thousands of people worldwide have dropped 50, 60, 80, even over 200 pounds fast and easy following Doug's plan. Now, in response to requests from his loyal followers, Varrieur has created an updated edition that combines his successful strategies for lifetime fitness with more than 100 yummy new, low-carb, sugar-free recipes. That makes it even easier to melt away the fat fast while still eating delicious, favorite dishes…and to keep it off for good. For added ease, each recipe has a carb count--and the book comes with an inspirational, motivational CD, too.

To order, click on one of the Fat to Skinny Fast and Easy links in this post, and begin the new year healthier and skinnier! I downloaded the original book to my new Nook, so I can take it with me...

I Did a Dumb Thing and prize giveaway

2011-12-30T05:02:00.001-06:00

I did a dumb thing. When I ordered some imprinted pens to help market my book, I gave them the wrong title! I told them:

Two Scoops of Grace with Sprinkles on Top (which is NOT my book) instead of

Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top (which is my book).

I would say "I can't believe I did that!" except that I can believe it. I am always doing ditzy things that amaze even me. This one takes the cake, ahem, the ice cream cake. Ahahahaaaaaaa, made myself laugh!

Anyone want a free pen? If so, put your hand over your heart and say, "Even though this pen is imprinted wrong, when Jeanette's book comes out in the Spring, I will look for TWO SCOOPS OF GRACE WITH CHUCKLES ON THE TOP, not Sprinkles."

Okay? If you did that, send your addy to jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll send you a (wrongly imprinted) pen. And, if you follow the link above and click LIKE to like my book's FB page, I'll send you a second one to give a friend. But you have to tell me you liked me, and you must promise to tell the friend it's CHUCKLES, not sprinkles. Okay? Okay. Good, I feel so much better now!

Did you ever do anything amazingly dumb?

A Christmas Confession

2011-12-27T09:12:00.001-06:00

Ever wonder what your kids' teachers do with the mound of Christmas gifts they receive from all their loyal munchkins?

At Army of Ermas today, I share my hilarious story of the True Confessions of a Greedy Teacher.

Please join me for some yuletide levity!

Ron the Bearded Returns to Paris!

2011-12-17T11:09:00.001-06:00

Can you guess which one of these brilliant animators is our son (aka Ron the Bearded, who really does not smke a pipe)?

To prepare for the momentous occasion of him returning home for Christmas, I will be unplugged from blogging until Dec. 27.

Have a blessed, peaceful time celebrating God's Son's birthday!

My Christmas Greeting for You, Dear Friend

2011-12-14T05:52:00.000-06:00

No star too bright

To herald the birth

Of the One

Who scattered them

Across the heavens;

No song too jubilant

To proclaim the glory

Of the One who sings His love

From eternity

To forever.

Dance, sun and moon!

Clap your hands, you trees!

Exult and cavort, oceans,

Seas, rivers and lakes!

He who spoke you

Into time

Embraces life

As a man-child

That all mankind

May sparkle as jewels,

Sing with joy

And dance as new creations

With Him.

May Your Christmas be filled with Jesus,

Package or Present?

2011-12-11T15:13:00.000-06:00

When I copped a stinky attitude after a music concert we performed, the Lord socked my pride in the gut.

Please join me at Christian Devotions.us today as I unwrap the secret to God using your gifts in magnificent ways.

The Perfect Gift for all the Young Men on Your List

2011-12-09T15:10:00.001-06:00

Looking for a Christmas gift for your young man? Eddie Jones' award-winning novel The Curse of Captain LaFoote is the perfect choice!

Pirate Novel Wins First Place in the 2011 Selah Award for Young Adult Fiction

Teen / Tween & Middle Grade novel

If you drowned and the sea spit you out, thrusting you back into an age of pirates, buried treasure and beauty beyond belief… would you stay?

RICKY BRADSHAW has never sailed the Caribbean Sea, searched for buried treasure or battled pirates on the deck of a Spanish Galleon. He’s never fallen through the floor of Davy Jones’ locker, befriended a witch doctor or watched an old fisherman morph into a porpoise. All Ricky knows is his lonely life with his widowed mom in a tiny apartment overlooking a marina on the Chesapeake Bay.
But all that changes on a snowy Christmas Eve when Ricky’s apartment building burns down and he falls into the chilly waters while trying to save BARNACLE, a mangy mutt with shrimp breath. Suddenly Ricky finds himself confronted by his neighbor, a young woman in a pink bathrobe who jumped to her death in order to escape the flames. She offers him a choice: go with her to a wonderful afterlife where snowflakes taste like candy or return to the dreary old world he knows. Ricky picks the past and awakes on a raft in the middle of the sea where there is surprising beauty on every island, danger around every corner and great honor and glory ahead of him… if only Ricky can summon the courage to survive the curse of Captain LaFoote.

To order, please go to Captain LaFoote. Only ten more shopping days 'til Christmas!

What is your favorite part of the Christmas season? Do you enjoy shopping?

5 Time Saving Tips to Ease Stress and Get More Done

2011-12-08T05:34:00.000-06:00

Need more hours in your day? I can help. The following list is an excerpt from my presentation at the Inland Northwest Christian Writers Conference, coming up on March 16-17, 2012 in Spokane, WA. I chose the ones I believed would be most beneficial to aid you in keeping your sanity through the Holiday season.

1. Ask yourself, “If I only had time to do ONE thing on my list, what would I do?”

2. Learn to say “no” without apologizing.

3. Laugh frequently. Find things to make yourself laugh. Hang around funny people. Laughter releases the same endorphins that exercise does, so it keeps you healthy and relieves stress.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of five, ten, or fifteen minutes of work to whittle away at a huge project. Even God created the entire universe in six parts.

5. Take something with you to put away when you walk to another room, to keep clutter at a minimum.

What time-saving tips do you use during the holidays--or any time--to keep your life manageable?

What's Your Favorite Christmas Movie?

2011-12-05T05:34:00.001-06:00

Do you have one or more Christmas movies that are must-watches? Ours is Silent Mouse, a made-for-TV movie from the 80's. Narrated by Lynn Redgrave, it's the story of the writing of the famous carol, Silent Night, with a bit of literary license thrown in.

The main character is a mouse named Nonny. Her full name is A. Nonny Mouse. I love that.

Unfortunately, it's only available on VHS. But we keep looking, hoping to find it on DVD. We've played our copy over 20 times--it's that delightful!

What are your favorite Christmas films? What about them keeps you watching year after year?

Quick Recipe: Chicken Chests for Busy Days

2011-12-02T05:20:00.001-06:00

Because December is the busiest month, I thought you'd like a quick, delicious recipe to serve your family on a partularly zooey day.

And if you wonder why we call them Chicken Chests instead of Breasts, you'll have to buy my book when it releases in April, and read the chapter entitled Can Preachers Have Sex on Sundays?

Jeanette's Secret Recipe for Chicken Chests:

4 boneless skinless chicken chest halves (1 lb.)

1 cup Italian salad dressing

2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup Italian seasoned croutons, crushed

Place chicken in a greased 9-in square baking dish. Drizzle with salad dressing; roll in crushed croutons and sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Yield: 4 servings.

Do you have a favorite recipe you make during the holidays when you're pressed for time?

Seven Reasons I Heart to Hang out with Writers:

2011-11-30T05:06:00.000-06:00

Hanging out with fellow-writers is a small taste of Heaven because:

1. When I use words like “obtuse,” "superfluous," and “pedantic,” they don’t look at me funny.

2. If I say “I’m working” when I’m home writing, editing or marketing, they believe me. They know that writing is work.

3. I don’t have to explain what a tbr pile, a wip, or a ms is.

4. When I ask for a book for Christmas, my birthday, and Groundhog Day, they never say, “What? Another one?”

5. Phrases like “slush pile,” “query letter,” "elevator pitch," and "book proposal” don’t draw blank looks.

6. When I save all my payment and editing checks to attend writers conferences, they don’t think I’m wierd.

7. If I tell them my heart beats faster when I find the perfect word, they nod, an understanding look filling their eyes.

Who do you like to hang out with, and why?

If you’re a writer, did I leave anything important off my list?

Shopping Snafu or Drama Magnet?

2011-11-23T09:08:00.003-06:00

If you:

Love to Shop,
Have a Drama Queen or King in your family, or
Need a chuckle the day before Thanksgiving,

your heart will resonate with Maggie Moments, a short shopping snafu story on Army of Ermas humor blog today.

P.S. I will be unplugged for one week, visiting grand kids three states away.

Happy Thanksgiving, precious peeps!

The Sweetest Title

2011-11-22T08:13:00.002-06:00

It's here, it's here, it's finally arrived! Wrapped in a soft, silky blanket of pink, with lavender rosettes... wait, that's not the bundle I mean. Let's rewind a minute.

After pulling half my hair out, losing hours of sleep, and calling twenty prayer meetings (that was an exaggeration), the perfect title for my book arrived at the doorstep of my overtaxed brain yesterday as I was blogging* and eating lunch. And here it is...

TWO SCOOPS OF GRACE WITH CHUCKLES ON THE TOP

I am so thankful to the Lord for the ideal, sweet handle that depicts the spirit of my grace-filled, humor-laced devotional book. Can you imagine the fun I'm going to have marketing it? Bring on the Raspberry Dark Chocolate Chunk Surprise, and a tiny spoon, so I can make it last!

*Never underestimate the value of blogging

Have you had any lovely surprises from God lately? What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

The Unchanging Goal; Final PW Speaks post

2011-11-21T05:46:00.004-06:00

Please join me at The Pastors Wife Speaks today for my final post on this lovely blog that will retire November 30th.

I'd like you to know what goal always stays at the top of my list.

It concerns YOU.

Thanksgiving Tradtion of Encouragement

2011-11-17T05:53:00.001-06:00

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?

This year, will you host Thanksgiving at your home, or go to someone else's house to celebrate?

What do you think of s-e-x on the back cover blurb?

2011-11-14T05:10:00.016-06:00

Thanks for all your help choosing the best back cover blurb for Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane. You are awesome! Now we have a new problem that I could use your input on.

Several people have expressed concern over the mention of sex in the list of qustions at the start of the blurb:

"Can preachers have sex on Sundays? What do drive-by diaper stores and God have in common? How can a bowl of noodles lead to greater contentment? Find the answer to these and over 70 other mysteries as you laugh and grow your way through Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane."

The last thing I want is to offend or embarrass people, or make them think the whole book ia about sex. But I do want a great hook to pique readers' interest and encourage them to buy the book. So, tell me: are you offended by this? Does it embarrass you? Shall I leave it in, or axe it in leiu of a milder question?

