With Thanksgiving being late this year, the Christmas season kinda just snuck up on me. Is the same is true for you? The calendar says "Advent" is here, yet up until this past week, I was feeling far from prepared -- in my heart or otherwise. That is until we put up our tree two weeks ago.

As soon as the lights were plugged in, it was like a switch in my heart was turned on as well. This year as never before, the physical acts of preparing for Christmas this week... baking cookies with my children, writing the cards, singing carols... they have all been very special and real reminders of the importance of preparing my heart.

Likewise, I'd like to encourage you to take joy in every little thing that you do over these last few days leading up to Christmas. Whether it's filling stockings, visiting family and friends, listening (or perhaps singing) in a Christmas program, driving by pretty lights, whatever... I hope like me, you'll be able to see these physical reminders in a new "light." May we not merely see them as another thing to check off our lists, but as a means to prepare ourselves for celebrating the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ.

My hope for you this year is that you will experience an extraordinary Breath of Heaven as you prepare your home and your heart this Christmas season.

Have a very Merry & Blessed Christmas!
JoAnn

(Photo: Yahoo Images)
--
http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter

SALE!

Don't you just love that 4 letter word. :) WRP is having a sale on many books. Here's just one that you'll find @ whiterosepublishing.com~

DANIELLA ~This book normally retails for $3.50, but it is currently on sale for $2.63! Not only that, but WRP is also running another special -- save 25% off of your purchase Smuggler of the Heart. Purchase link: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Daniella


BLURB: When Harrison Beckman meets his father’s secretary, Daniella Duncan, she’s shy and self-conscious. Harrison, however, is determined to get to know her better. Before he gets to do that a rival comes along to steal Dani’s heart as quickly and thoroughly as the company’s contracts, which have been disappearing.

As the mystery unfolds, Harrison has to fight for the woman he loves, even though this means crossing swords with his father and his determined adversary. Will Harrison be able to find the love that could await them or will it be too late?

Author's note: While in the middle of writing this story, I heard the song MIRROR MIRROR by Barlow Girl on the radio. As I listened to the lyrics, it hit me how many women like Dani, (the heroine in DANIELLA) struggles with self-image.

As the plot develops, and Dani comes to the realization God loves her the way he made her. I had to be honest and ask myself, "Do I believe that?" It’s easy for me to nod my head while I’m writing this, but it’s another story when I’m standing in one of those dinky changing rooms try to find a bathing suit for the summer!

Accepting myself is sometimes is a daily struggle. In the same way this story has challenged me, as you experience Dani growth reading this book, it’s my prayer that it will draw you closer to God as well. (If you’d like to hear Mirror Mirror, click onto this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZgq8pA-ipY&feature=related )


Read the excerpt!
Harrison took the folder from her extended hand. Her hand seemed so small, and he had the strangest desire to protect her from whatever inner battle she was fighting. "I’m sorry. I know you’ve been with our advertising firm for quite a while now, but until today, I’ve never met you." He added with a smile, "Forgive me, I’m horrible with names. What’s yours again?"

Her eyes grew wide. With a nervous catch, she said, "Daniella Duncan."

"I like that name. May I call you Daniella?"

She shrugged. "Everybody calls me Dani."

"I think I prefer Daniella." Still studying her face, Harrison added, "Somehow, Dani doesn’t seem to fit you."

"Oh, Dani fits me all right. It sounds short and fat." Her hand clamped over her mouth, and her eyes grew even wider. Harrison’s heart nearly broke when she asked, "Did I really say that out loud?"

It had been drilled into his head since he was a boy never to talk to women about two things: their age and their weight. Now, what should he do with this hanging hot potato? Ignore it. "I didn’t hear anything if you didn’t." He tried to continue with the previous introductions. "Everyone calls my father Mr. Beckman, so I go by Harrison."

"Okay. I’ll try to remember that." Daniella seemed to have reached her limit; she looked like a cat being chased by a mouse, desperate for escape.

"Um, I really need to get back now, so..."

"Sure. Thanks again." Harrison didn’t even know if she heard him as she turned and left with quick steps.

He stood quietly by his door and listened to the clickety-clack sound Daniella’s shoes made on the linoleum fade into a soft pitter-patter as she retreated down the hallway. He shut his door while contemplating the strange woman who was just in his office. Pretty but strange...yes, definitely strange. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders and went back to the tasks at hand.

