The Ramifications of Our Salvation

When I first received author John Rataczak's book in the mail, I thought, "Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into?"  I geared myself up for some deep reading and deciphering of theology way beyond what my pea brain could comprehend.  However, what I discovered was a book written and backed by scripture, followed by questions and logical answers. 

John writes on the second page of his book, "Biblical knowledge is important, but it must be accompanied by the desire to become more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions."

  

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?

Really, the most important thing is what God thinks. I do

hope people come to the conclusion that my two daily prayers

are of the utmost importance: a. that God would bring about a

revival of evangelism worldwide, and b. that God would bring

a revival of Biblical thinking among His people.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers? 

I have written 4 books thus far:

a. The Ramifications of Our Salvation explains what happens

Biblically when a believer is saved by God's grace.  In 35 short,

readable chapters; suitable for small group or personal study,

it has 4 quizzes and a final exam at the end.

b. Bible Translations: A Closer Look defends the inspiration of

the Bible, discusses the history and difficulties involved in

translation, explains the various theories of translation, and offers 

practical suggestions for effective Bible studies.

c. Spiritual Gifts Verse by Verse: A Commentary on I Corinthians

12-14 is a phrase-by-phrase look at the three chapters of the New

Testament that most thoroughly deal with the subject of spiritual

gifts.

d. A Portrait of Jesus is in five sections: Jesus before time existed,

Jesus in Old Testament times, Jesus on this earth, Jesus in the

present, Jesus in the last days and final state. It's 37 short chapters

on our amazing Savior!

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

It is my sincere desire that these books (and others that by God's

grace will come in the future) will be used to glorify our Savior in

many lands throughout the world. I don't want any credit, but I do

believe these books are needed and helpful to many who are lost or

Christians who need encouragement and instruction.

4.  What are you currently reading?

Currently, I am reading biographies about Christian leaders from

the 19th century in preparation for my fifth book: 19th Century

Influences on 21st. Century Christianity.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

http://www.eleutherosbooks.com/

Poet/singer/songwriter  Aaron Lair is no stranger to adversity.  After contracting transverse myelitis in 2004, which causes swelling in the spine, and suffering a stroke from a blood clot, Laird was paralyzed. Through ironclad determination and arduous work, he regained the use of his arm and started writing poetry, which eventually led to music.  Laird has rapidly become a dramatic force in the poetry recitation and alternative rock scenes.

After reading Laird’s compilation of poetry, I felt that he had been tossed to and fro in a dark sea.  Always wanting to surface only to be pulled back into the abyss.  On a brighter note, his most recent annotations have somewhat of Dr. Seuss’ flair to them!  If you enjoy reading poetry, you will want to peruse this five star read!  And now for the interview...

 1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?

I have lupus, which caused me to become paralyzed. In turn, my writing poetry began after having surgery for a skin pressure ulcer. The resulting one month of ordered bed rest served as my muse. This expanse of time inspired me to let whatever came to mind simply flow out, so to speak. At the time, I was typing on my laptop in bed, which proved to be considerably more convenient than a pencil and paper.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers? 

In his ethereal book of poetry, Blue Lightning, Aaron Laird transcends space and time to bring this collection of poems to the world. With historical, contemporary, and philosophical poems, there's something for everyone. His vivid imagery, sharp use of language, and existential ideas will make you stop and think about the world around you. Don't miss out on this powerful compilation: Blue Lightning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thNxhx7fdAI

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

I wish to ultimately walk again someday. As of yet, I have recently been able to get some small amount of leg movement when my Physiatrist (physical therapy doctor) most recently tested my amount of recovery this past July 31. I aim to build on that through rigorous physical therapy on a regular basis to increase my return of movement, over time.

4.  What are you currently reading?

The Bhagavad-Gita Hindu religious book edited by Barbara Stoler Miller and a Buddhist Scriptures religious book edited by Betty Radice for the Comparative Religion college course that I am currently taking.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

Besides being for sale at my publisher's website, it may also be found at a number of major bookstores.

https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-

61346-720-6

The most prominent site is Amazon.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1613467206/ref=kinw_rke_tl_1

BLUE LIGHTNING

I hear a sound so frightening.

