Never Skydive Alone

Should you ever wish to skydive, there are two main options available. You can either receive extensive training to become qualified to jump alone or you can receive a few hours of training and jump in tandem with an expert.

Before we started our family, my husband and I tried skydiving where we opted for a tandem jump. After a few hours of learning what to expect and practicing positions, we suited up and walked to the plane. Once in the air, our instructors attached themselves securely to us. We were placed in front while they were behind wearing the parachute.

Walking to the door attached to another person was a bit of an adventure, but knowing an expert was with me all the way gave me confidence. Together my instructor and I stood at the threshold of the open door and, with one step forward, began free-falling into nothingness. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. I loved it. My husband, not so much.

Jumping tandem was the perfect way to try the sport. It was still scary to jump out of a perfectly good airplane but the fear level was not the same had I been alone. Strapped to an expert, I didn’t have to have all the answers or know what exactly to do. It wasn’t all up to me. I needed to do a small part and then I could enjoy the experience. I had confidence in the expert to pull the rip chord at just the right time to slow our descent and guide us to a safe landing.

The same is true in life. It's not necessary for you to have all the answers or to know exactly what to do. It's not all up to you. God is in control. As His child, you are not alone. Even in the most frightening trials, if you remain yoked with Christ, your ultimate safety is secured. Do your part and leave the rest to Him. You can be confident that He will slow any free-falls and guide you to a perfect landing.

Would I skydive again? Perhaps, when our daughter is fully grown and gone I might jump again. But what I know for certain is that in daily life I never want to jump alone.

Message for the Journey:
Whether you are going through a time of joy floating like a cloud or free-falling through a season of trials, there is only one certainty of achieving a safe landing when it comes to the end of life’s adventure. Those yoked in tandem with Christ will be secure while those who go it alone will meet disastrous results. No matter how turbulent your fall, remain confident that the ultimate Expert is with you guiding your descent.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2

Storm Preparedness

3 Ingredients to Disaster Proof Your Home

Natural disasters wreak havoc when they strike causing wide scale destruction to structures and the environment. Over the years, I've seen first hand the damage that occurs to a house when major storms occur. Yet, those that are intentionally constructed in anticipation of harsh conditions often withstand events that cause others to fall.

Along the hurricane coast, construction codes are modified to reflect the environment. There they require sturdier foundations, roofs secured with nails instead of staples, and greater reinforcements in walls and masonry. Unfortunately, these codes are not always implemented or enforced until after a major hurricane strikes. This was the case when Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in 1992 causing extensive damage.

When our daughter was a toddler, one of her favorite things to do was play with blocks. However, she didn't like to stack them, she loved to knock them down. Dan and I would build a tower and she'd quickly demolish it. She'd laugh loudly then wait for us to build it again. We'd play this game for hours. Never once did she want to stack the blocks, her joy came from knocking them down. Is it any surprise that we nicknamed her "Dani the Destroyer"?

Houses are built out of manmade materials but a home is built on our relationships. It is only as strong as the connections within. Just as natural disasters can destroy an improperly constructed house, the storms of life can weaken and destroy our homes if they too are improperly constructed.

No home is ever completely free of trouble. In preparation of the harsh conditions that are certain to strike, build your home so that it can withstand events that can cause others to fall. Doing so requires three essential ingredients:


A Solid Foundation

The first and most crucial component of any structure is the foundation. It must be both solid and stable. It won't matter how strong the walls and roof are, if the foundation crumbles. A foundation build on the Rock is the most secure. Attend church together, pray together, walk in truth together. Faith in Jesus will see your home stand firm through the storms.

"When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built."

Luke 6:48

Strong Walls

Once the foundation is laid, the second step in construction is to build the walls. In relationships, walls are constructed by the words we speak and the actions we take towards one another. The more we build up one another the stronger the walls of our home become. But when we use harsh words or treat each other with disrespect--nag, belittle, put down, ridicule, or dominate one another- we create fissures that weaken its integrity. Affirm each other and seek ways to serve one other in love. Your walls will grow strong and will resist much.

"The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense."

Proverbs 10:21

A Protective Covering

The final piece of building construction is the roof. Once properly installed, it adds strength to the whole by securing all of the parts together. The most storm resistant roofing material for a home is a covering of love. Each part of the home becomes stronger as it adds stability and protection to all within. A roof made of love will withstand every tempest.

