Holly Michael's Writing Straight

~ Connecting and Inspiring Along Life's Crooked Lines by Author Holly Michael

Holly Michael's Writing Straight

Tag Archives: Remembering Christmas

Need Christmas Gifts? May I recommend…

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Books

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

A Christmas Prayer, A Door County Christmas: Four Romances Warm Hearts in Wisconsin's Version of Cape Cod (Romancing America) by Becky Melby, A Vow to Cherish, Amy Parker, and Cynthia Ruchti., Bathroom Reading: Short stories for Short visits, Blog, books, Books for Children, Books for men, Books for women, Charles Dickens, children's books, Christian Christmas Books, Christmas, Christmas Gift, Christmas Shopping, Dan Walsh, Deborah Raney, Eileen Key, Finding Father Christmas, God is with me through the Night, Holly Michael, Jordyn Redwood, Julie Cantrell, Life of Our Lord, Men's books, Poems for a Platypus, Proof, Rachael Phillips, Remembering Christmas, Rick Bylina, Robin Jones Gunn, Silver Bells, Song of the Season Series, The Discovery, The unfinished Gift, www.writingstraight.com

…books, of course! From now until Christmas, I’m going to attempt to post blogs listing good books for Christmas gifts and good reads that will enhance the true spirit of Christmas. Here are a few suggestions for each person on your “nice” list:

MEN

16151125

Got a guy on your list who doesn’t have too much time for reading? Get Rick Bylina’s humorous book, Bathroom Reading–Short Stories for Short Visits (Volume 1) Sixty-six short stories from writer’s angst to T-Rex to aliens, zombies, squirrels, cockatiels, cows, thrillers, comedies, tragedies, and love stories with Rick’s own unique take.

Bylina’s Poem’s for a Platypus is pretty hilarious, too. untitled (13)He says: This is a book of my poetry that platypi have indicated they love. Most people don’t know that platypi love a good short poem, a saucy limerick, or a tight Haiku. They don’t care for epics because a platypi’s attention span is not that strong. Though it might seem at first glance, that this is a book of Haiku, it is not. I write what I feel, and I feel short poems most of the time that mirror the traditional Haiku style. However, there are many poems that are not in that style, because, well, that’s not what I felt at the time of the writing. Enjoy the same poems as the platypi, and you too can feel as carefree as they do, enjoying the moment, reflecting deeply, then swimming on to their next adventure.

posterFor men’s fiction (and women, too) Dan Walsh has some wonderful inspirational books. The Discovery is my favorite, but The Unfinished Gift and Remembering Christmas: A Novel are great Christmas reads for all. Walsh is the bestselling author of 9 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts, including The Unfinished Gift, The Reunion and The Dance. He has won 3 ACFW Carol Awards, 2 Selah Awards, and twice his novels have been named as finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year.

Women

untitled (14)For fiction, Jordyn’s Redwood’s books are thrilling reads. In Proof, book one of the bloodline trilogy, Dr. Lilly Reeves is a young, accomplished ER physician with her whole life ahead of her. But that life instantly changes when she becomes the fifth victim of a serial rapist. Believing it’s the only way to recover her reputation and secure peace for herself, Lilly sets out to find–and punish–her assailant. Sporting a mysterious tattoo and unusually colored eyes, the rapist should be easy to identify. He even leaves what police would consider solid evidence. But when Lilly believes she has found him, DNA testing clears him as a suspect. How can she prove he is guilty, if science says he is not?

untitled (17)Deborah Raney’s, A VOW TO CHERISH was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures’ highly acclaimed film of the same title. The film won a Silver Angel, a bronze Omni Award and a Gold Special Jury Award at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival. It is now available on video and on DVD in seven languages. Book and film continue to shed healing light on the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease for families and caregivers.

