Cynthia L. Simmons has been a homeschool mother and a Bible teacher for more than twenty years. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009, she was honored with a “lifetime membership” for her numerous contributions to writers.

Cindy is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. She and her husband Ray have five children and reside in Atlanta.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8

My friend and I prepare floral arrangements for church. One Saturday we placed miniature sunflowers in a huge blue pitcher and attached a floppy yellow bow. It was stunning. After placing them in front of the pulpit, I went home quite smug. To my horror, I found limp noodles hanging out of the container the next morning. I snatched them out of the sanctuary and disappeared with them. Even though I added fresh water, they didn’t revive.

Now I know that a flower with a heavy stem needs a lot more moisture than the oasis we used. The sunflowers might have performed well in a large container with lots of water, but we never tried that variety again. Instead we’ve mastered all sorts of techniques to make our floral designs last. We’ve learned roses survive longer if immersed in cold water for a couple of hours. Floral preservative increases blossom life while heat and sunshine shorten it. I’m thankful none of our other creations croaked before the service.

Regardless of what I do, however, cut flowers die. As I pull apart the crisp remnants, I remind myself of I Corinthians 4:18, “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Just like those droopy sunflowers, the latest cell phones, a snazzy outfit, or a new purse won’t matter fifty years from now, much less eternity. I share God’s beauty with the congregation knowing my work won’t last, but I hope the visual reminder focuses hearts on the Creator. Because Christ died for me, I have an inheritance in heaven that won’t ever fade.

So how do I keep a long term perspective? It’s a constant battle for me because temporal things can appear important and even glitzy. I have to keep my heart close to God with constant Bible study. When I’m faithful in prayer, the Holy Spirit points out my attitudes, so I can adjust my goals. Spending time with other believers and mediating on Scripture helps too.

My sunflowers embarrassed me, and I took steps to prevent that. On the other hand, I don’t want to get to the end of life and realize I spent too much time on temporal things. I’d rather receive God’s commendation for setting the right priorities. I encourage you to join me. In eternity you’ll be glad you did.

About Struggles and Triumphs

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all-powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these, the Struggles and Triumphs study guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.

Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU.

Purchase the book at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html.

Carla Stewart grew up in a small town in the Texas Panhandle. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she worked as a registered nurse for a number of years. But she always dreamed of the day she would write novels.

She launched her writing career in 2002, and in 2007 she won two American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis awards for unpublished authors. In 2010, Chasing Lilacs, one of those Genesis winning stories, was published to rave reviews. Broken Wings was released the following year—and it also garnered five-star reviews. Her third novel, Stardust, releases today.

Carla and her husband are the parents of four married sons and have six grandchildren.

Carla, welcome back to DivineDetour! Please tell us about Stardust (Faithwords, May 15, 2012).

Stardust is the story of a young mom whose unfaithful husband drowns in the bayou of East Texas in 1952. Shortly after she buries him, Georgia Payton inherits the derelict Stardust Tourist Court from a distant relative. Faced with opposition from the aunt who raised her and others in the town, Georgia breathes new life into the cottages.

The guests who arrive, though, aren’t what Georgia expects: her gin-loving mother-in-law; her dead husband’s mistress; an attractive drifter who’s tired of the endless road; and an aging Vaudeville entertainer with a disturbing link to Georgia’s past. Dreams of a new life are crippled amid the havoc.

Woven throughout is the presence of polio, both as a fearsome possibility and a stark reality for some. When polio strikes close to home, Georgia’s only hope is that she can find the courage to forgive those who’ve betrayed her, the grace to shelter those who need her, and the moxie to face the future. One thing is certain: under the flickering neon of the STARDUST, none of their lives will ever be the same.

Wow… an interesting premise! Where did you get the idea?

My stories always seem to have their roots in my memories, little sparks of ideas or questions I had growing up. For Stardust, I remembered the tourist court we once stayed in as a child—the kind with individual cabins. I liked the idea of it being a haven for weary travelers. I also had two relatives who had polio and carried the physical reminder of it their entire lives, and I remember the fear of the disease when I was a child.

Pairing unusual elements and weaving them into a story is a challenge that I keep returning to, so I brainstormed and let all the characters and plot possibilities simmer until I was ready to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

The biggest thing I learned with this book is that God enables us to do things we don’t think are possible. Just as He gives Georgia His divine grace to do hard things in Stardust, so He also allowed me time to get this book finished on deadline. My dad had unexpected quadruple bypass surgery during the exact time I’d set aside to write the rest of this book (which was about half done with miles to go). I knew what I was going to write, but my time and concentration were broken for a three-week period. And yet, I was able to finish with more than two weeks to spare for rewrites and editing, thanks to a fabulous husband . . . and God’s grace.

Your book covers are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. How much input do you have on the artwork?

I’m asked to submit my ideas and covers that I like. Truthfully, though, I’m glad to turn the cover art over to the design people and let them come up with something. So far, they’ve done a fantastic job. I’m in awe of how my books are vastly different and yet the covers have a cohesive feel that represents me and my brand—nostalgic heartfelt fiction. The team at FaithWords is incredible.

What’s next for you and/or what are you writing now?

Sweet Dreams was turned in a few weeks ago. It’s set in 1962 and has two different settings—an exclusive Southern charm school and an oil tycoon’s ranch—both in Texas.