Hark, I see blue lightning.

I see a turquoise mist;

it's itching at my wrist.

I hear a distant thunder

as my mind starts to wander.

Blue lightning strikes without a sound, 

soft yet dangerous on the ground.

THE JAMES WOMACK STORY

What an absolute blessing to have read, Black Dad - White Dad, written by author James Womack and co-authored by Anna Allen.  James tells his story like you were sitting across from your best friend in a quaint cafe, eating pie, and sipping on cups of coffee.  He weaves a story of racism, American history, extreme poverty, alcoholism, fortitude, illiteracy, tension, paternal rejection, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and extreme risk taking all sustained by the redemptive love of Christ.

James doesn't hold back on expressing his feelings and beliefs in his writing.  As a proofreader, I did find a few grammatical and punctuation errors but his story triumphs over any writing his final editor failed to notice.  This read definitely deserves a five star review!

And now for the interview...

BLACK DAD - WHITE DAD

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?

     I am a walking history book that provides the reader with a snapshot of an unfiltered life in another era, filled with emotions, challenges, accomplishments, courage and an insatiable desire to expand my universe and enjoy the best of what life has to offer.  I am happily married for fifty-two years to my first love.  God blessed us with four children and five grandchildren.  My life is one of dedicated service to God, family and country.  I pray daily for an increase in faith, hope, patience and charity with an infusion of wisdom and compassion.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?

     You revealed it rather eloquently in your review:  "James tells his story as if you were sitting across from your best friend in a quaint cafe, eating pie, and sipping on cups of coffee."  My story provides an insight into the maturing life and experiences of a boy born into abject poverty, to illiterate parents, with an insatiable appetite to experience the fullness of creation with the audacity to venture into unchartered waters.  I take you on a personal tour through six decades of historical evolvement and cultural changes in America, Europe and Asia that shaped the world and gave us the freedom in which we live today.  You see the naked uncompromising truth of the world through my eyes, the good, the bad and the ugly, as I faced life with courage on a daily basis. 

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

     I believe that God created humans in the image and likeness of Himself with a multitude of talents, dreams, and goals with a unique purpose.  I pray daily that I am able to fulfill the purpose for which I am created.  Since I do not fully know what that is, I pray daily that the Holy Spirit lead and guide me in my daily walk.  I strive to personify the adage of Saint Francis:  "Preach the gospel every day.  Use words if necessary."  I struggle to live a life filled with hope, humor, forgiveness and service to others by treating everyone the way I wish to be treated.  I have learned that holding on to hurts, unfulfilled dreams, disappointments and mistreatment is self-inflicted mutilation that drains the brain of creative energy and destroys the soul.  Forgiveness is cathartic and invigorating.

4.  What are you currently reading?

     Daily I read the "Living Faith" a Catholic publication that has a daily reflection with a structured bible reading from the Old and New Testament and a Psalm.  This structured format insures me that I will read the total bible every three years.  I also read books, materials and articles on homeopathic healing:  "Beating Alzheimer's" by Tom Warren, "Miracle Food Cures from the Bible" by Reese Dubin and "Dead Doctor's Don't Lie" by Dr. Joel Wallach.  On my bucket list are the fables and childhood stories banned from my juvenile education curriculum by the Jim Crow crafted "Separate-but-equal" education system and the classical English novels that are a part of the high school English reading curriculum.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

     "Black Dad - White Dad" is available at:

http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/AdvancedSearch/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=black+dad+white+dad

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-dad-white-dad-james-womack/1114926113?ean=9781481716055

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Dad-White-Dad-James-Womack/dp/1481716050/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391891507&sr=1-1&keywords=black+dad+white+dad

If you prefer an autographed copy, send a check or money order for a total of $24.48 to:

Alle-Mack LLC

PO Box 36844

Indianapolis, IN  46236-0844

MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE 

BE FILLED WITH BOUNTY 

AND YOUR HEART FILLED WITH PEACE AND CONTENTMENT DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON... 

