ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Friday, December 30, 2016

New Year; New Price

As the New Year comes in and 2016 comes to an end, I'm open for a lot of exciting changes. With that said, I am writing to tell you all of the most recent exciting change.


Heavenly Realities: Stumbling toward Gratitude 

is officially

$.99 
PERMINATELY

on Amazon

*****

In addition to the lower price, I'm in the process of formatting the book to be published on more sites including.... Apple and Barnes and Noble!!!

How exciting!!!

I hope you're just as excited as I am and I encourage you to check back
on any one of my sites to keep updated with any new releases and changes.

Have a wonderful New Year.

(If you have read any one of my books, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and any other outlet the book is available.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Heavenly Realities: Stumbling toward Gratitude MAKEOVER

Hey guys,

I'm excited to announce that the cover to Stumbling toward Gratitude got a makeover. The awesomeness in the book is still the same, however, it has a new and improved look. The cover art was created by EmCat Designs. 

What do you think of the new look?


Friday, December 2, 2016

Forbidden Destiny

Hey guys,

I'm popping in for a brief update before I head off to write more. If you've been following me on Facebook, you know that I participated in the #nanowrimo during the last month. I did reach the 50,000-word mark several days before the end of the event, which is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I'm super excited about that. I choose to devote the entire month of November to developing the storyline for my Paranormal Romance book, Forbidden Destiny. This is full of action, magic, and fun. 

At this time, I'm working with a cover artist for the complete wrap for this novel and I'll be announcing the cover reveal date soon. It's going to be epic!!

****

For those of you who don't know the story here's the blurb:

We dream of our future and what we want to be when we grow up. These dreams are who we come to be: unless our destiny has other plans. Sophie Hathorn stumbled upon her destiny through her love of books. She learns she's part of a legacy of the most powerful witches, but with a twist. She's also part Wizard, which makes her the first and only Hybrid.

Struggling with her newly found life, Sophie must prepare and train for the biggest fight of her life. Eros, a Shapeshifter, and Succubus plan to overtake Sophie's hometown and call it his own. He's created an army of Cambion to help him fight. In the midst of the threat, the Wizard's Council comes into town to help Sophie prepare for the fight of her life when she finds herself romantically attracted to Mason; the son of the most powerful Wizard. However, the law has been set for centuries by the Goddess, Pax that no witch or wizard shall be involved romantically.

Not only is Sophie pressured to become the best Hybrid, but she's also fighting the internal battle of the feelings she has for Mason. Will she be able to handle the physical and emotional battle she's about to face or will she fall short?

****

Now let's talk a bit more about the background of this story....

The entire book is based out of a small Pennsylvania town I used to reside in called, Fairchance. (This is where I lived when I started writing this story in 2012) This one is a bit different than what you're used to when it comes to witches, wizards, and the underworld. In Forbidden, each magical individual has their own race. Meaning there is a male and female when it comes to each. By the centuries-old law, the races are not allowed to cross. However, Sophie's parents broke that law and Sophie was born. She's the only Hybrid known in the history of the paranormal world. This book is a bit out of my normal and I'm having fun writing it. 

I'll jump back in at a later time and give you updates on this book and the special dates that go along with writing and releasing a new book. Therefore, if you're a paranormal romance reader, this one is for you!! I really hope you enjoy it as much as I am while I am writing it. 

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the update. 
Have a wonderful weekend.
God Bless

Friday, October 28, 2016

The Gracious Wife #Release Info

Hey, Readers,
The moment you have been waiting for 
has FINALLY arrived.

I'm here to tell you that 
The Gracious Wife

will be AVAILABLE for your reading pleasure on...




Cover by Emcat Designs
Book Description:

Marriage can be surreal, unpredictable, and enticing all at the same time. We find and fall in love with our best friend, and all of our dreams seem to be coming true. We've heard of the princess being rescued by her prince and they ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. Unfortunately, this isn't how marriage is in real life, especially when you're trying to be what God has called you to be. Marriage is two self-centered individuals coming together to live as one.

Given all the foes and dips that may come with marriage, this book gives the basic understanding of marriage the way God intended and not as the way fairy tales has made it out to be. It's meant to help wives be more self-sacrificial toward their husband by acting in grace, love, and forgiveness. In this journey with our best friends, we can work toward being more humbling and giving. It takes more than love alone for a great marriage. The basis of a great marriage starts with a strong spiritual foundation, a strong friendship which grew into a strong romance, along with tons of work, sacrifices, and submission by both partners to make it last.

This book provides Rae-Beth's opinion with communication, getting through the tough times, fair fighting, and keeping God the center of the marriage. Dive in and see marriage from one wife's perspective.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The Gracious Wife: COMING SOON

Hey Readers,

I wanted to give you all an update on the progress with
The Gracious Wife.