Thank a Veteran Today

2011-11-11T05:43:00.003-06:00

If you don't have a vet in your family, go to any Senior Center, American Legion, or V.F.W., find a person who put thier neck on the line to keep you free, and thank them. Then say a prayer for all the soldiers who are thousands of miles from home and family, fighting to help us stay free from oppression.

God Bless You, Veterans! Thank you for caring.

7 Things You May Wish You Didn't Know

2011-11-08T05:54:00.001-06:00

Do you love cutesy little tidbits about other bloggers, or do you prefer to know they have messy lives, just like you?

I recently received this sweet blog award from Marja of Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths, and decided to bend the rules a bit. I'm supposed to say 7 things about myself. But it never said they had to be gooey, pink and purple cupcake things. So, I'm going to share 7 things that may shock, anger, or repulse you about me. But in the end, I'll know who my true friends are if you say, that's okay--I love you anyway! Here goes...

1. I am so crazy about my four cats, I let them jump on the kitchen counters, sleep in our bed with us, and talk baby talk to them.

2. I have no patience for demanding, rude, ornery people. I want to sock them, send them to three weeks of time out, or take away thier binkies.

3. I hate housework. I keep up with laundry, dishes, and clean sheets on the bed, but I hire someone to come in and clean.

4. I'm addicted to sweets and caffeinne.

5. I get my feelings hurt way too easily.

6. I keep my desk at work tidy, but my office at home is a zoo.

7. I'd rather bake than cook. It's great therapy, and costs less than a psychiatrist. Plus, it fits in nicely with #4.

I would like to pass along this award to 5 other bloggers who've enccouraged me in my journey:

Susan of Eternity Cafe

Nancy of Boomers, Scribblers, and Saints

Laura of Goose Hill Farm

Diane of Diane Estrella

Rhonda of The Natives are Getting Restless.

If you'd like to play by the rules, after you add this award to your blog, you should:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award

2. Tell us 7 things about yourself

3. Pass it on to 5 others whose blogs you heart, and leave a comment on their blog to inform them.

Do you like to know only good things about others, or does sharing a little mess now and then help you relate to your friends?

How Do You Manage Difficult People?

2011-11-04T05:40:00.001-05:00

Bing images

Difficult people: everyone has a few in their life.

The Lord recently prompted me to pray for the difficult people in my life. Not so I’d be more comfortable or peaceful, but so they’d be happier. It wasn’t fun, and I made some shocking discoveries about my own faults mirrored in others.

Bing images

Then I wondered: am I a difficult person for someone else, or many others?

Is a brother or sister praying for me, because I’m a thorn in their side? Gosh.

I’ll bet you know of a difficult someone who needs your prayers today. Will you do it, just to spite the devil?

Lessons from Fur Children

2011-11-02T05:57:00.003-05:00

My youngest, Jolly, helping me write

Do you treat your pets like chilren in fur suits? Me too. Join me for a list of fun things my cats have taught me on The Pastor's Wife Meows, oops, I mean, Speaks.

How to Make Friends; Three Winners

2011-11-01T05:41:00.023-05:00

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"There was a definite process by which one made people into friends; it involved talking to them and listening to them for hours at a time." --Rebecca West

I don't know what book or story this quote comes from, but I heart it. If you know, please tell. I'd like to read the source in its entirety.

My dad used to say "If you come to the end of your life and have one true friend, you are ich."Although I'm not nearing the end of my life, I can say I'm rich, with more than one loyal friend. Many of them are ones I've met blogging, like yourself.
With that in mind, I'm thrilled to announce the winners of my I Love My Blog Followers Office Products and Chocolate Drawing:

1st Prize: A basket worth over $50 of office products and chocolate: Cecelia Lester of Following My King;

2nd prize: A journal, pens, and chocolate: Susan Panzica of Eternity Cafe;

3rd prize: Four pens and chocolate: Sarah Forgrave of Sarah Forgrave

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who entered the drawing. I especially appreciate you who agreed to host my blog tour when Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane releases in April.

What three qualities do you regard MOST important in a friend?

Your Input Needed for my Book

2011-10-28T20:32:00.003-05:00

You've helped me before--will you do it again? I need your input to choose the best of the following three blurbs for the back cover of my book, Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane, to be released in April by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

Please choose the blurb you heart best, and leave a comment telling me so. If you like a combination of two or all of them, I want to know how you'd blend them to make a sparkling, attention-grabbing blurb to hook 10,000 readers.

Can preachers have sex on Sundays? What do drive-by diaper stores and God have in common? How can a bowl of noodles lead to greater contentment? Find the answer to these and over 70 other mysteries as you laugh and grow your way through Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane.

In her casual, witty style, award-winning author and humorist Jeanette Levellie weaves soul-tickling stories with affirming Scriptural truths. Ride along with her through misadventures and miracles, and find your spirit opening wide to the Lord’s bottomless heart.

You can laugh at your foibles, love yourself more, and live in God’s embrace…in spite of the pain. Welcome to Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane!

In Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane, you will:

• Learn to laugh when you find cow patties in your field instead of buttercups;

• Discover the childlike joy of climbing into God’s lap and spilling your soul to Him;

• Grow in your acceptance of yourself and others

• Open your heart to believe in God’s oceanic love for you.

Over 70 entertaining, spirit-nourishing stories of God’s favor and grace will encourage you as you fight life’s battles in the real lane. But don’t be surprised if Jeanette Levellie’s gentle humor and godly insights help you laugh in spite of the pain.

With depression debilitating the globe and stress levels at an all-time high, everyone needs more laughter and simple answers to the whys of life’s disasters.

In her light-hearted, uplifting style, award-winning author and humorist Jeanette Levellie will take you on a journey to discover joy in spite of the pain, and a fresh understanding of God’s enormous heart. You’ll welcome a vacation from your stresses, laughing at the misadventures of this self-appointed “ditzy redhead.”

Laugh more often, like yourself better, and believe God’s love for you as you discover Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane.

Thanks in advance! I appreciate you guys more than a hyperactive frog appreciates a puddle to splash in!

Discombobulated Priorities

2011-10-27T05:18:00.002-05:00

Stock xchange images

When I whined to my friend Cammie about time pressure and discombobulated priorities, her wise question poked me in the heart. “If you knew you had only two years to live, how would you be spending your time?” My answer was immediate: “I would not be cleaning house!”

Bing images

But what would I do if I knew I only had two years left? Spend more time with my family, take that long-dreamed-of cruise, pray often for pre-Christain loved ones, and talk my husband into taking square dance lessons. This little exercise sure helped me see where my heart lodged, and what means the most to me.

Now it's your turn.

If you knew you only had two years to live, what would you do with those

104 weeks, 730 days, 15,330 hours?

Breast Cancer Awareness Day

2011-10-24T05:09:00.004-05:00

My maternal aunt died of breast cancer. Because of this, medical people are very cautious when they see anything out of the ordinary on my yearly mammo...

Last year I had to return for an extra sonogram after a suspicious little dot was found on one side. I knew it could be cancer, but I was expecting nothing. I prayed, asked others to pray, spoke the Word over my body, and God came through--it was fibrous tissue. Thank you, Jesus!

I applaud doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, but the wise ones will tell you they are only the instruments--God is the real healer. He designed our bodies and He knows how to fix them. So, if medical science has done all they can for you, but you are still broken, go to Jesus and ask for His touch of love and grace to fill your body and mend you. He is mercy personified.

And if you are healthy, thank God, then go out and help someone who isn't. Pray for them, make them a meal, send them a card or book, sing them a song of love. Be Jesus' heart and hands to their hurts.

Ofice Products & Chocolate Prize Basket Drawing Bigger This Year!

2011-10-20T05:34:00.007-05:00

Chocolate to be added later for optimum freshness!

This year’s I Love My Blog Followers prize drawing is bigger and better than ever, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes!!!
1st prize: A super-duper office products & chocolate basket worth over $50!!!
2nd prize: A prayer journal suitable for a lovely lady or a marvelous man, two pens, and chocolate!!
3rd prize: Four pens and chocolate!

To enter, you must:

1. Be a follower of this blog. New followers are always welcome!

2. Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite kind of chocolate and the title of my debut book coming out in April, 2012. Hint: Go to My Secret is Out! post or look around this blog a bit…

3. Include your email address.

If you’d like additional entries, do any of the following, then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

One extra entry if you follow me on Twitter.

Two extra entries if you go (or have already gone) to my Facebook author page and like me.

Three extra entries for posting this contest on your Facebook page or re-tweeting it.

Five extra entries if you agree to be part of my blog tour when Mirth and Worth releases in April, 2012.

That’s a potential total of 15 entries for you, my tremendous, talented, tickle-me friend!!!

Note: I must have your email addy to enter you in this contest. If you do all of the above for a ton of entries but fail to give me your email addy, I cannot contact you when you win. And that would make me and my prizes and chocolates very sad.

Drawing ends at midnight, Sunday, October 30th. I will post the winners Tuesday, November 1st. Thank you, lovely peeps for all your kindness and support over the last three years of blogging. You have enriched my life and made me a better writer, Christian, and person.

I love you,

Chocolate for the Soul

2011-10-18T11:37:00.000-05:00

I recently discovered a lovely Christian Devotional site, for the purpose of... well, devotions. I asked if I could join the group of bloggers and received an email today that I am IN!

The site director, Tony Kummer, also has a wonderful Christian Kids Site, with coloring pages, games, crafts, and lessons--all FREE!

If you like devotional reading, have kids you want to nourish in the Lord, or both, please check out one of these sites. Young and not-so young need chocolate for the soul.

The Other Side of Jealousy

2011-10-17T05:26:00.012-05:00

“Are you ever jealous of friends who make the publishing process look like eating a Twinkie?” my friend asked.

I didn’t even need to think about my answer. “Oh, of course. I feel like, ‘What is wrong with me, that it’s taking me twenty-ten years and sixteen moons to birth one baby, and they are cranking out three books a year while homescooling five kids and training penguins to juggle for their church’s fall extravaganza.?’”

Her sigh of relief was thick. It does feel good to know we’re not alone.

In addition to friends who understand, we have the Word of God, blog posts, magazine articles, twelve-step jealousy recovery groups on Facebook (well, maybe…). to help us overcome those jealousy vipers.

But what if we find ourselves on the other side of the latte from someone whose soul seethes with jealousy because of our success? And what if that someone is a dear friend or family member? How do we overcome the hurt, confusion and feelings of betrayal when another is jealous of us?

1. Pray for them

We know from our own anguish during jealous times how awful it feels to covet someone else’s success. If we pray for the person who’s jealous of us, it will open doors of blessing for them and shut doors of resentment in our hearts.

