Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The Divine Dance by Lisa Buffaloe

Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers (from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fredginger.jpg)As a writer, I've had blissful moments when the words flow free. No blocks. No disapproving self-editor who yells, “Stop. Rework it–it’s not good enough.” Nothing but blissful creativity. Those moments are rare. 

A writer’s life is hard work. There always seems to be a better way to structure a sentence. Or maybe an idea requires deeper development. Or a desperate search for a metaphor, analogy, or simile to brighten the page. Perhaps a snippet of dialogue to draw in the reader. Something always nags to do better.

But occasionally there is that experience when all is right, and the words fit perfectly together. The story-line flows and waltzes beautifully across the page—a genuine Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers moment.

As a person with two left feet, and a writer who normally struggles with each word, those moments are a beautiful blessing. However when I come in God’s presence, I clasp my hands in His. To keep from tripping, I plant my feet on His, allowing Him to lead. Moving in tune with God, He leads me in a divine dance. In His loving grace, I glide along. The words will come. For now, I am going to enjoy the dance.

Regardless of your occupation or your calling, God waits with open arms to lead you in your divine dance.

Heavenly Father I’m placing my hands in Yours, please lead me in Your divine dance.




Visit Lisa @ www.lisabuffaloe.com   *Photo from Wikipedia 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Pick-up Lines

Pick-Up Lines
by Lisa Buffaloe

First lines matter—just ask the nervous guy trying to get the attention of a cute girl. I uncovered these two “pick-up” lines:

“You’re so sweet, you’re going to put Hershey’s out of business.”

“Do you know why the sky is so gray? All the blue is in your eyes.”

Groan.

As a writer, I try to pay attention to the beginning of each story. I want the first paragraph of a novel to entice the reader to keep reading.

As a Christian I want what I write and how I speak to be pick up lines. Lines that pick up weary souls. Words that pick up hurting hearts. Sentences that pick up those who are worried and fearful, picked up with the truth of God’s protection and provision.

Let’s all strive to be pick-up artists. Ready to pick one another up with God’s wonderful words.

Heavenly Father, help me to be a person who picks up others by making sure the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart are always pleasing to You.


"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." ~ (Psalm 19:14 NLT)
14 
Visit Lisa @ www.lisabuffaloe.com

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Divine Dining by Janet K. Brown

     After thirty years of losing weight followed by disastrous binges, I lost ninety-five pounds and with God’s help, have now kept it off eighteen years.
     One of the best tools in my recovery remains daily reading and meditation. The Bible comes first, but I have developed an ever-increasing library of books. Several are daily devotion books.
     Four years ago, the Lord woke me in the middle of the night and urged me toward the computer. I wrote fourteen devotions before I could return to my sleep. During the following years, I found many Scriptures that I could apply to my compulsion. Thereby, the idea for Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness was borne.
     Unlike many other self-help and devotion books on this topic, mine came from my journals and memories. I have not found another that combines a twelve-step program with serving God through relinquishing our will over food. I pray it helps other Christians bound by this debilitating problem.

May 30

150. Freedom Tastes Better Than Sugar 

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 

     My husband teases me that there is no such thing as too sweet for me. My grandson once said, "I've never found a dessert I didn't like." I agree. I love desserts, the sweeter, the better. For some of you, the salty taste of chips or crackers is what attracts you. Extreme flavors spark our taste buds—excess salty, sweet or spicy. However, phrasing goals in negative tones gets our hackles upturned.

     Turn this:
     Stop eating sweets or limit sweets
     into 
     Relish your newfound freedom and cherish your release from sugar addiction.

     God provides true freedom from sin, addiction, the devil's chains, and let me tell you, that's a wonderful feeling. 

Prayer: Lord, I treasure freedom in You more than anything, even the taste of my favorite foods.

