Game of Tag

So, I was minding my own business working on Facebook, when I suddenly get a message from my friend, Gae-Lynn Woods. I opened up to find that I have been 'tagged.' Now, I have always been a good sport when it comes to games, so when she asked me to play, of course I said, 'yes!'
So, what happened was that Gae-Lynn tagged me on her blog last week at:
http://gaelynnwoods.blogspot.com/2014/02/chinese-whispers-author-to-author-blog.html
As you can see, she was tagged, and tagged me in response, so of course I had to tag another author...who shall be named in a bit. :)
In the meantime, you can read more about my colorful friend, and fellow Texan whose works have more twists and turns then an East Texas road on her frequently posted blog page of:
http://gaelynnwoods.blogspot.com/

 

Here's a little about her:

Gae-Lynn spent her childhood in Dallas, Texas and Dayton, Ohio before returning to East Texas to finish high school. She developed a passion for reading at an early age thanks to the Encyclopedia Brown and Little House on the Prairie series, and still enjoys stepping into an

imaginary world created by a talented author.

After university, Gae-Lynn worked in the financial services sector in the U.S. and around the world for almost two decades. She has traveled to over 35 countries, and worked in North and Central America, Asia, India, Europe, and Africa. Gae-Lynn lived in London, England with her British husband, jazz musician Martyn Popey, for seven years before moving to a ranch in East Texas. They now own a small herd of Black Angus cattle and one rather cranky donkey. THE DEVIL OF LIGHT and AVENGERS OF BLOOD are her first two novels, published by Dead Head Press, and she is currently at work on the third book in the Cass Elliot crime series.

Gae-Lynn earned a Bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University and an MBA in Executive Leadership from the Gallup Leadership Institute at the University of

Nebraska.

With mystery and suspense in her books, you won't be sorry you picked one up to read! :)

Now for my part. I have to answer four questions:

1) What are you working on?

 Well, if you check out the books under my book tab, you can see that I have one book left in an inspirational trilogy. Book three is titled: ANGELS AMONG US and is due out some time in May. Also, while in the middle of editing, I got the inspiration for a new YA (Young Adult) book. Of course I couldn't ignore the little voices, because I don't want them to get upset at me, so I did both jobs until I got the ideas down. So, with ANGELS AMONG US having the priority and currently in the major editing phase before publishing, the yet-to-be-named YA book is currently in progress as well.

2) How does your work differ from others in your genre?

 I am a Christian fiction author, but I am also a 'realistic Christian' and keep in mind that people are real. Real life happens, and is generally out of our control. With God's help, though, there isn't much we can't get through.

I think a review I received from THE CALL TO DUTY says it best:

 

http://cjpetersonwrites.com/Books.html

3) Why do you write what you write?

I write what I write, because that's who I am. There are portions woven within the story lines from my own life - though I will never confess as to which portions those are! :) 

I also write what I write to let people know that they are not alone in this life. There could be someone sitting next to you at work or in class that is going through a problem similar to a character in one of my books and you may never know. I pray that the messages within my books help people and inspire them to never give up!

4) How does your writing process work?

The answer to this question differs with each work. Sometimes I get my inspiration from a song, and I write with that song playing in my head whenever I write. Sometimes a photo or a situation inspires me and the picture reminding me of the situation is always within reach for focus.

As far as my writing, if you look under the 'featured author' tab on my web page (http://cjpetersonwrites.com/Featured_Author.html), I always ask one question of 'do you use an outline or do you just write?' That answer varies with each author. Some have post-it notes plastered all over their wall, some have an entire story line covering a wall in their office, and some just sit down and write. I am in the last category. I sit down and type, and let the characters take over. I have no idea how each story will end until I type 'the end' to complete the book. I believe it is that questionable element that keeps the excitement in writing for me.

After the book is formed, it gets sent to a double editing for copy editing and content editing before it is sent to the publisher. At that point, the book is converted to PDF and edited again, while the artist works on the cover. When those two elements come together, a book is 'born' and sent into the world of paperback (Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com, and Boolocker.com) first, closely followed by ebook (Kindle, Nook, iTunes, and Kobo). So, as you can see, it's a long process, but well worth the finished product!

Check out: STRENGTH FROM WITHIN (YA), THE CALL TO DUTY, and OPERATION A.N.G.E.L.