2. Brag on them

Insecurity and lack of trust for their future success can trigger jealousy. If we affirm the person who is jealous of us, it will help them relax and trust the Lord that He has good plans for all His kids, not only a select group.

3. Help them

Are there ways we can aid fellow-travelers in their own journey? Introduce them to someone who can help them in their career, loan them a book, share a trade secret. It will diffuse their jealousy, and make the devil mad he ever messed with us.

And if there’s anything I love,

it’s ruining Satan's day.

Have you experienced someone being jealous of you?
How did that make you feel?
What did you do?
Any suggestions for diffusing jealousy that I missed?

Specs in the City

2011-10-13T05:52:00.003-05:00

If Paris, IL, population 9,000 counts as a city, I have some specs for you that I promised on Monday's post, where I announced my publishing contract. Here is how it unfolded for me:

2001: I begin writing a column for our local newspaper titled God is Bigger. I fill it with little doses of humor and great gulps of mercy from God's heart.

After several years, people start telling me I should turn the columns into a book. I say, "NO, I shouldn't." Having published articles, poems, greeting card verses and stories since 1980, I know enough about publishing to realize that a creating and birthing a book is like building Rome. Only harder.

Spring, 2008: My son, an excellent writer himself, asks me if I've every considered turning my columns into a book. I say, "NO." He says I should give it a shot--even if it takes ten years, I'm going to be doing something during that time anyway; it may as well be this. I start to consider it.

Clella Camp

As I pray for direction, the Lord brings a friend, Clella Camp, to my mind. She has publshed a devotional book, Just Walking, with Kregel a few years before. I call her. She tells me I need to sign up for a conference, and refers me to Mike Hyatt's blog to find tips on writing a proposal

Fall, 2008: Clella gives me her proposal to use as a sample, then goes to Florida for the winter. I piece together a proposal for God is Bigger, and start a blog.

November 2008: I attend the Indy Christian Writers Conference, where I meet Lin Johnson, the director of Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, IL. I pitch my proposal for God is Bigger, but the editor I pitch it to is not buying devotionals.

Dec 2008-May 2008: I work on God is Bigger, and at the advice of Rachelle Gardener from an elevator pitch I made on her blog, start a new book, The Secret Life of a Preacher's Wife.

June 2008: I attend Write to Publish conference with both proposals. Secret Life one sheet catches the eye of the lovely Diana Flegal of Hartline Literary, and she requests the proposals for both books.

Aug. 2008: Diana offers me representation. I flip out, cry, ask my husband if he thinks I can manage it, he says "Yes," I cry some more and promise not to neglect him. Please don't ask him if I've kept this promise. I might cry again.

Aug. 2008- Jan. 2011: Diana pitches both books to many major publishers. The answer is usually: "The writing is good, but we have no market for devos."

Jan. 2011: Diana suggests I take the best stories from both books and compile them into one, creating a book that appeals to a wider audience, and to work on widening my platform. I start on both projects.

Aug. 2011: I attend GPCWC and pitch Mirth and Worth, my new compilation book to several editors, one of whom is Cindy Sproles of Christian Devotions Ministries. Her partner is Eddie Jones, the acquistions editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. They ask for the proposal to Mirth and Worth.

Sept. 2011: I email Diana, asking her if she's heard back from the editors we sent proposals to. She emails me back with a CONGRATULATIONS!! letter, telling me that Eddie is going to offer me a contract, but please don't say anything until it's official.

Oct 7, 2011: I receive my contract, the day before I have a TV interview. Praise Jesus, I can go on TV and say I have a book coming out soon! The Lord is faithful and sweet.

And YOU, my dear blog friends, have helped me so much along this arduous journey. Several gave me pep talks when I was ready to throw in my tools and quit building. All of you have laughed at my silly jokes, read my posts, and encouraged my writing ability. I could not have done this without you. Thank you for believing in me.

I want the above list to encourage you not to give up on your dreams, no matter how long it's taking them to come true. My journey has been a bit longer than most, but everyone takes different turns in the road, and God will guide you in His way if you trust Him to open the right doors for you.

I believe in your dreams, too. Will you share one with me today, so I can mix my faith with yours, and help you along your journey?

With Love,

My Secret is Out!

2011-10-10T05:04:00.003-05:00

I've been sitting on a secret for a few weeks now, aching to share with you,
waiting for the okay from my agent, the incomparable Diana Flegal of Hartline Literary.

Can you tell what this is?

And what I'm doing here?

That's right, I was offered a publishing contract for my humor/inspirational book, Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane. The publisher is Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, which specializes in eBooks and Print on Demand.

My baby will emerge from the womb in about six months--I'm hoping on my late brother's birthday, April 6.

Woo-hoo, Hallelujah, and pass the chocolate raspberry truffle almond delght ice cream! I've had my Snoopy suit on since I got the news--now I can finally dance!!!

Come back Thursday to hear how I got from writing a column in our hometown newspaper to publishing a book, and how YOU helped make it happen.

Are you ever tempted to give up on your dreams and goals? Do you believe the sayin that "It's always darkest before the dawn"?

TV Interview Tomorrow

2011-10-07T05:44:00.002-05:00

I am not one to walk up to strangers and ask for prayer for my neice's dog groomer's aunt Louise who is having her bunion removed. But since I consider you family, I would like to request some prayer for my mother's sometimes-ditzy daughter--moi--who is doing her first TV interview tomorrow. It's a program called "A Life of Influence" that will air on a local Christian network. The host is a lovely speaker, Laura Rudder.

Anyway...

I have this funny habit of saying what sails into my brain from outer space or only-God-knows-where, and I don't want to embarass myself by being stupid.

Like last week. I was measuring something at the desk of a lady who buys office supplies from us. A rather plump fellow employee of hers walked by and said, "Hi, how are you? Measuring today?" Instead of answering, "yes," I blurted, "Don't worry-I'm not doing waistlines!"

So you see how I am.

Will you pray for me, Please?

And when the program airs, I'll put a link here to the video for you. So you can see for yourself how God helped me not be stupid.

Thanks!

Having a Stinky Day?

2011-10-05T05:57:00.001-05:00

If you're having a stinky day, or have ever had one,
you'll relate to my post on The Pastor's Wife Speaks today.

And may things get sweeter for you,

Have you Hugged Your Pastor Today?

2011-10-03T05:33:00.001-05:00

I’m not telling you that October is Clergy Appreciation Month because my husband is a pastor. But because your minister needs to know that you appreciate him or her.

If your pastor, preacher, or priest is like my husband, he or she:

• weeps as they stand by the graveside of your loved one;

• spends countless hours praying and preparing messages they hope will help you live freer and happier lives;

• rejoices when your team wins a game, your test results come back fine, or you get a new job;

• sits with you while your spouse or parent goes through surgery;

• counsels you during the throes of marital trouble;

• answers the phone and the doorbell at all hours, regardless of what activity it interrupts,

• does all this with a smile and a heart full of love for you, and the Lord who called them to minister to you.

I know you appreciate the services your minister does for you. I’m sure you could think of twenty other items to add to my list without much thought. Sometime in the next thirty days, show them what they mean to you by giving them a card, telling them how they’ve touched your life, or praying for them.

It will make their life and job sweeter, and you’ll be blessed for honoring them.

Have you ever had a thankless job? How does it make you feel when someone notices and appreicates you?

Tattoos of Grace Part II

2011-09-30T05:09:00.006-05:00

Esther & Ron as babies, with Kevin's dad.

In my last post, Tattoos of Grace I, I told how I discovered my son's Robot Executive tattoo. Although I didn't like the idea of a permanent picture on my (twenty-something) baby's arm, I respected his right to have one.
But his second tattoo convinced me of the value of this art from for the nourishing of the soul. In certain cases.

Several years after Robot Executive's arrival on Ron's shoulder, I noticed a second tattoo on his other arm. It was a simple drawing he'd found in one of his dad's old clip art books.

A hand gripping a rubber stamp that read "APPROVED," which had been imprinted on the suface below it.

I stared at it for a minute before speaking. "Wow. I think you prophesied on this one, Ron."
"Oh no, Mom, I just thought this was kinda funky and cool. There is nothing deep about it."
But I--the Mama--knew better. I recalled all his years of self-doubt, asking the Lord for direction in his career, wondering where he fit in the whole puzzle of life. Now it seemed he had come to a place of accepting himself and the gifts God had placed in him. He was embracing the Lord's approval of Ron Levellie as a person, not for the laughs he could elicit from others or the good deeds he could do. But for himself. Made in God's image. Approved. It was more than just a fun piece of art stuck on his upper arm.

It was a tattoo of grace.

At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. It helps me accept the tattoos on my son, and it helps me see that if we are in Christ, we're approved by God, regardless of our differing tastes and styles. So there.
Do you think we unwittingly make statements about ourselves by choices we make? Have you ever changed your mind about something, like I did about my son's tattoos? Do you have a tattoo?

I'm sorry I did not have the actual artwork to show you of Robot Executive and the Approved Tattoo.

Tattoos of Grace Part I

2011-09-28T05:26:00.005-05:00

Ron and I sat on the sofa and talked, warm fingers of sun oozing through the curtains. I turned to face him. I like eye contact, especially with my son. Were those navy blue robot feet stepping out just below the hem of his shirt sleeve?

I worked to keep my voice calm; lowered it two notches. "Son, is that a tatoo?"

He lifted his sleeve to unveil the splendid artwork. There stood a smiling robot sporting a necktie, a pen peeking over the top of his shirt pocket. One of Ron's happiest creations, drawn several years earlier when he was a carefree high school student.

But now it was on his upper arm. Forever.

"When did you get this done?"

He smiled, so patient and calm. "About six months ago."

I sighed. "I hate to even ask you how much it cost."

"A hundred dollars."

I felt my heart flatten. "Oh, son. I just hope it doesn't ruin your chances of finding a good job."

Ron (left) with his co-workers

Again his patient smile. He didn't even have to work at keeping his voice even. "I thought long and hard about this, Mom, and I feel I can live with Robot Executive as a permanent part of my body. I'm really not worried about job interviews. I'm an animator, after all."

I had to agree, even though I hated the idea of marking up his lovely skin with a needle and ink. This was my baby boy. Well, he had been twenty-some years before.

Come back Friday to find out about his other tattoo and what it taught me...

What is your opinion of tattoos?

Calling all Foodies

2011-09-26T09:06:00.005-05:00

Does food talk to you?

I wonder if the types of food we crave say anything about our personalities.

Explore my comic look at Talking Food on An Army of Ermas today.