I am currently revising a few chapters and waiting for a 
few beta readers to submit their thoughts and opinions. While they're taking the time
to help me out, I have been plotting/writing a few other books.

The feedback is slowly coming back and I'm plotting a few additives to the book, which
I believe will only empower this book more for YOU!

I have ARC Sign Ups open now to those who are in my fan group.
*If you're not in the group, you can apply here.* 

As I'm finishing up the bits and pieces left before sending it to my editor, I'll
be announcing when it'll be released!! 

Are you looking forward to this book? If so, help spread the word by sharing the news of The Gracious Wife is coming SOON! This is the BEST way to help me right now.

Thank you for stopping by and reading this post. 

See you again with the release date announcement!!



Thursday, October 20, 2016

Cover Contest on Authorsdb.com

Hey guys, 

Please do me the favor and vote for Stumbling toward Gratitude in this cover contest. I would be most grateful. 

While you're there, hang out a bit and vote for the other covers you like, too!!


Monday, September 19, 2016

Update with the Author

Hey guys,

I wanted to post a small message to let you all know what's going on here with my books and writing. I know that it seems like it's been forever since I released another book, but I promise I am working hard on several books. Each one of these books is in different genre however, they're still packed full of inspiration and heartfelt.

****

The Gracious Wife: Being Her Husband's Crown has had most of my attention. This book is aimed at wives who want to live a life as a gracious wife. In this small book, I give you my take on marriage and making God at its center. I'm in the process of adding in a few more things that I feel are important to talk about. I've done one major revision on it. Once I'm complete with the additions, I'll do another read through.  


Rainbow Story is one I know a lot of my readers are waiting for. This one is about my life with my rainbow baby. However, things haven't gone the way I had planned for this one. I wanted to keep a daily journal to record my feelings and thoughts during the pregnancy/birth of my rainbow son, however life got me really messed up at the time. So I didn't get to do this. Therefore, I'll be writing this book all from memory. 

I have decided that I won't be publishing the book based upon the paranormal aspects. I started writing this book in 2012 before I had given my life to Christ. At this time, I'm having an internal battle because I'm not sure if this would be a book a Christian would be writing. I'm so torn on this because I put three years of work into it. I've been praying to God for my answers but haven't gotten them yet. Once I do I'll make the final decision on the fate of this book. (I'm sorry to those of you who were looking forward to this book.)

I'm working on a book dedicated to my grandmother. She passed away before I was born at the age of 26 from breast cancer. This will be one emotional read!!!

Keep checking back here or on my website for news, events, and inspiration! 
Thanks for reading.
God Bless



First Birthday Celebration

It seems like yesterday I hit the publish button. So in #celebration for Stumbling toward Gratitude hitting the one-year mark, I'm running a#promo on #Amazon.

During the weekend of September 23rd-25th, Stumbling toward #Gratitude will be #FREE!!! How awesome is that?
The only thing I ask in return is that when you're done with this journaling experience, please leave a review on Amazon and help me get 50 total reviews listed on Amazon.

Help by sharing this post and spreading the word!!


Friday, September 9, 2016

The Gracious Wife: FULL #COVER #REVEAL

The Gracious Wife
FULL COVER REVEAL
Release Information will be provided at a later date.
Cover by Emcat Designs
Book Description:
Marriage can be surreal, unpredictable, and enticing all at the same time. We find and fall in love with our best friend, and all of our dreams seem to be coming true. We've heard of the princess being rescued by her prince and they ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. Unfortunately, this isn't how marriage is in real life, especially when you're trying to be what God has called you to be. Marriage is two self-centered individuals coming together to live as one.
Given all the foes and dips that may come with marriage, this book gives the basic understanding of marriage the way God intended and not as the way fairy tales has made it out to be. It's meant to help wives be more self-sacrificial toward their husband by acting in grace, love, and forgiveness. In this journey with our best friends, we can work toward being more humbling and giving. It takes more than love alone for a great marriage. The basis of a great marriage starts with a strong spiritual foundation, a strong friendship which grew into a strong romance, along with tons of work, sacrifices, and submission by both partners to make it last.
This book provides Rae-Beth's opinion with communication, getting through the tough times, fair fighting, and keeping God the center of the marriage. Dive in and see marriage from one wife's perspective.



Thursday, August 11, 2016

The Gracious Wife COVER REVEAL

Welcome and come celebrate with me as I release the cover of my next book in honor of my anniversary. Please share and help share the news of the cover reveal. 
Thank you!!!




Genre: Christian Living
Pages: Approx 100
Release Date: 2016

Description:


Marriage can be surreal, unpredictable, and enticing all at the same time. We find and fall in love with our best friend, and all of our dreams seem to be coming true. We've heard of the princess being rescued by her prince and they ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. Unfortunately, this isn't how marriage is in real life, especially when you're trying to be what God has called you to be. Marriage is two self-centered individuals coming together to live as one.


