Hitting the Nail

I was up at 4 am, which I often am. Most of the time, I can get up, do dishes or some other chore and then get back to sleep. This morning I stayed in that half awake state just trying to get the sleep I needed for a day I knew was going to start at 5:50 am since two of my boys have weights today. While I was in that half-asleep state, I saw a hammer and a nail. I didn't see my own hands, but I knew I was wielding the hammer, and I wanted the nail to be strong and straight to hold some part of our house together. I watched the hammer as it hit the nail exactly sideways. Normally, the nail would bend and not go in firm and straight. As hard as the nail was being hit and all in the wrong direction, that nail should not have gone in straight and true, but it did. As I lay there pondering on what the image meant, I suddenly understood that when we put in our best effort, even if it is exactly the wrong direction, the Lord consecrates our efforts and makes it exactly right. What a powerful image. What a powerful lesson. When I am on the Lord's errand, and I'm doing things exactly wrong, the Lord will fix it and make it exactly right. I'm grateful for the Savior who is the one that fixes my broken effort and consecrates them for the good of me, my family, and those around me. May the peace of the Savior stay with you this day, and may you, too, be blessed with knowing your best efforts will be consecrated for your good.
Roseanne

I had the most amazing experience, so I had to get up and write. I hope I can remember it all. In the meantime, I'm going to share one of my favorite scriptures: Moroni 10:3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
For those of you who don't know, that verse comes in the very last book in the Book of Mormon. Truth beckons all to come and see for yourself. May we all have the strength to look past the lies in our lives and see through to the truth. Truth matters, my friends, and it wants you to find it, wherever it is. I know my Redeemer lives. He loves you. May you find the joy in knowing that eternal truth.

Service, not hate, will fix this country

Thanks to my sister, Nadine Evans Lovell, for this thoughtful post:
Warning: Conservative, gun-loving, God fearing, right-winged rant coming on. Step away from the post if you are none of the above.
We need a President that will lift us and unite us. I'm tired of his rhetoric. And using a funeral where people are mourning to push his agendas? Disgusting. Sorry, not sorry that I can't hold back. He needs to quit fanning the flames of hate and discrimination when we live in one of the best countries in the world!
Everyone is discriminated against or misjudged in some way whether you are ugly, beautiful, thin, obese, black, white, Hispanic, old, Muslim, Christian, Jew, LGBT and the list goes on. I'm a Mormon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has had its own history of discrimination- tarred and feathered, forced out of established communities, extermination order from a Governor, and we still suffer from discrimination and hate. Can I change what others think of me and my beliefs or how they treat me? No. I can only change ME. I can work on loving others. And believe you me I'm working on loving our President every d$@# day. I'm far from perfect. As just demonstrated.
If this country would focus on what I can do better instead of what everyone else can do better for me we will see some positive changes taking place. This is the message the President should be spreading. Take responsibility for your own actions and quit placing your discontent on others. Even better -love and take care of others and you'll forget about your own problems.
Our country is great! We have more rights, freedoms and opportunities than most countries in the world! If you feel picked on, discriminated against, or in general life is not fair to you then read some great historical novels or biographies and you will realize that your so called hard situation is really not so tough. You could start with the book, "I am Malala" Try living in Pakistan and being shot in the head because you're a girl that wants to be educated. Or read "The Boys in the Boat" and see what working your ever-living behind off really looks like to get an education. We have it great here. Stop whining, shouting, hating, wallowing, gossiping and instead go do something good for someone else. It's called service. It's what the Master teaches and tells us to do.
Finally, my rant is almost over, thank you to our wonderful law enforcement officers!! You have the toughest job in our country today. Remember that MOST Americans respect you, are appreciative of you, and pray for your safety!
Have a beautiful, wonderful, free, safe, American day! Be the good! Serve someone today!

Chewbacca Mom and the Hallmark of the Holy Spirit's Work

There are moments in our lives where we can stop and testify of Christ. Candace took that opportunity. Thanks to her and her marvelous testimony of living her life and listening when the spirit moved her. Although I am unable to post the link, you can plug this link into your address bar to see the full article: http://qpolitical.com/chewbacca-mom-shares-real-reason-video-blew-internet/

A Change of Plans

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. I thought the narrator did a fantastic job, and it was easy to tell who was speaking. At first, this felt like a sweet romance, which I don’t really like, but it soon turned to a much more exciting read. There were a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t expect, and I loved the happily-ever-after ending. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.



