It's another Fab Friday and today's featured author is Sharon Crittenden, author, radio host, speaker, First Lady, wife, and mother. To hold those titles and be successful in her calling, prayer is key. And that's what she's sharing with us today. Please welcome, Sharon, and read on...

Does the uncertainty and chaos from relationships keep you up at night? Are irrational levels of grief, resentment and heartache your constant companion? Could you benefit from a prevention plan from repeated cycles?

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.  Chances are, you or someone you know seriously struggles with heartache, heartbreak, jealousy, grief, bitterness and so forth.

Sharon writes, “Dealing with our hurt and life’s troubles are enough to strangle our well-emotional being.”  She knows exactly what it feels like to be overcome by resentment, heartache and grief, which is why she has dedicated this book to aiding thousands of men and women.  This book hopes to encourage millions to take back control of their minds, emotions and as result, their lives!

Guard Your Heart invites readers to dive into Proverbs 4:23. This is the least published topic on Amazon, but happens to be one the most influential and inspirational scriptures from the Holy Bible:  
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”

As long as you are living, breathing and have relationships with people, you will always have to face matters of the heart. 
There is a pathway to experience more joy, clarity, physical restoration, and contentment through the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.  Heartache and heartbreak are an unavoidable part of life.  In essence, it’s also a tactic of the enemy to overtake you.  A broken and bitter heart doesn’t have to control you. You can make it through every setback and setup to rob you of the promises of God. 

Sharon Crittenden was born in Rochester, New York.  She is an Award Winning and Amazon Best Selling author of Prayer Plus Faith Equals Miracles: 31 Days of Fervent Prayer and Guard Your Heart: Strategies to Kick the Enemy Out of Your Life. When she is not writing, she serves as a pastor’s wife, top motivational speaker, radio host, director of Rhema Word Press, and mother of two.  Sharon has appeared on numerous radio and television news channels in an effort to share her passion for writing with the overall goal of helping people live better lives. 

In 2018, Sharon was the recipient of the bronze medal for best non-fiction, inspirational religious books.  She was also a finalist for the Book Excellence Awards and recognized for best e-book. 
Sharon's compassionate demeanor is a refreshing approach that allows her to inspire Christian believers throughout the world.  Particularly, she is deeply passionate about empowering and refining Christian women.

Her love for helping all mankind allows her to authentically connect with Christians and non-Christians alike.

Her ministry, A Helping Hand Urbana exists to equip people with tools such as prayer, fasting, and worship to create positive and lasting inner change. She believes that everyone can benefit from a personal growth mindset, especially those that are having difficulty connecting and walking out the Word of God.

Aside from everything else, Sharon Crittenden is not motivated or driven by sales, awards and achievements.  Her goal is to restore and rebuild people who have suffered from set-ups, set-backs and disappointments. 

She is by far superficial and will not hesitate to turn down any opportunity that does not fall in sync with her belief systems as a minister of the Gospel.  She spends the bulk of her time with her family and serving as the first lady and ordained missionary at Rest-Oration Church in Urbana, Illinois. She is humbled by every major success as a result of her writing and truly grateful for every victory won while overcoming the enemy’s traps, tricks and plans. 

You can visit Sharon at her author page on Amazon and on Facebook @Sharoncrittenden42official via the following link -- facebook.com/sharoncrittenden42official/

Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, Sharon would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner

Once all the children went home for the day, Faith went to the drugstore near their home to get the answer to a question that was running through her mind. She faced the wall of pregnancy tests. There had to be at least fifty different options available. Which would be the most accurate? Should I use a dipstick or a test strip? Is it too soon to tell? Should I just go to the doctor? She attempted to calm herself as all of these questions danced in her head.

Faith wondered if she was ready to be a mother. She was enjoying the one-on-one time with Jamison. They could just pick up and go on a weekend getaway whenever they desired. They didn’t have to work around naptimes or feedings. Going to the movies would become streaming movies at home when they couldn’t find a babysitter. However, seeing a tiny visible representation of her and Jamison’s love would be amazing.  

After studying the different brands, Faith picked up a variety of tests and placed them in her basket. If all the tests gave her the same result, she would be able to trust it. Her next stop was the vitamin aisle. She looked up and her eyes landed on those of Janay Ingram. This woman was somewhat of a friend to her at one time, because Faith was her children’s babysitter. However, an unexpected relationship between Faith and Janay’s husband, Evan, put a chill on the friendship. Faith could still see the effects of it in the woman’s eyes. Faith noticed Janay had a pregnancy test in her hand as well.
Janay nodded her head. “Faith.”

“Hello, Janay,” Faith said. “How are you?”

“I’m well.”

An uncomfortable and tense silence existed between the two women for a few moments.

“Janay, I never had a chance to apologize for what happened. I never meant to get involved with Evan like that. I hope you can forgive me.”

Faith noticed Janay’s face soften momentarily. “I see you and your husband are starting your family, huh. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, but I don’t know if I’m pregnant or not. That’s kinda why I’m taking a home pregnancy test,” Faith stated, waving the box.
Janay’s scowl returned.

“You don’t have to get smart with me. I know what a home pregnancy test is for.”

“Then why did you ask me a question you already knew the answer to? I think you know the purpose for being in this aisle.” Faith nodded toward the pregnancy test in Janay’s hand.
Janay sauntered a little closer to Faith, who squared her shoulders and locked eyes with the woman.

“Knowing the kind of woman you are, you should probably pick up a home DNA test, too.” Faith gasped. “You have a nice day.”

Janay walked away and tossed the pregnancy test back on the shelf, leaving a shocked Faith with tears streaming down her cheeks. Why did that woman have to be so mean? Faith was no longer a threat to Janay and Evan, since she was married to Jamison. Faith assumed Evan and Janay were together as well. She decided the issue was not hers, but Janay’s. She pulled herself together and headed for the vitamin aisle.

It was on a white sand beach in Cozumel, Mexico that Darliss received the call to write her first book. Secrets was born ten years later and she hasn’t stopped. Her books, Hell is a Skyscraper: A Trio of Novelettes, Something Else to Want, and The Make-Believe Wives followed. Her newest release, The Make-Believe Family, joined her book family in the summer of 2018. Currently, her books are listed as both required and optional texts for a university-level Oral Communications class. Walking in the footsteps of her Christian playwright grandmother, Darliss was also commissioned to write and witnessed the performance of her short play, One Simple Yes.
A passionate writer, Darliss desires to write stories of fiction that have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of her readers. She is committed to continue to write entertaining and inspirational fiction for years to come.
You can find more information about Darliss at her website www.DarlissBatchelor.com and on social media at www.FaceBook.com/BooksbyDarliss.

Contact information: www.DarlissBatchelor.com www.Facebook.com/BooksbyDarliss

Buy Links:
Autographed Print: http://www.darlissbatchelor.com/the-make-believe-family.html
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Believe-Family-Darliss-Batchelor-ebook/dp/B07GGKT6R1/
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-make-believe-family-darliss-batchelor/1129248840?ean=2940161675632

Today is a #writerwednesday and I'm excited about it. On Monday I shared with you that I had lost my memory stick, but was able to recover about three stories out of the mass amount of loss I took. But today, I'm sharing a snippet of one of my favorite completed, but unpublished novels with you.

Falling back on an old gimmick of "switch" from their childhood days, Natalia and Naraja are about to play the game one final time. Natalia has agreed to stand in as a substitute for her twin sister as she takes a much-needed break from her husband. But can she deceive her brother-in-law, or will her ploy work so well that it leads to something, well...maybe a little more tempting?

I awoke that morning to the alarm clock going off. Rolling over in bed, I reached my hand out and pushed a series of buttons before finding the right one. Turning to my left side, I noticed Kevin had gotten up and left the bed already. Breathing a sigh of relief that I wouldn’t have to deal with him lasted momentarily. Suddenly the middle of the night came crashing down on me. He had pulled me close in his arms. I recall feeling him wrapping his arm around my waist and angling his hand upward to hold my breast. I had jumped from the bed as if scalded by hot water and ran into the bathroom. When I had returned, he was no longer in the bedroom. I had heard him slam the door to the guest bedroom. I knew that was where he spent the night.

I pulled my hand down my face and groaned. This was going nothing like we had planned, and I was uncertain I would last one week. A part of me wanted to help my sister, but another part realized she needed more help than I could or was willing to give. Naraja’s marriage was in trouble and that’s where she needed help.

I flung the covers from my body and sat up. Looking at the cell phone on the bedside table I decided to try her once more, since it was still early. I had no idea what her itinerary was like, but she couldn’t have done too much at seven in the morning. After all, if she was in San Francisco, surely, she’d still be asleep. It was only four in the morning there.

I dialed my phone number preparing all of the things I would say to her when we finally spoke. To my chagrin the phone rolled over directly to voicemail.

“Arghh!” I screamed out and flung the phone across the room.

I didn’t care if it broke, it would serve her right. Sliding out of their bed, I slipped my feet into the house slippers and made my way to the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later I had taken a quick shower and taken care of all of my personal hygiene needs. I grabbed my purse, keys, and the unbroken cell phone from the floor near the fireplace and walked downstairs to prepare for the day ahead. I knew the first thing on her schedule was to go to her aerobics class, and then she had some meeting at the local elementary school for a fundraiser she was a part of. After that, I was free to relax at home.

First thing on the agenda for me was breakfast. After I found something to eat, I would head out to the studio. I was very familiar with her workout studio, having gone there with her several times in the last week.

I was thankful that Kevin had left for the day. Naraja informed me that his mornings began at four and he left the house at six to head into the office. I had several hours before I would have to run into him again, and I could only hope that I had spoken with my sister before then.
Pulling the refrigerator door open, I looked inside to determine what I would eat for breakfast. Finding a honeydew, a cantaloupe, and two containers of pineapples and strawberries, I figured this would have to do. Unlike my sister I was not a cook. I would make a smoothie and sip it on the run.

Closing the refrigerator door with my foot, I backed up into a solid wall. Two massive arms wrapped themselves around me.

“Aigggh!” I screamed, dropping everything to the floor.

“Babe, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to scare you,” Kevin apologized, turning me around to face him. “You okay?”

Kevin’s arms were on mine, rubbing up and down in what was meant to be a soothing fashion. Yet, it was everything but. My heart pounded in my chest so rapidly I was sure he could hear the thump, thump in the silence of the kitchen.

“What are you doing here? Damn, why’d you scare the hell out of me like that?” I shrieked, clutching the honeydew in my palm like a football ready to be thrown.

His eyebrow lifted slightly, and I recalled that my sister wasn’t a curser.

“I…I’m sorry,” I stuttered. “You just startled me really bad.”

“Apparently.” He kneeled and began picking up the container of strawberries and pineapples, which had fallen at my feet. I still held the honeydew and the cantaloupe had rolled near the kitchen sink.

I scooted away to grab the errant fruit, hoping to avoid further discussion and especially his touch. I placed the fruit on the counter, willing my shaking hands to remain still.

It was more than the fear of him scaring me from his sudden appearance in the house that had me on edge. I could not help but recall the nearness of his presence last night, and how he had held my breast in his hand.

The thought of that caused my face to grow warm. I was thankful that I was not light in color, because I’m sure a blush would have crossed my face. It seemed to me that my breast heated up at the simple thought of him touching me in such an intimate, yet embarrassing manner.

