YOU'VE GOT IT IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

Meet Carlos in Love's Sweetest Revenge, published by MillerWords.

Liz had put on a few pounds since giving birth to twins and her husband, Steve, would not let her forget. Before taking off with a twenty-something plaything, he rips Liz apart with his words.

"I wasted my youth on you. You've let yourself go. Look at you! I don't even want you anymore." Although an accomplished artist, it has been far too long since Liz has picked up her paintbrush. She feels stifled and unattractive.

The discovery of a hidden locket filled with secrets, leads Liz to Carlos, a handsome and accomplished international linguist, who has dined in the White House and flown aboard Air Force One. He pursues Liz and wants their relationship to move forward. He finds her attractive and desirable just as she is.

"You've got it in all the right places," he tells her.
But Carlos has wined and dined beautiful, bejeweled women at embassies and conciliates around the world. He has earned his reputation as a womanizer. Can Liz trust him? 
Answers unfold in Love's Sweetest Revenge, Book 1 in the Castle in the Sun

"You've got a fat butt," Liz's husband, Steve, tells her. Should
she believe him or Carlos, who finds her beautiful, just as she is?

romantic-suspense series, published by MillerWords. 

Find out in Love's Sweetest Revenge, Book 1 in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_

In Book 2, Love's Sweetest Deliverance, (right) Can Steve sneak past Jack and his biker buddies to stop Liz and Carlos' wedding?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBFRHJT?fbclid

In Book 3, Love's Sweetest Truth, Liz and Carlos

think their past was past, until they gst a surprise.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BM9829B?ref

Covers by Mark Miller of Miller Words

Visit them on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/MillerWords

THE JEWEL OF FAVOR

THE JEWEL OF FAVOR

(Sample devotion from "Where Your Heart Meets God's)

"Then was I in his eyes as one that found favour" (Song of Solomon 8:10, KJV).

God's words to us generally fall into two categories, called logos and rhema. The Rev. Danny Daniels, Director of Prayer and Prophetic at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Titusville, Florida, explained the meaning of these Greek words.

"Logos is the written word of God, as well as the living Word, Jesus Christ. Rhema is a personalized word from God, which might come out of the logos."

To illustrate these terms, I would ask the reader to imagine herself standing in a cheering crowd, straining to catch a glimpse of a king as he passes in his royal carriage, surrounded by his entourage.

You might see him for a moment, or you might be inspired by some words he may pause to speak. However to you, the king would remain distant—someone you read about, see on the news or know facts about. He would not be a friend in whom you would confide your joys and sorrows.

Sadly, this is how many Christians relate to God. They read their Bibles and learn facts about Him, even life-changing facts. But God is not someone with whom they carry on a two-way conversation. His word, the Bible, remains the logos "written" word. It might address the reader's finances, marriage, family or life situations; however, she does not hear the personal love song of the author's heart.

Now, imagine yourself back in the crowd, but this time you see the king glance in your direction. Across the multitudes, his eyes meet yours. The king orders his driver to stop and he emerges from his carriage.

The throngs hush and part as he makes his way closer and closer, causing your heart to beat faster and faster. Reaching you at last, the king extends his hand and leads you to his carriage, where you commune face to face.

This is the rhema message, the kingdom of God within the believer's heart.[i] It is heaven here and now—reaching out to you.

PEARL TO PONDER: In the 16th century, St. Teresa of Avila, Spain, wrote a book, "The Interior Castle." What does that title mean to you?

LOVE NUGGET: "I have summoned you by name; you are mine."[ii]
*Read more devotions like this one in "Where Your Heart Meets God's," published by MillerWords. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-1DSAUqvlEgT0otztOsImS2Bpdamd6TGnqA4vTUDMRuf2kelu0

---

[i] See Luke 17:21

[ii] Isaiah 43:1, NIV

FIND YOUR TREASURE: Sample devotion from Where Your Heart Meets God's

The Jewel of Discovery

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NKJV).

