Journal Jots – Blog
Welcome to my Journal Jots blog! This is a broad mix of what’s on my mind, allowing me to feel a little bit closer to some of the most important people in my life—YOU! From news on sales, freebies, giveaways, new releases, and excerpts from works in progress … to my thoughts on my walk with God, daily devotionals, or photos of my family, this is where you’ll find the most current glimpse into my books and my life. I invite you to subscribe in the “subscribe” box on the right side of this page to automatically receive an email whenever I post a blog. Till then, God bless and HAPPY READING!
Friday, November 7, 2014
“Sometimes, in the midst of my love for you, Patrick,
I tend to forget that He is my source, not you.”
—A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman
Guilty as charged.
And I should know—Marcy and Patrick’s marriage, the mother and father in the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series, is strongly based on my own. And you would be absolutely shocked just how many of their stories I’ve taken from 36 years with the love of my life.
I know my husband was. 🙂
I’ll never forget the look on Keith’s face when he walked into the kitchen one day with my latest book in hand (and yes, the dear boy reads every single one). Anyway, he holds it up (using two hands because they’re so long … just kidding!), brandishing it like a weapon with this look of complete shock.
“Julie—I can’t believe you did this—this is our life here!”
“Yes, dear, I know,” I say with equal surprise, sounding a little too much like Marcy to suit. He scowls, and immediately I go into damage control with a hug. “Come on, babe, this is actually a good thing.”
He doesn’t answer—just gives me one of those arched eyebrow, flat-smile looks, lips pursed for more “fiction” from his wife.
“Look at it this way,” I continue with a sincere blink of eyes, “I get to fuse all that lovely angst and drama into Marcy and Patrick’s life instead of ours, so think of it more as self-preservation of our marriage, yes?”
His eyes narrow, at complete odds with the tiny crook of a smile. “Which we obviously need right about now …”
“Besides, babe,” I say quickly, conveniently ignoring his snide remark, “nobody knows they’re stories are about us.”
Till now.
So, what’s my point? And no, it’s not on top of my head. I’m simply saying all marriages have angst and drama, even the good ones, so what makes the difference when push comes to shove? For me—and Marcy and Patrick—it’s a relationship with God at the center, pure and simple, a message I strive to drive home in every single book that I write.
Pure? Yes, because it’s all about obedience to God’s precepts—whether in a marriage, in a relationship, or in one’s life—helping us to focus on Him instead of Self.
Simple? Uh, no, at least not for us human types, but God’s fixed that too, by giving us the grace, the energy, and the Holy Spirit to do what He’s called us to do.
For God is working in you,
giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
— Philippians 2:13
My grace is sufficient for thee:
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
— 2 Corinthians 12:9
And thank God! Because this was a lesson Marcy and I had to learn in A Passion Denied, when Patrick shut her out of his life after a terrible argument. That subplot was loosely based on something that happened between Keith and me many years ago. Oh, the details are different, of course, but the feelings of loss, bitterness, hurt, and anger are very much the same, teaching me what Marcy had to learn in the scene below. For your viewing pleasure, I’ve included a celebrity pictorial of Marcy and Patrick, compliments of a dear blogger friend of mine, Salyna, at Kissed Books blog, which I highly encourage you to check out because it’s a GREAT blog!!
Excerpt from A Passion Denied:
Mrs. Gerson took another sip of tea and smiled. “The same bitterness closing off Patrick’s heart wants to close yours, but you will not let it. You will fight it for the sake of your marriage because Patrick is too hurt to do so. Because you see, Marcy, the kind of love you and Patrick have is deep and abiding. A set of scales, if you will, with Patrick on one side and you on the other.”
She held out her hands evenly, palms up. “A choice, really. Do I love him enough to forgive? Or do I love myself more, wanting to hurt him like he’s hurt me?” She tipped her hands off-kilter, one up, one down, and then smiled. “The kind of love you and Patrick share always tips the scales in the other’s favor. Patrick can’t do that right now, Marcy, but you can.”
Marcy swallowed hard. “How?” It was a whisper, a faint surrender.
“Fourfold, my dear. First, you repent for any bitterness you’ve held up until now. Secondly, you learn from the Master. Once, when Jesus was asleep in a boat with his apostles, a storm threatened. The Bible says that Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. You will do the same. When bitterness comes, you will rebuke it in Jesus’ name, and He will send the calm.
