Revitalize Your Marriage with The Marriage Code!

Bill and Pam Farrel are "longtime marrieds" who are still very much in love. In an imperfect world, that's no small achievement! But do they have the corner on the market? Of course not! They just have a commitment to God and to one another--and a secret code to unlock the joys of a lifelong love affair.

To learn how to "crack the code," join Bill and Pam via a Focus on the Family recording at http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/community/events/billandpamfarrel

and then get a copy of the book for yourself and your spouse--and another copy for a couple you care about.

In an imperfect world, it's one of the greatest gifts we can give.

A Book that Hits VERY Close to Home!

When Your Aging Parent Needs Care by Candy Arrington and Kim Atchley is by far one of the most balanced resources for this much-needed topic that I've come across yet--and believe me, I've read a lot of them!

As the primary caretaker for my 88-year-old mother who lives with us, I know personally the challenges faced by those who take on the care of an aging parent. It is no easy task, and anyone who thinks otherwise should not even consider doing it without first getting the necessary education to realistically know what to expect. To have the necessary resources compiled so expertly as they are in this book will be a literal godsend to anyone who is already in the midst of this very special season of life--or considering it.

Though it is a privilege to be called to care for one who once cared for us, it should not be done without prayerful consideration--and all the practical help available. This book from Harvest House Publishers is a must-have for such an undertaking!

The Beloved Curmudgeon Strikes Again!

Cec Murphey, everyone's favorite author and resident curmudgeon, has once again put pen to paper and come up with an excellent and inspiring read. (How does this man spend so much time on the NY Times Bestseller List, travel all over the country speaking to eager listeners, and still have time to write yet another excellent book?) We may never know the answer, but we do know he has done it.

What do I say to sell such a well-known and much loved author's newest book? Perhaps that it is vintage Cec--encouraging, challenging, and superbly written. Don't miss it! After all, you want to stay on the curmudgeon's good side!

Doing a "Happy Dance" for Rain Dance!

I love this book! Author Joy DeKok captured my heart on the first page and wrapped the characters around it from beginning to end.

For anyone who has ever been involved in any way in the heartache of abortion or infertility--or anyone who is a mom and/or just loves children--this book will set your lips to singing and your toes to tapping. Get a copy to bless yourself, and one for a friend. She'll thank you.

A Can't-Miss Read!

For anyone who is an established Mary DeMuth fan, you're no doubt already deep into this great read. If not, I strongly encourage you to get it. However, if you haven't read the first book in the series, Daisy Chain, be sure to get that one too. This series (and this author) just gets better and better!

An Update from Our House to Yours!

I must admit, though it’s been a great summer with lots of fun and exciting things going on, I’m not sorry to see it end. I’m just plain tired of being HOT and can’t wait to start enjoying those cool autumn days that are even now starting to whisper an announcement of their arrival.

As we roll into October, I wanted to update you on what’s going on here at the Macias household. All is well with Mom (doing much better than a few months ago!), and Al is still balancing his time between work and golf (though anticipating retirement so he can devote more time to hitting that little white ball around with his shiny clubs). He has also been busy installing a patio for our new soft tub, so life is busy (but good!) all the way around.

As for writing/speaking, business is booming. I’ve never been busier—thank You, LORD! The biggest news is that I’m launching a weekly one-hour radio program called “Write the Vision,” which will air via The International Christian Network (www.theicn.com) each Thursday from 6—7 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning October 15. Now I have to tell you that the statement I just made is strictly on faith, as I’m still wrestling with the technological issues of getting this new project set up, but I’ve enlisted some pastoral help from church (from those who actually understand this sort of thing), so I hope to have it squared away so I can start recording soon. For any of you who may have questions about the writing/publishing world, this will be a great opportunity for you to email your questions to me at kathimacias@theicn.com so I can respond on a future program. We have some great interviews lined up, so be sure to listen in—and help me spread the word!

I am also in the midst of a heavy speaking season, being home just one weekend between last month and November. After that my traveling schedule should settle down a bit, though I still have that book deadline of December 1 looming. RED INK, the third novel in the Extreme Devotion series, is one-third done, so I really need to get some serious writing done!

Above all, dear friends, please know that I appreciate you all and pray for you regularly. I hope you do the same for me. Until next time, Vaya con Dios!

Weekly Devotional

He (Jehoram) reigned in Jerusalem eight years and, to no one's sorrow, departed (2 Chronicles 21:20).



The sadness of this statement in 2 Chronicles jumped out at me this morning and wouldn’t let go. As I get older, I find myself saying goodbye to more and more family members, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. It’s simply the way of things, though it wasn’t originally intended to be. But sin has a way of changing things, doesn’t it?

It certainly did with Jehoram. This king was the son and grandson of godly men, both of whom ruled from the “city of David .” Sadly, unlike his father and grandfather, Jehoram chose not to be a godly man, and he ruled accordingly, eventually dying a painful death at a relatively young age. Most tragic of all was that no one mourned his passing.

All of us mourn when a loved one leaves this world—yes, even those of us who are strong believers and lose someone who is also a strong believer. We know that person has gone to be with the Lord and is so much happier than he/she ever was on this earth. And yet…our heart hurts. We miss them, though we know we will see them again one day. Those without that knowing mourn even more, for indeed they don’t have the hope of being reunited with the one who has passed from their sight.

But can there be anything sadder than living in such a way that when you die there is no one left behind who regrets seeing you go? King Jehoram had plenty of money. He inherited a rich kingdom and wanted for nothing in the material realm. He could do or have nearly anything he wished for, and yet…

Quite obviously this rich man was a pauper when it came to relationships. Not only did he not serve God or have relationship with Him, but he also had no meaningful or close relationships with other people. What a perspective-setter this is! Are we in close relationship with God and other people? When we pass from this earth into the presence of the Father, will there be at least one person left behind who will miss us and long for the day we will be reunited in heaven?

Then, beloved, unlike Jehoram, we are rich indeed. Whatever we face on this earth in the way of pain or sickness, tragedy or loss, poverty or disaster, our lives can still be considered a success because we have cultivated that which really matters. May the sad life of Jehoram speak to your heart today about the things that truly matter, and may his pitiful epitaph inspire you to cherish your relationships at every step of your earthly journey. For all too soon it will be over, and it will be time to move on. Though we as Christians eagerly anticipate that time, wouldn’t it also be nice to know that we will be missed and that someone will be looking forward to the day when we will be united once again?



***Beginning October 15, please join me as I host a weekly blogtalkradio podcast titled “Write the Vision,” which will air via www.theicn.com every Thursday from 6-7 p.m. Pacific Time.



***Please take a moment to visit my website at www.kathimacias.com


***Also, please visit www.setfreetoday.com, where I serve as Spiritual Director. Come as you are…leave with a new beginning! Drop us a note or prayer request while you’re there.