Then let me know what foods whisper in your ear and tug at your tastebuds...

Perhaps we can discover something fun about your psyche!

Confession

2011-09-22T05:21:00.006-05:00

I have a confession to make: I am impatient. It's not my worst fault, but it's up there in the top three, I'm afraid.

If a customer takes fifteen minutes to tell me why they need marblized ivory paper in a strange size for their wedding announcements, I smile and nod, but my mind wanders to the list of 456 things I have to do, and I grit my teeth while I think, would you please hurry up and just order the paper before I scream?

If my husband is explaining why he made a particular choice of travel route, purchase at the grocery store, or Scripture for a sermon, I fake interest, but my brain goes to the article I'm working on while I think, I trust your judgment, honey; I don't need a three-part outline every time you pick peaches instead of plums.

I am a very good actress. Most people have no inkling that while I listen, I'm in anguish over their long explanations or stories.

Because I genuinely love and like people, they must sense that I'm interested in them. Really. I am.

But I'm also big into not wasting time. And if I feel someone is wasting my time, I get agitated, irritated, even angry.

So now you know. One of my besetting sins. I hate it. I'm working on it. But it's still part of me. At least until Jesus comes to get me and He perfects me. I just hope He doesn't explain to me beforehand how He's going to do it...

Do you feel better when someone confesses a fault or sin, knowing you are not alone? Or does it make you uncomfortable, especially when it's online?

Secret Offerings

2011-09-20T05:58:00.007-05:00

Does God ever ask you to do something out of the ordinary or embarassing?

Please read my devotional, Secret Offerings, on CBN.com today, and leave a comment if you like. I hope it makes you laugh, think, or both.

Have it Your Way

2011-09-16T05:42:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to buy prizes for my big I Love My Blog Followers office product drawing I offer every fall.

If you win, what kinds of goodies would you like to see nestled...

among the chocolates?

Blessed Weekend,

Love Language of Gifts

2011-09-14T05:48:00.002-05:00

Today is our Monthiversary. Since giving presents is one of my major love languages, I'll make up any excuse to give a gift. We started this tradition when we were newlyweds 36 years and seven months ago, with only a short break when our kids were young and we had to eek every bit of mileage from our dollars.

This month I am giving Kev a bag of Cheetos. A few days ago, he mentioned that he likes the crunchy kind better than the puffy ones. When I hear those little tidbits, I tuck them away in my brain for future gift-giving moments.

Did I mention I LOVE to give presents?

What is the best gift you've ever received? What's your favorite present you've ever given?

Deliver Me: Stories of Hope in the Midst of an Unplanned Pregnancy

2011-09-12T05:54:00.002-05:00

My guest today is Emily Akin from Tennessee Christian Reader, with a book review on a timely subject: Unplanned Pregnancy.

Do you know someone who has been touched by unplanned or unwanted pregnancy? I was not sure this topic would interest me, but then I recalled friends who had been in that situation. Once I started reading, I was hooked.

Hope, Help, and Healing through True Stories of Unplanned Pregnancy---that's the subtitle of Deliver Me. Married women as well as unwed mothers find themselves in this situation. Often, they think abortion is their only option. Deliver Me proposes to debunk that myth.

Sometimes heart-warming and often heart-rending, the stories come from mothers, fathers, extended family, and pregnancy center workers. Mothers who chose to keep their babies share their decision-making experience. Those who had abortions tell of the mental anguish they suffered and how they found healing. Pregnancy center workers describe their successes and failures. Mothers, fathers, husbands, and boyfriends touched by this situation also are players in the stories.

Deliver Me presents a Christian perspective to the unwanted pregnancy dilemma. Believing abortion is wrong, the story-tellers want to help women keep their babies or give them up for adoption. But, they also offer the healing power of Jesus Christ to those who suffer the after-effects of abortion. What touched me the most was the "unplanned" father's point of view. As one of them said (p. 96), "Abortion is a direct attack on our identity as protector of our children."

Interspersed with the stories are facts about abortion and lists of resources. At the end, there's a list of "featured" pregnancy centers with contact information.

This book would be a great resource for pregnancy centers. I plan to donate my copy to a local center and encourage them to have copies on hand for their clients.

Buy it on Amazon or directly from Dianne E. Butts.

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another Chance at Love: A Story for 9-11

2011-09-09T05:33:00.003-05:00

As I stared out the car window, Kevin’s words jolted me alert: “Today is the tenth anniversary of my crash into Sugar Creek.”

I sucked in air, blinked. “Oh, wow. I’ve been thinking so much about 9/11, I forgot that just a few days before, I almost lost you.” My sigh filled the front seat. “I’m so thankful you lived…”

10 years rushed back. Kev and I stood on the bridge over Sugar Creek, our arms tight around each other. We watched, numb with shock, as the towing crew worked for hours to drag our overturned car under the bridge and up the bank. A copse of trees along the bank nearest the car blocked the way for them to tow it up that side. It was between those trees and the bridge railing that Kevin had sailed, flipping upside down into the creek.

“I remember thinking, ‘I need to get control of this car,’” he told me. “I must have blown a tire, but I felt like I was driving on ice. The next thing I knew, I was covered in water from my waist up. It took me a few seconds to realize I was hanging upside down by my seatbelt. The water had come in through the open window.”

My husband does not swim. If the crash had knocked him out, he’d have drowned. And because the car settled under the bridge, no one driving along would have seen it. He might have lain there for days before anyone discovered him.

I shivered at the thought. “How did you get out?” I said.

“I wrestled my seatbelt open and crawled through the window. I couldn’t find my glasses—the impact knocked them off. But I managed to crawl up the bank and walk down the road to Bill McConkey’s. He called the sheriff to report my accident.” I looked up at his eyes, clear brown and alive, then down again quick into the murky water.

Not until later that night did I let the tears flow. I sobbed my remorse to the Lord for the creekful of times I’d been impatient with Kev, the harsh words, the stubbornness. I admitted how I’d taken him for granted; not appreciated how he enriched and nourished me. And how quickly a single act can snatch a loved one from your life.

9-11 might have been Kevin’s burial day. For many it was.

I won’t pretend to understand why thousands had to say an early goodbye to loved ones 10 Septembers ago, and I circumvented that grief. I know God didn’t will the horror of 9-11. Evil men planned it, and He never allies Himself with evil.

But just as He caused gardens to grow from the rubble and gave hope to broken hearts in the aftermath of 9-11, He has given me another day, another decade, another chance to love. I don’t need to figure it out to say, “Thank You” for that.

This article was previously published in the Paris Beacon News, Friday, 9-9-11.

Triple Chocolate Cake vs. Cucumber Dainties

2011-09-07T06:20:00.002-05:00

Do church potlucks spoil your healthy eating plan?

See how the ladies of our church solved--sort of--that problem at The Pastor's Wife Speaks today, where I share about Finger Foods and Wimps.

I dare you to read it and not laugh, or at least smile. :)

I Wish I Was Tougher. Or Do I?

2011-09-05T07:54:00.001-05:00

I wish I wasn't so sensitive.

I feel things deep and wide and dark and ouchy.

And I can't stand to witness others' pain, either.

I even wig out over hurt animals. I mean, I lose it.

Helpless, hurting, lost, broken people mess with my heart.

But, I would like to be a little tougher.

Wouldn't that be a good thing?

Or not?

Nutty, Funny Me from A-Z

2011-09-02T06:38:00.001-05:00

I found this fun list on Nancy's blog, who found the idea from Diane Estrella. Thanks to you both!

A. Age: 56 and attending Birthdays Anonymous, where I quit cold turkey on Aug. 14.

B. Baked goods: brownies, no frosting or nuts. I am nutty enough,don't you think?

C. Chore you hate: Only one? Mopping. I always have my cleaning lady do it last.

D. Dogs. I love them, but we have four cats and only two laps.

E. Essential start to your day: Reading God’s Word, talking to Him, attempting to listen.

F. Favorite color: Orange. Spunky, bright, and casual.

G. Gold or Silver: Gold. They like it in Heaven, too.

H. Height: 5'3". I'm too short to play basketball and too tall to mop floors.

I. Instruments you play. Do credit cards count? I played the flute in 4th grade. In high school and college, I took three years of voice lessons, so singing is my favorite instrument. I love to sing and dance. I am convinced Heaven will be bursting with both!

J. Job. I am a writer, speaker, and editor but I work a day job in an office supply store to finance my trips to writers conferences, buy clothes to wear to speaking engagements, and pay for blog prizes.

K. Kids. Esther is a home school mom of three darlings, a novelist and crafter. Ron is an animator with MoreFrames studio in Erie, PA.

L. Live. I grew up in CA, and moved to Paris, IL twelve years ago. We like the warm people here, but can do without the cold winters.

M. Mother. Doris, still lives in CA. Has a cat named Rufus. Loves wind chimes and reading.

N. Nickname. Jen, Ghet, or Jeanettie, which only my husband calls me.

O. Overnight hospital stays. Tonsillectomy when I was six, then two cesarean sections.

P. Pet peeve. Too many to name, but the worst is people who always gripe about their pet peeves.

Q. Quote. "As the Father has loved Me, in the same way and to the same degree, I love you.” –Jesus. Can you imagine?

R. Right or left? Brain, hand, or politics? Let’s say right.

S. Siblings. My brother Daniel is in Heaven since January of this year, thinking up new ways to torture me when I get there.

T. Time you wake up. M-F: 5:30; Saturdays: 6:30; Sundays: 7:00. Each made possible by my friend, coffee.

U. University you attended. San Jose Bible College, San Jose, CA, for one year. Then I took a 30-year break to get married, raise kids and go nuts. I obtained an AA degree in English from Lakeland Community College in Mattoon, IL just weeks before my 50th birthday.

V. Vegetable you dislike. Boiled okra. I am convinced they force political prisoners to eat this to make them talk.

W. What makes you late? I am rarely late, except to Sunday School, because we live next door to the church, and I always say, “Oh, I have two minutes. That’s time enough to…”

X. X-rays. I recently had to have a 2nd mammo when they found a spot they didn’t like. It was only fibrous tissue, but was I thankful to the Lord for His grace and those squash-um, mush-em X-Rays that day!

Y. Yummy food. Ice cream with no less than five words in the name. Chocolate Chunky Nutty Marshmallow Swirl, for instance.

Z. Zoo animal favorite. Raccoons. They look so rascally, yet lovable. Reminds me that God’s love never stops, no matter how much trouble I make!

Now you know me from A to Z. Have a great weekend!

Photos of Conference

2011-08-31T07:09:00.018-05:00

Would you like to see a few photos of the GPCWC earlier this month? But of course you would!