NOTICE: For a limited time, Amazon is offering the kindle version of Divine Dining for free. Check it out November 12 -16. Don’t miss this opportunity. The link to purchase it is:: http://www.amazon.com/Janet-K.-Brown/e/B008Z4CMJU


To Purchase on Amazon Divine Dining

Feel free to let any of your friends in on this offer while it lasts.

Janet K. Brown lives in Wichita Falls, Texas with her husband, Charles. Though she has written most of her adult life, since her retirement as a bookkeeper and medical coder, she writes as a second career and as a ministry. 
     Divine Dining is the author’s second book. It encompasses her passion for diet, fitness, and God’s Word.  Janet released her debut novel, an inspirational young adult, Victoria and the Ghost, in July, 2012. She continues to write short stories for teens and adults. The sequel to her young adult is contracted to release in June, 2014.

     She and her husband love to travel with their RV, visit their three daughters, two sons-in-law and three grandchildren, and work in their church. Find her at http:/ /www.janetkbrown.com on Twitter, @janetkbrowntx , on Facebook @  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707


www.fliterary.com


Monday, October 28, 2013

In the Trenches with Rebecca Carey Lyles

Recently, I was asked the question most published writers are eventually asked: What is your writing schedule? The person who asked understood that in order to finish a book and render it publishable, authors must structure their days and discipline themselves to stick with a project to the end.

My response was something like, “I normally get up around seven or eight and eat breakfast while I do my Bible study lesson. Then I go to my computer to check email and Facebook messages, update bookkeeping, etc. If all goes well, I’ll be done with correspondence by eleven or twelve ­– just in time for lunch. So, of course, I take a break.

In the afternoon, I respond to interview questions and write posts for bloggers who've offered to promote my latest book. I might even write something for one of my own blogs. Because I edit for other writers, I’ll likely work on someone else’s material for several hours. Eventually, the desk is cleared, and I can work on my own book in progress. Sounds great, but by then, it’s probably time to take my afternoon walk and start dinner. Following dinner, who knows whether or not I can talk my sore fingers into returning to the keyboard.

That’s my “no big rush” schedule; however, when I’m in a crunch to get an article out or have several projects going at once, I tend to sit down at the computer a little earlier and stay a bit longer, occasionally into the early morning hours. To be honest, I’d like to be more structured, but I also appreciate the freedom to volunteer for a variety of entities, to attend a daytime women’s Bible study group, and to meet with my crit group or join friends for lunch.

A helpful habit I've developed over the years is to edit the previous day’s chapter or section, not only to clean it up (fixes are always needed!) but to remind myself where I’m at in the story and to “prime the pump” before I tackle the next scene.

One more thought –I never respond to requests on Facebook to play games, even with my bestest friends. I hear online games can really drain the hourglass…

How about you? Do you have daily writing routine? Or do you tackle projects as inspiration hits, or maybe as deadlines demand?


Visit Rebecca's blog and leave a comment with your email address to be entered in a drawing for a free book!
Drawing continues until Sunday, November 3.

Bio

Rebecca Carey Lyles grew up in Wyoming, the setting for her Kate Neilson novels. She currently lives with her husband in Idaho, where she serves as an editor and a mentor for aspiring authors and as a coach for women transitioning from prison to life on “the outside.”

widgetwords.wordpress.com
Twitter: @BeckyLyles
LinkedIn: Becky Lyles
Facebook: Rebecca Carey Lyles

Latest Book


Winds of Freedom (Kate Neilson Novel #2), sequel to award-winning Winds of Wyoming

Winter storms blast across the Whispering Pines Guest Ranch, and a cold wind blows through Kate Neilson’s soul. Despite her pain, Kate’s well-being takes a backseat to the needs of loved ones: her best friend, who’s been ensnared by evil; her failing great-aunt, whose dementia care keeps Kate guessing; and Laura and Mike Duncan, whose ranch and livelihood are threatened by a land-grabbing neighbor.

