Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Life and Death...

Palm Sunday.

Did you know that donkeys were a symbol of peace? Did you know that donkeys are smart and fierce? I recently read an article that explained why a donkey appears stubborn. The little critters like to think things through and decide if what you're asking is reasonable. There's a reason the rides into the Grand Canyon are on mules, a cross between a horse and a donkey. A horse will walk off the trail if you push it. A mule won't. A donkey is also often used as a guard dog for sheep. They will assess the danger and attack, if necessary.

I was often called stubborn as a mule. Thanks for the compliment.

Nothing is coincidence with God.

Friday's coming, but so is Sunday.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew it would be painful and nearly unbearable. He didn't waver.

As a Christian, I should stubbornly follow Christ.

If I'm truly Christian, then I believe it is my responsibility to follow Jesus. I know He won't lead me astray. And yet, how often do I procrastinate or shy away when I know something will be difficult? Too often.

If I truly believe Jesus walks with me when I choose to walk in His way, then my faith demands I step forward boldly. I'm human. I fear making mistakes. Kind of silly. I'm human. I WILL make mistakes. God knew I would.

The Father allowed the sacrifice of His Beloved Son, and His Beloved Son volunteered because it was the only way to bring me Home. Jesus volunteered and persevered through to the end, including the Resurrection not because He was forced to do it but because He loves each of us THAT much.

May your day be blessed.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Human Trafficking...

https://www.yahoo.com/health/most-doctors-couldnt-spot-a-human-trafficking-113961841042.html

I'm an abuse survivor, so I'm not naive. I lived in Thailand, for over a year, several decades ago. God protected me. He delivered me from some shady situations and opened my eyes, without being brutal about it. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. In fact, it was years later. I watched a special on PBS about the girls sold by their parents into the industry. I couldn't help but wonder how many girls I passed every day and didn't realize the hell they lived in.

Human trafficking has become more lucrative than drug and gun running.

All of my royalties from Wings to Fly are donated to O.U.R. Operation Underground Railroad.

https://ourrescue.org/

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Quote

"If you live your life too safely, you'll never know the thrill of allowing God to lead."

Too often in my life, I endeavor to live my life so safely I won't make a mistake. Of course, this is silly. I'm human. I'm going to make mistakes. God planned for it. He gave us the Atonement.

Knowing mistakes will happen doesn't excuse willful disobedience.

I'm not perfect. I'm endeavoring to be better than I used to be.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Arizona Dreamin'

The special even ticket price of only $59 are only available through March 22nd.

Have you purchased yours?

http://arizonadreaminevent.com/

Look what arrived, this week:

Books to sell at the conference!

It's so lovely to see all my books in print, and they look so pretty on the shelf:



Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Tough Luck...

Last year, I published the novella, Tough Luck.

This year, I wanted to do another St. Patrick's Day novella, sharing more of the story of St. Patrick. A remarkable man. However, Dusty and Faith had other plans.

Dusty makes an appearance in Tough Luck. Faith makes an appearance in Chocolate Cake for Two, but her name isn't revealed. When I wrote CCfT I knew who Faith was, but I didn't know much about her. She isn't quite what I expected.

God willing, their story will be released soon, in Faith's Labor.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Links to Share...

This was posted on FB via the Historical Romance Network:
http://historicalromancenetwork.com/2015/03/cowboys-knights-of-the-old-west/

Writers In The Storm share a helpful post for those who write spies:
http://writersinthestormblog.com/2015/03/writing-spies-which-agency-does-what-to-who/

Thanks for spelling it out, Steve Laube. By the way, his blog is a great one to check on a regular basis for writers. This one needs to be seen today:
http://www.stevelaube.com/fun-friday-march-13-2015-tomorrow-epic-day-read/

Are you ready?


God bless.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Remember...

Except for Arizona and Hawaii, turn forward your clock and hour for Daylight Savings Time.

Spring is coming.








Tuesday, March 3, 2015

A Special Offer from Arizona Dreamin'!

Good news! In honor of the enormous Tucson Festival of Books (March 14-15), Kris Tualla, co-founder of The Dreams Convention is offering a "special event pricing" of only $59 for readers in honor of the event.

A special "Buy Now" button is already on the website:

http://arizonadreaminevent.com/

Tickets must be purchased BY MARCH 22nd - one week after the Festival - to get this price. Be sure to tell them that Laurel Hawkes sent you in order to be eligible for 1 of 4 special gift baskets I'm preparing for those who purchase my tickets.

ALSO - Buildin' the Dream is $10 off during the same time period.

http://www.buildinthedream.com/

This event is author focused, with a variety of helpful workshops. I'll be teaching one on "A Writer's Environment." 

The link below will take you to both events. Tickets are purchased separately.

http://thedreamsconvention.com/