Friend and fellow-blogger, Susan Reinhardt graciously opened her home to my husband and I so I could attend the conference. She even let us sleep in her PURPLE bedroom. We met her mom, Anna, who is sweeter than a snickerdoodle on a china plate!

Susan Panzica, Suze and I. Susan P is a thoughtful, godly woman who prayed for us right before we pitched our books. And it worked! Both of us had editors ask for proposals.

Suze, me and Elaine Miller, a fellow-client of our aweome Diana Flegal from Hartline.
Elaine encourages everyone within fifty countries of her. She is sunshine in a lady suit.

Photo by Susan Reinhardt

I am going over my pitch one last time, before my last appointment. It's great to plan, but the best secret is to rely on the leading of the Lord. I love when He puts words in my mouth that this little pea brain could not have thought of--then I know it's Him!

Photo courtesy of Susan Reinhardt

A final thanks to Suze, who showed me the trapeze ropes at this huge conference, reassured me when I was stressed out, and calmed me down when they advertised coffee but had none.

You are one precious treasure!

In case you missed my post on the 5 Character Traits to Take to a Conference, I am guest posting it at Hartline Literary Agency blog today. Please clilck on the red link to stop by and say "hey."

Happy Wednesday!

I Dare You to Read This Book and Stay in Your Rut

2011-08-30T07:07:00.011-05:00

I am guest posting on Emily Akin's Tennessee Christian Reader blog today, about a book that will get you out of your rut. It will change the way you think of:

God.
yourself.
How the two relate.

I dare you to read it and stay in the pit!

I Want My Way!

2011-08-29T06:04:00.001-05:00

If you’re like me, you want your own way. I admit it. I like what I like how I like it, and I don’t want to wait for it. But that is not reality, it’s not maturity, and it’s not reflective of Jesus.

As my husband said yesterday in his sermon, “We in Christ are never free to do whatever we want. That kind of freedom always leads to destruction.”

So don’t be mad at God if He says “No” now and then. He’s saving you from some real pain. Rejoice when He says “Yes” and thank Him for the “noes.”

Great News from the Conference and eReaders

2011-08-26T05:59:00.002-05:00

At the writers conference I attended two weeks ago, four editors were interested in seeing proposals for my books. One of them starts by publishing your manuscript as an ebook, and if sales do well, they publish in print form.

So... do you have and eReader? If yes, why or why not would you recommend the brand you have? Do you still read "real" print books?

Lastly, if you pray, please ask the Lord to give my proposals favor with all these editors, and that He'd place them in the right publishing houses to touch the hearts He wants touched through them.

Thanks!

The Magic Word that Helped me Raise Kids

2011-08-24T09:09:00.000-05:00

Ever wish you had a magic word to help you raise your kids, set boundaries with your aging parents, or confront your boss?

I've got one for you! Laugh all about it on Army of Ermas today...

5 Character Traits to Take to a Conference. Wait! Take These through Life...

2011-08-22T05:56:00.008-05:00

When I attended the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference last weekend, God surprised me with some lessons on life. Whether you're a writer or not, you may find these 5 tidbits helpful.

1. Loving people is more important than making myself known.

God gave me several opportunities to choose between pushing myself forward and putting others first. I hope I passed the tests. He didn’t need to see what was in my heart, but I needed to grow in trusting Him to open doors for me, not forcing them open by my own schemes.

2. Everyone has a different take. We need to listen to the Lord for His direction, not be overly awed by other’s opinions.

One editor said, “This is so good, it needs to be in a big publishing house. We are small and not taking new non-fiction this year. I’m going to pray a large house picks it up.” Another editor said, “You need to find a small house, or self-publish your first book, and then when the sales on that are good, look for a larger house to publish the subsequent books.”

3. People do stupid, rude things to get noticed.

Shove in line ahead of another author in order to talk to an agent; interrupt a presenter to tout your book; wear gaudy clothes to draw attention to yourself. You can do all these things, but it won’t impress anyone. You’re only fooling yourself if you think this is the stuff that breeds success.

4. Truly great people, no matter how famous, are approachable and humble.

Cecil Murphy and Kathi Macias are two examples of legends in the Christian writing world. Yet both of them were gracious and kind, taking time to help and advise those of us not as far along on the journey as they. Reminded me of Jesus.

Words on a page are powerful, whether they’re in a book or on a conference schedule. 5.

When you print “Coffee and fellowship” in the 2:30-2:50 time slot and the coffee is missing, I feel betrayed. Mad, in fact! At least explain why the coffee is missing…

I know others give advice on attending writers conferences on everything from how to pitch your book to how not to dress. I thought I’d share some musings from my heart regarding character. Not just for a conference, but for life.

With Love,

3 Words to Remember You by

2011-08-19T05:32:00.000-05:00

In a recent Facebook post, I asked, "What three words would you like on your tombstone, or your front door?"

I chose Prayed, played, and obeyed. What three words would you like us to know you by?

Exciting News!

2011-08-15T07:12:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. I said I was going to be offline for two weeks. But I have some very exciting news to share, and it can’t wait!

While at the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference last week, I met Beth Patch, who is the Spiritual Life Devotions Producer for CBN.com. She informed me that my devotion,
I’m Behind You, is posting today! To read it, please go to http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/devotions/levellie-behind-you.aspx.
This is not a paying market, but the readership is one million! I am so honored that they chose to publish this piece. I had almost given up on them, as I sent them two devotions over a year ago, and did not hear back. At the request of my agent, Diana Flegal, I re-sent them several months ago, and got a return email that they would be published soon.

The moral of this story is: Keep persevering. As Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never give up." Whether you are raising kids, writing, or losing weight, if you know it's God's will for you, He will make sure you succeed.

What are you tempted to give up on? Can I pray for you today?

I'll Miss You Guys!

2011-08-05T05:39:00.001-05:00

I'm off to The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, where I'll be pitching my humor devo, Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane, and a serious book, When You Need a Prayer:Spirit-led Prayers for Friends in Crisis.

Come to think of it, I could use a prayer from a friend or two. Wanna volunteer?

I'm unplugging for the next two weeks so, I'll see you later...

Thanks and love---

How to be More Lovable

2011-08-03T05:30:00.002-05:00

Wanna be more lovable? Join me today on The Pastor's Wife Speaks, where I get real transparent and share how you can endear yourself to others.

Bumps Ahead!

2011-08-01T05:22:00.005-05:00

On my way to work one morning last week, I noticed a new sign: BUMP. Sure enough, in the next few seconds I drove over a small bump where road crews had been working.

“How wonderful to live in a state that cares enough about its citizens to put a sign on the highway, warning them of a bump,” I thought. “Now, Lord, why can’t You do the same for me? I’d like to know when a bump is coming up in my life, so I can be prepared ahead of time.”

His kind but firm voice resonated in my heart: “Because if I told you before every bump occurred, you’d be worrying, then planning how you were going to drive over it, or take a detour around it. You wouldn’t trust Me to take care of you and keep you safe.”

Gulp. Nod. He was right.

Planner that I am, I’d be mapping out fifteen steps to overcome each bump. It wouldn’t matter to me whether it was the minor irritation of a head cold or the major distress of a loved one’s death. Before each bump ever hit, I’d know exactly how I wanted to navigate or circumvent it.

Notice the emphasis on the word “I” in that last sentence. I would plan how to face each bump so I could overcome it by whatever method I thought best. Which requires no faith in my Heavenly Father to strengthen me, give me wisdom, and help me through my trials. Since it is impossible to please Him without faith (Hebrews 1:6), I’d be careening all over the road and sliding into ditches as I tried to carry out my plans. Finally, battered and covered in muck, I’d holler, “Help me, Lord!”

He would rescue me, of course. He’s faithful like that. But I could’ve saved myself a truckload of bruises and a bale of grief if I’d simply trusted Him in the first place. And He understands that if I don’t know the future, it’s easier for me to trust Him.

So, never mind, Lord. I really don’t want to know what bumps are up ahead after all. You know when they’re coming, You will get me through them like you always have before. And that’s good enough for me.

Would you like to know what bumps are up ahead?

5 Reasons to not Give Up

2011-07-28T05:17:00.001-05:00

1. Someone who admires you may be watching you to see how it's done. If you quit now, he or she may quit, too.

2. God loves to surprise us, suddenly. Your miracle may be in the next phone call, email, or letter.

3. I believe in you and your gifts.

4. Jesus believes in you, and He loves you more than I do.

5. You are stronger than you think, and wiser than you've ever been before. You can use this trial to help someone else get over a bump in their road.

Please don't give up. I am confident that He who began a good work in you WILL complete it (Phil 1:6).

Prayers and hugs,

Meatloaf Wars

2011-07-25T09:08:00.007-05:00

Have you ever had someone steal YOUR recipe, change it to an unreconizable state, then take all the credit when everyone raves?

Find out how we managed to stay married in spite of our Meatloaf Wars, over at Army of Ermas today.

Blogging Habits Survey & Winners of Pitch for a Prize Contest

2011-07-22T05:47:00.002-05:00

Are you up for a little informal survey today?

I'd like to know some of your blogging habits, if you don't mind...

1. How much time per day/week do you spend blogging?

2. What types of posts most interest you?

3. Are you less likely to read/comment on a post that is lengthy, or do you look for content?

4. Do you comment on only a few posts, most of those you read, or all of them?

5. Do you try to visit and comment on all the blogs of those who comment on your posts?

Thanks for your help. You are THE best blog buddies in the kingdom!

And now, to announce the winners of the Pitch for a Prize contest:

Carol J. Garvin was THE MOST helpful, completely revising the pitch to make it tight and bright, and emailing me several times to give me encouragement about the conference. But she refused a prize. How sweet is that? You don't get off that easy, Carol! I am awarding you this Your Blog Makes Us Smile Award. So there. I appreciate and love you!

I do want to give prizes to these three ladies who also helped me:

1. Sarah Anne Loudin Thomas, for your advice on convincing an editor why this book is unique. Duh!!! I knew that, but had obviously forgotten, and needed a reminder. Thank you!

2. Karen Lange, for taking time out of one evening to revise the pitch, then send to me via email--thank you!

3. Nisa, for your suggestion to use only one of my many paragraphs--thank you!

I will email you dear friends with a list of novels I have, and you can choose which you like.

For all of you who liked the pitch and said you'd buy the book--thank you, and I'll be contacting you when it comes out!!!

Love,

Colors that Tell

2011-07-19T05:17:00.000-05:00

I have a thing for colors. You too? I love color combinations in fabric for clothing and upholstry, in jewelry, and in nature. I even have favorite colors of cats!