 MERRY CHRISTMAS 

AND 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

a time for every Purpose under 

heaven

Have you ever thought about going on a mission trip?  I have always had this thought in the back of my mind that if I were single, I would travel to third world countries and work as a missionary.  After reading, Chris Kincaid's book, "a time for every Purpose under heaven", I no longer have that desire.  God truly chooses those who will serve in the mission field.

I could never imagine eating body parts from animals, which should not be consumed, or squatting over a dirt hole in the ground to... well, you get the picture.

Chris Kincaid, felt that she had received several messages from God and that she was destined to travel to Kenya, Africa on a mission trip.  Much of the time she felt lost and alone.  One question that kept resonating through her head was
 "Why am I here?"

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?

I never thought, I was anyone special.  I'm shy and insecure, with a very low 

self-esteem. I never pictured myself doing anything with my life.  But, through God's eyes, I am very special and with His help and guidance I can do anything.  And so can anyone else.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?

First, it is a book about Africa, the people, the places, and the poverty.  I hope that readers feel as if they are in Africa, feeling the wind as it blows across the Savannah, they can smell the waste piling up in the slums, and they can hear the laughter of children who should have nothing to laugh at.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

Every night at the dinner table, when I was a kid, we watched the evening news unfold stories of sorrow and poverty on the other end of the world.  Then a commercial for the Peace Corps would invariably play.  "The toughest job you'll ever love."  That was the job I wanted, to travel to a third world country and make a difference.

On my first trip to Kenya, I had such high hopes to accomplish this goal.  I thought that I could change the entire world in the two short weeks I was there.  God had other ideas for me, but I know now, I can fulfill that dream in His way, in His time.

4.  What are you currently reading?

I am usually reading three or four books at one time, several nonfiction and one fiction.  Right now I am reading "Sell Your Book Like Wildfire," "Confessions of a Prayer Wimp," and "The Holocaust Diaries".  "The Holocaust Diaries" is the amazing true story of a woman who survived the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe.  In the chapter I just finished, she wrote that her hope is that other survivors share their stories as well so that others may learn from these events so that history doesn't repeat itself.  I look at the world we are living in today and I am fearful that we haven't learned anything from the Holocaust.

I am also reading "Decoding Daniel" in my weekly bible study.  When I am driving any distance, I pop in an audio book, so at this moment "Odd Hours" is playing in the car.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

Website:  http://chrisloehmerkincaid.com/home.html

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ChrisLoehmerKincaid

Blog:  http://chrisloehmer.blogspot.com/

You can also purchase it through Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobel and through 

Life Sentence Publishing:  http://www.lifesentencepublishing.com/

T H E FATHER'S L O V E

Today, I would like to introduce to you, author Dave Moore.  Dave and I met on Goodreads, a social site for authors and people who love to read.  Once I started reading his book, I couldn't put it down...

Dave is a chaplain serving through Victorious Church of God in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  Dave volunteers to pray with the sick and the lost in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and jails.  He is married to the love of his life, Dorinda, and has three sons, Shane, Adam, and David.





Synopsis:  Confronting depression, fatigue, and evil, Dave Moore goes on a cross-country search for his missing son.  Becoming increasingly desperate and having done all that is humanly possible without results, what will he do?  Who will he turn to?  In this amazing true story, you will experience Dave Moore's anguish in going through a father's worst nightmare - a missing child.  Through his fear, Dave confronts his soul's emptiness and learns the heavenly Father's Love.

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?

The complete transformation in my life that happened when I surrendered my life and my will for Jesus Christ's life and His will.  It is like night and day.  I was delivered from alcohol, cigarettes, anger, lust, hatred, pride, selfishness, and on and on.  I am now a Chaplain and I visit the lost and hurting in hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and prisons, wherever I am called.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?

It is the true story of my son David's disappearance, my frantic cross-country search for him, and how I found my faith in God.  It is a story of love, hope, the power of prayer, and the miracle working power of God that transformed my family.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

To see my son David, who is now a Pastor, prosper as a leader in God's Kingdom.

