Monday, December 31, 2012


For a Healthy New Year, Forgive

 
Sarah, my little angel who visits Earth from The Heavenlies, reminds me that there is perfect health where she lives, and that everyone up in her realm lives a forgiven life.
 
Now, wouldn’t it be awesome if we could experience those two elements down here? Healthy bodies…healthy minds….healthy relationships, healthy connections to God, wow!  What an amazing concept. Is it conceivable to have such things before we move our residence upward?
 
There are those who say such well-being is possible. When we exonerate a person for a perceived harm, physicians, ministers, and other professionals tell us we are healthier in all aspects. And consider this: a magnanimous spirit improves our relationship with the Almighty.  Gracious goodness! That should be enough incentive right there.

 Hmmm, all that sounds noble, doesn’t it? But how does one pardon pain and an injustice undeserved? Let go of negative thoughts? Why, the one who hurt us doesn’t deserve such a positive and sweet response.
 
Oh my!  Do we really want to let go of rage, bitterness, hate, retaliation, and a mandate to even the score?  If we do, the person who hurt us will get by with their evil deed, and they don’t deserve our amnesty—never in a million years—uh-oh, am I speaking of eternity here? What happens if we get to heaven with hatred in our heart? Is such a thing possible?
 
Even though Jesus forgave on the cross, many of us have never learned how to do the same. We waste His example. How can we learn from His model?

 Perhaps the first step in the process is to make a commitment to free ourselves from the pain another has caused. Okay, after we do that, what comes next? 
 
Fight the memories. When one comes to mind, replace the ugly thought with a constructive one. Sarah says, “If you bury the pain, don’t dig the heartache up again.”
 
Excellent advice from Sarah, but it’s difficult to do.  Seeking professional help is a good idea—the earthly and heavenly kind.  A human perspective helps, and a prayer for grace benefits us as well.
 
Okay, I guess we have our work cut out for us if we want to be physically and mentally fit in 2013.

Sarah wishes each of us a healthy New Year—the kind everyone in The Heavenlies has.

 

 

Monday, December 24, 2012


Angels Remember Christmas

Dear Gay,       

            As I write this note, angels up here in The Heavenlies are recalling the night Jesus was born.  I wasn’t one who made an appearance two thousand years ago, but the heavens are abuzz with recollections from those who did. Watching the humans celebrate the most important birth ever known brings jubilation among us, and Jesus especially beams His approval 

            Angels had a lot to do with the natal miracle. Zacharias received a visit from one of us. So did Mary—and then one materialized also to Joseph in a dream.  The heavenly messengers delivered the news to these favored people that Jesus was coming to earth as a baby. This news must have been a shocker to all of them, especially Mary and Joseph, but my favorite part of the story is the shepherds.

            Anna, my friend, was among those who appeared to the sheep caretakers on the hillside. With her beautiful soprano voice, she can make the heavens resonate. As gifted as she is, Maestro Superior nonetheless rehearsed her and the angelic choir for a long time.  Now mind you, we really don’t have time pieces or calendars up here, so I can’t tell you how much they prepared, but it was regularly.  Their scheduled performance was one of utmost importance.

            Everyone residing in The Heavenlies knew Jesus was to leave His glory and be born human. And yet, He would remain God.  Amazing, isn’t it?  No one had ever done that before, and no one ever will again.

            Anna told me how terrified the shepherds were when the angelic host appeared.  One of our angel rules is that we don’t panic humans, but it was necessary that night. Right?  The angels had the divine appointment to announce the birth of the Messiah.  Wow!  Can you imagine?  Every angel up here wanted to be in that group, but the Father selected only a few.

            The shepherds reacted just as expected—they went to Bethlehem to see the miracle. How thoughtful of the Father! He gave the good news first to a labor force considered a lowly profession by others.   The Father is awesome when He does things such as that, and He does them continually—for angels and humans.