As a writer, I enjoy finding new ways to use color:

Scarlet heat creeping up my neck;

Mauve and rose washing across the horizon;

The blackness of a bitter memory.

If you write, how do you use color to enhance your scenes? If you don't write, how does color enrich your life? What are your favorite colors?

If you haven't already entered my Pitch for Prizes contest, please scroll down to Friday's post and enter to win a Christian novel!

Pitch for a Prize: Win a Novel!

2011-07-15T05:56:00.004-05:00

Help me with my pitch, I'll send you a prize--what can be more fun?

In three weeks, I'll be attending the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, and I need help with one of the two books I'll be pitching.

Please read the pitch below and offer any suggestions for tightening and improving it. The three friends who give the most helpful suggestions will receive a Christian novel as a Thank You Prize. You may either post your suggestions here, or email me at jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com.

Pitch: When You Need a Prayer

Need a prayer? I’m likely to drop whatever I’m reading, buying, or munching on, grab your hand and pray for you, right here and now. Thirty-five years of marriage to a pastor and a heart for broken souls has equipped me to pray and write audacious yet Biblically based prayers, with remarkable, miraculous results for women unable to conceive children, people diagnosed with life-threatening physical diseases, and those with sicknesses of the soul.

A warm, insightful gift book of 60 prayers for friends in crisis, When You Need a Prayer will strengthen and encourage readers through their darkest times. Titles include “When Your Parent Is near Death,” “When You are Ready to Give Up on Your Dream,” “When Your Baby is Sick,” “When You’re Tempted to Condemn Yourself,” and “When Forgiveness Seems Impossible.”

When You Need a Prayer speaks to Christian women in crisis needing reassurance of a God interested in their deepest hurts. They need confidence in their value to the Lord. They long to live free of torment, worry and stress.

Readers will find their hearts opening to believe the Lord’s willingness to help and heal their pain. They will gain a new understanding of the Biblical basis for praying with bold assurance. They will be encouraged, strengthened, and comforted as God lifts them from the brokenness of their souls to the wholeness of His embrace.

When used as devotional readings, the Spirit-led prayers supported by Biblical truths offer courage, hope and a fresh glimpse of the Lord’s deep love. The book also serves ministry leaders, pastor’s wives, and caring friends as a handbook of specific prayers for other’s needs. Use When You Need a Prayer as a guide to pray for friends in crisis. The sixty topical petitions may serve as a springboard for deeper intercession, or can stand alone.

When You Need a Prayer is a glimpse into the bottomless heart of a faithful God, a powerful tool to help seekers find the perfect words in the midst of their brokenness, and a dare to believers to ask for more than they’ve ever imagined.

Contest ends at noon, Thursday, July 21. I will post the winners here on Friday the 22nd. Thank you in advance for helping me do my best at this conference.

Love you!

Whispers from the Throne of Grace

2011-07-12T05:38:00.002-05:00

When I say, "The Lord spoke to me," I don't mean I heard an audible voice. I mean in my heart, where Jesus abides, I have an impression, a nudge, a sentence or two that I know cannot possibly be from my pea brain, as I'm not that wise by myself. So please bear that in mind when I share the following whispers from the Throne of Grace:

"Don't be quick to point your finger at someone else and say, "They are so needy." You are needy yourself--you just cover it up well."

"The answer to operating like Me and living out of My life instead of your emotions and flesh is: love. Everything I did and do is motivated by love."

"Speak what you believe; not what you see or fear. Say who you are; not how you feel."

"When are you going to receive my peace? After the storm has gone by, and ANYONE can see it's calm?"

"It's easier to serve Me like Martha than to sit at My feet and listen like Mary. Martha wants to nourish Me; Mary lets Me nourish her."

Which of these resonate with you? Does the Lord speak to you in odd moments? How important is hearing His voice in your walk with Him?

Trusting in the Little Things

2011-07-08T05:24:00.001-05:00

I had a meltdown when my new kitten wailed over a sore paw, thinking I may have to take him to the vet on the same weekend we're returning our granddaughter home--a ten hour drive each way.

I panicked when my beloved laptop had a loading glitch and I thought I couldn't check emails, blog, or go on Facebook.

What shamed me was the realization that I wigged out and worried more over a computer and a kitten than I had when I'd gone in for extra photos a few weeks ago to determine if I had breast cancer. So what is up with that?

My husband shot it home when he said, "It's easier to trust God for the huge life and death matters than the little things we think we can handle on our own." Aha.

Truth is, we can't handle anything on our own. And if we think we can, it may take a computer bust or a bee-sting on a cat's paw to show us how frail and dependent we are. The good thing is, God never loses patience with us. He's always there to help.

He gave us the perfect idea to fix our computer problem; my kitten is recovering; I don't have cancer. But the important issue is none of the above. It's learning to trust Him, for little and big things. He's God. I'm not.

Are little or big issues niggling you today? Please let me pray for you:

"Lord of all mercy and God of grace, speak to my friend's heart Your words of calm and wisdom. Point them in the direction of your embrace. May they stay there until they see how big You are, and how small their problems are compared to You. Help us all to trust you, even in the little things. In Jesus' Name, so be it."

Do Pastors and Their Wives Fight?

2011-07-06T05:19:00.002-05:00

Take a peek into one of our little secrets at The Pastor's Wife Speaks today, where I tell on myself in The Brouhaha Twins.

Please, Resist the Urge!

2011-07-01T05:15:00.001-05:00

RUE used to mean only "regret and sorrow." But if you're a writer, it can also mean "Resist the Urge to Explain." Why? Because it's more fun to read, "A tear slid down Macy's cheek" than, "Macy was sad."

Jessica Nelson posted a helpful snippet about RUE lately, as she caught the explaining bug popping up in manuscripts she judged for a contest.

My husband is a world-class explain-aholic. I think it's the teaching gift in him. If he says, "I'm shopping on Monday this week instead of Wednesday," in half a second I've figured out why. But he MUST give me a five-minute explanation about this being the Forth of July weekend, and he wants to avoid the crowds shopping for their cookouts, and it will save him loads of time, blah, blah, blah...

Which isn't too dangerous for our marriage, other than that I occasionally get miffed and say, "I already figured that out; I don't need it explained. Do you think I'm a total numbskull?"

But it is dangerous in writing. When we explain too much, we may not only bore our reader; we might insult their intelligence, implying they lack the brains to figure things out for themselves.

Reading is interactive entertainment. The more we allow our readers to enter into the story with their own imaginations, the more they'll be drawn in by our writing, and need to turn the page.

Whether you're a spouse with a teaching gift or you write, R.U.E. We'll love you for it.

Bad Advice: Spit it out!

2011-06-28T05:24:00.000-05:00

Bad advice. At least once, we’ve all listened to it, then wished we’d spit it in a bucket somewhere on the back forty.

As serious writers, spouses, parents, or cooks, we are forever looking for ways to improve our skills and reach more hearts. We read books, attend conferences, and go on as many blogs as we can, to gobble up the best advice possible.

But sometimes we come across a bit of bad advice. If we know it’s bad, good. We can spit it out like a cow spits out the stubble, only swallowing the grain. If we’re unaware that it’s bad, then not good. We can go down a wrong path in our career or our life, or at the very least, waste precious time.

A frustrated writer once told me not to read craft books, stating that my writing was good enough, and those books would only confuse me. Had I listened to this bad advice, I would be a much poorer writer than I am today. With the help of all the craft books I’ve read in spite of that poor advice, I believe my writing is improving every time I sit down to type, or get out my journal to muse.

Have you ever read or heard some bad advice concerning your writing, or another skill you take seriously? Did you know it was bad, or did you listen to it, later realizing it wasn’t sound? How do you sift advice to weed out the stubble from the precious grain that nourishes?

Teenage Prisoner

2011-06-27T07:28:00.002-05:00

When I wrote The Teenage Prisoner many months ago, I had no inkling that a teenage boy in our little community would be arrested for stabbing and killing a female relative last week. My heart breaks for him as it did for the other young man in this story, which posts on Chrisitian Devotions today. I'd be honored if you visited.

Why Am I Celebrating THAT???

2011-06-24T09:10:00.001-05:00

On a recent roadtrip, my husband and I hooted over a sign for a town's unusual festival.

Find out why on Army of Ermas today.

I am Mad and Here's the Reason Why

2011-06-21T05:04:00.000-05:00

Do not read this post if you don't like controversy.

As I browsed a Bible bookstore today, I was shocked, confused, and appalled. What is going on with so-called Christian publishing? The first book I picked up was the story of a teenager who overcame Everest-high odds to make her dream come true; the next was a biography of a famous coach who’d mentored many young men; the third was a tribute to a great athlete.

In only one of the three was the Bible even mentioned, and that was from a list given to the coach from his father. The acknowledgments pages in another went on forever, but nowhere did the author give any thanks to God.

This is scary, people.

I’m not naming names, but major Christian houses published these books, and they are nothing more than inspiring stories of good people. They do not promote the Kingdom of God or try to reach sinners with the Gospel, or call Christians to a higher walk with the Lord.

People die and go to hell every second. We have the answers to keep them out of there and give them abundant, eternal life, and we'd rather spend our money publishing stories of girls sailing boats and golfers who were polite?

There are millions of excellent writers trying to break into Christian publishing. They have written noteworthy accounts of God’s grace and miracle-working power to save, heal, and deliver, and the top Christian houses are offering us fine little stories with a Christian label slapped on them. What is wrong with this picture?

Are we afraid of the controversial Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we worried that literature that gives God glory and calls us to deep commitment will offend someone, or worse yet, won’t sell a million copies? Yes, I know they are businesses and have to pay their bills. So did Jesus. But I don’t see Him watering down His message so the offerings would be bigger.

Have you noticed this in your Bible bookstore? What are your thoughts?

Still Think God Can't Use Little, Broken YOU?

2011-06-17T05:18:00.000-05:00

Think God Can’t Use Little, Broken You?

Noah was a drunk

Sarah was too old

Jacob was a liar

Leah was ugly

Joseph was abused

Moses had a speech impediment and anger issues

Gideon was afraid

Samson was a womanizer

Rahab was a prostitute

Timothy was too young

David had an affair and was a murderer

Elijah was suicidal

Jonah ran from God and was depressed

Naomi was a widow

Job went bankrupt and his wife was a shrew

Peter denied Jesus

The disciples fell asleep while praying

Martha worried about everything

The Samaritan woman was divorced

Zaccheus was too short.

The Apostle Paul was too religious

Lazarus was dead. ***

Care to change your mind? God is interested in your story, broken as you are. Someone needs what you have to share.

