Weekly Windup: Comment to Win Worth the Time by Laura Jackson

Congratulations to Mary Hamilton who was the winner of The Declaration of Independence Complete Series

If you are a winner, please contact us here with your address to claim your prize. 

This Week's Giveaway is:

Worth the Time by Laura Jackson

Doesn't anyone feel she's worth their time?

Routinely ignored by her single mother, high school senior Lindsey Hamilton hides her loneliness behind a mask of flirtatious self-confidence that has many boys wrapped around her finger. However, during community service required for graduation, she meets a shy guy with a haunted past who barely gives her the time of day. Why doesn't he like her?

Then the father she thought had abandoned her before birth wants to meet, and she discovers everything she believed about him is a lie.

How will Lindsey learn to trust so she can realize that she has been loved all along?

 Check it out on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

This giveaway runs through July 27th. Comment on any post between now and then to enter, and remember, the more comments you make, the more entries you earn!

    Winners will be announced in the Weekly Wind-up.

  Coming up this week:

Monday: Devotion by Catherine Castle
Tuesday: Marguerite Higgins - Award Winning Journalist by Linda Matchett
Wednesday: English Trifle by Deb Garland
Thursday: Jennifer Fromke reviews Catch a Falling Star by Beth Vogt
Friday: A Vase of Crime Giveaway and Review
Saturday: Sit Down Saturday with Josie Downey

We look forward to hanging out with you this week!

 Check out our Prizes Galore Page to see all our giveaways.

Confessional Friday

I participate in a weekly blog link-up called Confessional Friday, where bloggers share tidbits about their week--things they may not normally share.

So, I thought I'd do a Reader Confessional Friday.

I confess that I often check reviews after reading a book just to see if other people agree with me.

I confess that I currently have 297 books on my kindle to-read list, just waiting for me.

I confess that doesn't count the hundred or so books on my book shelf waiting to be read.

I confess I have a small--okay large--crush on the hero of whatever book I'm reading at the time.

I also confess that I usually forget about said hero (and most of the plot) by the next week. So, when a character sticks out, I know it's a five-star book.

I confess I'm a sucker for a bad boy in a book.

I confess I get annoyed by heroines who are weak or co-dependent. I like feisty, independent characters.

That's it for today.

What's your reader confession?

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into this week's giveaway!

Laura Jackson serves as the librarian of an elementary school and writes YA novels at night. Her first book Worth the Wait released in February, and the second book in the series (Worth the Time) comes out in January 2015. Connect with her on FB, Twitter, or on her website.

Looking for Life in a Graveyard!

Last Sunday, my pastor taught on Ephesians 2:1-7. It's a powerful portion of scripture explaining how Christ brought us from death to life.

He made a comment about singles not looking for a mate in the graveyard and that we shouldn't date a corpse. It was funny, but I loved his point. His point was if we are alive in Christ, why would we want a mate who is spiritually dead?

It got me thinking. How many times do I look for life in things that are dead?

We search for life in people, places, and things that can never satisfy us. We strive for peace, comfort, and love among the dead.

And then we wonder why we feel spiritually dead, emotionally drained, and even physically tired.

But, we have the answer. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that if she drank of the living water, she'd never thirst again. We have the bread of life at our disposal 24/7, especially with the lovely invention of the Bible apps.

Drink of Him. Taste of His Word and see that it is good.

And Live, an eternal life that not even death can touch.


Are you looking for life in a graveyard? Or are you living in the spirit?


Laura Jackson loves Jesus, trees, and the Houston Rockets. She lives in a suburb of Houston, where she serves as a librarian by day and a YA author at night. Her debut novel Worth the Wait released in February, and its sequel Worth the Time comes out in January 2015. Find her at http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/.

Time

 

Time.

It can move so slowly or streak past in a blur, depending on our circumstances and perspective.
My second book, releasing in January of 2015, is titled Worth the Time, so I've been thinking about time a lot lately.

How I waste it.
How precious it is.

I don't want to waste this gift, a season to live for Jesus, bringing glory to His name.
Yet I do.

