Guest Blogging at Bible Bites for Teens

I am guest blogging today at Bible Bites for Teens. This site was started by author Janice Green, who is also responsible for getting the Christian Children's Authors site up and running. During Lent, Bible Bites for Teens is sharing events during the ministry of Jesus. Today, I am speaking about Mark 6:13-29, the beheading of John the Baptist. I hope you'll visit at http://biblebites4teens.com/?p=4502

Bible Reading - Colossians

My Bible reading went by the wayside a couple of weeks ago as I spent the majority of my time studying for my real estate exam. I did get a chance to make my way through Colossians, and hope to get back to regular daily reading this week.

Colossians 1, 2, 3, & 4

Favorite verses:

1: 21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—

3: 1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

3:12-17 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Bible Reading - Philippians

I'm feeling badly because I've allowed my busy schedule to get in the way of my daily Bible reading. I managed to read Paul's letter to the Philippians, but nothing else last week. This week isn't looking much better.

This book of the Bible is a short one, but it is one of my favorites, especially Chapter 4, which includes my favorite Bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13).

Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4

Favorite verses:

1:6 ...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors Today

Today at Christian Children's Authors I share my review of Where Do Belly Buttons Come From? by Jeffery Warren Scott. You can find my review at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2014/03/07/book-review-where-do-belly-buttons-come-from-by-jeffrey-warren-scott/

Writing World Update

Time for another writing world update. I already announced this week that my fourth book was accepted by Guardian Angel Publishing; but as you know, I set a series of goals for 2014--some writing related, others more personal. I'm only going to focus on the writing ones this time around. I'll write up a full goal update at the end of the quarter.

Complete the first draft of my middle grade historical Amelia's Mission by February 28th.

This didn't happen. It's nowhere close to done. That said, I have spent any free time performing research for Amelia's Mission. The books are due back to the library by the end of next week, so I need to finish off this part of the job. I opened the manuscript file yesterday to read over the last chapter and make a few edits. The first two chapters were already sent off to my critique group for review, but I'll hold off on any major changes until the first draft is complete.

Research one new publisher/agent a month.

This didn't happen in January or February, but this month I've already researched two agencies and I've requested three middle grade historical novels from the library for market research.

Write one short story for submission each quarter.

I knew this was a lofty goal going in. I haven't written anything yet, but I'm tossing around ideas and wondering if I can still meet this goal. One idea is to write short stories based upon the character of Amelia Ridgemont, my main character from Amelia's Mission. While I think this would be an excellent way to build a fan base for these characters before a full-length novel comes out, I'm afraid of boxing myself into a story line and impacting the novel.

One other thing I did this month is read a book on self-publishing. I'm not certain what the future holds for me and my writing, but self-publishing is something I consider on occasion.

So, while I haven't achieved everything I would have liked to, I still feel I'm focused on the right things. I'll keep praying for guidance and do my best to keep my heart open to God's plans.

Picture Book Contract

Exciting news! My next book is under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing! I already announced this on my Facebook page, but here are the details.

Tentatively titled, Amos Faces His Bully, this is the second book in my "Faith-filled journeys for kids" brand. Ten-year-old Amos is inspired by David’s confidence and faith in facing Goliath to face up to his own bullies.

No word on a release date yet, but I'll update you when I hear anything.

Available for purchase right now are the following:

Obed is in the hills outside Bethlehem when the angels appear to announce the Savior’s birth. Can he trust that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his flock safe while he visits the newborn King?

GAP website
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Indiebound.org

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

4RV Publishing
Amazon softcover
Barnes and Noble softcover
Indiebound.org

Also available in a digital version under the name Cheryl C. Malandrinos.

Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble Nook
KOBO

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors Today

I know it's not my usual day for blogging at Christian Children's Authors, but I still hope you'll stop by. I've listed some Easter devotionals I'm looking at. You can find my post at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2014/03/05/easter-devotionals/