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

1 Cor 13:7

As with poorly constructed buildings, we often take short-cuts in building our homes and wonder why they fail. Without the proper ingredients, a home can crumble even without a major storm. The steady rain of daily life can erode foundations built on sand, cause rot to eat away at exposed walls and send haphazardly attached shingles falling from roofs. At other times destruction doesn't come externally, it comes from within. We act like "Dani the Destroyer" willfully knocking down the very thing we sought to build.


Message for the Journey:

A home built on a foundation of Christ, with walls of affirmation and service, and topped by a covering of love will withstand every storm of life. Like a strong tower, it will be a refuge for the family, a protection from the world, and a secure place of acceptance. Don't wait until after disaster strikes to ensure your home is well constructed. Invest time each day. Live a Proverbs 14:1 life. Together you will remain strong.

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 14:1

©AnnWilds2011

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Love Finds You Giveaway

I thought I would take a break this week from my regular posting and introduce you to an immensely talented novelist and all-around wonderful person, Janice Hanna Thompson.

To give you an idea of Janice’s creativity, she has published more than seventy novels and non-fiction books. She’s also published more than fifty magazine articles and several musical comedies for the stage.

She lives in the Houston area, near her children and grandchildren, which is where I first meet her several years ago when we worked on a youth musical for our church together. She amazed me then and continues to do so with her creativeness, talent and heart for people. I hope you’ll come to love her as much as I do.

Recently, I had a chance to talk with Janice about her newest release, Love Finds You in Groom, Texas (Summerside/Guideposts, June 2011). She is giving away a free copy of the book to one of my readers. Read on to find out how to win.

Please tell us a little about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas.

Always the groomsman, never the groom… It’s 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals: He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the woman to capture his heart. And now with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.


Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Texas, but a train derailment forces them to seek shelter in Groom, near Amarillo. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that Anne will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is repaired and ready to pull out. Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas. Anne has no idea of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!


Why did you decide to write this story?

My editor at Summerside approached me with the name of the town because she knows I write a lot of wedding-themed stories. She wanted something lightweight/fun, and she knew me well enough to know I would enjoy a fun story. The only real question we had in the beginning stage was: “Should this be a historical or a contemporary?” We went with historical because I felt sure the story idea was better suited to the turn of the century.


Why do you like writing comedies with strong take-aways?

Comedy is a great outlet. We comedians can get away with a lot more than authors who play it straight. Want the reader to walk away with a little nugget of truth? Couch it in something humorous. I’ve found that light-hearted writing not only suits my personality, it’s the perfect vehicle for sharing the gospel.


Why will readers enjoy your novel?

In spite of the lead character’s tough situation, the story is filled with comedic elements. Anne’s two younger sisters are a hoot. So is Maggie (the hero’s mother). She’s an Irish spitfire! I think readers will appreciate the romance between Anne and Jake. It’s filled with all sorts of sweet and comic moments.


What sorts of transformations take place in this book?

How much time do you have? (Ha!) Seriously, there are so many! The heroine, Anne, has been through tremendous losses and struggles with her faith from the get-go. By the end of the story, she is a woman transformed. Likewise, the hero has been through far too much taunting and teasing. He, too, has faced losses. With Anne’s hand in his, transformation comes. Even precocious Emily, Anne’s younger sister, goes through a bit of a metamorphosis as the story progresses. The biggest change of all, however, is in Uncle Bertrand. I don’t want to give away too much. You’ll have to read the story to see for yourself!


Have you had any feedback from readers?

So far the book has all five-star reviews on Amazon (which makes me smile, of course). Here’s a review I found that really got me excited:

5.0 out of 5 stars: A Delightful Read
This delightful tale of romance which emerges out of tragic circumstances is set in a wonderful town called Groom in the panhandle of the great state of Texas. It is a story of tragedy, love, and God's divine hand of providence that enters a situation just at the right time and changes everything. Young Anne finds herself on a train heading to Dallas with her two younger sisters after the loss of their father. When fate intervenes, the trail derails and their future is forever altered. And then there is Jake, the last available young man in Groom who finds himself to be the recipient of many jokes about his situation, especially from his brothers. Jake's mother, Maggie, embodies everything wonderful that Anne remembers about her own mother before she died. Throw in the mixture of the antics of Aunt Bets and the perceived sternness of Uncle Bertrand, and you have a story of new revelations and delightful outcomes.


How absolutely wonderful, in this day and age when problems seem to loom on every side and people have lost faith and hope, to read a story that is all about faith and hope. It is refreshing to read a story set in an era when one's words meant something, when prayer was the first course of action, when faith ruled our very existence, when people looked out for one another even during hard times. Perhaps after reading this book, your faith will be renewed, as well. – Cherri Taylor



How long have you been a full-time freelancer?