            The guys who took care of sheep had nothing of monetary value to give the Christ Child. Wise men from the east brought expensive presents later. But as you know, the Father only wants the gift of love for His Son.  That’s the perfect gift, and it is one each of us—human or angel can give. The Shepherds gave the Christ Child their heart that night.

            One reason I enjoy the shepherd’s part so much is that they didn’t allow insecurity to interfere with their opportunity. They worried not about inferior clothing, lack of funds, absence of education and prominence. Ignoring human prejudice, they went to Bethlehem. I wish you could hear them right now talking about that glorious night—even though they have resided in The Heavenlies for many earthly years, they never tire of telling the story. Do humans take the story for granted? I hope not.

            Well, Gay, I must go.  We have a huge birthday celebration planned, and I don’t want to miss it. All residents of The Heavenlies wish a blessed Christmas and Holy Days for each of you. I’ll return to your wonderful planet in the year numbered 2013. Maybe the Almighty will allow me to see Tom, Marcy, and Hope.  They were my first assignment. Laney and Cannon don’t know it yet, but I’ve been commissioned to bring romance into their lives soon after your year begins.

 Love and blessings,

Sarah

           

           

Monday, December 10, 2012


 Christmas Bridges

 In fifteen days, Christmas arrives.

 Children love the excitement of special programs, school vacation, and gifts to open. Adults anticipate an end to the frazzled holidays and a return to normal routines.

 Christmas often brings family and friends together who otherwise make a point to avoid each other.  This yearly get-together is fraught with tension and anxiety. Fears of hearth and home assault our minds and make us miserable.

What if I accidentally say something that antagonizes dad again?
Mom will reprimand my kids.
I never do anything to please my in-laws.
My gifts won’t measure up to theirs.
Aunt Sally doesn’t approve of my tattoos.
Grandma Bootsy dislikes my husband.
Uncle Bob talks politics non-stop.
Cousin Kay expects me to bow down to her.
If Grandpa teases me about me green hair again, I’ll scream.
 
And the throb of misery continues as we anticipate family hostilities on the Holiest of Days.
When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they spoke these words: “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to all men.”
 So on days where many of us experience family wretchedness, what happened to glory to God and the peace on earth? Hmmm. God receives no worship through our animosity to mankind, and we receive no peace from our bickering back and forth.
 When the angels uttered these words, “peace to men,” they weren’t proclaiming a war of words would conclude or countries would forever be at a ceasefire.  The angels meant that Jesus is the bridge that crosses us into God’s acceptance.
 
Jesus came to Earth, giftwrapped in cloth. You see, His Father sent this bundle of salvation and laid it in a manger. And God’s gift came circled with a blood red ribbon. Each day, the beautiful package begs for someone to open the box and claim this costly gift.

 
Thus, through this offering from heaven, we can have peace with God.  Just not always with our families and each other.
Wouldn’t be remarkable if this Christmas we build a bridge with our family members as God did to us?
 
Glory to God in the Highest, and may we have peace on earth this season at our household gatherings.
 
 



 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012


Paper Work

 What is the deal with clutter? Why do I find it difficult to file important records away?

Wait! I reorganized files recently.  And now I can’t find essential documents.  Perhaps I should have left them scattered on the desk top, piled on the floor, and stacked on the printer. At least then I knew where they were.

Gurus have written articles that tell me creative people are messy. That bit of news made me feel better about my chaos. After all, I’m a creative gal, but is that an excuse for clutter?  Probably not. Could be that I’m just plain down right lazy. Would I work better with a clean and organized surface? I know I tried it once. Wonder how long ago that was? Can't remember.

Now that Sarah: Laney’s Angel is finished, I’ve started a third book about Sarah, and she’s so much more fun that organizing papers on my desk.  However, if I don’t clean up soon, no one will be able to find Sarah and me behind these stacks at the computer.

How do all you busy people handle the stuff waiting for a home?  Jacqueline Hopper, has an article on her blog that gives 10 tips for keeping a desk clean and tidy.

Excuse me, now while I go back and study it.  Check it out. http://jacquelinedhopper.blogspot.com/

 

Friday, November 23, 2012


Tag!  I'm it!

