A surefire way to predict winter weather

The Wooly Worm Report

drawing copyright Ron Levellie

Did you know there is a surefire way to predict winter weather? According to early American folklore, you can forecast the harshness of an upcoming winter by examining the brown band around a wooly worm’s middle. The thinner the brownish red band, the harsher winter will be.  

flikr image

But I have my own methods.  As we go on a walk up the country lane near our home at Nevins and I spot a wooly worm scooting across the pavement, I’ll note its coloration. If it’s dark brown or black, representing the bare earth, I predict a mild winter with no snow. If it’s orange—a happy, warm color—I maintain the upcoming winter will be warmer than usual. And if the wooly worm is white or tan, I report that winter will be fast and fun, with snowfall only on Christmas Eve.

Scientific? Hardly. Accurate? Rarely. But my overly biased wooly worm reports make us laugh every time. And giggles help us get through the long, freezing months better than gripes.  I imagine even the wooly worms laugh. At me.

I may not be able to predict the weather, but I’m convinced that the Apostle John predicted accurately when he told us Jesus is coming soon. I hope you and I will spend eternity together with Him, in that lovely city where every day is bright, and every wooly worm gives a sunny report.

The above is an excerpt from my book The Heart of Humor: Sixty Helpings of Hilarity to Nourish Your Soul, a combination of funny stories and articles on how humor helps.

Please join me this week on

Karen Lange’s blog, Write Now, for a

chance to win an autographed copy of

my newest book,

Touchable God: Finding the Lord’s Friendship Through Prayer.

A Secret for Increasing Understanding in Relationships

   Most everyone—including you, I believe—longs to increase understanding in their relationships. I recently discovered a secret that has helped tremendously: asking questions instead of making statements. 

It works like this:

           I could say to my husband, “You never left clothes on the floor for the first thirty years of our marriage. Now all of a sudden you’ve become a slob.” Or I could ask, “Would it help you if I moved the hamper to your side of the bedroom, so it’s easier for you to toss your clothes in there at night, when you’re tired?”

I’ve gone from critical to helpful.

             I could tell one of my grandchildren, “Don’t act so selfish! Think of others sometimes, not just what benefits you.” Or I could ask, “Do you feel like you’re  sometimes not getting your fair share of things?”

Or, “Have you noticed that the kids who willingly share their things have a lot more friends?”

I’ve gone from off-putting to empathetic.

              I could scold my mom with, “I’ve told you a hundred times that your continual sniffling during church distracts me. I think you’re purposely doing that to exert your will over mine.” Or I could ask, “Are you feeling okay today?” Or simply, “Will you please blow your nose?”

I’ve gone from offensive to considerate.

When we ask questions, it shows another that we care about them, we want to know them better, and we’re striving to increase our understanding of them. We don’t use questions as a magic formula for making people cooperate with us, but as a doorway into their hearts, to show them our love and respect.  

So. . . Are you having a good day today? How is your life in general going? Anything concerning you that I can pray about? I care about you.

P.S. If you haven’t already, please enter the drawing to win an autographed copy of the uplifting and humorous devotional, 52 Heart Lifters for Difficult Times. The deadline is Thursday, July 9 at 11:59 p.m. 

Why You Need to Laugh when You're Hurting

Are you in a thick stew, a sour pickle, or a sticky jam? In other words, are you hurting? 

I am.  And it's more pain than a dentist's novacaine needle in the jaw. Heart pain is the worst. 

Although it seems incongruous, when we're in a tight spot, surrounded by enemies, it's good to laugh. Why, you say? Why laugh when you feel like crying? 

I'm so glad you asked. 

In answer, I'm giving away a signed copy of my newest book, The Heart of Humor: Sixty Helpings of Hilarity to Nourish Your Soul, at my friend Karen Lange's blog today. I hope you'll join us!


Here's Splashin' Hope on you, 

Jeanette

Swimsuit Shopping Torture, part 2 and Another Book Giveaway!

