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#TUESDAYTEA with CROSSROADS author Cathy Bryant–devotional message and giveaway!
Author Cathy Bryant But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15 KJV
I’m delighted to welcome contemporary Christian romance author Cathy Bryant to our tea time today. Cathy has written a devotional message titled “Does God Really Exist?” to help us be ready to share God’s message with unbelievers and answer their hard questions. She also has some details about her newest book, CROSSROADS, her upcoming Facebook party, and a recipe for crab dip. Please see the link below to RSVP for the Facebook party and join in the fun. Cathy is also offering an ebook copy of CROSSROADS. Please see the Rafflecopter entry form below.
DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE BY CROSSROADS AUTHOR CATHY BRYANT
Does God Really Exist?
Every one of the Miller’s Creek novels (Christian romance and romantic suspense) took root in my head because of a spiritual theme. The latest book CROSSROADS took on even more importance because of its theme of winning back those who have defected from the faith.
We all know someone–maybe a friend, co-worker, or even a family member–who has turned away from the faith in Christ they once professed.
During the course of the story, I tried to examine their objections to the faith as well as the tough questions we’re often asked by unbelievers. This devotional guest post attempts to answer one of the most frequent questions: Does God really exist?
Not at all for the sake of argument, I hope instead that my research on this topic provides each of us with answers we need to “…make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15).
Proof of God – Man’s Innate Moral Code
Within each of us is a universal moral code that exists despite differences in culture, socioeconomic status, and upbringing.
Think about it for a second. Every person, regardless of whether they are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or where or how they grew up, have a sense of right and wrong behavior. Though we don’t always live by this unwritten code of ethics, we can attest to it. We all have a sense of fairness or justice that’s somehow embedded deep within us.
So where does this ethical or moral code come from? Does it originate with man? Hardly.
The very fact that men are incapable of keeping this code proves that it originates outside of us. Therefore it can only be assumed that Someone or Something bigger than us created the code or at least created us with the code buried deep within the fiber of our being.
To me, this is evidence exhibit number one in the case for God’s existence and superiority to mankind.
Proof of God – Creation
Another proof lies in Creation itself. And no surprise, but this very point is illustrated and confirmed in God’s Word.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. -Psalm 19:1-4 (NASB)
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. -Romans 1:20 (NASB)
Notice that the heavens are continuing to express God’s glory and His role as Creator. And across the globe and around the planet, all men have seen it. This leaves us all without excuse.
Proof of God – Arguments and Answers
There will be those who take the position of the big bang theory and evolution as a way of denying God. My answer to either of those theories is that it takes a lot more faith to believe either one than it does to believe in the existence of God. In addition, if they’re right and I’m wrong, then I’m no worse off. However, if I’m right and they’re wrong, for them it means a life of eternal separation from the presence and power of God.
And as stated above, our evidence for God’s existence is two-fold: the moral code within each man and the glory of God’s created universe. May we equip ourselves with this Truth so we might better answer those who have tough questions.
Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your thoughts with us!
CROSSROADS by Cathy Bryant About the Book
CROSSROADS-a Miller’s Creek novel and Christian contemporary romance
A former soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal…
After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?
An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?
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CROSSROADS Facebook Launch Party & Kindle Fire HD6 Giveaway!
YOU’RE INVITED!
What: CROSSROADS Book Launch Party
Where: Facebook (from the comfort & convenience of your own home)
When: April 30, 2015 ~ 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Central time)
Why: To celebrate the book launch of CROSSROADS (a Miller’s Creek novel and Christian Romance by Cathy Bryant)
LOTS of Fun, Games and Prizes!
Prizes Include: Miller’s Creek pens, tote bags, t-shirts, mugs, digital books, autographed print books, Amazon gift cards, and
an Amazon Kindle Fire HD6!
Click here to RSVP and enter the Kindle Fire drawing.
