Exciting News! Contract with Bethany House

It's surreal to even type the title to this blog post! If you follow me on social media then you might already know ... my teen devotional, working title "Coffee Shop Chats", will be published by Bethany House! 

Sometimes God brings us unexpected surprises. Opens doors to dreams you thought were reserved for later down the road. This is one of those dreams. 

When I was a tween & teen, I dreamt of writing nonfiction books/devotionals for teens that could bring them closer to God. It was during my quiet times, while I read these kind of books, that I developed a relationship with Him. I knew someday I'd like to make the same impact on teens' lives through the written word. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to share everything on my heart with teen girls. =) 

Book updates -- including the cover reveal and release date -- will be sent to my mailing list readers first! You can sign up by clicking this link. 

Thanks to my amazing agent, Cyle Young, for making this possible!

 

The Light of the World

Hope. 

It’s the true message of the Christmas season. It’s the reason Christ came. God knew how we were in desperate need of a light to navigate us through the darkness of this world. He knew we needed salvation. We needed hope to save us from the sin of ourselves and the sin of this world. 
 

So God sent us His one and only Son. Christ willingly entered the dirt of this world and wrapped Himself in flesh so we could have a reason to hope.

          

Now, when we walk through darkness, it no longer has power over us. When we find ourselves in sin, we can call upon our Redeemer. And when we trudge through suffering, Immanuel walks with us.


Darkness no longer has power because Christ's light shines brighter. 

Is there still evil in this world? Will we still experience tribulation? Of course. But the light within us shines brighter than the darkness around us. We have a hope to hold onto that is an anchor through every storm in our lives (Heb. 6:19). 
 

Not only that: we also know that this world is not our home. We're only traveling through. Some day, Jesus will return and bring us back with Him for eternity. Free of pain, suffering, sin, and sickness. 
 

That’s why, no matter how much I suffer on this earth, no matter how gloomy the news may appear, I refuse to allow myself to slip into doom and despair. Because He who is in me is greater than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4). 


It's why God sent His Son, isn't it? So we could walk through the night with this Light as our guide. Nothing can dim this.

Christmas truly is a celebration of not just Christ's birth, but our own rebirth in Him. Hope entered the world during Christmas. 

          

Whatever you're walking through this season, I pray Christmas will be your reminder that this isn't the end of the story. The prophecy of a Messiah has been fulfilled, but the end of the story has yet to come to pass completely. Christ will come again to finish what He started. Death and sin and evil will be defeated once and for all. 


Until then, let's draw to our knees and thank God for sending His Son. Not just to save the world, but to save you. And me. Because He loved each of us that much. He knew we would need an Immanuel -- Christ with us -- throughout every season of our lives. He knew we would need His Light as our guide, just like the Star of Bethlehem, which was used to help the wise men navigate the darkness on that very first Christmasnight.


As we sing Christmas carols this season, let's turn our eyes away from our current circumstances and fix them on our Saviour. Our light. Hope. Redeemer. Immanuel. Our rock. 

Because He lives in us, light lives in us. Therefore, we will always have hope, despite the darkness that we may walk through on this earth. {Tweet this}
    

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I'm taking a blogging break for the rest of December so I'll see you back here on Wednesday, January 4th. =) 

Remaining Faithful Through Sickness

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Before I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it was fairly easy for me to view the trials I experienced as temporary. I knew they were seasons that would soon pass. 

I guess that was the writer in me: I tend to view my life through the lens of a story. And in a story, characters have to go through hardships, because without those training periods, the characters would never grow. Without that conflict, there would be no story. 

However, this perspective became harder for me to maintain after I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes about a year and a half ago. 

{Continue reading on page 4 of Broken But Priceless Magazine, and check out the feature of my diagnosis on page 21}

Breaking the Chains: Hoping For a Happy Ending

Writing a book is therapeutic for me. I find enjoyment through weaving together the tough aspects of life into a story that brings meaning to these hardships. A story that wraps up in a satisfying, happy ending.

Because this is what we yearn for in life, isn’t it? We long for hope in the midst of tragic circumstances. We yearn for meaning in the midst of pain. A reminder that, despite how our “story” might look at the moment, it will turn out all right in the end.

In my YA novel, Purple Moon, Selena grew up in a Christian home. She grew up believing in Jesus and that He had the perfect “fairy tale life” planned for her. But as she grew older, this hope began to diminish. {Continue reading}

Viewing Your Life Through Spiritual Eyes

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." 

~Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

When I was a teen, making decisions concerning what I felt was God’s will for my life became complicated at times. I knew the direction God was leading me, yet doubts would take root any time I compared my life to those around me. I started to wonder: Shouldn’t my life look more like theirs? Am I really following God’s will for my life? When this happened, my eyes became so adjusted to the world around me that the direction God had given me became fuzzy and unclear.

{Read more on Katy Kauffman's blog}

Is It Possible to Dream Too Big?: Exciting Non-Writing-Related News!

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When we were kids, we had the tendency to dream big. Ask anyone under the age of 10 what they want to be when they grow up, and you'll probably receive some outlandish responses.  Of course, once we really do "grow up", our desires may change. Or we might start to realize just how crazy it was to assume, as a kid, that we could become an astronaut.

But why does dreaming big have to be considered "crazy"? Why is it that those who actually do strive to follow their dreams are considered illogical? 

One of the reasons, I believe, that we tend to take on this mindset is because ... well, who else do you know that is actually an actress? or a singer? or a professional ballerina? 

I am very thankful that I was raised in a home where my parents supported the dreams of me and my sisters. My mom would always tell us, "Someone has to do it. Why can't you?" If it wasn't for their belief in my writing, there is no way I would be where I am today. Because it is only those who believe they can pursue their dreams that actually end up achieving them. 

Personally, I believe that the desires on our hearts are there for a reason. Especially if, after years and years of praying over these desires, they still will not go away.  

For example: I grew up dreaming about becoming an author. I loved being able to interpret a story from marks printed on a page. I loved the way books felt to hold--the feel of their cover jackets. The smell of their pages. I loved the idea that one could create an entire world with using only a pencil and a paper.  I started working towards this dream at a young age. And I am glad that I did. Because if I hadn't, I would've probably became more "realistic". I would've focused on the probability of success rather than continue to persist. 

So I kept the vision of being an author in my mind as I worked towards making the dream a reality. 

And that reality came true when, at 19, I was able to hold Purple Moon in my hands for the very first time.   

However ... there is another dream that's been on my heart. And that passion, that dream of mine, is to work on Christian films--both as an actress, as well as a crew member.

Since I was seven, I've worked in theater productions and acting classes. I participated in a Christian theater group for years. In middle school, my mom would drive my sister and I to Atlanta on the weekends for auditions. In high school, I landed a small role in a short film and worked as an extra on set of The Blind Side and Get Low. 

Sorry for the awful quality ... haha! But this was when I was on set of Get Low, starring Bill Murray. I'm the one huddled underneath a jacket. It was freezing!

  I love it. I love losing myself yet finding myself in another character. I love discovering a story I can immerse myself in, just like I do when I read a book.  Because acting, to me, is similar to writing: It gives me the opportunity to help bring story come to life. One that has the potential to affect multiple lives of those whom I may never meet. 

Five years ago, however, I decided to put acting on the back burner and focus on writing. I knew that God could open the doors for that dream to come true when it was His time. 

Meanwhile, the passion never faded. I still dreamt of landing a role in a Christian film and spending hours upon hours on set with only caffeine as my fuel. I was still in love with the idea of working with other individuals who shared the same vision for a story, all of us using our own areas of expertise to put together a project that would bring glory to God. One that would become a vehicle in reaching others. I wanted to be apart of the process of moving people--whether my job was on screen or off screen. 

But the older I became, the more that "reality" began to sink in. I wondered if that was actually going to happen. Because that happens far too often when we "grow up", doesn't it?
God reminded me, however, that the passions He has given us -- beginning from a very young age -- are not there by coincidence.  
So I placed the dream in His hands. I asked Him to remove the desire if it was not in His will to fulfill. 
It never faded. Instead, the desire was stirred last December. So one day I decided to go online and search for Christian casting calls. 
I came across a casting from Faith Flix Films that had been posted just hours before. I quickly submitted my headshot and resume, and a few weeks later I received a response asking if I could submit a video audition. 
I did. A couple weeks later, I was offered a role. A small one, but a role nonetheless. (The producer made it clear to the actors that there is no "small" role in this film. =) )
Next month, I will be traveling to Nashville, TN to be apart of PROVIDENCE--both as an actress, as well as a Production Assistant. The movie will be produced by Faith Flix Films and hit theaters February 2016. 
{Side note: My best friend and fellow YA author, Caroline George, will work with me as a Production Assistant as well! She, too, has a passion for storytelling--both on paper and on screen.}

... But that's not all.
That same month -- in December -- I was cast in another film. As the main role. 
And, you guys ... this role is one that I am so very passionate about. It is a Christian film geared towards teenagers, and its message is one that is close to my heart. I cannot express how honored I am to be apart of this project. 
However, I cannot share all of the details. Not yet, anyway. But I will say that it is scheduled to film later this summer.
{Another side note: Caroline George will be apart of this film as well ... as my co-star! =) }