Treasure hunters hack through jungles, climb mountains and dive into oceans to uncover vast fortunes. Priceless works of art and valuable antiques have been discovered at yard sales, thrift stores and in dusty attics. But sometimes, treasure is found where we least expect, even when we are not looking for it.

I never imagined this could happen to me, especially on that ordinary winter afternoon in the foothills of Maryland's mountains, where our cozy home was tucked away. Like thousands of days before, I'd just prepared supper for our family of five, then sat at the kitchen table while I waited for my husband to return from work. Taking a moment to watch peaceful snow falling outside our picture window, I breathed-in the aroma of food simmering on the stove and listened to my children playing in another room.

Soon, I caught a welcome glimpse of Dan's car pulling into the driveway. Our front door opened and closed. After Dan stomped the snow from his shoes, his footsteps approached.

Entering the kitchen, he brushed my cheek with a kiss on which snowflakes lingered. He placed an old, clothbound book on the table.

"I stopped at a rummage sale and picked this up," he said. "It's the great Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress written by John Bunyan, a preacher in 17th century England. The book is an allegory, which follows the central character, Christian's, journey through this life to the next. I thought you might want to read it."

Ever the bargain lover, Dan stood tall and smiled. "I bought this copy for only ten-cents."

After Dan went to greet the children, I opened the book and flipped through its yellowed pages. They gave off a musty smell, as if this classic work had been stored in an attic and forgotten for decades. Back then, I never imagined that I had just opened a door to an everlasting treasure of the heart. Nor could I have imagined that God has such a treasure prepared for me, or that every person has the same, if we will but believe.

This can be compared to a treasure chest overflowing with gold coins, rubies, diamonds, emeralds and so much more. The hinges squeal as we crack open the lid and peek inside.

Custom-made to each heart and individual calling, the jewels offer glimpses of realities that this world's trials and even the grave can never take away. The following pages offer steps in a thrilling journey that spans eternity. Will you come along to discover the wonders God has for you?

It all begins with a prayer, "Lord, open my eyes."

Let us extend our hearts and reach for the first jewel.

PEARL TO PONDER: What does "a treasure of the heart" mean to you?

LOVE NUGGET: God gives treasures to those He treasures. "You will be my treasured possession."[i] 

[i] Exodus 19:5, NIV

---

Open the pages to discover your treasure.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_

THE TEST RESULTS ARE IN

I shivered all the way to the doctor's office that frigid January day. Not only was my car's heater broken, I was trembling with fear. A mammogram and other terrifying tests had revealed suspicious lumps.

Now a surgeon would tell me whether I needed a mastectomy.

Prior to this crisis, I had not given my mortality much thought. But like the chill in the car and the wintry landscape outside my window, it seemed to be wrapping its cold, bony fingers around my throat.

God, I prayed. I'm only in my 30s. I have children at home. Let me have my life.

Find out what happened in "The Jewel of Heavenly Wonders," one of 51 devotions in "Where Your Heart Meets God's" a devotional book, published by MillerWords.
The book is recommended for study by Sunday school classes, small groups and individuals. See information below.

I felt so alone that cold, frightening day.
Have you ever felt that way? I found comfort. You can too.
Find out how in Where Your Heart Meets God's.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-1DSAUqvlEgT0otztOsImS2Bpdamd6TGnqA4vTUDMRuf2kelu0

DOORS OF THE SPIRIT

The Jewel of Revelatory Realms

"I have set before you an open door" (Revelation 3:8, NKJV).

To visit my mother in the gothic-style apartment building where she lives on Staten Island, New York, I enter massive wooden doors with stained-glass panels. These open to a gleaming marbled lobby, reminiscent of a castle hall.
From there, an elevator ascends several floors. When I emerge, my footsteps echo through wide corridors. Doors stretch down the corridors and I wonder what souls and secrets might be beyond.