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About Cathy Bryant
Amazon best-selling author Cathy Bryant writes Christian fiction set in the heart of Texas. Her popular romance and romantic suspense novels take place in the fictional town of Miller’s Creek, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth’s front porch beckons. All the Miller’s Creek novels have been on the Amazon Best-Seller list and are rated at 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon. Her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist. Since then five other stand-alone novels have been added to the series, one of which was a reader-nominated 2013 Grace Award nominee (PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE). Readers have compared her work to that of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks. A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. She’s written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books in collaboration with other Christian authors, and for online sites. She also has released a Bible study book, THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS. In addition to her writing, she enjoys thrift store shopping, romping in the great outdoors, and mini-farming. To learn more about Cathy and her books, visit her website at http://www.CatBryant.com or make contact with her in these places:
|Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | YouTube | Google+|
TEA TREAT RECIPE
For our tea treat, I’m serving a recipe Cathy shares with us…..Carter’s Crab Dip, which was inspired by the brawny soldier-turned-policeman and hero of CROSSROADS. He uncovers the heroine’s penchant for seafood and creates this special seafood dip for a picnic lunch the two share. Please have a cup of lemon tea, which goes wonderfully well with the crab tea sandwiches.
Crab dip served on toast triangles. INGREDIENTS:
1 8-oz. cream cheese and 1 3-oz. cream cheese, softened
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 T. lemon juice
2 T. mayonnaise
1/2 small finely chopped white onion
1 7-oz. can of crab meat
garlic powder and salt to taste
1/2 bottle of cocktail sauce on top (can substitute Tabasco sauce if you want the heat)
fresh or dried parsley
cocktail crackers
DIRECTIONS:
1. Blend the first seven ingredients together well, and spread on a serving dish.
2. Spread the cocktail sauce on top as a sort of icing.
3. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley.
4. Chill in the refrigerator, and serve with cocktail crackers.
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY-
a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.jsI hope you enjoyed #TUESDAYTEA with Cathy Bryant! Please join in the fun of her CROSSROADS Facebook party on April 30.
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#TUESDAYTEA with Travel & Treats!
Just a quick post featuring some tea treats we found during our recent travels….
This cute little teapot is in a display at the Hill Air Force Museum in Utah….a little spitfire replica.
Spitfire Teapot, WW II era–Hill Air Force Museum, UT We had a delightful brunch at a Scandinavian cafe in Portland, Oregon, which featured these DELICIOUS aeppleskivers.
Yummy aeppleskivers served in a Portland, Oregon, cafe. And the tea was served with this unique infuser.
Then we made a stop at my husband’s favorite cookie bakery, Big Moe’s, in Price, Utah. He loves their double chocolate chip cookies.
COOKIES! Double chocolate chip from Big Moe’s bakery in Price, UT. We had a perfect trip, visiting family and going to Easter church services with four generations of my family. A very special treasured time together. And we enjoyed treats along the way. Hope your spring travels-near or far–are filled with great treats and God’s treasured blessings!
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Celebrating with #TUESDAYTEA! #Speedbo conclusion! Success!
LET’S CELEBRATE! Welcome to #TUESDAYTEA where we’re celebrating the final day of Seekerville’s Speedbo! Please enjoy a vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet cupcake…..or all three…with your tea today!
Speedbo report: I feel successful after completing Speedbo. My word count goals were very modest, but I did write almost everyday. It is amazing to see the words add up, even with just 500 per day. My inspirational romance novel is written! It needs plenty of editing to layer in all the elements needed, but it is done. Interestingly, I don’t want to type the words “THE END” until I’ve polished my WIP until it sparkles. So the pleasure of writing those two precious words will come later….hopefully soon. Writers participating in Seekerville’s challenge have had great success. Congratulations to all those who participated in Speedbo! http://www.seekerville.net/
Contests: Harlequin announced a pitch contest, Blurb2Book, for their three Love Inspired lines. A 100 word blurb and the first page of the story were required to enter. After reworking my blurb and first page many times, I did click the “send” button. Because of Speedbo, my WIP was complete enough for me to try this contest. Fun!
EASTER: With God’s redeeming grace and the sacrifice of our Lord, we celebrate Easter! May your Easter be a PERFECT blessing!
EASTER BLESSINGS! Thank you for joining me for #TUESDAYTEA!