Here’s a short blurb: Two close-knit cousins struggle to fit in at an exclusive Southern charm school, but when they both fall for the same handsome guy, their love for each other is tested. Patsy Cline sings Crazy on the radio while the worlds both inside and outside the halls of the charm school begin to crumble. Past secrets and family lies collide with the changing times. Sweet Dreams has a flawed cast of characters whose dreams have the power to take them to new heights or tear them all apart.

A few fun questions…

What’s the title of the last GREAT book you’ve read?

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield

What’s your current favorite song on the radio or your mp3 player?

In honor of Stardust, I’ll go with Georgia on My Mind or Stardust by Michael Buble. Anything he sings is my favorite of the moment.

What verse or story in the Bible best describes your faith journey?

We’ve just finished a series on Peter at church, and he’s always been my favorite disciple. I like that he’s from a lowly background and knows the value of hard work. And I LOVE the depths of his passion, his love for Jesus. And yet, he fails over and over. I’m a lot like Peter. From the moment I became a believer, I’ve never doubted my faith or God’s power, but my walk has been like a drunkard’s path many times. And like Peter, the moment I take my eyes off Jesus, I stumble.

Which season of the year best describes your personality and why?

I’m not sure it describes my personality, but autumn is my favorite season, watching the colors change, the swirl of magenta and gold and fiery orange. I love the crisp feel to the air, the anticipation that comes with it. There’s something warm and cozy and invigorating, and I like that. Of course, there is that pesky ragweed, so maybe if autumn were to describe me, you could say that mostly I was pleasant and agreeable, but beware the ragweed days!

As a writer, are you a morning lark or a late-night owl?

Definitely a night owl. I always get a little surge of creativity after ten o’clock and write for a couple of hours. Sometimes it’s a blog post, but often a new scene, and sometimes a long, thoughtful email to a close friend.

The last time you visited, you told us about your Dachshund Zelda. How is she? Any new pets at the Stewart household?

Zelda is doing great. Still my little muse and watchdog. No new pets in our house, but she has a couple of new cousins at my son and daughter-in-law’s house nearby—Siberian husky sisters that are adorable and sweet. Zelda has a different opinion about that, though.

Thanks, Carla! It’s nice to have you back at DivineDetour.

Thank you, Kathy! I’m always glad to stop in. Blessings to you and your readers!

~ ~ ~

For more information about Carla, visit her website at http://www.carlastewart.com/.

To read Carla’s DivineDetour interview from January 2011, visit http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=5726.

To purchase Stardust: A N0vel logon to:

Roy Lessin is a co-founder of DaySpring, the world’s largest Christian greeting card company (now a subsidiary of Hallmark Inc.) and served as a senior writer for the company for more than thirty years. The author of many devotional and gift books, he is a recognized biblical teacher and provides content for the Meet Me in the Meadow blog, which has an audience reach of over one million.

Roy and his wife Charlene once served as missionaries in Mexico and Puerto Rico. They now reside in Arkansas and have two children and four grandchildren.

When did you discover you wanted to be—and had a gift to be—a devotional/inspirational writer? In what way did you first put that gift to use?

When I was in grade school, writing was the furthest thing from my mind. The only class I ever flunked was tenth grade English.

The college I attended lost my entrance exam scores, and since my brother had attended the same school, they decided to use his test scores to evaluate me. The problem was that my brother had majored in journalism and was an excellent writer. Based upon his scores I was placed in an advanced writing class.

I did terrible in that writing class. I turned in fifteen assignments during the semester and received the same grade each time, a D minus. At the end of the course my teacher told me, “You cannot write college level material.” I agreed. I couldn’t get out of that class fast enough.

After my first semester in college I came to a personal faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My life was changed. I wanted to study the Bible and left college to attend a Bible School in the Midwest. One of the courses at the Bible School was English and composition. However, this time my writing experience turned into something positive.

One day in class, our English teacher told us to write a one page article on a certain theme. I finished the assignment and turned it in. For our next assignment, the teacher told us to write the same article in a paragraph. I enjoyed the challenge of condensing my thoughts and did well on the assignment. Then the teacher told us to rewrite the paragraph in a sentence. Once again, I loved the challenge and did well on the assignment.

Through those assignments I discovered I greatly enjoyed expressing my thoughts in concise ways and in simple terms. Years later, this writing style would play a major part in the ministry God would lead me into.

My first published writing happened during my second year in Bible College. The inspiration came when I was given night-guard duty and had to stay up all night watching the campus. To help stay awake, I decided to write a gospel tract. I titled it Religion is a Drag. I finished the tract a few hours before dawn. Since I had no publishing contacts, I decided to self-publish the tract. After having it proofed and checked for doctrinal accuracy, I had 500 copies printed.

About a year later, I received a letter from the American Tract Society. The letter stated that they had come across a copy of Religion is a Drag and wanted my permission to reprint it and add it to their line. I enthusiastically gave them the okay, and received a check for $10.00 in return. About twenty years later, I discovered that the American Tract Society still had Religion is a Drag in print and had sold almost one million copies.

How does your faith play into your work?

I believe God is allowing me to participate in His work, rather than Him participating in my work. My writing is an outflow of His working within me. Faith is so closely tied to the whole of who I am and what I do that I cannot separate them. It would be like asking, “What part do my lungs play in my breathing or my heart play in my circulation?” My breath and my blood cannot operate independently of the organs that support them, and my faith cannot operate independently of the One on whom I totally depend.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

When you come upon a detour it’s usually a surprise and unwelcomed. Thankfully, a detour does not mean the end of the journey, just a different way to get to the destination.