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The Girl Who Heard Demons

The Girl Who Heard Demons by Janette Rallison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a supernatural YA, and I loved it. Janette made the reasons for hearing demons believable, and I could hardly put the book down. The romance between the teens was handled well and is clean. There were a lot of ideas in the book that were new and different, and I liked how they were handled. Highly recommended.



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Holly Kelly's Raging

Raging by Holly Kelly

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Extraordinary ending to an excellent series. When I closed the book, I felt totally satisfied. All the loose ends were tied up, and I had that glowing happily-ever-after feeling I like to have when I finish a series I've spent four books reading. Thanks, Holly, for a great read. This is a series I hope to see on the big screen.



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Sweet, Clean Gothic Romance

A Savage Ghost by Donna K. Weaver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. When Tiffany started the book in an Irish Brogue, I wasn't sure I'd be able to understand the book, but my fears were quickly stilled. Tiffany does a great job, and the Irish Brogue is used only when the scene is through the ghost's point of view. Since I'm familiar with Donna Weaver's writing, I didn't think I needed to worry about any graphic violence. I was right. This is an enjoyable read with a sweet romance between a couple of young adults who are trying to solve the mystery of the ghost at Savage Castle. This is a fun, quick read that I'd feel comfortable handing to my daughters.



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A Valentines' Day re-visit of Noonday Sun

I thought today would be a perfect day to re-visit the oldest love story on earth, Adam and Eve.

I wanted to write about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in 1991 but realized I didn't have immortal characters everyone loves. When I read Twilight, I realized I had immortal characters. I just had to figure out how to get them into a "Garden of Eden." My entire book was written to get them off site to a new planet. I would not have cared enough to tell the story with any other ending.

Most people like the story until I end it with Edward and Bella on an empty planet. They don't like that extreme twist in the story, but my whole story was written to illustrate the point that Adam and Eve knew very well what they were doing when they ate the fruit. They could have remained as they were: immortal and incapable of change so therefore unable to produce offspring.

They knowingly chose mortality and it's accompanying ability to have children. (Well, Eve chose it. I had always wondered why it is Adam on every planet who will let his wife be the one to choose [I have a deep and abiding faith that it is men and will continue to be men who hold the Priesthood, which means every planet start will be the same; I was raised to believe that men and women are totally equal and find it demeaning for anyone to suggest my equality with my husband is only complete if I am able to have the Priesthood; that would equate with someone telling me I am not his equal unless I share his anatomy.] I had an "aha" moment while I was writing Noonday Sun. I don't believe any really good man would willingly choose childbirth for his wife - especially if he knows it could kill her. But he would love her enough to let her make the choice one way or the other, which Adam did.)

I start and end the story with two scriptures. The first one represents the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It is the tree that starts the journey into mortality. The words inside the shape talk about faith in Christ, the only way back to the immortality available in the garden. The second is in the shape of a tree and also a cup. It represents the tree of life. It was by drinking the bitter cup that Christ was able to achieve immortality for us all. We don't eat of the tree of life, but we partake of it through belief in Christ who drank the cup so we might all achieve immortality. This verse was the one that led me to write the book. I hope you can see what it meant when I read it.


To some it is given by the Holy Ghost
to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,
and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe
on their words,
that they also might
have eternal life...
D&C 46:13-14

And worlds without number have I created;
and I also created them for mine own purpose;
and by the Son I created them,
which is mine Only Begotten.
And the first man
of all men
have I called
Adam,
which is many.
Moses 1:33-34

Heart of Orion by Laura Bastian

Heart of Orion by Laura D. Bastian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow. What a ride, and I loved every minute of it. From the toe-tingling kisses to the will-they-make-it-out-alive suspense, it was a thrill ride I only regret I didn't read sooner. Laura knows how to write action, science fiction, and romance. You don't often get it mixed up in one book, and she mixed it all perfectly. World-building you can see, kisses you can almost feel, and action that keeps you on your toes. I loved that the switch of characters was clearly marked so you weren't guessing whose head you were in. This is a clean read, and definitely one I recommend. Enjoy :) I did!!