 

untitled (15)And…Silver Bells: Song of the Season Series is a one of Deborah Raney’s heartwarming Christmas reads. As Elvis croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon a small Kansas town, two people find the miracle of love. Michelle Penn has dropped out of college to work as a reporter for a tiny weekly newspaper. The boss’s son, Robert Merrick III, is quickly making her forget all about her former sweetheart, Kevin, who has shipped out to Vietnam. Rob loves the newspaper business but feels trapped working for his father. He dreams of having his own newspaper, but now that he’s met Michelle, she is what he wants most of all. Rob is forbidden by office policy to date Michelle, but if he were to quit his job, he’d have nothing to offer her. As snow blankets the town, it seems that the gifts Rob and Michelle most desire — each other — are out of reach. But then, they didn’t count on a small Christmas miracle.

*About the series: Songs of the Season™ is a line of inspirational romance fiction that overflows with seasonal cheer. Each standalone novel bears the title of a popular Christmas song from a nostalgic era.

untitled (18)And I have to recommend, A Door County Christmas: Four Romances Warm Hearts in Wisconsin’s Version of Cape Cod (Romancing America) by Becky Melby, Eileen Key, Rachael Phillips, and Cynthia Ruchti. I was born and raised in Door County and experienced quite a few of these Christmases. In this novel, peer behind the closed doors of a Wisconsin tourist town gone dormant for the winter season. Watch as the drama and romance start to heat up—just as Lola the innkeeper promised her four single friends a year ago when she gifted them with her prayers and a Christmas cactus. Will each woman find love—along with cactus blooms—as promised?

untitled (19)Can’t resist one more Christmas novel for women: Finding Father Christmas By Robin Jones Gunn In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Miranda Carson’s search for her father takes a turn she never expected when she finds herself in London with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Unexpectedly welcomed into a family that doesn’t recognize her, and whom she’s quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can’t bear to leave. Robin Jones Gunn brilliantly combines lyrical writing and unforgettable characters to craft a story of longing and belonging that will stay with readers long after they close the pages of this book.

untitled (20)I haven’t bought The Life of Our Lord, but I want to read it. Charles Dickens wrote The Life of Our Lord during the years 1846-1849, just about the time he was completing David Copperfield. In this charming, simple retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, adapted from the Gospel of St. Luke, Dickens hoped to teach his young children about religion and faith. Since he wrote it exclusively for his children, Dickens refused to allow publication. For eighty-five years the manuscript was guarded as a precious family secret, and it was handed down from one relative to the next. When Dickens died in 1870, it was left to his sister-in-law, Georgina Hogarth. From there it fell to Dickens’s son, Sir Henry Fielding Dickens, with the admonition that it should not be published while any child of Dickens lived. Just before the 1933 holidays, Sir Henry, then the only living child of Dickens, died, leaving his father’s manuscript to his wife and children. He also bequeathed to them the right to make the decision to publish The Life of Our Lord. By majority vote, Sir Henry’s widow and children decided to publish the book in London. In 1934, Simon & Schuster published the first American edition, which became one of the year’s biggest bestsellers.

Children

untitled (21)Julie Cantrell’s God is With Me Through the Night. In this book, furry friends reveal that even the biggest and bravest of God’s creatures feel frightened sometimes. This comforting story allows parents to build stronger bonds with their children while reminding readers of all ages that fear, loneliness, and hopelessness can be alleviated when we put our trust in God. The story ends with an easy-to-remember Bible verse that teaches children about God’s love. ‘Fear not, for I am with you’ (Isaiah 41:10).

untitled (22)Snuggle in this holiday season and offer up A Christmas Prayer by Amy Parker. In the tradition of A Night Night Prayer, this precious little child wanders through the house on a snowy Christmas night offering a prayer of thanks and blessing. The child finishes with thanks to God for the greatest Gift of all. Noting all the characters in the Nativity, this lovable little nighttime prayer book has interactive dialogue and soothing rhyme for a child to repeat as they look around their world at Christmastime. Between the soft Christmas glow of the illustrations and the smooth rhythm of the child’s prayer, A Christmas Prayer will make every parent and child want to snuggle up by the tree and offer a prayer of thanks to God for His many Christmas blessings.

Enjoy shopping! And remember, Books are the best gift!

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Interview: Best-Selling and Award Winning Author Dan Walsh! Yahoo!

