Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas
By Poppy Smith

Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!

But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time!

• Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
• Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
• Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world.
• Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time!
• Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive.
• Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart.
• Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love.
• Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page).

May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.



With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

Book Launch for Warring Spirits

There’s a party going on!!


Historical fiction author April W Gardner is celebrating the release of Warring Spirits, the second book in her Creek Country Saga! Everyone who purchases Warring Spirits on Amazon today, December 15, 2011, will be entered into SIX different drawings for some cool and unique prizes. That’s right—ONE purchase. SIX chances to win. 


CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.


She’s also giving away personalized, signed book plates (labels for the inside cover). One for every book you purchase. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Order today and cross a few names off your Christmas list!


So what’s this book about? Warring Spirits is the sequel to Wounded Spirits, April’s Grace Award winning debut novel. Here’s a bit about today’s featured novel: 


Where blood is spilt, unexpected love may bloom.


In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.


Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.  But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.


Sound intriguing? Head over to APRIL'S PLACE to learn more! Or go straight to AMAZON to get your copy.



I’ve invited the her to visit with us today, so we can get to know her a bit better.


April, welcome!


Hi! Thanks for having me and for being such a vital part of this special day.


Does your faith influence your writing? If so, in what way?
In the past, I’ve been deeply touched by Christian fiction, so I know that God can use it to reach lives. If He chose me as a vessel to do the same for others, I would be honored. I want every word that I write to glorify Him, but I also want to write realistically—no hokey, everyone-gets-saved-in-the-end Christianity for me. Life is tough. People reject Christ. Christians make mistakes—big ones. That’s the kind of reality in my writing that I strive for.


What made you choose to write about the Creek Indians?
My genealogy and the belief that Chief Red Eagle Weatherford is one of my greats prompted my research. It hasn’t been proven that he's family, but I don’t need proof to know that his life and that of his people are fascinating, inspiring, and sadly tragic.


What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
 Does plotting in the shower count? I really do my best plotting in the morning under a steaming hot shower. Our water bill doesn’t appreciate it, but my heroes do! 


Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I backed into my husband’s car, crunching the bumpers of both vehicles. Twice. In three months.
I can solve a Rubik Cube. Takes me ten minutes, but I can do it. It’s my only claim to braininess.
I collect antiquarian books.


If you could open your own retail store, what type of merchandise would you sell?
Is it cheating to say books? LOL I’d love to open a coffee shop/used book store. As an author, I’m supposed to loath used books, but I can’t help myself. Used books are the best! Used books plus coffee…utopia.


If you had to describe your personality using a Native American name, what would it be?
Butterfly Woman. Because my mind constantly flits from one subject to another.


What themes do you like to write about?
I get a thrill at finding an intriguing bit of history buried by time and lost to most. Any setting will do, although I prefer it be American. It’s important to know where we’ve come from and who carved our country into what it is.


What other books do you have in the works?
Next up is the release of the first book my children’s historical adventure series, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang. It takes kids 9+ back to 1940 and the Nazi invasion of Guernsey Island, UK. The book is based on the events in the life of Ruth Davies, my friend and sister in Christ. It’s a history lesson and story of faith wrapped up in an enticing adventure, and I can’t wait to share it!


Head over to April's site to see what all the hoopla's about!

About April:
April W Gardner resides in Georgia with her USAF husband and two sweet kiddos. She is the author of the historical romance series, the Creek Country Saga, as well as the children’s adventure series, the Channel Islands Resistance. She is the founder and senior editor of the fun literary website, Clash of the Titles. In her free time, April enjoys reading, organizing, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Author of "Set Free to Live Free"

1. What motivated you to become a writer?

I've always loved reading and for me writing is a natural extension of that love. My writings began with my own personal journals. I never thought I would ever pursue publication, but a few precious women helped change my mind. One was a patient who presented to my office during a particularly busy day. I just did not have the time to spend with her that I desired. That night I thought, "I wish I had something I could have given her that shared my heart on her issues." From that I started putting together ideas for handouts to use at the office and it just escalated from there into a book.