Given all the foes and dips that may come with marriage, this book gives the basic understanding of marriage the way God intended and not as the way fairy tales has made it out to be. It's meant to help wives be more self-sacrificial toward their husband by acting in grace, love, and forgiveness. In this journey with our best friends, we can work toward being more humbling and giving. It takes more than love alone for a great marriage. The basis of a great marriage starts with a strong spiritual foundation, a strong friendship which grew into a strong romance, along with tons of work, sacrifices, and submission by both partners to make it last.



This book provides Rae-Beth's opinion with communication, getting through the tough times, fair fighting, and keeping God the center of the marriage. Dive in and see marriage from one wife's perspective.





Release Information will be provided at a later date. 

Monday, August 1, 2016

Title Reveal

Due to copyright issues with the last title for my upcoming book on marriage, I had to change the title. In addition to the title change, I decided to give the cover a makeover too. Please join me in celebration on August 11th in the cover reveal for my next book...



There are many ways you can help with the reveal, even if you don't own a blog or Facebook page. As long as you have a profile on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, you can help. All you have to do is "like" and share the original book cover reveal post on any of the social sites. The key is to share, share, share!!!

When you do share, use the hashtags #thegraciouswife #beingherhusbandscrown so I can see all your posts.

Thank you so much for your support and for following me in my writing journey.

Friday, July 1, 2016

BIG event coming your way.....

Things are crazy in the Buda house. 

I am finding that it's super hard to do any type of work pertaining to my books with a toddler running around. However, I'm reworking my schedule to include a lot more time to writing. It's driving me crazy not doing what my heart desires to do.

AUTHORS:
I'm in the process of planning an event later in this summer and would love it if you joined in to help. I'm looking for books, swag, or even You for this event. If you're interested, please message me.

READERS:
As a heads up, if you're interested in the upcoming event, please keep an eye on my book page on Facebook. I'll tell you this... BE ACTIVE TO WIN SOME AWESOME PRIZES!! I'll give you a hint... the "Door prize" is a KINDLE FIRE!

More information to come when the time is right. 
See you on Facebook. 


Monday, May 30, 2016

Who is He?

It's eight o'clock on a Sunday morning. You wake to the sound of your alarm, quickly shut it off, and climb out of bed. You grab your phone off the side and head to the kitchen. It's time to get ready for church. While the coffee is brewing, you give a shout to the kids to get up and head to get a quick shower. With your hair folded up in the towel, soaked from the shower, you make take in the sweet aroma of coffee while you make yourself a cup. Midway through you nice quiet moment, the kids roll out of bed, whining that it's too early and they didn't want to get up. You inhale and prepare for your day ahead. 

The rush starts.

Breakfast.
Brush teeth.
Get dressed.

Once the kids are ready, you run off to do something quick with your hair and throw on your waterproof makeup. After a twenty minute fight to get everyone out the door, you rush off to morning church.

Does this sound a bit familiar? I know it does for me because this is my Sunday routine. However, I had the moment to ponder this past Sunday on something. As I was doing my quiet time in the morning, I decided to do my daily devotionals. This was when I realized something. I never really sat and thought about who God really is. I push myself and my family to stay on track and be sure to include God in my everyday. I talk to Him constantly. I swear if someone saw me on a daily basis, they'd think I was crazy. Especially if they're not a believer. 

A small insight to a conversation I recently had with the Lord went a something like this...

I picked up the phone bill, took a deep breath, and opened it. (I hate when the bills come in.) I see the amount owed, which is too high for my liking. "Lord, you have a phone bill down here that needs your attention. This one is yours." I call out to the Lord. 

I have small moments like this during my day. However, I never really stopped to think about besides my Lord and Savior, who is He? I took some time to finally be able to answer this. Here is my answer to who He really is...

God is good and everything He does is great. Everything... I mean everything that he made is good. All of his actions and decisions are good. God is the meaning of what it means to be good. The thoughts that He thinks are always good and not harmful. He's always slow to anger and forgives quickly. When He is angry, this anger is always righteous. 

God is perfect! He always gets it right on the first try and He NEVER makes a mistake. The power He has over sin is strong and mighty. He uses our sins to accomplish good in our lives and helps us learn more of who we are. He is sovereign over evil, yet He is entirely separate from it. However, nothing is out of His control. 

He is merciful.
He is powerful.
He is knowledgeable in everything.
He is patient.
He is faithful.
He is true to all.
He is reliable.
He is honest.

He exists out of time and space. 
He is the creator of it all, including the universe.

He is the ONLY God who was and is to come! He is eternal.