Thirdly, you will put feet to your faith, because action speaks louder than words. And love, my dear, speaks louder than anything. That means you will demonstrate your love for Patrick—a love note, a favorite dessert, a kind tone—regardless of how he treats you. And finally, my dear, you will pray. Pray for God to soften his heart, to wrest him free from the grip of sin, and to bless him. And this, Mrs. O’Connor, is the most powerful step of all. Because if you are faithful to the first three, your prayers will unleash the power of Heaven.”
Marcy’s spirit quickened.
Mrs. Gerson rose to retrieve the tea, then turned at the stove with a sparkle in her eye. She stared straight at Marcy as if she could really see. “And do you know why?”
Marcy held her breath and shook her head.
A soft chuckle rumbled from the old woman’s lips as she hefted the teapot with an elfin grin. She toddled to the table, and Marcy could have sworn she saw her wink. “Because, my dear, like natural laws of gravity, there are also spiritual laws. Such as ‘the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’ or ‘if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.’” She settled into her chair with a peaceful smile and leaned forward. “Which simply means, my dear Marcy, if you do your part …” She nodded heavenward. “As sure as the sun rises … He will do His.”
And He does … abundantly, exceedingly more than we think, hope, or pray. And I’ve got 36 wonderful years of marriage to prove it!
But let me be clear—it’s not just about marriage. It’s about relationships. With family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, the person at Walmart who butts in front of you, whoever. No matter what, Jesus wants us to tip the scales in the other guy’s favor, His unconditional love in motion, if you will. And you what to know why?
So He can tip the scales for us … with blessings galore!
See, I set before you today life and prosperity,
death and destruction. For I command you today
to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him,
and to keep His commands, decrees and laws;
then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God
will bless you in the landyou are entering to possess.
— Deuteronomy 30:15-16
Happy weekend, my sweet friends, and Happy “tipping”!
Hugs,
Julie
NEW RELEASE!!!
MITCH & CHARITY CHRISTMAS NOVELLA RELEASES NOVEMBER 10 FOR ONLY $2.99! WHOO-HOO … I am very excited to announce that I am part of a Seeker Christmas novella anthology called Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection that not only features a story on Mitch and Charity, but novellas by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, and Myra Johnson.
In addition to this historical collection, The Seekers are also releasing a contemporary anthology called Hope for the Holidays Contemporary Collection as well, with stories by Audra Harders, Mary Connealy, Sandra Leesmith, Ruth Logan Herne, Tina Radcliffe Russo, and Missy Tippens, so be sure to check both out on Amazon at the following links:
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS HISTORICAL COLLECTION
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION
Here’s the blurb for Mitch and Charity’s story, which is called A Whisper of Hope:
Christmas is the season of hope, which is exactly what Charity O’Connor Dennehy is counting on. Since the birth of her twins twelve years ago, she’s prayed and hoped for a houseful of babies to love, but it wasn’t meant to be. With a husband dead-set against adoption, there’s barely a whisper of hope to change his mind, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … could it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?
BLOG GIVEAWAYS:
NOW – NOVEMBER 8, 2014:
ONLY ONE MORE DAY … to hop over to Margaret Chind’s blog, Creative Madness Mama, for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
NOVEMBER 7-14, 2014:
Come see me at Everyone’s Story blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://elainestock.blogspot.com/2014/11/julie-lessman-romance-pure-and-simple.html
NOVEMBER 14, 2014:
Join me on The Journey blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://kristenatunstall.com/the-journey-with-julie-lessman-acfw
NOVEMBER 17, 2014:
Get lost in a story with me on the “Get Lost in a Story” blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com/
NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 8, 2014:
Pay me a visit at the Artist Librarian blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://theartistlibrarian.blogspot.com/
DECEMBER 1-7, 2014:
Join me on the Carole Jarvis’ blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/
FREEBIES & SALES:
FREE Download of
A Passion Most Pure!
ACFW Debut Book of the Year & almost 300 5-star reviews can’t be wrong! See why some have read it 20 times!
Click here:
AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, CHRISTIANBOOKSTORE.COM, iBOOKSTORE
CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW IS FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!! My Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards—is ABSOLUTELY FREE on Kindle Unlimited, so do check it out. 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 to get you in the Christmas spirit. ALITW Video.
Friday, October 31, 2014
“Come on, Luke, for once in your life, embrace the moment.”
—A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
Happy Weekend!!
And it will be, you know why?
Because I’m “embracing the moment.”
Yes, I’m losing my hair. Yes, I’ve gained a few pounds. And, no, I didn’t meet my deadline of finishing my Isle of Hope ms. by end of October.