(Please see Swimsuit Shopping
Torture Part 1 on Monday's post)

...When I finally decide on a little—I use this word loosely—number that is so busy with sunflowers and hummingbirds that I hope will distract eyes from the flesh bulging out of it, I rush to the checkout counter and pay cash, so the checker doesn’t have time to see what size it is.

In the car, I grab my wee scissors from the emergency sewing kit and snip out the label, and then swallow it with a large gulp of diet ice tea. No sense in having it flutter out of the trash bag and let the world in on my dark secret. I can handle the indigestion that results from label eating; I can’t face knowing there’s evidence of my swimsuit size somewhere on the planet.

Now I’m prepared for the next time a friend calls, inviting us over to swim. “Let’s go,” I holler to my honey, “we’ll be late for the party!” He comes down the hall wearing the same suit he’s had for twenty-five years, which took him thirty seconds to pick out, try on, and purchase. Makes me sicker than when I swallowed the label.

His eyebrows raise as he points to me. “Aren’t you going to wear your new bathing suit, honey? You spent all day and half a paycheck on it!”

I huff like I always do when he’s clueless about female logic. “I have it on, silly, under these old shorts and t-shirt, which won’t be ruined by the chlorine in the pool. No way can I let people see me in it! Now, let’s go…”

To help take away some of the sting of shopping for a swimsuit, I am guest posting on novelist Katie Ganshert's blog today, where I'll be giving away another copy of Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top! I hope you'll  join me...

Swimsuit Shopping Torture, part 1 and Book Giveaway

Trying on a swimsuit was not a biggie when I was a size 6 and regularly working out. Pick a color that compliments your skin tone, doesn’t show too much of what you only want your husband looking at, and is half price.

Now that I am…not a size 6 any longer—and may not be until Jesus returns and gives me my new body—and my workout consists of pulling weeds and scooping out cat litter boxes, shopping for a swimsuit has reached the #3 spot on my list of high-stress items.

#1 being that we’ve run out of ice cream, and #2 that we’re down to only vanilla.

I’m not afraid of cellulite, fat, or age spots. I just don’t like to advertise them to the world at large. And prove that I am becoming one of the larger ones in that world.

So I torture myself in the dressing room with all manner of spandex-inspired creations that attempt to hide from the younger women what they have to look forward to when they hit the Searching for My Lost Hormone Years and want to eat everything with sugar or fat in the #1 spot on the ingredient list.

When I finally decide on a little—I use this word loosely—number that is so busy with sunflowers and hummingbirds that I hope will distract eyes from the flesh bulging out of it, I rush to the checkout counter and pay cash, so the checker doesn’t have time to see what size it is... 

To be continued on Wednesday's post; please come back and discover how I manage to not embarrass myself when I wear my new purchase!

The lovely Karen Lange is interviewing me today on her blog, Write Now, and I'm giving away a copy of Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top--I'd be delighted if you'd join us!

Leap Day Giveaway from Cecil Murphey

In honor of Leap Day, I’m giving away two copies of Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk’s newest book, Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers. This lovely, poignantly crafted gift book reaches the secret rooms of the hearts of everyone who cares for the elderly, weak, or sick.

Serene, stunning photographs by Betty Fletcher accompany Cec’s and Twila’s own stories of caring for their spouses. Although I’m not a caregiver, my soul was nourished and my thinking changed by Cec and Twila’s candor and wisdom. My favorite quotes:

“Sometimes I wish the medical staff had given me an instruction book about the things I need to do for him. But his illness didn’t come with guidelines, and so I cope by praying much and loving more fully.” –Twila

“You don’t do compassion. You become compassionate. Compassion doesn’t mean I have to do everything or provide for every need, but it does require a willingness to serve the person I love.” --Cec

Mismatched Book Ends

I had the privilege of meeting both Cec and Twila last year at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

They are like mismatched bookends—Cecil the serious, helpful mentor of writers; Twila the spunky, gregarious cheerleader who serves as Cec’s assistant. Both sowed seeds of kindness and helpful advice into my life, and I gained two new heroes.

Because they care, they have graciously given me these books free of charge, so others can benefit from the telling of their struggles. If you’d like to win one, please do the following:

 Leave a comment at the end of this post

 Include your email address.