***(This list was copied from a Keruso t-shirt seen at a Bible bookstore)

I Need More Than One Brain, Please

2011-06-14T05:31:00.008-05:00

May I pick your brains a bit today? I’ve been invited to speak at the Inland Northwest Christian Writers Conference in Spokane, WA, directed by Jan Cline, in March, 2012. My topic is Time Management Strategies for the Part-time Writer. I have my outline prepared and a long list of my own ideas, but I’d like your input on ways you manage your time. What works for you? What doesn’t work? What tricks do you employ that best fit with your personality style? I’d love to incorporate some of your tips into my presentation, if you don’t mind. I think my message will zing if I have more than one brain at work!

Pet Peeves from Paris

2011-06-10T05:42:00.000-05:00

Can a girl live in Paris and still have pet peeves?

This one does:

Pens that run out of ink.
Rude waitresses.

Dudes who spit huge slimey wads out car windows (I NEVER see a female do this. Do men have more spit than women?)

People who talk on cell phones while they are doing business with you.

Those who think their mission should also be your mission.

Please, be my guest and add one of your own.

BTW, I live in Paris, IL, not France.
But I've no complaints about that!

They Don't Understand Me, Lord!

2011-06-07T05:39:00.003-05:00

Ever feel misunderstood? Then you'll like my story at The Pastor's Wife Speaks today, where I share my frustrations with Greta the Griper.

A Prayer for Emotional Healing

2011-06-02T19:40:00.002-05:00

I had planned a post on pet peeves, but that will have to wait. This is a chapter from a book I'm working on. I trust this is what you need today.

When You Need Emotional Healing

My friend is tired to her gut, Lord. She’s tired of pretending she’s okay when she wants to scream and weep and sink into the earth and never hurt again. You know how she feels, for you felt that same screaming ball of nothingness in your belly as they draped You onto two wooden beams, then nailed you fast, so You wouldn’t escape the pain. A pain not only physical; but the vilest soul pain that You were separate from Your Father’s heart and His gaze that kept You close, and His voice that wrapped You.

He turned His back on You, and You bore it so we wouldn’t need to. Yet, she bears it anyway; broken and not knowing she can be whole. Or empty of hope for even a scrap of a put-together life.

Jesus, Shepherd who never leaves a sheep alone, hold her until the hurt leaves. Tell her she’s not a disappointment to You. Sing her songs You composed only for her and no other, so she’ll feel Your custom-made love and know You had a reason for her. Show her that reason in a thousand ways, dear Mender of Broken Lives.

She knows she’s broken, but she doesn’t know why, or she doesn’t want to know for fear the pain is all her fault. Set her free with the truth that the thief has stolen her joy and ripped her value away. Shine the light of Your admiration for her into the deep places she’s not aware of, so she’ll believe and not argue when You say, “I love you, daughter.”

Grace her to release offenses she’s held tightly in her fists and locked in the oldest diaries of her memory. Cause her to walk upright, gazing into Your broad smile of forgiveness and strength. Guide her steps to sweetest life. Make her believe that she can be whole, as she rests in the crook of Your arm and listens to Your lullabies.

In Jesus’ Name, so be it.

References to Scripture: Matthew 27:46; John 10:11-17; Psalm 139; John 10:10; I John 4:18

Easy Bake Oven Escapade

2011-05-24T09:05:00.005-05:00

Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Although not my favorite, one that stands out in my illustrious past is the Easy Bake Oven Escapade, and my older brother's machinations to ruin my fun.

Read about it at Army of Ermas today. If you've ever had an older sibling torture you, you'll relate.

If not, you'll laugh. Please laugh.

P.S. After today, I will be mostly offline for the next couple of weeks, enjoying my grandkids' visit with us.

Random, Crazy Thoughts

2011-05-20T05:42:00.001-05:00

Every now and then when I say, "Praise the Lord!" about some good news I hear, a little fretting voice in my head will say, "Watch out; you might offend someone." Wait just a dang minute. Do they care if they offend me by taking the Lord's precious Name in vain? Do they worry that I might not like seeing half-naked women on TV and magazine ads? No. Well then, I am going to praise my Lord, the giver of all good gifts, whenever I want to. He is worthy. And I'm practicing for Heaven, where everyone will be praising Him all the time. So there.

I drink tons of water. I am never without a bottle of water, or cup of tea. We even keep several water bottles in the car, and take them on planes when we travel. I believe it keeps me young and healthy.

I hate weeds, lies, and clutter.
I love birds, truth, and facial hair on men (my husband has a full beard and moustache. He looks like an old testament prophet or a mountain man. Maybe both).

Do you worry that you might offend someone when you offer praise to God?

How much water do you drink?

What do you hate/love?

Do You Want a Spanking?

2011-05-17T06:07:00.002-05:00

Ever feel like your little light is not shining as brightly as everyone else's? Please join me at The Pastor's Wife Speaks today.

I think my little story about almost spanking the wrong person will encourage you to keep your flame flickering, and not feel that others are brighter than you.

Love,

Faith Lessons from a Two-Year-Old

2011-05-13T18:31:00.000-05:00

“There they are,” I shouted, “in that Dollar General parking lot on the right. Pull in, honey.”

We’d taken our daughter’s family on a picnic at an historical sight fifty miles from her town. I rode with my daughter and oldest granddaughter in one car. Kev took the younger two kids in his car. We’d gotten separated on the trip home, and since Kevin didn’t have a cell phone, we had no way to communicate.

I hated to break my word to the kids that I’d take them for ice cream after lunch. So we prayed that somehow God would help us find Kevin and the others. He didn’t disappoint us.

“Thanks for waiting,” I hollered from my open window. “Shall we go for ice cream after all? We only lost ten minutes or so.”

“Sure,” Kev said, “we’ll meet you at Braum’s.”

When we settled around our favorite booth in the corner, two-year-old Alyssa grinned wider than a sugar cone. “I’m happy for ice cream,” she chirped.

Kev said around bites of Chocolate Chunk Surprise, “Yeah, Daniel was pretty worried that we wouldn’t find you, and we’d have to go home with no ice cream. Not Alyssa! She kept saying over and over, “We WILL go for ice cream; we WILL find Grandma and Mommy and Jenessa; we ARE going for ice cream.””

I raised my eyebrows and patted my little girl’s back. “Wow, Alyssa, you spoke your faith like Jesus did when He stilled the storm and raised Lazarus from the dead. I’m impressed.”

“Well, she believed you’d keep your word to her, and was encouraging herself, even when the circumstances looked like it was impossible,” said Kev.

“I need to take faith lessons from Alyssa,” I said. “When things don’t look like they’re going to happen the way God said, I worry and fret. Only I call it “being concerned.” But it’s the same thing; I doubt if God will come through for me like He told me He would. I need to be more diligent about saying, “God WILL take care of me. The Lord WILL help me, heal me, provide for me, just like He said. He WILL walk with me and give me victory.”

Alyssa took her last lick as I finished preaching to myself and answered, “And, the Lord WILL tell Gramma to take us for ice cream, every time you visit!”

Oh, to have the faith of a child…

Have you ever had a child teach you a lesson you'd forgotten?

Why I Didn't Put SEX in my Book Title

2011-05-10T05:41:00.000-05:00

When I pitched my book, The Secret Life of a Preacher's Wife, to an editor at a conference, he told me I should name it Can Preacher's Have Sex on Sunday?, which is the title of the chapter he chose to read as a sample of my writing.

It's a funny chapter about finding time for intimacy in your marriage when your kids are still at home. But I don't go into detail. At. All. I make allusions and inferences. I give my readers credit for their own imaginations.

To name the book after this one chapter would be misleading. I don't want readers thinking it's 230 pages of revealing stories about pastors and their wives' private lives.

Titles are important.

They should give a clear picture of what to expect from the book.

Not just a gimmick to hook the reader in.

The title of my newest book is Enjoy Your Noodles: Finding Mirth and Worth in the Messes. Can you tell what kinds of stories it includes?

If you're a writer, do you like creating titles for your books and articles? If you're a reader, how important is a title to you in the choosing of a book?

Quit Punishing Yourself

2011-05-06T05:56:00.002-05:00

At the end of my morning prayer times, the Lord will often whisper to my heart, "Ask Me for a favor." One day recently, I asked Him to tell me what favor I could do for Him. His answer shocked me:

"Quit Punishing Yourself."

Oh. My. I didn't know I was. I understand why the Lord would ask me this favor. If I believe the blood of His Son, Jesus is enough to eradicate my guilt--every ounce of it--why would I feel it necessary to receive condemning thoughts, think I'm stupid and fat, or any one of a thousand other ways I punish myself?

I say I believe it. Now I must love myself enough to prove I believe it.

Do you believe? Or do you catch yourself trying to make up for your sins by punishing yourself? You can't, you know. Only Jesus can wash us clean, inside and out, and prepare us to stand guiltless in the presence of Almighty God. I hope you believe that, because I like you mighty fine, and I want you to be with me in Heaven. If you'd like to believe but don't know how, please email me at jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com. I'll help you get to know Jesus, so you can quit punishing yourself, too.

Love you,

NO is Not a Four-letter Word

2011-05-03T05:43:00.003-05:00

Do you find "yes" easier to say than "no"?

Then you'll love and laugh at my post at The Pastor's Wife Speaks, where I tell about the time I had to stand up to the Missionary Mamas.

Oh, noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Unfollow/Unfriend/Editor Rejection

2011-04-28T05:16:00.001-05:00

Ever look at your followers or friends list and find there are less than the last time you checked?

Does your brain do trapeze loops, wondering WHY on EARTH anyone would unfollow or unfriend you?

Was it the last post, so in-your-face-Jesus-lover, that offended them? Was it the snarky comment you made about people who weigh 98 pounds designing clothes that make you look like a hippo in leotards? Or simply that they found they're following too many blogs or FB peeps, and had to cut out one, so they drew a number and yours came up?

When this happens to me, I like to believe it was the last item on my list. Not that I'm afraid of offending anyone by my faith in Jesus or my sarcasm, but I hate to think modern people are so narrow-minded.

At any rate, it's all part of the social networking game, don't you think? It's good practice for receiving rejections from editors. They really don't dislike my writing, my style or my voice--they just have too many manuscripts piled up, and they had to choose one at random to chuck out the window. Okay, now I'm happy again. Let's get on with life.

Anyone of you been unfriended, unfollowed, or rejected? Please tell me I'm not alone.

Crawzilla the Cat Killer

2011-04-25T09:16:00.002-05:00

Ever mistake a harmless creature for a killer? If you love your pets or just need to laugh over one of my most embarassing moments, please join me today at Army of Ermas for my Crawzilla story.

