It has happened again. The end of the year is here, giving me a chance to look back as I look forward. Do you do the same thing? I find it is an opportunity to slow down for a few days, but only a few. I have deadlines looming, just out of reach. So, I’m taking a few blessed days to contemplate my next moves.
I’m excited about my next book being released sometime in February or March 2020. But for now, I want to remember how far the Revolutionary Series has come in two years. The characters are close to my heart as are the stories they live through the pages. The titles of each book have a duel meaning and carry through the series. The title of Book One–Hold Me Close, conjures images of a romance. Although that is not the number one theme of the book, a romance is present. The sentimental elements of love and affection appear in the pages of the historical novel. But Hold Me Close has a spiritual significance as God is the one holding the characters close in His plans, in His arms, in His sight.
Book Two–Surround Me has the dual meaning also. The full title could have been Let Your Love Surround Me. Whose love? Well, the love between the couple with all the ends and outs of a romance, but also God’s love, as ultimately the characters need His love and presence to face their future together.
By now the pattern is set for the other novels in the series. Book Three–Bring Me Near carries the dual meaning onward with the human element of longing to be close for protection, support, and love. God’s role is every-present as He is there to provide the answers, comfort, protection outside of the human capabilities.
In the new year, I will pass on the title and information about Book Four. For now, I intend to relax and contemplate how I can allow God to hold me close, surround me, and bring me near.
What insights do you have from 2019?
I’ve attached myself to this verse and the word “ponder.” It makes me ask what I ponder in my heart. Also, what does ponder mean? Before, I look it up, I want to explore my definition: to ponder–to think about often, to keep safe, to treasure, to meditate on, to hold close. Are there things that I treat this way? Quite a few. The Miriam-Webster definition is: to weigh in the mind, to appraise, to think about, to reflect on, to consider quietly, soberly, deeply.
During this Advent Season, I am slowing down and concentrating on preparing for Christ’s birth. I don’t want to be so busy and so stressed that I miss the little blessings all around me. Baby Jesus was not surrounded by all the stuff and the noise that bombard my life. So, I breathe. I want to ponder the small things of my everyday Advent journey. The birth of Jesus, our Savior, was the greatest gift ever, one to never be overlooked even when the Christmas season passes.
imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
Did anyone else think Advent came about very suddenly? It surprised me to end Thanksgiving and go directly to December 1 and the first Sunday in Advent. I wasn’t ready! I love the season of Advent as I prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth. I’m just a little behind.
Preparing and anticipating the birth of Jesus, always gives me the opportunity to concentrate on the true meaning of this season, something I should be doing in February, June, September, etc… I love the decorations, the lights, the nativities, the carols. All of it.
year. Once I saw the calendar on November 30, I found my advent wreath and one candle for the first Sunday. I have yet to buy the other candles, but I will in time for this Sunday. I pulled out an Advent devotional that I had purchased last year, In the Manger by Max Lucado, and have read it faithfully so far. The Scriptures and the inspirational stories help me focus on what is truly important and amazing about this season. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37. Not even the birth of His Son.
Connect in Fiction with Marguerite Gray 