I am over-joyed. Still in awe that this passion, this dream of working on independent projects that will leave a big impact for God's Kingdom, is coming true. 
So now, back to the original question: Is it possible to dream too big?
Absolutely not. Not when God is first in our hearts {Matt. 6:33}. And not when we are in the center of His will. 
Because our Father -- the One who made galaxies and waterfalls and the ocean and the Grand Canyon and all of heaven and mankind and coffee (sorry, I had to) -- is capable of absolutely anything {Luke 1:37}.
And the desires that He has placed on your heart are not a coincidence (if you have placed them in God's hands and they have yet to fade). So don't ignore them by trying to think logically or realistically. 
All of this earth is a mission field. And by using the gifts God has entrusted you with, you become a missionary. Even if it is "just" a book. Even if it is "just" a film. 
And by doubting our dreams -- the ones that would ultimately bring Him glory -- we are ultimately doubting the power of our God. 

There are so many opportunities available out there. 
Besides, someone has to do it ... why can't it be you?
!  Are there any dreams you've buried over the years? Is there a passion that has stuck with you, an area that you're hoping to pursue? Let me know in the comments!

The Greatest Gift I Have Ever Received

When I was a kid, Easter meant painting eggs and finding Easter baskets. It meant sneaking a few bites of my chocolate bunny before church, then going on an Easter egg hunt afterwards.

As I grew older, though, the real meaning of Easter became more than just a Bible story I was taught year after year. Easter became more significant to me than just another commercial holiday.

As it should have. Because I soon realized that my salvation in Christ was the Greatest Gift I could have ever received.

Over time, however, I’ve forgotten that this present isn’t just to be opened once; rather, it’s never-ending. It’s the Ultimate Gift that never ends, and I get to look forward to unwrapping it every day of my life. Not just on the day that I received my salvation.

Wouldn’t it be silly if I left a present unwrapped on my birthday, simply because I received one last year? What if I treated it as if it were simply decoration, just to admire, yet never did tear off the wrapping and cherish the contents inside?

Likewise, I hear the story of Jesus’ death so often that sometimes I find myself simply admiring the story. I forget to delve deeper and actually treasure the core of the gift, which contains ... {Continue reading}

Ruth: Remaining Faithful During Hardships

Up until two months ago, it was easy for me to view the trials I went through as being temporary. I knew they were just a season that would soon pass.

I guess that was the writer in me: I tend to see my life as a story. And in a story, characters have to go through hardships. If it wasn’t for those hardships then there would be no story. 

Two months ago, however, my faith was stretched. It has become harder to maintain this outlook after my doctor diagnosed me with type 1 diabetes. 

Yes, there have been times when I was tempted to get angry with God, tempted to ask Him what I did to deserve this disease. 

But you know what? That kind of approach isn’t going to help anything—instead, it’s only going to make it worse. 

After recently reading the book of Ruth, I felt kind of silly for this attitude. Because even though Ruth had lost her husband, she didn’t allow herself to remain in self-pity. {Continue reading at Whole Magazine!}


♡ ♡ ♡ 

{PS: Sorry for the lack of posting recently! I've been pretty busy this month with editing, book tour stuff, making journals for Etsy (coming soon!), and school. I hope to get back on track soon, though! =)}

How to Spend Your Summer Wisely

I don’t know about you, but when the weather is nice outside, I tend to have zero motivation to do any kind of work. Why stay cooped up inside all day when the sun is shining outside?

But just because it is summer doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done. Yes, it is tempting to blow off all tasks and spend these sunny days out by the pool. Besides, there is a reason it’s called summer vacation!

However, Proverbs 13:4 NLT says,

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

Notice that it doesn’t say summer excuses laziness. God will honor your hard work, despite what season it may be.

Yet believe it or not, it is possible to spend your time wisely while still leaving room for fun. There is nothing wrong with spending a portion of your day at the mall with friends or even relaxing in a hammock! It is possible to organize your time so that you don’t have to sacrifice any area of your life.

So how can you spend your time wisely this summer while still leaving time for fun? {Continue reading}

Am I Too Messed Up to Receive God’s Grace?

Have you ever wondered this? Maybe you’ve heard about Jesus, but you’ve never accepted him before, only because you’re afraid that He won’t accept you. Or perhaps you’re already a Christian, but you’ve made some pretty bad choices recently that you just don’t think God could forgive.