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Wishing on Baby Dust by Lydia Winters

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I haven't ever read a fictional book that covers the topic of infertility so well. There is some sexual content, but only in a scientific context (referring to male and female reproduction). I didn't find anything offensive, and I think it would be an excellent book for anyone starting along the road to infertility treatments and for those (like me) who have been down that long, hard road. Lydia covered everything, from the agonies of first discovering infertility to the invasive procedures and expensive treatments. She also touched on adoption, sharing both sides of the issue. This is a well-written book. Highly recommended.



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Holly Kelly's Avenging: A Must-Read!

Avenging by Holly Kelly

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


There are too many series where the second and third book aren't nearly as interesting as the first. This isn't like that. I loved every book, and this one is my favorite so far. I knew once I picked up this book, I wouldn't be able to put it down, and I was right. What a ride! Holly's vivid imagination pulls together gods from a variety of sources and puts them all together in a unique way. If you haven't ever tried mermaid fiction, this is the series to read. I can't wait for the next book! Well done!



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Once Upon Two Kingdoms by Anna del C. Dye

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When I saw that Anna had written a royal romance, I was anxious to read it. I've enjoyed her elf-inspired books, and I wanted to see what she would do with a different kind of story. I wasn't disappointed. This is a delightful, clean romance that I feel comfortable handing to my daughters. When I first started reading, I thought it was a re-telling of the Sleeping Beauty story where two royal heirs are forced into an arranged marriage, fall in love with each other without knowing who they are, and have a happily-ever after. In the beginning, it had that feel, but it quickly turned into a different story with an evil counselor designing for both thrones. The story was told well, and there was plenty of excitement. Anna must've studied some fencing, because her description of the sword battles was well done. I had a hard time putting the book down because I really had no idea how the story would go. This is a book suitable for all ages.



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The Lost Stones of Xan: Book 1 Prophecy by D Lawson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an exciting adventure from the beginning. I had a hard time putting it down. The only thing that stopped me was when my Kindle ran out of power. I'm anxious to read the next book. Even though the main character is 20, this is a book suitable for younger audiences. Elves and other creatures and magic give this book a fantasy feel. There is even a touch of romance to keep female readers happy. It's a clean read with no swearing. I'm encouraging my kids to read this one. Well done.



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The Making of a Galvanized Yankee: Based on a True Story by Kathy Engebretsen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't usually read historical fiction because I prefer to read history the way it happened: in small snippets of individual accounts, and that's how this book reads. This book felt very much like I was there living the events. I loved how Kathy moved the story forward in letters between the main characters. The politics of war didn't really play in this book. Instead, it was based on real characters who lived through the events and was treated the same way I imagine a lot of regular citizens felt. They were helpless to change the course of the war and were forced to get involved. This portrayed the very real sufferings of the south during the war. I had never studied about the Galvanized Yankees, and I felt like I walked away from the book having learned quite a bit about the war. Highly recommended.



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The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I confess I like salt with my chocolate. Have you tried the wavy lays chocolate-covered chips? Yes, that. I prefer my reading material the same way. Give me some salt with my sugar, please. Amy Harmon gets the balance just right, and I savored it the same way I enjoy my salty chocolate. Yum. The only thing I need to do is remember to only pick up an Amy Harmon book the minute my kids walk out the door for school because if I pick it up after the kids are in bed, I won't get a moment of sleep. Reading the book and then reliving it when I finish the last word. What a ride. As a warning to sensitive readers, there is some occasional swearing and premarital sex but with no offensive detail. I'd rate it about the level as Breaking Dawn.



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Anna del C. Dye

Bio:

Anna del C. Dye was born in Valparaiso, Chile, amongst some of the world’s most famous beaches. After meeting Rodney, a native of Idaho, in her hometown, two years later, Anna traveled to Utah on Christmas Eve and married him two weeks later. Their love story, Why Him? was published by Covenant in the book entitled Tender Mercies. Anna and Rodney reside in Taylorsville, Utah, and are the parents of three princes and a princess. They love to camp, canoe, explore ruins and have sword fights.