30 Thursday May 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Books

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

ACFW, ACFW-Kansas City, American Christian Fiction Writers, Author, award winning Christian books, best-seller, Christian Fiction, Christian Love Story, Christian Novels, Christian Romance, Christianity, Christmas Novels, Clean Reads, Dan Walsh, forgiveness, Gary Smalley, Historical Novels, Inspiration, Leave out the parts readers skip, Love, Novels, redemption, Remembering Christmas, Restoration Series, romance, The Dance, The Deepest Waters, The Discovery, The Homecoming, The Promise, The Reunion, The unfinished Gift, Theme of Forgiveness, Theme of Love, Theme of Redemption, Themes of Forgiveness, Writing, writing advice, Writing Tips, www.danwalshbooks.com, www.writingstraight.com

Recently, we were super-blessed at our local Kansas City chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)! Best-selling and award-winning author Dan Walsh (also an ACFW member) skyped into our monthly meeting from his home in Florida. He spoke about the craft of writing, and answered a few of our questions.

(Psst…hang in there for a HUGE SURPRISE to come).

poster

Dan Walsh writes contemporary and historical novels–mostly love stories and family-life dramas. He’s been called “the Nicholas Sparks of Christian Fiction,” and is often compared to Richard Paul Evans. Currently, he’s working on a novel with Dr. Gary Smalley (family counselor, president and founder of the Smalley Relationship Center and author of books on family relationships from a Christian perspective).

AND…Guess what? Here’s the HUGE SURPRISE!

betsy2 (2)

(I love using this picture of my kids. Hee Hee)

I contacted Dan after the ACFW meeting and he granted me a personal interview! Woohoo! I’m so honored, especially since he’s also done interviews with media such as USA Today.

(Maybe my interview isn’t that big of a surprise since I put it in the title. ;-))

But before we delve into the interview, I’d love to share my story of how Dan Walsh’s books recently impacted my life.

About a week after our ACFW meeting (where I first met Dan Walsh via Skype) I suffered a very painful back/nerve injury. Couldn’t walk for weeks, then only with a walker. During my down time, I turned to Dan Walsh’s novels that I’d purchased on my Kindle. I devoured them like candy for the soul. Read three of them, then bought a few more. His books became my new addiction. I even gave up Candy Crush and that is one addicting game!

cc

Dan Walsh’s books are way better than crushing candy. His fascinating plots and lovable characters stick with you. Sounds cliché-ish, but Dan’s books sucked me in from the first page, captured me, and held me to the last page and beyond.

DW

For days, I lived in Dan Walsh’s novels with these wonderful, believable characters. Themes of forgiveness, redemption, and love cut through my pain and warmed my heart. Like I said, soul candy. With all sincerity, each one of these books blessed me in its own unique way.

And in my condition, grounded and in pain, I didn’t feel like writing. But thanks to Dan Walsh, I was not only captivated as a reader, but also inspired as a writer. Often “Aha” moments popped into my head on how to really write well.

I’m anxious to get to the interview with Dan, but first, take a quick look at a few of his inspirational books:

Deepest WatersTHE DEEPEST WATERS, based on real events, is an epic tale of a shipwreck and two lost lovers. What began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 for John and Laura Foster aboard the steamship SS Vandervere becomes a nightmare when a hurricane causes their ship to sink into the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura finds herself with the other women and children aboard a sailing ship while John and a hundred other men drift on the open sea on anything they could grab as the Vandervere went down. Suspecting her John is gone but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone–and meeting her new in-laws without their son if she ever reaches New York. The Deepest Waters is an emotional and honest story of hope, faith, and love in the face of uncertainty. I read this one without stopping for food or sleep. Actually lost weight this day. Yay. Double blessing!

The Reunion

THE REUNION. Aaron Miller was an old, worn-out Vietnam vet, a handyman in a trailer park. Forty years prior, he saved the lives of three young men in the field only to come home from the war and lose everything. But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Aaron is about to be found. And the one who finds him just might find the love of his life as well. Loved it! I wanted to morph into this book and hug these characters. They were people with real guts, who made me cheer them on, laugh and cry. 