 

Now for the author I am going to tag: Carmen DeSousa is a romantic suspense author. Her books  keep you on the edge of your seat until you reach the end. Her latest group of books: CREATUS and CREATUS ROGUE have a mythological twist that adds a unique feature to her writing. 

Here's a little more about her from her own words:

"As most authors, I blame my leap into a full-time career as a professional writer on my love of reading. Reading has always been an escape for me. When life was rough as a child, I could always disappear into a book.
But I found something else. I discovered that writing out my thoughts was healing. Not only could I create hope for my protagonists, but I could do away with the antagonists--legally.
When I penned my first novel, SHE BELONGS TO ME, I allowed only my cousin and best friend to read it. They are the reason I write. They pushed me to publish, as they felt my stories would give others, who've experienced tragedies, hope. So now, even though I still write for me, I mainly write for my readers who continually encourage me that my words touched their soul."
Her other books include: SPLIT DECISIONS, LAND OF THE NOONDAY SUN, WHEN NOONDAY ENDS, ENTANGLED DREAMS, THE PIT STOP, THE DEPOT, and THE LIBRARY. The best way to find all of her books is under this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Carmen-DeSousa/e/B006PWOO2W/
And her blog here:
http://www.carmendesousa.com/

Take a look at the works of GAE-LYNN WOODS, CARMEN DESOUSA, and C.J. PETERSON - a varied group of ladies who love to entertain your mind and touch your heart with their words!

No Greater Love Than This....

No Greater Love Than This....

Often we take for granted the freedoms we have each day. It ends up being one of those cases where, ‘You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.’

Today, I wanted to take a few moments to honor those who take care of our country. At times, this seems to be a thankless job. There are men and women fighting even at this very moment for the freedoms of those around them. Why do they do this? The reasons vary as much as the personalities and positions that they hold. If you get the chance, after you thank them, consider asking them why they do it. You may be surprised by their answer.

Whenever I think of our military, there is one verse that always comes to mind. It’s John 15:13: ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ The men and women of our military – past and present – do this very thing. They lay down their lives every day. It upsets me beyond words when they get disrespected by sometimes even their own families, because ‘they weren’t there’ for certain things. Did they ever consider the fact that they were doing something even more important? The men and women who form our military should be regarded with the utmost respect, regardless of their position. They have voluntarily placed themselves in a position of potential danger for their fellow countrymen and women.

I ran across the photo below quite some time ago, and I thought I would share it with you guys. Our military are still fighting today and most of the time without what they need. Please read the photo below and remember them in your prayers daily – they need it! 

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

 Until They All Come Home

Foundations

 

Foundations

Certain characteristics are instilled within us from birth. Given to us by those who we chose as friends and from the family to which we are born. This foundation is the filter through which we see the world. Inevitably, there are rocks and pebbles, sometimes even boulders within the foundation that we need to work out or our lives will be out of balance. Often we need a little assistance in finding these. Sometimes we know they are there and are not sure how to get them out of the foundation. 

Over the years, I have been presented, and even sometimes thrown into, situations where my innermost core and beliefs were challenged. Had I not already discovered where my strength was, I may well not be here today. 

My initial foundation was not a solid one in life. As a matter of fact, it was chaotic and often lived in survival mode. It took me a while to find my strength. For the longest time, I thought I was on my own. This was a very lonely place to be. Granted, I had friends, but I was still missing something. It wasn't until college that I found what was missing. It was God.

Now, my life wasn't much better until the recent years, but I survived it by relying on God for my strength. When I was in the middle of often dangerous situations, I would retreat to the peaceful presence of God - who allowed me to not only pull through, but do so even stronger than when I started.

The reason for this blog is to encourage those who feel lonely. It is to show you that you are not alone. It is also to reassure those who are in the midst of a struggle, that God can show you the way through. He can lift you up and guide you through, all you have to do is ask. 

Now, it may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Think of the caterpillar, who in one phase of their life goes into a cocoon. The caterpillar my feel that they are dying, but after a time of rugged transformation, they emerge a gorgeous butterfly. While the caterpillar could only crawl on the ground...the butterfly has the freedom to fly through the air.

What does your foundation look like? Do you need to clean out any pebbles or rocks so it is level? Who is helping you build? Are they helping or hindering? Where is your source of strength?

What lies before you and what lies behind you, is nothing compared to what lies within you.