Anna del C. Dye is an accomplished, multi-award winning author. Her short story “Amerine—Fairy Princess” won 2nd place in the Oquirrh Writers contest. The first book in her new YA Romance Series entitled “A Kingdom By The Sea” won 2nd place in The Absolutely Write contest. Book three of “The Silent Warrior Trilogy” won a bronze seal in the League of Utah Writers. Shahira and the Flying Elfs won Honor in the Oquirrh first chapter contest. Emerine’s Nightmare, a pre-teens short story, won 1st place right before it was released in digital formats for the Kindle and Nook.

Anna’s works include “The Silent Warrior Trilogy,” the beginning saga of her young adult elf series. Book one, “The Elf and the Princess” book two, “Trouble in the Elf City” and book three, “Elfs in a Conquered Realm.” Her stand alone books: “Curse of the Elfs,” “A Royal Elf of Abalon”, now “Shahira & the Flying Elfs” and also her children’s book “Emerine’s nightmare”

Interview with Anna:

Thank you Roseanne for inviting me to your blog this week. I would like to offer a PDF of Shahira and the Flying Elfs to one lucky winner on your blog. Leave a comment and become Roseanne's follower and you will be entered.

Anna, what genre do you prefer to write?

I love Medieval and fantasy. My books are High Fantasy.

What inspired you to start writing about elfs?

Tolkien. He opened the door for me to ask more. The character of Legolas was amazing and I wanted to know more about the Elf race, the giant eagles, the dwarfs and so on. To my regret, my husband informed me that a conversation with Tolkien was out of the question as he was dead. I cried. That is when my husband suggested I answer my own questions…the rest is history.

What's not to love about Legolas? I'd love to know more about him and his race, too. You have a new book coming out, what’s it about?

My new book is Shahira & the Flying Elfs (yes, I do spell the plural of elves in my books: Elfs.)
It is book number six in my Elf Series. The series has seven books so I am almost done with it.

When can we expect it to be available?

It is in all the major outlets right now. Amazon, B&N etc.

Tell us more about it...

Here is a teaser:
What would you do if the world as you know it comes tumbling down? That is what happens to Shahira every time she tries to fly. You see she is an eagle and eagles fly…then why can she not?
The wizard Huzan has spent his entire life under the shadow of his renowned brother Zanteon. But no more… He has discovered the book to his brother’s secrets. Now he is going to use it to destroy him and all the Wizarding School.
Llorradinn’s life has been simple and peaceful in the land of the elfs. That is, until the human caravan comes by and he is caught by the claws of a giant eagle. What does the eagle want with him? Elfs have not seen the wise-ones for many centuries; then why now, and why so hostile to the elf race?
You will find this and more answers in Shahira & the Flying Elfs the epic book by Anna del C. Dye. Written in the genre of Tolkien, Anna del C. Dye has created another unique, epic tale to take the reader to a new world, full of twists, secrets, and love.
Shahira and the Flying Elfs is already available on amazon.com and other outlets.

When you want a story to simmer what do you do to relax?

I go camping and take the canoe. My husband and I love the quiet and beauty of nature. It helps to keep my life real. Then I go back to my book and edit.

Is there anything you would like to ask your readers?

I would love for them to take the time and if they like my books to post a review and recommend it to their friends. It really helps to pass the word along. (Reviews should be done on Amazon, B&N, Shelfari, Goodreads, etc.)

Can you please share where people can find you and your books?

My website: http://www.annadelc.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaDelC
You can find all my books at:
Amazon: http://ning.it/19iThs3
Barns & Noble. http://ning.it/1744E2U

It was my pleasure to visit you, Roseanne. Hope all will be well with you and yours.

The pleasure was mine :) I'm looking forward to reading your new book!

Monique Bucheger

Monique Bucheger is having a book tour this week for her books and a rafflecopter giveaway. Check out her blog here. Monique is a talented mother of 12 children. In between her mothering duties, she's found time to write some delightful books. The first one in the series, THE SECRET SISTERS CLUB, was a finalist in The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest a couple of years ago. Monique did an outstanding job of character building. I loved Ginnie and her family. Since I love horses, Ginnie's love of horses was also appealing. This is a fun new series that will appeal to girls and their moms. The first two books in Monique's series are on sale this week for $0.99. It's a great time to pick them up, and when you finish them both, the third book in the series, SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN, has just been re-released with brand new illustrations done by Mikey Brooks.