“So, what are you doing here?” I asked using a diversionary tactic. Placing him under inquisition would serve to have him in a defensive posture, while I launched the offensive attack.

Kevin sat the strawberries and pineapples on the counter, leaned back against it and folded his arms across his chest.

 A small smile captured a sense of playfulness as it danced across his full lips. I turned away and grabbed a knife to begin slicing the melons.

“Smoothie or fruit salad?”

“Huh?” I turned back to him and he nodded to the fruit and the knife in my hand.

“Oh, smoothie. Can you please hand me those?” I asked, pointing the knife at the two containers of fruit sitting near his elbow.

“Yeah. Make me one, too, please.”

“Sure. Now back to my question. Why’re you home? I thought you left out earlier.”

“I did…I went in a couple of hours ago and knocked some things out.”

I continued slicing the fruit with my back to him. Waiting for an explanation I sensed none was forthcoming.

“Sooo?”

“Sooo…I decided to work from home the rest of the week as much as possible to spend some much-needed time with my wife.”

One large hand came to rest on my waist, while the other sat the two containers of fruit on the counter near my melons. Not mine, but the ones I was slicing on the counter.

I had not realized until I heard his voice at my ear and his breath on my neck he had moved so swiftly across the kitchen.

Get a grip, girl. You can work your way through this. Just remember your acting skills you learned in high school drama class, I coached myself internally.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Last week anyone who was on Facebook and saw my status knew that I was experiencing the ultimate disappointment. On Thursday I was crushed and posted it to my status. Many people reached out with well wishes and advice for how to manage the situation, but it did nothing to lessen my heartache. Don't get me wrong, I was grateful for everything they offered, but it did not restore to me something precious that I had lost.

Thursday morning I had packed my memory stick in my purse, but unbeknownst to me when I pulled my headphones out of their personal pocket of my purse where I had also stowed that treasured memory stick of mine, the stick fell out.

So, you say purchase another one. I already have at least four others. There was two years worth of work on that stick. It held 10 complete unpublished novels, at least 15 other works in progress, plays I have written and so much more. When I tell you that I broke down at the moment I realized it was gone and cried like a baby, I really did. And I knew from the moment I stuck my hand in and did not feel it that it was gone. Even as I emptied out my purse and pockets, I knew it was gone.

My husband put it best...it's like there are pieces of me scattered all over the place and I cannot find them. It's like I'm not whole anymore, incomplete. But he told me that he wasn't worried about it. He said that he hurt, because I hurt but he had the pleasure of hearing each one of those novels, both complete and incomplete read to him. I always read to my husband as I write. Force of habit.

But he then told me something else that was heartwarming and eye-opening. He said although the public hasn't read it, and I have heard them and know how beautiful they are, I can't wait to see what Almighty God is about to do through you next.

The Scripture above resonates within me because the word of the Lord is true, and my husband understands this principle and simply needed to remind me of it. Situations in our lives can occur that causes us to question, "What was the purpose of that?" or "Why me?"

We don't always understand why something happens, but we can be assured that the Lord does not intend for harm to come to us. There have been a couple of lessons I've learned through this:

1. To always back up my data in a couple of different places in addition to the memory stick.
   
2. Slow down and pay attention to what I'm doing at all times. Don't be in such a rush or so unfocused that I allow things to happen like that.
   
3. Trust Him even when I don't understand.
   
4. He is the Giver of the gift and as He poured all that I had written into me, He can give me more and better!
   

The night of my loss, I was able to retrieve a few items. None of this was saved to the computer, because I was using my husband's, but I ran a couple of commands and was able to find one of the files. The other two files I found because I had sent them to my Beta reader and I was able to pull it back through the email. There are still so many other things lost, but no amount of tears, regrets, or "woulda," "shoulda," "couldas" will resolve it or bring it back.

The heartache of it all is still with me, and I will probably carry it for quite some time. But like my husband, I cannot wait to see the plans the Lord has for me and my future. I have hope, because He says He plans to give me hope, and I believe His word.

What major or recent disappointments have you encountered?

How were you able to overcome it?

What Scriptures do you rely on to encourage you during disappointing times?

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

It's another Fabulous Friday and today I'm showcasing my author sister, J.L. Campbell's latest release, Bankrolled, part of the Lady Guardians series. If you haven't heard, the Lady Guardians are a series of novels about bad-ass women in a female motorcycle club. They're defying the odds, but they're doing it only as women can.

J.L. Campbell is an award-winning Jamaican author who has published over thirty books. She writes contemporary and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, as well as new and young adult novels. Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, is fascinated with the island's flora and has hundreds of photos in her collection. She is a certified editor, and also writes non-fiction. 

Social Media Links
Find J.L. Campbell on the web at www.joylcampbell.com
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iarreaderssuite/?fref=ts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlcampbellwrites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jl.campbell/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thewriterssuite
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JL_Campbell

Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday and a Fabulous Release! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, JL would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner

A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to Kennedy Holloway. Her life has been turned upside down finding love where she did not expect to, and the person who holds her interest is here today. Please give a warm welcome to the Atlanta Cobra's forward, Elias Da Silva.

People talk. Everybody's got something to say about me and who they think I am. But on the real...nobody really knows me. Not anyone except my father and my sister. Even those close to me don't really know me like they think they do. They know what I allow them to know, when I allow them to know it.

Who I really am? I'm a son, brother and uncle. I'm a friend. I am a man who misses the love of his mother, because she died of lupus when I was only six and my sister was eight. I am a man who respects and understands the love and challenges of a single father and how often they are misrepresented, because my dad has been and continues to be a strong, helluva black male instrumental in the lives of his children and grandchildren. I am a business man who's passionate about promoting the causes of those who just need a shot; not looking to fatten my own pockets. And this man just happens to be the number one forward in the NBA, playing for the Atlanta Cobras. But everyone doesn't need to know all of that. It's what helps me protect my family from scrutiny. They don't need something else to talk about. They need to focus on what I want them to focus on. 

So, I don't sweat the fact that the media portrays me as this ladies' man. That's what I allow them to see and the image I have allowed them to carve of me. Why? Because it keeps everybody out of my real business and so far, I've been as successful at that game as I have been in the game of NBA. But there's one game I haven't been too successful at, the game of love.

Like many men my age, I haven't been looking for love. It's not because I want to play games with a woman's heart, that's not who I am. I just lay the cards on the table, explain the rules and they either accept it or they don't. You see, I've worked too hard to build the career that I love and my wealth has afforded me certain privileges I wouldn't otherwise have. Aside from my NBA career I have a couple of business that means a lot to me, too. And I promise you, I won't be that brother getting milked by some broad claiming to have my kid, or getting duped into a marriage so she can take what I've built.

Family? Family has always meant everything to me. I'm possessive and protective over what's mine. That's what's gotten me into the mess I'm in now. This woman...Kennedy Holloway, yeah, that's her name. She was only supposed to be a photographer for this photo shoot I was doing for Courtside Magazine. But, man I don't know...somehow we connected on some other level behind the camera. She saw things in me, I could tell that no one has ever seen. And I knew it from the way we kicked it, but when I saw the pictures it was like she was showing the world this other part of Elias Da Silva. And I wasn't so sure I wanted them to see that. But I wanted to see her again.

So, my pursuit begins. But something's not quite right. She's putting up these walls to keep me out and I'm not sure why. As a celebrity, the media can't let some things go. And when they get ahold of me and Kennedy, they're determined to hold on like a dog to a bone. But the secret they uncover that she's kept so carefully hidden in her life is about to make me lose my mind.

And if you haven't met Kennedy. Check her out at Behind the Lens.

Follow our love story in the upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love).

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Last week I struggled with headaches every day. Not just the regular headaches that I've dealt with for years on an ongoing basis, but these were a different type. It was not until the end of the week that I realized I was stressed out on so many levels about so many things. It was not good.

Now, I must confess I believe part of the reason I was having the headaches was because I had changed my diet and amped up my exercise routine. I had been doing excellent on that for about three weeks, and last week on a Monday I crashed. I went the entire week eating the old foods I used to love (fried, sweet, and fast), and I did not work out once. So, I know part of the reason was because of that fact alone, a fact that my husband actually pointed out.

When I settled down on Friday after the work week was over, I began to sort through all the random things that were rambling through my mind and that's when I realized I was stressed. We're coming up on that time of the year, where we're still trying to balance regular life's demanding schedule and trying to squeeze extra in because here come the holidays, here come the times of celebration, and here comes the extra spending.

I love being invited to things and included in things, but here's a little secret that I'll share with you, and you only. I am an introvert. Honestly, I am such a homebody that I have to allow my family to talk me into participating in most things. Not because I don't like to or don't like people, I think it's that I love my comfort zone and I don't like being pushed beyond it. And beyond that? Writing is my guilty addiction...has been since the age of 12.

Well, in the effort of trying to push beyond my comfort zone, sometimes I allow myself to take on too much and that's what I have done lately. I said 'yes,' to so many things that I became absolutely overwhelmed. That's the other thing about me, I don't like disappointing people by saying 'no.'

So, I began to question my reluctance to complete some of the things I had been asked to complete, participate in some of the things I have been asked to participate in, and provide some of the things I have been asked to provide. And then I looked at my hectic and demanding work schedule (I have a stressful job that I really love), and compare it to everything else. I cannot do it all, and I had been trying to fool myself into believing that I can.

So, there were things that I needed to say 'no,' to and some things that I needed to delegate to others, which I absolutely hate doing. I really do believe I can do it all, and it'll be done the way that I want to. Other confession? I'm a control freak over things related to me...not things related to others, just me.

Then it hit me. Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7. It came to me on Friday night I believe it was. And so, I started asking the Lord to lead me as to what to do in different areas. Show me what was His will, and what wasn't. Show me the things it was okay to do and those that I need to let go of. And above all give me peace with it and peace with the people that may be involved in it. And you know what? He did.

Everything has not been revealed all at once. He is giving me glimpses and answers day by day, but I have to be patient and trust Him. And then I have to truly let go once He gives me the answer and follow what He's telling me to do, not second-guessing Him or questioning Him in any way. And with each revelation, He's giving me peace and comfort through it all.

Sunday morning, my mind amped up again starting to think about the vast things that are on my plate, and things I'm being asked to do or to give. The headache started back up, and He led me right back to this Scripture. And after this Scripture, came this blog piece. I think He's telling me that I'll have to hold tight to this particular Scripture as He guides me through this particular season of life.

Whatever it is that you may be facing this season, or any season of your life, trust it into His hands before you stress about it. Nothing is worth risking our health for. And after all, He wants us to live an abundant life and enjoy it to the full. That's what He promised in His word. Then who are we to do anything less than what He has established for us?

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

What do you do when life becomes stressful?

Do you have a favorite Scripture?

How do you escape the madness life offers at times?

I would love for you to share with me. Drop it in the comments below... 

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

It's another #writerwednesday, and Elias Da Silva is taking a moment to check out something that's caught his eye. But the fire of desire that rises in him, quickly turns into a different type of heat...

Breasts thrust in the air, arms askew, back arched, her hips supported by a cushion, Kennedy’s t-shirt slipped free of her tight, knee-ripped jeans. Her exposed mid-section quivered slightly at the air blowing in. Licking her lips, she angled her head, and lost her breath, as she attempted to consume the fullness of it.

A soft moan escaped her lips. Jazz played softly in the background, and the scent of jasmine saturated the air. She was intoxicated with the ambiance and tried to get more.