The disc

THE DISCOVERY. Gerard Warner was not only a literary giant whose suspense novels sold in the millions, he was also a man devoted to his family, especially his wife of nearly 60 years. When he dies he leaves his Charleston estate to his grandson, Michael, an aspiring writer himself. Michael settles in to write his own first novel and discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written, something he’d kept hidden from everyone but clearly intended Michael to find. Michael begins to read an exciting tale about Nazi spies and sabotage, but something about this story is different from all of Gerard Warner’s other books. It’s actually a love story. This masterfully crafted book was my fav! Good thing I was stuck on the couch because I could not have tolerated setting down my Kindle in the middle of this one.  

unfinTHE UNFINISHED GIFT. Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift tells in an engaging, simple style the story of a family, and reminds us of the surprising things that affect powerful change in our hearts–like a young boy’s prayers, a shoebox full of love letters, and even an old wooden soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of forgiveness will engage readers everywhere. Don’t wait for Christmastime to read this one. It’ll make a wonderful Christmas gift, though. A can’t go wrong gift for women and men alike! Wonderful!

HCTHE HOMECOMING is a sequel to The Unfinished Gift. No sooner is Shawn Collins home from the fighting in Europe than he’s called upon to serve his country as a war hero on a USO bond tour. Others might jump at the chance to travel all around the country with attractive Hollywood starlets. But not Shawn. He just wants to stay home with his son Patrick, his aging father and to grieve the loss of his wife in private. When Shawn asks Katherine Townsend, Patrick’s former social worker, to be Patrick’s nanny while he’s on the road, he has no idea how this decision will impact his life. Could it be the key to his future happiness and the mending of his heart? Or will the war once again threaten his chances for a new start? More heartwarming time with already beloved characters. And I loved the historical aspect.

CHRISTMASDWREMEMBERING CHRISTMAS. Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He’s never liked Art and resents the man’s presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple of days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick’s attitude sours even more. Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons–as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day–work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story that will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas. Another engaging heartwarming read to be enjoyed any time of the year.

***

And now onto what we’ve all been waiting for: Dan Walsh!

 

hm1Holly: Welcome Dan! I’ve enjoyed many of your books and can’t wait to read more. Now, you’re co-authoring a book with Dr. Gary Smalley.

Can you tell us a little about these new books and how that writing relationship came to be? (Sorry, that’s two questions in one)

Dan Walsh

Dan: Sure Holly. The Dance is the first of four books in the Restoration series I’m writing with Gary. It begins with what might appear to be a normal, healthy Christian family; but appearances can be deceiving. Jim and Marilyn Anderson have been married for twenty-seven years but, in many ways, their family relationship has been built on shifting sand. Like that metaphor Jesus uses in the gospels, throughout The Dance and the other books in the series the “winds and rains and storms” will beat against their house, and it falls. When the book opens, Jim is shocked to find Marilyn has left him, but not for another man. The things that have caused their marriage to drift to the point of collapse are very common things that can happen and do happen in many marriages. But the heart of the story, and the other books in the series (which will feature each of their adult children) is restoration. We will explore credible ways that God uses to mend lives and restore shattered dreams.

Sorry, that was a long answer. Hard to summarize four books in a few lines. The shorter answer to your second question is that Gary had decided he wanted to do another fiction series similar to the wildly successful Redemption series he did with Karen Kingsbury. So he set his team on a mission to find someone who’s writing affected him the way Karen’s did. The outcome of that search led them to me. They gave Gary my first two novels to read. He called them while on a speaking trip a few days later saying he couldn’t put the books down and they had him crying at the end (in a good way). They called my publisher and extended an invitation to me, which I quickly accepted.

Gary-and-Dan-on-cover-of-Family-Fiction-233x300

Holly: Pretty cool that you made Gary Smalley cry. It’s a goal of mine to make a famous person cry someday. Speaking of making men cry, you write romance, but after reading your books, I’m convinced that men would enjoy your books as much as women would, maybe even shed a few man tears. “They” say men don’t read romance, but besides Gary Smalley, do you find men among your many fans?