I faced my biggest detour in the early 80’s. Our company, DaySpring Cards, had recently moved our location from Southern California to Northwest Arkansas. Before the move I had become involved in speaking, traveling, and conducting seminars. I thought the move to the middle of the country would make it easier for me to travel and take speaking engagements while still fulfilling my responsibilities at DaySpring.

One night, while sharing my testimony at a local church, my voice began to tighten. It became uncomfortable for me to speak but I wasn’t sure what was causing the difficulty. In a few days my voice seemed normal again and I thought the problem had passed. However, it wasn’t long before the problem returned. Once again it became difficult to speak. This time my voice problem lasted for several days before returning to normal. This pattern continued for several months. One day, my wife and I needed to meet with the principle of the local junior high school. When we got to the meeting I found it so difficult to speak that I whispered to (my) wife, “You will need to do the talking today.” My voice never returned to normal.

It took five years of searching, asking questions, visiting doctors, and trying everything I knew, before I actually discovered what was wrong with my voice. I discovered I had a neurological voice disorder called Spasmodic Dysphonia. I had no idea what that meant, but at least my problem had a name.

After years of further research, I discovered that my voice condition was rare and that there was no known cure. Because the condition became chronic, I had to cancel all speaking opportunities and say “no” to all future invitations. Not only did public speaking become almost impossible, but so did my communication with family and friends. Slowly, my personality began to change and I became more socially withdrawn and tried to avoid any type of speaking situation. Talk about a detour! I thought I would never speak in public again.

Over thirty years have passed since I first developed Spasmodic Dysphonia. As I look back, I see a strong redeeming thread running through these years. Yes, I had to step away from the “pulpit,” but God gave me a pen. It was the detour of my voice condition that moved me onto the pathway of a full-time writing ministry. The pen literally became the voice that God used to allow me to speak to others the things that I heard Him saying to me.

Let’s talk about Today Is Your Best Day (New Leaf Publishing Group, February 2012). Please tell us about it.

Today Is Your Best Day is about living every day in the light of who Jesus is and what He is doing in your life. The book brings to the reader over sixty reasons why, as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, each day is your best day.

Too often, we think about our days as being good or bad, depending upon what happens to us and what is going on around us. God has not called us to live a life that is defined by our circumstances, but by His will being done in us and through us.

The Apostle Paul was a follower of Christ who lived through incredible hardships and difficulties. The Lord even told Paul shortly after his conversion on the road to Damascus, that he would suffer greatly for his obedience to God’s call. Nowhere in Paul’s writings does he ever complain about what God was doing in his life or how God was using him. Paul does not evaluate his life based upon his circumstances. He never tells us that he had a good day or a bad day, but he does remind us often that every day is God’s day. Paul “counts it all joy” to be able to serve the living God.

My prayer is that God will use Today Is Your Best Day to help encourage believers to rest their heads upon their pillows each night, no matter how difficult the day has been, and say with full assurance of faith, “Father, today has been my best day because I lived it for You and for Your glory.”

Where did you get the idea for the particular theme in this book?

I noticed a focus in the market place aimed at trying to help people be happy and live fulfilled and meaningful lives. What I didn’t notice was a focus upon the importance of seeing life from God’s point of view instead of our own point of view.

I sensed the need for a book that did not put the focus upon what God does to bring us happiness, but upon what we do to please Him; not upon our success, but upon His wise plan and loving purpose for us; not upon our resources, but upon the abundant riches that are daily ours in Christ.

You are both a father and grandfather. Are there other writers in your family?

My dad was an outstanding writer. My brother, Don, was also an excellent writer. However, God used my dad as a bible teacher and my brother as a missionary and pastor. Neither one was ever used by the Lord in a writing ministry. Today, both my son and daughter are gifted writers, and I see the same gifts in my grandchildren.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

I’m afraid all my comfort foods have gone with the wind . . . last year I had major surgery to remove a cancerous tumor the size of a baseball . . . I have since been advised that sugar feeds cancer . . . so goodbye pie, ice cream, and all their “comforting” friends.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Can’t sing a note or play a toot. I once took singing lessons, but after several lessons my teacher remarked, “There’s nothing I can do to help.”

However, to my joy, I have had several of my writings put to music and recorded by other artists.

What’s the last GREAT book you’ve read?

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand . . . an amazing story with a powerful ending.

Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Even though hamsters, fish, birds, cats, and dogs have all taken up residence in our home at various times, there are no pets at the moment. My favorite pet was our parakeet, who added to his large vocabulary such phrases as, “The King is coming!” and “Glory to God.”

Thank you, Mr. Lessin, for the encouragement you have shared with others through the years. It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

~ ~ ~

To read or subscribe to Roy’s online devotional blog, Meet Me in the Meadow, visit http://roy.dayspring.com/.

To purchase Today Is Your Best Day logon to:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author who enjoys living through the thrilling, nail-biting suspense that is experienced by her characters. Now readers can experience it too, because Dani’s debut novel, Submerged, was released on May 1.

A fan of traveling, dark chocolate, and little cottages on remote stretches of the beach, Dani, along with her husband and their two teenage daughters, resides in Maryland.

