CONTEST - Win a Free Bible!

I am so proud to be an author for one of the most respected publishers in the CBA. In addition to the awesome fiction line that I’m part of, Abingdon Press has just released The Common English Bible New Testament. The cool thing is that it’s not a revision or an update of an existing translation; it’s a bold new translation designed specifically for Christians who desire to dig deeper into the New Testament. It’s written at a comfortable level for more than half of all English readers. I think anything that brings a heart for Jesus closer to Him through understanding of His word … Well, that’s something I can really get behind.

If you would like to have a hard copy of this amazing book, I’ve cooked up a little giveaway with Kay Strom.

Here are the simple rules for the contest:

Post a comment on one (or both!) of our blog posts about the contest that tells us your favorite scripture verse and why (in just a few sentences). At the end of November, we’ll each choose one winner at random. That winner will win an autographed copy of our latest novel AND a copy of Abingdon’s Common English Bible New Testament.

*Don’t forget to include your email address so I can contact you!*

BONUS BONUS BONUS: If that winner has posted a review of one of our novels on Christian Book Distributors, they will receive A SECOND COPY of this innovative Bible to give away to a friend. Perhaps as a Christmas gift?

It’s that simple for you to own your very own copy of Abingdon’s CEB New Testament. So let’s hear it! What’s your life verse of scripture, and why?


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Love My Kindle!

I’m excited about the new Kindle my husband gave me for my birthday. Alison, Jason, and Emma ordered me a leather cover to go with it, and Lauren gave me an Amazon gift card to help fill my Kindle with books. It’s super easy on the eyes, comfortable to hold, and lightweight, no matter how many books I load on it. I think this little gadget will quickly become my favorite thing.


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Deadline Dinner – French Dip Sandwiches

These sandwiches are easy to make, fun to eat, and delicious.

Ingredients:
• 1 pound of thin-sliced deli roast beef
• 4 deli rolls or hoagie buns
• 1/2 pound of Swiss cheese (optional)
• 2 cups of beef bouillon made according to directions on jar

Directions:
1. Toast the rolls or buns.
2. Layer the roast beef and cheese on the buns and close.
3. Provide 1/2 cup of beef bouillon in small, individual custard cups for your family to dip their sandwiches.

Serve with coleslaw and oven fries for a quick, delicious meal.


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Young Drivers!

My granddaughter Emma had a blast driving her cousins' little toy car. At the rate time flies, it won't be too much longer before she'll have her own real car.


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Deadline Dinner – Super Simple Chili

Everyone has a favorite chili recipe that involves a long list of ingredients and simmering on the stove for hours. This recipe is for those days when you come home from work, or your schedule has you pressed for time, but you still want something comforting to cook for dinner. It only requires a few ingredients that you might even have on hand.

Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 large cans or 4 small cans of tomato sauce
• 4 cans of chili beans
• 1/2 bag of frozen chopped onions
• Extra chili powder to taste

Directions:
1. Brown the ground beef or turkey with the onions and drain. Pour into a large soup pot.
2. Add tomato sauce and beans.
3. Simmer for at least a half hour.

This recipe may be made in a crock pot and simmered all day.

Garnish with shredded cheese, scallions, or sour cream. Serve with corn chips.


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Family Support!

My family has always been supportive of my writing. Here's a picture of my mother-in-law Bobbie, my daughter Alison, and my granddaughter Emma at a book signing I did with Sandie Bricker last year.


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Deadline Dinner – Fun Kabobs

Anything tastes better when served on a stick. If you have small children, they’ll need some assistance removing the food from the skewers.

Ingredients:
• 1 pound of meat (beef, chicken, or peeled and de-veined shrimp)
• 12 cherry or grape tomatoes
• 12 bell pepper strips
• 12 thick slices of zucchini
• 12 thick slices of squash
• 1 cup of teriyaki sauce
• 4 skewers

Directions:
1. Moisten the skewers with warm water.
2. Evenly distribute the ingredients on each skewer and place in a shallow baking pan.
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the kabobs, cover, and refrigerate for at least an hour. You may do this before you go to work so they’ll be ready to cook when you get home.
4. Broil or grill the kabobs until the meat is done.

Serve on a bed of rice and with a side of your favorite salad.


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Birthday and Anniversary

My husband and I were married on my 26th birthday, October 9, 1980! We've been through all sorts of ups and downs, including this most recent sad event of his mother's passing as well as many happy ones such as the birth of our children and granddaughter. I'm thankful to have such a sweet man in my life. He's a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.


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Little Black Dress – Accessorize!

I love clothes, shoes, handbags, scarves, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and all the accessories a girl can shove into her closet, dresser and jewelry boxes. It's fun to mix and match expensive jewelry with bright and blingy fashion items. One of the most versatile items a woman can own is the little black dress because she can change it to fit her mood, simply by swapping out an elegant pearl necklace for a gold pendant or diamond studs for chandelier earrings. Add a scarf or belt to completely change the silhouette of the outfit. Check out some ways to accessorize the little black dress.



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Very sad news

My beautiful, fun, and warm mother-in-law passed away in her sleep this past weekend. Our family is very sad about our loss, but we're confident that she's with Jesus.


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Deadline Dinner – Vegetable Frittata

Here's another meatless meal that is packed with protein. Delicious and comforting!

Ingredients:
2 Yukon gold potatoes, diced
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 chopped onion
1 10-oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Boil the diced potatoes until barely tender. Drain.
In an ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil and brown the onion pieces.
Add the potatoes to the skillet and brown them
Stir in the spinach. Add a small amount of salt and pepper.
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Stir lightly to mix in the vegetables.
Cook over medium-low heat until the bottom is set but the top is still slightly runny--about 5 minutes.
Place the skillet in the oven and broil until the top is lightly browned--about a minute and a half.
Remove from the oven and slice into wedges.

Serve with a lettuce and tomato salad or fruit salad.

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