Weekend Edition

  

If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected.

Monday: Ruthy had a holiday chat on Monday and she tossed a new copy of her latest Wishing Bridge story into the mix.... Winner of "Embracing Light in Wishing Bridge" is Sandy Smith! 

Wednesday: Mindy talked about her new release. The winner of Their Yuletide Healing is...Dana Brown!

Friday: Surprise!

Monday: Mary is the hostess on Monday. She's talking about Creating Characters--Give them a quirk. Mary is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to say Merry Christmas!

Wednesday:  Ruthy is in the house today and she's taking an abrupt right or left turn and talking about Christmas cookies! YOUR CHRISTMAS COOKIES!!!! Bring your favorite recipe along and post it in the comments... along with any Christmas baking memories you might have! This Wednesday is all about you! Let's see what we've got!!!! Let's have an old-fashioned COOKIE EXCHANGE!!!!

  

Friday:  Annie's stopping by asking for some Christmas cheer plus spreading it with a giveaway for chance to win a box of books for one winner!  

JUST RELEASED!!!!!

EMBRACING LIGHT IN WISHING BRIDGE! 

Amish quilter Rachel Stutzman comes to Wishing Bridge to escape her harsh Old Order church in the North Country... and to search out her twin daughters, given away without her consent nearly five years before. 

She's had an awful past... a past rife with the dark side of religion, but when the good folk of Wishing Bridge show her the grace and beauty of faith, Rachel begins to see the light. A light that had been shrouded in rigidity all her life.  A light that shines through the blessing of faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.

This beautiful story brings folks back to the small town with the big heart: A town where wishes and prayers make big dreams come true.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Their Yuletide Healing, the fourth and final installment of Mindy Obenhaus's Bliss, Texas series. Preorder your copy HERE. 

And if you haven't seen the book trailer, you can check it out HERE!

 

As her plans unravel, can she give her children what they truly need?

Foster mom Rae Girard’s determined to make her children’s first Christmas with her the best they’ve ever had—and she’s shocked when the town scrooge, attorney Cole Heinsohn, offers to pitch in. Rae’s young charges have melted Cole’s heart, and he wants them to experience the special day he never had. But when disaster strikes, an imperfect holiday might bring them something better: a family…

Pre-Order from AMAZON now!

 An Amish Spring Anthology and Debby Giusti is one of the authors.

To learn more join the FB Reader Group

 Amish Spring Romance | Facebook

Available now at your favorite bookstores!

How to Go Deeper Into a Character's Emotions by Lisa Wilson-Hall at Writers In The Storm

The Solitary Life of a Writer by Jennifer Deibel at Learn How To Write A Novel

Your Guide to Email Signature Best Practices for 2022 by Amy at MailerLite Blog

2021 Advent Calendar for Writers Giveaway Event by Angela Ackerman at Writers Helping Writers

Advent For Writers by Lynn H. Blackburn at The Write Conversation

Patience, Ambition and Financial Independence by MK Williams at The Creative Penn

The Static Hiss by Donald Maass at Writer Unboxed

How to Write Your Story With a 5 Act Structure by Rebecca Jean at Writer's Edit

How to Find Time to Write: 10 Tips and Additional Strategies by Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneur

The Art of Writing During Tumultuous Times by DA Mucci at NaNoWriMo Blog

Life in Real Time

 Ruthy here, and I'm laughing because this is so true.

We tucked "Surprise!" on the December calendar for today, and the surprise is that we're all crazy busy...

Family. Faith. Illness. Work. 

Oh... and writing!

So today we're just going to wish everyone the blessings of the holiday season, and it is a season around our house. 

A season of harvest that turns organically into a season of Thanksgiving and then a time of expectation and waiting and praying... because He will come! 

And oh, what a blessing! 

So for now we keep busy, we do what we should and must and want and we gather virtually in prayer for you, for those who are ill, for the families of those who've gone to heaven already and in that vein...

How can we pray for you today? 

How can we help?

During this busy time, how can we direct our combined prayers for you?

God bless you and have a wonderful, marvelous, beautiful weekend.

I know I have sent my personal Guardian Angel off to help a dear friend, and I don't send her off lightly because I keep her pretty busy... but she's a mighty force and if you need a legion of angels, let us know.

We've got them standing by.

One of my favorite prayer verses for others! 

Go with God!

The Seekers

New Release!

by Mindy Obenhaus

Happy December! Yes, the holidays are upon us and there's only one thing that could make me happier. The release of a new Christmas book! 

Yesterday was release day for the fourth and final book in my Bliss, Texas series. Their Yuletide Healing is a sweet story about overcoming the wounds of the past to embrace the future God has called you to.

Rae, our heroine, always wanted a whole passel of kids, but her ex-husband was too focused his dreams to consider a family--until he left Rae for another woman. But Rae doesn't need a husband to have a family. Instead, she becomes a foster mom to six-year-old Maggie and her five-year-old brother, Max. Rae is determined to give them the perfect Christmas. One they will always remember, even if her dream of adopting them falls through. But her holiday plans are threatened when she's suddenly put in charge of the town's biggest holiday event.