God is worthy of all to praise His name, worship Him, love Him, abide in Him, and adore Him.

****

After I fully understood who God is, I realized that He is worthy of my love. He deserves the devotion I should give Him. He is obedient to my calls and prayers, therefore, I need to be obedient of His calls and plans for my life. Once I started being obedient to His plan, I found Him at the center of my life. My life was full of pure joy, perfect peace, and many blessings. 

Who is He to you?

Friday, May 27, 2016

My Beat Goes On..


In Memory of Dakota




It's been three years since I hear the worst words any mother would want to hear, "there's no heartbeat." Each year for our daughter's birthday, we have a worldwide balloon release and candle lighting in her honor. This year isn't any different. My husband and I will load up the kids, go pick out our special balloons, and head off to meet up with other family members at our daughter's forever bed. I'll play a song that reminds me of her and the way I am looking at the way things are. While the song plays, we release our balloons. I stand there watching the balloons disappear from sight while I'm praying she's seeing our efforts to remember.

My heart and soul will mourn her even more, today than any other day. However, I'll push on and continue living my life the best I can. I won't ever forget nor do I want to. The occasional breakdown from her absence is a reminder of how much I love her. Of course, I'll have people giving me what they believe are words of encouragement, but I know better. I just bow my head and pray. I pray for the person who doesn't have a clue. I pray for them because I don't want them to know how those words their speaking have no comforting effects at all. I don't want them to know the pain I hold dear in my heart. 

Yes, I have come to appreciate the pain that overcomes me periodically throughout my life now. It's a reminder of her existence and that's okay.

I refuse to put any pictures I have of her away as some had suggested. I refuse to stop visiting her grave. I choose to honor her, her life, and her memory. So, for today, please join me in remembering my daughter by lighting a candle. Snap a picture and share it with me. You can do this by joining the event on Facebook, emailing it to me, or simply sharing it on my book page. Either way, show me that you chose to honor her, too!!

Monday, May 23, 2016

You ARE Loved!!

I have found many struggles in life before and after my walk with Christ started. I stumbled, fell, and got back up. When I found my faith a few years ago, I was broken, shattered, and unsettled in my identity with Christ. I had so many insecurities and let downs. Immediately after my return to Christ, Jesus started to mend my broken pieces. During the biggest struggle in my life, I wrote my journey in a book to share with others and show them that they weren't alone. As I wrote this book, Jesus spoke to me and told me who I was in Him. I learned about my identity in Christ.

When I focused my life on my identity, God revealed issues and things I struggled with that weren't according to His plan. As I worked my way through His list, I learned far more than I could have imagined. I often refer to two different Bible verses to define who I am in Christ. The first is Philippians 4:3, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The second is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

These verses apply to YOU too!

God love you and there isn't a thing in this world that can change His love for you. He doesn't love us based on how close we are to Him or how much we pray. He loves you, even more than you love yourself. His love is unconditional! Even the times where you don't love yourself, He still loves you. In sin, He loves you. 

God loves everyone, everywhere, all the time. It doesn't matter what we look like, the things we do or say, or the way we behave. Yes, He wants you to turn from sin and follow Him, but this is because He wants an eternity with you and doesn't want to see you perish. 

So I am here today to inspire you to tell the enemy to quiet those lies he's been whispering in your ears because you are loved and cherished by the Most-High. You are the princess/prince of THE ONE TRUE KING!

Thursday, May 19, 2016

New Look? Yes, Please!!

I wanted to share .......

Heavenly Realities: Stumbling toward Gratitude 

got a fresh new look. Check it out below and tell me what you think!!


Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Marriage & Social Media

The sun rises and the alarm goes off. Of course, I don't hear it but my son, who was sleeping next to me, stirs. His movements in the bed wake me up and I hear my alarm. I roll over, shut off the noise, and take a deep breath. Another day I have been blessed.

I grab my cell phone from the nightstand and pick up my son. We walk out to the kitchen to join my Mom, who's usually talking on the phone to my step-dad, who's on the road because he's a truck driver. Placing my son in his high chair with his breakfast, I make my way to the coffee pot. (Another one of God's amazing blessings: COFFEE)

Once my cup of deliciousness is complete, I sit to enjoy it while scrolling through Facebook. I see small bits of the lives of those I care about and those I haven't ever met. I see several articles with the "click bait" headlines, which I try not to click on. However, curiosity gets to me and I read the article. Most of the time these articles are usually centered around Jesus. However, some of them are of relationships, marriage, and romance. I try to stay away from any misleading marriage articles because I'm striving to follow the best advice one could get about marriage: the Bible. Now don't get me wrong. I also like to look up to those who have been married for the long haul, those that have the kind of marriage I pray to have when I'm older.