I’ve been writing full-time since 2005. I write novels, non-fiction books, magazine articles and a variety of other things. I’m so fascinated with the world of freelancing that I decided to create an online writing course to teach others how to do what I’m doing.


From personal experience, I know you to be an excellent teacher. I also know that you truly enjoy teaching. Tell us about your online courses.

Thanks for asking. I enjoy teaching almost as much as I enjoy writing! For many years I taught creative writing at a school of the arts. These days I teach through my online courses. They’re audio/video driven, which is great fun. I get to go into a recording studio to record them! My courses are, as follows:


Becoming a Successful Freelance Author
Fiction Writing Master Course
Navigating the Business of Freelance Writing
Magazine Article Writing Master Course
Creative Writing
U.N.I.Q.U.E. – Finding Your Unique Place in the Writing Industry
Non-Fiction Book Writing (coming in August, 2011)


Readers may notice that you write under two names (Janice Hanna and Janice Thompson). Why?

Those who’ve been reading my romances over the past several years know me as Janice A. Thompson. My joy is mixed with a smidgeon of sorrow as I explain the change in my last name for some of my current releases. In 2006 I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. His last name (Hanna) is my maiden name—and it’s a name that means even more to me now that he is gone. In memory of my father, I use the Hanna name in my historicals. My Revell books will still release under Janice Thompson. I hope you my readers will stick with me, no matter which name I use!


You’ve recently started a VIP book club. What can you tell us about that?

Yes, I’m so excited about this, too! I came up with this idea several months ago: Why not create a “club” where members can get each new Janice Thompson/Janice Hanna book as it releases for a set price of $11, shipping included. Books are autographed and mailed out to club members before they ever hit the stores. I also encourage my VIP club members to leave reviews, as they are able, on amazon, christianbook.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. If people are interested in joining the club, all they have to do is shoot me an email at booksbyjanice@aol.com with the words “VIP bookclub” in the subject line and their address in the body of the email.


Besides writing and teaching, what are your favorite things to do?

Honestly? I love hanging out with my grandbabies. They grow up so quickly and I don’t want to miss a thing! Maddy is four now. She’s the oldest. Avery is three. Peyton is three. Ethan is two. Boston is one and a half and baby Brooke turned one this week. I love them so very much. They keep me young (and give me plenty of fodder for books).


Is there anything else you want to share?

Yes, I’m very passionate about my faith, which is why I write Christian books. I could no more leave out the faith elements than I could stop eating chocolate. They are integral…to my stories and my life. I’m a huge believer in stirring up the gifts that God has placed inside of us, which is what I hope to do through my teaching.


Do you have any suggestions for writers who are trying to get published?

Learn the craft. Take courses. Go to conferences. Do the work. But don’t ever let what you’ve learned rob you of your natural, God-given voice. There’s only one you, after all.


Where else can you be found online?

I love to connect with my readers at the following places:


http://www.janicehannathompson.com/
http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/
www.facebook.com/jhannathompson


Where can I get the book?

Love Finds You in Groom, Texas can be purchased at any number of online stores, as well as my website: www.janicehannathompson.com (front page). Readers can always join my VIP bookclub and get the locked in price of $11 (no shipping) by contacting me directly at booksbyjanice@aol.com.


Thanks for spending time with me! I had a blast!



I will be choosing one reader to win a copy of Janice's book Love Finds You in Groom, Texas. To be considered, leave a comment below about a time when love found you AND share this article on either your Facebook or Twitter page. If you don't have either, then share it by e-mail. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so that I can notify you if you are chosen.

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And the winner is....Aletta Cherry! Congratulations. 

Let's Sing Praise- L4J Summer Newsletter

We influence whatever we praise. The whole creation responds to praise, and is glad.

The summer newsletter, Let's Sing Praise, is hot off the presses. Would you care to join me as we explore the concept of praise from the perspectives of faith, relationships and wellness? Despite all of the troubles in life, we still have so many reasons to praise.


Included in this issue-

• The Fruit of the Lips- Do you feel weary, or worn down from attack? Or maybe you just want more of God in your life. The secret is in having the right fruit.
• Catch Them in the Act- Let's play a game of "gotcha" but with a twist.
• Don't Believe a Lie- Look into God's word and see the truth of who you are.

Just click below to access the online version.

Lessons for the Journey Newsletter- Summer Issue- Let's Sing Praise


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