I think many Christians—and non-Christians who feel too “dirty” to receive Jesus—have experienced this guilt at least once. However, when we say that we’re too dirty for God’s grace, we’re basically saying that His grace isn’t enough to cover our sins.

Let’s say that you’ve spent the entire day hiking. When you come home, you wouldn’t avoid taking a shower just because you feel too dirty, would you? Of course not! That would go against the entire purpose of taking a shower.

The same should apply with God’s grace. {Continue reading}

5 Ways to Become a True Friend

We are taught by the world that in order to make friends, we need to find people who share common interests. However, is it possible to make friends even with those who have absolutely nothing in common with you? Well, yes, by acting the way Jesus would towards them.

Of course, that’s not always easy. You and your friend may not get along all of the time. There may come a season when the two of you don’t even speak to each other.

However, if you want to keep your friendships alive, you need to become the kind of friend that is mentioned in Proverbs 18:24 MSG, “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.”

How do you become this kind of "true friend"? {Continue reading at MoretoBe.com}

{Giveaway!} Friday's Reflection: Matthew 5:43-45

What is Friday's Reflection?
Every other Friday, I post a new Scripture, discuss my reflection of it, then give you the chance to do the same. By participating, you will have the chance to win prizes, as well as the opportunity to meet other Christian teens. =)

 

The Point System Yes, there will be a point system, just like the Monday's Minute Challenge. =)
Earning Points:
*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!
2 points: If you answer one of the questions. (Details below)   5 points: If you respond with your own reflection. (Details below) 10 points: If you post your response on your blog.  10 points: If you pin either the above picture or today's Scripture to Pinterest. 10 points: If you join the Prayer Circle. (Details below) Points Tracker: TW Wright: 35 Karina: 110
Krista L: 13 Sarah: 140 His Princess: 14 Prizes:
50 points: You will receive a badge for your blog saying that you are a participant at Friday's Reflection.  70 points: You can submit your own playlist for Friday's Playlist (see below).  90 points: You can submit a Scripture that will be used for Friday's Reflection. 110 points: You will receive a free ebook of PURPLE MOON.  150 points: You will receive a personalized handmade notepad.
Today's Playlist
I think listening to worship music is a great way to get into God's presence. So every Friday, I will post 3 - 5 worship/Christian songs that are currently on my playlist. Feel free to listen to them as you work on today's reflection!
"It Is Well" ~Bethel Music "Love Came Down" ~Brian and Jenn Johnson "Scandal of Grace" ~Hillsong United "Worship the Great I Am" ~Gateway Worship ft. Kari Jobe
Today's Scripture . . . 

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor

and hate your enemies.' But I say to you, love your enemies.

Pray for those who hurt you.

If you do this, you will be true children 

of your Father in heaven."

~Matthew 5:43-45 (NCV)

My Reflection:

Have you ever been tempted to seek revenge on someone who has mistreated you? I know I have. When people hurt us, our natural reaction is to hurt them back. Think about it: When a fist fight breaks out between two guys (whether in real life or in movies), you almost never see one of them taking the beating without at least trying to fight back. Since humans are sinful by nature, we are going to have to go against what we feel in order to please God.

If you have ever taken a "punch" by someone (whether they gossiped about you, made fun of you, etc.), your natural instinct may have been to take up for yourself and serve justice. However, God tells us to pray for these people instead. Treat them in love, as if they were your best friend. (Keep in mind that often the people who hurt us the most are the ones who have been deeply wounded themselves and are desperate for love.)

No, keeping peace rather than seeking vengeance isn't going to be easy. It's not going to seem fair that you can't punch the other person back whenever you receive a mean blow. But if you act on love rather than your emotions, you are showing satan that he has no power over you. Others will notice that your ability to keep peace is not through your strength but God's--and because of that, you will serve as a witness to them. God will also reward you for showing love to your enemies rather than hurting them in return (see Proverbs 25:21-22).

Your Turn . . .

Answer the questions below to earn points! You will receive 2 points per question that you answer. And if you post your response on your blog and link back to this post, you will receive an extra 10 points!

*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!

1. Think back to a time when someone treated you poorly. What was your natural reaction? Did you act upon your feelings? +2 pts
2. Have you ever put this verse into action by loving and praying for someone who has mistreated you? What was the result? +2 pts
3. List ways that you are going to show love to the next person who tries to "throw a punch" at you. (Example: Speak kindly to them rather than show vengeance.) +2
4. This Scripture says that showing love to those who hurt us will prove that we are His Children. But why do you think He wants us to pray for them as well? +2 pts
5. Discuss your own reflection of this Scripture (as I did above -- at least one paragraph). +5 pts

Don't forget to check back to read your responses and interact with others!