Pray, Be Calm, and Carry On

When I first heard about the Boston bombings, I was horrified like everyone else. What kind of sick people would do something like this? Hearing that the perpetrators were from Chechnya increased my fear because I’ve been reading about Chechen terrorism. If the fighters from that small country can keep the Russians terrorized, they know very well how to terrorize Americans.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a meme of the British royal crown on top of a red background with the words “be calm and carry on” was making its rounds on facebook. I thought it was fascinating that the logo designed for use if the British were invaded was such a simple one, but it held great power. I would add another word to it: pray. So my thoughts during this tragedy were: “pray, be calm, carry on.”
A wave of sadness spilled over me when I heard about Boston on lockdown. Forcing an entire city to shut down wasn’t going to help the peace in our nation. The action was designed to create more fear, not calm it. The British logo of “be calm and carry on” made more sense than the action of shutting Boston down.
As I was reading through the various posts on facebook, I was struck by the thoughts of Steven Reid. He graciously agreed to let me quote him on my blog:
Fear not, God is with us.
The Old Testament story of Elisha and the King of Syria in 2 Kings 6 (11-19) teaches us this principle. The King of Syria goes down to capture Elisha because he recognizes Elisha is able to know the King's plans in advance. Elisha's servant comes running in and says: "Master, what are we gonna do?" The fearless Elisha responds this famous line: "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Elisha prays for the servant's eyes to be opened and he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire there to protect Elisha. Elisha is safe because of the Lord.
I do feel sorry for the people of Boston because the government is creating fear in the hearts of the people. An entire city on lockdown over one tragic event caused by two men one who is now dead? Give me a break. Murders happen EVERY DAY in big cities. A no-fly zone over the city? Out of control! If government is supposedly "fighting terrorism" why are they creating terror and panic in the hearts of their citizens? Their unconstitutional over-reactions and breaches of civil liberties are making a fugitive criminal more dangerous. They should just keep people informed and aware but let people make their own decisions (teach people correct principle and let them govern themselves...hmmm someone said this once...).
The Jews at Christ's time wanted him to condemn the murderous Romans, he did not but rather focused on peace. At the same time Jesus did not advocate the forebearance of justice. You will find my position to be modeled after Christ’s: again, we condemn the sin but love the sinner who is our brother. I refuse to let hate for this murderer blacken my heart. Nor will I allow government to usurp our Constitution.
I defend the truth. The right of the presumed terrorist to free speech, the right to a trial, and to face justice for his evil. The right of the people of Boston to go about their ways and lives as they so desire. The right for us as a nation to live at peace with one another.
Steven’s words reminded me of John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
As we go forward from this tragic day, I would hope that you will remember to “pray, be calm, and carry on.”

Christ, The Atonement, and The Resurrection

I know I’m late for the Easter holiday, but I thought this is a topic important any time of year.

There have been several deaths recently that have impacted my friends and family. My mother sent me a link to a short video regarding the life-after-death experience of Dr. Mary Neal. While I watched the video, I reflected on the truth that her ability to join with her family after death is directly related to the sacrifice Christ made for us.

Christ’s sacrificed twice for us. The first time was in the Garden of Gethsemane. I know we don’t dwell on it a lot, but that is where he bled from every pore as he accepted our sins.

When Christ shed his blood on the ground in Gethsemane, it was for the sins of the world. In a very real way, he felt every agony you have suffered. He was with you any time you were hurt by others or when you hurt someone else. He felt your pain as if he was you feeling everything you are feeling. When you fully accept the Atonement of Christ, you can hand your pain to him. You don't have to suffer. He already did. Remember you are a beloved, wonderful child of God. You are his precious child, and he allowed his perfect son to feel your pain so you don't have to live through it.

The second time Christ sacrificed for us was when he gave his life on the cross. Since he was capable of immortality, he didn’t have to allow his spirit to leave his body. He could have lived forever without dying. He chose to allow his body to die because when he did he broke the bands of death. No one could be held in the grave after that.

In Matthew 27, we are told about the first resurrection, the first people to come out of the grave:
50. Jesus, when he had cried again with loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52. And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53. And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

The resurrection of Christ will allow all of us to take up our bodies again and live with those we love.

I believe in Christ. I believe in his atoning sacrifice. I know that he lives and is involved in our lives today. I pray that you may find the peace in your own life that comes from accepting his atoning sacrifice.