Tracy Krauss Featured Author ~ plus book give-away

It is my pleasure to introduce to you author, artist, playwright, director, worship leader, and teacher, Tracy Krauss. Before she gets back into school for the year, I wanted to ask her a few questions about herself.  Originally from a small prairie town, she received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Saskatchewan.  She has lived in many places in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor, and their children. They currently live in Tumbler Ridge, BC.  I think you'll enjoy meeting her as much as I did.

 

 

Tell us a little about yourself, Tracy.

 

I’m all about the creative process, so everything I do has that bent to it. When I’m ‘making’ something – be it a painting, directing my vision for a play on the stage, playing an instrument, or writing a book – I feel energized. Sometimes I tend to burn myself out because I take on too much, but I like to be busy and I love all my creative pursuits, so it’s hard to drop anything.

 

I'd like to know more about your most recent book, since you will be giving away a copy to one lucky reader.

 

WIND OVER MARSHDALE takes place in a small prairie town where, on the surface, everything seems quaint and happy. Underneath there are some serious issues, especially with racism, sexual promiscuity, and the occult. Thomas Lone Wolf is a Cree man on a mission to build a heritage site near the town based on some ancient archaeological evidence. He and his children aren’t prepared for the level of prejudice they begin to face. Rachel Bosworth is the new kindergarten teacher, fresh from the big city and running away from a hurtful past. Con McKinley is a local farmer, who also happens to be single and good looking. A love triangle of sorts develops, with the two men unwitting participants. As well, eccentric twin sisters bombard the town; one with her legalistic religious views and the other as a practicing witch. The local pastor has little effect trying to keep his parishioners in line since he is involved in some unsavory business of his own. The lives of these and many other unusual characters weave together into a surprising climax.  Beneath it all is a thread linking everyone’s problems to the spirit realm; an ancient curse from the past that must be dealt with once and for all. 

 

 

What was your journey to publication like?

 

 

I first started writing when my eldest was just a baby. I could hardly wait for her to go down for her nap so that I could pound away at my mother’s old typewriter. That was more than a quarter century ago. Four kids, plus homeschooling for nine years, plus going back to work as a public school teacher full time, and I finally signed my first contract in 2008. So far I’ve got four novels and five stage plays published, but I’m also working on a children’s book, a devotional, and I’ve got three manuscripts with my agent.

 

 

What advice would you give writers who are on their own journey to publication?

 

Be patient. If you are going the traditional route, expect and even embrace rejection. Take the time necessary to get feedback from critique partners and get professional editing. Even if you decide to self publish, don’t rush publication. I still see many things I’d like to change in my books, but once a contract is signed, you can’t go back.

 

Where can we find you on the web?

 

Website: http://www.tracykrauss.com

Blog: http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

FB: http://tinyurl.com/Tracy-Krauss-Author-Fanpage

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TracyKrauss

Amazon: http://www.kraussamazon.com

 

 

 

Tracy's published works include four romantic suspense novels: AND THE BEAT GOES ON, where archeological evidence for creation comes at a heavy cost; MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER, the story of a ‘cougar’ who takes on more than she can handle; PLAY IT AGAIN, about an unlikely match during the 1980s rock n’ roll scene; and WIND OVER MARSHDALE, where strong spiritual forces rock a seemingly peaceful prairie town. She also has several stage plays in print, including Ebenezer’s Christmas Carol; Dorothy’s Road Trip; The Western Tale; A Midterm Eve’s Phantasm; and Little Red In the Hood. If you'd like to know about Tracy and her work, visit her website for more details. http://www.tracykrauss.com

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.  Colossians 3:23 NKJV

I enjoy first Monday's so much because I get to introduce another Christian author and we give away a book.  I hope you'll participate.

To qualify for the random drawing in 3 easy steps:

1. Leave a comment below with your email address so we can contact you if you win.

2.  Share the link to this blog post on FACEBOOK, and tell your friends about it.  It's easy to share this on Facebook and tweet this by clicking the links at the bottom of the page.

3.  Become a follower of this website. I appreciate you.
Please do this by Saturday, Sept 7.  The winner will be announced on Monday, September 9th.

God bless you and keep you safe. Thank you so much for visiting.

Let Us Not Be Weary

Google image ~ reminds me of my daddy plowing the fields

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

 

A close childhood friend came for a visit last weekend.  We’ve known each other for over forty years, but seen each other rarely over the last twenty-five.  As we shared memories, stories about our families, and our jobs, decades of personal history lived anew with brilliant fresh meaning.  Childhood dreams might not have been realized, yet life has been rich. Our reunion was particularly refreshing due to this unexpected perk: I could see that perseverance and patience had paid off.  Our labors had not been in vain.

We all get weary.  Sometimes we are physically exhausted; sometimes we are mentally exhausted and rather frustrated with the way our lives are going.  Maybe the daily routine has become a drudgery which never seems to lighten up, getting harder with each passing day.  In a career where we once felt inspired and dedicated to doing good, maybe now we are feeling used up. I was battling such feelings when my friend came to visit.  But as we talked about raising our children, our struggles and our accomplishments, the precious fruits of our labors came into focus.