 Share a way you show you care, even if you’re not a caregiver. We can all use ideas for reaching out to love others in new ways.

The contest ends at noon on Saturday, March 3rd. I will post the winners on Sunday, March 4th.

If you’d like to purchase a copy of Because You Care, go to http://www.amazon.com/Because-You-Care-Encouragement-Caregivers/dp/0736943285

Lacy's Best Book Yet: The Rhythm of Secrets and a Giveaway!

Would you like to read a book that:

1. Overflows with suspenseful, palpable tension;

2. Employs a musical theme, woven into the plot;

3. Has a satisfy-your-heart ending;

4. Is written in a gutsy, courageous, bold style;

5. Shows that secrets separate, but truth unites;

6. Reveals the redemptive work of God over evil;

7. All of the above?

Then you will love The Rhythm of Secrets by my friend and stellar author, Patti Lacy.

I know a book is a winner when I find myself praying for the characters as I read. I prayed my way through Rhythm, Patti’s third novel and finest work yet. First, I wept and prayed for the young girl Sheba, raised by unconventional but loving parents in jazzed-filled New Orleans. Then, I railed and prayed for love-thirsty teenager, Sheila—a name change forced by her cruel grandmother--when she must give her illegitimate son away. Finally, I held my breath and prayed for the mature Sheila Franklin, as she chooses to reveal her secret past and help her son, risking the love of her husband.

Because Patti is a people person who considers writing a ministry, the human element is a bright star in all her stories. She loves to shine the light of redemption into darkened lives, proving that no pit is too deep for God’s love. Rhythm of Secrets is a tremendous example of Lacy’s passion to minister to deep places in a women’s hearts—places that hold secrets only God can heal.


If you would like to enter to win a free copy of Rhythm of Secrets, please leave a comment below, with your email address. Contest ends at noon on Wednesday, March 16th. I will announce the winner on Friday, March 18th.

A Heart-Stirring read: Red Ink by Kathi Macias, with Giveaway

Warning: If you read only feel-good romance novels to escape your humdrum life, Red Ink by award-winning author Kathi Macias will shock you. If you pray for your family, friends, and neighbors, but have never considered interceding for the persecuted church in other lands, Red Ink will force your spiritual eyes open. And if you wish to stay ignorant to the evils around you so you don’t have to take action to change them, Red Ink will anger you.


But if you care for more than your own comfort and entertainment, Macias’ newest volume in the Extreme Devotion series will move your heart and call you to you to your knees.

From the back cover: “Based loosely on the life of Christian magazine editor Li Ying currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in China, the story of Yang Shan-Li tells the desperate tale of her incarceration and separation from her family, as she continues to minister to other prisoners, and even to her guards.”

This heart-stirring novel also addresses the issues of human trafficking¸ standing for Jesus in the face of brutality, loving those who are impervious to the Gospel, and following the Holy Spirit’s call to pray at the cost of our own comfort. In spite of the challenging topics, Macias writes tastefully, weaving her usual grace wit throughout the pages, and resolving the painful conflicts with satisfying endings.

Although I would not have chosen to read a book of this type, I’m not sorry I did. Macias’ perspective-changing story made me aware of what others suffer for the cause of Jesus Christ, and the terrible price they pay to keep the Gospel alive. It convicted me to admit how complacent I’ve been in my walk with the Lord, and how I’ve taken my freedom to worship and witness for granted. It urged me to pray for the persecuted church, as well as innocent victims of horrible crimes in our own nation.

Kathi Macias is not only an excellent writer, but also a courageous lady. I applaud her for writing the Red Ink¸ and pray that all who read it will be as deeply challenged and changed as I was.

If you enjoy a challenge, please leave a comment and your email address on this post for a chance to win a copy of Red Ink. You do not need to be a follower of my blog to enter, but if you are, please note in the comments for an extra entry. I wlll draw the winner on Saturday, Oct. 30th after 12:00 noon, and post on Sunday, October 31st.
 
If you can't wait for the contest and want to buy a copy of Red Ink, go to Amazon or Kathi's website to purchase.