Dan: I think many men don’t read romance, sadly, because men don’t typically read books written by women. It shouldn’t be that way, but there it is. And men won’t read a book with a cover that even looks like a book written for women. Which is why Gary and I objected to the direction the publisher wants to go with the Restoration series. We’ve written these books with more of a 50/50 focus, for both husbands and wives. They are deferring to the market reality, which we agree is true, that 80% of fiction readers are women. Hopefully, wives who love The Dance will be able to prevail upon their husbands to read it, too. We’re also aware that many men use Ereaders like the Kindle, so they don’t have the fear of people seeing them read a book with a woman on the cover.

As for my other stand-alone novels, I do get a lot of feedback from men who really love my books (my other covers are more neutral). But still, I would say the ratio seems more like the 80/20 ratio I just mentioned.

Holly: I’m suffering withdrawal symptoms now and am super-anxious to read more of your books. Please share what’s upcoming.

Dan: Book 2 in the Restoration series, The Promise, is finished and due out in September. I’ve finished another standalone novel set in 1962, called What Follows After, due out next spring. At the moment, I’m writing Book 3 with Gary, then I’ll keep writing Book 4 after that. That should keep me busy for the next eleven months. Beyond that, I have one more Christmas novel to write on my contract (I already have 5 more book ideas roughed out for my next proposal, Lord willing).

Holly: Wow, you’re a prolific writer. As a full-time writer, how much time do you spend each day actually writing?

Dan: A typical day for me begins with a quiet time, then I spend about three hours taking care of all the miscellaneous support tasks for my writing life. Such as: emails, social media, marketing and publicity activity, etc. Then I’ll take a short break for lunch and spend the rest of the day writing the next chapter in my current book. So the actual time spent writing is about 4-5 hours.

Holly: Better let you get to writing then! Thanks for agreeing to this interview. It’s been a pleasure and I’m sure my blog readers will enjoy your books as much as I did. 

***

Wow! So cool to interview the famous Dan Walsh. This expert story-teller also shared some gold nuggets of good writing when he Skyped into our ACFW meeting. I must share them.

Dan said, “My favorite writer’s quote is by NY Times bestselling author Elmore Leonard, who said: ‘In your writing, try to leave out the parts readers skip’.”

Wonderful advice! The notes below (from the Skype meeting with Dan) are keys to becoming a really good writer and also are a pathway to nabbing the dream agent:

Self-Editing

  • One of the greatest challenges is not actually the writing part, the creative part. It’s what happens after, as we try to get our book ready for the market.
  • After the conferences, the how-to books, the critique partners, it comes down to you and what you put on the page. We don’t possess the ability to see ourselves accurately (the flawed lens). We must become an editor before we get an editor (actually, before we even get an agent.
  • The plight of agents and editors today:
  • So many manuscripts, so little time (consider the math…a reality check. They are not rejecting you, just what you write. This is actually good news (something you can change)

Beware Your Literary Heroes

  • Could Classic Authors even get an agent today? Consider Dickens…
  • Great writing is great writing, but the world (and our audience) has changed.
  • A concern about imitating contemporary heroes, too. Maybe you’ve seen some boring parts in some bestselling books and wonder if what I’m saying is really true (Hey look, these guys got published). You are not a bestseller, you don’t get to break the rules (not now anyway).

More on “the part readers tend to skip.”

  • Confession Time: “How many of you skip past the boring parts in books you buy?” Most of us do. What do you do when books have too many “skipping parts?”
  • Agents and Editors are readers, too. Remember the earlier point? Their time crunch?
  • What do you suppose they do if your first chapter has “skipping parts?” What if the first chapter doesn’t, but they start showing up as they read on?
  • On the flipside (the positive side)…what do you think they do when a book has no skipping parts? They keep reading…and reading…then ask for more (that’s what you want).

This is why it’s critical for us to learn how to Self-Edit, especially how to recognize the Parts Readers Skip.