4.  What are you currently reading?

I am reading the Bible through in a year, along with my church.  It is very special to know that my church family is experiencing the same bible stories with me at the same time.  I am also excited about just starting to read, "A Beggars Purse" by my new friend and Sister Toni Nelson!

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

My website is located at: http://www.thefatherslovebook.com/ .  My site includes:  author info, book excerpts, a video trailer, reader comments via the Facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/THEFATHERSLOVE, my blog http://thefatherslovebook.blogspot.com/  and other social sites.  There is also a link to purchase my book.  

My book is also available on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and in numerous bookstores.

CHOOSE LIFE...

Mother's Day or Father's Day... Do you know which holiday actually came first?

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia.  She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States.  Although she was successful in 1914, she was already disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s.  Other countries adopted Jarvis' holiday and it is now celebrated all over the world.  In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/or maternal figure on

 mother's day.

Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas, founded Father's Day in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910.  Its first celebration was held on June 19.  Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there.  After hearing a sermon about Jarvis' Mother's Day in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them.  Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, the pastors did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.

I set out to write a post to honor my mother and father and to thank them for choosing life.  As far back as I can remember as a small child, people would ask me, "Why do you live with your grandparents?"  After writing my book, people have asked me, "Why were you raised by your grandparents?"  I was given many explanations from numerous family members but my grandmother explained it to me like this...

Your mom and dad were going through a divorce when you were conceived and they decided to put you up for adoption.  The doctor who delivered you was going through all the necessary arrangements to adopt you.  However, when you were six days old your grandfather visited the hospital, took one look at you and said, "I'm taking her home."

I was a senior in high school when my grandmother died and twenty-four years old when my grandpa passed away.  I wish they were here to wish them a Happy Mothers and Father's day.  My biological parents are gone as well but I choose to honor them for giving me life.  Is there someone you want to wish a Happy Mothers or Fathers Day, someone you want to say, "thank you to?" Someone you honor?  I encourage you to do it today.  

Go on...

REMEMBERING WHEN

"I didn't know why I was there, just that I could not handle my life.  I wanted to run away, but I couldn't find any place to go."

Jenny and I met on-line... imagine that.  However, Jenny and I have something in common that I have not met in anyone else on-line... we both lived in the same hometown, Carpinteria, California!

Jenny suffered through abuse, both physical and emotional, throughout most of her life; she never gave up hope that one day her Cinderella dream would come true.  Jenny is a living example that there is no circumstance that cannot be overcome, and there is always hope for happiness. 

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?

I love to help people and I am a coordinator for a support group in Casper, WY.  I also teach Sunday school and help children from dysfunctional homes.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?

My book is an inspirational memoir.  The pages are filled with drama, suspense, and love.  I have included poems that coincide with each chapter.  I wrote this book to inspire and give hope to others who are going through or have gone through abuse.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

To strive to be a "top notch" author, and to help others.

4.  What are you currently reading?

 I am currently reading The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers and the Bible.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

Jenny Miller

P O Box 2945

Mills, WY

Phone:  (307) 258-5439

Each book will be signed and will also include a bookmark and pen.  

Additional Sites:

http://www.jlmillrememberingwhen.com/blog.html

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/search.php?search=remembering+when

http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-When-ebook/dp/B009P62VB6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363035371&sr=1-1&keywords=remembering+when

https://www.facebook.com/TomcatsLearningAndRalphsBooks

My book is also listed with Barnesandnoble.com and booksamillion.com

CELEBRATION...

Today, I will accomplish the goal of writing my last blog for the year, 2012.

In the Bible, there are many accounts of celebrating accomplishments.  The one that first comes to mind took place in the life of King David.  After David had defeated the Philistines, he organized his troops to bring the ark of the covenant home to Israel.  The ark housed the tablets of the law and served as a symbol of the presence of the living God.  It had been missing from its rightful place for seventy years, having been taken by the Philistines.  