2. In Set Free to Live Free, you address not only patient’s physical issues but also their emotional and spiritual ones. To be able to give this type of guidance it seems like you would need longer than normal appointments with your patients. How much time do you set aside for appointments?

My office operates like most medical offices in that appointments are set at 15-30 minute intervals depending on the type of appointment. Every patient visit does not have the dynamics of those discussed in the book. There are quick visits for acute issues as well as longer visits where I manage chronic medical issues for my patients. During all visits I pay attention to the non-verbal language of my patients. I ask pointed questions based on my observations and see if a patient is ready to discuss further those areas. Some will be receptive leading to an extended visit and some will still have their personal walls up cutting our time short. So for every visit that goes over 10 minutes there is usually a corresponding visit that will be under the allotted time. It all just seems to work out in the end.

3. Was there a section or chapter of Set Free to Live Free that was more difficult for you to write? If so, why?

The section on balance (chapters 9 and 10) was definitely the most difficult for me to write. Balance is an area I am still working through myself, so it was as if I had to take a dose of my own medicine with each word. A much needed dose I must add. I think learning how to balance family and career is one of the hardest things a working mom faces. When I finally got to the point of writing Chapter 10 I had a hard time wording what I was feeling. So instead of just talking about what I was feeling I began that chapter actually describing the feelings as an analogy. Sharing your raw emotions has a healing quality of its own. It began as the hardest chapter to write and ended as the one that gave me the most joy and peace.

4. There are many practical responses recommended in Set Free to Live Free. Do you recommend women go through the book on their own, join a study group, or go to a counselor for help in implementing the principles on a deeper level?

It really depends on the woman. I've had women come to me that have such a difficult time with self-disclosure that they would do best beginning the process alone (or one on one with a counselor) and then branch out to a group setting. I love small groups and I wrote the book with small groups in mind. It's beneficial to be with other women who are going through similar issues. You can build each other up and support each other. I would love to see little Diamond Societies popping up all over with women bound together in God's love and a shared journey to living free.

5. What’s next for your writing pursuits?

That's a great question but I don't have an answer for it! I do not currently have any other books penned. Of course I have some ideas and other areas I feel strongly about, but Set Free to Live Free is the book which discusses the issue I'm most passionate about: women living a flourishing and fulfilled life in Christ. For now I'm just thankful for the opportunity to share it with others and elaborate on applying it’s principles through online webinar bible studies and e-newsletter devotionals.

~You can download the entire first chapter of Set Free to Live Free at

www.setfreetolivefreebook.com ~

Special Christmas Devotional Series based on Set Free to Live Free

I want to invite you to join me in creating a new holiday tradition - unwrapping the gift of you each day during the 12 days of Christmas. During these 12 days you will receive an original email devotional based on the principles in Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves. You will uncover new truths about who you are in Christ and the gift He has deposited inside of you. We will work together through scripture passages and reflect on the truth it sheds on your value. In addition to unwrapping the gift of you, a wonderful group of authors, life coaches, health coaches and nutritionists have teamed up to offer special gifts ($15-100 gift cards, books, CD’s, coaching packages, and more) to those participating in these 12 days! Sign-up at: http://bit.ly/Unwrap

~You can download the entire first chapter of Set Free to Live Free at

www.setfreetolivefreebook.com ~

Author Bio

Saundra Dalton-Smith MD is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been practicing medicine since 1999. She treats a predominantly female population and has firsthand experience with the struggles women face trying to imitate the American dream. Dr. Dalton-Smith has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan. She teaches courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. Dr. Dalton-Smith has offered health care from 2002-2007 through the National Health Service Corp. She lives in Alabama with her husband and two boys. She is a committed Christian and passionate about helping others experience freedom in Christ.