You seem to love adventure! What sparked your decision to journey down the adventurous path of writing?

I have always loved daydreaming and making up stories. I dabbled with creative writing growing up, but set it aside. It wasn’t until after the birth of my youngest daughter and a bout with a serious illness that I really felt God stirring me to start writing again.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

My illness was really scary and difficult, but God brought a lot of blessings out of it, including renewing my love of writing and the desire to pursue it professionally.

How does your faith play into your work?

It plays a great role, but I’d like to think in a natural way. Just as my love of adventure permeates the stories I write, so does my faith. My relationship with Jesus is part of every facet of my life, it’s only natural to be part of the stories I tell.

Let’s talk about your new book, Submerged (May 1, 2012, Bethany House). Please tell us about it.

Submerged is the first in my Alaskan Courage series.

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation–and Yancey’s a town that doesn’t forget. She’s returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey’s own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey’s reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart… but doesn’t seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he’s not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

Besides entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from it?

That true fulfillment and wholeness can be found only in Christ.

God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

God showed me that even when we are forgiven, sometimes we let our past sins weigh us down. Instead of embracing the new creation we are in Him, we let the past hinder our future, and it keeps us from fully experiencing what God has planned for us.

As a debut author, what’s your best piece of advice to writers—young or older—who are just starting out?

Keep writing. It sounds trite, but it’s very easy to become discouraged. Writing can be a solitary endeavor and there are many obstacles along the path to publication, but if God has laid the love of story on your heart (no matter your age) then write for Him. You just may be amazed what He does with it. : )

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Dark chocolate is my go-to treat whether I’m celebrating or in a funk. My absolute favorite dark chocolate dessert is Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé. It’s a Belgian chocolate soufflé drizzled with raspberry coulis and accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream. It is out of this world.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

My daughter laughed hysterically at this because I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I did play the flute growing up and dabbled with the guitar. Although, I have terrible flashbacks of having to practice over and over with a metronome ticking rhythmically in the background.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Something with a fun melody like Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison or Bubbly by Colbie Caillat.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Major.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

The little girl trying to walk in high heels. It’s exactly why I try to never wear high heels, though it’s a hilarious sight to see when I do. Just ask my husband.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

We have two dogs—a black Lab who thinks he’s a lap dog and a Miniature Dachshund who thinks she’s a lion.

Thanks, Dani. It’s great to have you as a guest at DivineDetour this week!

Thanks so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Dani, visit her website at www.DaniPettrey.com.

To purchase Submerged logon to:

by Linda Cox

I paused to look at the quilt draped over the rocking chair. Bright pink and blue embroidered butterfly blocks set in blue and pink gingham material with a hot pink backing. Now that’s what I call a “happy quilt”! Not anything extra special in the quilt world. But doubly sentimental for my husband and me.

I had found the quilt blocks buried in the bottom of Mom’s closet as I readied my parents’ home for the estate auction after their deaths. Mom had embroidered them but apparently never found time to finish the quilt. The blocks were too beautiful to sell or simply store away as a keepsake. They were meant to become a quilt. But I knew I’d have to find someone to do that for me.

I also knew I didn’t have to look very far. Just across the field, in fact. I approached my mother-in-law about finishing the quilt and happily left the blocks in her capable hands. She picked out the material, set the blocks, and put the batting and backing into place. Then she and the Trinity Quilters from her church finished it.

Now, it’s more than just a “happy quilt.” Embroidered by my mother whose arthritic fingers must have struggled with each stitch. And quilted by my almost-90 year old mother-in-law. It’s a masterpiece of love.

Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.

… a rope that is woven of three strings is hard to break.

Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12 (NCV)

Two women created this quilt. Two women of faith whose labors of love were woven together by God’s love. It’s just a simple quilt as quilts go, but the love in those stitches created a family heirloom that my husband and I will treasure forever.

As we pause once again on Mother’s Day to honor mothers and daughters, those who have been like a mother or daughter to us, even our friends, may our relationships be woven together and strengthened by the love of God.

Linda Cox is a regular contributor to DivineDetour. She recently retired after twenty-five years as a district office secretary for the State of Illinois. Her first loves are studying the Bible and reading, but Linda occasionally tries her hand at writing. Her work is published in All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa (Thomas Nelson), The One-Year Life Verse Devotional (Tyndale), Life Lessons from Grandparents (Write Integrity) and the Love Is a Verb devotional (Bethany House). She and her husband live on a farm with their two indoor/outdoor farm mutts.

The month of May brings not only spring flowers but a bouquet of fresh reads from American Christian Fiction Writers’ authors. Here are nineteen novels featured at www.fictionfinder.com, a free and helpful book “finder” for avid readers of Christian fiction.

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar — The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin, Sarah, has come to two conclusions about life: that God does not love her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth. Caught in an arranged marriage, Sarah must learn to love—a task that could prove dangerous.

A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer — At the close of the Civil War in Tennessee, Heaven Wharton’s life is out of control, and Travis Logan is running from a painful past. Did God orchestrate their meeting, or is it one more problem in their search for true peace?

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert — Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, nurse chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to ER duties. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? To prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge. Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.

Mary’s Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley — When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?

Read Lena’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=10182.