At times, I tend to watch the older couples in church and think that their marriage is sweet because you hardly see a marriage lasting that long. If it's more than five or so years, I tend to be in awe these days. I try to push myself away from "judging or coveting" the marriages I see on social media. I tend to feel that, at times, the polish was taken to the post and only the good times are shared. A lot of the time, we don't see the negative that happens within the marriage.  The shield normally covers the marriage and the transparency isn't available. These people only want you to see what they feel will get them some kind of attention. Now, don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with showing your love to your spouse online. I do this myself, quite often actually. I'm talking about the "perfect" family, marriage, and life posts.

We're not here to allow the world to impact our marriage. We want our marriage to impact the world. Thus meaning that the outside view of marriage shouldn't ever be used to shape your marriage. Your marriage (biblically) should want to impact the world around you. How do you do this without crossing the line of the "perfect" life posts? Easy.


Continue to live life with Christ at the core. Focus all your energy on Jesus and allow Him to do the talking. He'll take control and whisper to the hearts of those around you. 

Monday, May 2, 2016

Compelling and Creative Christian Authors

Life has been rather busy for me lately. Sadly, I haven't had the time to be inspired for another blog post because I've been so wrapped up in my move. Yep, I've found a cute little apartment, outside of my favorite little town, and now I'm making it home. During my wind down time at night, I like to scroll Facebook or read.

Today's blog post isn't about my books, but about books/authors I enjoy. I've put together a list of authors who I believe you'll love too. Check it out and I hope you find another favorite author to turn to in your time of relaxation.

1. Joyce Meyer - Motivational Speaker/Author
2. Annie F. Downs
3. Ann Voskamp
4. Mary DeMuth

Who would you add to this list?

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Selfless Love

Love is talked about MANY times in the Bible. Love, as described in the Bible, is very different from the worldly definition of love. Biblical love is selfless, unconditional, patient, kind, boast less, proud less, trusts always, hopes always, and always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8) There is a  thing of too much self-love. Scripture doesn't tell us to love ourselves; it's assumed that people already love themselves. That's why in the statement, "love your neighbor as you love yourself" essentially means for us to treat people well. In fact, society already loves their selves too much and this is the problem.

Take, for example, Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, there was only one who showed to be true to the man who was in need out of three people; the Samaritan, a priest, and a Levite. The priest and the Levite refused to help the man in need. They failed to show love to the injured man, which resulted in loving themselves too much. Here they put their own interests first and not of the man who  was injured. The Samaritan chose to true love, Christ-like love. He gave his time, energy, resources, and money without hesitation and was focused on outward, not inward.

Jesus told this story as an illustration of what it means to 'love thy neighbor'. We're supposed to push away from thoughts of ourselves and care for others. We are supposed to value others above ourselves, and look for the interest of those around us. Not for what is overall best for ourselves. According to Philippians 2: 3-4, loving others requires humility, value of others, and a conscious effort to put others first. Anything less than this is selfish and vain- it falls short of the standards of Christ. In addition, we should love ourselves to a degree and not think of ourselves as worthless. The Bible does say we are of great worth because God created us in His image. This plays as a balancing act.

Let's take a look at what it means to be self-centered. The definition means when one is solely concerned with one's own interests. Usually, they are self engrossed and egotistical. No wonder it's an  unappealing trait. Most of the time, those who are self-centered don't take the time to understand another's point of view. A person who has this trait struggle to maintain a sense of compassion towards others or they have an internal need for acceptance by others.

As an example, Kim can be kind hearted and caring when she wants. However, most of the time you'll find her complaining about the things in life that aren't going her way or the way she believes it should be. You'll find her reaching for attention as a way to self assure. This could be done by her repeated posts on social media of selfies and the "I'm so wonderful" type posts.

Most of the time, those who post these types of things are looking for the attention. They're also known as attention seekers. Those who are self-centered are self-driven, more concerned about their image and the materialistic things around them, than any other issues in the world. Lying and manipulation are core to a self-centered person. They tend to lie and manipulate those around them to get what they want.

I personally think the self-centeredness is a sin, which should be avoided. As a Christian, we should be pushing to help, reach out to, and guide those around us. Manipulation should be avoided at all costs.

How do self-centered people make you feel? Does this personality trait make you want to be friends or does it make you want to get away from that particular person?



Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Who Do You Want to Be?



Who do I want to be?

This isn't a question I have taken the time to think about and answer before. It never occurred to me that there could be way more meaning than the typical answers you get to this question. Growing up, we're asked all the time what we want to be. My answers were a teacher, a mother, a wife, a friend, a cosmetologist, a massage therapist, a writer, and the best Christian I could be.

After taking some time to ponder on my answer to this question, I came up with this.

I want to be many things within my life. My childhood dreams still stand true, however, a few things have fallen off that list.