David was determined it would once again be in the center of the kingdom of God's people, so after the victory he brought the ark home.

So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.  When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.  David... danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

David was commemorating the victory!  The goal had been accomplished and it was time to celebrate, to dance, to shout, to blow trumpets.  There was a sacrifice made, which was characteristic for David's day.

Today, we offer the sacrifice of praise to God.  We thank him for what he does by praising his name and telling others of the glory of his greatness.  That's all part of the celebration process, so to speak.  All of our accomplishments are made possible by the grace and provision of God.  There is no better way to praise him than to "dance before him" with all our might.  It's as though joy flowed out of King David's pores.  He couldn't contain himself.  Nor should we!  Celebrations for accomplishments are definitely in order.

Oh, the joy of accomplishment!  Aim for a goal and stick to it.  And when you reach that goal, the natural result is to celebrate.  We like to finish things don't we?  And to absolutely know we've finished, there's nothing like beating the drums,... throwing the confetti and commemorating the victory.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!

EASY, BREEZY, GRANOLA!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease (lightly) a 9x13 inch pan.  Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  Press into prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.  Cool and store in an airtight container.

My family loves this recipe!

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup sunflower seeds

3/4 cup craisins

THE FOOD MOOD GIRL

Have  you met the Food Mood Girl?  Author and Certified Health Coach, Lindsey Smith is a recovering emotional eater, who can  show you a  better way - one that relieves the burden of self-denial and invites both joy and health back into your life.

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?  In short - I am a woman on a journey.  A journey to help others and myself unravel their relationship with their bodies, and their relationship with themselves.

In my own journey, I suffered from severe anxiety and depression as a child, which left me hospitalized by age 12.  After seeing several therapists and psychologists, I finally found a mentor and coach who "got me."  We focused on what I call, the recipe to health and happiness, which is to "Think Good Thoughts, Eat Real Food, Love Yourself, and Repeat As Necessary."  This recipe changed my life at a young age and I have made it my mission to help others going through similar situations by using those key ingredients.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?  Junk Foods & Junk Moods:  Stop Craving and Start Living is a life changing, inspirational guide to the little steps we can take every day to overcome our painful wounds of the past and to fill the void with love, friendship, relationships and wholesome foods in order to live happy and healthy lives.

I share my personal story of overcoming emotional eating and my negative relationship with food and invite everyone to begin their own journey of healing.

Junk Foods and Junk Moods is broken down into my recipe for health and happiness.  Each section provides tools to help you understand how foods affect your moods and how moods affect your food choices.

Junk Food and Junk Moods is meant to meet you where you are  in your journey to health and happiness and also to serve as a resource that you can rely on year after year.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?  My greatest desire is to wake up every single day with the ability to spread love and joy into the world, keeping that as my soul purpose continuously.

4.  What are you currently reading?  Enchanted Love:  The Mystical Power of Intimate Relationships by Marianne Williamson.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?  Readers can visit my site at http://foodmoodgirl.com/ or they can send me a tweet https://twitter.com/LindseySmithHHC.

MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT

Chapter 5

MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT

The next morning when I stepped onto the school bus, I probably resembled a grizzly bear in my fuzzy sweater.  But I didn't care what anyone else might be thinking; I felt like the prettiest girl on the whole bus.  I was wearing a cocoa brown and sky blue colored plaid wool skirt.  The skirt reached about mid calf length and came with its own brown leather belt.  I had even tucked my white blouse inside my skirt, but I made sure my new angora sweater covered my body from my neckline to my ever-increasing waistline.  Even though I wasn't petite like the other girls, I felt like I was part of the in-crowd.  I no longer felt like the chubby girl who was the brunt of all the fat jokes.

I had always loved going to school, and...

A MIDDLE SCHOOL DREAM

Chapter 4

A MIDDLE SCHOOL DREAM

As the saying goes, "Time waits for no man."  In this case, no child either.  Could it be possible that I was thirteen years old and entering the seventh grade?  I will never in a million years forget my first day of junior high school or what we now refer to as middle school.  I still had not acquired a taste for breakfast, so I gulped down my cup of cream and sugar with a little coffee.  I said my goodbyes to my grandma and grandpa and emerged from the house that morning wearing one of my new dresses.