The Black Sheep’s Redemption by Lynette Eason — Charles Fitzgerald is guilty until proven innocent according to the townspeople of Fitzgerald Bay. When Demi Taylor comes to town, Charles finds one more reason to urge his law enforcement family to hurry up and solve the case–Demi’s love.

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert — Young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. The unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan. Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

Katie will be featured on DivineDetour on May 22.

The Marshal’s Promise by Rhonda Gibson — Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in the New Mexico territory full of dreams—but they’re shattered when she discovers her intended husband has been killed. If it weren’t for U.S. marshal Seth Billings’s housekeeping job offer, she’d have nowhere to go. Caring for Jesse Cole’s would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren’t for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca—and to keep her safe from Jesse’s enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well…

Whole Pieces by Ronie Kendig — Whole Pieces is a novella in the 7 Hours collection. After a brutal attack left him without a limb and his team dead, former Green Beret Haytham “Hawk” Wilson is angry at life and God. Every day he relives his decision to send the Afghan boy home rather than following orders to kill any who came upon his hidden team. Eaten alive by grief and regret over one order he failed, Hawk seizes the opportunity to go back and correct his failure. The decision is simple . . . until he gets there.

Chameleon: The Ravensmore Chronicles, Book Two by Jillian Kent — After battling a chronic childhood illness that kept her homebound for years, Lady Victoria Grayson journeys to London determined to have the adventure of a lifetime. Jaded by his wartime profession as a spy, Lord Witt understands, more than most, that everyone is not always who they pretend to be. He meets Victoria after the Regent requests an investigation into the activities of her physician brother. Witt and Victoria become increasingly entangled in a plot targeting the lords of Parliament.

The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller — Lexie is fighting a supernatural battle to save her marriage and her husband’s soul. Will she unmask the evil before it’s too late?

Submerged by Dani Pettrey — A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Dani will be featured on DivineDetour on May 8.

Rainbow’s End by Cara Putman, Valerie Comer, Nicole O’Dell and Annalisa Daughety — Join a geocaching adventure in the spectacular Lake of the Ozarks wilderness, with Lyssa, the reluctant volunteer whose former nemesis is now her chief sponsor; Madison, a city girl paired with an outdoorsy guy who gets on her very last nerve; Hadley, who doesn’t know enough about guys to realize she’s met a womanizer; and cautious Reagan, who meets an equally cautious guy. Will they find the treasure they’re looking for… or something else entirely?

Read Cara’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=13187.

After All (A Hanover Falls Novel) by Deborah Raney — Eighteen months after the tragic Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband, David, and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she’s finally beginning to heal. But then she discovers that David carried a secret to his grave. A secret that changes everything she thought their marriage had been. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?

Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—because her dearest friend was someone else’s husband.

Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls’ fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night. Can he ever shake the feeling that he should have somehow prevented the tragedy? As he tries to rebuild the team at Clemens County’s Station 2, it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected.

Deb will be featured on DivineDetour on May 29.

Fatal Disclosure by Sandra Robbins — An undercover DEA agent finds himself protecting the woman he loves from the smugglers who murdered his partner.

Read Sandra’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=2557.

The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad — The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws’ home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. When a row ensues with the in-laws, a handsome stranger—who designs roller coasters, of all things—intercedes on her behalf. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Annie’s Truth by Beth Shriver — Annie Bieler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.

Stardust by Carla Stewart — An East Texas widow sets her dreams on running the Stardust Tourist Court, but when her dead husband’s mistress arrives with a child in tow and polio strikes, her dreams are crippled.

Carla will be featured on DivineDetour on May 15. Her previous interview can be read at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=5726.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade — A single Christian girl determines to renovate the broken heart of her contractor.

The Homesteader’s Sweetheart by Lacy Williams — To escape a dreaded arranged marriage, Penny Castlerock will face anything–even life on her grandfather’s farm. But it isn’t the rustic lifestyle that’s got the Philadelphia socialite tied in knots. It’s the handsome homesteader and his eight adopted children next door….

Read Lacy’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=9607.

Christi Smith, the founder of Living Beyond Ministries, once lived and worked within the outward glamour of the Miss America Pageant system and the high profile luxury retail industry. She now uses those experiences to teach about a more abundant life through Christ.

Christi regularly shares her inspiring message with women of all ages at luncheons and gatherings on the speaking and teaching circuit, and through her study guide entitled Living Beyond. Also a mom and wife, Christi—along with her husband Alan and their two children, Lily and Autry—lives on a mountainside near Nashville, Tennessee.

You once lived in a world of outward poise—from beauty pageants to the fashion industry—but you struggled with fear. What finally resolved such dichotomy in your life?

Fear is something that I can always remember feeling, even in childhood. The fear of failure, the fear of not fitting in, even a fear of feeling physical or emotional pain. So often, these fears held me back from experiencing the joys of relationships and budding friendships. I would not tryout for much of anything because I was afraid to fail or look silly learning a new skill. This insecurity and fear in my life was like a millstone holding me down.

However, in the midst of all that fear and insecurity, the Lord faithfully worked in my life helping me to catch glimpses of who He created me to be. I knew, even at a young age, that I had a desire and a draw to be more outgoing, creative and inspire people around me.