First, I am a teacher. I'm not the type of teacher I had thought I'd be while young. I don't hold a teaching degree but that doesn't mean I'm not qualified. As a mother of three (two physically with me), I teach them every day. I teach them about Jesus, life, and love. I've dedicated my life to these two amazing souls and I've promised God that I would do everything in my power to raise them in the way they should go. So far, I think I've done a good job. My daughter goes to a Christian homeschooling group and has daily instruction in basic education with teachers who love her dearly. She not only gets the education but also time with God. (LOVE THIS) My son is a baby, but not just any baby. He's the most joyful and pleasant soul I know. When we sit down and pray, he takes the hands around him, bows his head, and says his own prayer in baby words. (Another parenting win!) Yes, I am a teacher.

Second, I am a mother. I have carried three babies in my womb and I have given birth to two screaming babies and one angel baby. Even though the world sees me with two kids, I have one sitting on Jesus' lap while enjoying Heaven's choir. I have been immensely blessed to have been able to carry these children and experience the birth process. However, being a mother is so much more than this. I am a mother because I care for these children. I nurse them when they are sick. I play games with them that others would find boring. I get covered with the spaghetti dinner that my son decided he was finished with. I get the fights with my daughter when she pushes for something I don't believe would benefit her. I get the small art projects that were created with me in mind. I get the hugs, kisses, and love these children have to give. Yet, I mourn a child who has never looked into my eyes, kissed me, hugged me, or even called out for me. Instead, her beautiful delicate body is resting in her forever bed in a small grave in Pennsylvania. Yes, I am a mother.  

Third, I am a wife. I stressed over the dress, the flowers, the cake, and the decorations. I enjoyed the honeymoon after I walked down that isle. I was made to feel like a princess. However, there's so much more to being a wife. I supported dreams which weren't mine, passions that I didn't have a taste for, and I have experienced a different kind of love. This type of love is on a much deeper level that one can express. I have listened to hours of excitingness after a day watching a favorite sports team, I listened to the thrills of how great an eight-second car just ran down the drag strip. I listened to memories of war, military, and loneliness. I held in my own pain while the pain of a broken soldier cried out from the pain left behind after a tour in war within Iraq. I nursed sickness into health. I've loved more than I ever thought I could love another human being, other than my children. I am a wife!

Fourth, I am a friend. I gave my shoulder for the tears which fell, and my tears slipped from my eyes because my heart was overloaded. I embraced memories and laughter that only a friend could have. I have opened my heart to the purest love outside of my family. I listened to hours and tried to mend the broken heart, which wasn't mine. I dreamt those dreams with someone who didn't have to choose me. My heart cares deeply for the people who don't live with me but live within my heart. They have come and gone, and some still remain. Right now, a piece of my heart is in Oklahoma, Tennessee, California, Florida, Massachusetts, and Heaven. I am a friend.

Fifth, I am a writer. Four books. Self-published. Long hours and even years, I have spent sitting in front of a computer while creating a new world for someone else to enjoy. These books are part of who I am. My world. my tears, my dreams are all wrapped up in these pages. These books are more than just books. They are my passions, my hopes, my dreams! I have reached out to inspire, give hope, and to allow someone else to dream. I live in an isolated world for these books. My dedication will always be and I will NOT give up. I may second guess this nook of the world because that's part of who I am. I will be frustrated beyond my control and ready to throw in the towel. However, I can't because writing is part of who I am. I cannot survive without it. I am a writer.

Last, I am a Christian. I have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. He is my peace, my joy, and my happiness. He has NEVER let me down and has always picks me, even when I sadly didn't choose him. He's always there waiting to embrace me, love me, and guide me. I have dedicated my life to Him, as He gave His life for me. I am a Christian.

Now, I'm asking you..... Who do you want to be?

Working Together to Build Jesus Centered Marriages

While doing research and talking with Christian couples about Jesus-centered marriages, I found one thing in common. Each person mentioned that they wished more events would center around building strong Christ-like marriages. Events just for spouses to attend and become stronger in Christ. People feel that there are too little resources bases upon marriage and Christ. 

I partly agree with this. However, my church in which I attend supports every walk of life and each step in which life has to offer. As a matter of fact, there's a couples retreat coming up this weekend, which I sadly won't be attending due to my husband's work schedule. But this is a start. (I pray I can catch the next one and have a babysitter for the kiddos.) 

This is one reason why I feel I was led to write Best Friends for Life; Yet, Husband and Wife. My mission is to help woman everywhere be the wife God called them to be. Sometimes it takes an outside voice to see where we are going wrong at times. 

