Journal Jots – Blog

It was a sad day, indeed, when completion

of her beloved lists did not bring her joy.

Her eyes narrowed. And all because of him.

— A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

Well, unlike Katie O’Connor in the quote above from A Hope Undaunted, you’ll be happy to know it is not a “sad day” in the Lessman world of lists!

Nope, because this week I not only finished my Christmas novella, “The Best Gift of All,” which will be included in the Seeker Home for Christmas Historical Collection scheduled for release on October 5th, but I also finished my proprosal for the Silver Lining Ranch Series, which is currently winging its way to my editor as we speak.The Christmas novella is about Lizzie and Brady and trust me, you don’t want to miss the fix they’re in! Can you say trouble in paradise?? Then my novella that will kick off my Western series, For the Love of Liberty, will be released in the Seeker spring or summer collection next year.

Then on Monday, I begin editing Unfailing Love, book one in my new contemporary Isle of Hope series. I am hoping to get that puppy edited and formatted for ebook release in October or November, so prayers are appreciated! Oh, and you may want to make sure you’re officially signed up for my Journal Jots blog so you don’t miss any news, because this page is where I announce everything first. When you subscribe to my Journal Jots blog on the top right-hand corner of this page, you’ll receive an email every single time I post anything, so that way you can be sure not to miss any fun or exciting news such as contests, giveaways, sales, or new releases, okay?

For instance … there happens to be a FACE-OFF and GIVEAWAY going on RIGHT NOW where you can win your choice of any of my books, including those not yet released like Unfailing Love and “The Best Gift of All,” so I encourage you to head on over to aTransParentMom blog to enter because you only have ONE MORE DAY to do so since the giveaway ends SATURDAY AT MIDNIGHT, AUGUST 8TH, okay? Here’s the link:

FACE-OFF ON ATRANSPARENTMOM BLOG

Then … on next Wednesday, August 12th, I will be having another giveaway on my Seeker blog entitled SQUARE HOLE, ROUND PEG: AN AUTHOR’S QUEST TO FIND HER PLACE IN THE SUN. Join me as I share about my recent sabbatical and the journey I’ve taken in becoming the author God meant me to be. A giveaway is included for a signed copy of any of my books including Unfailing Love or my Christmas novella, “The Best Gift of All.” So come on by to say “hey,” okay? Here’s the link:

JULIE’S SEEKER BLOG AUGUST 12-13, 2015

And finally, my Irish love story, A Light in the Window, is once again ON SALE FOR THE LOWEST PRICE EVER AT 99 CENTS, so I’d really appreciate it if you would spread the word about the sale and the video! Both links are below and I THANK YOU!!

VIDEO FOR A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW

LINK TO PURCHASE A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW

Okay, guys, that’s it for this week, so have a GREAT weekend and may all your lists be complete!

Hugs,

Julie

Now all glory be to God,

Who by his mighty power at work within us

is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream—

infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

— Ephesians 3:20, Living Bible

WOW! WOW! WOW!

There is absolutely no better Scripture I can post right now than the one above because this is exactly what God did for me with my family this last week. And you know what? It’s all because of prayer — yours, my family’s, my friends’, and mine!

The family problems I referred to in my last Journal Jots blog were so devastating to me, that I truly wondered if we would ever get past them or if they would fracture our family forever. But as I mentioned then, God reminded me that it’s in HIS name that the desires of our heart lie, and boy oh boy, was He telling the truth!! He gave me such a peace, that I knew, that I knew, that I knew He would turn it around, even when both Keith and I couldn’t really see how.

I won’t go into details, but suffice it to say that it was one of the best weeks of my life, and I hope my kids’ lives too. So I want to thank each and every one of you who uttered a prayer on my behalf, because YOU are part of the reason my family has been restored.

Instead of rambling on, I’d like to share a video my talented son-in-law Nate put together without any of us being aware, giving you a glimpse — through the video and the amazing lyrics from the song “Amen” by Dave Barnes — just how much God blessed our weekend. Not only by arranging for a dear friend to sell us her 15-year-old boat that looks almost like brand new, but healing each of us so we could enjoy the time we spent together.

Thank you for your prayers from the bottom of my heart. God is good!!

LESSMAN LAKE TRIP VIDEO

Hugs,

Julie

RARE BLOG INTERVIEW/GIVEAWAY!!

Join me AUGUST 4-9 OF NEXT WEEK for a rare interview on the aTransParentMom blog. I will be giving away winner’s choice of any of my books, including a copy of my latest novel, Unfailing Love, from the Isle of Hope series, so the winner will be the first reader to get it. Here’s the link — hope to see you there then.  

http://atransparentmom.com/2015/08/04/face-off-with-julie-lessman/

NEW RELEASE!!!

Grace Like Rain, a novella about Blake “The Rake McClare” from the Heart of San Francisco series is available NOW in the WITH THIS KISS HISTORICAL COLLECTION, which includes novellas by award-winning authors Mary Connealy, Pam Hillman, Cara Lynn James, Julie Lessman, and Ruth Logan Herne for ONLY $2.99, so here’s the link!

WITH THIS KISS HISTORICAL COLLECTION

ON SALE!