Recognizing Where and When to Snip (and a little about Why)

  • Regarding the Setting…think movie scenes.
  • Regarding the Characters themselves:
    • Old way – every time you introduce a new character, take a paragraph or two to tell us what they look like. New way – don’t do that, anymore (a definite skipping part).
    • A sentence or two, here and there at most, as part of a character’s thoughts, or work it in small doses during dialog.
    • Showing vs Telling. Again, think movie scenes, not some narrator off to the side interrupting the action with clever observations.
    • RUE – Resist the Urge to Explain (imagine intelligent people are buying your books, who don’t need everything explained to them).
    • Make your characters sound like real people saying real things people might actually say. Not like proper British nobility or bad actors in B-movies. Goal is to make a prospective agent or editor forget they are reading a book.
    • Read your dialog out loud (or let someone else read it back to you out loud).
    • RUE in Dialog.
    • He said/she said….works for me. Don’t use “creative” speaker attributions; this is not the place for creative writing. (“Don’t go,” he fumed. “I love you,” she gushed)

Some great books Dan Walsh (and I) recommend:

  • Self-Editing for Fiction Writers – Renni Browne and Dave King
  • Write Tight – William Brohaugh
  • Revision and Self-Editing – James Scott Bell

Dan Walsh’s Closing Tip – Instructions for Test Readers or Critique Partners

Our worst enemy once we think our manuscript is done is not our critics; it’s us, and our craving for compliments. Pick a handful of trusted people who chain-read fiction. Asked them to use both a pen and a yellow marker (or the electronic equivalent). Pleaded with them to write or mark the following:

  • Any place you either skipped or were tempted to skip.
  • Anything that slowed the story down or bored you.
  • Any place you had to read more than once to understand.
  • Any dialog that sounded phony or artificial (like bad actors talking).

They will see things as they read, and they will have constructive/negative things to say. It’s up to you to convince them you really want and need to hear it. Then take all that good advice, get out the scissors, and begin to snip, snip, snip. Give your manuscript a total makeover.

scisosr

***

Wonderful advice. And now, to end this post on a note of inspiration, Dan gave me permission to re-post one of his blog posts. This one really spoke to me during my recovery from my injury:

Feeling Weak and Overwhelmed? A Great Place to Be 

by Dan Walsh

I feel weak sometimes. No, I feel weak a lot.

I wasn’t always like this. For many years, I felt strong and confident. As it turns out, it was an illusion. I was like the Emperor in that Hans Christian Anderson story, “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” He isn’t wearing anything but, blinded by pride, he doesn’t see it.

Now I do see it, and it’s made me aware of my weakness on a regular basis.

Here’s an example: I’m beginning to write my 10th novel this week. Seven of the other nine are already published by major publishers (Revell and Guideposts). Novels eight and nine are in the pipeline, due out in 2013. I’ve already won three Carol awards (book-of-the-year). All of my novels have received rave reviews in magazines, blogs and on Amazon. I’ve been asked to co-author a fiction series by a mega bestselling author (Gary Smalley). My most recent novel has been optioned by a movie producer who has made several Hallmark films.

You’d think I’d feel confident inside as I set out to write a novel #10. But I don’t. I feel weak. I have doubts about whether I can do it again. What if I can’t? It’s my livelihood now. People are depending on me. What if the well runs dry? What will I do then?

Where does such weakness come from? Was something missing from my childhood? Have I experienced some traumatic things as an adult that have eroded my self-confidence? The answer to both of these questions is “yes.” But that’s not why I feel weak.

The real reason I feel weak, I believe, is a kindness from God. It’s not something I should dread but something I should celebrate. God, in His mercy, has lifted the veil of false confidence and self-sufficiency to help me see my true condition before Him.

By design, I was made (you were made) to walk in a dependent relationship with God. It was Adam’s fall that created the illusion that we can make a success of things on our own. The truth is, God created us for intimate fellowship with Him. This need we have for Him is built-in, intended to continually draw us toward Him.

We are hard-wired for dependence. And that is why we feel weak, when we feel weak. The good news is, because of Christ, the strength we lack is continuously available and in abundant supply. But we won’t benefit from this if we continue to walk in the illusion of strength (or should I say delusion of strength). We must learn the secret Paul learned, learn to become content with this feeling. In fact, woe to us if we ever lose the sense of weakness, because it’s the very thing that draws us near to God.

