Exciting New Release!

Releasing now and available on e-book THIS WEEK ONLY for $1.99. Here are the ordering links:

Ordering link for hard copy: http://www.amazon.com/Wedded-War-Heroines-Behind-Lines/dp/0802405762/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340388508&sr=1-1&keywords=wedded+to+war

Order for free (week of June 24) e-book at ChristianBook.com:

http://www.christianbook.com/wedded-to-war-new-edition-ebook/jocelyn-green/9780802481382/pd/28361EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=28361EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Wedded to War: A Novel by Jocelyn Green

When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.

Tending to the army's sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she's combatting more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse. Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?

Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey's letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series "Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War," a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.

Endorsements

“This novel left me in awe—of Jocelyn Green’s talent in telling a fabulous story, in her attention to historical detail, and how she brings to life a unique aspect of the Civil War.”
~Laurie Alice Eakes, author of Heart’s Safe Passage

“A haunting Civil War epic, Wedded to War is a rich historical tapestry interwoven with a gentle love story that will steal both your heart and your sleep. Mark my words, Jocelyn Green is an author to watch — and read — over and over again.”
~ Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series

“Fascinating, dramatic, and romantic. Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green sheds light on the harrowing world of Civil War nursing through the eyes of a delightful heroine. Detailed research and a powerful message about mercy make this story a keeper.”
~Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series

“Jocelyn Green lends her considerable talent to a tale both historically interesting and emotionally absorbing. Her Heroines Behind the Lines series is sure to draw readers eager for accurate stories of the Civil War, but also grab readers yearning for well-drawn characters who battle forces bigger than themselves in a quest for acceptance, grace, and love. Wedded to War does a fine job with both.”
~Ann Byle, author of The Making of a Christian Bestseller

“Although fictional, Wedded to War brings to life the important, and often dismissed, story of women’s entrance into Civil War nursing – and, in particular, the virulent opposition they faced from military doctors.  It reminds us all that the access to employment and political rights that American women take for granted were achieved on deeply-contested ground, and that women showed both ambition and courage in opposing those who wished to defend their own turf.”
~ Dr. Lori Ginzberg, Professor of History & Women’s Studies, Penn State University, and author of Women and the Work of Benevolence

About the Author

JOCELYN GREEN is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor. A former military wife, she authored, along with contributing writers, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2008) and Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2011). Jocelyn is also co-author of the award-winning Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan (AMG Publishers 2009), and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (AMG 2012). She maintains her own award-winning Web site for military wives at faithdeployed.com . She holds a B.A. in English from Taylor University, and is an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Evangelical Press Association, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Christian Authors Network. She and her husband have two children and reside in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at jocelyngreen.com . 

Great Resource/Books on Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking...

Asha knew nothing about it before meeting 16-year-old Rani, stolen form her home and sold into sexual slavery in Kolkata, India. Asha must help this girl escape; but Mark, a 3rd-generation missionary, keeps warning her way from the red-light district and its workers. Will she ever discover why? And will they ever stop their intense arguments long enough to admit their even more intense feelings for each other?

When Asha sneaks out one last time in a desperate attempt to rescue her friend, someone follows her through the night. Is freedom possible? Or will she, too, be taken?

To order:

www.stolenwoman.org

www.stolenwoman.blogspot.com

FB Page: Human Trafficking Stolen Woman

Whose Plans/Path Are You Following?

A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

            Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans”? I’m not sure if God laughs when we outline our plans to Him, but I do know He doesn’t change His plans to fit ours. And seriously, aren’t we glad of that?

            When I look back on my life (and trust me, there’s a lot to look back on these days!) I find that my greatest regrets came about as a result of trying to pursue my own plans instead of God’s. Conversely, when I chose to walk in His ways—even if they didn’t make sense to me at the time—I always ended up in a place of blessing and peace.

            So why do I still try to make my own plans and go my own way—and then, almost as an after-thought, ask God to bless the outcome? Okay, I know, I know. Even after nearly forty years of walking with Him, I’m still trapped in this imperfect physical existence and living on a broken planet. Hence, the call to serve self still echoes in my heart, despite the fact that I know better than to heed such a deceitful siren song.