The dress I chose to wear for my first day at school had short sleeves that were gathered together with elastic, and the waistband had an attached nylon petticoat that was gathered together with elastic too.  I guess the elastic bands were sewn into my dress so that they could accommodate my forever-growing waistline.  That morning when I boarded the school bus, it didn't take me very long to realize that I definitely did not look like the other girls on the bus.  Some of the girls stared at me and rolled their eyes around in their heads, like I was from some planet in outer space.  A few of the girls turned their heads toward the bus windows, probably thinking that I wouldn't notice them giggling at me.

My face felt hot, and I knew that it must have been turning bright red.  I felt sick to my stomach, like I might vomit up my cup of coffee.  Oh, how at that very moment I wished my grandma had said it was okay to ride to school with my cousin Freddie in his brother's new car.  But she didn't, and now I was stuck on this yellow submarine being submerged deeper and deeper with no way out.  As I frantically looked up and down the aisle for an empty seat, I...

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

How about an easy recipe?

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

1 package Moist Deluxe Pineapple Supreme Cake Mix

1/2 cup butter 

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices, drained

Red maraschino cherries, drained and halved

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in ungreased 13x9 - inch pan.  Sprinkle brown sugar evenly in pan.  Arrange pineapple slices on brown sugar.  Place maraschino cherry halves, cut side up, in center of pineapple slices.

Prepare cake mix following package directions for Basic Recipe.  Pour batter evenly over fruit in pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 43 to 48 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 5 minutes in pan.  Invert onto heat resistant serving plate.

WEARY TRAVELERS

Chapter 3

WEARY TRAVELERS

My new friend sat on our backdoor steps staring at the baseball field for a long time.  I guess he didn't have anything else to say, so I just sat beside him staring at the baseball field too.  Then he stretched out his long legs like a spider, stood up, and tapped on the secret window in our back door.  My grandma came to the door, opened it, and took the dinner plate from the hobo.  He thanked her for the food and said it was the best food he had ever eaten.  My grandma gave him a quick nod of her head, as if to say thank you, and then she told me that it was time to come into the house.  I told my friend goodbye and walked into the house with my grandma right behind me.  She closed the back door and walked over to the kitchen sink to wash the dinner plate.

I stood on the tip of my toes with my face pressed against the back door window, trying to catch a final glimpse  of my new friend and to see if he was going to walk back to the train tracks.  But much to my surprise, he didn't walk away.  He stood on the bottom step of our back porch, looking out over the baseball field like he was searching for something or someone.  He then glanced toward the side of our house like a secret agent in a spy movie.  I held my breath as I was afraid he...

SEASONING WITH SALT AND PEPPER

Chapter 2

SEASONING WITH SALT AND PEPPER

My first encounter with the men my grandma called the hobos was from a branch on a lone pine tree that loomed over our garage like a giant octopus stretching in all directions.  I wasn't allowed to climb the pine tree, as it had sticky sap oozing from every branch.  My grandma would yell at me whenever I attempted to climb the tree.

     "Tonia Kay, I better not catch you up in that pine tree."

     But my grandpa finally gave in to my persistence and nailed an old piece of pinewood between two branches as my perch.  I would sit on my perch with the sparrows and blackbirds and listen to them sing.  What I really enjoyed, though, was waiting for the afternoon freight train.  The railroad tracks were so close to the pine tree that the ground beneath it would start to rumble and shake before I could even catch a glimpse of the train.  Then I would sit very still and wait for the whistle.  Once I heard the train whistle, I knew that at any second the clanking of the steel wheels would roll by on those skinny rails, squeaking and hissing, and then I would...