Sigh.
But it’s okay because I’m insured:
All things work together for good to them that love God. —Romans 8:28
I’ll be honest—lately, I’ve been a tad blue over health issues my daughter is going through, waiting for God to resolve her problems. Unfortunately, things seem to be getting worse instead of better, which wrings more than a few tears from my eyes in the course of a week, trust me.
We always pray together, of course, wherever we are—even in the bow of a boat like this at Lake of the Ozarks. I always remind her of something I learned a long time ago—and something she diligently applies—and that’s to praise and thank God in ALL circumstances, even the bad ones like she’s going through now. Why? Because I truly believe it releases both His strength in us and His power in abundance in our situation.
I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. —Psalms 34:1
God inhabits in the praises of His people. —Psalms 22:3
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. —Philippians 4:6-7
But … this morning when I was reading my devotional, I realized a very important aspect of praising God in trials that hadn’t occurred to me before.
Embracing the moment.
Unto everything there is a season. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing … —Ecclesiastes 3:4, 5
I mean, come on—you’re there, in the midst of something difficult—so what can we do to release the MOST power, strength, and blessing in our lives? Not self-pity, not murmuring, not jealousy, not anger.
Nope.
Embrace the moment. Wherever we are, whatever we are going through, embrace it like God is embracing us. Because He is. Just like Jesus embraced the moment He died on the cross, knowing that His Father had a glorious plan To make good out of it.
Father … into your hand I commit my spirit. —Luke 23:46
Likewise, we embrace the moment of pain, hurt, sickness, failure, mourning, whatever, knowing that through our trials, God is embracing us … strengthening us, healing us, blessing us.
Making good out of it.
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my trials? I want that kind of return on my investment!
Happy weekend and happy “investing”!
Hugs,
Julie
FREEBIES, SALES, & GIVEAWAYS!!
LAST DAY FOR OCTOBER SALES!!
In honor of my latest release, Surprised by Love, my publisher put the two prior books in the “Heart of San Francisco” series on sale all of October, at savings of 66% for Dare to Love Again to 80% for Love at Any Cost, so you have one more day to take advantage!! Here are the links:
LOVE AT ANY COST (Book 1):
DARE TO LOVE AGAIN (Book 2):
CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW IS STILL ON SALE!! My Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards—is only 99 cents, so PLEASE PASS THE WORD, and here’s the video to help you! ALITW Video.
MITCH & CHARITY CHRISTMAS NOVELLA RELEASES NOVEMBER 10 AND AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER FOR ONLY $2.99! WHOO-HOO … I am very excited to announce that I am part of a Seeker Historical Christmas novella collection called Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection that not only features a story on Mitch and Charity, but novellas by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, and Myra Johnson.
In addition to this historical collection, The Seekers are also releasing a contemporary Hope for the Holidays Contemporary Collection as well, so be sure to check both out on Amazon November 10.
Here’s the blurb for Mitch and Charity’s story, which is called A Whisper of Hope:
Christmas is the season of hope, which is exactly what Charity O’Connor Dennehy is counting on. Since the birth of her twins twelve years ago, she’s prayed and hoped for a houseful of babies to love, but it wasn’t meant to be. With a husband dead-set against adoption, there’s barely a whisper of hope to change his mind, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … could it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?
BLOG INTERVIEW/GIVEAWAYS!!
OCTOBER 20 – NOVEMBER 8, 2014:
Join me on Margaret Chind’s blog, Creative Madness Mama, for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 6, 2014:
Join me on the Relz Review blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
NOVEMBER 14, 2014:
Join me on The Journey blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
NOVEMBER 17, 2014:
Get lost in a story with me on the “Get Lost in a Story” blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 8, 2014:
Join me on The Artist Librarian blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
DECEMBER 1-7, 2014:
Join me on the Carole Jarvis’ blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
Friday, October 24, 2014
Squee!!!!!
Sorry, but this is the boy-crazy juvenile delinquent in me coming out, because today … TODAY … I am going to give you a link that gave me heart palpitations.
Okay, I guess it’s a little crazy for a woman my age to feel that way, but when you see older pix of the male model who personified your first hero in your debut book, well, I’m sorry, you have a tendency to swoon. Or at least I did when I saw older pix of “Collin McGuire.” Not all of them, mind you, but one or two definitely ramped up the sigh factor for sure.