Order on Amazon -- Winds of Freedom (A Kate Neilson Novel)


www.fliterary.com

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

What Isn't Quantifiable

Reposted from www.authorlisaphillips.blogspot.com

Recently I read an agency blog where one of the agents put out a call for submissions of a particular genre. What caught my eye was the need to include your number of Twitter followers, Facebook friends and blog page views.

Now I understand the need for social media influence and for agents to know you're active and you have the potential to grow your contacts into a tribe of influencers. That's not where I'm going.

I want to talk about that point we all reach (hello, brand new blog readers) where we realize no one is listening to us. We have to prove ourselves in this new world of branding and platforms and no one except those people with a million followers seem to know what that is, or how on earth to go about it.

We get mired in the NUMBERS. As though our worth is something that can be quantified. As though this:

or this:


or this:


will tell you anything about my worth as a human being.

So if that's you today, I'd like to share these verses with you:
For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end] I would still be with You.
(From Psalm 139)

I chose the amplified version, because I love how it likens the way we are made in our mother's womb to embroidery. On the back side the threads will look like a mass of tangles, cut-off ends and mis-matched threads, but on the front side the Maker is creating something beautiful. 

That's your worth. And mine.



Lisa Phillips is a wife, mom and author. She writes inspirational romantic suspense. Her first book, Double Agent will be released from Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense in 2014. Find out more at www.authorlisaphillips.com

Monday, October 7, 2013

Interview with Julie Gorman

1.      Julie as a writing and speaking coach what tips would you offer to a frustrated writer?

KEEP ON PRESSING ON! God has a plan for you and will make room for the gift He has entrusted you. Don’t despise small beginnings. Don’t weigh your success by another’s. Be authentic. Be diligent to do the next right thing. The most important thing you can do is to be present and embrace the process. Don’t hold on to selfish agendas…instead…develop meaningful relationships. Learn as much as you can from others and look for every way possible to promote others instead of yourself!

2.      Julie, as a writer you've chosen to expose some pretty real and raw details from your life? What causes you to write so transparently?

MMMM. That’s a great question. I write transparently and encourage my writing clients to do the same because I’m convinced people need to hear about our failures and mistakes and how God rescued us. Because when people read how far God went to rescue us, they will find hope that He will do the same for them.

3.      What compelled you to write What I Wish My Mother Had Told Me about Men?

I wrote What I Wish… to expose and shatter the misconceptions and lies that women inscribe on their heart about men that sabotage their relationship. It’s written to inspire hope, healing, and wholeness to our life!

4.      What are some of the unrealistic expectations women sometimes entertain?

Here are ten lies the book exposes:
1  “A Man Will Validate My Worth”
2  “A Man Will Rescue Me”
3  “A Man Will Never Let Me Down”
4  “Men Only Want One Thing”
5  “I Can Change Him”
6  “I Can Control Him”
7  “It’s All His Fault”
8  “All Men Are Perverts”
9  “Men Are the Enemy”
10  “A Man Will Satisfy the Longings of My Soul”

5.      Of those common lies is there a central struggle women identify with most frequently?

MMMM. Another great question. What I’ve discovered we all have what I call a GOD-VACUUM within us. We crave to fill the place of emptiness. Like men, women search for significance, they long for a place of belonging…and in our quest we sometimes try to get a man to meet that need. We long for companionship, connection. We long for security. We want to love and to be loved. And sometimes in our desperation we make compromises or concessions. Sometimes we settle for what’s in front of us afraid a better option may not come along…
Psalm 62:9—“Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.”

Take the lowest to the highest, the least to the greatest, the poorest to the richest, and what do you get? Only a breath. To appreciate God’s creation is life-giving; to worship God’s creation destroys.
Though I doubt any woman cognitively expects a man to be like Jesus Christ—perfect in every way—I’m equally convinced that many of us carry a few unrealistic expectations. The breakdown in our relationships occurs when our joy hinges on expectations exceeding a man’s ability to be perfect

6.      Julie, your book is packed with practical and spiritual how-to's but one of my favorite parts is your inclusion entitled – A Letter From the Father. Why did you include this section?