Sorrow looks back.

Worry looks around.

Faith looks ahead.

May your faith keep you strong and full of hope.

 

God's Pumpkin Patch

I am the true vine, and my Father is the Gardener...

John 15:1

God's pumpkin patch is full of pumpkins that are ripe and ready to harvest. He carefully picks each one at the proper time and carries them into the house to clean out. He washed off the dirt and mud from the garden to make sure the outside is clean. Then He cuts off the top, cleans out all of the things we are hiding within ourselves that we have hidden, yet they are things that will spoil us if it is not cleared out. When He is finished, he looks at the pumpkin to decide what plan He has for that particular pumpkin.

He sets up the table, and then tediously carves a work of art into the pumpkin. It's painful as He smoothly moves over the face of the pumpkin. When He is finished with the carving, He picks a scented votive candle that complements the pumpkin, and then lights the candle.

His children 'oooo' and 'ahhhh' as they use the sense of sight to see the brightness of the light the Father has placed within the pumpkin, as well as how it shines through the stunning artwork that is the entire pumpkin. They inhale with their sense of smell the aromatic melody of the pumpkin scent as it blends with the nutmeg and cinnamon candle within it's shell. They touch the beautiful carving in awe of what the Father has made of a simple pumpkin from His garden.

"It's beautiful, Father!"

"Then take care of it," the Father replies as He hands His angel the pumpkin. "Go and make sure it's light shines in the world."

"What happens if someone destroys the pumpkin?" The Angel apprehensively asked.

"Then bring it back to me, and I will make it another work of art. Each pumpkin in My garden has a purpose. I have made each one to be a light in this world for Me and to show My love to them."

The Angel nods before He walks out of the Father's house, to see hundreds of pumpkins with tiny candles that lit the path. It was then that the Angel understood how each light is used to help another, to light the path to the Father's house. 

We are created for a purpose...you are created for a purpose. Whatever has happened in your past, God can and will use you if you go to Him and allow Him to clean you and allow you to be a work of art for Him.

Holiday Horror Story

Christmas is a holiday that persecutes the lonely, the frayed, and the rejected.
Jimmy Cannon
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/holiday.html#0BBUKj08lwLp2zEA.99

Since I'm always working, my best holiday memories are definitely when I can just go home and spend time with my family.
Chris Brown
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/holiday.html#0BBUKj08lwLp2zEA.99

After weeks of making lists, checking the adds for sales, cleaning the house beyond immaculate, the day had finally arrived! Christmas Eve! It should have been a day of joy and blessing, but to her, it was a day of pressure. It was a test that she had passed throughout the years, but would this be the year she would fail? Her mother-in-law would visually inspect the house. Her father-in-law did his best to ease the tension. Her mother criticized the way she made the stuffing, because she didn't follow the exact family recipe. Her father just wanted to watch the football game. Her brother and sister-in law were late, which caused a disagreement between her brother and mother - who wanted everything perfect. Her sister, the one blessing to her, didn't show up, because she spent the holidays with her family. Then there were the nieces and nephews running around the house, teasing each other........She lost it, and shouted, "CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY!"

Since I’m always working, my best holiday memories are definitely 

when I can just go home and spend time with my family. 

–Chris Brown 

Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that 

you’re giving of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism.

– Caroline Kennedy

 

Christmas is a holiday that persecutes the lonely, the frayed, and the rejected.
Jimmy Cannon
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/holiday.html#0BBUKj08lwLp2zEA.99

The term 'Happy Holidays' seems to have been replaced by 'Holiday Horror Stories.' Come September, the holidays seem to blend together and get shoved out into the stores. It seems that Christmas decorations come out near the end of September...sometimes even before the Halloween decorations come out. As far as Thanksgiving, you might as well hang it up. In the middle of all of that, we have the hustle and bustle of preparing for family to come to the house, or for holiday travels to their house, creating havoc of Biblical proportions! There is not enough caffeine to help some moms through this time blessed, yet stressful, time!
In looking at our own family, we have decided to scale it way back this year. We are blessed and have decided that family is a precious gift that is invaluable. This is the one time of the year, after all, that the entire family gets together as a group. Yes, we see various parts of the family throughout the year, however, this is the one time we are all together, and that is the best gift any of us could give.
To ease the tension of the holidays on my sister-in-law, the various family members are bringing a portion of the meal with us, and keeping Christmas to a minimum. To ease the Thanksgiving meal on my mother, I've decided to have it at my house, allowing her to have Thanksgiving 'off' this year.
In looking around this holiday, can you take some pressure off the head cook or the meeting house of choice for the holidays? If not, be prepared to leave the espresso on the counter and back away slowly!
Make it a Happy Holiday this year, instead of a Holiday Horror Story :) 