Fluffy Gumdrops vs. Change of Heart book review & giveaway

If you’re looking for a love story that gives you fluffy gumdrop feelings in your tummy when you’ve turned the last page, you’d better pass on Kathi Macias’ novel, No Greater Love.


But if you crave a gut-stirring, shocking tale about love’s true depth and the atrocities of apartheid in South Africa, No Greater Love should zoom to the top of your tbr stack.

From the back cover: “Orphaned four years earlier when their parents—active in the African National Congress movement against apartheid, were murdered—16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner family’s farm.

“When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owners’ son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join the ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revenge—or forgiveness and selfless love.

“This story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.”



Famous author Jerry B. Jenkins says, “Kathi Macias has created a sweeping epic about a land alien to too many; but more important is the crucial nature of the story and its monumental implications. You’ll feel as if you were there.”

Wannabe famous author Jeanette Levellie says, “You will weep and rage over the atrocities of racism, rejoice in the Savior’s overcoming power, and change your definition of love after reading Kathi Macias’ No Greater Love. Be prepared with a box of Kleenex and a comfortable place to read til dawn. ”

Kathi graciously offered to gift a copy of No Greater Love to one of my readers. To enter, please leave a comment and your email address at the end of this post. For an extra entry, become a follower of my blog. If you already follow, add that to your comment for an extra entry. You will have until Saturday, June 19 at midnight to enter.

I will draw the winner and post her/his name on Sunday, June 20.

If you can’t wait and wish to purchase No Greater Love, go here. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this brilliant, heart-changing story.

P.S. Shortly after I scheduled this post I received an email from Kathi that her son Michael was involved in a terrible accident. Yesterday on Facebook she posted that he is out of immediate danger, but on a morphine drip. I'm sure Kathi and her family would appreciate prayers on their behalf.  If you win this drawing, this situation may delay the shipping of your book, but I'm sure you will understand.

Book Drawing: Thin Places by Mary DeMuth

“Isn’t it ironic that I have the deepest fellowship with Jesus when I give up my need to control the relationships in my life? My relationship with Him grows rich when I place my reputation in the hands that are scarred by the hatred of others.”


“Stupid, stupid hyperactive conscience! How it gets me in trouble. How it harangues me, stifles me, keeps me from experiencing Jesus. I’m so busy recounting my losses and failures, then determining to “do better” that I miss His capability inside me. I am so capable, so in control, that I miss His power.”

“Folks may wonder why I’ve spent all this time looking back, dredging up what God sees of my story, what my eyes see. Jesus says truth sets people free. This is my way of doing that—of telling the stark truth on the page so others can be set free. .. why do I go through all this recollection? So God can renew me so I can help others find healing.”


These are quotes from Mary DeMuth’s amazing memoir, “Thin Places,” in which she opens her heart to reveal painful memories of abuse, abandonment and rejection.

But, wait! Mary also offers hope for anyone who’s struggled with these same hurts. Hope in a Father God whose love is more than enough to heal and restore. Hope in the Jesus who redeems the broken places of our lives, turning us into trophies of His grace. Hope in the Holy Spirit whose power operates independently of our performance.

I am gifting my copy of “Thin Places” in a drawing to be chosen from those who leave a comment and their email address at the end of this post. I pray and believe that God will direct me to pick the person who most needs to read Mary’s story. Someone who needs to know they’re not alone, that God can and will help them out of their pit of despair into His gleaming freedom.

You have until Tuesday, April 27 at noon to enter. I will post the winner on Wednesday, April 28.

I love you all,

Jen

Tammy Barley interview and "Love's Rescue" drawing

Let's continue our inspiring interview with Tammy Barley, award-winning novelist and wearer of many hats. To read part 1, scroll down the page for Wednesday's post.


A Dividing ConflictIn 1863, the War Between the States is dividing more than a nation. To escape the conflict, Jessica Hale and her family flee their Kentucky home and head for Nevada Territory. Her brother, Ambrose, committed to the Confederates, rejoins his Kentucky militia and is disowned by his father. But the worst is yet to come.