At night, I reflect on the day before I go to sleep and too many nights, I can't think of one thing of eternal value that I did that day.

Here are a few scriptures about time. They're taken from the ESV.

Ephesians 5:15-17

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Colossians 4:4-6

That I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

I've seen on Facebook and Instagram people using the hashtags #100HappyDays, which asks people to look for something that makes them happy for 100 days straight. I haven't participated yet, but I'm thinking I might, not necessarily to think of things that make me happy but things that show I appreciate the time God has given me, that I'm focused on using it for His glory.

Things like the picture at the top, which is at a restaurant near my house. My friend from birth and I had a great dinner there, laughing as we watched the sun set.

I don't want to take a second for granted.

How do you capture the gift of time? Are you a person who documents each moment or do you silently soak them all in? Do you make lists for your time or take each day as it comes?

**To answer my own questions, I like to document the moments, and sometimes I plan and sometimes I ride the wave of the day.

Laura Jackson loves Jesus, books, trees, and the Houston Rockets. She lives in a suburb of Houston,
where she works as a school librarian during the day and writes Christian YA books by night. You can find her at http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/.


 

Paper Flowers

I didn't mean to sign up for a Woven Wednesday. Why, you might ask?
Because I'm not crafty.
Okay, I make a scrapbook calendar and have a lot of my pictures in pretty scrapbooks, but those are pretty simple.

But, here I am.

My book fair (I'm an elementary school librarian) is next week, and it's a fiesta theme. One of the decorations Scholastic shared was making paper flowers with tissue paper.

So, here's my attempt at the craft.

1. Make a pile of square tissue paper with three different layers.
Bottom layer: 6 sheets
Middle layer: 4 sheets
Top layer: 2 sheets

(Notice I don't cut very straight)

Lesson Learned: Make the layers different sizes with the top being the biggest.


2. Fold the combined sheets accordion style, making sure each fold is 1-inch. Keep the papers together as you fold.

 

3. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center of the flowers at the crease. Wrap enough that the paper is held together securely and twist the ends to make a knot.

(Sidenote: Where is the crease? I couldn't figure that out.)

 

4. Unfold the flower. Fan out the tissue paper so that no sheets are stuck together.

5. Pull apart the petals.

 

 

My final product didn't look anything like the example Scholastic shared.

 

My second attempt, which was a little easier and better looking.

 .

 

I was feeling discouraged about my dismal attempts.

Then I remembered all the "art" projects I've tried with my students during library time. I always think they are horrible, but the kids love them. I'm told I'm a fantastic artist or that my pictures are amazing.

 

Because kids don't look at things as critically as adults.                            And so, my flowers are going to be rocking it at the book fair next week. Because I tried.

What have you not tried because you thought it wouldn't turn out perfectly?

 

 

Laura Jackson is a school librarian, the author of YA novel, Worth the Wait, and tissue paper flower enthusiast. Find her at http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/, https://www.facebook.com/laurajacksonwrites, or https://twitter.com/LauraJackson80.

 

 

 



Interview with YA Author Laura Jackson

Howdy y'all! Crystal here with another amazing Texan to introduce to you. Her debut novel, Worth the Wait, released this week, and it sounds like a great read for all ages. :) Let's get this interview started so you can learn more.

Laura, for those who haven't had the pleasure of meeting you, tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m a bookworm and proud of it. I taught 7th grade language arts for years and loved it. I became a school librarian a few years ago, and it’s the best of both worlds. I get to work with kids and share great books with them, but I no longer have to grade papers!

You do have a great combination going there and a great book coming out. Congratulations on your new release Worth the Wait! Can you tell us what your story is about?

Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn't get it. She always does the right thing---doesn't God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.

That sounds like a wonderful story with a timeless message. What inspired you to write for the young adult audience?

I tried writing a book about adults, but it was horrible. I loved the idea, but it didn’t translate to paper. So, I sat back and thought about my favorite books---most were YA. Ellie popped in my head, and I started writing. 

Do you have a favorite scene in the book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?

It’s hard. There are a few scenes I love. After Ellie’s world falls apart, her friend Josh, who is an artist, sets up an art studio in his garage. After a little persuading, she finally lets go and paints her emotions out, creating a huge mess.

I need to try this one day!

Sounds fun. :) So tell us... Where can readers find your book and connect with you?

Amazon and BN.com are the easiest places to find Worth the Wait, but you can call Lifeway or Family and request it.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurajacksonwrites
Email: laurajacksonwrites@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraJackson80
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7203616.Laura_Jackson
Blog/Website: http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/

What do you plan to work on next?

In Worth the Wait, there’s a mean girl named Lindsey. After I finished the book, I wondered why Lindsey was so hateful. So, I’m working on telling her story. It’s been fun figuring her out. Ellie’s such a “good” girl that it was fun to write about a “bad” girl.

Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?

Sleeping. Is that an option? Seriously, reading to kids and doing activities connected with books (we do a lot of coloring, cutting, and gluing in my library) energizes me.

LOL. Yes, I think sleeping should count. :) I'm sure the kids love doing all those activities with you. Thanks for sharing with us about Worth the Wait today, Laura.

Thanks for having me, Crystal!

Anyone else have questions for Laura?

Lonely? You're Not Alone.....

Tuesdays here are Tidbit days, but since it's Christmas Eve, I'm going to share something I posted on my blog earlier in the holiday season.

The holidays are a time for celebrating. Jesus. Life. Love. Family. Friends.

Yet, they are some of the loneliest times of the year.

Maybe you're missing that family member who used to sit next to you at the family table.

Maybe you're mourning the loss of a loved one.

Maybe you're longing to get pregnant.

Maybe you're waiting on adoption papers to come through.

Maybe you're praying for that family member in jail.

Maybe you're forgotten by those you love.

Maybe you're like me, single and waiting for the one God has for you.

Whatever reason you're lonely, the feelings are the same. They are overwhelming floods and burning flames.

Many times, we fill that loneliness with busyness. Or food. Or shopping. Or fake smiles. (Or maybe those are just mine.)

But, I'm going to try something new this year. I'm going to walk through it. Pretending my feelings aren't there is exhausting. Hiding them is frustrating.

But, wallowing in my feelings is just as futile. 

So, I'm going to surround myself in the truth of the Word until my feelings fade and only the truth remains.

I don't normally post about my feelings. Heck, I don't even talk about them with my closest friends. But, I'm putting them out here just in case there's someone who needs to hear he/she is not alone. You never have been, and you never will be.

Here are the verses I've been reading a lot lately as I have felt those feelings of loneliness creep in (and get worse with each Kay Jewelers commercial I see).

Isaiah 43:2 ESV

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 49:16 ESV

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

Philippians 4:11 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

So, if you're lonely this holiday season, please know there's a gal in Houston who feels the same way you do. If there's something I can pray for you about, leave me a comment or shoot me an email at laurajacksonwrites at gmail dot com.


Laura Jackson is a bookworm. She serves an elementary school as librarian and spends her evenings writing books.

Her debut YA novel Worth the Wait releases February 4, 2014.

Find her at http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/.



10,000 Hours

 

 

According to the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at something.

 

I was thinking about this as I was writing the other day. I was mentally comparing myself to some of my favorite authors and coming up short. Then I realized I'm still working on my 10,000 hours. I'm not an expert and shouldn't compare myself and my one debut novel to authors I've been reading for fifteen years!

 

10,000 hours is a long time. (It's over 416 complete days in case you're wondering.) To continue doing something for that many hours requires determination and a passion for the craft.

 

There are many things I've tried that I've given up on well before my 10,000 hour mark. One of those is quilting. I love quilts. I love them as throws and as a nighttime blanket. I wanted to make one for so long, so I took a beginning class. I survived the class, but I learned my passion for quilts is limited to that of a consumer, not producer.

 

What's something you enjoy doing enough that you're willing to struggle for 10,000 hours to learn to do well? Do you think it takes that long to truly become an expert?

 

 

Me and my first and only quilt

 

Laura Jackson loves Jesus, books, trees and cupcakes. Her debut YA novel Worth the Wait releases February 4, 2014. Find her at http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/.