Here are two scriptures that quickly come to mind:

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:8-10, NLT)

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:11-13, NLT)

How about you? Feeling weak and overwhelmed lately? Where does your heart go when you feel this way? May I suggest you go where Paul suggests? I’ve tried to make this my habit now, and it’s made a HUGE difference in my life.

Lord, thank you for creating us this way, as dependent needy creatures. Help us not resent it but see it from Your perspective…as the very thing that draws us closer to You. Thank you for every situation–including the difficult people and circumstances–that make us more aware of our need for You. Fill us with your love and peace, and Your strength. Strengthen our grip on Your Hand. Thank you for always being there, day or night, no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(NOTE: To read the other posts in this devotional feature of my blog, select “Perfect Peace — Hope for the Weary Soul” in the Category section.)

***

Dan Walsh: http://danwalshbooks.com

The Dance – Top Pick from RT Reviews/Released April 1st!
The Reunion – 4.5 Stars/Top Pick from RT Reviews
The Discovery – “A sublime delight that shouldn’t be missed.” – USA Today
Remembering Christmas – CBA, ECPA & Amazon Bestseller
The Deepest Waters – 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner

Thanks again Dan Walsh for sharing so much wisdom and thanks blog readers for stopping by.

Holly

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Scan to purchase Crooked Lines

QR Code
Get your e-book signed by Holly Michael

Pages

  • About
  • CROOKED LINES, A NOVEL by Holly Michael
  • SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER. WHY NOT?

Holly Michael

Top Posts & Pages

  • Battling with a Porn Star
  • NYT Best Selling Author Don Piper is coming to speak to us! "90 Minutes in Heaven" is an Amazing Story!

Categories

  • 16 Chapters to Christmas
  • A to Z Challenge
  • Advent
  • Award
  • Best Web Sites for Writers
  • Betsy Byrne
  • Blank Pages
  • Book Marketing
  • Books
  • Christianity
  • Christmas
  • Crooked Lines
  • Diabetes
  • Family
  • First and Goal
  • Football
  • Guest Author
  • Guest Blogger
  • Guest Blogging
  • Holly Michael's New Releases
  • Holy Catholic Church – Anglican Rite
  • India
  • India's Crown
  • Inspiration
  • Jake Byrne
  • Journeys: In Writing and Life
  • kim moore
  • Kyani
  • Monday's Connections
  • Nick Byrne
  • Photography
  • Prayer Request
  • Prayers Needed
  • Social Media Information
  • To His Glory
  • Travel
  • tsunami 2004
  • type 1 diabetes
  • type one
  • type one diabetes
  • type won
  • Weekly Book Review
  • Writing

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,557 other followers

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Author Page

Subscribe

RSS Feed RSS - Posts

RSS Feed RSS - Comments

Facebook

Holly Michael

Create Your Badge

Holly Michael

  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 10 months ago
  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 10 months ago
  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 10 months ago
  • facebook.com/story.php?stor… 12 months ago
  • Cant believe it’s been this long...In 2004, Leo Michael and I were in South India immediately following the tsunami… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 year ago
Follow @hollymichael


Get Follow Me Buttons

Me

Holly Michael

Holly Michael

Done this: Regular freelance ghostwriter and online editor for Guideposts for Teens/Sweet 16 Magazine, creator/editor of a magazine for Wal-Mart Corp., journalist, newspaper features writer, published in a variety of national magazines and local newspapers, script writing/editing for corporations. Doing this now: author of fiction and nonfiction, blogger, and editor of Koinonia Magazine. I’m the wife of Rt. Rev. Leo Michael, an Anglican Bishop in the Holy Catholic Church-Anglican Rite. Mom to three great kids: Nick (#81 Rajin Cajuns), Betsy (Super cute professor) and Jake (T1D & NFL player) Also, enjoy my travels extensively across the United States and internationally.