A Heroic KidnapperWhen Unionists presume the family to be Confederate sympathizers, they set a devastating fire to their home. All alone and then “kidnapped” by cattleman Jake Bennett, Jessica is taken to a ranch deep in the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Can she overcome her resentment toward Jake for failing to save her family?

The Depths of LoveWhen Jake launches a plan to help Jessica’s brother escape from prison camp, she sees him for the honest, good-hearted Christian man that he is and now knows the depth of his love for her. Through the lingering smoke and smoldering ashes from her ruined home and murdered family, will Jessica see a future with Jake?



5. Jen: “Love’s Rescue” went into a second printing after only five weeks. How do you account for that success?

Tammy: I wrote the story I believed historical romantics would most love to read, and penned it in such a way that the reader can feel she is there, in the story, and that the setting, people, and events of the story come to life and unfold around her. Perhaps that accounts for about one percent of the reason why it has sold so well. I fully believe Whitaker House’s promotion and God’s blessing accounts for the other ninety-nine.


6. Jen: What are the titles of the second and third novels in the Sierra Chronicles Series? When does #2 release?

Tammy: Book two is “Hope’s Promise” and its releases July 2010. Book three is “Faith’s Reward” and is in the works.


7. Jen: Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to offer both seasoned and new writers?

Tammy: Write what you know, write what you love, and never, NEVER give up. God has pulled you through tough times before, He’ll ALWAYS pull you through again.


Thank you so much, Jeanette, for the fun interview and for inviting me to visit your blog! You are such a blessing!

Tammy has graciously offered to give away one autographed copy of “Love’s Rescue.” To enter the drawing, please leave your name, email address and your answer to question 3, on Wednesday’s post. Whether you’ve published a book or not, I know discouragement has knocked on your door more than once. How have you slammed the door in its face and sent it packing? You must answer this question to be entered in the drawing for “Love’s Rescue.”

You will have until noon on Tuesday, March 16th to enter. I will announce the winner on Wednesday, March 17th. If you can't wait, and wish to order a copy, go here:Love's Rescue

Last Book Giveaway of 2009

In my final drawing of 2009, I’m thrilled to give away “Eyes of Elisha” by Brandilyn Collins, bestselling Christian suspense novelist. From the back notes:

“The murder was ugly. The killer was sure no one saw him. Someone did.

“In a horrifying vision, Chelsea Adams has relived the victim’s last moments. But who will believe her? Certainly not the police, who must rely on hard evidence. Nor her husband, who barely tolerates Chelsea’s newfound Christian faith. Besides, he’s about to hire the man who Chelsea is certain is the killer to be vice president in his company. Torn between what she knows and the burden of proof, Chelsea must follow God’s leading and trust Him for protection. Meanwhile, the murderer is at liberty. And he’s not about to take Chelsea’s involvement lying down...”

Sound electrifying? Dying--excuse the pun--to win it?

Before I tell you how to enter this contest, I have a confession to make…

I won “Eyes of Elisha” on Brandilyn’s Face book fan page by agreeing to review it on my blog, then give it away to someone else who’d never read one of her books. When I read the first chapter, I realized it was not my cup of Starbuck’s. The writing is stellar, the story riveting. I just prefer the quieter style of Agatha Christie and Mary Roberts Rinehart. Call me old fashioned. I won’t mind. But what to do about my commitment to Brandilyn?

I prayed about it. Then God gave me this jazzy idea:

If one of YOU fulfills the criteria Brandilyn set forth , what difference does it make whether I read, review, and give away, or YOU do? So, in order to have your name entered to win this Hold Onto Your Poodle’s Fur While Turning the Page Thriller, you must:

A) Have never read a Brandilyn Collins novel before:
B) Agree to review it on your blog; and
C) Pass it on to someone else who fits A above.

If this description fits you, please leave a comment on this post, including your email address, in this form: jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com.

You will have until Sunday January 3, 2010 at noon. I will announce the winner on my blog post Monday, January 4th. Blessings on you as you write and live for your Audience of ONE.