Free discussion questions here: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/discussion_Q/DQ_Daniella.pdf

A little winter story for you...

Can you believe January is here? The bright snow outside attests to the fact that winter has arrived. A few nights ago, I couldn't sleep so I got up and jotted down highlights from the year 2010. What I wrote wasn't necessarily good—or bad—just things that stuck out in my mind. (It was a lot of fun, and if you've never done anything like that, I'd encourage you to try. You may be surprised at what impressed you the most through out the year.)

One of the things I acknowledged was after trying skiing for two seasons in a row, I admit it... although my whole family loves it, skiing isn't my thing! No matter how hard I try, this is one sport that I can't seem to embrace. So this year, my husband and sons hold a five week pass to Smuggler's Notch—I'm off the hook for all but one. I can handle that. Infact, I'm looking forward to it. No, I might not like some of the trails, but there are a few that I really enjoy. The beauty you witness at the top of a mountain will never fail to take my breath away. What a glorious and awesome Creator we have!

Speaking of the Notch, I have a short little winter story set there. If you looking for a light read to cuddle up with by the fire, I'd love to tell you about Smuggler of the Heart.Disheartened and tired, Samantha Warren returns to Vermont during the winter break. Her passion for history rekindles after finding an old smuggler's chest hidden in her grandparents' attic.
Will she be able to return to New Jersey without her heart being smuggled like the chest once was? Or is it already too late?

$2.00 Purchase Link: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Smuggler-Of-The-Heart
*Special sale: If you by this book you will receive 25% off Daniella!

Happy New Year!

(Smuggler's Notch photos are from Google Images.)

Goals and pacing

“In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you.” ~ Proverbs 16:9 (New International Reader's Version)

Have you ever set out with a goal, a good and worthy goal, only to become frustrated to the point of giving up? I know I’ve been there—done that. Here’s a example I recently shared on Carol Ann's blog…

I had a plan. I was going to jog around the neighborhood (1.5 miles) before I hit my 40th birthday. So every morning, out the door I’d go. Bless my sweet husband, he’d come with me as a source of encouragement. However, no matter how hard I tried, it never took long for me to become winded to the point where I needed to walk. I was so disgusted after weeks and weeks of little to no improvement, I decided to quit. My husband, seeing my broken spirit said, “Do you trust me?”

I wondered where this was going but I replied, “Yes, I do.”

“Good. Then tomorrow, let me set the pace.”

The next day, practically dragging my heels, I followed him out the door. But you know what, a remarkable thing happened. I jogged around one loop without stopping! After the appropriate round of high-fives and smiles I stood amazed. I didn’t need to stop and I didn’t feel ready to pass out—granted it wasn’t the whole neighborhood yet, but I went as far as my husband asked simply by matching his steady stride.

You know what the trick was? Pacing.

Okay, so fast forward a month—I’m almost all the way through the neighborhood at this point (just a little side street left to tackle), the boys are back to school, and it’s time to dig back into my writing. I set my writing goals. I’m going to write 2,000 words a day and finish a novel every three months. I have BIG plans of going GREAT places. Guess what? It didn’t take me long to fizzle out. Instead of enjoying writing, embracing the gift of time the Lord had given me to set aside for writing this year, it felt like a burden, a chore! Then it hit me like a 2x4. My pacing was off! Granted some folks may write like a marathon runner, and have great success, but that won’t work for me. I want to love every moment of writing…explore the journey with eager anticipation…follow God and His stride for my day.

I’d like to throw out this challenge, if you’re feeling tired or burned out, check your pacing. Great things can happen if you slow down to enjoy life’s journey. I have proof— I was able to jog completely around the neighborhood before my birthday. If I can do that, I know you can face your own personal mountain! Remember the key is taking steps, even baby steps some days, with your focus on Christ.

~JoAnn

Author of Teacher’s Plans, By the Book, Sweet Rest, Smuggler of the Heart, Daniella, The Hamster Wheel, and Finders Keepers

http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site

(Photo from Google Images)

Thank You!

Thanksgiving time is coming and I'm so thankful for each and every one of you! So, I wanted to do something special to show you my appreciation.

Stop by my webpage http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site and leave a comment sometime between now and Nov. 15, 2010. If your name is choosen, you'll receive a gift package including hot chocolate, mug, and a free download of a book of your choice~ Teacher’s Plans, By the Book, Sweet Rest, Smuggler of the Heart, or Daniella.

Have a great weekend~
JoAnn

A Blessing To Share...

Today, while I was reading my Bible, this verse grabbed hold of my heart. I hope will bless you, as it did me!

"May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech."
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (The Message)


Would you pray with me?
Lord, I ask that each and ever person who reads this verse would be strengthened for their day ahead. Give them Your confidence and heart to go about the work which You have given them to do. May all the world see You at work in their lives.
In Christ name I pray~

What children teach us...

Children... I don't know if you have any children of your own or not, but it never ceases to amaze me how much I can learn from them. Here's a few examples. Last week I was caring for a boy who has sever disabilities. This fellow only has one arm, his vocabulary consists of about four words, he has health issues and... he has the most beautiful smile in the whole world. The look on his face when you play "peek-a-boo" with him--well, the only equivalent I can think of would be like me being offered a million dollar contract for a book. Such joy!

On the 4th of July, we headed over to a friends house for a BBQ. All the children we're splish-splashing in the pool. A mother came up to where I was standing and asked if the water was cold. She went on to explain that she won't get near a pool unless it's bath temperature. The kids however, didn't worry about the temperature, they are so resilient. When and why did we lose that?

Then this morning, my husband, one of my sons and I went jogging. Now you need to understand, here in Vermont, our summers are very short and heat is not something we need to deal with on a regular basis. But...yesterday my husband dug out our window unit air conditioner to deal with this "heat wave." Need I say more? OK...so back to today. I stepped one foot out of the house and saw the haze across the sky and thought to myself, This is NOT going to be fun. Off we go-- down around the bend, up a hill and wham... I felt like I was trying to stuff a brick wall into my lungs. The humidity was just too much! That's when I looked at my son next to me who turned and gave me a bright grin. "It's a little hot today, huh?"
I groaned, "I little?!"
Kids don't let things zap their energy.

There are so many other great lessons to learn as we watch the children around us, but even just these few made me stop and think of the passages in the Bible where it says how we need to embrace the simplicity of life to understand it.

Matthew 18:2-6; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17 (The Message)

Matthew 18:2-6
2-5For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me. 6-7"But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you'll soon wish you hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't have to make it worse―and it's doomsday to you if you do.
　
Mark 10:15
13-16The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

Luke 18:17

15-17People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
　
Perhaps today you're feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. I'd like to encourage you to remember the beauty in simple pleasures and joys that the Lord surrounds us with everyday. Today, lets look at things with the wonder, joy, energy, and resilience of a child--a child of God.

Joyfully,
JoAnn Carter

Encouraging faith though fiction
http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Latest Free Read at White Rose Publishing

What is it about your childhood that captures your imagination? For me, it’s been a small bay town called Barnegat. Why? Well, growing up, my mom told me about my great-aunt, who lived in Barnegat, NJ. She had a dream where a huge wave came and swallowed up their home situated right on the coast of the bay.

But the dream didn’t stop there. For many nights in a row, she had the same dream. After sharing her nightmare with my great-uncle, would you believe he put their home up on the market? The day they moved out, a rare hurricane hit the NJ coast, and their beautiful home was taken into the bay. When this happened, my aunt insisted that God had given her that dream to protect them from the harm that would have befallen them.

In my latest "free read" release, Finder’s Keepers, you won’t find my great-aunts story-- or even a house-- but you will find yourselves in current day BARNEGAT . (The photos above are the actual lighthouse that my parents took for me when I told them about my idea for this story.)

Would you like to get your free download? Head over to… http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=1332&osCsid=a321f6c4d54e1fbc20b40af8fea9e25d

NOTE: I also learned this week that Cindy Green will soon be releasing a short historical Western Inspy with White Rose over the July 4^th weekend. This is a FREE READ as well.

Here is the blurb:

Second Chances

Ellie Westin has waited two years for cowhand Joe Cameron to make her his wife. When he returns from the latest cattle drive, he finds her engaged to another man and about ready to join a wagon train to the Nevada silver mines…unless God gives him a second chance to right his wrongs and ask her the question she’s been waiting so long to hear.