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#TUESDAYTEA…just a sip with LOVINGKINDNESS.
This is just a quick post today, since I’m participating in #SPEEDBO, with many of you. For those who don’t know about #Speedbo, this is a writing challenge offered in SEEKERVILLE (www.seekerville.net) where writers are encouraged to set their own writing goals for the month of March. The Seekers offer advice and encouragement to those hoping to sail off Unpublished Island. Great experience!
It is well into the new year, but I wanted to share MY ONE WORD for 2015. At the beginning of the year, Seekerville suggests you choose ONE WORD to be your thought for the year. I’ve done this three years now. Past words for me have been LIGHT and HIKING. For 2015, my word is LOVINGKINDNESS. I want to live with LOVINGKINDNESS in my heart….and yes, it has already been a challenge at times, but thinking of MY word has calmed my reactions to some situations…..so this is a good word for this year.
LOVINGKINDNESS Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Psalm 107:43 KJV
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Psalm 63:3 KJV
Since I am writing, we’ll just have a quick snack for our tea today……a local group was selling baked goods for a good cause….Pediatric Cancer, so I picked up some perfect scones for us…and double chocolate cookies for hubby. This group of young people shows LOVINGKINDNESS through their good works for others. LOVINGKINDNESS is a treasure in our lives. Please enjoy a blueberry scone with me….and please share your thoughts on LOVINGKINDNESS or your ONE WORD for 2015. Thanks for visiting! Blessings to you!
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#TuesdayTea and SPEEDBO!
WOW! It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the end of February! A busy start to the year has delayed my posts…..a delightfully busy time, filled with blessings! We had some special time with our grandchildren. My granddaughter helped make PINK Cotton Candy Cupcakes (her favorite color), and we had a lovely afternoon tea, filled with smiles and chatting. Our families are among God’s most treasured blessings!
Afternoon Tea In writing news, I invite all writers to join the group in SEEKERVILLE to participate in SPEEDBO. During March, writers are encouraged to establish their own goals for the month. There are no rules and no limits. You can get more information here: SEEKERVILLE
2015 SPEEDBO participant So I’m cleaning house, freezing meals, and working on an outline for my book. Then I’ll be ready to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE, in March.
I plan to make progress because of the encouraging fellowship during SPEEDBO. Hope you will join us! Do you have writing or reading plans for March?
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Seekerville to host MY ONE WORD author! Pick a word!
Seekerville will be hosting My One Word author, Rachel Olsen, on Monday, January 5, 2015. The “one word” concept is intriguing because of its simplicity in focusing efforts for resolutions for the year and changing your life. Hope to see you in Seekerville on Monday, where I’ll be sharing the “one word” I’ve selected for my actions for 2015….and it may change my life. (Plus I’ll bring a cup of tea to savor…which always helps with the thought process!) http://www.Seekerville.com
SEEKERVILLE -
#TUESDAYTEA for Christmas with reviews of some Christmas e-novellas
Please join me for a Christmas tea as I serve Biscochitos with our tea. I’ve decorated our party with this year’s addition to our nativity collection, a gift from my husband. And we’ll chat about a few e-book Christmas novellas–which make quick gifts, if you need a few more ideas. Let’s celebrate!
And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 KJV
Nativities are a passion of mine. Some sets I display throughout the year, but others come out for the Christmas season. This year we added this special treasure made by a Jemez Pueblo artist. A deer is included among the gathered animals since deer are an important animal to the pueblo. Rather than the traditional gifts, the wise men bring corn, a blanket, and a drum.
Pueblo Nativity Biscochitos are the state cookie of New Mexico, traditionally served at Christmas. There are many different recipes for this cookie, which also is made in a variety of shapes. This is my mother-in-law’s recipe. She always made these for our Christmas festivities. They make lovely tea cookies.
Biscochitos Recipe
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tbsp orange juice
Cinnamon-sugar mix
Cream sugar and shortening.
Add flour, anise seed, baking powder, and salt.
Combine egg and orange juice, then beat into creamed mixture to make a moist dough.