When I was sixteen I participated in my first pageant. Scared to death and literally shaking on stage, I won the title of Miss North Central Georgia Teen. This was a little puff of confidence to my tentative heart. This is where a seven-year journey in pageantry and the Miss America organization began. During these years I went through battle after battle of facing my fears and seeing God miraculously show me His faithfulness as I placed more confidence in Him and who He created me to be than I had in myself and my own abilities.

One of the most memorable fears that I faced was the fear of performing my talent (piano) on stage. As a person who struggled with insecurity, I never thought I was a good pianist although I had begun playing when I was seven years old. At every recital I would shake so terribly that my legs and ankles would vibrate uncontrollably until I stood up to return to my seat or exit the stage. In 1999, while competing for the title of Miss Gwinnett County, the Lord brought me to this scripture—Colossians 3:23-24, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men (this was judges in my mind); knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

So as I waited backstage, hearing a phenomenal opera singer perform with no fear and complete passion, I proclaimed this scripture and committed that night’s performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue to Him. It was my first performance without fear and trembling. I also won the talent competition that night and the title.

There are so many more examples of Christ setting me free from the fear and insecurity that had plagued me for so many years. He used these unlikely experiences of pageantry and the fashion industry to place a holy spotlight on my weakness and prove to me that He is made strong in my weakness.

What led you to want to teach what you had learned personally?

As I shared, I had always felt a tug in my heart to inspire people and at the age of nineteen I knew the Lord was calling me to serve women. I hear so many stories from women, and have experienced so many personal battles with fear and insecurity that I cannot help but share this freedom with others. When Christ has set you free, you are free indeed—this is my story!!

I am free from my past failures, I am free from the fear of my future, I am free from the fear of what others may think or say, I am free to serve my God and experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give me (John 10:10)! So many of us desire this same freedom! How could I ever keep this to myself!

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

I have experienced MANY unexpected detours that He has used to show me His faithfulness and majesty. The close of my pageant years was not in a blaze of glory and success. It was in a pool of tears and confusion as I watched my years of preparation disappear in a matter of seconds. I was performing my talent in the finals for Miss Georgia America when the Lord threw out the big orange DETOUR sign and I completely forgot the second half of the Concerto in G Minor that I could normally play in my sleep. Needless to say that ended my bid for the title that night. I was devastated and confused. I wondered why the Lord had allowed me to go through that. How would I ever be used to minister to women? Why would they want to hear what I felt I had to say and teach without this prestigious title? This question plagued me for several years as I poured myself into my work for a major luxury fashion house.

In 2008, I had a reality check with Jesus. The detour was just about over. I had to learn another vital lesson, my value in His Kingdom work does not come from anything that man has to offer. No title or glamourous life will make me useful to God. I am useful in His kingdom, when like a child I come just as I am and trust Him completely in all things.

Romans 8:28 promises me and you, that God will cause all things, even painful and embarrassing things, to work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purposes.

Had I never taken that detour, I would have been more confident in my own accomplishments and abilities than I was in who God is. I would have become a “self made woman” instead of a daughter whose life had been fashioned by the Creator of the Universe who passionately pursued me all the way to the cross.

Let’s talk about your Bible study guide, Living Beyond: Women Living Beyond Emotions, Fears and Circumstances, which is available through your website. Please tell us about it.

This study is a wonderful look at the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis. If there is anyone who had reason to shake his fist at God and sit in the soup of his own tears, fears and circumstances, it was Joseph, the son of Israel (Jacob). Yet, we see a man who goes from a prideful youth to a humble servant. He experiences success, then disappointment, over and over, yet he chooses to allow God to minister to him at the point of his need.

I don’t want to preempt the study, but this six week study is a precious time of realizing the fullness we have in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the powerful Holy Spirit.

One of the key verses in Living Beyond is found in John 10:10, The thief has come to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. This is written to help us to understand and recognize the thief when he creeps into our lives through our roller-coaster emotions and the fears and insecurities that whisper to us as we lay awake in our beds dreading what the future holds.

I have been amazed as women who have done this study all over the country are choosing every day to live beyond their emotions, fears and circumstances! And living beyond doesn’t just entail dealing with ourselves only. When we choose to live beyond and live out our belief in Him and His Word, we will see the lives of others be impacted and the name of Jesus be lifted up!! What a blessing!

If someone is struggling with fear in one or more aspects of his/her life, what’s the first step to “life beyond” that fear?

Getting real with yourself and God is key to living beyond the grip of fear. Over and over in scripture the Lord says, I heard the cry of my people. He hears you and I when we call out to Him. Specifically pour out your fears to your Father who loves you with an everlasting love. Then get into the Word and seek out verses that express God’s promises of protection and provision for you.

The Psalms of David are wonderful when battling fear, as David experienced fear yet always found strength and confidence in God. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB) is another powerful verse when dealing with fear, For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power and love and discipline.

A few fun questions…

What is your favorite comfort food and why?

I must say that I love food . . . period. Some of my favorite comfort foods are dumplings in the cooler months. I love pumpkin breads and cheesecake in the fall with a hot cup of coffee. I honestly try to avoid comfort food in the summer, but we love to grill out in warmer weather.

This website features musicians as well as authors. What’s your current favorite song or artist on the radio or mp3 player?

I am embarrassed, but liberated, to confess that I was still listening to my 1980’s Walkman until February 1st, 2012. Yes, I have a cassette tape that has been in my Walkman for over seventeen years. Now that I have graduated to my new iPhone 4s, I love to listen to Toby Mac and Jamie Grace while doing what I call running (this is up for debate by true runners) and Travis Cotrell’s latest album, When the Stars Burn Down. I love the song, The Word of God Has Spoken.