About the Book

Imagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don't have the power to rob us of our potential or our dreams. Many women have trouble seeing this vision because they are bound by mental ties that keep them from living free.

In Set Free to Live Free, Saundra Dalton-Smith shows women how to break free from seven mental ties that hold them back, including striving for perfection, comparing themselves to others, all-or-nothing attitudes, and more. Through case studies and inspirational writing, she encourages women to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture their bodies, and cultivate a balanced life.

Endorsements

"Finally a book that brings to light the lies that women have been fed since childhood--and how to break their emotional grip on our lives forever. Saundra Dalton-Smith shows us just how precious we are to God, and how we can live empowered and drama-free lives."--Carol M. Mackey, author of the bestselling Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job

"The God part of our brain is powerful. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has captured the role of Spirit in the healing process with clarity and love in her book Set Free to Live Free."--Jane I. Honikman, MS, founder of Postpartum Support International

What readers are saying about Set Free to Live Free …

“Set Free To Live Free, is a book every woman should read. Better yet, read it with your daughters. Oh, the lies we tell ourselves!” –Robin

“Free to be my personal best, to not compare myself to others but to be the best unique me that God created me to be...what a wonderful freeing message.” –R Kay

“There are other books that discuss lies that women tell themselves. Did we need another one? I did. Even if you think you have heard it all before, I would encourage you to read Set Free to Live Free. I’ve taken seven pages of notes and made liberal use of a yellow highlighter.”- Patricia

“Wow, what a powerful book! This might be the best book I've read all year!” –Lori

Book Launch for Night of the Cossack

Tom, please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

I am a husband to my best friend, Barbara; a father of six and a grandfather of fourteen. Barbara and I live in southwest Missouri in the Ozark hills just north of Branson. (I mention Branson because it is very well known.) I am retired from financial planning in 1995 and have been doing mainly volunteer work until this past year when my health caused me to slow down

I understand today is a special day for you.

Yes, Today I’m doing a book launch on Amazon.com for my novel Night of the Cossack.

What is a book launch?

I’m trying to get a large number of people to purchase my book, Night of the Cossack, on Amazon.com in hopes of reaching #1 in sales in the categories my publisher has registered. It’s a lot of work and there are forty other authors who are supporting me with tweets and Facebook announcements. There are many free gifts and a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

Night of the Cossack is an interesting name. What is a Cossack?

Cossacks were soldiers of several peasant groups of Russian and Polish descent. They lived in autonomous communal settlements, especially in the Ukraine, until the early 20^th century. In return for special privileges, they served in the cavalry under the czars. They were well known for their horsemanship. They raided villages for supplies, too women for their wives and kidnapped young men to replenish their ranks. Eventually they became a part of the Russian army.

They sound like they were pretty brutal.

They were. They did some horrible things.

Why did you pick them as a topic of your novel?

They aren’t really the main topic. It’s a story about my grandfather.

He was a Cossack?

Yes but, not by choice.

What happened?

Ah! That’s the question. I’m afraid you’ll have to read the book to find out. The first chapter is available on my book site http://nightofthecossack.com .

What prompted you to write this story?

Both of my grandfathers died before I was born. All of my friends seem to have grandfathers and I felt like I was missing out. The older I got, the bigger the void became. My mother passed away in 2005 and I realized I knew very little about her father and his family. Only one of her siblings was still alive and I decided if I was going to learn about my grandfather, I better talk to her and find out about him. When I met with her, I found out she knew very little more about him than I already knew. I took the little information I had and I began researching Russian history of the later 19^th and early 20^th century. I quickly realized that history supported the information I had. I was hooked. I started writing a story for myself. As it developed, I found I was writing for my children and grandchildren—developing a heritage for myself and them.

When did you decide to publish it?