A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW IS ON SALE ON KINDLE FOR ONLY 99 CENTS! My Irish love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards—will be at the lowest price ever starting this week, so please take advantage! Here’s the video my hubby did for A Light in the Window with my daughter as the model for both the book and video, so take a peek. ALITW Video.

“In God’s name, Collin,” she repeated softly,

“where the desires of one’s heart always rest.”

— A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

The desire of one’s heart.

Not a dream. Not a mirage. Not a broken promise. But God’s Word, which when applied to one’s life, makes dreams, promises, and desires come true.

I am in the midst of a spiritual battle within my family, and I don’t mind telling you that the very thought of it had me shaking in my boots. I say “had,” because the victory is now mine through Christ Who strengthens me. In God’s name, His will — which is the key to happiness for each of us — will prevail if it takes my last breath and my last tear. Because frankly, family is too important to relegate to one’s own opinions, emotions, strength. And God was gracious enough to remind me of that just this morning.

You see, I am writing a Christmas novella to be included in the Seeker Christmas anthology this year, and originally I had hoped to write it about Katie and Luke from A Hope Undaunted. So to help get me in the mood and mindset for all the fireworks that wonderful couple provokes, I am rereading A Hope Undaunted. Well, just this morning I read a passage between Collin and Faith where Collin comes home late from visiting the sick boy of a female co-worker he hired against his partner Brady’s better judgment. The scene begins with Faith worrying that this female co-worker, with whom Collin was once involved years ago, will somehow tempt her husband.

As I read the scene, I remembered it as being one of my favorites, because it makes me cry every single time. Not because of the depth of Collin’s love or even Faith’s, but the depth of God’s, in Whose Name the desires of our heart lie. You see, it is the desire of my heart to have my family healthy and whole as God intended, but since the devil’s intent is just the opposite, there is a battle going on, which God reminded me through this scene, will be won in HIS Name. Leaning on His strength, His wisdom, His precepts.

Suddenly, all the anxiety that satan was trying to foist on me evaporated into thin air because the truth is, my hope, my strength, and my faith are in Him, not me. And in His Name and His Name only, I will have the desire of my heart.

And so can you!

So to remind you, like God reminded me, at the bottom of this blog is a clip from that scene. I hope it encourages you as much as it did me.

Delight yourself in the LORD;

And He will give you the desires of your heart.

— Psalm 37:4

Hugs and Happy Weekend!

Julie

RARE BLOG/INTERVIEW GIVEAWAY!

Join me for a rare interview on the aTransParentMom blog the week of July 27th. I don’t have the exact date yet, but check back in next week’s Journal Jot for all the information, okay? I will be giving away winner’s choice of any of my books, including a copy of my latest novel, Unfailing Love, from the Isle of Hope series, so the winner will be the first reader to get it. Here’s the link — hope to see you there then. http://atransparentmom.com/

Excerpt From A Hope Undaunted

By Julie Lessman

“So . . . what’s Evelyn’s son like?” she asked. “Other than being a typical thirteen-year-old boy?”

Collin twirled his fork in the spaghetti and took a bite, studying her as he chewed. He drank some milk and then set it down with a heavy sigh. “I’m afraid there’s nothing typical about Tommy. He’s confined to bed most of the time, not able to play with other kids or even get outside for a little fresh air.” He bent to shovel more noodles in his mouth, but not before Faith saw a glimmer of moisture in his eyes. He quickly chewed and swallowed. “The poor guy is little more than skin and bones, but he has a mind and a wit sharper than any kid I’ve ever seen.”

With a catch in her throat, Faith placed a hand on his arm. “I’ll bet it meant the world for you and Brady to visit.”

He gulped more milk, eyeing her as it glugged down his throat. He swiped his mouth with the side of his sleeve despite the napkin in his lap. “It did, you could tell. I guess he’s starved for male attention because he lit up when Brady and I walked in.” Collin averted his gaze to focus on his dinner, his voice slow and measured. “So when Brady had to leave after an hour, I don’t know, I just felt like I needed to stay for a while, you know?” He rolled more spaghetti on his fork and popped it in his mouth. He looked up with a faint smile. “Did I tell you he’s a master at chess? Which is why I’m late tonight, as a matter of fact. Actually, it’s pretty embarrassing. The kid gave me a thrashing that would make your father proud.”

Faith grinned, relief ebbing through her at the sullen tease on her husband’s face. “Mmm . . . I’ll bet that information will come in handy if I ever need leverage. I’m sure both Mitch and Father would have a heyday with that bit of news.”

He looked at her then, his eyes as soft and intense as his daughters’ when they whispered their prayers to God. Without warning, he suddenly dropped his fork with a clatter and hauled her onto his lap. She heard his sharp intake of breath as he cocooned her in his arms with a tight squeeze, burying his head in the crook of her neck. His voice was low and gruff and so thick with emotion, tears stung her eyes. “You don’t need leverage with me, Mrs. McGuire,” he whispered, “I need it with you. I love you more with every waking moment, Faith, and I can’t help but wonder—how in God’s name did I ever find a woman like you?”

Her heart swelled till she thought she would burst, and her eyes welled at the moisture she felt on her neck. “In God’s name, Collin,” she repeated softly, “where the desires of one’s heart always rest.” She pressed a gentle kiss to the edge of his bristly jaw as a wellspring of gratitude dampened her cheeks. “The desires of our heart, my love. Both yours,” she whispered, “and mine.”