I’ve been tagged!  Lyn Sofras selected me for the “LOOK.”  To read Lyn’s excerpt from her book, Killing Jenna Crane, go to manicscribbler.blogspot.co.uk.  Lyn’s excerpt is a doozy.  I can hardly wait to read her new masterpiece.

All right, what does it mean to be designated for the LOOK? Okay, here goes. In my latest work in progress, Sarah: Laney’s Angel, I’m to find the word look. Surely I didn’t use that word much, did I?

To my shock, yes—many times!  Are we limited in our vocabulary?  Not really, but most of us tend to use favorite words often.

The word “look” in the first chapter, but the excerpt here is from Chapter Nineteen in my soon to be released book, Sarah: Laney’s Angel.  Remember, this is a work in progress, certain words and phrases may change before publication.

In this scene, Sarah had descended to Earth to link Laney Taylor with her boss, Cannon Carlson.  Laney believes business and pleasure don’t mix. Sarah’s assignment is to change that notion, but Sarah is Sarah, and when she is involved, peculiar things happen.  For one thing, she forgets that invisible angels can be heard, and if they pick up an object, others can see the item float in the air.

In this nineteenth chapter, Sarah attends a party with Cannon and Laney.  As always, she is hungry.  Surely no one will notice a missing lamb chop.  Eating it should be no problem.

The servers placed the first course—salad before each guest. Trays waited nearby with the second course—tomato basil soup.

Sarah floated above them and salivated from the aroma of the delicious food.

So hungry. Maybe she could sneak a bite or two when heads were turned. She drifted to the kitchen where the busy servers arranged fare on platters.

After a quick glance around, she planted her bare feet on the floor and selected a slice of lamb. Picking it up with her fingers, she took a bite while she held the remaining chop between her thumb and forefinger.

“What in da world?” A male server poked a female attendant in the ribs. He stared at the meat as it danced in the air. He had no idea an angel’s hand was causing the motion.

Sarah dropped the sliver of lamb back onto the plate and dashed to the corner of the ceiling.

The female glared at her companion. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I…I…I saw a…a…a lamb a floatin’ in da air. I mean… a lamb chop done went and rose up. It was a movin and groovin’ in da air.”

“You been at the champagne again? You know you been warned ‘bout drinking on the job.”

“No, no, promise—nary touched a drop, but dat meat done hung up in da air.”

The two examined the chop that Sarah had dropped in her haste. A tiny bite was missing.

“Would ya look at dat? See? I told ya. Something done went and ate on it.”

The female server shook her head. “What we can’t ‘splain, we don’t say.” She tossed the chop into the trash.
 

 Now it’s my turn to tag five incredibly, talented writers.  Let’s check in on them and see what they’ve been writing.

 Robin Hatcher:                http://blog.robinleehatcher.com/new_in_christian_fiction/

Anne Green:                    AnneGreenAuthor.com

Delia Latham                    http://www.delialatham.net/

Jayna Morrow                  http://www.facebook.com/JaynaMorrowRomanceAuthor

Laurie Alice Eakes            http://lauriealiceeakes.com/

 

 

Thursday, October 25, 2012


Many people wrote to extend their congratulations regarding Sarah: A Mission of Love  appearing on Amazon's best seller's list.  I loved them all.  Thanks everyone!  Here's one from Jacqueline D. Hopper.

Sarah: Currently Ranked #1 Across Three Categories
Jacqueline D. Hopper at Jacqueline Hopper 
 
*CONGRATULATIONS* to Prism Book Group author, *Gay N. Lewis*. *Sarah: A Mission Of Love *is currently ranked #1 across three categories on Amazon.com - #1 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > *Science Fiction & Fantasy* - #1 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Religious & Inspirational > *Science Fiction & Fantasy* - #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Religious Fiction > *Science Fiction & Fantasy* *Amazon Best Sellers Rank:* #746 Watch the book trailer for Sarah: A Mission Of Love, then pick up a copy...print or eBook.
On the morning of October 24, 2012, my publisher emailed me with wonderful news. I'm on the best seller's list with Sarah: A Mission of Love.  I thank the Lord for this and add, "To God be the Glory."
 
 Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #746 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
 

Good job, Gay!

Joan Alley
Owner/Editor-in-chief
Prism Book Group
www.prismbookgroup.com
Fiction that moves you! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@PrismBookGroup)

Thursday, October 4, 2012

A reader, Barbara Hairston, writes..."An unusual and refreshing story. I believe in angels, but I had not thought of (them with) levels of experience...Sarah is a beginning angel...a pleasant love story...suspend your hold on reality...I recommend this book...good recreational read...with wisdom."

Check out this trailer produced by Jacqueline Hopper, Acquiring Editor, Prism Book Group.

Thursday, September 20, 2012


“Your two breasts are like two fawns, life twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies.” Song of Songs 4:2 NIV

“All beautiful you are, my darling; there in no flaw in you.” Song of Songs 4:7 NIV

When it’s time to teach my Sanctuary Class these passages from the Song of Songs, or The Song of Solomon as the KJV calls the book, students and teacher often grow a little uncomfortable. As you can see from the Scriptures I chose to post today, the verses are quite descriptive. Some are humorous, and it is tough not to giggle.

The lovers in this Bible book suffer pure torture when they are separated from each other. And oh my goodness! When they get back together, the intimacy is enough to make one want to skip a few pages!  The mental pictures are sensuous and suggestive and can make a shy person blush.

Of course, in this day and time, I doubt any female would respond favorably to these words of passion: “Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats…Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing.” Song of Songs: 4:1-2.

Can you imagine your sweetheart whispering these lyrics in your ear? Me either.

With these thoughts in mind, I wonder why I worry about the love scenes I write in my books.

Good news! Sarah: A Mission of Love is now available as of today in paperback and eBook.  You can find her at Amazon and Barnes and Nobel, and Prism Book Group.

She will soon be in local Christian bookstores.

Stay close. I’ll let you know when she arrives in other stores.

 

 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012


“This is the day the Lord Has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” PS. 118:24. NIV

I waited to add my first entry today, September 18, 2012—this is the day my first book in the Sarah series is released. Sarah: A Mission of Love is now available in eBook and print.  My choice of Scripture fits.

Deciding to try my hand at romance was difficult because I’m a minister’s wife. How could I write love scenes that wouldn’t cause my parishioners—and me—to blush when we saw each other in church? A difficult question, and one I study each time a love scene is due in a book. God created romance and intimacy between a man and woman, but detailing it in such a way to bring honor to Him is a challenge. It is also fun.

My title character, Sarah, is dyslexic, clumsy, and inexperienced. On her first assignment, she blunders often—like the time she appears as a biker in black leather, silver chains, and tattoos. People in the Burger Barn think she is one of Hell’s Angels, and Sarah hyperventilates over what the Superiors in The Heavenlies might say. What if she’s called up to Cloud Number Five for a reprimand?

Having never used human disguises before, choosing one is problematic for the novice angel. She is only to materialize in dire circumstances, yet when she does, her selections often bring trouble. She loves the colors and textures of women’s clothing—and she especially loves shoes—red, high-heeled ones—and that’s trouble waiting to happen!

Sarah takes on a few of the characteristics of earthlings as she helps them. She discovers tears—a new experience, as they don’t occur in The Heavenlies. Her assignment to connect a woman and man is also difficult, since angels don’t experience sexual passion or romantic love.

I learned a lot about angels as I wrote this book. We don’t worship them, but they are involved in our daily lives.  Fantasy lurks in this book too.  There’s so much about the supernatural world we don’t know. My hope and prayer is that the Sarah series will bring hope and insight to readers.

Stay tuned. I hope to hear often from you!

 

 

 

PBG Insider: Gay N. Lewis Introduces her "Sarah" series

Sarah at Christmas