What’s the title of the last GREAT book you’ve read?

Elisabeth Elliott is one of my great mentors and I love all of her books!

What verse or story in the Bible best describes your faith journey?

The great Exodus by the Israelites, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. I love this account of God’s Mighty Right Arm rescuing His people from oppression and delivering them to the promised land. Of course, they were all humans who struggled with doubt and fear and I completely relate to that. But ultimately, they take hold of the Promised Land with confidence in their God and His ability to do supernatural things through their very natural lives. It does in fact, require one to live beyond himself/herself to believe that marching around Jericho’s city wall for seven days and then yelling really loud will cause the walls to crumble and the battle to be won!

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I have always had an inner strength and strong personality yet lacked the confidence to walk in who I was made to be. As I have surrendered my heart and my will to Jesus, I have begun to appreciate and recognize purpose in my life.

So I guess I have to say that at one point I was stuck behind the dark glasses of fear and insecurity that made it hard to see, so I took those off. Then I got bored living next door, so I put on some high heels and learned to walk. Now, I rest in God’s strength and follow where He leads. And maybe from time to time, my kids see me in a Wonder Woman outfit (I always did like her stylish costume you know!).

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

We have a great Boxer named Savannah. She is quite a remarkable dog. We bought her last summer after we left Metro Atlanta and the neighborhood life, to take up residence on the side of a mountain in Tennessee where we rarely see our neighbors on the farm next to us. I had not been a “dog person” since Alan and I got married and my sweet lab Anna was put down while we were on our honeymoon ten years ago. Savannah, however, has stolen our hearts and she even gets to come inside the house a few days a week.

We have been told she is very mild mannered for a boxer. I am glad! She really has a similar personality to our daughter—meek and playful.

Thank you, Christi! It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Christi, to purchase her printed Bible study guide, register for her online study course, or contact her about a speaking engagement, visit her website at http://www.christismith.org/.

Tragedy, love, and secrets meet on a journey of faith.

I logged onto Christianbook.com one day this week and saw these words printed beneath the description for my debut novel, The Road to Mercy—and they caught me by surprise. Someone from the Abingdon Press staff had taken the book’s 75,000 words and effectively capsulized them into only ten.

Later it struck me that someday someone will similarly summarize my earthly existence—and yours—in only a few words. Perhaps they already have. I wonder what kind of epitaph my actions—based on a single personal encounter or a lifetime relationship—have already inspired. More importantly, I wonder how I can best finish my story so it positively impacts those I meet.

Our personal story is written one day at a time. But together those days—and years—add up to who we are. If you could choose only ten words that others would use to summarize your life, what would they be? And how will you go about earning them?

~ Kathy Harris

Fay Lamb is an editor for Pelican Book Group—the publisher of White Rose Publishing/Harbourlight Books—and an Operating Board member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She also co-moderates the ACFW Scribes’ Critique Group. Her second novel, Because of Me, which finaled in the 2010 ACFW Genesis contest, was recently published by Treble Heart Books.

A Florida native, Fay lives in Titusville with her husband Marc. They have two married sons and five grandchildren.

Please tell us about your path to writing and working in the publishing industry.

I think I’ve been on the writing path most of my life. I’ve always loved to tell a story. My imagination doesn’t take a rest. In high school I was known as “the girl who writes stories.” I was a little older when I realized that any desire to write came from God and that if He has provided me with any talent, it should be used to glorify Him. Since that time, I became serious about my writing, seeking publication. It’s been a long road, but along the way, the Lord has given me encouragement and even changed my direction a couple of times. In fact, working for Pelican Ventures, Inc. is a dream I never thought would come true. Not only am I an author, I’m an editor—and I work with some pretty awesome professionals in the Christian publishing industry.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Because of Me was a wonderful unexpected detour. I wasn’t happy at the beginning of the journey, but looking back, I clearly see that God was at work.

I was told by an editor of a major publishing house that my work was too complex for Christian readers. My husband counseled me to write a contemporary romance with lighter issues and seek publication of it to prove that I can hold the interest of a reader with a less adventurous plot. His reasoning was sound, and I would recommend it for anyone who has taken on a complex project.

While I continued to tweak the contemporary romances, a friend offered me the chance to meet with the editor/owner of Treble Heart Books. We spent a delightful evening learning about the industry, and by the time we left a three-hour lunch, I had a sense that this editor understood me and the reasons behind what I write. I sent her my manuscript, and Because of Me found its voice in Christian publishing.

Let’s talk about Because of Me (January 2012, Treble Heart Books). Please tell us more about it.

Because of Me is the story of Michael Hayes, once a promising young investigative report, and his fiancée, Issie Putnam. In his ambition, Michael leads Issie into a very dangerous situation, and their lives are changed forever. Michael is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison while Issie is left alone to raise a child born of a crime committed against her on that fateful night. When Michael returns to their hometown to protect Issie from the man who harmed her, he finds that she’s not alone. Issie is raising her son, and though Michael is not the child’s father, the boy was definitely born because of him.