Cole, our reclusive, anti-Christmas hero, grew up in an environment that has kept him emotionally shutdown for most of his life. That is, until his aunt coerces him into helping Rae with the town's Mistletoe Ball and he finds himself drawn to her foster son. Little Max has seen the worst life has to offer. Something Cole recognizes and has him longing to help the boy. But first, he’ll have to earn Max’s trust and that will entail spending time with the boy’s pretty foster mom. 

Yeah, you know where this story is headed.

To celebrate the release of Their Yuletide Healing, I'm giving away a copy of the book AND a $20 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter (US mailing addresses only, please).

As her plans unravel, can she give her children what they truly need?

Foster mom Rae Girard’s determined to make her children’s first Christmas with her the best they’ve ever had—and she’s shocked when the town scrooge, attorney Cole Heinsohn, offers to pitch in. Rae’s young charges have melted Cole’s heart, and he wants them to experience the special day he never had. But when disaster strikes, an imperfect holiday might bring them something better: a family…

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com

Juggling Holidays Is An Art: Or a Catastrophe

I'm not going to talk about personality types.

I'm not going to mention we all had eleven months to get to this point, because I think the holiday crazies aren't about planning. Life interrupts the best of plans and when you're self-employed like we are, we have to keep that reality in the back of our minds.

Can we meet that deadline if catastrophe hits?

Can we volunteer for that Christmas play and get revisions done when that email comes in on December 4th and they need them by December 23rd?

Can we get those lights strung in the shape of a Star of David while setting up a Living Nativity with borrowed sheep and camels?

Okay, the camels might be a stretch! :) But you get the gist. It gets tricky.... and trickier yet when we worry that we're disappointing parents (throw in a nursing home or assisted living or illness into the mix, right?????) or disappointing children, spouses, editors, friends, neighbors.... the list is long and intense, my friends!

But life happens. Whether you're a Type A "Planned-to-the-minute" gal or a "Let-the-chips-fall-where-they-may" kind of person, the holidays have their own brand of pressure. 

My advice: Breathe. Blink. And breathe again.

Scale down. Trim back. Pray. Talk to God. Spend more time with your Nativity scene and less time with Amazon and QVC.... You can stretch your arms and your efforts toward the things of God... and shrug off the things of national advertisers.

Christmas is a beautiful season, but Lord have mercy! It has become its own temptation. 

I used to be a super shopper.... I blush to remember it! What was I thinking????

About fifteen years back I realized I was stupid. No, don't pat me on the back and say "Oh, you weren't stupid, Ruthy!!!!"  Trust me: STUPID.

And then God gave me a smack upside the head, said "simmer down, there, little lady..." and I took His advice. 

I still love to do things. Decorate. Bake. Laugh. Pray.... but I learned to never have a December deadline and if someone tries to push one on me, I say no. Nothing is going to mess up my Christmas, the prayerfulness of Advent, the joy of a Savior's birth... and I feel the same way about Lent before Easter.

I put out Great-grandma's handmade reindeer and Santa display.... I set up our thirty-year-old resin outdoor Nativity scene. Dave and the kids bought a piece each year for about three or four years... They haven't all weathered well! Kind of like me. They have their aches, cracks and pains, but passers by don't see that. They see the image of a family, struggling, tucked in a stable, having a baby... Lit by ground lights, they light up the night with the hope of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas.

I still work early in the day, like always. But removing deadlines and not overly-committing myself means that I can embrace the "Mary" part of me, the part that's often overshadowed by my Yankee "Martha" self. :)

And then if catastrophe strikes in the form of illness, breakage, sadness or grief, I can move forward.... share cookies from the freezer... Hugs from the heart.... the work of human hands to ease someone's heavy load.

I am here in cold, wet Western New York wishing you all the most blessed and beautiful of Christmas seasons! For, unto us a child is born! Unto us a Son is given! And He shall be called Wonderful! Counselor! The Prince of Peace! The Everlasting Father!!! And we can go forward together knowing that what we do for the least of these, we do for Him.

That makes it the best Christmas ever.

And to make this a lovely bit of relaxation, I'm going to send one lucky person a copy of my BRAND NEW WISHING BRIDGE STORY!!!!

"Embracing Light in Wishing Bridge", just released this week.... 

Leave a comment below and I'll tuck your name into the Sugar Cookie jar! 

We've got this!

Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne loves Christmas but she also loves embracing the spirit of calm she avoided for way too long as she raised six kids and did too much shopping.... She loves God, her family, her country (yes, she bleeds red, white and blue proudly), chocolate, coffee, dogs and so many things! You can message her at loganherne@gmail.com or visit her website at ruthloganherne.com. Sending Christmas blessings! 