ITS ME, THE KID

Chapter 1

ITS ME, THE KID

Our house was shaped like a cube of butter and was even the same creamy, yellow color.  It had been built on the far left hand side of a corner lot on Fourth Street.  It wasn't just any corner lot either.  Adjacent to it was a gigantic dirt field.  At least it looked gigantic to me.  I was in the third grade.  The year was 1959.  Every Saturday afternoon, that field played host to every kid on the block.  We would play as many baseball games as the weather permitted on a field of rock hard dirt, surrounded by salt cedar trees.  Tall clumps of weeds with foxtails stuck to our white socks.  Our house was pretty modern. The outside walls were made of something called stucco, and the inside of the house had shiny hardwood floors.  I especially loved lying on the braided oval rug in the living room.  I would pretend like I was lying on the beach in the warm summer sun, compared to the coolness of...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Our vocation is an asset to prayer because our work becomes prayer.  It is prayer in action.  

The artist, the novelist, the surgeon, the plumber, the secretary, the lawyer, the homemaker, the farmer, the teacher, the student- 

All are praying by offering their work up to God.

Merry Christmas!  God Bless Us, Everyone!

THANKSGIVING EVE

On one Thanksgiving Eve, I heard

a knock upon my door.

I knew this man had seen hard times 

by the tattered clothes he wore.

He asked if there was a place to stay

up the road ahead.

But with some hesitation, I asked,

"Come be my guest instead."

We had a simple meal,

and warmed up by the fire...

It seemed we talked for hours,

 then agreed to retire.

In my great excitement,

I awoke before the dawn.

But sometime in the night,

my new found friend had gone.

And he'd left a little note

just for me to read...

"As you've done it to the least of these,

you've done it unto Me."

I wondered for a moment

just what this message meant,

Then, suddenly, I realized

my guest was heaven-sent.

BURNING HEARTS

Today, I would like to introduce to you,
 author Nike Chillemi ~ Crime Fictionista.  So what exactly is a Crime Fictionista?  Nike's profile profoundly states that she writes literature that reads like pulp fiction.  She loves good crime fiction with an equal measure of suspense, action and romance, where the bad guys are really bad, but the good guys are smarter and better.

And without further ado... the interview.

1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
Oh, I guess the most interesting thing about me is that I've got this moniker:  The Crime Fictionista.  That's due to my passion for detective stories, murder mysteries, thrillers and romantic suspense.  I love reading them and of course I write historical romantic suspense.  I also visit writer's blogs where mysteries are featured.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?

BURNING HEARTS is the first book of the Sanctuary Point historical suspense series set on the South Shore of Long Island, NY in 1946, at the close of World War II.  The question is; can Erica Brogna, a sheltered young seamstress, disillusioned by the horrors of WWII, escape an arsonist/murderer who has killed her employer and mentor?  She is conducting her own murder investigation with the help of the new guy in the village, Lorne Kincade, a dashing war hero who has ridden into town on his Harley.  However, some claim he's the murderer.

The second book in the series, GOODBYE NOEL, will be released right before Christmas and is a Christmas themed romantic suspense.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

My guiding scripture is Matthew 22:38-39.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  I try to bring love into situations, in my family, to my friends and associates, and in my writing.  But, that doesn't mean I go around acting like Saccharine.  Sometimes love is tough.

4.  What are you currently reading?

Oh, I'm so excited about what I am reading right now.  LAST RESORT by BJ Robinson is wonderful.  I've just started reading it and I'm hooked!  The hero made a smashing entrance, or should I say crashing.  And the guy with the gun is so creepy...

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

Amazon (including Kindle). http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0050PJSTY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1/188-3161650-9638117

Barnes & Noble (including Nook). http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One/Nike-Chillemi/e/2940012411747/?itm=1&USRI=nike+chillemi

Sony Reader. http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/nike-chillemi/burning-hearts/_/R-400000000000000375220

Christianbooks. http://www.christianbook.com/burning-hearts-ebook-nike-chillemi/9781612520421/pd/18913EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=18913EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

To all avid readers... post a comment and one of you will be awarded a copy of BURNING HEARTS
on Saturday, October 29.  

Nike will notify the winner!