Let me say, that marriage you want and dream of can happen with Christ at its center. I know that it's easier said than done. But we need to stand up and fight for it. Just as Christ fought for us. Our marriages are like a flower that need daily care and attention. If we don't show this attention and care, it'll wither away and eventually die off.


The first start to a Jesus-centered marriage is JESUS and a relationship with Him. My walk with Christ took off three years ago when my daughter was stillborn. (As I said in her story, her birth/death gave me a violent shove towards Jesus.) I've been following Him since. Now, I'm not saying that my way is the only way. However, it's just one way of many. What works for me and my husband, may not work for all spouses out there.

So, let's work together and start at the beginning. Let's build each other up starting with Christ and our relationship with Him. What's something that you and your spouse do to help keep Christ in the center of your marriage? One thing I have as a goal is to make a set time, every day for my husband and I to pray. Yes, we pray. However, with our schedules, it ends up that our prayer times are different and we're normally praying alone. We NEED to fix this and pray together!

Here are some resources I like to check out every now and then for my marriage (and writing):




Books






Websites & Articles:


The Purpose of Marriage is Not to Make You Holy by Jonathan Trotter for A Life Overseas




I would love to grow this list, so in the comments below, tell me what resources would you add?

Friday, April 22, 2016

Lukewarm Christians

God doesn't like us to be lukewarm Christians. He created us to be fearless and to stand out. “Lukewarm” for me means SITTING ON THE FENCE! In life, I don’t believe in sitting on the fence. I believe in taking sides. When we decide to "sit on the fence" we won't get anything out of life, except for maybe a few splinters. Many times, people don't hesitate to make decisions and they don't seem to have problems when it comes to making these decisions. Maybe because in today's world, we have so many options to choose from. When it comes to problems with decision making, perhaps they're run by fear and they're afraid of the outcome. Perhaps they feel that as long as they hang out on the fence is best because they're safe. 

However, they couldn't be more wrong.

When it comes to making the decision to follow Christ, this should be done now. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:2 that “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” He doesn't say to hang out, test the waters, and see if it's something you may enjoy. He says NOW is the time! God created us with a vision in mind and then used the selfless act to give us free will. This free will is a blessing for us, but, in turn, we could use it to hurt us as well. We take this for granted. Accepting Christ as your Savior is a very important decision one can make. The Bible tells us that sin does not enter into Heaven, so choosing an eternity in the glory of God or in the depths of hell is pretty serious if you ask me. 

I know that some feel that if they choose Jesus, they're going to lose everything they ever enjoyed and basically live life like a robot going through the motions. Let me be the first to say, when you chose Jesus, you're gaining everything. You gain eternity, salvation, love like you have never experienced before, and a lifetime of blessings. Who wouldn't want that?

Now, when one calls themselves a Christian but picks and chooses parts of the Bible to follow and disregards the rest, this is also a form of being on the fence. I believe that if you're for God, you are ALL IN! I'm not trying to scare anyone, however, if you feel any type of conviction while reading this, perhaps the Lord is speaking to your heart. Open up and listen to what He has to say.

The enemy tries everything to keep us out of the church and away from God. He makes us believe that we can't serve God because of our past sins or because of something we're doing right now. It's all lies. He could be whispering any of these lines to you....

You can't serve God when you smoke or drink.
You won't have any fun doing that. You're going to give up everything you love.
You're not good enough. Look at your past, it's full of things that aren't pleasing.
What will your friends think?

These lies continue.

Becoming a Christian will transform you and it is a life changing event. Some believe you need to clean up and throw out the garbage before they can be a Christian. Once you make the decision to be saved and confess that Jesus is Lord, then Christ will do the cleaning. Jesus will be there helping you through all of it. He will never leave your side. Take it like this, we all have that one thing we do that doesn't line up with the Christian lifestyle but change isn't overnight. Change happens over time WITH THE HELP OF GOD!

When we start to fill our lives with godly things and start to take the instructions from the Bible into consideration, it begins to transform us and our life priorities. We really become like Christ. This change will take time, but moving in the right direction is key. We aren't sitting idle on the fence weighing the pros and cons. We are DOING something.

Joyce Meyer posted this quote on Facebook: “If you will start choosing to do what you know is right, your feelings will catch up with it.” I love this. Each morning when we wake up, we have the option to choose to do what we know is right. We have the choice to choose God or the world. The more we chose God, the better our relationship becomes and the easier it is to walk in faith. 

When becoming a Christian, there's not a list of the dos and don't of life. We don't get told how to dress or talk or how to act. Our instructional manual (the Bible) is the ONLY manual we need. As we pray and seek God, changes will come in our lives. These changes will happen deep within and work their way out. However, none of this will happen if we don't decide to GET OFF THE FENCE.

Choose for yourself today on whom you serve. 

I choose Jesus.

Spring Giveaway


If you would like to read the reviews and learn more about these books, please visit Amazon here.