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel, by Michelangelo,
1536-1541. [PD-US]

Jesus said to his disciples:
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, 
and on earth nations will be in dismay, 
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright 
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, 
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man 
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen, 
stand erect and raise your heads 
because your redemption is at hand.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy 
from carousing and drunkenness 
and the anxieties of daily life, 
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times 
and pray that you have the strength 
to escape the tribulations that are imminent 
and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

 The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please join us in praying for our country!

God Bless the USA!

We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe. 

WISHING YOU A PRAYERFUL ADVENT

AS WE PREPARE FOR THE BIRTH

OF THE CHRIST CHILD!

Weekend Edition

  

If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected.

Monday: Erica Vetsch told a Thanksgiving tale on herself!

Wednesday: Cate Nolan shared some Thanksgiving thoughts.

Friday: Pam gave us a plethora of holidays to celebrate. 

Monday:  Ruthy talks about the juggling act of job, family, volunteering and Christmas... and she's learned to choose Jesus! With some fun stuff on the side. :) Come see her on Monday for some great conversation and a chance to win a copy of her brand new Wishing Bridge story: "Embracing Light in Wishing Bridge"! 

Wednesday:  Mindy will be here to celebrate her new Christmas release! 

  

Friday: 

Pre-Order from AMAZON now!

 An Amish Spring Anthology and Debby Giusti is one of the authors.

To learn more join the FB Reader Group

 Amish Spring Romance | Facebook

Available now at your favorite bookstores!

JUST RELEASED!!!!!

EMBRACING LIGHT IN WISHING BRIDGE! 

Amish quilter Rachel Stutzman comes to Wishing Bridge to escape her harsh Old Order church in the North Country... and to search out her twin daughters, given away without her consent nearly five years before. 

She's had an awful past... a past rife with the dark side of religion, but when the good folk of Wishing Bridge show her the grace and beauty of faith, Rachel begins to see the light. A light that had been shrouded in rigidity all her life.  A light that shines through the blessing of faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.

This beautiful story brings folks back to the small town with the big heart: A town where wishes and prayers make big dreams come true.

COMING THIS TUESDAY!1

Their Yuletide Healing, the fourth and final installment of Mindy Obenhaus's Bliss, Texas series. Preorder your copy HERE. 

And if you haven't seen the book trailer, you can check it out HERE!

 

As her plans unravel, can she give her children what they truly need?

Foster mom Rae Girard’s determined to make her children’s first Christmas with her the best they’ve ever had—and she’s shocked when the town scrooge, attorney Cole Heinsohn, offers to pitch in. Rae’s young charges have melted Cole’s heart, and he wants them to experience the special day he never had. But when disaster strikes, an imperfect holiday might bring them something better: a family…

Kicking Off the Season With a Christmas Sale!

www.JanDrexler.com

More Christmas Stories...

Click here to buy from Amazon:

The Evergreen Bride, (A Piney Woods Novella)

Uses for Scrivener Beyond the Manuscript by Gwen Hernandez at Writer Unboxed

Wrangling Your Writer Demons in Four Steps by Tiffany Yates Martin at Writers In The Storm

How to Promote a Book: 9 Marketing Strategies for Self-Published Authors by Ali Luke at The Self-Publisher

Writing Advice: What to Keep and What to Throw Away by Courtney Walsh at Learn How To Write A Novel

True Crime Thursday - Thanksgiving Wine Heist by Debbie Burke at Kill Zone Blog

AND, NOT TO FORGET BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY DEALS FOR WRITERS!

Black Friday Deals for Writers 2021 by Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneur

Best Black Friday Deals for Writers by Angela Ackerman at Writers Helping Writers

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals for Writers by Lisa Lepki at Self Publishing Advice

Black Friday Deals for Writers at Sacha Black

21+ Best Writers Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals at InBox Coupon

Happy (_____________) Fill in YOUR Blank Day!

Oops, I'm a few hours late on today's post, but that's okay. I'm sure all of you are observing at least ONE of the many holidays that fall on November 26th.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day celebrating with family and friends, or just chilling quietly at home. Either way, there is so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we really have to dig deep to find thankfulness. Some feel more blessed than others this holiday season, but regardless of what's going on in your life, I firmly believe that God is there with us no matter the circumstances.

Now on to ALL the holidays we can observe today!

National Cake Day

National Day of Listening – Day After Thanksgiving

National Native American Heritage Day – Day After Thanksgiving

Black Friday – Day After Thanksgiving

Buy Nothing Day – Day After Thanksgiving

Flossing Day – Day After Thanksgiving

Maize Day – Day After Thanksgiving

So many to choose from, right?

Looking over that list, I'm going with National CAKE Day and Buy Nothing Day! lol I got a chuckle out of Flossing Day. I mean, the day after the biggest meal of the year? Too funny.

Maize Day. Good one, too!

So, which holiday (or more) are you observing today?

And, in honor of BLACK FRIDAY, if you're just itching to buy something, The Evergreen Bride is on sale for .99cents this week. :) 

Buy Now!