Category Archives: Prayer

Tooting My Horn Tuesday for 12 Days of Christmas Prayer

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A few weeks ago, I received a letter from an Adams Media editor that one of my stories would be included in a project called 12 Days of Christmas Prayer. And today, I remembered to look for the e-book, and deck the Halls with boughs of holly! There was my story, appearing on the First Day of Christmas!
I love the story, “Advent at the Hall House.” It originally appeared in a Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer. And that was swell, to have it published and sitting pretty on the shelves in big bookstores during the holidays. But that’s not why I love that story so much.

I loved those days when the kids could barely read, and we gathered around the Advent wreath to share a few prayers, the kind of prayers that started out with a very holy, “Dear Jesus.” But somehow ended with a discussion of dogs, or firetrucks or what Mommy shouldn’t have said to that man in the grocery store. It’s that kind of a story.
My, that was some Christmas praying. Anyway, I’m sure the rest of the stories are just as wonderful as “Advent at the Hall House.” You can find the e-book here for just a few dollars. It seems like a reasonable price for 12 Days of Christmas Prayer.
‘Tis the season, friends. Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!

St. Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of Writers

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Yes, I’m a little late for Finding Something Friday. But Sunday’s a good day, too, don’t you think?

A friend gave me a holy card of St. Francis de Sales because he’s known as the patron saint of writers and journalists. I didn’t know St. Francis de Sales was my occupation’s patron saint, but I’m glad to have one. Most of the time, I call upon St. Anthony of Padua, who’s the patron saint of lost articles. He is a very handy saint to have around, no matter how old you are, but he’s been working overtime for me in the last couple years.

What I really loved about the holy card from my friend was the prayer on the back. It’s commonly referred to as “Be at Peace.” I think it’s the perfect prayer for writers who often get anxious about so much that is beyond their control, and perhaps because we have the kind of imagination that easily gets out of control. But I also think it’s the kind of prayer that comforts us all, at any time in our lives.

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;

Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely
through all things;

And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you
in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you today and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or will give you
unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and
imaginations.

Now that I think about it, Sunday’s the perfect day for a prayer–and peace to my writer friends!

Tooting My Horn Tuesday for The Holidays!

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I know what you’re thinking. I haven’t even carved the dang pumpkin and she’s going on about the holidays!

Here’s a thought. Just skip the dang pumpkin (Whee! No mushy pulp! No whining about how your pumpkin’s not as good as the neighbor’s pumpkin! No trips to the hospital to stitch up your finger!). Now, let’s share a moment of peace and move on…

Because before you know it, the holidays will be coming around the corner. And I know the perfect way to get that peaceful feeling and keep it throughout the month. A Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer has just been released, and it’s full of prayers and stories that will bring you closer to God during the holiday.

The first story in the book deals with Advent; in fact, it’s called “Advent at Hall House.”So you can start your holiday with a festive, fun rollick through my own humble abode, so to speak. All the folks you know and love will be there…Junior Halls, the Beneficent Mr. Hall, and even Sally the Crazy Dog.

You can read more here, and even purchase a book, if you like. You’re going to want to start reading A Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer before the frost is off the …well, let’s not get started on that again. (Happy Holidays!)