            You can relate, can’t you? You too are trapped in an imperfect physical existence and living on a broken planet. It won’t always be so, and that’s something to anticipate with joy. Until then, however, let’s continue to pray for one another and to commit our hearts to follow hard after Him, rejoicing that He is directing our steps, that His plans for us are good (see Jeremiah 29:11), and that He will never lead us down the wrong path.

Leaders, Followers...and Victory

“…the leaders led in Israel,…the people volunteered” (Judges 5:2, NASB).

            After a great victory, Deborah and Barak sang a song that included the above words. I find it significant that in reference to victory, they mentioned the leaders leading and the people volunteering, don’t you? I believe it’s a concept that would serve us well today.

            Whether in the local church, a social organization, or a family, leaders leading implies strength of conviction. It also provides safety for those who seek wisdom and guidance from their leaders. When followers feel secure with leadership, they will also feel free to volunteer whatever they may have to offer—time, talent, devotion—regardless of personal cost.

            When any organization operates under these guidelines, chances of victory are greatly increased. Of course, that premise works best when the leaders who are leading are submitted to the One who fought for Israel and enabled them to prevail. That same One fights for us today when our leaders are submitted to Him and leading accordingly, and the followers are selflessly volunteering whatever they have to offer in the cause.

            Conversely, those who consider themselves leaders and yet are “doing their own thing” instead of pursuing God’s heart and purposes are not truly leading at all. The followers will then be led astray and lose confidence in their leaders, therefore holding back on volunteering and giving their best. Ultimately, failure and defeat are sure to follow.

            Heeding the words of Deborah and Barak, may we as leaders truly lead as God directs us, and as followers commit to freely give our best in whatever trials or battles come our way. For we all follow a God who has promised to fight for us and to bring us to that place of complete victory.

Two Excellent Books from a Great Author

THROUGH THE TEARS (Book two of the SANDY COVE series)

Fairfield Lab, Portland, OR.  The return address seemed harmless enough.  But Michelle Baron knew that the information inside could change her life forever.

Keeping vigil at the hospital as her father clings to life in the aftermath of his failed suicide attempt, Michelle finds solace and hope by gazing at the newborns in the nursery.  But a subsequent painful journey through the maze of infertility leaves her and her husband struggling to hold their marriage together.

Will medical science provide their answers? Will they discover a road to parenthood through adoption?  And how will this issue impact their future?

Michelle clings to her faith as she navigates the unpredictable storms they encounter while they search for answers. Agreeing with her husband, Steve, that she should use this time to complete her teaching credential, she finds herself in a course with a professor who has an anti-Christian bias to his lectures. As she seeks support from like-minded students of faith, she becomes involved in a Campus Crusade for Christ outreach to the local family planning clinic. Faced with the infertility issues she and Steve are experiencing, she is devastated by the multitude of babies losing their chance at life through the abortions performed at the clinic.

Through the Tears ~ the second novel in the Sandy Cove series~ delivers a message of hope in the midst of longing and disappointment.

Praises for OUT OF A DREAM  (Book One in the SANDY COVE series)

Rosemary Hines weaves an intricate story, which immediately draws the reader into a relationship with her characters.

NANCY TUMBAS, English Professor, California State University Long Beach

Out of a Dream held my interest from the first chapter. I wanted to know what would happen to Michelle and had to keep reading. The story was interesting and realistic, with suspense and a touch of romance -- just the way I like it!

JAN MCCANTS, Administrative Assistant, Christian Liberty School

I felt compelled to keep reading, completely consumed by this tale of one girl’s search for truth.

MISTY STUTES, Graduate Student, Vanguard University

Hines quickly introduces you to characters that parallel people in our own lives. Shaped by traits that enhance the plausibility of the plot, you could swear that you’ve met them all before.

IRENE DUNLAP,

Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Kids’ Soul, Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul,

and Christmas Treasure for Kids

The content, storyline, and character development in Out of a Dream are excellent. As a book reviewer for Calvary Chapel ministries, one thing is of utmost importance to me in recommending a book, especially a novel -- does it have ministry value? The answer for Rosemary’s book is an off-the-charts YES!

KATHY GILBERT,

Book Reviewer, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

Order copies here:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Out+of+a+Dream+by+rosemary+hines

God's Word Never Fails

“Not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you;

not one word of them has failed” (Joshua 23:14, NKJV).