Oh, I am so glad you asked that. Transformation in the hands of God connects, liberates, and empowers us to love and to be loved as God intended. Our process of transformation begins with the knowledge that God has forgiven us. It develops as we embrace the truth that God loves us unconditionally.

So, as I wrote the book, I wanted to draw out God’s love from scripture to bring out truths that God had already promised and spoken to us in His Word—the Bible…But I wanted to write it personally as if God were whispering it to us individually.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt.” Jeremiah 31:3-4


Julie Gorman is the founder of For Your Inspiration (FYI). She is certified by Dr. John C. Maxwell as an executive coach, trainer, and speaker, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. Julie a prolific speaker, blogger and writer, makes her home in southern Florida with her husband, Greg, and their three children.

Visit Julie’s website and hear her radio program at juliegorman.com.

Monday, September 30, 2013

It's a Jungle Out There!

Hi friends, this is Lisa Buffaloe.

I am going to be a part of a fabulous Women's Retreat Friday, October 18th-Saturday, October 19th called "It's a Jungle Out There:  Trusting God to Be Your Guide."

I would love it if you would join me for this 24-hour refuge at beautiful Camp Copass in Denton, Texas. 
I want to let you know that today only, tickets to the retreat will be 50% off, making the cost of the retreat only $50.00.  That includes all meals and an overnight stay.  

Just go to https://itsajungleoutthere.eventbrite.com/ and type in the promotional code: Junglediscount 

I hope you can be a part of this inspirational weekend. For additional information on the retreat, you can visit the retreat webpage at: www.christianwomensretreats.net.

Check out the amazing speakers (and one talking Buffaloe). :)

"It's a Jungle Out There: Trusting God to Be Your Guide" is a Christian retreat sponsored by Pearls of Promise Ministries and Love Serve Shine Ministries.  It is open to all women who would like to attend. Topics include: "Beautifully Broken: How God Tames the Wild Heart," "Caging Your Anger," "Corraling Your Thoughts," "The Wounded Animal, From Howling to Healing," "The Great Escape: Praying Your Way Out of Trouble," and "Safari Lessons: Your Faith Marker Journey." 

The presenters are: KCBI morning show host, Rebecca Carrell, former national sports reporter and author, Lisa Burkhardt Worley, Christian motivational speaker, Mary Ann Springer Moore, prayer author, Kathy R. Green and authors, Lisa Mick, Catherine Weiskopf, and Lisa Buffaloe.

Hope to see you in Texas!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Yo, Ho, a Writer's Life For Me!

Yo ho a Writer’s Life For Me!
Lisa Buffaloe

I didn't plan on being a writer, did not break forth from the womb with pen and paper in hand. Life took me for a wild ride, dumped me in bed with chronic illness and birthed a new writing adventure. 

In the words of Captain Jack Sparrow, “I think we've all arrived at a very special place. Spiritually, ecumenically, grammatically.”

With the wind in my sails/bed sheets, I walked the plank toward uncharted waters. Words flourished and spewed forward. The first results may have contained spiritual truths, but did not arrive in grammatically correct positions. 

Scallywag sentence structure, why couldn't I just write like I think?

I joined critique groups and my papers came back covered in red. Black flags were hoisted signaling trouble ahead. Useless words were thrown overboard. Adverbs slashed, verbs strengthened, and I learned to hide the rum! Ahem, I mean hide the run on sentences. 

Argh! Writing is easy. Writing in excellence is difficult.

As writers we dig deep for buried treasure. Simple or profound truths are unearthed to motivate, encourage, and help others grow.

So unfurl your writing parchment. Sharpen your pen and wits, and write. Stay the course. When the winds of discouragement blow, and the pirates come to steal joy, keep writing and passing God’s truth to hungry and thirsty souls.