 Even when we are connected to meaningful relationships and endeavors, many circumstances and outcomes are not what we want them to be, and our patience is tested.  In retrospect, it’s easier to see that, in spite of life’s struggles and pains, we can have confidence in God’s promises.     

A farmer labors and hopes for an abundant harvest in a season.  In a matter of months, he gathers the fruits of his labors.  Believers labor and hope for an abundant harvest as well.  Fortunately, we see some fruits in this lifetime; others we will see in Eternity. 

God has promised in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we live each day, doing those things that we know we need to do, our confidence can be in the integrity of His word. Our labors are not in vain.

 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15: 58

 

 

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God. I really appreciate you. 

Today's devotional is an excerpt from my devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea:  Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.  I hope it was a blessing to you. 

 Please feel free to share your thoughts below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God's Solution for Let-Me-Tell-You-What-He/She-Did Moments

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques ~ Collage of Life

Fret not thyself because of evildoers…. Psalm 37:1

My daughter called.  In an exasperated voice, she started the conversation with “let me tell you what he did."   I listened and gave my advice, which amounted to “don’t worry—don’t you fret because of evildoers. God is in control.” 

Now, that would be all well and good if I myself had not just had my own let me tell you what he/she did moment.  Boy, did I feel convicted.  The truth is, we will always have to deal with fiery darts from the evil one.   I don’t think there is any way to totally avoid it.  Direct attacks come to us or we suffer the fall-out as we try to help others deal with someone else's evildoing.  Sometimes it’s to be expected—the saying hurting people hurt others comes to mind--and sometimes it catches us totally off guard from unexpected sources.

Fret not.  This is basically a commandment.  Fret not.  This  should  be our reality.

Webster’s defines fret as “to be peevish, unhappy, or discontented; worry." In Psalm 37, David shares wisdom gleaned from his lifetime of experience walking with God and his experience with evildoers.  In this beautiful Psalm, he tells us three times “fret not…”  He gives comforting explanations and instructs us in a better way to be.

Fret not…

Trust in the Lord

Delight in the Lord

Commit your way to Him

Rest in Him

Cease from anger

Depart from evil

Wait on the Lord

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Psalm37:37

Such encouragement!  Let our confidence be totally in God and trust Him completely.  

So, the next time you suffer from someone else’s evil deed, and you have a “let me tell you what he/she did” moment, stop and recall David’s words.  And what’s more, Jesus said,

Do not let your hearts be troubled.  John 14:1 (NIV)

Some of my favorite things ~ courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you.  If you'd like you can share your thoughts below.  I love to hear from you.

May God bless you and encourage you today with His love and peace.

Be of Good Courage: He Will Strengthen Your Heart

My grandson Gabriel

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and

heard my cry.  Psalm 40:1

A friend asked for prayer for her elderly father, who had undergone exploratory surgery.  She was awaiting the diagnosis.  My heart goes out to her.  I know it is hard to wait, especially under those circumstances.  But waiting is part and parcel with living. 

Wait on the cake to bake, and the soup to cool; wait on the paint to dry and the crops to grow.  Wait on a diagnosis.   Wait on the baby to be born.  We’re all in God’s waiting room.  We trust we will see His goodness because we trust in God's love and infinite wisdom.

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Psalm 27: 13 (KJV)

Our human frailty gets the best of us too often, and we wait impatiently, worrying over the outcome, with doubts and fears, practically having a tug of war of wills with God.  His timing seldom matches up with our own.   His ways are not our ways.  But we know it’s a waste of time and strength to run ahead of God or try to force His hand.  In our heart of hearts, we desire His will for our lives.

Don’t lose heart or hope.  Be encouraged.  Submit to God’s will and His perfect timing.  Paul told believers “having done all stand”.  (See Ephesians 6:13)  God’s promises are true and we can trust in His perfect love. 

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the

LORD. Psalm 27: 14 (KJV)

 

 Baby Gabriel this July at the beach

 

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God today.  Whatever you are waiting on today, I pray that His grace and peace will be with you.   

 You are welcome to leave your comments below.  I always love to hear from you.

Compassions New Every Morning and Mercies Never Failing

Photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

During my walk this morning, my thoughts were marching right along with my steps.  I’d prayed about many things, and now different concerns were coming to mind.  Not unlike the day before, and the day before that.

Life is a moment by moment on-going process, and the Christian’s walk is a moment by moment choice to take God at His Word. 

Whether today’s struggle is with laundry, or paying the bills, or my waistline, or something much more serious--no matter what today’s struggles--chances are tomorrow will have more concerns and struggles, and maybe many of the same.  There’s nothing new about that.  But, praise God, His compassions are new every morning.

As a Christian, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and a child of God, I can trust God.  He is faithful.  I can count on Him for never failing mercy.   I need to reach out to Him and take advantage of all that He has provided.