That’s a story in itself. I found a group of Christian writers in a Yahoo group, just to see what I could find out about publishing. I asked one of the members, Michelle Buckman, to read a couple of chapters to get a published writer’s opinion. She said it needed work, but she felt it was worth pursuing. I joined a local critique group and they agreed with Michelle. I don’t think I could have written it without that group. They were a group of mostly women, several who (or whom) had a teaching background and some were published. A couple of them had been English teachers. I hated English as a teen. I never could figure out who made all those rules and, as a result, I didn’t know grammar very well. They really helped me. They said their goal was to get me published. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be published.

Why weren’t you sure?

I knew if I want my manuscript published I would have to invest a lot of time and effort. I had researched the publishing road and knew it would involve query letters, submissions, rejections, time, building a platform, etc. I wasn’t sure I wanted to exert that effort. After all, I am retired. Besides, this book was for me and my heirs. I just wanted a grandfather.

If you felt that way, why did you publish your novel?

Now were at the heart of the matter. About a year ago, Dennis and Polly Vance contacted me about helping them with a website. I had helped Dennis develop a site for his evangelism ministry—seekandsavethelost.com so he was familiar with my work. He and Polly had decided to start a publishing company to publish Christian books. I agreed to help them. In the process, I was trying to explain to them all the things that could be done to promote the books they publish. They were trying to grasp the concepts I was sharing, but words weren’t conveying the picture that was in my mind. I showed them my site which had a link to the first chapter of my manuscript. Polly wrote down my site address and when they went home they read the chapter. Dennis emailed me and said they wanted to read more. His story is on my blog site http://www.tnblu.com/TheWriteTrailBlog/ . To summarize, God had other plans. He sent the publisher to me. It was published on April 6^th of this year.

How do you feel about things now?

I’m grateful it’s published. It’s a little strange in a way.

How so?

So many of my author friends have gone through the publishing journey and have ended up self-publishing. I didn’t experience any of that.

Are you disappointed?

No. I appreciate what He has done and yet I feel . . .

Guilty?

For lack of a better word, yes. I don’t feel like I’m less of a writer because I’ve had other writings published.

Do you feel like it’s a special book?

No, not at all. I think He is teaching me things I wouldn’t learn any other way. One think I know is that the book doesn’t just fly onto book shelves and it hasn’t become a best seller on any list. I’ve worked very hard at building a platform and am still building. I’ve met some wonderful people, especially in the John 3:16 Marketing Group. I spent twenty-five years selling insurance and being a financial planner. I’m using everything I’ve ever learned and stretching. I don’t know how writer’s did it before the Internet and Twitter. I have found the process to be very challenging and enjoyable. Hopefully I’ll be speaking to writing groups this coming year. I’ve developed a six hour workshop on building an author platform. There are some details about this on my site

http://nightofthecossack.com/workshops.html .

Maybe your purpose is to teach others what you’ve learned?

I think so. I know, with the Lord nothing is wasted. I remember struggling to determine God’s will for my life back in the ‘90’s. He directed me to Proverbs 16:9 and 19:21. I’ve been walking between those two verses since. This journey fits right in them. I call them my spiritual sandwich.

What would you like my readers to take from this interview?

First—God is interested in everything we do. He can use it all to develop us and bring us to a place of greater trust. Two—that nothing is impossible with Jesus Christ. Three—that through whatever circumstances we are in, He is molding us into something we could never attain on our own. Thank you interviewing me, Janet, and allowing me to be transparent with your readers.

Here is the landing page http://nightofthecossacklandingpage.com/documents/search.php?action=index

Today, December 8th only!

Purchase a Kindle ebook or a new paperback copy of Night of the Cossack

from AMAZON and receive multiple FREE gifts

TODAY, Dec. 8th, 2011

FREE gifts PLUS an entry to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

*You must purchase from Amazon either the Kindle version or a

'new' paperback from Bound by Faith Publishers

to qualify.

The new paperback version will be a signed copy by the author and shipped FREE to an address in the USA.