“And the Lord answered me and said, ‘Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may be able to read it easily and quickly as he hastens by’” (Habakkuk 2:2 AMP)



Lisa Buffaloe is a writer, blogger, speaker, happily-married mom, and founder and host for Living Joyfully Free Radio. She is passionate to tell others about God’s wonderful love, healing, and restoration. Lisa is the author of Living Joyfully Free, Living Joyfully Free – Volume 2, Nadia’s Hope, Prodigal Nights, and  Grace for the Char-Baked.

Visit Lisa @ www.lisabuffaloe.com, www.livingjoyfullyfree.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Know that I Am God


A Ten-Week Bible Study by Patty Mason

Our Greatest Calling in Life is to Know God

There is a cry rising up today that begs to know God, not just facts or things about God, but a deep desire to really know Him. In Isaiah 43:10 the LORD said, “You are my witnesses, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe and understand that I am he.” The Bible, both Old and New Testament, is filled with personal testimonies of those who knew God. Isaiah, Moses, David, John and Matthew, Paul and Peter all recorded the experiences of the One they came to know and recognize as their Father; their Bridegroom; their Shepherd; their Healer; their Redeemer; their Friend; their King, and their God. Like these men, and many others, we, too, are to be witnesses of God, so we may KNOW Him personally, BELIEVE Him unconditionally, and UNDERSTAND His heart.

Know That I AM God is a 10-week in-depth Bible study that will ignite a fresh explosion of hunger for God by pursuing deeper revelations of His Person and personality. A Leader’s Guide and 10-week DVD video series accompany this study. The video series is taken from the commanding book of Ezekiel where God repeatedly brings a message of repentance and hope to a rebellious people. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God passionately professed: “Through the actions I take, through my words and deeds, you will know that I AM the LORD and that there is no other.”

Pre-Order discounts are available.

____________________________________________________________________________

“I've often wondered: ‘Where are the Bible studies with the meat and potatoes?’ Well, Know That I AM God delivers! This study is defiantly for those who are hungry for God.”
–Carol Tanzinski

“It’s evident from day one that this book is an intense, personal journey—not for the fearful or faint of heart. But know that if you dare to make the journey with her, your fears will be relieved and your heart will be revived as you seek the unique treasures that only accompany a closer walk with God.”
Amy Parker, Author, Editor, Parker Inc

Visit Patty Mason at Liberty In Christ Ministries... http://www.libertyinchristministries.com 
View her Books, Bible Studies, and DVD's at ... http://www.libertyinchristministries.com/bible-studies.html

Listen to an interview with Patty Mason on Living Joyfully Free

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Finding Your Voice

Finding Your Voice
By Lisa Buffaloe

My friends don’t talk, think, dress, act, or look alike. Not one is a clone of the other. And I love each of their unique qualities, from the quirky friend who rattles off one-liners with the speed of a machine gun. My friend who reads and studies her Bible so much that the pages are falling out, or the girlfriend who gives the best hugs. The friend who has the gift of organization, or the one who has the gift of hospitality and cooking (and boy neither of those qualities are my strong points).  I wouldn’t want any of my friends to change. I cherish them for who they are. 

Editors, agents, and publishers are looking for authors with unique qualities and a voice all their own. So how on earth do you find your voice?

Be you.

Don’t strive to write like someone else. God created you to be you. He loves you just the way you are. Don’t compare yourself to others. Yes, we should read other authors, study the craft of writing, and strive to write in excellence. But when you sit down to write, allow God to flow through you to use you. Let His words inspire you to write the things He lays on your heart.

You are unique, and therefore your voice is unique in speech and in writing. Your voice is a gift straight from God’s hands, speak and write for His glory, and your matchless qualities will touch lives no one else can touch.



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Ultimate Writer's Tool

The Ultimate Writer’s Tool
By Lisa Buffaloe


My desk and bookshelves are scattered with the tools of my trade. Books, conferences, mentoring clinics, critique groups, and a bevy of online authors/agents/editors/publishers/marketers blogs are available in abundance. I could stay so busy reading about writing, and learning about writing, that I would never accomplish any writing.