God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

I’m still learning this lesson. God never moves away from us. Even when we step away, even when we’ve messed up, even when we think He’s far from us, He is there. When we are going through the deepest struggles of our lives, God is fulfilling His promise that “all things work together” for those who love Him. When we call out to Him, God doesn’t have to rush to us from across a wide gulf. He simply has to wrap His arms around us and tell us, “I’m right here. I always have been here. Your needs are met, and I love you, Child.”

As a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Operating Board, you work with the Scribes’ critique group. What is the best advice that you can offer to writers—young or older—who are just starting out?

Writers who are just starting out can benefit greatly from a critique group, but they have to steel themselves against some assessments of their writing that will hurt. There’s no way to get around it, but there is a way to get over it. Write. Write. Write. Realize everyone has an opinion. Not everyone is going to like the way you write or what you write. The secret is working to find out which advice to take and which to discard. Then work toward eliminating those issues in your writing that rightly receive criticism.

It’s not easy, but writers are as much artists as a musician, painter, or sculptor. Anything that requires a development of talent takes practice—lots and lots of practice.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Anyone who spends anytime with me on Facebook knows the answer to this one. We have a drive-in restaurant in town. It’s called The Moonlight. My favorite celebratory/comfort foods are: Moonlight fried pickles, a jumbo sweet iced tea with extra ice, and several different types of Moonlight ice cream, but mostly a hot fudge Sundae, light on the fudge, with bananas, and whipped cream.

And if my husband and I don’t show up at the Moonlight at least every other day, they worry about us.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Not an ounce of musical talent exists in me. I was maybe eight-years-old, singing away in the backseat of my much-loved grandmother’s car, when she turned to me and said, “You’re as tone-deaf as your father.” End of music career, and with so many people showing up and embarrassing themselves on American Idol, I’m so fortunate to have someone who loved me enough to tell me the truth.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Despite the fact that I’m not overly fond of the ocean, I think I’d be beach music, the kind you select on your iPod, earphones in the ears, chair in the sand, and the waves tickling your toes.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I really had to think about this one, so here goes:  I’m the strong, female lead, wearing dark glasses, and trying to walk in high heels like a grown up and failing miserably. In other words:  I really am a mess, but if we want to put a positive slant on my personality:  I’d say I’m a wee bit complicated. [Note:  my dear husband would replace the word complicated with crazy, but I didn't ask for his opinion.]

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

We currently have five indoor pets and three outdoor rebels that will not come across the threshold. My husband and I have a rule that when an animal comes into our home, it is with us for life. Our cast of four-legged indoor characters: Max, a Cairn Terror (There’s a reason the witch wanted to kill Toto. He was a Cairn Terrier.) Next is Herbie, a Chihuahua named after my father. We believe that Herbie belonged to Methuselah. He’s older than dirt. Baby, our Maltese was rescued as she strolled down a major highway, her long hair matted to her body. Now she is queen of the abode. Charlie, a Himalayan cat, is currently the acting supervisor in my husband’s appraisal business, sitting on his desk all day, making sure he works hard to bring home the cat food. Then there is Melly, a sweet calico who has been with us for nearly thirteen years.

Our outside cast of characters consists of three stray cats:  The Artful Dodger, his one-eyed brother, Jack, and another old fellow we call Feagan.

Thanks, Fay. It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Fay, visit her website at www.faylamb.com or her blog at http://faylamb.com/ontheledge/on-the-ledge/.

Fay also contributes to the Pelican Book Group’s Tactical Tuesdays: Advice for Self-Editing blog series, which can be accessed via www.pelicanbookgroup.com.

You can purchase Because of Me from Fay’s website, http://faylamb.com/book-store/, or logon to:

by Linda Cox

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord… ~ Isaiah 58:13-14a (NIV)

These verses from Isaiah are some of my favorites. Yes, really.

At first glance, one might think they are rather legalistic. That they apply only to the Jewish Sabbath. Or if applying to our Sunday, they fuel the debate of what Christians can or cannot do on that day. Do we have to go to church every Sunday? Can we go shopping? To the movies? Play golf? Eat out? Plow a field? Throw a party?

But as I read the verses, I see them extending beyond that issue.

To begin with, “sabbath” simply means rest, cessation, intermission. A time without the clatter of the world interrupting our thoughts and our lives. A time to rest and recharge. It can be all of Sunday. For some, it can be another day of the week. It can be the smaller amounts of time we take each day for devotions. For prayer. For a quiet time of just listening for the Lord to speak to our hearts.

These verses put the focus of any Sabbath time where it should be—on the Lord, not on ourselves and our selfish desires. And when our focus is where it should be, we can begin to see every day as a delight. A day for doing and saying what pleases God. A day that we honor as belonging to the Lord.

And look at what we find when we do that! Joy! Joy in the Lord! A joy that nothing in this world can give. A joy that nothing in this world can take away!

May we pause as often as we can in the midst of our busy lives for a Sabbath rest. And as we find our joy in the Lord, may we also delight in every day truly being the Lord’s day.

Linda Cox is a regular contributor to DivineDetour. She recently retired after twenty-five years as a district office secretary for the State of Illinois. Her first loves are studying the Bible and reading, but Linda occasionally tries her hand at writing. Her work is published in All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa (Thomas Nelson), The One-Year Life Verse Devotional (Tyndale), Life Lessons from Grandparents (Write Integrity) and the Love Is a Verb devotional (Bethany House). She and her husband live on a farm with their two indoor/outdoor farm mutts.