It's a 'Knotty' World

Sometimes in life, we are our own worst enemies. Our inner demons can be our strongest critics. There are those days where every terrible thing someone has said seems to find its niche in what could amount to be the worst-day-ever!!

When you have those days, know that you are NOT alone. There is a world out there of people who are struggling to untie the knots in their lives that has created the mess that has become our world today. So, don't let those thoughts 'knot' up your life. It's a 'knotty' enough world...there is no reason to add to it!

When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on. Hold on to that thin knot of hope that things may still yet turn out okay.

God doesn't make mistakes...and, yes, that includes people! God knew you before you were even a twinkle in your mother's eye. He looked down at that wonderful spark of life and said, "I have a plan for you! Fear not, fret not, for I am not going to leave you! No matter what those 'knotty' people on Earth tell you, you are not a mistake. You are not a failure. You are a beautiful creation and I have a stupendous plan for you...just hold your breath and hold on. It will be a bumpy ride, but in the end you will know that I have not and will not ever leave you! You are my child. Please look at those knots in the rope as a way to climb up the rope to safety and success, instead of a way to knock you down...I know the plans I have for you," Declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE."

JUST HOLD ON!!!

Where were you?

“The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic, and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than 

ever to live our lives in freedom.” 

-Rudolph Giuliani, former mayor of New York City

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” -President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

Where were you?

11SEP2001 at 0846 - Flight 11 crashes at roughly 466 mph into the north face of the North Tower

  

On 10SEP, the radios were discussing when the 'War of the Worlds' was broadcast on the radio, and how people panicked throughout the United States. The next morning I was getting ready for work, 350 miles from NYC, when I got a knock on my door. My neighbor was panicked and asked if I had turned on the radio. I told her I did and that it was a really sick joke about the plane hitting the tower. Imagine my shock when she told me to turn the television on and I found out it was real. My heart sunk and my stomach churned as I watched the events slowly unfold that morning. 

11SEP2001 at 0903 - Flight 175 crashes at about 590 mph into the south face of the South Tower between floors 77 and 85.  

It was at that point that the world understood that it was not an accident. It was at that point that foreign terrorism struck the heart of NYC. People stood in lines to give blood. People joined the military to fight the war on terror. Things changed throughout the Unites States that we are still faced with even today.

11SEP2001 at 0937 - Flight 77 crashes into the western side of the Pentagon at 530 mph and starts a violent fire.

Those events are forever cemented in the minds of those who experienced the loss, not only personally, but those in the country who were alive and remember the vivid details. The country was forever changed on that day. With the support felt around the world, the President declared a war on terror that is still being fought today. There were FAA regulations put in place that are still implemented on flights today.

11SEP2001 at  10:03 - Flight 93 is crashed by it's hijackers and passengers at 583 mph due to fighting in the cockpit in Somerset County, PA.

The question is, do you remember it? As the next generation comes up, it is our job to remind them as to what happened on that day. We need to remind them as to why we as a country needs to stay vigilant. We also need to remind ourselves as to why there were lines to the blood banks on that day. We need to remind ourselves why people volunteers for days and weeks on end to go through the rubble, with hopes of finding people alive. We need to remind ourselves that almost 3000 lives were lost that day.

My challenge to you this SEPTEMBER 11th is to tell your story. Where were you on 11SEPTEMBER 2001?

I can promise you that even at work on that day, my eyes were glued to the television. I can promise you that as that last plane was still missing that I was in prayer for every family who suffered a loss. I was in prayer for those brave men and women of the Police and Fire Departments, along with some military members, who ran into the towers to help those they could...and some who lost their lives. I can promise you that I am still in prayer for those in the government who are making decisions for our countries citizens. I can also promise you that when I think of 11SEP, I have a pride when I remember that the country united and banded together to help everyone through those disastrous events that forever not only changed the skyline of New York City, but the heart of a country as well.

Where were you?