To be honest, I have many of those days. And then the days I pull my chair up to my desk, a computer screen with an empty word document mocks me. The doubts trounce across my shoulders and whisper in my ear, “You aren't a writer … you’re wasting your time … what do you have to offer that anyone would actually want to read?"

Whimper.

But then The voice of truth whispers, stronger with certainty…”You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. For nothing is impossible with God.”*

All my earthly writer tools are valuable, but the absolute best, ultimate tool for any task is found when I’m on my knees in prayer.

*Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 9:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, Luke 1:37

Visit Lisa Buffaloe @ www.lisabuffaloe.com or www.livingjoyfullyfree.com


Friday, August 30, 2013

Validate me

Validate We have a desire to be noticed. Some want fame and fortune, to see their name in lights, be on the big screen, or to top the music charts. Others long to publicly proclaim God’s word. And even those who like to be behind the scenes want someone to recognize what they do and who they are. 

Sometimes we strive to be noticed by “that” famous person, author, Bible teacher, singer, blogger, writer, speaker …  someone who will validate us or promote us. And yet when we pursue people for our validation, we will always come up lacking. 

God notices. He sees you. He created you and loves you. His validation is far beyond what anyone on earth can ever do or say. And God, who is the God of the universe, can initiate any divine appointment. Seek Him above all things, and in all things He will provide the validation you seek.  


Visit Lisa Buffaloe at... www.lisabuffaloe.com or www.livingjoyfullyfree.com

Thursday, August 15, 2013

The Incredible Power of Tone and Words by Lisa Buffaloe

There is power in our words and our tone, power to change the very fibers of our inner-being. Speak carefully. Use your tone carefully. Be careful with your words. Your words affect others and your words change you.

Be very, very, very careful with your words. Be very careful what your ears hear and what you speak. Speak life. 

These videos show the affect of tone and words on water and salt. Imagine how words and tone affect our inner-being. Take time to watch and see how tone and words alter these substances. Think and consider how words and tone alter you.


 To view directly on YouTube ... http://youtu.be/tAvzsjcBtx8
 To view directly on YouTube ... http://youtu.be/wvJAgrUBF4w

Every word spoken has the power of life or death. Every word creates a reaction within ourselves and within those around us. Chose words of beauty and life. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” ~ John 1:1, 14 NASB 

“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.” ~ John 3:34 NASB 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” ~ Proverbs 18:21 NASB 

“By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” ~ Matthew 12:37 ESV 

“The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.” ~ Psalm 12:6 NASB 

“He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” ~ Proverbs 16:19-21 NASB 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” ~ Psalm 19:14 NASB 

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ~ Psalm 119:103 NKJV

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” ~ Psalm 119:130 NASB

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.” ~ Jeremiah 15:16 NIV 

“The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.” ~ Ecclesiastes 9:17 NASB 

A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury.” ~ Proverbs 15:1 ISV 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.  But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper,rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” ~ Ephesians 4:29, 31-32, 5:1, 6, 5:12-16 

“Let no foul or polluting language [ever] come out of your mouth” ~ Ephesians 4:29 Amp

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Ephesians 5:19-20 

Be CAREFUL with your tone and words!

  www.lisabuffaloe.com  

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

As Ink to a Pen



Heavenly Father pour Your words and Your message into our writing. 
Help us to keep our focus on You. 
When the enemy lies come that question our abilities or purpose, help us to take every thought captive with Your truth. Nothing is impossible for You and we can do all things through Christ. 
As ink is to a pen, help us to be conduits to deliver the writings You lay on our hearts.

Lisa Buffaloe

www.fliterary.com

Thursday, August 8, 2013

To Writers

God has a plan for your writing. If you feel called to write, write.  Write with excellence. Learn. Read. Study the craft. Honor God with your skill. Rest in God's agenda and His timing.