Elias struggled with his physical reaction towards her. Kennedy was beautiful on a regular day, breathtakingly gorgeous on the night they’d had dinner, desirable the night she’d come to his party and had one too many drinks, but here on his café floor like this she was sexy, and he wanted her.

He gripped the counter of the nearby coffee bar, trying to restrain himself. Closing his eyes, he tried to think of unicorns and butterflies, to stop the physical reaction his manhood was having towards her. It was no use. The only thing he saw behind his shuttered eyes was her underneath him, his arms wrapped around her back, as she arched trying to take in all of him.

Elias yearned to know what that sliver of skin peeking from under her t-shirt felt like. He wanted to taste those lips she had just licked, and make love with his tongue to that little slip of tongue that had been exposed for just a moment.

Running his hands down his face, he recalled there were other staff members around. Despite his greatest desire he would never do anything to disrespect Kennedy, nor would he embarrass her in front of anyone.

Come on, man, get a grip, he warned himself. He decided he would bring attention to his presence, and hopefully cause her to change positions. The last thing he needed was someone else seeing her in that position and desiring her the way that he did. The thought of that brought anger to the forefront of his emotions, causing his erection to decrease.

“There you are,” Elias stated, kneeling beside her on the floor of Friday Night Expressions. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Kennedy remained silent, clicking off several shots in succession. He waited patiently, trying to see what she saw on the ceiling above her. Elias wondered how she viewed the ceiling and what she thought of it. If there were any way possible, he would have wanted to see it through her eyes.

He had commissioned a couple of independent artists who frequented the café to paint a mural on the ceiling. African-American men and women sang, played instruments, read poetry, wrote novels, and painted all on his ceiling.

Setting her camera down beside her, Kennedy sat up, and swiveled her legs around to face Elias. She rested her arms on her knees and smiled at him.

“What’s up?”

“Checking to see how you were coming along? We have a band that’s supposed to rehearse in about a couple of hours, but they needed to move it up an hour earlier. I didn’t know if you’d be finished.”

“Ah, sure. I’ve got a couple more shots before I call it a wrap tonight.”

“Cool. Well, if you don’t mind staying around this evening, you should be able to catch at least one of our acts. Help you get a vibe for the place and all, you know…”

She smirked at him and shook her head. “I can stay around for a little while. Not too long, because I’ve got to get some rest for another shoot I’m scheduled for in the morning.”

“More important than mine?”

She laughed. “Nothing’s more important than yours, Mr. Da Silva.”

“Mr. Da Silva is it?”

She winked. “No.”

“Who’s the shoot for? Anyone I know?”

“Zachary McKnight.”

“Zachary? My Zachary?”

“I don’t know that he’s yours…buuut, yes, your teammate Zachary McKnight.”

Zachary was a center for the Atlanta Cobras, and one of the most arrogant men he knew. The fact that Kennedy would be working with Zachary upset him. His reputation among the ladies wasn’t too good. There had been a few allegations that he had attempted to rape a couple of groupies, but nothing had ever come of it.

The Cobras had hired their high-powered attorneys, paid out a settlement, coerced a signed contract from the ladies, and swept any remnants of the scandal under the rug. Initially most of the team had given Zachary the benefit of the doubt, but he never cooled his heels and instead bragged about his sexual prowess in the bedroom.

Elias knew that the press liked to portray him as a ladies’ man, but he had always been portrayed as a combination of a player and a gentleman. Not once had he ever been accused of losing control with a woman. They were always treated with the utmost respect.

“What time is your shoot?”

“Starts around nine. Why?”

“Just wondering. Shooting him in the same spot we shot in at Piedmont Park?”

“Nah. He wants to do Krog Street Tunnel,” Kennedy stated, grabbing her camera and pulling herself to her feet.

Elias exploded up like a rocket, all six foot six inches of him. His quick movements caused Kennedy to stumble backwards, widening her eyes.

Flaring his nostrils and puckering his lips, he was angry that he had scared her. That was another emotion he never wanted to be responsible for her feeling.

“Why does he want to meet there?”

“To capture his artistic side. You know he paints, too, right?”

Elias rolled his eyes, his fists coming to his waist, pushing his blazer coat behind him. “Come on, Kennedy. You’re a smart woman. Surely you’ve figured him out by now.”

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

How often do we as women talk about wanting to find love? How often are we comparing ourselves to someone else, trying to figure out how she grabbed love but we didn't? How often are we comparing ourselves to a man, stating that he needs to bring all these things to the table, but what are we bringing to the table?

Love is not just about the financial benefits he or she can bring to the relationship. Nor, is it about how good one can make you feel in your daily dealings. Love is about building one another stronger even in the worst of times, seeing beyond his or her faults and to the core of who they are. Love is about understanding what someone needs, not just what they want to bring out he best in them.

I used to be frustrated, not understanding why my husband constantly pushed me to do more, be more, when I was perfectly complacent in being who I was. What I did not understand at the time was that his love for me, an Almighty God inspired love, allowed him to see what I could not see within me. And he had an understanding of what it would take to pull it out of me.

Now, when I look back to the girl I was at twenty-two and the woman I am at forty-five, I cannot help but say wow! Not just wow, as in the normal wow about how much I've grown. But honestly amazed at the person I am today, regarding my feelings and values, as well as, what I have been able to accomplish, when I did not even realize some of the capabilities existed within me.

The challenges that I thought were insurmountable, the obstacles that I feared were unavoidable, and the mountains that were too high to begin to climb let alone conquer were nothing when I look back. Yet, all of them grew me in ways I believed impossible back then.

This weekend, Bishop Dr. Richard Leaphart posed an interesting statement, "I can't receive His benefits if I don't believe He loves me, and the same is true in the natural."

Are you allowing yourself to believe that the Lord Almighty loves you and wants the best for you? Are you allowing Him to bring out the best in you?

And what about that relationship you're in? Are you believing that he loves you, even when times aren't the best?

Let me pose this question: If you don't believe he loves you, then how can you quite possibly love him enough to give him what he needs? You can't because you're too focused on worrying about what you're not receiving to see what he needs.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Kennedy Marie Holloway, independent photographer for Courtside Magazine. Kennedy will soon find herself in the spotlight because of the company she's keeping. On the surface, she may be living the dream of some groupies, but she is carrying a lot of baggage that keeps her from enjoying this new spotlight. Read on...

The basics...about me. I'm a thirty-three year old, former finance consultant for Thompson-Meyer, one of the country's top bank and brokerage firms. I am married to Rick Holloway and we recently celebrated three years of marriage. The only child of Marilyn Everett-Briggs, defense attorney and Scott Briggs, a police detective for DeKalb County.

Of mixed race descent I have always been proud of who I am and where I come from. There were several things that split my parents' marriage up, one of which was my father's African-American heritage that was not high on the list of my maternal grandparents' reasons to love about him. They wanted her to marry within her WASP background, and she failed to do so. The other thorn in their marriage was their conflicting career choices. Her career as a defense attorney and his as a detective eventually pitted them against each other.

I did not want my own marriage to follow their fate, but eventually it did. My reasons for preparing to divorce were dissimilar to my parents. They still loved one another very much. My husband's actions did not depict true love.

When my eyes were opened to the truth about him, I realized my entire life was a characterization of what others thought my life should resemble. Now, I'm on the way to a new life. Picking up the camera has been my life's passion, something I did on the side that no one took seriously except myself.

That love and desire led me to make some serious changes, the first of which has been my career. Giving up my career as a financial consultant, I am now an independent photographer on the brink of success and notoriety. Is it because of some well-placed ads, perfectly timed appearances, and the right connections...that landed me gigs as a contractor for Courtside Magazine? That helps, but it's not that.

Courtside Magazine is the premier sports magazine, following the lives of professional NBA players both on and off the court. I have landed several small gigs with them, but when asked to do a feature spread on Elias Da Silva, the NBA's number one forward, playing for the Atlanta Cobras, I was overjoyed. This would surely lead to more higher paying jobs.

I should have known from the first moment I met Elias things would never be the same. Try as I might to shut down his interest, he did not take no for an answer. There was a reason I was able to see something in him that others failed to see. And against my better judgment, I ignored my initial instincts and went out on a date with him.

That wasn't altogether the worst thing that could happen. No, the worst thing was when my husband found out. And the thing he's asking of me now? This thing that is crazy in the scheme of things? It isn't so easy to turn away from. I have choices to make, and someone is going to get hurt no matter what I decide. My connection to Elias Da Silva has thrust me into the spotlight that I once shunned, and has Elias' personal life at the heart of the media's focus. The one thing he hates the most.

Follow our love story in the upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love).

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Relationships are all about sacrifice. Oftentimes, we go into them thinking about the excitement that a new relationship brings. Getting to know someone new and all that they have to offer, along with all we have to give. We look forward to those first, second, and subsequent dates; the times when we will see one another again; or when he will call, because we can't wait to hear his voice.

As time grows on, it can become easy to forget about those beautiful moments in the beginning. Or what I would like to call those "firsts." The first date. The first kiss. The first dance. The first time he said, "I love you." Those moments are not to be forgotten, but to be treasured because you cannot capture them again, only build on them.

As challenges arise in the relationship, it's easy to get lost in the disagreements and the ups and downs and forget to cherish what you have. I say have rather than had, because that special thing isn't lost, it just needs to be cultivated and rekindled. In the darkest moments and the most challenging times, recall that love is about sacrifice. It's not always about those exciting, thrilling, unexpected moments, but also about sacrificing for the greater good of another. Giving him everything you have when he needs it most, and when he gives to you everything, letting him know you appreciate it.

Sacrificial love is not always easy, it can be quite painful and make you afraid. I think about what Jesus Christ must have endured and felt when He had to go to the cross at Calvary to sacrifice for our sins. There have been times when tears have come to my eyes, at just the thought of what He had to face, and how often we (I) take it for granted.

Even in every day living our sacrificial love can be painful and not easy to give. In an upcoming novel, I have written, Bel Amour, the characters must endure a sacrificial love. Kennedy has experienced a great hurt in her marriage, but she knows she must push on to live her best life. And just when she is ready to move on with her life and put the pain of the past behind, she is faced with a new challenge that she has to consider.

Kennedy will have to release a chance at happiness, for the greater good of someone else. The love she is called on to show is not just romantic in nature. It is a love that is selfless, unconditional, and non-threatening. But in making that choice, she will have to hurt someone else in the process.

But as with all things, when the Lord is in the mix and we're doing His will it will work out for good. And I'm not simply referring to the book at the moment, but in you life, in my life, and the lives of those around us.

This weekend, I wrote a newsletter about how to rekindle the flames of love in you new or existing relationship. I share ideas and images of Kennedy and Elias in the novel, Bel Amour. If you have not received the newsletter you can check out the link below. And if you are not a subscriber, you can subscribe in the newsletter link below and receive a free short story.

Book Café Newsletter - FALLing In Love

Subscribe to Book Café

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Should "Til Death Do Us Part," really be adhered to anymore? That's the problem that Kennedy Holloway is facing and must determine how important her marital vows are to her. Ready to move on with her life and beyond the heartbreak her husband has created for her, she has made her peace with what was and is ready to move into what could be. However, life altering events will have her changing her mind and putting her life on hold for...forever?

Today's #writerwednesday snippet is from an upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love).