So … are you ready??? Deep breath … here’s the link, but make sure you come back:
Whew!
Yes, some people are downright gorgeous, but you know what? Most of us are just downright normal with all kinds of human failings going on like the crooked teeth I had in my 20s before I got braces after I got married, or the gray hair beneath my Loreal Paris 6G Light Golden Brown. Sigh. Makes a girl feel downright old, you know?
And then … I read the following line in my devotional yesterday morning from Jesus Calling, which I don’t mind saying is one of THE BEST devotional books EVER!
Open your mind and your heart to receive
My heavenly smile of approval.
WOW. I read that, and immediately the tears began to well because the truth is all of us are looking for approval, desperate to know that someone really and truly loves us JUST THE WAY WE ARE, gray hairs and all.
And you know what? I suddenly realized ALL OVER AGAIN that God loves me — and you — with an unconditional love so real and pure that it’s not based on how pretty or cute we are or how much money or success we obtain. Nope, instead it’s rather like a mother giving birth to a child. All logic and reason says that anybody who causes a mother that much pain in giving birth (with or without an epidural!) should be hated rather than loved. But what happens? The minute the pain is gone, mothers are enraptured, bewitched, and completely besotted by a tiny, wrinkly little being who sleeps, cries, and poops around the clock.
So why do we love them? Most babies are not particularly good-looking or kind or loving or anything we would covet. Instead they’re work and pain and sacrifice, inflicting a lifestyle change unlike most things we could ever encounter. And yet, loving them is as natural as breathing because they are blood. Just like we are to God, sons and daughters saved by the precious Blood of Jesus.
I don’t know what your insecurities are right now, but I do know mine, and in the face of Jesus’ unfailing love — which, incidentally, is the title of book one of my Isle of Hope series — they are nothing. Because we are loved — just as we are — by a God Whose love never fails and never ends.
Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
— Psalms 36:5
I have loved you with a love that lasts forever.
And so with unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself.
— Jeremiah 31:3
So, sometime today, stop and take a moment to look up and tell Him “thanks” for all He has done for you, not the least of which is to cherish you … treasure you … and die for you.
Hugs and Happy Weekend!
Julie
FUN AND GIVEAWAYS, SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
OCTOBER IS BIRTHDAY MONTH IN SEEKERVILLE!!:
Question: Why should you care??
Answer: Because besides finding some realllly great articles on writing and Christian fiction, you could also win one of FOUR $50 gift cards and iPad Mini! ‘Nuff said. 🙂 Here’s the link:
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
OCTOBER 20 – NOVEMBER 8, 2014:
Join me on Margaret Chind’s blog, Creative Madness Mama, for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 6, 2014:
Join me on the Relz Review blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
NOVEMBER 14, 2014:
Join me on The Journey blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
NOVEMBER 17, 2014:
Get lost in a story with me on the “Get Lost in a Story” blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com/
NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 8, 2014:
Join me on The Artist Librarian blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://theartistlibrarian.blogspot.com/
DECEMBER 1-7, 2014:
Join me on the Carole Jarvis’ blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!
http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/
OCTOBER SALES!!
In honor of my latest release, Surprised by Love, my publisher has put the two prior books in the “Heart of San Francisco” series on sale as well, at savings of 66% for Dare to Love Again to 80% for Love at Any Cost, so take advantage!! Here are the links:
LOVE AT ANY COST (Book 1):
DARE TO LOVE AGAIN (Book 2):
CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW IS STILL ON SALE!! My Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards—is only 99 cents, so PLEASE PASS THE WORD, and here’s the video to help you! ALITW Video.
MITCH & CHARITY CHRISTMAS NOVELLA RELEASES NOVEMBER 10 AND AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER FOR ONLY $2.99! WHOO-HOO … I am very excited to announce that I am part of a Seeker Historical Christmas novella collection called Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection that not only features a story on Mitch and Charity, but novellas by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, and Myra Johnson.
In addition to this historical collection, The Seekers are also releasing a contemporary Hope for the Holidays Contemporary Collection as well, so be sure to check both out on Amazon November 10.
Here’s the blurb for Mitch and Charity’s story, which is called A Whisper of Hope:
Christmas is the season of hope, which is exactly what Charity O’Connor Dennehy is counting on. Since the birth of her twins twelve years ago, she’s prayed and hoped for a houseful of babies to love, but it wasn’t meant to be. With a husband dead-set against adoption, there’s barely a whisper of hope to change his mind, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … could it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?
Meet Julie