Your writing may be for you and for God to reveal a deeper understanding of Him and who are you are in Him. Your writing may be to share with family and friends. Your writing may be to share with a wide range of people. Write without expectations of what God will do and how He will use your writing.

Write for joy and with joy. Write for the glory of God.

Write on!


Lisa Buffaloe
www.lisabuffaloe.com 


Monday, August 5, 2013

Best-selling suspense novelist, Kathy Herman!


Best-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman shares on Living Joyfully Free Radiohttp://www.livingjoyfullyfree.com/audio-items/kathy-herman/
Kathy has written nineteen novels in five previous series, including the acclaimed Secret of Roux River Bayou and the Sophie Trace Trilogy, since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business.
In July of 2003, Kathy’s right hip prosthesis broke. Two hip revisions later, complications from surgery left her unable to walk without an assisted device. 
She writes, “After much prayer and physical therapy, I’m still using a wheelchair and a fancy four-wheeled walker to get around. I do believe in miracles. The physicians have done what they can, and unless the Great Physician chooses to intervene, I will likely be ‘rolling’ through this life. That hasn't been an easy thing to accept. Pride doesn't die without a fight, but I've had years of practice. I've expressed my disappointment to the Lord many times and have finally come to the conclusion that it’s far more pleasing to Him that I lift up His Name in spite of my disability than to let my desire for healing consume me. And in spite of my limitations—perhaps because of them—an unseen reservoir deep inside me keeps filling the pages with stories that surprise me, and characters that I've never met and yet know intimately.” 
Her hope is that each of her novels will not only entertain  but also inspire and challenge. Kathy shares, “That in the deepest part of our souls, we’ll embrace the depth of what it means to be believers, and then be moved to share its powerful simplicity with those who struggle without hope.” 
Kathy and her husband, Paul, have three grown children and live in Tyler, Texas
Learn more about Kathy on her website at www.kathyherman.com.



Wednesday, July 24, 2013

What I Learned From The Bible About Writing Part 5: Metaphors

"Who is she that looketh forth as the morning,
fair as the moon, clear as the sun,
and terrible as an army with banners?"
 - Song of Solomon 6:10

"And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind."
- Isaiah 7:2

Dictionary.com has a great description of Metaphor:
a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it  is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.” 

Lisa Phillips is a wife, mom of two and writer of Inspirational Romantic Suspense. Her first book The Ultimate Betrayal will be released summer, 2014 from Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense. You can find her at www.lisaphillipsbks.com and @lisaphillipsbks

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Writer Prayer by Mark Batterson

"I have a handful of prayers that I pray all the time... One is that God will put my books into the right hands at the right ties. I've prayed this prayer thousands of times, and God has answered it in dramatic fashion countless times. The right book in the right hands at the right time can save a marriage, avert a mistake, demand a decision, plant a seed, conceive dream, solve a problem, and prompt a prayer. That is why I write. And that's why, for me, a book sold is not a book sold; a book sold is a prayer answered. I don't know the name and situation of every reader, but God does, and that's all that matters."  Mark Batterson  Draw the Circle

Monday, July 22, 2013

A Collaboration Of Writing Advice From Published Authors

Write an ugly first draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect. But it has to end!

Know that it usually takes a very long time to get published. Keep writing, cranking out books, improving your craft and don’t give up.

Learn from people you trust, people who don’t try to change your style or your voice. Don’t get bogged down by the rules.

You learn by doing so write every day.  And read, both in the genre you’re writing in and in other genres. 

Keep at it, and don’t give up on your dream.  But also, keep it in perspective too. God and family first! 

Read what you’d like to write, learn the markets, attend workshops and conferences, take advice and use what you can. Learn, glean, pray. 

Keep writing. Perseverance is so much a part of this business.

Don’t be in a hurry to get published. Take the time to master the craft, build relationships with other writers and enjoy the journey. And persevere.

Read, read, read and write, write, write. There really aren’t any short cuts

My advice is to never give up. I’m convinced that becoming published is 10% talent and 90% hard work and determination.