BEL AMOUR
A beautiful story of love between a man and a woman. Photographer Kennedy Holloway has changed her life, and is now pursuing her first love in a career of creating beautiful art from behind the lens of a camera. A freelance photographer for Courtside Magazine, she’s begun rubbing elbows with some of the NBA’s elite players. Running from heartache and disappointment, she’s come to the end of the road when she meets Atlanta Cobras’, Elias Da Silva.

Touted as the NBA’s #1 shooting guard and designated all-around ladies’ man, Elias’ private life is off limits to the paparazzi. No one really knows the man off the court, and he’s blocking every attempt from anyone getting too close, until he meets Kennedy on assignment. Her attempts to hide behind the camera only peeks his interest further. He won’t rest until he wins at the game of love.

Follow Kennedy and Elias through three years of ups and downs, as they learn about one another and themselves. Deemed to be the “perfect couple,” Kennedy’s past rises as a barrier between them. Will a lesson in sacrificial love keep the two of them apart, or will it be the bond that they need to bring them together again?

Kennedy looked around her townhome one final time before releasing a sigh. Everything had been packed away. All her recently purchased furniture sent to storage, along with other valuables.

“You ready, babe?” Rick asked, draping an arm over her shoulder with a large grin creasing his face.

Not really, she thought, but kept her feelings to herself.

Kennedy looked up at her husband and smiled. “Sure.”

She looked down at the baby in her arms, her heart pounding, and uncertainty dancing around in her mind.

The infant’s fists were bundled underneath her chin while she slept peacefully away. She had no clue of the turmoil the adults in her life were experiencing.

Jessica had left the hospital shortly before the nurses came to release her, never once looking back or saying goodbye to the baby. Rick had her on his own for two weeks, before Kennedy finally caved in to his demands, against her mother’s wishes. Marilyn had not taken her calls since she announced to her mother that she had stopped the divorce and was moving back into their home.

Halfway through the drive to their home, Rick reached over and grabbed her hand into his pulling her from her thoughts. She looked up at him and smiled slightly, her head still resting in her other hand.

“What’s on your mind, baby?” he asked.

“Mm, nothing.”

“Come on, you can talk to me. You’re worried about being a mother?” he grinned like a Cheshire cat.

“No. Not really,” she muttered, turning to stare out the window. Her thoughts had been on Elias, wondering what he was doing. She had tried several times to no avail to reach out to him after the pictures appeared in the media.

“Then what?”

“Just wondering what Jessica could be thinking about to leave such an innocent life behind,” she lied, twisting in her seat to glance at the baby’s car seat. She couldn’t see her face very well from her position, but she could tell the newborn was still asleep.

“Mm. She’s selfish I can tell you that much. Let’s not talk about her. I don’t want to think about Jessica anymore. I want to talk about the family me, you, and Trinity will be. Not to mention the little one that I plan to put inside you once I get you home in bed,” Rick stated, laughing.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Kennedy replied, jerking her hand from his.

He frowned.

“What do you mean? That was always our dream, remember? Especially yours, babe.”

“Seems like you got a head start on that one.”

Rick reached a hand out and stroked Kennedy’s hair. “Come on, babe. You told me you’d forgiven me.”

“Doesn’t mean I’ll forget.”

“So, you’re saying we can’t start a family together?”

“We have a lot of healing to do, Rick. And you have a lot of growing and maturing to do. We’re hardly in the position to have another baby right now. Trinity’s barely three weeks old, and we have to learn how to take care of a child. The last thing we need to do is overwhelm ourselves with thoughts of another. Besides, we have too much baggage to deal with before jumping on that road.”

Rick sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. He pulled into the driveway of their home. She had not been here in such a long time. This had once been a dream home for her, now all it held were painful memories. Just looking at it, made her want to run.

As if sensing her hesitation, the baby chose that moment to begin whimpering in her sleep.

Rick tossed a look her way, and instantly unbuckled his seat belt.

Kennedy unbuckled hers and made her way to the rear passenger seat. Unstrapping Trinity’s car seat, she carefully lifted the infant out and held her close to her, while rocking her. She grabbed the baby bag with her other hand and lifted it onto the same shoulder she had already strapped her purse.

Rick grabbed Kennedy’s bags from the other side and smiled at her.

“Look at you…just beautiful. Motherhood looks great on you.”

Mr. Stanley came from around his backyard and stopped. Lifting a hand up to his forehead, he smiled and ambled over towards the couple.

“Well, I’ll be. Look who’s here! Land alive, I ain’t seen you in quite some time. I’m sho’ glad to see you two back together,” he remarked, as he made his way closer.

“Hi, Mr. Stanley,” Kennedy greeted warmly, a rush of affection taking over her.

“Hey, Mr. Stanley,” Rick greeted, reaching out and heartily shaking the elder man’s hand.

Mrs. Irene came out of the house and began making her way towards the small group.

“Well, well, well, who do we have here?” Mrs. Irene gushed, walking up to them.

“Well, it explains why we ain’t seen Kenni around, Reenie,” Mr. Stanley stated. “She’s been busy, and pregnant! I’m so glad you two starting a family.”

“May I see her?” Mrs. Irene asked, with a look of concern.

“Sure, Mrs. Irene,” Kennedy replied, handing over her carefully wrapped bundle.

She looked to Rick who stood beaming from ear to ear.

“Why that’s a proud papa if I ever seen one. I know I was like that with all three of ours,” Mr. Stanley stated, grinning back at Rick.

“Whose baby, is she?” Mrs. Irene asked.

“Woman! That’s their baby. What in Sam’s hill are you talking ‘bout?”

“Well, I know I seen Kennedy recently on them talk shows ‘bout them celebrities, and her figure was just as gorgeous as it is now. Ain’t no way a baby don’ come outta that,” she stated, pointing at Kennedy.

Kennedy glanced over at Rick, who was working his jaw back and forth.

“Foolish talk, woman!” Mr. Stanley reprimanded, talking about the couple as if they weren’t standing there.

“Mm-mm. Chile got blue eyes. Ain’t no way this heah’ Kennedy’s baby,” Mrs. Irene stated, looking between them.

Mr. Stanley looked down at the baby for the first time and then back up at Rick. “Son, you don’ went out and got yourself a baby outside the marriage?”

Rick started scratching the back of his neck and looking uncomfortable. “Well, see…”

“Yes, sir. Yes, he did. I’m here to help him raise her and make sure that she has a good home,” Kennedy intervened, accepting the baby back from Mrs. Irene.

Pressing her lips together she looked at the infant and back at her husband. “Mr. Stanley and Mrs. Irene, I think I need to get her in the house now, so I can change her.”

“You do that, sugah,” Mrs. Irene stated, patting Kennedy on the back.

She turned to head to the house, but not before hearing the advice given her husband.

“You take good care of that woman. She’s a mighty good girl, son. Don’t keep messing up too much. It’s only so much a woman can take. You hear me?” Mr. Stanley advised.

“Yes, sir.”

“Stanley had one time to pull some stuff like that on me…you wouldn’t be standing here talking to him now,” Mrs. Irene huffed, and walked off.

Kennedy squeezed her eyes shut tight. She waited for a few beats before hearing her husband’s footsteps on the stairwell, before he made his way up to the porch. She moved aside to allow him to unlock the front door.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle+-

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Over the last few months, I have been struggling with having balance in my life. I am either extremely dedicated to what's going on at work, going over and above to accomplish goals, OR I am spending an unbalanced amount of time escaping into my writing world to the exclusion of all else.

I looked at my blog this past week and realized it has been just over a month since I last posted. That's so different than my norm. When I started this blog I would blog daily Monday through Friday. Then after life dealt our family a few blows, I scaled it back to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I kept that pace up from 2015 through earlier this year. It's not that my blog and my writing isn't important to me, perhaps, some might say it's the most important thing to me. This happened because there was no balance or organization in my life.

As in my writing style of being a pantser, I also have a carefree, flow with the wind attitude in life. That's not always a good thing, because at some point things are going to spiral out of control or create some chaos in your life.

Lately, I have been extremely focused on work because my temporary job turned into a full-time job. On top of that, I took on another ghostwriting project which has eaten up any spare time that I have. While I am thankful for these blessings, I know that the Lord that I serve is not a God of chaos and confusion, rather balance.

So, in an effort to reel things back in and create balance (notice I said "create," not "restore," because there never was any before) in my life, I have done a few things that require a bit of self-discipline.

1. Exercise - Implementing an exercise routine in my life is not the easiest thing to do, but necessary. Waking up at 4:30 in the morning kicks my butt, but it helps me feel great about my day. I have more energy than I normally have and it helps me to focus on what I'm eating, preferring to choose healthier options over the junk that I love. It also helps me to feel good about me, and encourages me to know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, no matter how challenging. (Philippians 4:13).
2. Schedule - I sat down with my husband and kids and created a routine that we would abide by when it comes to certain things that are important (e.g., whose day to cook, what laundry day belongs to whom, etc.). This has definitely gone a long way to bringing order to our chaotic days and knowing what to expect. We still have two carefree days thrown in for the sake of being who we are.
3. Family Time - This may come in the way of sitting and talking about anything, cooking together, dancing or just playing games. Before our time was more sporadic, and it still is to a certain extent but now we all work towards making it a priority.
4. Me Time - My time is not like most people's. I relax by reading or writing. So, when I am working on a ghost-writing project, or my own novels it helps me to relax. In this way, I'm able to get done what I need to get done and still feel like I'm throwing some of the stress off.

The most important routine is to maintain my prayer life with reading the Word of Almighty God. I have never not prayed, because this is part of my daily life in the morning, throughout the day, and at night. However, I am focusing on how, when and how long I pray, because that, too, has suffered throughout the chaos that my life had become. Without His presence and guidance in my life, nothing can or will go right. So, I make Him a priority to ensure I am filled with His spirit and giving my best to my family and myself daily. He helps me to live my best life.

1. What are some routine things you do to create balance in your life, and to bring peace to your day?
2. What things have you seen get out of order when you don't do this?
3. How do you spend "me-time?"
4. What are some things your family does during family time?

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

In the book of 1 Samuel, we find Samuel has been sleeping but he hears a voice calling out to him repeatedly. Because he does not yet know the Lord, he mistakes the voice for that of Eli. After the third calling, Eli advises Samuel that it is the Lord calling to him, and when he hears His voice again, he should acknowledge the Lord and let him know that His servant is listening. When the Lord finally did speak, He confided in Samuel the plans that He had for Eli's family.

I can imagine that Samuel was probably nervous, excited, and maybe even a little afraid knowing the Lord wanted to speak with him. Scripture tells us in verse 1, a word from the Lord in those days had become rare and there weren't many visions as in times past. We can relate to that today.

However, I believe there are times when the Lord speaks to us. We have to be sensitive to the calling of Holy Spirit and to the voice of Almighty God speaking to us. There may be times that like Samuel, we don't recognize His voice. That doesn't always mean that we aren't in relationship with Him. I believe in these times, we get so caught up in the ways of this world and in daily living that we become "de-sensitized," if I can use that, to His voice.

Internet, social media, school, work, families, extracurricular activities, and financial and health issues all lead to stress, causing us to become consumed with worry and LIFE. When we are overwhelmed like this, it is easy to miss the voice of the Lord. However, He always has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). One that won't fail, and will eliminate the stress if we only trust Him to guide us. But how can we hear His voice, when we're so consumed with the world?

1. EARLY PRAYER - We must first carve out time to get alone with the Lord. Starting your day off early in the morning to allow Him to guide your day is instrumental. He provides solid instruction for what we should do throughout the day, and how to maintain ourselves in every encounter.
2. MEDITATE ON HIS WORD - Read His Word in the morning before you start your day. Meditate on some key points in the selected passage and ask Him to show you how to apply it to your life, or what you can learn from it.
   
3. SEEK GUIDANCE - Ask Him for instruction in various areas of your life. When you encounter situations, ask the Lord what to do and how to handle it. Don't move full steam ahead without hearing His response.
   
4. WAIT - Always wait to hear what the Lord says. In the morning when you pray, when you meditate on His Word, and when you seek His counsel. He wants to speak to you, as much as you desire to hear from Him. You must be patient.
   
5. UNPLUG - Turn off the radio, stay away from social media for a day or two, disconnect from distractions in your daily world. Sometimes, our brains are so flooded with messages from a variety of medium that we cannot enjoy a moment of peace and silence. It's in those moments of peace and silence that we're best able to connect with the Almighty and learn what He desires from us. We live in a world where we need constant and instant gratification and entertainment, that it is difficult to shut it down. Yet, that's when we become refreshed, rejuvenated, and empowered to be at our best and to draw closer to the Lord, Who will in turn draw near unto us (James 4:7-8).
   
6. RECOGNIZE - It isn't always a deep spiritual experience that you will undergo when the Lord speaks. Learn to recognize His voice, or His counsel in the reading of His Word, the voice of a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a complete stranger. You may find the answers you seek in a song playing on the radio, a book you're reading, or something someone says. The Lord will bring His answers in a variety of ways and they will always align with His Word. Just focus and pay attention.
   

Every day is not always easy to stay focused on hearing the Lord and pulling away from the cares of this world. However, if you take one step at a time and spend time in prayer and in His Word daily, it will become second-nature to you. Below are a few scriptures that will give you more insight into hearing from the Lord.

STRENGTHENED IN OUR FAITH (ROMANS 10:17)
CALL AND RESPONSE (JEREMIAH 33:3)
FOLLOWING HIS GUIDANCE (ISAIAH 30:21)
VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (JOHN 16:13)
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALWAYS WITH US (JOHN 14:16-17)

This wraps up another Motivational Monday Moment. I would love to hear from you, so share your favorite Scripture, or an encouraging thought you have about hearing from the Lord.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Write Now Literary is pleased to be coordinating a blog tour for Edward King. This tour will run August 23.  Book your own tour here.
 
Book Title: The Works of Christ My Proof of God's Existence           
Genre: Christian, Poetry, Inspirational
           
Paperback
ISBN: 9781498464451

In August 2010, Edward King was in a traumatic car accident that nearly ended his young life. From this accident, he had an incredible out-of-body experience. This is his story along with a collection of simple poetry designed to help one come closer to Christ.

TO PURCHASE:
https://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781498464451&HC_ISBN=

Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday and a Fabulous Release! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

It's a #writerwednesday and today I'm sharing a throwback novel for many of you who aren't familiar with it. Is The Grass Really Greener shares the lives of 5 best friends, struggling with individual challenges. Each woman is comparing her own life to the lives of one of the other women in the group, desiring to have a different life. Yet, none of them truly know the other's deepest secrets.

Today, beautiful, feisty, and smart Pavielle is facing the largest challenge and scare of her life. Read on...

“Damn!” Pavi said aloud as she slammed the phone down on its cradle.

She breathed a deep sigh, reflecting on the phone call. Dr. Schwartz wanted to see her in the office today. That could only mean one thing…she might be dealing with the “C” word. 

Pavi recalled the morning that she had first found the swelling when she was finishing her shower before heading off to work. Santiago, her boyfriend, had already left for work after spending the night with her. She was finishing a hot and refreshing shower, reminiscing about the night before, when she started her breast self-exam. It was something she had done every month since she was a teenager, and an act she recommended to all of her family and friends. Pavi was diligent about being a health conscious person, working out, eating healthy, meditating, routine doctor visits, and staying as stress-free as possible.

It can’t be what I think it is…is it? No I’m being neurotic that wasn’t anything, just a little swelling, she thought to herself. Perhaps I have some type of bacterial infection under my arm, she attempted to reason with herself. She knew that it wasn’t there last month…or was it?

Before she allowed her anxieties to kick in, she got out the shower, dried off and made the call to Dr. Schwartz’s office for an appointment. That had been almost two weeks ago, and now she was getting the phone call that she had anticipated and dreaded simultaneously.

She turned away from her desk and stared out the window at the fountain in the park across the street­- seeing but not seeing. Her view of the square was exquisite, but it didn't hold her attention at the moment. Tapping a long Platinum Pink lacquered nail against her pearly white teeth, her mind was a million miles away. Strategic planning was her strength, not indecision. Indecision was for the weak, it was for the confused. She lived life on her own terms and dictated what did and did not happen. And that's what she was about to do now. She took her long, red hair and pulled it up into a messy bun, and plopped down into the high-backed tan leather swivel chair.

Picking up the phone, Pavi dialed extension 5387 for her assistant Carolyn.

“Yes, Ms. Herrera?”

 “I have three appointments today and I need you to reschedule them for me for some other time or preferably another day.”

“Okay, let me know which ones you would like to change. You have an 11:30 with Pete Ogilvie, a 3:15 with Nicholas Hambrick and a 1:00 lunch with Sharon in accounting, and that’s been rescheduled twice,” Carolyn stated with a bit of warning in her voice. If Pavi decided not to keep these appointments, it would be Carolyn’s responsibility to cancel, and she knew that Sharon was not happy about the two canceled luncheons already. She would never take her frustration out on Pavi, but Carolyn would definitely feel the effects of Sharon’s exasperation.

“Damn,” Pavi said again for the second time in less than five minutes. “Cancel my three o’clock with Nick until next week, and I’ll contact Sharon. It’s already after eleven so Pete’s probably on his way. Update my calendar for Nick and send a birthday card to Mike Eggers.”

Pavi hung up the phone before Carolyn could reply. Carolyn didn’t take offense at it; she knew that Pavi had just received a call from her doctor’s office and she had been distracted all week. Carolyn made a mental note to get Pavi a Thinking of You card.  Pavi had been a wonderful boss over the course of the past two years since Carolyn had been working at the real estate management firm, and was always thoughtful of what was going on in Carolyn’s life.

“Sharon…I’m rescheduling our luncheon this afternoon. Yes, the reports are in now, but I have to handle something that can’t be helped. I’m sorry, but you’ll just have to consult your schedule and tell me what available opening you have on Monday. Yes, sure, I promise we can meet on Monday for lunch…on second thought scratch that; let’s move it to first thing Monday at nine, are you open?”

Pavi listened with a small thread of patience as Sharon consulted her calendar. They scheduled their meeting for Monday morning at nine, and Pavi hung up to prepare for her meeting with Pete Ogilvie. Life would go on.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Proverbs 19:21 ESV

Hey, y'all. I know it's been a while and for the last several months I seem to be in and out of social media space and blogging. I haven't given up on any of this and I hope you haven't given up on me. I have been busily plugging away at learning a new job that has consumed so much of my time. So, if you follow me on social media I announced on Friday that it was the last day of being a contractor for the Coca-Cola company.

At the beginning of October 2017 I was laid off from my HR job at a local company. There were a total of 176 of us that were part of a RIF (reduction in force). For the first time ever, I signed up with a temp agency (last resort) after applying for a job with them that I didn't realize was through a temp agency.

Long story short...in December of last year they placed me in the payroll department with Coca-Cola here in Atlanta, which has led to a full-time position. Praise Almighty God! Now, I've had payroll experience, but nothing like I've gained in the last 8 1/2 months. So, I'm back in business and focused. But my true purpose here today is to share with you a pain point in life for me, and I hope you will find motivation or inspiration in it for your journey ahead. Read on...

*******************************************************************

I am often conflicted. I know what I want to do, yet, it seems no matter how hard I may push in a specific direction I find myself somewhere entirely different. Almost like fighting against the wind. I have found this truth evident in may areas of my life, but especially in my career. When I slow up long enough to consider it, I know exactly why that is.

My plans that I make for myself are often dictated by my wants, my emotions, and my desires. They are not in alignment with Almighty God's will for my life, and I have not given them to Him in prayer, trusting Him with every facet of my life. I have not trusted Him to guide me and understanding that He knows what He has purposed for me.

In those rare events that I do sit back and wait on Him, ALL IS WELL.

I pursued my degree in Human Resources Management and received my MBA. I have worked in plenty of HR roles and gained expansive experience and knowledge, yet, I somehow always come back to roles dealing with NUMBERS.

I HATE NUMBERS!

Or that was the lie I always used to tell myself. As a child, I struggled in math and my father, who was excellent at it, was an impatient and lackluster teacher at best. If I struggled with a particular concept, rather than encouraging me and exhibiting patience, or trying to find a better way to ingrain the theory in my head, he would belittle me. Therefore, math became synonymous with fear, inadequacy, failure, and just being plain dumb.

It wasn't until years later that my husband would teach me various concepts of breaking math down in its simplest components that I realized it wasn't as difficult as I feared. But I still didn't like it. The next thing I know, I'm working at a bank, then in an accounting department, and so on and so forth.

So, maybe I don't hate math. I just dislike it, right?

Still, years later after my husband taught me how to tackle and face my issues dealing with math, I came to realize that I'm not afraid of it. When I finally tied my loathing for math back to my childhood experiences, I understood that I had this thing on lock. Writing and reading are still my core and favorite subjects and areas that I know I'm gifted in, but math no longer seems daunting and I embrace challenges to resolve problems and work my way through critical thinking skills. This is an essential skill in payroll, which is where my career has landed me.

Throughout the years, no matter how hard I tried to avoid jobs with high Math functions, the Lord always led me right back there. Why? Well, I believe there were some crucial lessons He wanted me to learn, some important issues He needed me to face, and some healing that He had in store for me. All in lessons of Math. Even more important, I came to learn that facing my fears wasn't as scary as I believed.

And you know what? I think there's so much more He has in store for me in that area, but I will no longer fight it. I'll sit back and allow Him to guide my thoughts, my directions, and the plans for my life. Because only then can I know true peace and success.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Deborah Ann Spence listed over 60 homes during her first year in Real Estate by cold calling expired listings and 'for sale' by owners (FSBOs). In 2016, Deborah won Rookie of the Year, Top Units Listed, Top Units Sold, Top Combined Units Sold in her sales region in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. This type of success from a rookie agent (without any formal sales training) is unheard of in the industry. Deborah shares her story of what motivated her to stay the course, survive her first year in real estate sales, and to ultimately, come out on top. This is a true story of how one woman turned tragedy into triumph and hardship into success. In Burning Desire, Deborah will share with you the tools needed for success and the activities that, as a new agent or newer agent, should be your primary focus. After reading this book, you too, will be inspired and motivated to reach the top level of your field in real estate, mortgages, finance, investments, or whatever you choose to do. This is an opportunity for you to change your life. It was for Deborah, and it will be for you, as well. Purchase your copy today. Do not wait. As they say in real estate: time is of the essence.

"Once you dig down deep and find your burning desire, you will be able to use that as a motivating force."
--Deborah Spence, top-ranking realtor and author of Burning Desire
www.tinyurl.com/BurningDesireMotivational

Thanks for joining us for another Fab Friday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I'm sure Deborah would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

It's another Fab Friday and I'm pleased to collaborate with Write Now Literary to be a host for Patricia Bridewell's tour. She's sharing a little something sassy and special from the book, so you can get a glimpse of what you're in for. Read on...

Title: Two Steps Past the Altar
Genre: Genre: Inspirational Romance/Fiction 
ISBN: 978-1732130913
ASIN: B07DCC5XFT


Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Sasha Edmonds, is a motivated high-flyer with a stellar track record. Being the top sales representative and having a fiancé who loves her is more than she could ever imagine. Her life spins in another direction when she discovers that her mom requires a life-saving medication and her fiancé, Damien, may be cheating. Devastated, she breaks off their engagement.

Amid healing, she becomes captivated by Wesley, a wealthy pharmaceutical businessman who may hold the cure for her mom, career, and wounded heart. Romance transforms into a love triangle, surfeit of lies, blackmail, and deception.
A story of love, trust, restoration, and forgiveness.

Thanks for joining us for another Fab Friday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I'm sure Patricia would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Finally! Release day for A Woman's Design: Redemption is here and I couldn't be happier. This novel has been postponed so many times, but sometimes you have to follow the flow of things and it cannot be rushed. I am giving my baby into your hands and it is my prayer that you enjoy it.

If you read #writerwednesday then you already know Ambiance had some 'splainin' to do about a few things. Well, today she's about to learn that dreams do come true. Read on...

One lucky reader who leaves a comment will receive a free copy of A Woman's Design: Redemption. And in celebration of today's release, all of my other novels are available for $0.99 this weekend.

Ambiance – After discovering her husband had an illegitimate child resulting from a lengthy affair, her world was torn in two. His untimely passing left her feeling she had been robbed of the chance to deal with the betrayal. Seeking to give herself a fresh start, she packs up and moves cross country to the West Coast. Pursuing her dreams as a business owner, she’s on top of the world, until the man who caused her to question her marriage comes knocking. Will he mend her broken heart, or uproot her new life and leave it in further disrepair?

Naomi – Dealing with empty nest syndrome, she discovers everything everyone ever said about her is true. She has no life. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and entering the dating world after years of being alone, she’s unprepared for the games that lie in wait. Juggling her feelings between two very attractive men, she will soon learn that one is playing a deceptive and dangerous game.

Paige- Barely escaping a deadly snare created by her own devices, she is searching for healing and redemption. After two years of therapy, Paige is finally ready to face her demons. It won’t be as easy as it seems when accusations are constantly launched at her, and people from her past continue to pop up. A former lover is not ready to let go, and she soon finds herself making similar choices from her past. Will she open her heart up to love and be loved, and will she be convinced to open her life to Christ?
Three best friends search for healing and deliverance from their emotional wounds, as they come to grips that the affliction they’ve borne was at the burden of their own hands. They yearn for the redemption of their sins in the arms of men, the arms of a Savior, and in the eyes of one another.
 
When the heart mourns, redemption is born.

We made small talk as we walked the short distance to his hotel. Fortunately, we were able to stay away from the subject matter of “us.”

He shared with me how successful he had become in real estate development and how profitable his business was. In turn, I told him about my boutique I had started with the money left from Eric’s will. He was proud I had realized my dreams, and it showed in the way he responded to me. We were like two old friends catching up on the past.

That all came to an end when he stepped out of the shower and back into the room where I waited. I had only planned for him to come and change shirts and then leave. Now, he stood before me with a towel wrapped around his mid-section and another drying his long locs.

Girlfriends, if I sat here and told you I didn’t look, I’d be lying. My eyes feasted on his chest for a moment. The way each of his pectoral muscles shifted with the movements of his arms had me fascinated. Nick was super fine. I had always known it, but I had never seen his body without clothing. Eventually, my eyes took on a mind of their own as they dropped to the bulge protruding from his towel. Whew! My eyes savored what my body desired but could not have. The dreams I had been having did not quite do him justice.  

“Ambi.” He came to stand in front of me, and my eyes slowly rode up his body to meet his. The desire shining from behind his eyes matched the one underneath his towel.

“Nick, I need to get home.” I stood up, planning to move out of his path, but he gently grabbed my wrist.

Nothing more was said as he lowered his lips to meet mine. That kiss I had been longing for in my office two years ago was finally given to me. And it was worth the wait.

He explored the deepest recesses of my soul with that one single kiss. It was nothing like the sweet peck he had given me outside of Flaming Rio. That was the kiss that had led to the argument between Eric and me. It was that same kiss that drove him from home one last time before his car accident.
Suddenly overcome with guilt, I ended the kiss, pressing my hand against his chest. “Why now, Nick?”

“Why not, baby?”

“Because…because I’m involved again.” I choked that part out, because I knew my involvement with Denver had nothing to do with stopping me from being with Nick.

I had been contemplating leaving Denver alone for a while anyway. I was no longer feeling him like that, and I believed he wasn’t feeling me either. Now wasn’t the time to say that, though. Not sitting up in the hotel room with Nick like that. Not alone with a naked man that I had loved for the better part of the last two-plus years, though my mind tried to deny what my heart knew to be true.

“But your heart isn’t.”

I couldn’t break the stare, and his hand resting lightly on my waist had me paralyzed. The scent of his body wash mesmerized my senses, making me want to explore every inch of him with my tongue. I wanted to know if he tasted as good as he smelled. “How can you say that my heart isn’t involved? You haven’t been around me in two years.”

“Because you wouldn’t be up in this room with me letting me do this.”

Nick slowly removed the straps of my sundress from my shoulders and pushed my dress all the way to the floor. My breath caught in my throat as the chill from the air conditioner stroked my body, and I realized that I stood there in nothing but a thong. Every part of my body throbbed for his touch and ached for his lips to bring sweet relief. I didn’t have to wait or beg, because Nick instantly gave my body the pleasure it sought.

From the base of my neck to the tips of my toes and every spot in between, he licked, caressed, sucked, and nipped. When he picked me up and carried me to his bed, I offered no resistance. When he broke our kiss to grab a condom from his pants, I offered no denial. When he looked in my eyes as he lay on the bed next to me, and said, “Ambi, I’m gonna make love to you, baby. I’m gonna do everything I wanted to do for more than two years now. And I don’t want you to have no regrets in the morning. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Let’s just enjoy the moment right now.”

The morning? He didn’t plan to let me go tonight? Well, I didn’t plan to fight him. Instead, I spread my legs, pushed all thoughts of Denver out of my head, and prepared to open my body, heart, and soul up to the man. Not once did I close my eyes. Not once did I push him away. Not once did I have regrets.

If nothing happened past the night, I wanted every single vision etched into my memory and every single touch seared into my soul.

He kissed me sweetly. “What are you gonna tell your dude in the morning when he asks where you’ve been? When he sees the burns and bruises on your body that I leave tonight, and the fire and light I’m about to bring to your eyes, what’ll you say?”

I thought about one of my favorite singers, Ledisi, as the words to one of her popular songs floated through my head, and I truthfully answered his question. “I’ll blame you.”

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday and a Fabulous Release! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

This #writerwednesday I'm excited to bring a snippet from the much-anticipated, A Woman's Design: Redemption! The release is this Friday, and I hope that it's everything you wanted to be and so much more. There's some growing, changing, ties broken, and so much more. But through it all there is redemption. Read on...

Ambiance – After discovering her husband had an illegitimate child resulting from a lengthy affair, her world was torn in two. His untimely passing left her feeling she had been robbed of the chance to deal with the betrayal. Seeking to give herself a fresh start, she packs up and moves cross country to the West Coast. Pursuing her dreams as a business owner, she’s on top of the world, until the man who caused her to question her marriage comes knocking. Will he mend her broken heart, or uproot her new life and leave it in further disrepair?

Naomi – Dealing with empty nest syndrome, she discovers everything everyone ever said about her is true. She has no life. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and entering the dating world after years of being alone, she’s unprepared for the games that lie in wait. Juggling her feelings between two very attractive men, she will soon learn that one is playing a deceptive and dangerous game.

Paige- Barely escaping a deadly snare created by her own devices, she is searching for healing and redemption. After two years of therapy, Paige is finally ready to face her demons. It won’t be as easy as it seems when accusations are constantly launched at her, and people from her past continue to pop up. A former lover is not ready to let go, and she soon finds herself making similar choices from her past. Will she open her heart up to love and be loved, and will she be convinced to open her life to Christ?

Three best friends search for healing and deliverance from their emotional wounds, as they come to grips that the affliction they’ve borne was at the burden of their own hands. They yearn for the redemption of their sins in the arms of men, the arms of a Savior, and in the eyes of one another.
 
When the heart mourns, redemption is born.

My head was tossed back in passion as my body shivered all the way down to my toes. What was this man doing to me? I knew when I first met him that he would have the power to do things to my body I could never imagine before being with him. His strong, massive, dark hands encircled my waist and held me tight as I bucked, sliding up and down as if he were the pole and I was his private dancer.

“Ah, Ambi! Work it, my mocha princess,” he called out to me. When he said that I couldn’t help but look down to where our bodies connected. My cool, brown skin looked perfect against his sweat-glistened, chocolate rippled muscles. I lowered my head as I looked into his dark eyes. They were so beautiful, and I found myself getting lost in them. I needed to taste him, so I pushed plump, red lips against his full, dark brown ones. He slowly opened his mouth and snaked his tongue inside of mine. His kisses were sweet and tangy, his breath warm and smooth.

Nick flipped me onto my back and pulled me towards the edge of the bed. He lowered his head and did things to me that my husband had never done in all our years of marriage. He had me gripping the sheets tightly between my fists as I arched my back, allowing my core to meet his mouth. I felt the volcano erupting over and over into his mouth. I screamed his name out again and again. It didn’t stop him from lavishing his loving kisses onto my honey nectar. When he finally finished, he stood and entered me. He pushed my long hair away from my face, spreading it on the pillow.

“Open your eyes,” he commanded. When I didn’t obey, his voice came out gruff. “Look at me. I want you to know who’s making you feel like this. I don’t ever want you to mistake me for another, you hear me?” His slanted eyes turned into little slits.

“Yeeesss,” I cried out in passion. He took one large hand and covered my breasts. And let me tell you, these puppies are not small. He rubbed them back and forth in circles and then massaged one at a time. My nipples began pulling towards his mouth, begging for just one little lick, until they felt sore with desire. His eyes lit up, and he continued to play with them before finally giving in to my need.

Releasing my tender nipples, he once again claimed my mouth in his. His tongue searched and made love to mine the way it had just made love to my core. Yes! He was a man who went down and did it well.

“Ambi…I want you to be with me. I’ll do everything he hasn’t done. You deserve to be treated like royalty. You’re so beautiful…so fine…and sexy,” he shared between kisses. “And you’re such a strong, passionate woman. Whatever you want, or need, don’t be afraid to ask me,” he whispered.

“Nick, baby, you know I can’t get involved like that,” I whined.

“Ambi…baby, you’re involved now. Very much so,” he said, looking at me with those sexy eyes. I was so tired, all I wanted was to drift into sleep lying in his arms. I didn’t want to argue with him.

Nick continued to caress my body, and he was making me feel so good from my head to my toes. My body would be sore, and red bruises would surely pop up in the morning. Everywhere he had kissed my skin would show the markings of the whiskers that were growing out on his face. They felt good and rugged right now, but they were sure to punish me come the morning light. I hadn’t felt this good in such a long time. 
 
“Ambi! Ambi!” the voice called through the darkness.

I felt a rough hand shaking me, and my eyes popped open. “Hmm?” I moaned, closing my eyes rapidly against the morning sun slanting through the curtains.

“Who the hell is Nick?” Denver asked, frowning at me through the haze.

“Huh?” I asked, turning to bury my face in the pillow again. I wanted to go back to sleep and finish my dream.

“I said, who the hell is Nick?” Denver grumbled.

“I don’t know. Why you ask?” my muffled voice groaned into the pillow. I peeked my eyes open, heart beating fast.

“Cuz, you called him baby just after you were moaning and groaning like you were having sex or something. So, something you wanna tell me?” Denver asked, pulling the sheets from my shoulders as he disentangled his legs from mine. He jumped out of the bed and grabbed a pair of jeans from a chair near the window.

Denver? Oh yeah, did I forget to mention he’s my boyfriend of six months?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Denver.” I reached down, my fingertips seeking the edge of the cover. Finally, bunching it in my fist, I pulled the cover back up over my head with my eyes peering out watching him closely.

Denver’s back was turned to me as he pulled his jeans on, and I was thankful. If he could see my face, he’d know I was lying. Just thinking about that dream had me blushing, my heart racing, and…yep, my panties were wet. I squeezed my thighs shut and tried unsuccessfully to squeeze images of Nick’s nude body out of my mind.

“Yeah, I bet you don’t. Look, I gotta go. I have a photo shoot in just over an hour and a half that I need to set up for,” he replied, looking at his wrist while he fastened his watch.
I sighed deeply and turned over, my back to him.

 “We’ll talk about this tonight. Are you going to work today?” Denver pulled the cover from over my head.

“Umm, yeah. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know what you’ve been doing with your days, Ambiance.” He released a loud sigh and flicked the covers back over my head. He headed into the bathroom, and I could hear the water turn on. I assumed he was washing his face and brushing his teeth after hearing gargling noises a few minutes later.

There was no way I could get back to sleep, or back to my precious Nick waiting for me in my dreams.

Great! What a wonderful way to start the day. I pulled the covers from my head and watched him walk back into the bedroom, grabbing a T-shirt from his drawer. I felt somewhat guilty, but how could I control the dreams that I had? It was impossible. But then again, there was no way I could explain this dream to him. I didn’t want to explain it. I hadn’t had time to process it myself.

“Denver, please don’t accuse me of something you know I’m not guilty of. I go to work at my shop, just like you do every day. The last thing I’ve got time for is messing around with someone,” I defended.

“Besides, you keep me worn out. I don’t have anything left to give anybody else.” I pouted.

He shot me a doubtful look before making his way back to the bed.

Uh-oh, maybe my acting career went a little too far. The last thing he needed to know was that my panties were wet after I’d been dreaming of another man.

“What are you doing?” I asked, in what I hoped was a controlled voice.

“Wearing you out, to make sure you have nothing left for anyone else.” He unbuckled his belt and then unfastened his jeans as he leered at me.

I was thinking of an excuse to stop him in his tracks fast, but I didn’t have to. Saved by the bell.

As he looked around for his cell phone, I whispered a quick prayer, something I hadn’t done in quite a while. He found it on the nightstand and frowned at the number.

“Hold up a sec, babe,” he apologized, holding a finger up to me. I took advantage and scrambled out of the bed.

My only hope at this point was rushing into the bathroom. There was no way I could pretend that my panties were wet because of his actions toward me. Closing the bathroom door, I took off my panties and buried them at the bottom of the clothes hamper. I turned the shower on and adjusted the temperature until it was the right feel.

I had only been in the shower for a few seconds before the door opened and Denver came in, pulling the shower curtain back.

“Aye, I gotta run. Can I get a raincheck on that?” He pointed at my private area.

I smiled shamelessly at him and winked. “She’ll be waiting.”

He kissed me, giving me a little tongue action before he was out the door.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Image by: Edwin Lester https://www.pinterest.com/blackart/black-christian-art/

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11

In the heat of the moment it's easy to have an emotional reaction to an event or situation that impacts you in a negative manner. Your first instincts kick into gear and your emotions go into overdrive as you search for ways to protect your heart from hurt, and your pride from damage. You go on the defensive because you don't want people to misjudge, misunderstand, or mistake you for a weak person.

I have experienced more of these moments than I would care to admit. The number of occurrences have been drastically reduced as a result of my husband's guiding hand in these critical moments. He always has an encouraging word to speak, or tells me to calm down and wait to see how things play out. More often than not we will blow things out of proportion because we did not wait to see what the true outcome would be. We examine a situation and judge it with our hearts rather than our minds.

As the Scripture above states when we respond in this manner we are fools. Why?

1.) We did not take out the time to understand the other party's perspective and why they said or did a particular thing. Rather, we responded on how the situation or words made us "feel."

2.)We failed to give the benefit of the doubt, assuming the other party purposely meant us harm. There are instances where we did not misunderstand what the other party did or said, but we misunderstand their intentions. We are offended because surely they meant us harm. Sometimes, nothing is further from the truth. Maybe they were not in a position to explain themselves or bring clarity to why they did or said a particular thing.

3.) We are judging from the seat of our emotions rather than allowing Holy Spirit to guide us into the truth. He will never lead us astray, but instead the gift of the Holy Spirit has been given to us to lead us in counsel. (And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2)

It's not always easy to sit back and wait for the truth of a situation to come to light. It's easier to respond and defend yourself in the heat of the moment, to prove that you're not going to let people walk all over you.

OR IS IT?

Actually, the easier thing to do is to give in to your emotions. It's not easy to control your tongue and emotions. James chapter three specifically verses two through ten has a lot to say on the matter. James 3:2-10.

While it may not be easier to control your tongue in the heat of the moment, it is WISER. Allowing your emotions to control you and speaking what you want to in an emotional moment will cause:

1. Regret
2. Broken relationships
3. Hurt
4. Disappointment

And later have you asking Almighty God to forgive you. Especially when you knew better. Honestly, in that moment if you breathe deeply, and try to remain calm, you will hear the Holy Spirit guiding you and telling you what to do. You simply have to be in control of you, rather than allowing the enemy to control you from the seat of your emotions.

Are there any broken relationships in your life resulting from a heat of the moment argument?

Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from?

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Pray and ask the Lord for guidance in that area of your life. You may also want to confide in a trusted confidant, such as your spiritual advisor, prayer partner, or other trusted person in your life.

Be on the lookout this week for ways the enemy is trying to control your emotions. Stand back and view all things from a spiritual place and trust Holy Spirit to guide you through.


I leave you with this Scripture in parting to give you strength for the week ahead:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Have a blessed and beautiful week, and thank you for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment.

Thanks for joining us for a Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

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It's another Fab Friday and we're back with all the drama, fire, and spice you're used to. Today's featured author delivers up a spicy love in her signature style. Aja is here with her novel, Good Old Soul. Read on...

What was going on between us had become more than just hanging out and having great sex; it had become a relationship and neither of us were pretending it wasn’t. To say that I was surprised that I cared for Gabriel as much as I do was an understatement.
My dating game had fizzled long ago because I didn’t have the time to entertain anyone else, nor did I have the desire. My time with Gabriel had replaced all of that for the time being. I was wise enough to know that men got tired very quickly and everything would die. I tried not to have those kinds of thoughts while I was with him; even if it was hard considering our major differences, especially his age and his experience. I believe he knew exactly where and how far he wanted to our relationship because he had likely been down this road before, whereas I was just a novice. Love games weren’t games to me. I dated to have fun, but I had no intention of becoming emotional involved, and I told him so.
“Do you want a husband or children one day?” He asked me, his fingers running through my blown out ‘fro; something he seemed to really like doing when my hair was all out and not in twists or braids.
“No, not really. Honestly, I don’t think about it. I had a boyfriend once and it seemed like he and I would go to that place where I would at least consider it, but then he changed on me and I let that thought go.”
“Changed how?” The fact that he seemed genuinely interested made me want to open up to him. A lot of guys don’t care; they’re not listening when you speak so I’ve learned not to talk much about anything meaningful in an effort to save my time and energy. Not that I didn’t have very deep thoughts to share, but why waste my breath, right?
“At first, it was beautiful,” I started, noticing the tension in his body against my face that was lying on top of his chest, but I continued anyway, “But he soon became a jerk. He would say to me in the beginning how he wanted to have something real where his girl was honest and intelligent, and a freak in bed. I was all of those things and then he stopped appreciating it.”
“Maybe he didn’t know what he had in you,” he murmured softly.
“He knew, I think, but he got tired of how much work being with someone so intelligent, so … deep was. Eventually you all do. Women become the very thing you say you want and in my case, I had already been all of those things, but then he stopped noticing. He stopped talking to me, stopped listening to anything I had to say, stopped complimenting me on my accomplishments — or even me. I had just gotten my license as a massage therapist and called to tell him. He said, “Cool”, but then said he had to go. It was as if nothing big or monumental had occurred. Am I wrong for wanting a man that is truly for me?”
“No, not at all. He should be your supporter in all things if he’s serious.” His chest was so comforting. The slow and steady heartbeat was soothing to me.
Darryl had stopped being a supporter of mine long before we broke up, I thought. I remember him telling me that a man should be the one to tell his woman she is beautiful and that I should hear that each and every day. He stopped complimenting me. He became one of those men he seemed intent on separating himself from.
“That’s what I thought. When I spoke up, something an assertive woman would do, he said all I did was complain, but he claimed he liked assertive women. Let’s just say that after a while, I realized he didn’t really want me and it was over.”
“Are you over him?”
“I’d like to think that I am.”
“But, not really.”
“Not really. I’m over him the guy, but I’m not over what happened. It was like all that energy and all that time I was in the relationship with him, was for nothing. He took but stopped giving and I was left hurting, so then I stopped giving. I date, but that’s as far as it goes because in that, there is no losing, not of myself and not of my heart.”
We lied there breathing quietly and I guess, in our own thoughts. I wondered if he would open up. Whether I had said too much, and I probably did, but for some reason, I wasn’t worried about it like I might have been in the past. Either he wanted the truth about me and would appreciate it, or he’d want the lie that looked pretty and leave when he didn’t get it. All that mattered was the good time we were having right now, right?
Eventually he did speak and his words rumbled against my ear, his fingers moving through my hair threatening to lull me to sleep. “You’re right. In the beginning, both men and women say what they need to get what they want. Usually, they mean it though. Something changes along the way and all of the intentions on how you want to be with that person gets lost. Distractions come in. Life happens and the goodness fades away. You’re left with the skeleton, which can’t be hidden. I’ve been there too. I’ve been the one to tell the well-meaning lies and I’ve received them.”
“So, we have both been burned.”
“Absolutely, but that doesn’t mean you give up completely unless you’re positive you want to be a ship drifting alone on the temperamental sea with the waves pushing you to and fro.”
I thought about his words. Trying to take something meaningful from what he was saying to me. When Gabriel spoke, I listened. Maybe it was his maturity over me, although we almost seemed matched, but surely his experience made him wiser. I don’t know, I just know when he spoke I listened and considered.
I considered whether it was worth the risk of getting further involved with a man that could tear me apart and not see it coming. Darryl was a slow demise. I saw it coming over time. Less calls, dates and visits. No real conversation that went beyond the cursory ‘how are you’. We died over time, so I could feel it and prepare myself for it even if it still hurt me. Gabriel seemed like he could sneak the ending up on me because he was everything I was beginning to fall for and never knew I really wanted.
“I don’t know if I’m a ship out at sea or docked. I just know for now, I like the freedom of being either.” The freedom to be either with him, is what my heart said.
“I hear you.”
“So, now that we’ve been philosophical for the day, what would you like to do? I don’t have to start work until 2 o’clock today.”
“Hmmmm, let me see. I haven’t made love to you in over an hour. That seems like something I should handle right away. What comes next can remain a mystery. Okay?”
Smiling against his chest, I agreed. “Definitely, okay.”
© Aja 2018

Aja is the writer of sensually erotic and passionate women’s fiction. Her stories allow readers to experience realistic, inspiring and soulful interactions and intense passion while overcoming life’s challenges. She is inspired by soulful music and sensual art to craft her stories. Her published works include the Love & Passion series featuring her new release Good Old Soul. Aja is working on her next love story, Love’s Required.
 