            One of the things my late father taught me was the importance of keeping your word. If you made a promise to someone, you must do everything possible to follow through. That was such an important concept in my parents’ generation (and those previous) that a handshake was enough to seal an agreement.

            Times have changed, though, haven’t they? We sign multi-page contracts when we buy a house, a car—even a cell phone. And still we sometimes look for ways to break our contracts and renege on our promises.

            Aren’t you glad God isn’t like that? When He makes a promise, you can not only “take it to the bank,” you can rest the destiny of your very soul on it. When Joshua, like Moses before him, had led and served the Jewish people for many years and was approaching the time of his death, he found it important to remind them of the faithfulness of God’s promises, using God’s faithfulness in the past as an illustration: “Not one word of them [God’s words/promises] has failed.”

            I wish people could say that about me; sadly they can’t, though I hope I’m doing better at keeping my word as I grow and mature in the Lord. I also wish I could say that about the people closest to me—and most of the time, I can. But we humans aren’t as faithful as God, are we? There really is no one besides Him who can be counted on to fulfill His every word…all the time.

            Isn’t that amazing and comforting? We serve a God who says what He means and means what He says. Furthermore, He follows through on His word and makes sure his promises are fulfilled in the lives of His people. He is the only One we can depend on, no matter the worst attacks from the enemy of our souls, the dire circumstances of our lives, or the failings of our own character. No wonder the Prophet Isaiah declares to God, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).

            If we will just remember to trust in the One who keeps His word and fulfills His promises in our lives, we won’t need to worry about loopholes and litigation to break contracts, for God will keep us in perfect peace.

Great New Book--and a Chance to Win a Gift Basket!

Not only do I have a great new book to tell you about today, but if you leave a comment you could win a gift basket. How cool is that???

Parables & Word Pictures is from my author friend Cheri Cowell. Here's a little info on it:

Book Description:

Parables and Word Pictures from the New Testament is a 13-week workbook-style study of 118 parables from Jesus, Paul, and the apostles. This comprehensive look at the New Testament parables will help readers develop an ear for the message they convey—that the Kingdom of God is both here and near. Through the study readers will be challenged to live faithful and holy “Kingdom lives” in a broken and unholy world. 

Of the thirteen weeks, the first nine explore the parables of Jesus in the four gospels; the next three look at the parables in Acts and those from Paul and the apostles. The study culminates in a look at what the author calls living parables,

with Jesus as the Parable of all parables. Through Him we come to know God the Father, and through Jesus we come to live as living parables in a world begging to “see God.” Living story-shaped lives allows others to see God in

us—this is Kingdom living.

The workbook includes a chart of parables in chronological order, a chart of parables alphabetically arranged in the four gospels, a chart showing the locations in Israel where the parables were taught, and an index of scriptures to make finding parables quick and easy. A Leader’s Guide is available.

Author Bio: 

Author, speaker, and sidewalk theologian, Cheri Cowell is passionate about discipleship and challenging the body of Christ to holiness of heart and life. As the author of Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life (Beacon Hill, 2007) and over 300 articles, Cheri’s love of story and the Holy Word shines through in her writing and teaching. In 2009 she was one of six journalists chosen for a tour of the Holy Land by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, a blessing that only deepened the love of the parables Jesus told. Cheri is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary where she learned the Inductive Bible study method used in this study to encourage, challenge, and equip the body of Christ to live story-shaped lives. 

Preferred Ordering Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Testament-Parables-Pictures-Following/dp/0899573495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335897377&sr=8-1

Trailer Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffcY35Vw2gE

Contents of Gift Basket (contest will run through July 6):

1. Parables and Word Pictures from the New Testament (workbook Bible study) by Cheri Cowell

2. Women of the Bible: Book One (workbook Bible study) by Barber, Rasnake, and Shepherd

3. Mocha on the Mount (Coffee Cup Bible study) by Sandra Glahn

4. Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life by Cheri Cowell

5. Direction Bible study workbook by Cheri Cowell

6. God: Knowing Him By His Names by Bill Bright

7. See For Yourself: Daily Devotionals (ebook DVD) by Cheri Cowell

8. Bible tabs

9. Bookmark

10. Bible highlighter

11. Hunter Green gift basket

 So leave a comment, get a copy of the book, and have a blessed June, dear friends!