Form dough into a long roll, about 1-1/4 inch in diameter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm.
Remove from the refrigerator and slice cookies 1/4 inch thick.
Sprinkle one side with cinnamon-sugar mixture, then place on a cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes until lightly browned.
Biscochitos If you’re looking for a last minute e-gift book, I’d recommend some of the faith-filled Christmas novellas available.
The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman
The Evergreen Bride by Pam HillmanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a delightful Christmas story!
This historical romance set in 1887 in Sipsey Creek, Mississippi, is filled with sweet love.
I liked the enthusiastic school teacher, Annabelle Denson, who is determined to fulfill her dream of a white Christmas by traveling over her holiday to visit her cousin in Chicago, Illinois.
Sawmill owner, Samuel Frazier, is my kind of hero, with his gentleness, quiet manner, and sincere desire to make Annabelle happy.
Lovely surprises and touches of a country Christmas make this novella a charming story—a perfect story to feel the warmth of Christmas love!
There are twelve books in this collection of Christmas Bride novellas, each sold separately for 99 cents.
Hope for the Holidays-both the contemporary and historical collections by best-selling inspirational authors would be good ideas for e-stocking stuffers.
Hope for the Holiday Contemporary Collection by Mary ConnealyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a collection of great authors!
I’ve just finished I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and I smiled through the whole story. Author Tina Radcliffe has a gift for creating heart-touching characters through sparkling dialogue. Matt and Patience discover true understanding of perfect love as they move towards their Happily Ever After. The romantic tension, the interesting plot, and the touches of Christmas make this a great feel-good romance.
I’m excited to read all the other stories in this contemporary collection, as well as the stories in the historical collection, because these are all FAVORITE authors. The HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS collections are just right for enjoying the sparkling spirit of Christmas!
Thank you for joining me for a Christmas TUESDAY TEA! I wish you a treasured Christmas filled with the blessings of hope, faith, and love!
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#TUESDAYTEA: Review of SNOWFLAKE TIARA
Welcome!
Please join me for a #TUESDAYTEA review of Snowflake Tiara, a two-novella collection of inspirational romance by Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer. Since Valerie’s book features farm-fresh foods, I’m serving Christmas mini-quiches made with organic sun-dried tomatoes and locally sourced Animas River green chilies. (My recipe is below.) I’ll pour you a cup of Ginger-Cinnamon tea while we discuss Snowflake Tiara, with its two stories-The Debutante Queen by Angela and More Than a Tiara by Valerie.
Christmas mini-quiches (green chile and dried tomato) About Snowflake Tiara
The Debutante Queen by Angela Breidenbach–1889 (Helena, MT)
Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana statehood to expose the plight of street urchins. But if her hidden indentured orphan is discovered, Calista’s reputation and her budding romance with pageant organizer, Albert Shanahan, could both unravel. Will love or law prevail?
More Than a Tiara by Valerie Comer–2014 (Helena, MT)
Marisa Hiller’s interest in competing in Miss Snowflake Pageant for the city of Helen’s 150th anniversary is at zip zero zilch when she discovers the official photographer is Jase Mackie. Can Jase make amends for past mistakes and offer her, not only a tiara, but a partner in her crusade to help needy children and families?
My review
Snowflake Tiara by Angela BreidenbachMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A glittering duet of holiday romance—set 125 years apart!
Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer have paired together to create two different Christmas stories. Both share the setting of Helena, Montana, but Debutante Queen is historical and More Than a Tiara is contemporary. Both involve competing in pageants and providing for needy children. I enjoyed the description of life in historical Helena and the charming first Miss Snowflake Pageant details, as Calista and Albert fall in love. In the contemporary, I liked the way the relationship between Marisa and Jase was repaired and then strengthened.
The caring spirit and warm love shining from both stories, makes the sparkle of Snowflake Tiara glow! 🙂 I recommend this book to those who want to read two delightful Christmas romances.
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Recipe: Christmas Mini-Quiches
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Using premade pie crust, cut circles of pastry to place in tart pans or the bottom of muffin tins.
In each tart, put in a tablespoon of grated cheese (Swiss or other white cheese).
Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped green chiles in each tart.
Mix 1 cup of whipping cream with 4 egg yolks. Season with salt and pepper.
Slowly pour spoonfuls of this mixture into the tarts until filled.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Since Angela’s The Debutante Queen features a gingerbread village, I’ll share you with these sweet gingerbread houses.
Gingerbread house Thank you for joining me for #TUESDAYTEA! I wish you a sparkling Christmas season filled with God’s treasured blessings of hope, peace, and forgiveness!
And the Angel said unto them, “Fear not : For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 KJ
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TUESDAY TEA: A CUP OF GRATEFULNESS and a review of HOLIDAY DEFENDERS!
SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS! For this Veterans Day TUESDAY TEA post, I’d like to salute our veterans and all our military members (and their families) with a cup of gratefulness! We are thankful for their sacrifices which have preserved our freedoms. As a country, we have the freedom to hear and accept these words:
“For everyone who asks receives;
he who seeks finds;
and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:8 NIV
Veterans Day is a perfect time to review Holiday Defenders, a collection of three inspirational romance suspense stories featuring military heroes and touched with Christmas warmth.
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Holiday Defenders: Mission: Christmas Rescue\Special Ops Christmas\Homefront Holiday Hero by Debby GiustiMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A TRIO OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS
What a Christmas treat-a trio of novellas filled with surprises and holiday romance!
The three stories in Holiday Defenders are exciting suspense-filled romances with touches of Christmas warmth.
Mission: Christmas Rescue, by Debby Giusti, has plenty of page-turning action as an intriguing mystery must be solved in order for soldier Nick Fontaine to protect his former girlfriend, teacher Liz Tate. Criminals who have abducted her brother are also after Liz and the children she is charged to keep safe. Filled with continuous excitement, the story ends with a charming Christmas tradition. A heart-touching romance by one of my favorite authors!
Special Ops Christmas, by Susan Sleeman, is set in Florida where there are harrowing attempts on scientist Claire Reed’s life. Green Beret Travis Chapman must keep her safe, even though this is difficult because of their past relationship. I was kept guessing about the attacker’s identity. Touches of holiday spirit are sprinkled throughout the story.
Homefront Holiday Hero, by Jodie Bailey, finds Kelly Walters busy with Christmas preparations for military families. Soldier Tyler Rainey is determined to find out who is behind the attacks on Kelly. There are unforeseen twists in his investigation as he finds himself attracted to Kelly.
Thank you Debby Giusti, Susan Sleeman, and Jodie Bailey, for your faith-touched stories, each a gift of exciting suspense with touches of Christmas warmth and holiday love. I read these with deepening appreciation for the holiday and year-round sacrifices of our military families. Holiday Defenders would be a perfect Christmas present to give this year!
God bless all who give to our country through their service and sacrifice. Thank you!
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SIP OF TEA-Review of Running on Empty by Ruth Logan Herne
Author Ruth Logan Herne presents a difficult subject in her book Running on Empty. She develops this romance story with compassion and offers loving hope.
Running on Empty by Ruth Logan HerneMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Heart-touching story of compassion and hope!
Ruth Logan Herne has written a compassionate story about the very serious subject of pedophile crimes. I felt this was a realistic depiction of how a young girl would react after suffering this type of abuse, both physical and mental…..with confusion and the inability to ask for help.
Anne was abused by her running coach when she was thirteen years old. She was conflicted about the situation and was not able tell her family what happened to her. This hidden trauma caused problems in her later life.
The story develops as Anne returns to Forest Hills many years later to care for her mother. Joe, the husband she abandoned when she ran away from her past, is now the chief of police of the small town. Joe must deal with his feelings of pride and rejection. Anne must face her fears of her former coach and of the reaction of the community to her revelation of the truth. The romance between Joe and Anne involves working through past wounds towards forgiveness. Their relationship offers hope through love and forgiveness.
This story reminds us to be alert for symptoms of abuse when watching our children. Running on Empty is a heart-touching, believable story, filled with true compassion by author Ruth Logan Herne.
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Sherida Stewart 