Prayer Circle
If you choose to participate in this Prayer Circle, you can email me a prayer request at any point throughout the week. Every other Friday, I will send an email to those in the prayer circle with the updated prayer list, as well as the new Scripture for that week. You will also receive 10 extra points by joining.  Email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com if you wish to participate! =) Win a Signed copy of PURPLE MOON!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Purple Moon

by Tessa Emily Hall

Giveaway ends June 08, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

5 Promises from the Cross

You wear it on your necklace. It can be seen on the top of several church steeples. You or your

parents may have one in the form of a bumper sticker.

But it’s more than just decoration, and it’s more than just a label that announces that you’re a Christian.

It’s the cross that our Savior died on.

But what does it represent?

{Continue reading}

Friday's Reflection: Colossians 2:13-14

Rather than posting the Friday's Reflection series as a way to "reflect" on my previous week, instead I am going to post a Scripture reflection. Every Friday, I will post a new Scripture, discuss my reflection of it, then give you the chance to do the same. By participating, you will have the chance to win prizes, as well as the opportunity to meet other Christian teens. =)

 

The Point System Yes, there will be a point system, just like the Monday's Minute Challenge. =)
Earning Points:
*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!
2 points: If you answer one of the questions. (Details below)   5 points: If you respond with your own reflection. (Details below) 10 points: If you post your response on your blog.  10 points: If you pin either the above picture or today's Scripture to Pinterest. 10 points: If you join the Prayer Circle. (Details below) Points Tracker: TW Wright: 35 Karina: 93 Sarah: 73 His Princess: 14 Prizes:
50 points: You will receive a badge for your blog saying that you are a participant at Friday's Reflection.  70 points: You can submit your own playlist for Friday's Playlist (see below).  90 points: You can submit a Scripture that will be used for Friday's Reflection. 110 points: You will receive a free ebook of PURPLE MOON.  150 points: You will receive a personalized handmade notepad.
Today's Playlist
I think listening to worship music is a great way to get into God's presence. So every Friday, I will post 3 - 5 worship/Christian songs that are currently on my playlist. Feel free to listen to them as you work on today's reflection!
"All For Love" ~Hillsong "Why" ~Nicole Nordeman "Wake Up" ~All Sons & Daughters "Love Came Down" ~Kari Jobe "By His Wounds" ~Steven Curtis Chapman
Today's Scripture . . . 

"When you were spiritually dead because of your sins,

and because you were not free from the power of your sinful self, 

God made you alive with Christ, and he forgave all our sins. 

He canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow. 

He took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross."

~ Colossians 2:13-14 (NCV) My Reflection:

It's easy to forget that we don't receive God's love simply based on what we do or don't do. Yes, God wants us to go to church, read the Bible, and strive to please Him in every decision that we make. However, if we try to please Him through our performance only rather than our heart, we will experience overwhelming guilt any time we mess up. Those are the very things that Christ came to set us free from. Satan condemns; Jesus convicts.

God doesn't want our relationship with Him to be based on following a long list of rules. Scripture says that He canceled our debt. He nailed those rules and our sins to the cross so that we could experience a lasting, loving relationship with Him.

Maybe you've sinned so much that you feel as if you're "too dirty" for God's grace. Keep in mind that Jesus died for the sinners, not the sinless. You don't have to live in the chains of condemnation and guilt any longer. When Christ rose from the dead, He broke the chains of death and freed you from your sins. You are free from striving to please God through performance only; you are free to live a completely new life because of God's grace; and you are free to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Your Turn . . .

Answer the questions below to earn points! You will receive 2 points per question that you answer. And if you post your response on your blog and link back to this post, you will receive an extra 10 points!

*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!

1. Do you ever feel guilty and condemned after sinning? Why do you think God wants us to feel convicted rather than condemned, and what do you think the difference between the two are?+2 pts
2. Do you often find yourself trying to please God through a performance rather than giving Him your heart? +2 pts
3. What are some steps you can take to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ? +2 pts
4. Describe the time you first accepted Christ as your Savior. Did you feel free from your sin and as if you were a new person? Or did you still feel guilty every time you messed up? +5 pts
5. Discuss your own reflection of this Scripture (as I did above -- at least one paragraph). +5 pts

Don't forget to check back to read your responses and interact with others!

Prayer Circle If you choose to participate in this Prayer Circle, you can email me a prayer request at any point throughout the week. On Friday, I will send an email to those in the prayer circle with the updated prayer list, as well as the new Scripture for that week. You will also receive 10 extra points by joining.  Email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com if you wish to participate! =)