Doors can represent many things. We know Jesus is the Door to salvation.[i] Doors also represent opportunities or relationships and these may open or close. When the door to my mother's apartment opens, she welcomes me into her home.

But are there doors of the spirit, through which the believer may enter the inner kingdom or revelatory realms?

This is discussed in "Where Your Heart Meets God's," a devotional book that explores the many expressions of God's voice and loving care. 
With 51 "stand alone" devotions, the book may be used for study by Sunday school classes, small groups and individuals.

FIND OUT MORE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-1DSAUqvlEgT0otztOsImS2Bpdamd6TGnqA4vTUDMRuf2kelu0

---

[i] See John 10:7

A FRIEND FROM A DISTANT LAND

"It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles" (Philippians 4:13, The Message).

 As a shy, overweight child growing up in a working class neighborhood on Staten Island, New York, I always felt like an outsider.  Even in my first-grade class, other children had friends, cliques and little "romances."  Few befriended the unpopular girl they called "fatso."

I remember wishing I could become invisible.  That way the teacher wouldn’t call on me and ask math questions I couldn’t answer.  Classmates would snicker as I struggled and stammered.

After I entered second grade, a new student joined the class.  Our teacher introduced the blond boy with a cherubic face and eyes mature beyond his years.

"This is Michael.  He moved here from California, near Disneyland."

My classmates and I looked approvingly at each other. Michael seemed to come from some magical, faraway land and we all wanted to be his friend. I could scarcely believe his instant affinity for me.

He was always at my side, whether in the lunchroom, the schoolyard, or walking me to and from school.

Michael would also step between taunting classmates and me.  Although gentle, he spoke with authority.

"Leave her alone!  She’s my girlfriend and she’s pretty and smart."

Pretty and smart—me?

My mother had said those words, but that's what moms are supposed to say.  Michael made me wonder if they might be true.

I began inviting Michael to play at my apartment after school.  Each day, Mom greeted us with milk and cookies.  Despite the treats and good times, Michael would keep glancing at the clock, then suddenly run home.

When I asked him why he did this, panic rushed into his voice.

"My daddy wants me home on time! If I'm not there, he'll spank me."

One wintry day as Michael and I played outside, my mother made some shocking observations.  Michael wasn’t wearing a coat.  His shoes had holes.

Rummaging through our closets, my mother pulled out an old jacket of mine and gave it to Michael.  She also gave him an old, but intact pair of my shoes that didn't look girlish.  I was glad to share what I had. 

The rest of that school year, Michael and I enjoyed each other's company.  And when he visited, my mother watched the time for him.  But when school closed for summer vacation, I lost track of Michael.  When classes resumed in autumn, he wasn't there.

"Where is he?"  I asked several classmates.

"I think he moved back to California to be with his mom," one answered, treating me with new respect.

This attitude extended to other classmates.  But I started treating myself with respect, too—talking with and befriending other children.  After school, we’d ride bikes, play stickball and visit each other in our homes.  That year, lasting friendships were made.  No longer did I feel like an outsider.

Even though I continued to struggle with math, I discovered I had other skills, such as reading and writing.  I wished Michael could have shared my joy, especially after I began losing weight.  Although I never saw him again, I knew that even if I remained forever awkward and overweight, Michael would have still been my friend.  He understood my pain, because he knew it so well.  I hoped he was finding a better life and being rewarded for his kindness.

"He was like a little angel," my mother said after he left.

Maybe she was right. Michael came to me just when I needed him and left when his job was done.

This true story is a sample devotion from Flora's devotional book, "Where Your Heart Meets God's," which explores the many ways God whispers our name.

Ebook ONLY $2.99. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?

Flora Reigada confesses to 'GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED'

During the final, critical moments of a football game, I leaped to my feet with the cheering crowd when the quarterback hit a home run.

Not really—but that scenario illustrates something unbelievable about my writing career.


Flora Reigada confesses to 'GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED'