Thankful

Here's a belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I couldn't get to my computer yesterday because I am the cook! As much as I adore a Turkey dinner with all the fixin's, it is a lot of work. Four hours of cooking and 20 minutes of eating! Usually I'm too tired to enjoy my meal but I'm ready for leftovers tonight. Regardless I feel extremely blessed because all my children, save one daughter, were able to spend the day with us. Our daughter, Christine, who is attending the Naval Academy flew in on Wednesday night and it's been wonderful to catch up with her. After dinner we all sat around and watched a James Bond movie marathon. It's one of the few days in the year, I don't spend glued to my laptop. Anyway, I pray everyone's Thanksgiving went well and you were blessed with family and good food.

There's been so much bad news lately in this country, the economy, the terror threats, gas prices, layoffs etc... seems like we have much to complain about. But yesterday, I stopped and thought about all we do have to be thankful for. So, I made a list of the 10 things I'm most thankful for.

1. Jesus

2. My husband

3. My kids

4. Good health

5. Book contracts

6. Friends

7. Good movies and books

8. Talls ships and the age of sail!

9. The ocean

10. Good food

I'd love to hear what 10 things you're most thankful for! I really enjoyed all your comments on my last blog. I read every blog posting, so don't be shy. It really helps to stop and list the good things God has blessed you with. A sure fire way to pull yourself out of a bad mood.

For those of you brave enough to comment, I'll choose a name on Dec 8th, to receive a free copy of A Constant Heart, by Siri Mitchell. I just finished reading it and it is really good.

Why do bad things happen to good people--part 8?

To pave the way for the miraculous! Think about it, there are no miracles without disasters. Every single miracle in the Bible, whether it was the parting of the Red Sea, or the casting out of demons, the healing of the sick or raising of the dead, every miracle fixed a horrific problem. Here's just a few examples:

• Daniel had to be tossed into the Lion's Den in order for God to close the Lion's mouths
• Moses and the people of Israel had to become cornered against the Red Sea with Pharoah's armies closing in on them for God to part the sea and deliver them
• The demoniac in Gadarene had to live possessed by many demons for quite some time before Jesus cast them all out
• Lazarus had to die before Jesus could raise him from the dead
• The woman with the issue of blood had to be sick for 12 years before Jesus could heal her.

You may be experiencing similar problems in your life, a health issue, a problem with your children, financial troubles...etc. Maybe it feels like enemies are surrounding you and closing in and all is lost. Perhaps this is God's way of preparing you to receive His greatest miracle yet! But there is something you need to do. Stop complaining, stop trembling, and get on your knees. Bring your problems to God and then trust Him for His deliverance. It may not come right away, but I challenge you to find one place in the Bible where God did not deliver His people from harrowing circumstances when they humbled themselves, prayed, and believed that He would. How many people miss out on God's best because of pride and unbelief?

Don't lose heart. Don't lose faith. Keep praying and keep believing. God is good and He loves you more than anything.

My infatuation with the sea!

As most of you know, I love the ocean! I grew up in South Florida where we lived less than a mile from the beach, and I spent hours swimming and wading in the turquoise waves. When I was a kid, South Florida wasn't as crowded as it is now and the beaches were much more pristine and uncluttered. One of my favorite things to do was put on a mask and snorkle and swim out as far as I could until I couldn't see the bottom of the ocean anymore! I saw all kinds of fish, small schools that swam by an tickled my feet, and sometimes even a fish that was as large as me. The water was always warm, like stepping into a soothing bath. I also loved to build huge sand castles, complete with moat and drawbridge and then watch the tide come in and swallow my castle, taking it back out to sea. Nothing feels better than laying on the warm sand in the sun and closing your eyes and listening to the sound of the waves, the squawk of sea gulls and the flutter of palm fronds. I really miss it and go back home as much as I can. Anyway, in addition to writing, I also oil paint. I bet you can guess what the topic of most of my paintings has been! I decided to post three of them here for you to look at. There was a point about 4 years ago when I asked God which direction I should go in. Should I pursue a career in oil painting or writing because I didn't have time for both. The clear answer I got was Writing. So, although I don't have time anymore to paint, I do have my paintings close at hand while I'm writing.

What places stand out to you in your childhood that bring back happy memories? Perhaps places where you and your family spent time together on the weekend or for holidays? I'd love to hear your stories.

Max, the pirate doggy!

Last month I had a pirate kitty, this month we have a pirate doggy! But, I don't need you to name this one, sorry. He already has a name. Let me introduce you to Max. He belongs to a lady named Teresa Faucette and I couldn't resist posting these pictures. A friend of mine sent them to me.

Max does all kinds of things, he goes to schools and teaches stop drop and roll. He does hospitals, local fundraisers, birthday parties etc. Here are some pictures of Max in his costume for the children in the hospital. He is going to be in an upcoming issue of Redbook magazine too!

Isn't he adorable?

I love animals. Don't you think it's cool of God to give us such loving creatures to love and care for? I don't know what I'd do without my cats!

Why do bad things happen to good people--part 7?

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Joseph. Most of you probably know the story but in recap:

• 
  
• Joseph was sold into slavery at the age of 17 by his jealous brothers
• The captain of Pharaoh's guard, Potiphar, purchased Joseph as his slave, but eventually put Joseph in charge of his household
• Potiphar's wife lusted after Joseph and when he turned her down, she lied about him and had him thrown into prison
• Joseph spent many years in prison where he met 2 of Pharaoh's officials and interpreted their dreams.
• After the official's dreams came true, one was released back into Pharaoh's service but forgot all about Joseph.

Basically, Joseph spent 13 years of his youth as either a slave or in prison for doing absolutely nothing wrong. (Most people at this point would be mad at God. I know I probably would)

But it only took one day for Joseph to go from the prison to the palace and become the Prime Minister of Egypt, 2nd only in power to Pharoah. (Note: When God is ready to act, He doesn't mess around!)

Could it be that all these "seemingly" horrible things that happened to Joseph were all just preparing him for a huge promotion? Joseph spent the rest of his life in luxury and fame. He got married, had kids, and was eventually reunited with his family. But more importantly, God used him in a powerful way to save the people of Israel from being exterminated by an upcoming famine.

God used every single bad thing in Joseph's life to teach him, to humble him, and to prepare him for the great responsibiity of running Egypt.

So, the next time you're tempted to complain or get angry about some bad situations that have come you way, stop and consider that perhaps God wants to use you in a far greater way than you could ever imagine. I wonder how many people miss out on all God has to give them because they gave up on God during the hard times?

One of my favorite gifts!

Happy Monday! Thanks to all of you who met me on Facebook, and to those who left comments about your weekends! I love hearing about what others do in their "off" time. I thought I'd start off the week on a positive note since this is the beginning of the holiday season and talk about gifts! I wanted to share with you one of my favorite gifts given to me by my husband. No, it's not diamonds or a car or a new dress. It's a pirate statue! This picture doesn't really do it justice. My husband gave this to me about 3 years ago on my birthday just when my pirate books were being released. The really cool thing about the statute is that the pirate has a cross around his neck. My husband didn't notice it when he bought it, but it was one of the first things that struck me after I opened the package. This was just another one of God's marvelous ways to tell me I was on the right track by writing about Christian pirates!

To me, it's not the expensive gifts that matter. It's those gifts that are from the heart. The ones that tell me that the person stopped to think about me and what I would like personally. My husband is very good at that. (I think I'll keep him) Anyway, my pirate friend now sits by my computer and helps me write!

I love this time of year. Not just for the gifts I receive, or the gifts I love to give, but because this is the time of year that we celebrate God's ultimate gift to us of his Son, Jesus. Without Him, there would be no occasion for joy or celebration at all.

What have been some of the favorite gifts you've received over the years?

Facebook and Friday!

Well, I finally broke down and started a profile on Facebook. So many people have encourgaged me to do so and I resisted over and over. The problem for me is TIME. Which often seems to be my enemy rather than my friend. I'm already on Shoutlife, which consumes some of my time, and I try to maintain this blog, my website, send out a quarterly newsletter (which I have no idea if anyone reads!) answer all fan emails, book signings, etc. The last thing I needed was another site to maintain. But, I'm really going to try and keep up with it all (And write a full length novel every 6 month!) Oh, and did I mention, I'm also a full time housewife and mother? HELP!
Anyway, if you're on Facebook, please do me the honor of requesting my friendship! I'd appreciate it. And a reader of mine also started a fan club for me there. The M.L. Tyndall fan club. If you'd like to be a part of that, I'd be thrilled!

Anyway, Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but I really look forward to the weekends! My weeks are so full of work and writing and all that goes into it, that I'm anxious for a change of scenery (from my computer screen!) Plus, I get to spend more time with my handsome husband and our children and relax. I love church on Sunday too. That time where I can enter the sanctuary and completely focus on the Lord and what He has done for me. Plus our pastor always gives such a great sermon. And it's usually something I need to hear!

What is your favorite part about your weekend? I'd love to hear your comments.

Why do bad things happen to good people--part 6?

I love the grand finale in the book of Job. In the last chapter, after all that Job went through and the final point where he bent his knee to God in complete humble submission, despite his pain, we see that God restored everything to Job that he had lost. But not only everything--twice as much as he had before! Even twice the life span. He lived out his days in complete comfort until he was 140 years old. And I imagine he was a much happier person than he was before. Not because of the extra "things" but because Job had found something much better in his suffering. He had developed a deeper knowlege of and relationship with God. (I want to make one aside about Job's children here. He didn't receive double the children back. Why? Because he didn't lose his original children. They were in Heaven!)

Could it be that whatever you're going through right now could be preparing you for something really cool that God wants to give you in the future? But if He gave it to you now, you may end up not appreciating it or squandering it, or maybe even allow it go to your head and become prideful? Most people are better able to handle success when they've tasted failure. God may be working out something in your character now through trials that will enable you to handle great success later.

In my own life, I can attest to this. I went through many years of suffering, crying out to God to save me from a certain situation. Finally after years of whining and complaining, I remember the day I told God. Not my will, but Yours be done. At that point, I was truly willing to gladly bear whatever He allowed to come my way. God had worked out all the pride and independence out of me. And it was then that wonderful things began to happen! But it can't just be words, it has to come from your heart.

I wonder how many people truly miss out on all that God has to give them simply because they weren't willing to learn through the hard times? Pleaes don't let that be you.

Writing news

I sent out my Fall newsletter today. (Albeit a wee bit late) If you're not on my list and would like to receive it, scroll down and there is a place to sign up on your right. Basically, I just give my latest book news, some brief reviews of books I've read that I enjoyed, usually a yummy recipe, and a small devotional, and upcoming booksignings and appearances.


I'm working on the final edits on The Blue Enchantress, book 2 of the Charles Towne Belles series. It is due in December and I'm one of these writers that has to have it as perfect as I can get it before I turn it in. This book won't be out until next August. I know it seems like a long time but it takes that long to have it edited and the cover made, publicity announcements created and distributed, catalogues updated, and the actual copies printed...etc..etc... I'm sure I have no idea everything that happens after I turn it in. But until I see the requested editorial changes (sometime in Feb, I expect) I'm done with this book.



And onto the next one, The Raven Saint, which I expect to begin writing sometime in January.


But I'm really excited about the first book in the series, The Red Siren, to be released in January. Next month I plan to start blogging little teasers about the book, pictures of characters, in-depth looks at the characters, a cool trailer I'm having made, an insider look at the plot...etc.. Plus I'll be hosting several giveaways of free copies before the book's release. I hope you'll stay tuned for all the fun.

And please don't be shy about leaving comments here on my blog or emailing me. I love hearing from my readers and personally read and respond to each email. You may even send me your prayer requests if you feel comfortable doing so and I promise to lift each one up before God's throne.

Have a great week, and God Bless!

Chapter a week Christmas book giveaway!

The holidays are just around the corner! So we're giving away another ten-pound box of autographed Chapter-a-Week books to one Chapter-a-Week member.

Simply send an email with "Chapter-a-Week Christmas Giveaway" in the subject line to mailto:cawcontest@gmail.com and you'll be entered in the drawing. If you get a friend to sign up for the contest and they give us your name you'll be entered twice! The deadline for signing up is November 24th and the winner will be announced the day after Thanksgiving so the books will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.

Get your entries in and be sure to tell your friends to sign up for Chapter-a-Week!
To qualify, the return email address must be on the Chapter-a-Week membership list. Continental U. S. residents only, please. Industry professionals should refrain from entering, and though we'd love you to share our books with your friends, these books are not for resale.

Thanks and happy reading!
Your friends at Chapter-a-Week

Winner of In the Shadow of the Sun King is....

Rae Byuel! Congratulations Rae! And thanks to everyone who entered. This is a wonderful historical and I encouage you to get a copy for yourself!

The Beginning of the End?

It's been chilly here in Northern California and my heater keeps clicking on. (Can't wait to get that bill!) Most of you who live in the northern states think I'm crazy, but if the thermometer dips below 60, I pull out the winter coats! Remember, I'm a Florida girl. I'm also a bit chilled by the election this week. Chilled because I fear for the direction in which this great nation of ours is headed. On the one hand, I'm happy to see that a black man has been elected to the highest office in this country! What a testament to how far we have come in overcoming our prejudice. Yet, on the other hand, this man's policies, values, and beliefs terrify me. Is this the beginning of the end for the Judeo-Chrisitian values our forefathers built this great nation upon? Values of family and morality and ethics? Is this the end of their vision for small government and low taxes and a capitialist free market? I supppose time will tell.

I intend to pray for our new president. Not only because God asks me to, but because Mr. Obama will need it as he takes over this crumbling ecnomomy and volatile world. One of my biggest concerns is how he will deal with our national security. How is the Middle East taking the news of this new president? According to Joel Rosenberg, author of Epicenter, Iran is thrilled to have a US president who most likely will not deter their nuclear ambitions. Iraq, on the other hand, is frightened that a sudden withdrawal of troops would spell disaster for their fledgling nation. Palestinians are excited to have a pro-Palestinian in the White House who will have no qualms about dividing up Jerusalem for peace, while Israel has lost their only ally in the world. According to a senior political strategist in Israel, "The State of Israel is now facing the most unfriendly American administration ever….Israel's will to live will be tested in ways that will not be pretty."

Let me end on this: God's will will be done. Ultimately, He is on the throne and has a plan for this world and our nation, the details of which have already been worked out before we were even born. As Daniel 2:21 says "He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." And though the world may be entering a period of great distress, remember the words of Psalm 91,

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Why do bad things happen to good people--part 5?

To produce greater intimacy with God.

Come on, let's face it, when things are going well, how often do any of us really stop and spend quality time in God's presence? Some of us may from time to time, or we'll have our quiet time in the morning, read a couple verses and say a prayer. But I'm talking about those gut-wrenching, heart to hearts, (the kind my husband hates to have with me!) those times where all the facades, the rituals, the lists go out the window and you let everything out that's on your heart. And you listen and you groan and cry. Well, there's nothing like a good tragedy to bring us to our knees and gets us to ask the really important questions:

Do you love me, God?

Why is this happening? Do you really care?

Have you forgotten me? Do you feel my pain?

So many times I pray that I want to know God more. I want to know how He thinks, how He feels, what's important to Him. What if the only way for God to answer my prayer and bring me to the place where I'll stop and actually get to know Him is through tragedy? From my own personal experience, it's been the times of the deepest anquish when I've heard God's voice the most clearly.

In Psalm 34, the Scripture says that "God is near the brokenhearted" Regardless of what the enemy may whisper in your ear or what your friends say, God cares and He promises to never leave us.

In the book of Job, Job never found out the cause of his suffering. But he discovered something far more precious.

Job 42:5 "My hears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen You."

Winner of Name the Pirate Kitty contest is....!

Angie! for the name Spyglass! Angie has won a copy of The Red Siren and a bag of catnip!

This contest was so much fun for me (and for Sniffles) ! I really enjoyed reading all the entries and "stories" and all the creative genius out there! Thanks so much for all your entries. I've listed all the wonderful names entered:

Patchless

Parrott

Rumbullion

Shadow

Spyglass

Esmerelda

Figgenbothom

One-eyed Jack

Larry

One-eyed Jaci

Cutlass Claws

Kit'n Caboodle

Alvilda

Mary