Contact Aja:
My website: http://www.ajathewriter.com
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Aja/e/B00K30K138/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aja_thewriter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThewriterAja
FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/ajawriter/
Sign up for my mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/cnEs1f

Click here to join our mailing list for upcoming releases and book promo specials.

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The You-Song celebrates, in a way young children can understand, the unique and vital place each of us occupies in God's world and encourages them to fill their place in it with joy. Written by a teacher who's helped many children overcome reading challenges, "The You-Song" is user-friendly, consisting of words that are either familiar or easy to decode. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 50 heart-warming photos, it's also fun to read aloud to pre-readers.
Genre:  Juvenile Nonfiction

Thanks for joining us for another Fab Friday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I'm sure Joanne would love to hear from you!

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It's another Fab Friday and today's featured author is Danyelle Scroggins. She's here to share her novel, Enduring Love. The plans of our lives don't always align with the plans of God. When we become lost in our thoughts and plans, the Lord has a way of bringing things back to reality. Read on...

No one ever truly realizes the power of their love, until love is tested and they have to endure things unimaginable and sometimes hurtful. And if the truth is declared, no one wants to but…
Sometimes we find ourselves standing in the test of love, and this is exactly where Priscilla Marshall finds herself. Married to Steven since she graduated college, together they were the perfect couple. Both making successful business moves, both loved their choices, but one had a secret that could change their lives.

Priscilla, now forced to make a plan to secure her future, finds out that a plan without God involved is not a plan at all because “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

What will God use to make this woman’s plan come full circle with His own, and after the test, will they find that they truly do have an Enduring Love?

Priscilla is the wife of Steven Marshall and the owner of Marshall’s Mortgage. She’s too wise for her own good and has decided that instead of exposing her husband, she would rather clean him dry and leave the marriage. Her plan seems to be going just fine until Priscilla gets the shock of her life.
Now confused, she attends the Love Never Fails retreat in Loving, Texas hosted by her college friend and roommate, Serafine. Priscilla finds out that no plan will ever work outside of God’s plan which will always prevail. And this causes her to determine if she and Steven truly have an Enduring Love.
 
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Priscilla reasoned why God would choose her to be the carrier of life. Married for almost fifteen years, sexual pleasures only happened on special occasions. Often without romance, and starting with a touch here, feel there, and a real quick release on his part. The thought of making a baby vanished long ago.

In reality, indecisiveness plagued her like a severe toothache regarding being a wife or instead, being his wife. Her mind and ambitions settled on being the audacious executive she fancied herself. Relinquishing all thoughts of motherhood, that were now nowhere in the plan.
Many are the plans of man…but it is the Lord’s plans that prevail.

Dr. Thorpe’s private practice became her haven, the place where swift answers and solutions to her most pressing issues materialized. Today, he acted as the grim reaper delivering death-blows instead of solutions. Death to her plans, dreams, and her one hundred and thirty-five-pound figure. She worked hard for her body, and to destroy it for a child neither of them wanted put her in a complete stupor. 
      
As she sat in a makeshift gown barely covering her breasts, Priscilla sighed. Moving to get more comfortable on the green leather table-bed covered with a sheet of wrinkled white paper, she felt hopeless. Priscilla swung her legs as though they could propel her into another space in time. She took a deep breath. Lumps in her throat seemed to suffocate her and caused her to give in to the explosive stream of tears cascading down her face.

How am I going to care for a child in the midst of running a company? Marshall’s Mortgage a premier mortgage company and her baby, her purpose that bequeathed her employees who became family. A creative concept and idea birthed right after leaving college with a degree in accounting and nourished with intensity and integrity. The thought of leaving it with anyone for more than a day or two frightened her. Because of this baby, she would have no choice.

“Priscilla? Are you alright?” Dr. Thorpe inquired.

Startled by his voice and still confused, she hadn’t noticed his return. “Dr. Thorpe, I’m not alright. This pregnancy is so unexpected. I thought maybe the flu or a virus. But this? I took a darn pill every day since Steven and I married. They’re supposed to prevent this. I don’t understand how it could happen,” she responded with a pant and sniffle between words.
      
“I’ve been an OB doctor for well over twenty years, and I promise I see women who swear they took their birth-control pill on time and still got pregnant. I know you are quite familiar with God and His work. And, I consider us close friends so I can say this.”
 
Priscilla nodded.

“No matter what and how we try, we can never abort the plans of God. He knows this child is going to gain a complete knowledge of Him. The Father chose you and Steven to protect, nurture, and train him or her in the way they should go. Priscilla instead of the questions why and how be excited, and grateful God chose you.”

“I don’t feel like this is something I want to do. I don’t even know if I can do it.”

“Talk to Steven about this before you make any rash decisions. If you want my opinion, I believe you can do all things through Christ. Priscilla, He will strengthen you. Could this baby be the next president or a future author? Who knows? But one thing is for sure, you will never know if you don’t allow this child the opportunity to be presented to the world.” As Dr. Thorpe patted Priscilla on the shoulder he continued, “Now, you can get dressed. Here’s a little baggy with goodies in it like prenatal vitamins, iron pills, and a couple of packages of ointment for your skin to prevent stretch marks.”

“I guess. I sure would prefer some more birth control and condoms, but since it is what it is, my choice doesn’t matter. Gotta find a way to accept what God allowed. Thank you for my goodies.” She smirked, acknowledging the brown paper bag in her hand.

"Exactly.  Now get dressed. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Priscilla slid off the table, pulled the paper gown off, and glanced at herself in the mirror over the sink. She retrieved her panties, skirt, shirt, scarf, and blazer from behind the dressing area and in slow motion began to dress. Fully clothed, she threw the paper gown in the trash and peered at herself once again.

Noticing the trail of tear stains on her cheeks, she snatched a couple of the brown napkins from the dispenser. Priscilla turned on the faucet, wet the napkins, and wrung out the excess water before washing her face. She reapplied her makeup to restore the picture of perfection before she’d received the shock of her life. Priscilla’s mind drifted to the man who refused to pull out in time.

Steven warned her on rare occasions during sex God would not punish him for spilling his goods on the ground. He did what she cautioned him not to do. And now this. She felt upset, and by her book, had every right to be. Although being upset would not solve anything, at least having somewhere to direct her anger could bring relief. The more she thought of Steven, the angrier she got. So much she answered, “What?”, when Dr. Thorpe knocked on the door.

“Here’s the reminder of your next appointment date.” Even though she didn’t respond, he continued.

“On your next visit, you’ll have an ultrasound to determine the around about day of conception. We would like to get as close as possible to the date of conception so the little person won’t have to be in his or her mother’s womb a day or hour longer than needed”. 

At least he’s not like other doctors acting as if they could specify the date of conception to the tee. Heck, I know precisely when Steven bombarded his way into my private space.

After hugging Dr. Thorpe without saying one word, she gathered her stuff, walked out the room into the waiting area, and nodded goodbye to nurse Carol. Retrieving her keys from the bottom of her champagne colored Steve Madden bag, she sighed. Put your big girl panties on Priscilla.

Her navy wool blazer did little to protect her body from the sharp piercing Louisiana wind. Instinctively, she draped her beautiful pink multicolored scarf around her neck and used the excess fabric to cover her head. Moving in swift strides, with hopes of keeping as warm as possible, Priscilla pushed the button on her keychain to her convertible BMW 435i.

She opened the door, placed the brown bag of goodies in the backseat, then climbed into her car. After securing the locks and her seatbelt, Priscilla searched through her car’s artist collection for some music to minister to her broken spirit. She selected Marvin Sapp’s “Here I Am.” “Come on, Pastor Marvin, convince me please God has His hands on and around me,” she mumbled as the song began to play. “God, I know You will provide for me. This is Your will.”

Invasive tears cascaded down her face ruining her makeup again. This time she decided not to repair, because instead of going back to her office, Priscilla drove towards home. With a quick push of the phone button on the radio console, she instructed the voice-activated operator to dial her office. After the third ring, a female voice answered.

“Good afternoon, Marshall’s Mortgage. How may we be of service to you?”

Regina answered with professional charm because Priscilla would have it no other way. Greetings were Priscilla’s pet peeves. She desired warm and friendly interactions with her staff and demanded the same for the clients at Marshall’s Mortgage.
      
“How are you?” Priscilla asked Regina Jones, the best assistant and secretary ever. She valued her because she only instructed her once for anything and it happened.

“I’m fine, Mrs. Marshall. How did your appointment go? You sound a little different.”

“We will talk about it later, Regina. Right now I’m too weak even to hear myself explain it. Nothing too serious, so don’t get all worried. But it’s enough to alter my emotions.”

“Okay, I understand. But it won’t stop me from praying for you.”
 
“Thank you. While you are at it, ask God if He’s sure He picked the right person?”

“You know they say ‘nothing just happens,' so if God allowed, He will provide with all the provisions you’ll need. Are you coming back to the office today?”
       
“That’s why I called. I think I better go home and lie down. The doctor’s appointment drained me, and if I do not get some rest, I might hurt someone. Would you please phone all of my afternoon clients, apologize for me canceling, and reschedule them for Monday?”
      
“Yes, ma’am. I pray you feel better. I will only call you if anything comes up I cannot handle and I’ll tell all of your originators what’s going on.”
      
“Thank you. I appreciate you. And Regina, please don’t disclose or share concerning my doctor’s appointment. I’m not asking you to lie, but find a unique way to explain the cancellations to my clients and the staff.”
      
“Sure and you’re welcome.” Priscilla motioned to move the phone from her ear when she heard, “Mrs. Marshall!”          

“Yes, Regina?”
      
“Get some rest, please!”
      
“I will.” Priscilla smiled at the demand.

“See you soon, Mrs. Marshall.”

Danyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana, who is a dynamic author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies, and a Master’s in Religious Education from the Liberty University. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC and is an avid reader. She is the wife of Pastor Reynard Scroggins and the mother of three.

To find out more about Danyelle Scroggins the pastor or author, and her ministries, visit www.danyellescroggins.com, www.newvesselministries.org, www.facebook.com/danyellescroggins, or www.twitter.com/PastorDanyelle.

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