Blessings of Peace,

Cross My Heart

2011-04-22T05:42:00.001-05:00

You see them throughout the world. We make them of gold and jewels and drape them around our necks. We carve them of exotic wood and adorn church buildings with them. We fashion them of different sizes and shapes of stained glass, pieced together to form exquisite works of art that fly our souls heavenward.

But the cross was not designed to sparkle on throats or beautify a place of worship. Invented before the 4th century B.C. by the Persians, its purpose was as an instrument of slow, torturous execution. By the time of Jesus, the Romans had begun using this way of hanging their worst criminals. Making it a public spectacle served as added humiliation. Anyone could walk by a murderer or thief as they hung on the rough-hewn boards and spit on them or cast abuse up at them.

Thus hung Jesus, naked before the world, nailed between two real criminals while the world gaped, supposing Him a fool. After all, He’d raised three people from the dead, multiplied food for thousands, and healed multitudes. Why was He submitting to this mockery and abuse, like a stupid lamb? They railed at Him, “You saved others; but you can’t even save yourself!” Why did He not use His power to subdue the Roman guards and come down from that cross, if He truly was the Son of God?

The answer to this question, my friend, is why we call the Friday before Easter “Good Friday.” The goodness in His heart compelled Him to hang in our place, so you and I could have a relationship with the God of the Universe.

Don’t believe for a second that if Jesus had wanted to, He could not have freed Himself and jumped down. He told the crowd, “Don’t you know that I could at this very moment call ten legions of angels to come and rescue me?” Yet He remained to the end, although it meant God turning His face from Him. Not because He was a fool. No. Because He loved us too much to let us die in our sins and spend forever in Hell.

No one kept Jesus on the cross but Jesus.

Next time you put your favorite crucifix around your neck or gaze upon the loveliness of a stained glass cross, remember how it came to mean a sweet symbol of love and beauty, rather than an instrument of death. Remember that Jesus went there of His own free will, to give you a future and a hope.

And, if you’ve made Him the Lord of your life, you’ll hear Him say one day very soon, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into my joy” as He welcomes you to Heaven. Cross my heart.

Party Time in Paris!!!

2011-04-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

In case you hadn't noticed, On Wings of Mirth and Worth is now at 200 followers!!!! I promised a party, and a party we shall have. If you are a follower, tell me why you enjoy this blog and include your email addy, and I will contact you to send you a PRIZE, a Scripture magnet with lovely picture, hand-crafted by moi.

If you aren't yet a follower, why not become one today, and get in on the party?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do to keep me writing, smiling, and blogging. YOU are the reason I am full of Mirth and Worth. You and Jesus.

Love,

How to Disagree without Being a Stinker

2011-04-19T05:16:00.003-05:00

Have you ever disagreed with someone you love? I thought so.

Today on The Pastor's Wife Speaks, I share a story of a time I disagreed with my husband on an issue, and the results of our compromise.

If it makes you laugh, great. If it nourishes your soul, splendid and tremendous!

I love you,

5 Faith Blockers That Will Hinder Your Faith

2011-04-15T05:14:00.003-05:00

Are you asking God to do any favors for you, large or small? Great! I’m standing with you for your miracles and dreams to happen. But did you know that some attitudes and actions will block your faith, making it difficult for you to receive from God? Here are a few heart-condemning faith blockers you want to avoid like a snake with a noisy tail:

1. Strife. I.e.: Arguing, fighting, and gossiping

2. Fear. Also called worry, fretting, agonizing, and anxiety

3. Negative talk. AKA griping, whining, complaining, and fault-finding

4. Worldly pursuits. Nothing sinful about going fishing, catching up with blogs or watching TV, but if they take too big a chunk of our time and heart, they may hinder our faith

5. Too much to do. If we’re burned out, it may be because we are adding things God never asked us to do.

Anything I missed?

Let's get rid of those faith blockers, so we can stand boldly before the throne of grace and ask for help in time of need.

Now, what can I agree with you for God to do in your life today?

What Works for YOU?

2011-04-12T05:05:00.000-05:00

May I confess something to you? I am a list maker and goal-setter. I relish challenging myself with new aspirations. In my flesh I am disorganized, discombobulated and daydreamy. All my super organization tools keep me on task, so I don't waste my life watching Leave it to Beaver reruns and eating ice cream.

I have a monthly planner on my desk at work, a weekly planner on my dining table, and a huge dry erase board in my office at home. I have drawn lines--with scented dry erase markers--to make four squares down and six accross, so I can have up to twenty-four items written on my board at any time. As I accomplish an item, I erase it, which leaves a blank square, but not for long. Within a few days, I've filled it up with a new goal.

Here are some examples of what's inside my sqares:

Pray ( I have 5 squares that say this, and they're all in red)

Clean off desk

Study message for Huntsville Mother-Daughter banquet

Find title for new book

Win a contest

Attend Philly conference in August.

Please don't tell me I'm OCD. This is how I survive and thrive with a full-time paying job, helping my husband pastor a church, and building a writing/speaking/editing career. And I love it. I think there's a word for it.

Discipline, maybe? It's not a drag; it's a delight.

What works for you?

7 Pet Peeves of Editors by Editor Jim Watkins

2011-04-08T05:24:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite editors and all-around funny guy Jim Watkins recently posted “Seven Pet Peeves of an Editor” on Facebook. He agreed to let me share them with you here. I’m so relieved, because one of my pet peeves is people who refuse to share.

Now I don’t have to be mad at Jim.

Here are Jim's 7 Editor's Pet Peeves:

#1: Manuscripts with 15 different fonts. Amateurish! The house’s designer selects fonts, so stick to Times New Roman for everything. EVERYTHING!

#2: Those who claim, “God wrote every word of this manuscript.” If so, His writing skills have really suffered since the Bible.

#3 Authors who argue with editors. We’re not perfect, but we do have the power of rejection slips and check requisitions.

#4 Writers are not consistent. One writer actually wrote, “I was not sure whether to capitalize divine pronouns, so I made half upper case and half lower case.”

#5. Authors who don’t follow the houses writers’ guidelines and style sheets. Sorry, they are not negotiable.

#6: Writers who don't know the difference between good (adjective) and well (adverb). (However, I'd be out of a good job if they wrote too well!)

#7: Authors who view editors as adversaries. Our only purpose is to make them look good.

As Kermit the Frog once said, “It’s not easy being an editor.” Or something similar.

I’ve recently begun freelance editing. It’s no party pointing out errors, shining a searchlight on gaps, and finding ways to fix broken scenes. The joy comes when the finished piece sparkles because of God’s grace, the writer’s talent, and your two dollars’ worth of help (I know it used to be two cents…).

Would you like to make your living as an editor? What would be the most/least fun part of the job for you?

P.S. In addition to Jim's regular Hope and Humor website, he has a new treasure trove of helps for believers called Disciple Sites, a connection to everything from Bible study helps to blogs to Christian media & music.

You're Invited to my 200 Followers Party!!!

2011-04-05T05:03:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed On Wings of Mirth and Worth is almost to the 200 follower mark? Send your friends, because the day we hit 200 I will host a party, which means prizes for everyone!!!!! Yippee Dippee and Woot Woot Galloot (don't ask me what a galloot is; I had to think of a rhyme, and that's the best I could do today) !!!

If you want in on an even better party, join me today at The Pastor's Wife Speaks, where I share my take on Who God Isn't. I hope my thoughts delight and surprise you.

Counting down to party time!!!
Jen

Wanna Understand the Opposite Sex Better?

2011-04-01T04:39:00.001-05:00

He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion

By Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles

Do you sense something vital missing from you relationship with your spouse, children and God?

Try He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion. This compilation of 54 devotions includes scripture verses, space for journaling, individual prayers and words of wisdom from two of today's funniest and insightful Christian authors. This heart-warming collection of stories will inspire you to reach for the true source of joy: a life lived for and through God. These deeply personal devotions offer biblical insights and spiritual truths from the perspective of one man and one woman.

Perfect for your quiet time. No matter if you are newlyweds or newly retired, this book of devotions will help you put the spark back into your love life and explore the precious relationships God desires for you. Begin this new year committed to spending a few moments each day connected to God. He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion touches the heart, tickles the funny bone and brings you to your knees in worship.

The concept of He Said, She Said devotions introduces the readers to looking at one scripture, from two perspectives—his and hers. The beauty in this unique type of devotion come when a man reads the perspective of a woman suddenly grasping a new outlook on the scripture; likewise the same for a woman to read the thoughts and views from a man’s perspective. The reader can then mesh the two together for a deeper and more intimate learning experience.

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles have captured the essence of scripture through the heart of a man and a woman, addressing the passions of loving your spouse, your children and ultimately loving the Father deeper than ever before.

He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion is available on Amazon Kindle, Nook e-reader and in Paperback.

Reviews:

From Gina Holmes, author of Crossing Oceans

Cindy and Eddie are not only good friends of mine, but a regular source of my spiritual renewal. It's a great idea, the he-said/she-said concept and I always enjoy their devotionals. Both are not only grounded spiritually, and super nice people but they both keep me laughing. It's that humor and heart that makes the spiritual more relatable in the most practical sense.

From Ane Mulligan, Editor of Novel Journey

I've know Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles for a few years. Each has a way of tickling my funny bone, so I wondered what a devotional book by them would be. I can heartily recommend it. The humor is there, but it's coupled with deep truths that go straight to the heart of the problem. You'll find a path that winds closer to God through He Said, She Said.

Please take time to watch our book trailer then pass this along to your friends. Click the link below for Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq8x8zNS3B4
You may purchase the book at the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/Said-She-Devotional-Cultivating-Newlyweds/dp/0982206550/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300054348&sr=1-4

5 Reasons You Need to Write (Sing, Dance, Paint, Work) Free of Charge

2011-03-29T05:38:00.000-05:00

I make money writing, speaking and singing. Not a ton, but it helps me buy clothes to wear to writing conferences and gas to travel to speaking engagements.

Sometimes I write for nothing. Why would I do such a thing? And why should you?

1. When we give our time and talents with no expectation of return, we’re saying “Thanks” to God for all He’s given us.

2. We gain experience when we practice our craft, whether we receive a paycheck or not.

3. Working free is a means of planting seeds for future paying jobs (see Galatians 6:7).

4. All publishing (speaking, singing, working) credits added to our resume’ count, whether we earned money for them or not.

5. We show love to others when we volunteer our services. And love is the greatest thing in the universe.

Kitty love

Even if you regularly receive pay for your work, have you also found great rewards in offering your talents as a gift or favor?