Up for grabs:

2 ebook copies of Silenced
2 ebook copies of The Overtaking
3 ebook copies of Saying Goodbye
5 ebook copies of Stumbling toward Gratitude


That means there will be 10 winners total in this giveaway.
Starts today and ends on May 8th at midnight. Winners will be chosen shortly after.

Here's more about the prizes....





Description:

Amber Brown spent her entire existence believing Dave was her father. When her mother reveals this is untrue, she goes through an emotional spiral with depression. It's hard for her to believe her mother had lied to her all this time.

A move to a new home and town causes Amber to be consumed by her "darkness" and reverts to cutting to free herself from her pain.

When Casey, her new friend enters her life, she introduces Amber to parties, drugs, and Amber's new boyfriend Landon. The secret of cutting begins to take effect on Amber as she tries to hide it from her friends and family. In the midst of everything, Amber has the desire to find out who her biological father is.

Follow Amber through her trials of depression and cutting, along with the discovery of love.







In life when one thing goes wrong, it can feel like everything goes wrong. Secrets come to the surface while friendships twist out of control, romantic relationships end, and even a dear loved one can die!

In Silenced: The Overtaking Amber’s life turns to chaos when she finds out Sarah, her childhood friend dies suddenly, her stepfather reveals another devastating family secret, and her boyfriend begins pushing her away.

After all the truth comes out, Amber turns to her darkness for comfort when her worst fear becomes reality. Her secret with cutting is discovered when she loses control and ends up in the hospital. Amber’s long journey to recovery begins with a battle. While she’s fighting her way to freedom, she discovers the one love she’s been missing her entire life.


Will Amber overtake her darkness of cutting or will the darkness overtake her?





The journey of pregnancy brings hope, joy, and love for the expecting mother. The hope of giving birth to a new life. The joy of feeling this new life grow inside of her. The love that starts with a test that doesn't ever end. Dreams for the unborn child flood the new mother’s mind, as well as those around her. Each step of the pregnancy is a cherished moment. The anticipation of meeting her cherished baby builds from the very first month and ends after birth.

This is the story of one mother and how a few words changed her life forever. How a piece of her faded when she heard these words: “There’s no heartbeat.” When Rae-Beth Buda laid in the hospital in labor, she and her husband heard those dreaded words.

What happens when all of those dreams are shattered in a moment’s notice? How does one cope with the loss of their child? This is the story of their journey and of the devastating grief of the loss of her daughter, Dakota Emily Buda.






Gratitude is often thought of as a gift or a blessing. By choosing gratitude, we teach ourselves to see the blessing in all situations, which leads to a more thankful life.

This thirty-day challenge will take you on a journey, which will have you looking at different parts in life to find gratitude and give thanks. We will focus on the meaning of gratitude, seeing gratitude in difficult moments, ungratefulness, thankfulness, and even focus on saying thanks to friends and family who deserve recognition. When we choose gratitude, we teach our children to be more thankful and live a life with "eyes of gratitude."

Join me in this journey to better your life with joy, happiness, and an attitude of gratitude.





How do I enter? It's simple. Use the form below to enter.

**All entries will be verified before each winner is contacted.




Easter Giveaway ....EXTENSION

Due to low entries in the giveaway, I am extending this giveaway so more people have an opportunity to win one of the great books that's up for grabs. So, if you haven't entered, hop on over and join. Then, share so your friends can enter too!

Happy Spring!!!

Thursday, March 31, 2016

**** COVER REVEAL ****

Welcome and thank you for joining. 

* I ask that if you like the cover, please share it and pass on the word of the upcoming release *


Best Friends for Life; Yet Husband and Wife 


Description:

Marriage can be surreal, unpredictable, and enticing all at the same time. We find and fall in love with our best friend, and all of our dreams seem to be coming true. We've heard of the princess being rescued by her prince and they ride off in the sunset to live happily ever after. Unfortunately, this isn't how marriage is in real life, especially when you're trying to be what God has called you to be. Marriage is two self-centered individuals coming together to live as one.
Given all the foes and dips that may come with marriage, this book gives the basic understanding of marriage the way God intended and not as the way fairy tales has made it out to be. Its meant to help wives be more self-sacrificial toward their husband by acting in grace, love, and forgiveness. In this journey with our best friends, we can work toward being more humbling and giving. It takes more than love alone for a great marriage. The basis of a great marriage starts with a strong spiritual foundation, a strong friendship which grew into a strong romance, along with tons of work, sacrifices, and submission by both partners to make it last.
This book provides Rae-Beth's opinion with communication, getting through the tough times, fair fighting, and keeping God the center of the marriage. Dive in and see marriage from one wife's perspective.

Release Date: To Be Announced

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