I hope you all get the chance to enjoy these short stories.

An interesting quote...

Recently, my family and I went on vacation to Washington D.C.. There were some many wonderful tidbits from our past and present to glean from in the Smithsonian museums!

Above is a photo of a quote I found from Alexander Graham Bell. Isn't this thought provoking?

While I agree with Mr. Bell 100%, I sometimes I wonder if we need to shut our eyes more to really "listen." Listen to God.

For example, when we returned home, I needed to trim my youngest son's hair. He wasn't thrilled at this prospect since he thought the hair, which was rubbing against his eyelids, was just about the perfect length. Needless to say, my husband and I held a different opinion. After the trim, my son promptly went into the bathroom and declared himself unfit for the public to see him.

Then it hit me. What would it be like if for even just for a few moments we stopped considering our outward appearance and considered what our hearts looked like? After all the Bible says man looks on the outside, but God looks and judges what's in our hearts. How different my life would look if I considered this more often. I can carry all kinds of ugly things in my heart and not concern myself because "others" won't see that. But you know what, they will in time because Scripture also says that out of the overflow of our hearts, actions follow. Even more importantly though, God sees this all the time.

Want to be beautiful? Check your heart.

Spotlight on By The Book & A Chance To Win A Download

Hi Friends!

Today, By The Book is being spotlighted over on Pamela's bog http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/

If you get the chance, please stop by. As a special incentive to WRiB followers, after visiting her blog, leave a comment here. On Friday, I will choose one of the names and give away a free download of Teacher's Plans, Sweet Rest, Smuggler of the Heart, or Daniella.

Hope to see you there!

The latest release...

DANIELLA is now available!

White Rose Publishing writes... Secretaries, disappearing contracts and handsome executives draw us into intrigue during these final days before Christmas! This is another great read from veteran author, JoAnn Carter, and just the right length to fit into your hectic holiday schedule.

Blurb:
When Harrison Beckman meets his father’s secretary, Daniella Duncan, she’s shy and self-conscious. Harrison, however, is determined to get to know her better. Before he gets to do that a rival comes along to steal Dani’s heart as quickly and thoroughly as the company’s contracts, which have been disappearing. As the mystery unfolds, Harrison has to fight for the woman he loves, even though this means crossing swords with his father and his determined adversary. Will Harrison be able to find the love that could await them or will it be too late?

Here's a little excerpt which introduces the two main characters...

"Oh, Dani fits me all right. It sounds short and fat." Her hand clamped over her mouth, and her eyes grew even wider. Harrison’s heart nearly broke when she asked, "Did I really say that out loud?"



It had been drilled into his head since he was a boy never to talk to women about two things: their age and their weight. Now, what should he do with this hanging hot potato? Ignore it. "I didn’t hear anything if you didn’t." He tried to continue with the previous introductions.


"Everyone calls my father Mr. Beckman, so I go by Harrison."



"Okay. I’ll try to remember that." Daniella seemed to have reached her limit; she looked like a cat being chased by a mouse, desperate for escape. "Um, I really need to get back now, so..."



"Sure. Thanks again." Harrison didn’t even know if she heard him as she turned and left with quick steps.



He stood quietly by his door and listened to the clickety-clack sound Daniella’s shoes made on the linoleum fade into a soft pitter-patter as she retreated down the hallway. He shut his door while contemplating the strange woman who was just in his office. Pretty but strange...yes, definitely strange. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders and went back to the tasks at hand.

Hope you'll be able to pick up your copy today. ($3.50) Don't forget, if you sign up for the White Rose Newsletter, you will get 10% off your order now through Christmas.

Devotions available for this Friday's Release!

This coming Friday, December 18th, Daniella will be released! You can watch the book trailer here: http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=rExz49PPw_ 4

In the meantime, if you're looking for a little something special to either end the year-- or perhaps a pick-me-up after the holidays, head over to my web-page http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/ Click on the link at the top of the page that says Devotions for Daniella. There will be two full weeks of special Bible passages, thoughts, and plenty of room to journal your insights.

I hope you'll enjoy and be able to take advantage of this opportunity. Have a wonderful week!