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23 (KJV)

His compassions are new every morning because we need a fresh supply every day.  Like the manna in the desert, God knows it’s a daily necessity for His children.  He understands our hearts, and our minds, and all our concerns and our needs, great and small.

Moment by moment, step by step, He is faithful.  Walk with Him.

Great is thy Faithfulness by William M. Runyan is a beautiful hymn made popular in years past by the Billy Graham crusades.   I hope you’ll enjoy reading this faith-filled affirmation of God’s faithfulness. 

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“

  Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

  “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! 

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/19#ixzz2blKtUiAU

Photo courtesy of Eva Marie Everson

 

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  Praise God for His faithfulness as you walk with Him through this day.  You are welcome to leave a comment below.  I always love to hear from you. 

Be Rich in Good Deeds, Generous and Willing to Share

Beautiful photography courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

 

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  1Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Thinking back now, it seems a bit ironic.  I was sitting in the drive-through at the bank when a shiny luxury sedan caught my eye on the street which runs perpendicular to where I sat. It was followed close behind by another equally beautiful top of the line vehicle, then another, and another.  Just at the moment I surmised there must be a spectacular car show up the road, a motorcycle cop sped along side and another followed at the rear.  I realized then I was watching a funeral procession of someone who had been very rich. 

You’ll have to excuse my irreverence, but I thought “well, you can’t take it with you.”

There won’t be any luxury cars in heaven.  But the fact that the cars caught my eye in the first place probably says something about a preoccupation with appearances and material possessions.  I suppose I like luxury items as much as the next person.  It’s good to remember that ultimately our soul’s estate is all that counts. 

We should let nothing in our lives or our livelihoods put a hold on our relationship with God.  Our relationship with Him is our most important asset.  What’s done for the Lord and His glory will endure, and our treasure will be laid up in Heaven.

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:19 (NIV)



Jeanne Henriques life on the farm @ collage of life





Good Morning and so glad you are visiting Write Moments with God.  May you take hold of the life that is truly life.  Feel free to leave your thoughts below in the comments section beside the tiny pencil icon.  Blessings to you.

 

Meet Kimberley Payne, this month's featured guest

Kimberley Payne -- motivational speaker and author

The first Monday of every month, I love to introduce to my readers a guest Christian writer.  Today, Kimberley Payne is our guest. Her writings relate to raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences focusing on building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire people to live their lives to glorify God. 

If you'd like to know more about Kimberley and her work, please visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com.  Kimberley's books are available as e-books, so she will be giving away a kindle e-book download to one reader who leaves a comment and follows the directions at the bottom of the page.

"Those Closest to Us" is a devotion from her book, Where Life Meets Faith.  This collection of 52 devotional articles, which explore life challenges and building a relationship with God, is a tool for Christians seeking to develop a deeper faith walk.

 

Those Closest To Us 

I remember reading that you become most like the seven people you spend the greatest amount of time with each day. Ten years ago, I commuted to a job forty-five minutes away and spent eight hours with my co-workers. We had staff meetings together, enjoyed lunch together and even shared coffee breaks together. Outside of this, I lived with my husband and had a friend rooming with us in the basement. So these were the most influential people around me, and according to this study, these were the people I would become most like. 

This disturbed me somewhat because I did not respect some of these people. Some had values that I questioned and others had different lifestyles. Yet would I become like them? In the Bible it says, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26 NIV). I can see the wisdom in this proverb. When I surround myself with Christian people who share my value system, they can urge me on to become a better person. If I esteem and respect those closest to me, I can aspire to be like them.  

I recently took that advice to heart and invited a woman I admire to be my mentor. She accepted and we have started a beautiful relationship. I respect her work as a writer, her values as a Christian, and her skills as a mother. There is much that I can learn from this woman. 

However, there is someone else that I can learn from. Someone who not only understands my sorrows and pains, but who overcame them.  Someone who walked the talk. Someone who was perfect. Jesus.

If I want to be more like Jesus every day, He must be one of the seven people around me daily. Of those seven, He really should be the one I spend the most time with. That’s not too difficult considering that I can call upon Him at any hour, anywhere, for anything. I can talk with Him in the wee hours of the morning or during coffee break or before I close my eyes for sleep. I can read about Him and write to Him. I can join others and study what He has to say in His Book. 

Consider with whom you spend the most time day in and day out. Now consider that these seven people will have the most influence on you. Have you chosen wisely? 

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7NIV).



                                                  Jeanne Henriques ~ Collage of Life

Thank you Kimberley for sharing that devotion with us. It makes me more thoughtful about whom I want to spend my time. I hope readers will leave you a comment below.

In order to qualify for the random drawing of a kindle version of Where Life Meets Faith,  all you need to do is leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win.  If you could take an extra minute more, it would be great if you would share on Facebook or Twitter. You can easily do that by clicking at the bottom of this page where you see those words. 

May God's peace and grace be with you.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.