View Full Profile →

Reviews from Goodreads.com

Goodreads

Blogroll

  • Discuss
  • Get Inspired
  • Get Polling
  • Get Support
  • Kristen Lamb's Blog
  • Learn WordPress.com
  • Rasana Atreya
  • Rich Maffeo
  • The Bookshelf Muse
  • WordPress Planet
  • WordPress.com News
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Blog Stats

  • 73,394 hits

ACFW


American Christian Fiction Writers

Contact by email

hjmichael at sbcglobal dot net

Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

Autographed Copy of First and Goal By Jake Byrne

https://en.support.wordpress.com/paypal/

NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner!

Kreativ Blogger Award

V B Award

versatileblogger11
ChristianBloggers.spruz.com Badge, This badge may be displayed on the blogs and websites that are listed in our directory.
Inspired Reads
NetworkedBlogs
Blog:
Holly Michael writing straight
Topics:
Novelist, Editor, Author
 
Follow my blog

MY COMMUNITY



Blogs I Follow

Blog at WordPress.com.

Redwood's Medical Edge

Medical Fact for your Fiction

The Kingdom

Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams

Truth in Fiction

Meet the story behind the story

Prayerlogue

Prayers, Devotionals, Meditations, Bible Studies

ultimatemindsettoday

A great WordPress.com site

Attila Ovari

It's a Girl Thing.

I over-analyze. But hopefully it's endearing.

Making Time For Me

Mom and Wife just Trying to Make Time for Herself in this Crazy Life

Our Day's Encounter

Just another WordPress.com site

CopyGhosting

Copywriting, ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, script doctoring, digital marketing, crowdfunding, training & mentoring services

Josh Prather

God. Life. Family.

Kimberly Mungle

Learning and Development Professional

The Relentless Pursuit

One pilgrim's quest for authentic faith and some reflections on the journey.

The Deepest Love

Pastor Mak

A Pastor's Ponderings and Such

Servant Leader Life

Walking with Jesus, Leading like Jesus

Prayerfully Yours

Thoughts on Prayer

A Sacred Conspiracy

To conspire... act in harmony toward a common or agreed upon end. God wants to conspire with us [and] this means that God calls us to give our lives to God, to surrender completely, so we may live more fully. Dallas Willard

ombiaiinterijeri

All things nice

Hanna Caroline

Holder of my Heart.

Top of JC's Mind

eclectic, like me

Hugh's Views & News  

A man with dyslexia writing about this and that and everything else!

Japan Can(ada) Mix

food, photos and music sprinkled with cultural seasoning

Annie Rim

Reflections from My Lanai

Photography and Writing as Spiritual Practices

Seeing God At Work Every Day

David Dendy invites you to join the challenge of seeing God at work every day...

Interrupting the Silence

An Episcopal Priest's Sermons, Prayers, and Reflections on Life, Becoming Human, and Discovering Our Divinity

You're not getting any younger

A single Christian feminist woman trapped in a well-meaning family-orientated church system

dragonflydanele

Articles, Interviews, and Book Reviews by Danele Rotharmel the Author of The Time Counselor Chronicles

Melissa G. Henderson

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

For the Love of His Truth

A Christian Blog about Fundamental Biblical Facts

OneReality1

Meeting my family

RESEARCHING MY FAMILY TREE

i dwell in possibilities

encouragement for the journey

Deeper Roots

"You will take root below and bear fruit above" 2 Kings 19:30

styledbyryn.wordpress.com/

Empowering those to be beautiful...

musings by melina

Walk with a Christian homeschooling mother of 11

Mere Whispers

These are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him . . .

A Glimpse of Starlight

finding the light beyond the clouds

MNBernard Books

Book Reviews & Literary Discussions

Spiritual Formation Center

AWAKENING TO THE DIVINE PRESENCE IN THE WORLD

Pushing a Feather

They say writing is just pushing a feather...

Be Holy!

Striving for holiness with a Catholic heart.

Daniel Ogle

Natalie D Wilson

Independent Author

Raspberryman

Welcome to Raspberryman. I hope you will find in these words and books inspiration, some entertainment, and ideas to find grace in the world today.

Elijah Stevens

Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Writer

the beautiful changes...

...in such kind ways...

Apprentice 2 Jesus

An Anglicostal Connecting to a Real World

catholicpsychdoc

Catholic-without compromise

Cancel
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
%d bloggers like this: