Mary Hawkins' blog

Ray on Monday - A Teaser about Ray's NEW book arriving soon!

2012-02-06T07:10:00.005+11:00

Well, the galley proofs have been edited and back at the publisher EVEN BEFORE PUBLISHING. In several weeks time Ray's 3rd book in his 31 Day Devotional Meditation series will be released.

I thought it would be good to let you read this introduction by Ray to CAPTURED BY CALVARY.

The following 31 Day Devotionals are meant to deepen your understanding and increase your love for the Lord Jesus. As you reflect upon what the Lord achieved for you at Calvary, the horror of the cross is transformed into Christ’s glory. It is also our assurance of salvation. The cross for the Christian is an expression of glory and wonder. Why?

Because it speaks of God’s grace, love and majesty!

The message of the crucified Christ comforts because it deals with the issues between us and the Almighty.

It humbles because it says Jesus alone could solve our sin and condemnation problem.

It compels a man or woman to commit his or her life to Jesus. It calls us to leave the realm of Darkness and take up our crosses and follow Him.

The cross is a stumbling block to many. Their sense of righteousness is offended or the effectiveness of their religion is undermined. For others the cross becomes the stepping stone into a new relationship of grace, a new destiny with the Lord God, a new sense of their worth.

There are two roads the Church can travel as it reaches out into the community. The road most appreciated by any community would be the way the good Samaritan travelled. He cared for the oppressed and vulnerable. When the Church serves this way it doesn’t upset people or create waves of antagonism.

The other road is nowhere near as popular or appealing. It is the way of the Cross. This is no scenic route. It is gruesome. It is threatening. It is uncompromising. And yet this very road is the one which brings people out of spiritual and moral darkness and into the light of God’s grace. It is along this way that the Holy Spirit attracts the hearts of people with the wonder of a new beginning, the hope of a greater destiny.

Why?

Because it shows the way to be transformed, made acceptable to God! The individual is liberated to worship the God of Grace and Glory.

Both roads are important.

However the Faith Community must major on what the Apostle Paul considers the power and wisdom of God. This is the road we enter upon when we are captured by the Christ of Calvary.

Hopefully this book will be available by Easter. We will keep you up to date here with news of CAPTURED BY CALVARY so do return to our blog for the Monday and Thursday posts. There will sure be a free giveaway again too!

WHAT THIS WRITER DOES BESIDES WRITING

2012-02-02T13:40:00.002+11:00

I know I seem to too often mention how busy life is here for me in our relatively quiet little village in Tasmania. Well, perhaps I do need to say that very important word, “No” far more often. I thought today I would share some of the things I have been involved in recently that is keeping me busy–perhaps at times too busy!

Published authors involved in writers’ groups may receive manuscripts from other writers to read and comment on. I have certainly had several of those over the years and, while I do very much enjoy trying to help unpublished writers in this way, it has the danger of taking too much time away from my own writing.

And so, what do I do? I lead with my chin and agree to being the presenter/leader of an elective for fiction writers at the Fusion Faith And The Arts week long event. This was held at Fusion’s village of Poatina in January. A beautiful place and do click HERE to check this unusual village out.

While I did come home weary, it was a very exciting and worth while time of fellowship and input into other writer’s efforts as well as getting to know other great folk involved in various other artistic works. This is an annual event and click HERE to find out more about FATA. It was a real privilege to be involved this year.

With Valerie Parv at
RWA National Conference

Then I came home and straight back into being involved in planning and organising another exciting event. Romance Writers of Australia had contacted their members in Tasmania last year to see if we would consider having a RWA Roadshow here this year. These day seminars have been held successfully in places like Perth, Adelaide and North Queensland to try and give writers a “taste” of our annual National Conferences. However, these are only held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and too many other areas miss out. Since these annual conferences commenced way back in 1991 I have only missed a few. Let me assure you, that while I am looking forward so very much to this one day here in Tasmania, I know it can only be a teaser for the wonderful RWA four day conferences held each year.

I couldn’t go to Melbourne last year and am especially looking forward to this special, yummy “Taster!”

And here is the first announcement, the Teaser for the Taster!

Tasmanian RWA Roadshow
When: Saturday 19th
Where: LINC Tasmania – 8 High Street, Launceston

Time: 9.00am – 5.30pm (with optional dinner afterwards)

Cost: Members $55 (GST incl.) Non-members $66 (GST incl.) – includes lunch
More information about our special guest speakers from Victoria, their exciting elective workshops as well as registration will be available very soon at: http://www.romanceaustralia.com/roadshows_tas.html

Oh, and before I finish this post, I have to also mention my involvement in the Tasmanian Baptist Womens' Ministry committee. Our Conference Day happens on Saturday March 24th . Our theme this year is Where is God in Your Life? Is it obvious to you right now too that I sure need Him with me every moment?

I always enjoy these times of Tassie BWM fellowship. A really great day has been planned this year with a special speaker, Jan Adams, and others doing very important and interesting electives like:-

Where is God in tough economic times? byAnthony Plisek.

Anthony is Senior Financial Counselor at Anglicare Hobart.

Registration Forms will be available this weekend .

So, once again I’ve lead with that softening chin of mine and am presenting the Bible Study elective, Where Is God In Your Day. And now I’m off to start preparing it! Perhaps God will again try to tell me what to say "No" to and hopefully I'll be listening!

MORE ABOUT THESE EVENTS NEXT WEEK!

And until then I might even be able to write more of my Her Outback Cowboy manuscript? Another perhaps?

Oops! For a moment forgot about the Society Women Writers Tasmania meeting next Monday – and helping to organise their Short Story Contest!

ENCHANTED

2012-01-30T23:18:00.000+11:00

What’s so special about the Bible?
Ray would say many things, but in the following poem he has expressed some from his personal experience.

       ENCHANTED

I was told, when I was young
Christ Jesus would spoil my fun.
Now older, I’ve been told
God is indifferent, cold.
Sitting on His heavenly throne
Indifferent to my groans!
Simply put, I must stand alone.

One day a book I discovered
Written all about a lover
Who from heaven came
The lost, unloved, to claim!
By its sincerity captured
With its clarity enthralled
Simply put, I was enchanted.

Enchanted,
   Delighted,
      Enthralled,
          I sit amazed
            As I ponder
               At the wonder
                  Of the news
                      God loves me!

He sought me,
   Through His Son,
      The only One,
         With love sincere
            Who could rescue
                This prodigal
                    From sin’s horrible
                       Wasteland
                            To holy ground!

Enchanted,
   Enraptured,
      And captured
          By such love
             Shown to all
                 In Jesus Christ
                     At Calvary!
Love supreme,
   There redeemed,
      Made precious
          The unloved,
              The unholy,
                  The unwanted
                      Ready for God
                          In time
                             And eternity.
I’m enchanted!

©Raymond N. Hawkins 2011.

Why Do I Read–and Write–Christian Fiction?

2012-01-26T14:14:00.000+11:00

Why do I read Christian fiction. The answer is simple—well, to me anyway.

Although I also read many other books, I especially enjoy books of the kind I enjoy writing myself of course. Most important to me though are books published by Christian publishers. I know I can trust them not to contain scenes and language I find so offensive they drag me right out of entertaining stories so much it makes me regret spending my money. I love books and it does take a lot to make me want to throw a book at the wall, or even into the garbage bin.

I’ve been a bookworm as long as I can remember. After being old enough to devour all the books on my parent’s shelves, the first actual Christian novel I remember reading was a gift given out to students of my Sunday School. I was only nine years old when given “The Open Door” written by Eileen Heming in the Gateway Series released by Lutterworth Press (London) way back in the 1940s.

As you can see, I still have that book. Over the years I read it so many times the cover became so tattered I carefully covered the book in brown paper and glued the photo of the poor young girl confined to bed on the front. This book had a profound affect on me. It told me how hard it is for anyone confined to lie flat in a bed for many, many months and how different folk from her own church either helped or upset her Then of course there is the day her spine was healed enough for her to actually be able to sit up for a while at the Easter church service.

The injured girl’s name was “Mary” and perhaps also may have been another reason the ups and downs she had to face made me, at such a young age, think deeply about being a Christian.

On the last page, her father tells Mary, “We can look back, now, and see the blessings hidden in everything that’s happened...” and goes on to sum up the good and bad things which had happened to her and the family.

And then these last words were so important for me at that very beginning of my own journey with Jesus:-

“I’m sure I’ve learned more in these last few months than in all the years before,” said Mary. “I feel as if I’d been at school with the Lord Jesus.”

“That’s a very good way of looking at troubles,” said her father. “At school with the Lord Jesus—well, only good can come of that.”

Only six years after being given that book my own father died. Was this perhaps one way God was preparing me to know the truth of Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

About that same time I read the first Christian novel by an Australian author, Marjorie Buckingham, called “In All These Things”. It was based on the verse from Roman 8: 37: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

As I look back now over many, many year of the ups and downs of my life, with a full heart I can say I have proven time and time again the truth of these verses.

So, hopefully now the reason why I write Christian fiction is obvious.

As these books and many others have done for me, my hearts desire is that readers may not only be entertained by my books, but that God will use them to show the truths of His Word in their own lives.

Here January 26th is called “Australia Day”. This is a special historical time of looking back down through our years to the European settlement of the Great South Land. However, also today we have many ceremonies across my beloved country to recognise and welcome new naturalised citizens to Australia. With them, we look to the future. My prayer is it will be one that includes devotion to God and His ways.

And so as I look back, I also look forward to reading—and writing—more Christian fiction.

I would love to hear from other readers and writers about any books that have had a significant affect on them over the years.

Ray on Monday - Anyone Tuned In?

2012-01-23T19:59:00.000+11:00

Time…5pm.
Place…Down the backyard.

Lord, I’m deflated!

I came home from my community radio broadcasting shift all excited. It was my first go and my ego was all pumped up. Family and friends knew about it and were going to listen in. At least someone would be tuned in to hear my first attempts at being an announcer.

My wife saw me when I walked in the door all excited. Blank looks immediately warned me something I wasn’t expecting was about to burst on me. “What! Don’t tell me you’ve been on air already. Oh dear, the time just got away on me and I haven’t turned the radio on. We’re so sorry.” I tried to smile and brush it off, but it did hurt.

Others I phoned to get their reports had similar excuses. Some were out of range. That’s fair enough. Others said they couldn’t hear it real well as something was causing interference. Was I just talking to the air? Was anyone turned on and tuned in?

Lord, I know you don’t get deflated. You must surely get disappointed though with your people from time to time. How many folk are tuned in to you, or even switched onto your frequency? Across the centuries your word has been on the ‘airwaves’. How have you managed to get men and women to listen? I guess that’s one of the miracles of grace woven into individual circumstances.

Makes me think about the way you grabbed my ‘ear’. Those broadcasts of grace that were beamed across my being through the years didn’t leave any impression. I wasn’t interested in you even though I was using your facilities and people. How well I recall the incident that made me take seriously my need for you. Heartbreak isn’t fun. It did however cause me to search the spiritual airwaves. I’m so grateful that you were still on the air. Looking back now I know what you were saying came through loud and clear. I’m glad, so glad, that I didn’t miss that broadcast. I wish I’d been switched on and tuned into you much sooner. Would have saved me and others a lot of wounds and tears.

Since that day I’ve had battles with lifestyle matters and priorities that create all sorts of interference to hearing your word. One thing that’s a comfort however is that I’m never out of range of your broadcasts. When I’ve put things right in my life according to your teachings it’s amazing how clear your word comes through again.

Don’t let my pity party cause a hearing problem between us today Lord. I’ll pray and believe there’s someone out there who was tuned in and what I’ve said and played has been a blessing to him or her.
Thanks.
Amen!
Ray

I do trust you are blessed - perhaps even challenged - by Ray's devotional thoughts each Monday.
We have been having problems with our computer which hopefully is now sorted out. If you have any problems with our blog do please email us on mary@mary-hawkins.com
Hopefully we are the only ones having problems now!
Thank you. stay tuned!
Mary

Problems with my blog

2012-01-22T16:22:00.000+11:00

My blog comes up but I cannot access comments. Have updated Internet Explorer etc and am hoping this will eventually solve things.
Sorry if anyone has been having problems with my blog.

Ray on Monday - A Dangerous Letter

2012-01-16T21:41:00.001+11:00

After reading this meditation by my husband, I thought those of us who write should be extra careful of our words!

Strange how something from long ago drops into the mind. I must have been fifteen or sixteen years old. I’m now over seventy and a sermon by A.B. Clark slipped into my consciousness. Well, it was only snippets of what he said but it must have made an impression way back then.

His emphasis was on a most dangerous letter, the letter S.

It can turn word into sword, will into swill, lush into slush, nob into snob and in into sin.

If you took the time I’m sure you could conjure up more. The point I think he was making was how careful we must be with words and not allow our ‘S’ nature–meaning our sin disposition–corrupt what we present with our mouth.

The Bible tells us that by our words we will be either condemned or justified. We are also accountable for those ill chosen expressions which so glibly flow from our lips, especially when we are angry or resentful. No wonder James called the tongue a ‘fire’ and a ‘world of evil’ (James 3:6).

The old saying, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but name will never hurt me’ is untrue. A broken bone can heal but a lacerated heart and mind may be poisoned and perverted forever. Relationships have split asunder by words being made swords aimed at cutting another to pieces.

Is it any wonder we need to ask the Lord to control, discipline and cleanse our ‘S’ nature?

Psalm 19 encourages us with these words: ‘By them (the words of God’s Law) a servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from wilful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.’

Ray (always wrestling with the ‘S’ nature) Hawkins.

Ray on Monday - Little Words – Big Implications

2012-01-09T07:47:00.002+11:00

‘Little things mean a lot!’ was recorded over the years by many singers, So true. From a doctrinal viewpoint however I would re-phrase it to say, ’Little words have mighty implications.’

Consider the following:-

If! This could imply doubt with the motivation to make sure of the issue it confronts. The one which comes immediately to my mind is from 2 Corinthians 5:17: ‘If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here!’ As you can see the little word is talking about location, location, location!

Do! Now this is an action word. It appeals to the ego, especially that of a man. We like to get stuck into things for out of them comes a sense of achievement and satisfaction. The Lord invites us all, and especially men, to a ‘do it’ doctrinal boot camp. Jesus throws down a challenge which is more than a test of muscle. It becomes a test of a person’s quest for truth, and especially the truth about who Jesus is. ‘Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own’ (John 7:17).

Where do we go to know the will of God? The Scriptures! The pages of the Old Testament are full of God’s will concerning the promised one. Check it out, especially Isaiah chapters 9, 11, 53, 61. The invitation of the Lord is to check him out (John 5:39)

Ask! Now this little word becomes a test of character. In Matthew 7:7-12 is the statement of Jesus inviting his hearers to ask and they will receive. This is in the collection of sayings called the Beatitudes, a beautiful collection of important and seemingly stand alone teachings. So when we take at face value the word ‘Ask’ unfortunately our baser nature takes over and we want, want, want without considering the consequences on our spiritual and moral life or the nature of our Sovereign Lord.

In fact I think the Beatitudes should be read from the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Both built fine houses. Both suffered the same climatic conditions. The only one standing at the end was the one built on the rock. The ‘rock’ is the words of Jesus on which a person erects his or her life and destiny.

In relation then to ‘Ask’ it means what you are asking for is compatible with His nature, His word, His purpose in your life. It also means depending upon Him to work things out in His time and for your benefit and testimony.

There are others little words you might like to ponder upon such as go, with, in, by and come out.

We are told not to despise the day of little things. Neither should we dismiss as unimportant the serious implications of God’s little words which have a huge impact upon our spiritual life and destiny.

Ray (captured by the little words) Hawkins

A Writer Glances Back and Looks To the New Year

2012-01-05T14:27:00.002+11:00

My early morning devotions today had the theme “Facing the Future.” Ray’s devotional post last Monday was Facing the New Year and my thoughts and prayers this morning went back, way back over the many years of my writing, especially those first days of new years. And there have been many of those now! I dragged out my diaries to what I wrote at the beginning of new years, but don’t be afraid.,I won’t bore you with a personal history here! I think you can read enough on my website and blog.

Over the years I’ve heard it said so many times that a “Writer” simply writes. I had no idea I was a “Writer” over those many years I wrote in my diaries and later those long letters back home after I left for the “Big Smoke” of Sydney. They sure make interesting reading now. Interesting? Well, I do have to confess cringing at too many of the things that teenager wrote back then and also a bit disappointed there are only a very few actually written on December 31st or the first day or so of January. So that shows one thing has NOT changed – simply too busy to write over Christmases and New Year’s Days.

But then I noticed that so many thoughts I had then over the past years and about “facing the future” are similar to today’s heart of mine.

Way back in 1958, this young woman starting her “7th month of nursing training” wrote, “Well, it’s been a disastrous year in one way but full of new experiences. New friends made, old friends seldom seen but some old friends becoming dearer still.”

(Oh, and the photo here was taken on graduation night four years later!)

On January 2nd, 1959 the “writer” in me wrote, “Well, the New Year is here with all its promises and disappointments.” And of course that happened as it does still.

I went off to Bible College in the beginning of 1963 where I sure did make many “new friends”, including the wonderful man I have now been married to for over 47 years. The writing in the old diary since that year is very spasmodic with only several yearly summaries of key events. A shame, but “Writers” do move on to other kinds of writing like I did with College assignments, then that Writers Course after Ray read my diaries when we had been married a couple of years. Of course then there were articles, short stories and novels. In the last year that has even extended to trying to write these blog posts to share – which are not easy for a writer who now finds it easier to write a chapter of a book!

So, I’ve looked back through these old diaries this morning and while I am humbled at what God has given me over the years, the joy, the peace, the love and purpose in life, those events are all in the past. Even though they show me now the changes the years have wrought in me, the main thing in this writer’s life has only deepened – my personal devotion and commitment to continuing to seek out what God wants of me this New Year and trying still to obey Him. Will it be to keep writing more books? Will it be to try and be a mentor for other writers? I know it will not always be easy to listen to God, to always obey Him, but this morning’s devotions in James 4:13-17 stood out to me - especially verse 15. Let us remember to say with James, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do (write too?) this or that.”

Oh, and should add I am spending next Week from Sunday at the Poatina Faith and Arts event as a leader for the Creative Writing – Fiction elective. – if the Lord wills of course! Will not be able to post here next week so will fill you in Thursday week.
Click HERE to go to the Poatina Faith and Arts Website!

Ray on Monday - FACING THE NEW YEAR

2012-01-02T10:29:00.001+11:00

There’s an unknown territory stretching before us. What lies ahead is a mystery to all except God. In most instances He doesn’t let us in on what awaits although He has promised us His company. For some this creates mixed emotions for it requires us to trust Him without seeing Him.

How will we face our tomorrows in this new year, especially if the last one was not to our choosing?

Hostile to God? (Remember He has the final word).

Will we bribe Him with vain although sincere promises?

Are we into bargaining with Him? (I’ll give you this if you give me that).

Trust? (I may not know where I’m going but I know the One who is going with me – unseen but faithful to His word).

Do we have a faith capable of handling the possible ‘monsters’ which inhabit the territory we must traverse?

What may they be:-

Global warming, Financial Meltdown, Grief, Atheistic aggression, Terrorism, Apostasy, Aging and health problem or Society’s moral collapse?

There are many passages we could consider as we wait for the Lord’s return or our going to be with Him. I would like to simply refer you to 1 Thessalonians as we consider how we should face the unknown. This congregation was facing a hard time with an uncertain future. How then should they live? Paul’s instructions become beneficial for us.

1 Thess.4:1. A guiding principle for those who wear the name of Christ should be to please Him. This must be the atmosphere of our heart. () Unfortunately we will not always live up to it but unless that desire is there our Christian life and witness will never amount to anything. Thank God for His forgiveness and power to make a new start with His grace.

1 Thess.4:3 Such a passion will dictate how we treat our bodies and respect others, especially within a marital relationship. There is much talk about true marriage today. The best answer is for Christian couples to display it and thereby reveal the sham of ungodly counterfeits. We will not always convince those who refuse to acknowledge God’s way in Christ Jesus for us. However we should so live that the non-Christians will have a grudging respect for our lifestyle. Hypocrisy isn’t limited to Christians, but in the critical eyes of non-Christians it is more pronounced in them.

1 Thess.3:13 Benediction.. As you face this unknown year ‘May (God) strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.’

THE JOURNEY THROUGH ANOTHER YEAR

2011-12-30T10:42:00.000+11:00

Well, this Thursday post is late once more and the last one for 2011.

Twelve months ago, this past year was about to begin.How have you journeyed this year? How many hills and valleys have you had to navigate?

Did your world seem bright, an adventure waiting out there?

And then did the journey seem daunting?

Not so much colour and you so small?

Each year as we prepare our Christmas letter, it never ceases to amaze me as we list some of our own hills and valleys just how much has happened in the past months. We are thankful this last year did not contain too many valley experiences. However, as we get older so do our friends and families.

My Uncle Reg and my son's father-in-law died this past year. Even today is the funeral of a friend from our Maitland days. Sylvia McGregor-Skiner was a beautiful woman within and without. For several years she was the Director of Nursing at our local state church's Nursing Home where Ray was the chaplain.

One thing we did not write about in our annual letter is the valley of these last days from just before Christmas when our five grandchildren were diagnosed with whooping cough. They are still not all out of the woods with that horrible disease and have more days on another antibiotic which we trust will work better for them all.

And those hill-top experiences? Thankfully there have been more of those than the valleys. After years of trying to convince my dear husband that his devotional meditation writings need to be published so other besides myself can be blessed and challenged by them, his first two books have been released and the response to them has been very good. His book for adults about God's take on children was short-listed in the CALEB award and he presented his first writer's workshop at the Word Writers Fair in Brisbane this year.

We have thought of ourselves as being a "team" during these forty-seven years of marriage and ministry together. I am just so thrilled that now Ray is also sharing the delights - and challenges - of being a published author! I so enjoyed having the book launch of my own last book, Justice at Baragula, shared with the launch of Ray's two devotional mediatations.

We also share book-signings together which have proved to be great fun times.

Now we are looking towards anothe new year journeying together. Where will it take us?
Will the valleys become deep chasms?
Will those hill-tops also be mingled with mountain-top experiences?

So many times we do need that help along the journey.

I simply cannot express it any better than Ray has in the following:

THE JOURNEY'S END

The journey we travel in this life

Brings its happiness and strife

We leave our faint histories

Of failures and victories

And to all but our Maker

The journey is a mystery

For He alone knows

The joys, fears and blows

Felt, yet unexpressed

In the heart suppressed.

The journey we travel in this life

Can bless or cut as a knife

And many a wound or scar

Has our spirit marred

Seen only by the Creator!

He has heard our silent cries

Counted the constant sighs

Seen doubt and faith wrestle

For our soul’s mastery

In time and for eternity!

The journey we travel in this life

Where spiritual darkness is rife

Is challenged by Christ’s light

To walk by faith not sight.

Here our choices there abide

From which we cannot hide

Before the throne of God!

But do we stand alone

Rejected, out of favour

Or accepted, with our Saviour?

Ray on Monday - Christmas Secret

2011-12-26T11:01:00.002+11:00

Haylee's first Christmas

And so, for those of us in this part of our world, we are now trying to recover from our Christmas Day. For those of you here as well as in the far reaches of our planet, Ray and I wish you every blessing you allow God to pour out on you at this special time of the year.

And Ray again shares with us some special thoughts to meditate about during this Season.

A Secret No Longer

We have turned the awesomeness of Heaven’s invasion of Earth by the Christ Child into a childish fun parlour for adults. In the child’s Christmas there’s a sense of mystical, magical mythology which evaporates as a mist through maturity.

On the surface, Christmas is so simple. It’s about a promised baby who has arrived and survived the almost endless complications of birth in ancient times. He grew into manhood, did wonderful things, was hated and loved - and was crucified. Simple!

Trouble is it is not simple. Wrapped up in the Bethlehem baby who became the Nazarene is a mystery. This in Biblical talk doesn’t refer to something hidden which must be searched for. The word “mystery” which means what was unknown, hidden and incomprehensible has actually been revealed, clarified and defined.

Writing to the folk at Colossae, the gospel dynamo, Paul, explained some of the motivation which made him a great missionary, pastor and teacher. “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col 2:2,3.)

Do you want to know what Christmas is about? Does your heart long for more than the froth and bubble of life? Is there a hunger for a new and deeper dimension for faith, hope and service? Look no further than the person and work of Jesus the Christ. The more you get to know Him through reading His Word, obeying that which He requires and expressing your faith through worship, the more you discover treasure for the mind, spirit and relationships.

Christmas comes and goes yet life goes on. The Christ celebrated on that occasion wants to go with you into the highs, lows and the mundaneness of your life. He wants to share with you the riches of his grace, the treasures of His heart and the wisdom of His word. Jesus has made no secret of His willingness to do that for you and me.

Ray (a treasure hunter) Hawkins.

And a VERY happy Christmas to each and every one of you!

AND SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS – ALMOST

2011-12-22T19:45:00.001+11:00

Haylee

Five grandchildren

For quite a few of us, Christmas each year is greeted with mixed emotions.

Certainly that has been my own personal experience since I was sixteen years old and my Dad’s funeral was on Christmas Eve that year.

This year has all the promise of a wonderful time together with all our children present.

Our son, daughter-in-law arrived yesterday morning from the Australian mainland on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. They brought their two gorgeous german shepherd dogs with them. Our grandchildren are thrilled with the dogs and love their Uncle Lance and Auntie Kazza. Our daughter, Gaylene, is a school teacher and flies into Launceston at 8.25a.m tomorrow morning. Our son’s brother-in-law is due at the airport on Christmas Day. Both Mark and Gaylene always spoil their nephews and nieces each year and so extra excitement all around.

But then the phone call came a few minutes ago.

The Department of Health had just rung our son, Craig, to inform him the test results from his children reveals they have whooping cough. Our six grandchildren’s ages range between 9 years old and 9 weeks old. All are coughing except the baby.

And so, this blog has to be brief. I’ve rung my doctor to find out what grandparents who have had heaps of contact with them these last couple of weeks should be doing for our own health and those we come in contact with. The baby’s dedication was planned for Christmas Day and of course now has to be cancelled. The Hawkins house is in “lock down.” And there are folk we need to make sure are aware of the risk of a “cold” and “cough” being symptoms of this nasty disease, especially children at church. Summer school holidays commenced today but we know the Department of Health will still be going through all their protocols for this notifiable disease at the local school.

So, how did Ray & I just cope? Prayer first of all of course and we would appreciate yours also. Many years ago as a nurse, I nursed children with this horrible disease and have to confess am not really surprised by this diagnosis. After hearing that awful, breath taking cough, I’ve discovered even the decades since have not killed the memory.

So, Christmas is only another three days away. How glad I am that the Christ Child became the Christ of the Cross. In HIS loving hands those we love are safe – no matter what!

Ray on Monday -The Christmas Gauntlet

2011-12-18T22:36:00.000+11:00

THE CHRISTMAS GAUNTLET!

In the so called Middle Ages a piece of the knights armour was the gauntlet. This was a leather glove studded with plates of metal. The term “to throw down the gauntlet” was a challenge to an opponent.

Christmas for the Christian is a throwing down of the gauntlet on behalf of the babe born at Bethlehem. Almost the whole of the New Testament, and most especially the Gospel of John, is the gauntlet of the disciple (knight?) of Christ! John 20:31: “These are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.”(NRSV)

In that verse three groups are specifically challenged.

The first is the Jewish people. The Apostle John declares to them that the longed for Messiah of their Scriptures (and ours) is none other than the Babe of Bethlehem, the Man of Nazareth, the Crucified One! His name is Jesus. The glove thrown down calls upon the one challenged to check out the Scriptures and see whether or not the accounts of Jesus life fill out the shadows.

The second group are the followers of Islam. Their claim is that God has no son. The Christian’s response is “O yes He has and his name is Jesus!” When the Scriptures call Jesus the Son of God it refers to his unique birth (check out Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2). It highlights the unique relationship between the earthly Jesus and his heavenly Father. In John 10:30 Jesus declares that he and the Father are one, meaning they are of the same essence. Also in response to Philip’s question, Jesus said, “if you see me you see the Father too.” The term “Son of God” points to a description of His authority, His rule. As the Son of God, Jesus dealt with all the obstacles between us and being acceptable to His Heavenly Father. Read the 1st letter of John and stand in awe at what is encompassed by this description of Jesus being the Son of God.

The third group invited to take up the Christmas gauntlet actually includes everyone else. It is a calling upon all people to give a sustained, intelligent appraisal of the Christmas event in the light of Scripture. The thrown down glove asks, ‘Who is there more outstanding, more worthy, more gracious than Jesus who can make a claim to our allegiance?”

But you object by saying Jesus is in the past. You want a modern day, living person to call Lord and Saviour. That is Jesus! According to the Scriptures, three days after his crucifixion Jesus arose from the dead. In doing so he fulfilled what was written. He also put the guarantee of who He is by rising from the dead. Read Romans 1:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15.

So, every time Christmas comes around God’s gauntlet is thrown down. You can challenge it and accept the consequences, or you can yield and know what is wrapt up in the gift of life.

Ray (the yielded one) Hawkins.

Writers getting it “right.”

2011-12-16T10:37:00.000+11:00

Not Qld but western New South Wales
paddocks of Paterson's Curse weeds.
Click on photo to see enlarged.

So, here I am, back trying to finish that half-finished manuscript I started a few years ago before I received a contract for Return to Baragula. I stopped writing this one to concentrate on writing the next two books in the Baragula series.

And have I been busy rewriting and editing that first draft, including trying to get the setting of fictitious Lomond Downs right!

When I wrote Outback from Baragula, I set Davidson Downs in a part of New South Wales I had actually never visited before. Thankfully I had a good friend who did know the general area, even had photos she shared with me.

This time I am setting most of the story of Her Outback Cowboy on a property south-west of Longreach in Central Queensland. This is another part of Australia I have never been able to visit. I have always understood this area is called the Channel Country where many small rivers and creeks are really nothing more than just that, channels rather than rivers. I mentioned to a couple of people this manuscript was set in the “Channel Country” only to be told they both individually thought the area called this was set in northern Queensland. So, back to doing research again in an effort “to get it right!”

I am wondering what other writers find about their unfinished manuscripts. Have I really changed myself so much that I now see unbelievable flaws and editing needed, including those weasel words? Yes, including that word “that”!

Oh, and both men were wrong about where the Channel country is.

Or are they? Would love to hear from anyone who has driven down the road from Longreach on the map called Thompson Developement Road! Do leave a comment here with your email so I can ask you heaps of questions. Or email me at mary@mary-hawkins.com

Ray on Monday: Different Christmas Candles

2011-12-12T09:59:00.000+11:00

On Sunday I shared in a Church service where candles had a feature role. These were not so much referring to the Light of the world at Christmas. Rather, they were candles of remembrance for those who had died. People had an opportunity to light a candle and reflect upon a loved one and pray to the Lord, thank Him for the person’s life, faith and influence.

Christmas has so many emotional stirrings and not all of them good. The loss of a loved one especially around Christmas can turn a joyful event into one of grief. When I read the first Christmas story I find that the coming of Christ was into a world of sorrow, fear and anger. (Sounds similar to today doesn’t it!) He came as Saviour yet the forces of this World fought against Him, even in His childhood. In Luke’s account, a man named Simeon told Mary she would have an experience as though a sword had pierced her soul.

Christmas doesn’t cancel out the loss and sorrow of life. Its promise is that the Lord God has come to stand with us in it. To achieve such a relationship Jesus had to become our personal Saviour. Only then could the swords which cut, hurt and maim be blunted, resisted and their cuts healed. In effect, one of the features of celebrating Christmas is to take heart in the fact of our Lord sharing in our history.

Christmas in our History

Christmas time they tell me

Is for peace, joy and family.

All I can see is rampant misery

Across homes, hearts and countries.

Christmas faces the darkness

With its message of forgiveness

Christ’s unfading light

To guide us through life’s long night

Christmas time has its crosses

When again we taste our losses

With memories bitter sweet

Our minds determine to keep.

Christmas candles cause reflections

Calming sorrow’s hypertensions

The symbol of its flame?

Christ’s comfort in our pain.

Christmas the Bible tells me

Is God sharing our history

With love’s testimony

To hallow all our memories

©Raymond N. Hawkins 2011

Writer’s Interruptions

2011-12-08T21:48:00.001+11:00

Just how does a busy person settle down to writing a novel?

Usually with great difficulty!

I’ve read many writer’s comments about this. It is certainly true that family members seem to be more helpful and thoughtful about interrupting a writer deep in “the throes” once that writer has been published. It seems that suddenly even the most sceptical family and friends then suddenly realise, “Hey, she is actually ‘working those times she refuses to be interrupted for trivial reasons.”

On the whole over the years, I have been very blessed by understanding friends and family–and also church members when their minister’s wife had to apologise for not being able to pop over anymore for a quick visit, even at times offer that cuppa to someone who arrived at her own door at the “wrong” time.

Okay, so what happens these days now I am trying to work on my nineteenth manuscript? To clarify: you may have noticed I have nineteen titles released but two of those, Australia and Australian Outback (both Barbour books and currently out of print) are collections of previously novels released individually. I also have one finished manuscript still not published that needs to be re-worked also. Groan!

This manuscript, tentatively titled Her Outback Cowboy, I commenced some years ago while I was trying to sell and rewrite Return to Baragula. After it was contracted I concentrated on writing the other two books in the Baragula series but now I’m back rewriting that manuscript which was only about one-third written.

And I have to confess there have been a few attempts to get back into that story, the heads and hearts of my characters. Why? Interruptions of course-and not often these days other people to blame, just myself.

These days I am on far too many writer’s email loops of writing organisations. These days there are blogs to write, internet networking, promotion to organise for my current books like some I have mentioned last week and in previous blogs.

But having told you all these, I have to confess the biggest cause of interrupting my writing time is basically one reason – my own lack of self-discipline. Long before I became “a writer” I was a book worm. That still hasn’t changed but it takes an effort to put down that “un-put-down-able-book” by another author! It takes real efforts of self-discipline to sort out my priorities and then stick to them!

This year has been rather horrific for getting any writing done. With a new book released last May there have been two book launches, four book-signings and all kinds of promotion through media and the internet to organise. These involved travelling time as well and now I am starting to realise perhaps I need another lap-top computer for those times. (Are you listening, Santa?)

And I am discovering more and more I seem to have less discipline about letting gorgeous grandchildren distract me than ever our own lovely children did! But they are a big priority because I know only too well how soon those precious little ones will grow and we will not have the same opportunities to be with them as they become more independent of parents and grandparents.

Last week I mentioned the time spent on the phone trying to sort out an insurance claim on damage to the hire car and that lost camera. Today the claim was granted and a few hours ago our camera was found! I sure have been praying about them and just so thankful tonight.

And so, I’ve also now spent writing time on photos from our trip to Queensland, The Word Writers Fair, Family and nostalgic memories.

Here are a few this week and I’ll try and include more in weeks to come. Just click on the photos and they should become larger.

Ray & Mary with CALEB certificates
Ray was short-listed in the Devotional category for
Children: God's Special Interest.

CALEB Fiction category finalists
Paula Vince wins for Best Forgotten

CALEB Unpublished manuscript finalists
and Jo Wanmer, my 2010 mentoree wins!

2011 Friday Intensive Workshop and Mary cracks the whip - or tries to with four more writers she attempts to mentor!

All the very best to all four of you!

And so The Word Writers Fair is over for another year. Another wonderful "Face to Face" time of fellowship with other writers. And no way can this event be called an "interruption."
It is more like a bull-dozer pushing me to settle down - AND SIMPLY WRITE MY NEXT BOOK!

Ray on Monday - The Battle Cry of Christmas

2011-12-05T20:57:00.001+11:00

Northampton England 2002

Christmas isn’t for the faint hearted. It isn’t about presents or carols or hot roast dinners. Christmas is the moment Heaven invaded earth to reclaim what the powers of Darkness had usurped. The Bible is clear that the coming of Christ heralded the final phase in God’s plan of redemption for men, women and the whole of creation.

The following poem highlights what the Angels' message conveyed.

The Battle Cry of Christmas.

The clarion call of Heaven

Was the battle cry of angels

Piercing the darkness

Of the night

And the soul!

Demons cowered.

Shepherds, dismayed

Believers

In the promised One!

Glory to God in the Highest

Is the marshalling call

For all who honour Him

To enlist

In the task!

Planned by Grace

Enslaved sinners

Redeemed

In the promised One!

Peace on earth to men

And women of good will

Angels proclaim

With delight!

Messiah’s

Mercy offered

To fallen world

Wrapped

In the promised One!

The clarion call of Heaven

The angels' battle cry

Echoes across time

Shattering

Satan’s hold

Over people!

Salvation now

Possible

In the promised One!

His name is Jesus.

He is the promised one!

Ray (I enlisted) Hawkins

When Writers meet Face to Face

2011-12-01T23:14:00.000+11:00

As well as online fellowship, writers do enjoy meeting with other writers. This photo was taken at a monthly meeting I try hard to go to each time of the Society Women Writers Tasmania. We have our next meeting this coming Monday - a special Christmas luncheon time!
My apologies for not posting here for so long. We arrived home from Queensland late last Thursday. Hard to believe a week has already slipped by. We “oldies” were certainly ready for a holdiay to get over our two week working holiday, but instead have found ourselves very busy catching up on mail, email, restocking the fridge and helping our family – not to mention the usual unpacking, laundry, sorting out notes and paperwork from the Writer events.

The last few days I’ve spent too much time trying to sort out insurance re-imbursement for a bit of damage to our hire car and trying very hard to find my camera. Sorry there are no photos this time of our trip. The above one was taken last year but a good reminder of writers meeting face to face! They are all still on that camera – somewhere not in aeroplanes. airports, hire car company and apparently at our family’s homes!

However, our trip away was a great time of meeting with readers at book-signings, my extended Qld family and then of course other writers. The Word Writer Fair was even bigger and better this year as it continues to attract more and more of those of us who are writers. I’ve already heard about some pre-planning to make our face to face time together with writers from all over Australia even more exciting next year. I so enjoyed putting faces to names of other writers I've only "met" online here as they have commented on our blogs posts and also on other blogs and writers email loops.

On the Friday I was privleged to mentor four fiction writers. It was a busy but very rewarding day and hopefully we will see those manuscripts they worked so hard on published in the future.

Saturday was very special for me again this year. Ray presented a workshop on writing devotionals and I talked to writers wanting to write fiction who attended my workshop on what writers need to know they should know before they start a novel. There have been so many things I’ve had to continue learning over the years and so many things I wish I had known before writing my own first novels. I sure pray it will help other writers not to have to learn the hard way I so often have by making mistakes with my manuscripts.

The CALEB Award dinner was another time of fellowship for us all. I was thrilled to be one of the three finalists in the fiction category and am thrilled for the winner, Paula Vince, for her novel Best Forgotten. Not only did she win our category but was the overall Grand winner! Fiction ruled!

An extra special moment for me was the delight of seeing one of the unpublished writers I mentored last year win the unpublished category, and know she has signed a contract for that manuscript we worked so hard on. Congratulations Jo Wanmer!

Another delight for me was the opportunity to meet and share dinner with members of the newly formed Toowoomba Romance Writers of Australia group. Perhaps I will be able to share more about the details of that and other experiences out west in future blog posts.

Already Ray and I are seeking to know what and where and how we may be involved with writers’ events next year. Already I am booked to share with writers at Fusion’s annual Faith and Art convention here in Tasmania in January. I missed the Romance Writers Australia National conference this year and in 2012 will be held at the Gold Coast in Qld. There is planning afoot for an RWA Roadshow for writers of romance here in Tasmania next May. Then there is another Word Writers Fair in Adelaide as well as another in Brisbane.

Choices, always choices. Our prayer is we will continue to listen to God, let Him choose for us. May He continue to make the journey HE wants to take us on very, very clear.

Ray on Monday - Here's To The Star!

2011-11-28T20:59:00.000+11:00

We're baaaack!

My apologies for neglecting you all for so long. Ray and I have had over a couple of weeks away. And no, not really a holiday, a working holiday at The Word Writers Fair in Qld, two book-signings, book display at a couple of churches, including one where Ray was the guest preacher. But more of that on my post later this week. Stay tuned!

It is only a few weeks now to Christmas and Ray's thoughts have turned towards that wonderful event even sooner than mine have -so far anyway!

Here's to The Star!

This was no mere twinkling star. Nor was it a falling star to wish upon. It was a new star to capture the attention of the astrologers in Babylon. The Star we recall at Christmas time was described by the Magi as ‘His Star.’ Who was He to them? How did they know about Him and why were they watching the heavens for a star sign?

The account in Matthew Chapter Two about the wise men’s visit to Judea is expressive in its simplicity and mysterious in its brevity. They saw the star in the East, knew it was about the promised Jewish Messiah and took off for Jerusalem where all that nation’s kings resided. God is the God of the unexpected and yet is faithful to His promise. In this matter the one born to be king was in Bethlehem–as Micah 5 declared. When the Magi left Herod it was night for we are told the Star glowed over Bethlehem, a few miles south east.

Back to the questions: How did they know this was His star? I believe the answer is in the book of Daniel. This man was among the deportees from Jerusalem to Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. At fourteen, he with some others was chosen to undergo training in the art of Babylonian astronomy/astrology. For the next 80 years Daniel lived in that scene under two different regimes.

Daniel was a faithful servant of God. He knew the Scriptures. It is conceivable that in his position of authority he was able to share the Biblical testimony that in the future God would send the Messiah. There are many references to this promised One but not a date. Being astronomers and astrologers, they would be seeking what the scripture talks about as signs in the Heavens. When it happened hundreds of years after Daniel their expectation was realised.

We hear a lot about “following your dream.” The better aspect is to follow the promise of Scripture as did the Magi. It was a long and challenging journey but at the end they found Jesus, the promised One. He is the Star’s fulfilment. He is the ‘Star’ of Scripture. He is the One who completes the meaning of Christmas.

Ray (the star gazer) Hawkins.

Ray on Monday - Least Likely To.....

2011-11-21T08:33:00.001+11:00

Coming towards the end of life’s journey should be a time for reflection, assessment and tying up loose ends. In fact that is something we should have done on a regular basis across the years. This came to mind when I looked over some previously jotted down thoughts such as the following. I wrote it, as I often do, like a conversation in my mind with the Lord.

Time…4:10pm.
Place…a Sydney (Australia) suburban train.
Funerals are interesting experiences, Lord. We learn things most of us were ignorant of. For me, Lord, I learnt things about myself.
It was a good funeral as funerals go. My friend belonged to You. This made it easier to say farewell. At the family gathering afterwards a group of us from the ‘yester-years’ gathered and shared our journeys. Some have done quite well. Others have struggled. Some have remained faithful to the Faith. Some haven’t. That’s sad.
As I grew up with these people, we had a great time in the church and community. Friendships are precious and years apart don’t distract from that. When we are growing up it seems to me we are not very conscious of how our mates see us. That is why one young lady’s comments floored me a bit. On reflection they were true. I just didn’t think how others saw me then. She said “ You hung in there with the church when most of us at the time thought you were the least likely to succeed.”
I’m not sure, Lord, what she meant by ‘succeed’. To me it means that in their eyes I changed from a shallow, self indulgent hypocrite to a maturing, caring minister sold out to you. However, Heavenly Father, I can’t kid myself. I don’t think I would have ‘succeeded’ in any sense of the word if You hadn’t stood me on my head, metaphorically speaking, and said “Shape up or ship out!” How thankful I am that You prevailed. Your perseverance over the years has been the sole factor in any so called ‘success’ people may see. You shaped me up! You’ve kept me! You’ve proven Yourself true through Your word.
As I am carried along by this train, I am thankful for the honesty of my friend in reminding me that I was ‘the least likely.’ It creates a shout of gratitude to You. In Your mercy You have made a ‘least likely to succeed’ a testimony of what Your power can do with raw material surrendered to You.
Oh, that more of my friends had done that!
Amen!
Ray (with room for improvement) Hawkins.

Ray on Monday - The Dead Who Speak

2011-11-14T08:06:00.017+11:00

By (our) faith) he (Abel) still speaks, even though he is dead. Hebrews 11:4.

I have never heard his voice. In fact there isn’t any record in Scripture as to anything he said. However the writer to the Hebrews says ‘he still speaks’. The record about him preserved in the Bible concerns his faith and obedience even unto death (Genesis 4). The record has some message for us to search out.

Picking up a book by C.S. Lewis brought the subject matter to my mind for this Blog. He has been dead for a number of years yet his life and words live on. Such is the power of the printed page. Of course there are numerous examples of those long gone to Glory who still speak to our heart and mind. They still challenge us from the record of their life. Somehow when we read even long neglected works devoted to Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit breathes life into dormant words.

This is possibly one reason I keep writing, especially about the person, work of the Lord and His faithfulness tasted in my life. One day there will be no more words flowing from my mind through fingers onto a computer for printing. However scattered through bookshops, magazines, correspondence, internet and post-cards are words, words of faith, hope and gratitude for love.

Thankful I am that our gracious God doesn’t limit Himself to the greats such as C.S. Lewis and C.H. Spurgeon. The Lord takes the simple, plain unknown person who writes something honouring to Him and speaks to all classes of people. Who can tell, if the Lord Jesus delays His return, someone will stumble across a dusty book or magazine, brush away any cobwebs and be captured by the Holy Spirit through some word, sentence, testimony I have, you have written.

There are many reasons to write, for me one compelling reason is wrapt up in the account of Abel. He never knew the result of the account of his life, no will be. I do pray however that there will be at least a brief note saying something similar too ‘he/she being dead still speaks today!’

Ray (still breathing) Hawkins.

Ray on Monday - What a Night

2011-11-07T07:00:00.002+11:00

Time…6:30am
Place…sitting in bed.
I’m so tired Lord I need to talk with you before I get out of bed.

It’s been a rough night and I’ve got important business to do today. The very thought of it makes me cringe, not because of the work, but because of how I feel. A rubber ball is sharper than me at the moment.

Why is it that nearly every time I’ve some important business to do, especially when it relates to your Kingdom’s purposes, things get difficult the night before? It can’t be simply nerves! Take last night for instance. That thunderstorm was a cracker. It rattled the roof and walls with its thunderclaps and the rain, wow. When my eyes open enough to look out the window I reckon it will look like a lake. I probably could have slept through it after a while but the children were frightened, restless and having nightmares. Terrible combination for a parent’s sleeping programme.

So, here I am. How I wish I could stay in bed, call in sick and give the day a miss. Can’t be done, so I’m really desperate for your mercy! Times such as these push me towards one of three corners in my mind. To be honest, the most natural one is marked, ‘frustration and anger’. I can visualise it. Plenty of kick marks and sore toes but no value. The other corner, so tempting in which to hide, is signed, ‘self-pity and resignation’. Been there too often and didn’t do any good. The other alternative is, I know the best, but it is so demanding on the will. It’s signed, ‘Trust!’

Perhaps this is the corner from which Paul declared to the Corinthians, “ My, (meaning Your) grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” I sure would appreciate the same realisation. How I wish you would simply zap me with your grace power and let me get on with things. I know. You don’t work that way. So, out of bed, feet on the ground, get moving body. As I go, so your grace flows, that’s your way and this evening I’ll realise it. Just at the moment however it’s taking all the obedience my faith can muster to start.

Ooohhh no!

What’s happened now? Another problem!

The power’s gone off. Lord, if it stays off, or recurs in the meeting, what’ll I do? My wonderful (well in my thinking) power point presentation will be ruined.

What’s that? Zechariah 4:6. Let me look it up. “’Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.’”
I apologise Lord. I was thinking it was all up to me. Thanks for your promise.
Amen.
Ray (Sustained by Grace) Hawkins

Getting Ready - for several things!

2011-11-05T13:23:00.000+11:00

Do you find yourself too often in the “Getting Ready” mode? I seem to be in that mode all the time lately!

We prepared for our new little grandchild – and gorgeous, thick black-haired and placid Haylee Mae arrived three weeks ago today.

Next we prepared for birthdays – both Haylee’s mother and her brother Adam’s second birthday just yesterday.

And while all those were waiting in the wings, we’ve been preparing to be away in Queensland for some time on a working holiday. This will be a very busy time to not only visit family but be involved in a writer’s conference, mentoring writers, two book-signing events, speaking appointments and inevitably other things we have not planned for.

This is one time I would like another lap-top computer. However I do prefer to work on this desk-top one so think the other would not be used enough to make the expense of keeping in updated worth while! And sometimes too, after all the hours on the computer, perhaps I need a holiday from it also?

The next major event of course is preparing for Christmas and having all our children here. How very special that will be this year again! There also appears to be a week looming in January of helping more writers at the Poatina Faith and Arts event here in Tasmania. Then there are hopes for a Romance Writers event... then...? I’m sure there will be others too as next year unwinds.

Blog followers, I’ve been able to schedule the Ray on Monday posts while we are away but am not sure about access to a computer to bring you this weekly Thursday (and too often Friday!) post or if I have time to schedule another each week while we are away. Do be patient with us! And we would love more followers of course, so if you just pop in occasionally we would still like you to join us as “Followers”.

And during all of this “busyness”, somehow my own writing on that manuscript tentatively called Her Outback Cowboy is sitting all forlorn waiting... and waiting...

Ray on Monday - A Note About A Bucket

2011-10-31T23:07:00.003+11:00

Some time ago I was reflecting upon our experiences in an African village. I penned the following thoughts as a conversation between me and the Lord. It has been sitting on the computer for some time and now it is unleashed.

Dear Lord,
Could you get me a bucket?

It’s a little thing I know and if I was back home in Australia I guess I wouldn’t be asking. Being here in this village makes little things appear rather huge and beyond reach. I’m not really good at their language and they won’t let me do any of the manual work, I’m a visitor.

But Lord, I can use a bucket.

Everyday these people work in the stifling heat. They get hot and weary. Wouldn’t it be great if I could go out to them with a bucket and a cup and offer them some water? Sure, it would mean walking a distance to the stream but that’s no big deal.

I remember what you said about giving a cup of cold water to the little ones who are your disciples.
The trouble is, where can I get a bucket? I never thought such a simple thing would almost seem like a miracle, well, not seem like, but actually would be a miracle. Lord, may I have eyes to see where you are pointing and guiding to answer this prayer.

What’s that Lord?

I sense you are stirring something in my heart and mind. You want me to be more than a bucket carrier. I’m to be your bucket? Have I got that right? As I share the cup of water I’m also to offer the Living Water of your grace.
T
hat will be a real test. My language skills are extremely limited, still, your Spirit can use my faltering words and love for these people to taste the wonder of your Living Water.

O Lord, thank you for your Living Water.

This one thing I would ask as I close. Don’t let me leak.
Amen.
P.S.
I want to thank you, in faith, for the bucket.

Since that prayer time has passed. We have returned home. Did they ever get the bucket? I believe so as by God’s grace through interest raised and finance sent. More importantly, Mary and I did have the pleasure and privilege of being carriers of ‘Living Water’ to those villagers and others in Africa and many other places.

Ray (the bucket) Hawkins.

Writers also need loving Arms

2011-10-28T14:42:00.001+11:00

Ray sees his books in a shop
for the first time.

Well, I'm later than ever this week but want to remind you not to miss out on a chance to win Ray's book, Children: God's Special Interest. Just leave a comment on his last Monday's post. Thank you to those who have already commented. We will draw a winner and announce it next Monday.

I had my first few hours since Haylee was born staying with the children last night as Ray and our son and daughter-in-law packed seahorses for an overseas order. This order was smaller than usual but if I stay with the children while the others work it means we all get more sleep. Yes, that's right! Ray dropped me off at 2a.m. before they all went down to Seahorse Australia. All was still and so I enjoyed the peace and quiet to read. Of course that is what writers do every spare moment they can! Then the baby snuffles gradually became more frequent. I had been told the next feed would hopefully not be until about 4a.m. but 3.30a.m was Haylee's reckoning! I picked her up and rocked her gently, hoping the cries would not become loud enough to wake up any other children, hoping Mum with the tucker would arrive - which she did. Dad arrived first though. Even as Mum strode into the room, he took his baby so gently and lovingly into his arms. I had to reluctantly leave them to scurry out to join Ray for the hours drive to reach the airport in time.

I have thought several times today about that look on our dear son's face as he looked down at his precious little one. How like that it must be when our Heavenly Father looks down on us when we are in need, when our burdens are heavy. Lovingly he wants us to relax in His arms even as eleven day old Haylee calmed when she heard her Dad's voice - which I found quite amazing in such a young baby.

No time to write that manuscript? Family, health problems, work commitments preventing you from doing so many things that need doing? Lately I've been so busy have spent very little time being quiet in meditation and reading the scriptures. Even last night I was reading a novel and not grasping the opportunity to spend time with my Heavenly Father. As Ray reminded me in his blog and by his own daily example, I do need to desire the real "milk", the nutrition for my spiritual life in Christ each day. With all the busy days-and nights!-we might have to journey through, let us always be quiet enough to recognise the loving arms, the comforting Words of our Father who loves us.

Ray on Monday Book Giveaway - Now for the Milk!

2011-10-24T18:44:00.000+11:00

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation… 1 Peter 2:2.

Naturally if you read our blog you are aware of Haylee Mae’s arrival on Sat. 15th. Also you will realise the birth is a great opportunity for a preacher to make a devotional comment or two. So then I’ll not disappoint you – then again I might!

The opening text speaks of the need of the newborn babe. I’m fascinated by the way a baby knows it must suck the breast or the bottle to survive. Our Creator has linked the wonder of the baby’s need to the mother’s miracle of milk production. We understand it is so the baby can live, be healthy and grow.

One of the Bible’s features to me is how it uses such analogies to make us aware of the spiritual. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour we are spiritual babies. Outwardly we may be very wrinkly but inwardly we are newborn. Therefore we need spiritual milk so as to live, survive and grow in our Christian life. What has the Lord supplied? The pure milk of His Word. There is a craving within our spirit only God’s Scripture can satisfy. To neglect it is fatal. Contaminate it with unbiblical notions is to cause spiritual malnutrition. The regular drinking from the Bible will cause growth, health and faith.

Watching children grow is to see them being weaned from milk and onto baby food then more substantial meals. Failure to make such a transition is detrimental to every aspect of a person’s being. The same is said about the spiritual requirements.

Parents and others have an important role in the feeding habits they pass onto their children. What applies in the human relationship applies in the spiritual. God has supplied the necessary ingredients and entrusted us with the responsibility of providing the proper spiritual diet for the appropriate stages of growth. That is one reason why we are told ‘Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ And I can assure you after over 50 years on it, Heaven’s diet is delicious, nutritious and scrumptious.

Ray (the ever hungry but well fed) Hawkins.
My dear husband doesn't know about this yet - he has taken two of our grandchildren to their gym this evening! To help celebrate the arrival of Haylee Mae I'd love to give away his thought and heart provoking devotional book to add to "The Spiritual Menu" of every grandparent, parent and anyone involved with children. We will have a draw of every one who leaves a comment here for a copy of Children:God's Special Interest. And please don't forget to include your email address!

New Babies – The cuddly kind and...?

2011-10-20T20:49:00.000+11:00

Four day old Haylee Mae
and brother Adam

We forget so quickly how tiny a very new baby is. A beautiful addition to our family arrived five days ago. Haylee’s little brother here getting “up close and personal” was about the same size less than two years ago. His little “almost two” personality is becoming more and more evident every day. His latest sentence? Unfortunately it is “Don’t want to!” (And with the exclamation mark.) Mmm...wonder how old Haylee will be when she says similar things as an alternative to “No!”

And so our babies continue to grow until they become more and more independent and we have to release them at last into their own big world “out there.” Haylee reminded both my husband and I so vividly what her father looked like all those years ago - about the same size with that thick mop of very black hair that these days shows tinges of gray. And when he moved out of home to start university a long way from home, it wasn’t always easy to let him go. I am sure he will find it also hard when Haylee and our five other wonderful grandchildren want to spread their wings.

Besides my own birth-pangs with our three children, I’ve had other very different, but still “birth-pangs”, with each manuscript I’ve written. Certainly most of them have taken longer than 9 months before they have developed enough to say they are “full term” and “The End” at last written. However, then comes more waiting time as we had with our own three children and now our grandchildren. The manuscript still has to “grow” through that careful read through. (Watching for any gaps in plot, characters acting “out of character”, dialogue. correct Point of View.) No head-hopping allowed? And as each new baby teaches the parent more, so this writer continues to learn with every one of her written “babies”.

And after each manuscript has been sighed over and I have at last had to resist trying to change anything, it has to be sent out into the wide world of editors, publishers. Hopefully, one day it will be out there on bookshelves for readers to enjoy, judge it too – first by that cover and then those inner contents.

No matter how attractive (or not) the outward appearances of our precious babies become, I pray they will have that true and lasting inner beauty that only the indwelling of Christ by His Holy Spirit can bestow upon them. We can try to teach and nurture by example and words, but it is still those babies growing to maturity who ultimately have to find their own destinies. My greatest “tool” as a grandmother is to maintain my own relationship with Christ and pray and pray and “be there” for them when needed.

Ray on Monday - God, the Master Weaver

2011-10-17T19:55:00.000+11:00

Our son Craig and his Baby
Adam who is now turning
two years old in November.

From almost the time of conception through to the child’s birth we saw our little grandchild’s progress. That modern technology ultrasound afforded us the privilege of seeing this young life grow within the mother’s womb. How awesome! How beautiful! How wonderful! Words are incapable of describing the miracle of birth.

Psalm 139 is the classic description of God’s sovereign interest in the unborn child. In verse 15 it says “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.”

There is a lovely idea undergirding the Hebrew word translated ‘woven’in the above verse. It means to embroider. It’s as though God embroiders the make-up of the child from the material supplied by his or her mum and dad. In fact, probably at least four generations have ‘genetic yarn’ woven by God into the body, personality and soul of the child. Is it any wonder God calls people to holiness if for no other reason than the well-being of a future child.

With only the power of outward sight, how did the Psalmist understand the wonder of a baby in the womb? God in His mercy made it known to David so that people even before ultrasound images would appreciate the uniqueness of the unborn and the priceless worth of a child.

Why am I so caught up with this today? Simply because last Saturday at 6pm Haylee Mae Hawkins, our 6th grandchild and 2nd grand-daughter, came into the world.

Some of you would know I’ve written a devotional of 31 days about God’s special interest. It is children! Ps 139 is featured in it. As I cast my eyes across the community and see the neglect, abuse and exploitation of children I not only grieve, I tremble. For God states in the Bible His sternest judgements upon such perpetrators.

In whatever capacity we relate to children, our Heavenly Father instructs us to safeguard the life and worth of a child. We are to be His stepping stones for them to get to know of His love and grace. Let us not be stumbling stones.

Ray (a proud grand-father once again) Hawkins.

Expectancy

2011-10-13T16:53:00.000+11:00

Our darling daughter-in-law is expecting. Yes, that’s right, a baby! And actually due today.

Ray and I are still expecting the phone call to stay with our other five gorgeous grandchildren while she and our son make the dash about 50 minutes to the hospital.

It seems so long ago since I was expecting the arrival of that son of ours. He actually surprised us by arriving four weeks early. But today has made me think about all the things we end up “expecting” over a lifetime – and perhaps some things that happen we do not “expect.” One of those of course is the delight of being able to expect this sixth beautiful grand-baby.

Life is full of expectancy and life isn’t always smooth travelling. We plant seeds in the ground and expect seedlings to peep up through the soil. Afraid that is something this gardener knows now she can never take for granted cause she doesn’t always look after that patch of ground well enough! We expect, perhaps take for granted many things that may not eventuate - whether that be because it is our fault or despite all we may do.

Writers live with expectancy. We write our manuscripts, we rewrite them – sometimes many times. We edit them. We submit them to editors with great expectancy. Sadly that is dashed if the rejections start arriving. I experienced this thirteen times with that first book of mine. I have to confess after the first few my “expectancy” level became lower and lower as reality told me this was even much tougher than I had thought it would be.

We are told there are only two certainties in life. We are born and then we die. There is one other certainty I must always remember. God loves me. Through all the times in our journey when hopes may be dashed, when the things we “expect” do not happen as we may want them to, we have the proof of His love for all time: God’s great plan to defeat death, to bring life eternal to those who respond positively to His love. “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

This life’s journey may be rough, filled with failed hopes, sorrow. Then I look at the cross, the triumph of the empty tomb. I see the history down through the ages how God, because of His very nature, has kept His promises. He never changes and I know I can trust Him to give life everlasting to those who believe, who accept His gift of forgiveness, who become His children – all because of what Jesus has done for us.

And now I have writers at The Word Writers Fair expecting to be encouraged and helped on the Friday Intensive and my Saturday workshop in (gulp) four weeks time! Time to do more preparation - the watering, the praying, the fight against time (instead of slugs and snails in my seedling box?)

The Swing’s False Impression

2011-10-10T10:48:00.000+11:00

Every time our young grandchildren visit they head for the swing set in our yard. Each child enjoys the sensation of being pushed, or being self propelled. There is something relaxing, mesmerising even in going backwards and forwards on a clear sunny day. When grandad wears out or they think of doing something else the swing stops. They get off and the swing becomes still. It hasn’t moved. After all the energy exerted, all the time spent, enjoyable or exhausting though it be, nothing has advanced.

I thought how much of a parable the swing is of so much we do. Whether it is in our personal life, business scene or church work we exert so much energy, maybe enjoy the movement and the moment, but end up getting nowhere. The swing gives the impression to those on it that something is being done, possibly achieved. In reality the person or committee is simply filling in time for no real movement or gain.

I’m glad Jesus didn’t say “come join me on my swing!” Although I have to admit that is the impression often presented by some! The Lord speaks to the heart and says “Come follow me…!” He is on a journey. He has a mission to complete. He has a destination in mind. He has work to achieve and He calls us to join Him in His walk.

To be honest there are times when I would have liked to exchange the stepping out for the swing. It would have been less demanding, costly, or emotionally draining. But then I would never have discovered the grace of our Lord or the depth of His word’s wisdom or the joy of accomplishing the task set before me.

The swing is a great temptation for its false impression of activity. It is an illusion for achieving something. It becomes an even great worry when those on the swing want God to do the pushing. Sorry. He is on the outback track or the city pathway or the suburban side street.

There are many swings set up along the roads of life. They tempt us to stop and have a go. The trouble is too many of us once settled rarely want to get off. Fortunately the Lord doesn’t abandon us to the futile motion of the swing. He calls, warns or even pulls down the swing we are on. Why? So that we might get back on track to follow Him in the task He has set for us.

Anyway, walking is much more beneficial to physical and spiritual health!

Ray(with his walking shoes on) Hawkins

Ray is presenting a workshop on writing devotions at The Word Writers Fair in Queensland on November 12th. There is still time to register for this great weekend for writers. http://www.thewordwriters.com/

As well as other great workshop electives to choose on the Saturday, Mary is also presenting a workshop for anyone who is seriously considering writing a novel. See details of the weekend on the website. She is also one of the mentors for the Friday programme. Of course, the CALEB Award dinner on the Friday evening will be a nail-biting time when the winners - especially for the fiction book award as Mary's Justice at Baragula is a finalist! - are announced.

Word Writers Fair Workshop and CALEB Award

2011-10-06T12:30:00.000+11:00

I'm "cheating" a little this week.
Today I also am a contributor to the International Christian Fiction Writers blog and have just posted that to be released 12:05AM American Pacific Time. With several states in Eastern Australia now on Summer Daylight Saving, here my post should be up about 7pm tonight our time - the "penalty" for being so many hours ahead of the USA!

If you've read my other posts here you know I've had a bout of influenza and this means my energy levels are now almost back to normal - whatever that is! So, please forgive this short post and click here to read my other post.
I am still trying to catch up on preparing for The Word Writers Fair in Queensland on November 11th-13th. I am a mentor again this year and also presenting a workshop there for beginner novelists called:

Preparing To Write That Novel

Have you been like too many people I have met over the years who wistfully and often shyly admit they would like to write a novel too “some day.” Then they confess they don’t know if they ever should or could because they don’t know how to go about doing it or even where to start. This workshop would address the basics for you to consider and the skills that are needed to be developed so you too can not only dream about it but work hard towards one day becoming a published fiction author.

And with my mind full of preparing this workshop, I have written a little about it on the ICFW post.
This coming weekend is The Word Writers Fair in Adelaide and I know it will be a great time there as will the one near Brisbane in November. It is not too late to check out these events and register. Do click on the above links and check our the great programmes.

And why the photo (again!) of my latest release? I am thrilled and excited that Justice at Baragula is one of three finalists in the Fiction category of the CALEB Award sponsored by Omega Writers . The other two finalists though are Carol Preston's Mary's Guardian and Paula Vince's Best Forgotten - both great books and it will be three nervous authors at that Awards dinner Friday 11th November in Queensland when the winner will be announced.

Would love to see you there!

Ray on Monday - God On-Line

2011-10-03T20:15:00.000+11:00

God On-Line

Lord, I want to thank You for prayer. You have given us a wonderful privilege through this spiritual relationship of Faith. However, I have to admit there are times when I don’t understand how You use my feeble efforts to achieve Your purposes. It strikes me as strange also that You allow me to talk over with You things You knew all about even before I was born.

Prayer must be part of heaven’s spiritual equipment designed for the benefit of Your people. The thinking, often unexpressed, is that prayer gives You room to move in our scene. To me that seems to make You a captive to our whims and our limited grasp of the wider scene. Surely, Lord, prayer is to bring us intoYour presence and make us responsive to Your intentions.

Sometimes Lord, I have a feeling I’m inclined to make my quiet times a ritual rather than a response to a relationship. Going through the motions downgrades our rendezvous into a charade and You’re worthy of far better worship than that. No longer do I want to say prayers. Father, I want to live them!
An impression has been gaining ground in my heart and mind since reading the scriptures about Your presence in the Tabernacle. Outwardly, the structure wasn’t much to look at. Inwardly, it was beautiful. Overall it was a testimony to the coming Messiah, Your Son Jesus. Another thing that impressed me about the tabernacle was its mobility.

Father, that made things clearer to my mind about Your indwelling presence in Your people. We may not be much to look at outwardly but You make us a place of beauty and a testimony to Jesus.
Now I’m more conscious of my prayer responsibilities wherever I happen to be. Mobility and devotion need to be wedded together in my life. Seizing opportunities to pray with You anywhere, at anytime, about anything has an appealing sound to my heart. Would You mind if, for my own benefit, I thought of these mobile prayer moments as “God On-Line?” It’ll keep a clearer focus in my mind between the other facets of prayer You require from time to time.

Should an angel ever record my God On-Line notes, may what is written be the outcome of my relationship with You. Let them be aware that what stirred me to pray at any given moment was important for me to share with You. And, You with me.

Thank you, God, for what I can see will be some interesting communications.
Amen!

Some “good” and “bad” about having influenza

2011-09-29T12:40:00.000+10:00

The American Christian Fiction Writers conference has just concluded for 2011. I couldn't resist showing this book-signing day photo again of our wonderful time at the 2009 event in Denver, Colorado, before getting onto what we were doing last weekend! Perhaps we may be able to share with friends there again another year. I am certainly glad we did not try to go this year - as you will see below.

Except for rather mild hay-fever attacks, I’ve been very blessed to have missed seasonal illnesses the last few years. Not this year. And as is the nature of the beast, illness doesn’t attack at the most convenient of times. Our special guests were arriving in a couple of days for the weekend. Dr Deane Woods is the Australian Director of Friends of Israel and he and his wife were staying with us while he spoke at a series of special meetings on the theme Israel in Prophecy.

I was becoming more hopeful the direction my new manuscript was taking might be okay. The preparation for my workshop at the Word Writers Fair in Brisbane in November and also for the intensive Friday mentoring sessions were my next projects. And then that fever started with all that goes with influenza and my programme thrown into turmoil.

I started to list the discomforts and difficulties of the last week and more but I’m sure you have your own lists for these times. However, sweat did saturate my night clothes a few times in a way I really don’t remember occurring for many years.

So, is there ever a “right” timing for illness? That was the first of the “bad” on my list. It was very “bad” timing.
We fervently prayed for Deane and Margaret not to catch this rotten virus. Immediately following the weeks in Tasmania, he had three weeks of booked meetings in New Zealand. But a “good” was the way dear Margaret was so willing to take over the kitchen on one of my worst days and thus helping me to isolate myself as best I good from them.

My first thoughts were that this whole past week and more has been simply “BAD”. By last night I was beginning to seriously consider a doctor’s appointment today was necessary. But I strongly believe antibiotics are only needed for secondary infections from a virus. Then wonder of wonders, I woke up this morning after a wonderful 6 hours uninterrupted sleep, the first in eight days! My, how thankful and encouraged I felt. It has sure helped me to appreciate God’s gift of sleep which we can take for granted too much.

Another “good” is losing several kilograms – about half a stone for our international friends. Fluids took the place of most of my meals – something I must remember for days when I need to lose more weight?

With the sinus problems, I found my head and eyes ached too much when I tried to use the computer. Besides, my brain has been far too dull and slow to try and work here. Well, that’s my excuse why I’ve been able to read so many books. My huge pile of “Books To Be Read” is no more!

Perhaps the greatest “good” of all is the loving support of my very special husband. The wind was freezing for infected sinuses and chest to be outside in it, but those sheets and night clothes needed changing and washing. Married nearly 47 years to this wonderful man is something I will never be able to thank God enough for.

There is more I could share but time for a rest again. Hoping you too can experience the blessings God still pours out when our bodies remind us we are frail human beings.

Tough days - and nights

2011-09-26T21:25:00.000+10:00

I missed my blog last Thursday and now Ray has only just arrived home after a busy day and does not have a devotional ready for you. He has been busy revising material for other 31 Day Devotional meditation books while I have had a nasty bout of the influenza. In fact, the nights are even worse than the days because of blocked sinues, fever and all those nasty things that accompany this seasonal curse.

So, what are you like when the days and nights are "tough" going?
I'm afraid I have to fight feeling sorry for myself. These last few days were even more frustrating because our Church fellowship had three days of special meetings with the Australian Director of Friends of Israel on the Theme, Israel in Prophecy. The wind here was freezing and so I had to be wise - and disciplined - and only able to attend a daytime meeting. We have been very very encouraged by the support for these meetings and Dr Deane Woods and his wife Margaret stayed with us although I've tried hard not to cough etc, etc anywhere near them. But I have to confess to feeling really down about not feeling at all well. This is why I remembered this verse from a plaque I've had for many, many years and want to share it with you.

This last week I've sure needed to remember God's invitation to:-

LEAN HARD!

Child of My love “Lean Hard,”

And let Me feel the pressure of thy care.

I know thy burden, child; I shaped it

Poised in Mine own hand, made no proportion

In its weight to thine unaided strength;

For even as I laid it on I said –

I shall be near, and while she leans on Me,

The burden shall be Mine, not hers;

So shall I keep My child within the circling arms

Of Mine own love, here lay it down

Nor fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds

The government of worlds.

Yet closer come, thou art not near enough;

I would embrace thy care,

So might I feel My child reposing on My breast.

Thou lovest Me? I know it, doubt not, then,

But loving ME, lean hard.

This is a rather battered looking yet precious plaque. Sadly, the author's name is not written here. Would love to hear from anyone who may know who wrote it. This has blessed me, challenged me so many, many times through my teenage years, the death of dear Dad during that time and when other "tough" times have made me "Learn Hard" on the One who loves me.

And this shows in just my own life how important "words" written down can reach needy hearts.

And hopefully tomorrow I'll have a bit more energy to tackle more of my own current writing project.
And how close will I be to those loving arms? How close are you right now?

Clouds have a Story to Tell.

2011-09-20T10:06:00.000+10:00

I enjoy watching clouds. Do you?
Whether the white fluffy ones or dark, rolling thunder riven ones, all fascinate me. I enjoy seeking out faces and shapes formed as they flit across my gaze. Having some of the grandchildren telling what they see as the clouds float by is fun.

Clouds also capture my imagination when I read the Scriptures. I wonder if there were clouds before the great flood of Noah’s time? The earth was watered by a mist but the first indication of a cloud is In Genesis 9. There it is associated with a rainbow.

God and clouds have a close relationship. Look up your concordance and check it out. In what must have an awesome spectacle, He went before the newly formed and delivered nation of Israel wrapt in a cloud. Through the wilderness experience they were aware of His presence in the cloud which was a pillar of fire at night. Around Mt. Sinai God spoke to the people through the dark and foreboding cloud. Was He impressing upon them the truth that whilst He is redeemer and His presence is with His people, no one should take Him lightly.

Jesus linked clouds with the promise of His return. Read Matthew 24. After the resurrection he met with the disciples on the mount of Olives. In Acts 1 they saw Jesus ascend to His Father’s presence in a cloud. When he returns they were told it will be in the mantle of the clouds. This will be to the mount of Olives. (Zechariah 14). As such it will be a day of judgement preceding His reign.

When you look to the Heavens and behold the clouds let them remind you of that great and glorious day when Jesus returns to answer the disciple’s prayer. ‘…Thy kingdom come, on earth, as it is in Heaven…’ I’m looking forward to that day. Sure hope you are too!

R.N.Hawkins (my head is not in the clouds but my heart is attached to them)

Where to start that story?

2011-09-16T11:51:00.000+10:00

This is perhaps one of the most important decisions to make when starting to write a novel.
Do I start where something “happens”?

A turning point in my main characters’ lives?
Will a prologue decrease having to use too much back story?

These are the questions that are plaguing me right now with this current manuscript. My first draft has a prologue that takes place seven years before chapter one. I decided that perhaps the story should start when Jennifer is no longer a sixteen year old and the hero unexpectedly appears again. But without too much back-story how do I let the reader know about that other traumatic day in her life, why there is so much angst between them still? Trying to weave that back-story throughout in only small chunks is proving a big challenge!

I do seem to be getting later and later with my “Thursday” blog post and perhaps the above may give you some idea of what I have been writing instead of blogging! It was also not very helpful to waste well over an hour yesterday trying to discover just why I could not log on to the internet. In the end I reluctantly rang our computer shop who must be tired of this techno challenged writer’s phone calls by now! And of course I wished I’d rung them first instead of the server help and then the router help! A prompt answer: It was my server’s problem – outage most of day and not back until time to prepare our evening meal.

So, this is a short post but I do need some help here! I’ve used prologues in my books before now and have heard contradicting views from multi-published, best-selling authors about their usefulness. Would really like some comments here on the use of a prologue versus back-story.

Oh, and while this desk is even messier, I’m really not as unhappy as the photo above seems to show! After all, my last novel, Justice at Baragula , and Ray's Children:God's Special Interest have just been short-listed in the CALEB awards.
But there are several other excellent books listed there too and we are all waiting for the finalist list - and that winner announcement at the award evening in Brisbane in November!

See http://www.omegawriters.com/

Ray On Monday - Memories of Africa

2011-09-12T21:59:00.000+10:00

With the local pastor and his family

Under A Tin Roof In Africa.

We were hot and it was midnight.

No breeze disturbed our mosquito net. Sleep was craved for but denied as we sweltered. To go into the outside courtyard was impractical, though undoubtedly cooler. Guard dogs roamed offering protection, yet unintentionally denying us those open, slightly cooler spaces.

Our rooms under the iron roof

We were guests at this village in Ghana doing short term mission work and seminars. The previous night one of our team had been bailed up by these dogs. He had left his room to close an incessant, slamming shutter. Going out in the briefest of sleeping gear, for no one seemed to be around, he succeeded in closing the shutter. Unfortunately for him, his only door felt the pull of a wind gust and slammed shut. This created a few problems. He had no key on him. As he wondered what to do, in the starlight he noticed the two guard dogs eyeing him with suspicion. There was no smile on their mouths. Fortunately, the minister of the compound was sleeping on a bench in the courtyard. At the urgent whispered pleas of our team member he awoke. What he thought as he saw the ghost like ‘statue’ is unknown.

Knowing all this we didn’t venture out tthat extremely hot night o face the dogs, or whatever else might be out there. That didn’t help our skin. It felt like it was on fire. Even splashing it with our precious drinking water only made us feel better for an instant. Being a nurse, Mary understood the possible consequences of this condition. Prayer didn’t cool us down. It certainly strengthened our spirits. We asked the Lord to see us through the night and equip us for the day’s ministry load. Sometime early morning a zephyr of wind caressed our room. It was, to us, the cool breath of God. The outside temperature did not drop dramatically but the breeze allowed us a couple of hours fitful sleep on our floor mats.

It’s during moments such as we faced that you appreciate the promise of God’s grace for the task ahead. We felt like deflated soccer balls being thrown onto the field for a game. What was experienced was the sense of God taking our deflation and inflating our spirits by His Spirit. Physically tired we were inwardly refreshed. God in His mercy ministered through us to the beautiful folk who came to share in the open air seminars and workshops.

As the day faded we recuperated a little in the shade of a tree. It was a pleasant evening with our hosts. Night came and without electricity, only torch light, there was every incentive for an early night. It was cooler. We were very tired. Sleep beckoned. But….!

Beside the courtyard and next to our room was a fowl enclosure. Well, was it really enclosed as the fowls and rooster freely roamed in the daytime? For some yes. For others no! The previous night they slept while we suffered. Did we disturbed them? Not being able to converse with hens or rooster I’ll never know. What took place does, to my mind, have a sense of revenge.

The rooster must have had a sense of danger. He responded to this by flying up to the ridge of our tin roof. No hassles, we thought. There probably wouldn’t have been if that feathered fiend had stayed awake.

As we retreated to under our mosquito net the rooster must have dozed off. No troubles you would think. Wrong! He didn’t sleepwalk. He slid down the tin roof with the screeching sound of claws on tin amplified in our room. When he hit the gutter it woke him up. So, he crawled and scratched his way to the top again.

Silence reigned. But not for long or so it seemed to us as we sought sleep’s embrace. We didn’t keep count of the repeat performances but there were many. Another night of fitful sleeping!

In the morning we were due to travel to another village to hold a seminar and workshop the following day. However because of a communication breakdown this had to be changed. We saw it as God having mercy on weary Australians. So our hosts took us back to the regional centre a couple of hours drive away. We were to stay at ‘The Chalet.’

The impressive title was all that was impressive in a run down, former Colonial guest house. Still, it had a shower and bed. There was no cooking facility and the flush toilet had leaking problems. No matter, sleep was our priority. The bed was comfortable. The night proved uneventful, until…! It was just after 4am and we heard the cry of the mosque. It was faint and after realising what it was, we sought the solitude of sleep once more.

The expectation of a sleep-in sometime past sun-up came crashing down at the squawk of another slightly less feathered bird. Below our bedroom windows, a guinea fowl was frantically running up and down beside a wire fence seeking a way of escape. Its squawking got more intense with every failure to find a hole. We studied the area but couldn’t see any intruder or prowling cat ready to pounce. Then we lifted our eyes to the dead tree a few metres from the chalet. On the top branch peering down were two vultures. Their intent was plain.

With some of our brothers
and sisters in Christ in Africa

Perhaps the most annoying thing for us sleep starved ‘foreigners’ was seeing a gaping hole in the fence another three or so metres further on from where the guinea fowl stopped and retraced its steps. My husband, my hero, stomped down the stairs in his pyjamas and went to face the fowl. Was that bird glad to see him? No! It only increased its decibel levels of screeching. Its frantic rushing hither and thither just became more frantic. However, my fearless guinea fowl saviour managed to shepherd, coerce, scare the bird at last into the direction of the hole. Through this escape route it scampered off and into the tall grass. What the vultures thought of Ray’s self interested compassion can only be guessed.

Did we get any more sleep? Not really. However we did have time to relax and be physically and spiritually re-energised. The next day we went to fulfil the reason for our being there. Our sixty year old (plus) bodies did find it was more of an effort to get moving than at the start of the month’s adventures. Once we got underway, God in His mercy seemed to ‘oil’ the joints. We discovered time and again that the Lord ministered to us through those to whom we had come to share His Word. It was evident to us how the adrenalin of service kicked in and over-ruled the reluctance of the bones and muscles.

Over all of that and in all we experienced, we tasted the unseen nectar of the prayers of God’s people far and near praying for us on this short term mission trip. That makes any night under a tin roof in an African village more than worth it.

What I Don’t Like about Writing

2011-09-08T13:08:00.000+10:00

Mary says:

Ray wrote this post below some time ago and I can't remember if we did publish this in a blog somewhere or not. So, apologies if you have read this before but it has many thoughts writers do need to think about. I certainly do and was challenged again as I read this.

It’s confession time.

There are some things about writing which I don’t like. Do you suffer the same angst? Even as I sit here at the computer I’d rather be sitting in the sun, going for a drive or doing the garden. So why am I putting mental images into words on a screen for others to read and delete? I must have some masochistic tendencies.

What I don’t like about writing is its discipline.
I have to sit myself down and be ‘glued’ to a chair. I wrestle with words to make them fit into sensible sentences. I want to see empty space fill up, then worry I have too much to say. So then out comes the ‘scissors’ and the pruning cuts me as I cut the words. The requirement to edit, proof read spell check and get facts right is a drag. I feel a sense of frustration as my inspired creation undergoes a massive make-over.

The other thing I don’t like about writing is its loneliness.
We all hear about the loneliness of the long distant runner, but who thinks about a poor writer at the desk in a house, being shut away and being hypnotised by a screen? When family or friends intrude and ideas vanish how irritable I can be. They cannot understand for they are normal. What does that say about me?

The final thing I don’t like about writing is the waiting.

When my beautifully crafted, world’s best article or book has been sent off to the agent or editor I suffer unmitigated impatience. As my yet to be acclaimed work does the round from agent, editor, publisher I imagine all sorts of dreadful things happening to it. Then when it is printed, hopefully, I wait for the astounding amount due from royalties so as to satisfy my ego and its urges. Even then the waiting isn’t over. I pace up and down waiting for fan mail, commendations and invitations to award presentations! (I’ve been waiting for years. Still they may be lost in the mail or my e-mail server is jealous of me.)

Why do I then continue to write, you may well ask?

It’s due to a virus in the soul and spirit. It comes in the form of a word, an idea or a plot. Sometimes I catch it from disagreeing with something heard or read. Once bitten a fever develops. I fight it for I know the consequences. But too late I’m infected! The infection will not abate until I get the mental jumble of words, pictures, ideas onto some page or file.

To plagiarize, and with due respect, change the Apostle Paul’s anguish: ‘woe is me if I do not write.’ So what has bitten me you may well guess!
I must express my faith and awareness of God’s grace so others can see God and His Word’s relevance in their life. I may never be famous, never make any money, never win an award, but someone somewhere may read what I’ve written and become sensitive to the call of God. I know that makes all the ‘I don’t like’ parts of writing worth enduring.

RAY ON MONDAY: A Grandchild's Words

2011-09-05T07:00:00.004+10:00

Sunday 4th September was set aside as ‘Father’s Day.’ To be a father is a wonderful privilege. To be a grandfather is more than a privilege, it is an honour. Sometimes it is tiring as youth stretches the aging process to its limits. Still, what an awesome delight it is to be a positive influence, both relational and spiritual, emotional and intellectual in the life of a child, especially a grandchild. It was partly this awareness which motivated me to write ‘Children: God’s special Interest’ (in Christian Bookshops now). It was one of my grandsons who was instrumental in my writing the following simple poem about sharing yourself with a pre-school child.

A Grandchild’s Sweetest Words.

Read me a story grand-dad
Read me a story.
I can say my A B C
And count, one, two, three.
But, read me a story
Please grand-dad
Read me a story.

Help me with my shoes grand-dad,
Help me with my shoes.
I can find my socks
And eat all my porridge.
But, help me with my shoes
Please grand-dad,
Help me with my shoes.

Come and play a game with me grand-dad
Come and play right now.
I wont be naughty
Or get clothes dirty.
But, come and play with me
Please grand-dad,
Come and play with me.

It’s time to go home grand-dad
It’s time to go home.
Mummy has my tea ready
And daddy’s here too.
Thank you grand-dad
For being here today.
....
I love you grand-dad
I really love you.

©Raymond N. Hawkins August 2005.

Restarting work on that unfinished manuscript

2011-09-01T17:32:00.000+10:00

Some years ago, after too many rejections on my first single title attempt, Return to Baragula, I started writing another book. I had written nearly 44,000 words of it with about 20,000 to go when at last I discovered a relatively new publisher in Australia had started to release Christian Fiction. To my delight a contract was signed for Return to Baragula. I had revised it so many times, become so fond of some minor characters that they needed their own story and I started writing Outback From Baragula. Thus what was to be a single title became Book One in my Baragula trilogy and for the last few years there has been simply no time to keep writing that other manuscript.

However, the pace has slowed. Justice at Baragula and my husband’s two devotional meditations have been launched. Promotion and activities with other writers is still keeping me busy but there really is no longer any real excuse not to try and get back to writing that stalled story I have tentatively called Her Outback Cowboy.

It has been incredibly easy to procrastinate opening up this file again, searching the filing cabinet for the printed out so-far-manuscript, dragging out the folders with the research for the settings, character information, story-line, etc, etc. In fact, I have been surprised at my real reluctance to try and get back into the hearts and minds of this hero and heroine once more.

Perhaps I am finding it hard to let the characters from Baragula go.

Perhaps I am just very nervous about going through “it” all again—the writing, the editing, the rewrites, the submission process, those revisions from a publisher, those proofs to check, the promotion of a new release and so on and.

Perhaps I keep thinking of all the house cleaning that needs to be done, all those cupboards that need sorting out—including these filing cabinets that have caused me so much angst trying to find Her Outback Cowboy folders today!

Perhaps it is because today is the first day of spring and has been a lovely sunny day. I just wanted to go outside on one the rare days of sunshine we have had lately and pull up all those weeds in the garden that can hardly be called a flower garden anymore.

Perhaps I just want to help more and more our very busy daughter-in-law and son as they prepare to give us our sixth grandchild in October. I so enjoyed having the four year old granddaughter and 21 month old grandson for several hours on two days this week while their other three lovely boys were at school. And the next two weeks are school holidays for them and I’d love to spend time with them too.

Perhaps it is just simply because I am feeling lazy?

So, to prayer and the Scriptures once again for direction, for knowledge to be certain of priorities in my life the Lord wants me to have right now.

Above all, Lord, perhaps I need to simply be more self-disciplined?

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Ray on Monday - Smouldering Fireworks

2011-08-29T20:24:00.000+10:00

In my very early teens we were able to purchase and explode fire-crackers almost without limit. Maybe the times were more naïve, uncluttered and definitely not as regulated. We had a bonfire in the suburban street and the neighbours gathered around for the ‘show’ and to enjoy some drinks and cake.

Bungers were the choice of the boys and not only reserved for exploding on Empire or Guy Fawkes night. On one occasion my mate and I were in the backyard with nobody else home. We blew up tins, ant nests and mock fortresses. When that was finished we went to a holiday movie.

The trouble was, one or more exploded crackers were smouldering in the grass. Whilst we were away one of them at least was fanned into flame. Fortunately neighbours spotted the fire and hosed it out before major damage was done.

I’ve often thought about that incident in my capacity as a preacher. How often we light various types of crackers and explode them into the lives of others. They might be small or big bungers with or without malicious intent. We say the unkind word, make facetious remarks, or laugh off a serious issue which has hurt another. We can walk away imagining once the verbal fireworks have gone off it is finished. Unfortunately many times the smouldering words cause serious harm to relationships, personalities, dreams or motivation.

I still have to beware of blithely turning words into explosives for I have a quick and often sarcastic ‘tongue.’ In the lives of some their tender hearts are similar to dry grass and easily set on fire. How I need wisdom to ensure I’ve pulled the fuse and hidden the matches when playing with words.

My manual for defusing verbal explosives says “To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.” Proverbs 27:23.

Ray (now cracker wise) Hawkins

Fish, Furniture, Fire

2011-08-25T22:07:00.000+10:00

Seahorses at Seahorse World

Hmm, perhaps I should title this Church, Children, Chaos? However, these three “F” words certainly explain these last couple of days in this Hawkins’ household.

To start with my “to do” list is thankfully quite a bit smaller this week but still far too long. Or is this list just another excuse to procrastinate on opening the file to my current writing project? Another hmm! Anyway, just a brief update on what has kept us busy these last few days.

We mind two of our gorgeous grandchildren every Monday during school hours and it was great this week for me to be able to spend more time with them than I’ve been able to recently. That “list” again!

Ray preached at the Church of Christ at Ulverstone last Sunday morning. A lovely time of fellowship and lunch afterwards at the Blue Wren Cafe overlooking that beautiful area of Bass Strait. It was a rare sunny day and we thoroughly enjoyed the hour long drive north-west. At long last the daylight hours are starting to become longer and Tasmania is beginning to announce spring is on the way. After all the rain (note all the rain over this winter!) the land looks fresh with plenty of green grass, faint green shoots on bare branches, golden wattle trees already in full flower in some areas of full sunlight and daffodils and early spring bulbs lining the road and gardens in many places.

The last few weeks have been so busy, my love-of-furniture-rearranging-husband was met with a stern “no” each time these last hectic weeks he mentioned moving our television to a different place in our tiny lounge room. These “no’s” come from well over 40 years of discovering these bouts of moving things around usually mean more chaos to add to the already messy house! It never is just a “simple move of the TV into that corner, darling.” And today proved me right once more! Of course, it took ages to work out why the TV kept telling us “no signal”. I think we now have most books back into that bookcase but those videos, cassettes etc, etc, etc, still have to be sorted out once more – tomorrow. Sigh. But still, as usual Ray is right again. The room does look better and I have more room for more family photos!

And now, those Fish? Well, that is what we call the seahorses as well as the aquarium fish at Seahorse Australia and Seahorse World (click on name to view website) – the businesses of our son and daughter-in-law here at Beauty Point. When orders have to be packed to travel interstate and especially to overseas destinations, it many times mean the orders have to be at the airport in the early hours of the morning which means packing live fish immediately beforehand. My way of helping is to stay with our sleeping (hopefully!) grandchildren while Ray helps Craig & Rachelle with the packing. When we can convince our darlings we can sleep in the next morning while Craig has to still be at work by 7am and Rachelle has five children to care for, Ray and I deliver the boxes to the airport for them. It is usually a rush to drive the hour to the airport to arrive in time by 4am, so Ray drives but I drive home because I’ve usually managed to doze or simply relax and read for a couple of hours. We did manage a few hours before up at 1am and then more later this morning. By the way, for our American readers, the order this morning is on its way to Miami. Do look out for seahorses in aquariums and pet shopsand ask where they have come from. Most likely it will be Tasmania!

But we have been saddened today to hear on the news about a shocking house fire in Queensland that claimed the lives of 11 folk, including small children. These were folk of the Samoan Pacific Island community there. On the news we were told they were very “religious” and the community that gathered obviously have a testimony of faith to share, especially as their beautiful voices rose in harmony as the emergency services are now going about their grim work. We can only join them in prayer that the God of all love, all comfort, all peace will meet each grieving heart’s need at this tragic time.

And now, back to "the list". Oops, guess it's bedtime though and this post is late - once again.

In the Gymnasium... of Life?

2011-08-22T22:16:00.000+10:00

Our daughter has learnt to walk

Our daughter matures

Each Monday I go to the gym. Why? Because my grand-children need a lift! As they do their warm up and stretches before undertaking their routines I sit and watch. I’m the spectator. In many ways I’d like to be capable of doing something similar. Ah, I remember when I was young and then over the years our lovely daughter grew to be a beautiful woman!

Grandsons like the Larry Boy videos teaching Biblical truths

They also grew to play soccer - and go to the gym!

The Scriptures invite us to be involved in a spiritual gymnasium geared to developing our fitness to witness and run the race God has set before us. My grandchildren are young. Each division has its own requirements. The younger age groups do that which is suitable for them. As they mature so they will graduate to more difficult stages.

That is also the Biblical principle for our spiritual fitness and testimony. God doesn’t demand of us what he does the spiritually young. He requires different from the more mature. However God doesn’t expect us to remain in the kindergarten arena of the Gym. We are to graduate to the best of our faithfulness and rise up through the ranks to be the very best in our senior years - not merely of years but of spiritual maturity.

I am delighted to have been able to watch our children grow from babies to maturity both physically and, thank God, spiritually too. Now I sit and watch my grandchildren at the gym or on the sports field and enjoy it. However I want to set the pace in the spiritual gymnasium for them to aspire to reach by God’s grace and their faithfulness. I would be so thrilled if in coming years they surpassed me in this realm. I will even help them to achieve it and count it a privilege.

Bye for now. I’m off to the gym – both types!
1Cor 9:27 reminds me:
I discipline my body and brinbg it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified.

Ray.

Creativity and Writing

2011-08-18T20:04:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of being the guest speaker at a special church service for their Chat and Choose group. Many beautiful arts and craft items were displayed. I was in awe of the imagination, the skilled hands that had created so much beauty from large patch-work quilts to the fine tatting and other numerous items.

It has been a very busy time in the Hawkins family and I had found it difficult to not only make the time to prepare but also to decide what message the Lord wanted me to share. To start with, while I enjoy speaking appointments to women and writers’ groups I was rather intimidated to be the preacher delivering the sermon. After all, my husband is the minister! But our roles were to be reversed that day.

As always after prayer and reading the scriptures, the brain began to churn. For some reason I could not get past the thought of God the Master Craftsman, the Creator who looked at all He had made and thought it was “good.” How many times in the past had I read and studied those first chapter of Genesis? This time the thought of God’s valuation of all He had created as “good” really struck home. I looked again and again at that verse twenty-seven: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” And then later, in that last verse thirty-one of chapter one we are told, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”

But I thought of Adam’s sad rebellion that brought death and destruction to The Creator’s wonderful, amazing efforts. How would those hard-working craft members feel if their display at church was destroyed? How would I feel if I saw my creative writing work, my books ruined, destroyed? How would I feel if someone thought so little of all my hard work that I think of as “good” they turned away from me, even hated me?

And although that “image” of God in humankind is now distorted, is part of our desire to “create” and love beauty still from our Creator? He loves us so much He is still reaching out to those who have turned away from Him, rebelled.

I am so very, very thankful our God is still in the “Creating Business!” that He loves us still, was prepared to let His Son suffer what should be our punishment so we can enjoy intimacy with Him again.

Let us never forget the love behind the truth of 2Corinthians5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

And the words of an old Sunday School days hymn written by another writer many, many years ago has been resounding through my head today.

I am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the book He has given.
Wonderful things in the Bible I see
This is the dearest that Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me!

The Taste Buds Test - and giveaway winners

2011-08-15T22:36:00.000+10:00

Book...

Cucumbers?

Leeks?

Always, taste spiritual

food only God can provide!

Cucumbers and leeks - what a snack.

Well that is what the recently escaped nation thought. Since they had been redeemed by the Passover of God from Egypt their taste buds hadn’t been converted. When they experienced some difficulties and were dissatisfied with manna their taste buds cried out for cucumbers. Surely they could have desired something more substantial. They did mention fish but mostly vegetables.

I find it amazing the way their taste buds are simply an expression of their hearts. They forgot the harsh living conditions of slavery. They forgot Pharaoh’s edict to kill all the male babies. They forgot the signs and wonders God did on their behalf. There wasn’t anything wrong with cucumbers and garlic etc. What was wrong was that their taste, which is a symbol of unconverted priorities, swamped their hunger for God. (Read Numbers 11). The result, malnourished spirit, forgetfulness and glaucoma over their spiritual eyesight! Fatal to faith, obedience and blessing.

Cucumbers and I don’t agree so I’d never hanker for them. Unfortunately what they represent has sometimes infected my spiritual taste buds resulting in a loss of appetite for the manna of God. Mercifully, God the Chef of Heaven wont let me, or you, stay away from His restaurant, cafeteria, barbeque or bistro too long where His ‘bread, meat, milk and wine’ and other Heavenly food are served. He has His way of dealing with legitimate and illegitimate taste bud desires which exclude His meals for our spirit. When Heaven’s Chef is despised, beware!

May our taste buds tingle with the same desire Jesus spoke about in John 4:34, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.’

Ray, with a growing hunger.

Thank you for your comments, Lisa Harris and nickandkathleen and you are both winners of Ray's book.

Watch out for another giveaway opportunity for Ray's other devotional meditation, Children: God's Special Interest on "Ray on Monday".
More information About Ray on Mary's website. http://www.mary-hawkins.com/ray.html

Book Readings, Organs and Spires

2011-08-11T13:44:00.000+10:00

I saw the notice on the Tasmanian Writers Centre news.
".... any writers interested in reading during an event planned for the 150th anniversary celebrations of the charming St Mary's Anglican Church... Dr Lindsay Hutchinson will be presenting an organ recital on the beautiful 1860 pipe organ..."

I play (kinda) organs, Ray also loves classical music, we are both published, Hagley’s small village less than an hour’s drive away.

“Why not?” thinks Mary.

We are just so honoured to have been able last Saturday evening to share together in this beautiful old church. This is a painting on a card available for sale at the church (and also with the photos used here with permission). Perhaps to many of you reading this, 150 years may seem only a very few compared to the old church buildings where you live. It is certainly not the oldest church here in our comparatively “new” Australia.

Ray and I only fully realised this when visiting a cathedral in England for the very first time. We stood in awe before the plaques on walls of Canterbury Cathedral with names and history going back to the first century AD. And after living for two years in England and able to meander through the beautiful countryside, we could not get over the fact it seemed every village, no matter how small, had a church spire reaching to the heavens as a testimony, a reminder of the God who loves and those who gather to worship Him.

And the book readings? Well, Ray was able to choose a reading from each of his devotional books relatively easier than I could from my novels, especially from his From Eden with Love. How many weddings have been celebrated here and how many will in the years to come. How many times has that wonderful pipe organ of only about three octaves and a relatively few stops peeled out for both weddings, funerals as well as lead in worship songs?
In this celebration of the years of a church where so many, many people have worshipped, I ended up choosing a couple of pages from my Return to Baragula set in that small village’s old wooden building. It certainly did not have a beautiful area for an altar and paintings as does St Mary’s and my second reading was harder to find. We all know only too well that saints and sinners sit in church pews. I decided on a passage in Justice at Baragula that mentions the heroine’s sad attitude to going to church when her own spiritual life has lapsed.

The prominent spire reminded us of our God who deserves all our worship, honour and commitment. The old organ sounded out reminding us of the many faithful who over many years have sung out their faith and love. We can only pray our writing efforts God also used to remind folk that He loves us despite all our failings, that He has placed us in the Body of Christ who gather together all over the world to worship and praise Him together – and that whether in a grand cathedral, a beautiful but smaller church like this St Mary’s, simpler wooden structures – or perhaps even under a tree or a hidden room in dangerous places in our crazy world where being a Christian is a death sentence.

Whenever and wherever we can, let us never neglect opportunities to gather together to worship, to pray, to hear the Word of God that nourishes and guides us to walk closely with Him.

Oh, and when you visit Tasmania, don't forget to find St Marys at Hagley, a testimony to generations of faithful folk in our beautiful Island State seeking to honour our Lord.

Ray on Monday: Time Tables

2011-08-08T20:45:00.000+10:00

Waiting for the bus or train can sometimes be a testing time. The time table says one thing but your clock says it is way past the expected arrival time. Any number of factors can contribute to delays, but they do annoy.

In Galatians 4:4 we are told when Christ Jesus entered into this world it was right on time. That is one of the things about God’s scheduling of events. Try as hard as they can, no outside forces can delay it.

Through the history of the World God in His foreknowledge used it to achieve His purposes. The Greek empire had given its language. The Romans gave good roads, safe sea travel and comparative peace. The scattered nation of Israel set up synagogues which made people aware of God’s messages and promises. All this was used by the Lord to get the Gospel known so people could hear and believe.

What were some of the reasons for Christ’s coming? In Galatians 4:4-7 we are told of two. One of them is to redeem. That is to pay a price (His life) to rescue believers from slavery to Sin and the evil influences of the World. The other factor was to present believers with an inheritance. What is that? Participating in what Jesus Christ has secured by His death and resurrection. This includes eternal life and every spiritual blessing in time and eternity. On top of all that we have the privilege of calling God, “our Father.”

We do not know the next schedule of God although some have tried to guess it. Only He knows when He will call us to Himself. His second coming hasn’t been declared, only promised. We just have to be ready! For it will happen right on time!

Ray in waiting.

Writers and Unexpected Storms of Life

2011-08-04T21:20:00.001+10:00

So often we can plan our days only to have those “extra” things in life happen that have to take first priority. During our book promotion and lovely fellowship times in southern Tasmania that I shared with you last week, we heard the sad news that the father of our dear daughter-in-law in New South Wales had passed away. So last Saturday Ray and I flew up to share with our son and dear Karen at this sad time. It was such a privilege last Monday to be at that God honouring funeral service to celebrate Ted’s life.

Tomorrow is the funeral of an uncle of mine in South Australia. Alas, this time it is simply not possible to consider flying all that distance to be with the family there. Unlike Ted, my uncle was much older and been in bad health for a long time. For both of them, their suffering is now over and they are at rest. Those of us who remember them now have to return to deal with our own living and those we love.

Interruptions, especially stormy ones, happen of various kinds and time lengths for all of us, including writers like myself, a fiction writer, and my husband who writes devotional meditations. Some may perhaps be anticipated but more often not the day or the hour. So, how do we handle them? Or perhaps I should ask how should we respond to them?

My own father died when I was a teenager but my dear mother lived another fifty-two years. I remember a time of tears, a time of trying to remember not to set the dinner table for six any longer, a time when Mum’s own health crashed the following year. But despite those moments still of sadness at those memories, one thing still stands out for me, the support and love that surrounded me from family and our church family who prayed, who were there for us when we needed them to be God’s loving hands and feet for us.

As I look back on the things I have written over the years, including those diaries and then the book manuscripts that have been published, I realise that all my experiences through those unexpected and often unwelcome interruptions have helped shape my plots, my characters, the twists and turns in their lives. My first published story back in 1993, Search For Tomorrow, had a heroine who had not only lost her father but also her mother, brother and fiancee in a car accident. How would that affect your faith in God?

My heroine had very little real knowledge of God before that dreadful interruption in her life and so believed He could not love her to allow that to happen. Some of you who have read the book may remember what my heroine’s old Nursing Tutor told her after she at long last asked questions that puzzled her. I wrote this first manuscript before the days of computers so have had to scan this section for you. This Heartsong Presents book was also included in the Barbour volume of my Search series they called Australia.

I can certainly testify that has been so very, very true in my own life over all these years.

“Interruptions” may be allowed by God, used by Him in our lives however HE wants to work them out “for good” (Romans 8:28). For writers, they help us to get under the skin of our characters as we try to show their journey through the storms with a loving, giving and keeping God.
Jesus told His disciples – and us - He will never leave us comfortless. “Wherever I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3). With two funerals in a week it is simply wonderful to know those two dear men are now face to face with Jesus where He with the Father.

So what about you? Have you had "interruptions" in your life you would like to share with me here?

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Ray on Monday: Why Bother to Marry?

2011-08-01T15:57:00.000+10:00

The right to the rite of Marriage is a hot topic at the moment. The Gay and Lesbian alliance are making emotive appeals for equality with heterosexual couples in the realm of marriage. The Christian Faith in particular is under attack because of its Biblical stance in defining this union between a man and a woman.

However, as I look at this issue I ask myself, “Why bother with marriage?” Apart from the Biblical teaching on it there is no meaning, no boundaries, no framework in which this beautiful, God ordained union has authority. Marriage, from the Biblical view, has its meaning from its creation and its symbolism. Reject that premise and you destroy the meaning and boundaries of Marriage.

The Bible declares God united Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply (read Genesis 1-3). The second aspect is beyond the natural ability of a same sex relationship. However the symbolism of Marriage points to a Heavenly event between Jesus Christ and His redeemed Bride, the Church (Read Ephesians 5:22-33). Every-time Christians marry it is a testimony to both these events.

Disparage the Biblical account and reject its authority means any type of relationship is acceptable. Should Christians lose heart as the Biblical teaching is sidelined and assaulted? Definitely not! Remember the Church was born into a similar pagan society and the disciples of Christ showed the amazing difference Christ and his teaching makes, especially in this arena.

We have the right to proclaim our faith and its value to men and women and our society, especially for the welfare of children. We do not have the right to be offensive or crude. The best and long lasting defence of Marriage is for Christian married couples to live together as the Scriptures teach, to provide a safe, stable and spiritual home for any children conceived.

Safeguard your marriage by making it a three way relationship, you, your spouse and Jesus Christ. Nourish your marriage through faithfulness in worship and honesty with each other. Refresh your relationship by praying for each other and spending time together. Keep the foundations of your relationship strong through knowing God’s word and obeying it.

Ray, happily married and confident in God’s reasons for making Marriage meaningful.

Win a copy of Ray's 31 Day Devotional book on Marriage, ‘From Eden with Love’. To enter in the draw, please leave a comment here and don't forget to leave your email address also here OR see details about his books on his page on Mary (and Ray) Hawkins website and send an email to the contact address there. Winner will be announced next Monday!

Book signings and Hotel Rooms

2011-07-28T18:01:00.003+10:00

I really was going to tell you about our book-signing in Hobart last Friday, but simply have to include Ray's take on sharing the accomodation with...well, me of course!
But first, the book-signing.

It is about a three hour drive south to Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, but as always Ray and I enjoyed the drive despite the very cold day. We arrived there on Thursday evening and the next night after the book-signing, it even snowed on Mt Wellington which looms over this beautiful city on the shores of the wide Derwent River. We did not really enjoy the cold winds off that mountain though and were glad we had a cosy hotel room in the city centre - but more of that later!

Robyn, the manager of Koorong and her capable assistant, Amy, looked after us very well and I think they would have been happy enough with the number of folk who bought our books. The book trailers for my three Baragula books were playing on their TV in the shop and of course we had some goodies for customers to nibble on. Ray and I were delighted to have friends from the area call in and especially one couple, Harold and Jill, originally from Sydney we had not seen for many years.

But I think that might be enough about the book-signing but I do want to share Ray's rather cheeky thoughts on our accomodation - and his wife - while away from home. He has called it:-

Motel and Hotel Rooms Test Relationships

Most motels Mary and I use only have one room with the necessary little room. They are usually neat, tidy and provide coffee or tea and if you are lucky, a couple of biscuits. However, there isn’t any escape for you, especially in the evenings and in unpleasant weather when you lose control of the channel changer.

What can you do when your wife wants to watch a soap opera or serial far beneath your acceptance level (especially when you want to watch the sport or cartoons). You can retire to a chair and read but how can you concentrate on the word puzzle with all the T.V. racket blaring out?

Night comes and bed calls but one of you reads before sleep and rises later than the other. How can you boil water without waking the sleeping hunk or cutie so as to cope with the sunrise?

All these traps to a healthy, happy relationship never seem to be mentioned in pre-marriage manuals or counselling sessions. If unresolved before the car starts up for the next leg of the journey it may well cause a chill in the car even on a blistering hot day.

The little room in the motel does offer some respite, but even there you can be disturbed. The answer may be ear plugs and eye patches. Better still mutual grace and compromise creates a warmth far better than any electric blanket. I’d like to adapt the words of Amos 3:3 to suit this blog. Can two endure a motel room unless they are kind to each other.

I have to admit, Mary and I have shared many a hotel room over the years and rarely has there been a chill in the car the next day. She’s nice! (And anyway there was the little room for me to do the word puzzle.)

Ray, writing from the little room.

Well, I did warn you he was being cheeky, but I hope it has given you a smile as it did me - I promise!

On the Sunday, Ray was the preacher at a church at a town called Sorell, east of Hobart. Most of you know that Tasmania was originally settled as a convict settlement and has many interesting historical places. The photos of our room in this town were taken in a cottage part of Sorell Barracks that go back to 1827. Couldn't resist the photos, but it was Ray's turn to utter those interesting but sleep depriving sounds during the night. Mmm...he was nice about it though!

You can see we do have a lot of fun together - including book-signings and hotel rooms!.

Ray on Monday: Do we need a Truth Detector?

2011-07-25T20:46:00.000+10:00

In a recent survey in the US it was stated that 91% of so-called Christians rejected the notion of Absolute Truth. I wonder how many non-Christians reject Truth as an absolute. What do you think about it?

If there isn’t an absolute truth then there are no absolute lies. Immediately you accept such a thesis you shatter meaningful relationships and business ethics. Why? Because why would I accept what you are saying! Do you mean what you say, possibly you mean it at that moment but the reality of the meaning may change because of passion, pride or perverseness.

Our society is whinging about various breakdowns in business, family, Church and marriage but why should it be surprised. No positive or negative absolutes mean I’m god of my scene and I make the rules of meaning. Trouble is we become like the mythical gods of Mt. Olympus and not the God of the Bible.

As disciples of Christ how should we live? Under the conviction that the Bible declares Absolute Truth which is designed to bless, guard and keep us!

I’m sad for those who reject the Absolutes of Scripture for they are like tumbleweed being blown through life, restless and hopeless. The Bible calls men and women of Faith to live in the Absolutes of God.
It is time for us to be Daniel in a pagan society. It is said he ‘resolved…not to defile himself…’ Daniel 1:8. So must we. Joshua also challenges us in an outward religious society without a heart for God. His conviction stemmed from a belief in the God of Absolutes. “…as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Let us be people confident in the absolute integrity of God and His word.

This is Ray Hawkins - you can be absolutely sure of that!

Writers Reading

2011-07-21T07:29:00.002+10:00

Every published author I have ever met or had contact with has always been an avid reader – or was perhaps until writing left little time for reading other writers’ efforts. Unfortunately, I have to confess though that I have also met folk who claim to want “one day” to write a book who actually read very, very few books.

Fortunately I have only met one lady like the one visiting our church many years ago. It was not long after I had my first book released, when this rather “forceful” lady told me she intended to write a novel too one day – in fact, a “Christian one”.

I rather tentatively asked the question I usually do when speaking to a would-be novelist. “What kind of fiction do you enjoy reading the most yourself?”

She tossed her head. “Oh, I’ve never read a novel. My parents would never let us read fiction of any kind.”

It was obvious by the look on her face she was quite serious. I had just met a reader who had never read a novel and yet wanted to write one!

After a quick, inner prayer for wisdom, I tried to explain how important it was to read a variety of novels of different genres to decide which she enjoyed the most. That would be the kind she would need to learn how to write herself. She stared at me in some surprise and it was obvious this lady did not agree with me. I have to be honest and admit I am glad she did not contact me again!

My biggest problem as a writer is the opposite of this woman’s. I simply want to read and read and read books by other authors. There simply never seems to be enough time to read all the books I’d love to. Sometimes I acknowledge it is sheer procrastination when I do not feel like writing my own manuscript. This undisciplined reader then has to deliberately ask the Lord for strength to stop reading, put hands on keyboard and write!

And what helps me the most to exercise discipline to work on my own stories? Being faithful in reading the Greatest Book of all – The Bible. Not only reading the scriptures is essential but pondering on the words, meditating on how God wants me to put His Word to me into practice in my own life, how He wants me to obey Him first of all in every area of my life. I have discovered He wants my life to be well balanced. I do need to read novels because I am a novelist and these are learning tools for me. Now, how did that author engage me in her story so I did not want to put the book down? What did she/he do in a book that left me feeling unsatisfied with the characters, perhaps the conclusion?

However, I also need to put into practice all the priorities God has for me each day – and not let my sheer enjoyment of a book lead me to disobey Him that day!

And of course, some days His priority is writing posts for this blog. And some days it is doing promotional work for published books as we are doing again this week. If you know of anyone who can be in Hobart tomorrow, do let them know both Ray and I will be signing our books at Koorong shop from about 11am to 3pm.

We love to meet our readers - and to read comments here too!

Ray on Monday: Be Careful What You Spray

2011-07-18T21:47:00.002+10:00

Ray gardening - or trying to!

I think I’m in trouble. No! I know I’m in trouble.
I really didn’t plan for it to happen. I really did appreciate it and where it was. But something went wrong.

I was spraying the weeds along the fence and certain spots in a not very immaculate lawn. I did read the instructions and I didn’t put as much in as they said would kill shrubs or at least I didn’t think I did. I wasn’t unduly alarmed when my spray splattered around the base of Mary’s favourite shrub. It was strong, young and blooming well.

It did take a little longer than the weeds and grass to go brown, but it did go that way. Not completely, but mostly. If it doesn’t rejuvenate I’m up for another and bigger one. I also have to promise not to spray near it – or else!!!

As I was planning this blog it occurred to me about how careful we must be about the words we spray around, verbally and in print. Words have the capacity to bless or bruise, crush or comfort, delight or destroy. Sometimes, in the tiredness of stress and strain something in our soul injects poison into our sentences and we spew them out carelessly. Once out it is very difficult to prevent some ‘browning’ off of the green, fresh relationship we desired. Nor is it as easy to simply go out and buy a replacement.

Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” remains good advice.

Maybe we could adapt it a little for our computer age:

“Keep me alert O Lord to my transmission of words and please control my soul as it expresses itself through my fingers!”

May what we spray not lead others astray and ‘brown them off’ about God and His glory.

Let us spray!
Ray

Eagles wings

2011-07-13T19:55:00.000+10:00

A favourite verse of mine for many years says,
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

I have these two statues – not always on the piano as in this photo – but reminders God uses again and again to remind me of this truth. He alone is my source of strength for each season of my life, each day, each hour whether it be a good or bad one!

When my days have been too busy, frustrating, and at night that knowledge floods me there were too many things left on that “list” still not accomplished, HE is my strength.
When aches and pains of my body become hard to cope with, HE is my strength.
When I know I’ve failed those I love with that burst of anger, with that lack of discipline, lack of love, with that forgetfulness, HE forgives, loves, lifts me up so I can soar as those with wings above all this world can throw at me.
When I am feeling unworthy, down, unmotivated, HE alone is my true source of strength, the One who comforts, who helps me walk, and yes, even run when HE needs me to.

God uses so many varied ways to fulfil this promise in our lives – if we want Him to, if we seek Him in prayer and through His word, if we simply “let go and let God”.

Well, there I was, just checking the photo of my eagles I’d taken a moment before for this blog and in walked friends. They own Eagles Rise in Northern Tasmania and their blog says it “provides a peaceful place for refreshment, family time, reflection and restoration, and a quiet place to draw closer to God.” (Clicking on Eagles Rise above will take you to see more of this lovely, quiet place)

Judy and Peter have been missionaries in Africa and know the true value of spending time with God, of those times we all need to simply pause and let Him give us the rest and spiritual nourishment we need.

A couple of days ago, my eagle hovering over its nest was sitting on our table when our three year old granddaughter was here. She studied him for a few moments and told me, “He looks angry.”

I studied that sharp beak, those large wings keeping him steady while he drew near to his chicks. Quietly I said, “But his babies don’t think he’s angry. They know he’s there to feed them, make sure they are safe and happy.”

Sometimes God may need to deal with us in ways that might make us think He is angry with us. Only sin in our lives makes Him not only angry but sad. We are warned in scripture not to “grieve the Holy Spirit.” This stops us from experiencing the absolute wonder of God’s loving grace and the spiritual food HE know we need from Him alone. We need to “wait on the Lord”. I believe HE is the one who tells people like Peter and Judy to prepare places like Eagles Rise for us to be “still” awhile. For me this means spending quality time not only with Him in the company of other believers, but alone so as I read and meditate on His Word I can hear His gentle whispers to my heart. As I obey Him only then can I be filled with His power to be strong enough to do all that HE wants me to do.

When you think its safe…!

2011-07-11T21:45:00.000+10:00

After all, it was decided I wasn’t required to transport the visiting Texans to the airport at 4am to catch the first plane on their flight home. Instead of that two hour round trip, I was safely tucked in bed dreaming of cups of tea under a gumtree somewhere. Then the phone rang at 4:45am. Help! Passports had been left behind. They had fallen down and weren’t visible when packing. My daughter-in-law asked if we, meaning I, could go and mind the sleeping children (lucky ones) while she raced away with the important material.

Needless to say it worked out okay with only about ten minutes to spare! Now they are back in Texas with many stories to tell of God’s grace tasted during their two weeks here with us. Will they confess to disturbing my peaceful sleep and not finishing my ‘cup of tea’ in my dreams?

Life is like that. Just when you think everything is together, comfortable, sorted out, well planned and offering time for ‘tea’ something seems to unsettle it. When that happens more than the blood pressure can shoot up! We are silly people are we not? If we have committed our way to the Lord, He at least knows what is going to happen to unsettle us. Getting on in years has its benefits. For I’ve learnt by experience and God’s Word that He has provided for us in our unseen, unwanted and unsettled times.

What causes us to miss seeing and seizing His provision? Panic! That’s why God wants to breathe deeply into us His peace and clear our minds of anxiety by reminding us He has it under control. I might have missed some sleep, as did Rachelle, but they didn’t miss their plane. Isn’t it great when God invests in you His trust to be the answer to someone else’s need..

So, when you think it is safe…!

Ray, sleepless in Beauty Point? Oh no! Another blog post to write!

Fellowship through similar interests and commitment

2011-07-07T17:56:00.000+10:00

This past week has been a feast of fellowship for me with other writers and other committed Christians.

Let me start with the monthly meeting of Society Women Writers Tasmania last Monday. I was unable to go last month and it was good to hear what the writers had been busy doing. Then we enjoyed the workshop about understanding people with sociopathic characteristics and how to portray them in our writing efforts. I find these meetings with other writers stimulating, help me be more disciplined with my writing. This time I did remember to take some photos!

Ray shared on his post last Monday a little about our week of fellowship with our Texas friends. The last few days have continued to be a feast for us here in our little church in our small village on the shores of the beautiful Tamar River.

Last week we shared fellowship on a special evening for the ladies. My diet certainly flew out the window with the temptation of all the goodies prepared for us. It was a fun night which included that chocolate fountain where we coated yummy marshmallows, strawberries and even slices of banana now rather a luxury after the floods this year in Australia destroyed so many plantations! While we nibbled away (now... is that the right word or should it be guzzled for me?), it was great to chat together and get to know women from our area. Later we were blessed and also challenged in our daily walk with God through the items in song and the talk by Heather Horton from Lake Fork Baptist church.

Well, that was last week’s feast for fellowship - especially with other women - but yesterday and today were added feasts as we shared a morning tea again with women in our neighbouring village. Today I was privileged to take our three ladies from Texas to enjoy with me the Beaconsfield Aglow meeting. Another time of praising God and this time being reminded that God’s promises are sure, certain and He never fails to keep them. But what about promises we have made not only to others but especially to God?

And perhaps the fact I kept forgetting to take more photos to share here and on Facebook is an indication how carried away I get at times when sharing God’s Word with other women. It is not only a time of enjoying fellowship but sharing the challenges to live as women who belong to Jesus Christ. Only then can God be glorified in and through us as we not only “talk the walk” but “walk the talk.”

And so, I've enjoyed fellowship these past days with writers who share with me a passion to put thoughts in words on paper and women who seek also to be strengthened in their Christian walk and praise the Lord as I do.

What kind of fellowship do you enjoy the most?

Whatever the Weather!

2011-07-04T21:56:00.001+10:00

4th of July is America's Independence Day and we have our team from Texas still with us this important day for them. Thought I'd share this photo of Ray and I visiting a Rocky Mountains lookout in Colorado back in 2009 and also in one of the shopping centres in Denver. If you click on the photo to enlarge it you should see words of their national anthem above our heads. We flew from Denver to Dallas and visited the Lake Fork Baptist church in Texas where our team here comes from. We are so grateful to them for their generosity in helping our little fellowship reach out to our community with the love of Jesus and want to honour them this special day - despite the really bad weather yesterday and again today here in northern Tasmania.

Children and wet weather are not a good combination. Fortunately in the first week with the Texans it was cool but fine as they ran the Children’s After School Club. The numbers were down. Not being school holidays didn’t make recruiting for the time any easier. Still, on the Saturday, there were a number of children enjoying games, bell ringing, stories and craft. The concert that night was beaut. We were encouraged by the number of parents and friends present who were there for the first time.

Sunday night the weather changed. It was cold, wet and windy. Adults may handle it better but not by much. Still our 5pm service was well attended despite cold noses and frozen toes. It has been great to see some of our young people being involved for the first time, singing or playing the guitar up front. Chris spoke on Nehemiah and applied Nehemiah’s approach to building Jerusalem’s wall to how we need to approach building relationships for the Gospel.

This week will be another busy time with meetings each night and some during the day. A men’s Barbeque is planned for Wednesday night. Will it be outdoors? Not if the weather man is correct about rain, snow down to 300 metres and wind. Oh well, indoors or outside a burnt sausage smells and tastes the same!

Whatever the weather however we will hang in there thanking God for what we are about to receive. As Paul reminded the Thessalonians, “In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God for you.” So whatever the weather, whether we like it or not, in the discomfort of getting wet or the pleasure of sitting near the heater, we say thanks. Why? Because it expresses our confidence in the faithfulness of God to us and His over-ruling of what happens. So, wherever you are, in whatever weather you are standing or hiding from, say thanks to God. Why? ‘Cause it could be worse? No! Because He will be either teaching you something or displaying something through you to others.

From wet and wonderful (W)ray.

YouTube book trailer, my first e-book and other new book events

2011-07-01T22:07:00.000+10:00

Ever curious about what published authors are doing when their latest book is released - besides trembling with nerves and excitement of course? Well, perhaps I should make that the weeks and months before the book is released as well as those days and weeks once the book is on the way at long last to readers.

Months ago when my publisher, Ark House Press, told me the month Justice at Baragula would be released, the action commenced. Emails started going out to my family, friends, acquaintances and to the six – no, make that seven counting Tasmania Writers Centre – organisations I am a member of. Then of course there was my networking on the internet, including Facebook, this blog and also the International Christian Fiction Writers blog I contribute to. No, I haven’t yielded to Twitter!

Then we heard that my husband’s two books were to be released the same month as mine. Action Stations! As mentioned before here, we organised those two book launches. Emails flew to and fro organising those special events. Then of course there was advertising to do in any way we could through our Christian contacts in Melbourne and also in Tasmania. We have had radio interviews and our first book-signing with another booked for July in Hobart – more about that later.

Now, during all that activity, as I had for the first two Baragula books I emailed Misty Taggart at Trailer To The Stars to have a video book trailer produced for this third Baragula book. When the time came for her to make the trailer her husband was very ill in hospital and our son who was to do the voice over became extremely busy becoming “Mr Darcy” in a theatre production of Pride and Prejudice. The trailer was completed several days ago now but this is my first chance to let you know about it! I am also in the throes of copying all three Baragula book trailers to DVDs to be able to give to bookshops who are willing to use them in their stores.

The other exciting news is that Justice at Baragula is now available as an e-book from two major Christian Bookshop outlets, Koorong and Word. My publisher is also endeavouring to soon have it available at Amazon for their Kindle.

And so, what else should a writer be doing at this time? Writing her next book! And that is what I am finding very difficult to settle down to now. Somehow I have to make the time to finish Her Outback Cowboy.

Do have a listen to this latest book trailer on YouTube for Justice at Baragula. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnGljXFxzLg

And please leave a comment here to let me know what you think of it – and the other two for Return to Baragula and Outback From Baragula on YouTube also if you have not seen them before this.

And now it is nearly bed-time so that manuscript will have to wait - again. Oh, but I should mention I am at last able to see the top of this desk after a clean-up today. Mmm... Wonder what else I'll find to do tomorrow instead of writing that manuscript

RAY ON MONDAY: The Team From Texas

2011-06-27T19:51:00.001+10:00

Last Saturday I picked up six Texans from Launceston airport. They had managed - well not them but the pilots - had managed to beat the Chilean ash cloud and safely drop down onto Tassie’s soil. They are here for two weeks to share the Good News of Christ Jesus with Children and Youth especially. We older young people are not forgotten with special functions, coffees and barbeques to meet, share and listen.

Chris and Heather Horton have been with us the past two years at this time. Last year their children, Dempsey and Jason, came and are here again. They have all been appreciated and their return visit has been eagerly anticipated. They left a blazing hot Texas and came to a wet, windy and cold Tasmania. However things have brightened up and the first service and Fellowship Tea was great. As it has stopped raining, the youth bonfire tonight has gone ahead.

One young man, Ben, came to their first meetings in 2009. He made a commitment and was baptised in Bass Strait. He has undertaken a Fusion training course and hopes to work with them at the U.K. Olympics. Ben arrived today from his practical training with Fusion in Victoria and will be with us for the next few weeks which is wonderful.

Mary and I had a book signing day at Koorong last Friday. Whilst not crushed under the press of the crowd we did sign a good number and had a marvellous time talking to people on a whole range of topics. We have another in Hobart in July 22nd.

Last week I was interviewed by phone by a Christian radio presenter from Toowoomba. Being so far away we missed it, even when we tried their webpage. Isn’t technology great! Unfortunately it is neutral and therefore subject to the heart condition of those pressing the keys. For those with the knack and opportunity, use it for good, for God and for grounding people in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Have a great week and I’ll ‘blog’ you next week.

Ray.

RAY'S MONDAY: When is a launch not a small boat?

2011-06-21T18:29:00.000+10:00

Sounds strange to call a book event ‘a launch’. In our minds the word may conjure up images of sleek, fast moving motor type boats. However Mary and I had a book launch without slipways and the smashing of a bottle over the keel. (A pagan offering to the sea god anyway.)

Children: God’s Special Interest, my first 31 Day Devotional, was introduced by Pastor Craig Spaulding, associate minister at the Door of Hope. He commented on how relevant the devotions were in our present moral climate of either ignoring or exploiting children. He recommended people read them to understand God’s heart for the young.

From Eden with Love is a 31 Day Devotional on the Biblical presentation of Marriage. The speaker introducing it was Mark Brown, Tasmanian Director for Australian Christian Lobby . He pointed out the easy understandable and uplifting daily readings on this important theme is especially valid in today’s confused thinking about Marriage.

As well as other pertinent comments, in response I mentioned that all royalties from these books go to two Christian enterprises. One is the Churches of Christ Children’s Home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The other goes to Australian Christian Lobby - and you don’t have to think hard as to which goes where.

Mary’s latest and final (mmm... or is it? She hinted there was another idea bubbling about another minor character!) in the Baragula series, Justice at Baragula was last but not least to be launched.

We were very grateful to Mrs Ann Fair from the bookshop at Door of Hope in Launceston (a Church of Christ) for helping to organise and promote the book launch. She also skilfully introduced Mary's book and read some of the first scene in chapter one. Mary then gave some insights into this book about two young people, a policeman and farmer’s daughter, seeking to deal with their past hurts and brokenness. She mentioned briefly how the characters in this book emerged from out of the previous two in her Baragula series. Their story had to be told.

The readers were reminded that while this story is written as fiction, there are many broken-hearted folk, including Christians with deep hurts from the past that need healing. There is help available, including from the organisation Careforce Lifekeys as mentioned in the "Authors Note" at the end of this book.

One of the things I enjoy about serving God is how He ties things together. In the morning church service Sandy Hart spoke on overcoming issues from the past, an apt introduction to Mary’s book. Craig is going with Compassion International (a Children’s Ministry) to the Philippines and Mark’s wife Sue is a long time friend of our children from NSW.

Today (Tuesday as I’m running late with this) I was interviewed by a Toowoomba Christian radio station, Voice 92.9FM. This will be played on Thursday morning around 9:00-9:30am on their Catching Up programme. Thos in the viewing area should check the radio for details but folk anywhere in the world should be able to listen live on the internet. Website:

You can buy all our books from any Australian Christian bookshop, Even Before Publishing/Wombat books in Brisbane, or direct from us. See our website - Mary Hawkins Australian author - for details and we have PayPal available there also.
Don't forget:- Clicking on blue underlined words in the blog will take you to the websites!

Winner of giveaway

2011-06-21T12:39:00.000+10:00

Congratulations to Narelle Nettlebeck! As soon as you email your choice of Ray's book and your postal address, your book will be in the mail - and trust that ash cloud still from Chile's volcano does not stop Australia post getting through.

RADIO INTERVIEW - AND MORE

2011-06-17T14:22:00.000+10:00

Well, I’m late again but I think I do have a few more excuses.

Things are still very busy here with trying to get the word out about Ray’s two books – as in the last post here – and my book, Justice at Baragula.

Yesterday Ray had an appointment in Launceston and I had a lovely time with a great lady, June Younger, who made me so welcome at a Know Your Bible study group she led nearly eight years ago when we first moved to settle in Tasmania. She had rung me asking for my book which I was able to deliver to her yesterday morning. I did enjoy fellowship again with this Godly woman until I suddenly realised the time had gone and I was late already picking up Ray from his appointment!

Mmm...being punctual has always been a problem for me – as my followers on this blog already know. Fortunately, Ray and I still had time to have lunch and be on time for our radio interview appointment at Launceston’s Way FM105.3. www.wayfm.org.au

After other books of mine hit the shelves, over the years I have had the experiences of a few radio interviews in different cities. Ray also has done some stints on radio stations during our years in ministry, including being rostered on minister’s fraternal devotional spots and since moving to Tasmania being a presenter for a while on another northern Tasmanian FM community radio station. But this was a new experience for both of us! One thing that had never happened to me before was the presenter praying with us before the interview. Awesome!

Then Ray and sat side by side speaking into our individual microphones while Steven Weeks interviewed us. It was pretty nerve-wracking in some ways and I have to confess feeling inadequate and ill-prepared.

Steven had read Ray’s two devotional books and so had some good questions which I thought Ray handled very well about his reasons for writing devotional books of God’s heart as revealed in the scriptures about Children and Marriage.

Then it was my turn. Fortunately Steven’s wife had read my book – and enjoyed it very much. This well known “talker” still found it all rather difficult and it was with some trepidation I listened to the interview over the airwaves a few hours later.
Sorry readers, the interview is not available on the internet, so you will have to take my word for it that I believe God will use the airwaves as HE wills in all of this. However, you will have another opportunity to meet with us face to face at the launch of our books at Door of Hope church in Glen Dhu, Launceston this Sunday at 11.45am for a start at 12 midday.

AND A REMINDER: DON'T MISS OUT ON THE DRAW FOR ONE OF RAY'S BOOKS. See HIS POST - last Tuesday and LEAVE A COMMENT to be in the draw.

Ray on Monday - and a book giveaway!

2011-06-14T15:14:00.000+10:00

Well, as hard as I try to post every week, there have been too many weeks lately when I have found having enough time to do this very difficult. So, what does a wife do who has a husband who also writes? She coaxes him to spend some of his precious time helping out! I will still try to post here each Wednesday and Ray will try to write a post for me to publish here each Monday. Oops, so this is Tuesday but hopefully next week will be on Monday!
And there is Ray's first giveaway here - more at the end.

Book Pile Up

The disillusioned old preacher thought he had a problem with his library. “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” Ecclesiastes 12:12b. We think we have problems storing our books but it is nothing compared to the ancient’s dilemma.

Imagine trying to write on wet clay then baking it for reading purposes. They may last through untold ages, but storing them, what a nightmare! Scrolls would be easier but a burden to read in bed.

These thoughts arose as I contemplated our recent book launches. Mary’s latest book ‘Justice at Baragula’ and my 31 Day Devotionals ‘Children – God’s special Interest, plus ‘From Eden with Love’ got a kick start at Ringwood Church of Christ. It was a great time as speakers introduced the books and especially in Mary’s book, certain characters came to life that reminded hearers of well loved friends.

Writing is a privilege wrapped up in serious responsibilities. Whether to help us relax or inform, to challenge and motivate through fiction or fact what is written has a purpose. As the preacher said, study wearies the body, but a book can also refresh one’s faith, stimulate desire, correct an injustice and show the way to God’s realm and pleasure.

I’ve so many books. Most I’ve read. Others may remain unread because I’m so slow at reading and yet have a compulsion to write (whether or not others read what is written). What encourages me as a reader/writer is that many of the books on my shelves, in drawers and dare I say it, in the garage, will catch the eye of others after I’ve gone to glory. So I guess I’ll probably be buying books until the day I die because there may be something in one of them which makes me appreciate my Lord more and more. It also means it may grab someone else later on.

Books pile up…isn’t that a great problem!

Yours between the pages.
Raymond N Hawkins

We have just had a successful launch of these books in Melbourne and have our Tasmanian one in Launceston this Sunday at the Door of Hope church, 12 midday. If you would like a copy of one of Ray's just released 31 Day Devotional meditation books, please leave a comment, your email address and which book you would like. Here is a little more from the cover blurbs about each book to help you choose. You might like to check out more on the publisher's website http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/

CHILDREN: GOD'S SPECIAL INTEREST
Ray Hawkins has a heart for children. In these devotions and studies he uses scripture and ideas to help us focus and meditate on God’s heart for children.
Designed for parents, teachers, grandparents and anyone who has the pleasure of being around children.
Rediscover God’s Word about children.
Refresh your heart with God’s love for Children.
Rekindle passion to be their example for Christ’s honour.
Reflect on God’s Special Interest: Children.

FROM EDEN WITH LOVE
Thought provoking, challenges to married couples and those preparing for marriage.
Meditate on God’s Heart for Marriage.
Discover the Heavenly mystery underpinning the meaning of the Christian Marriage.

So...what about your thoughts on that pile of books you have! The draw will conclude next Sunday and the winner announced on Monday - hopefully as long as my pile of books is not too tempting for this bookworm!

Getting ready - and resting

2011-06-01T21:04:00.001+10:00

I am trying to type this on our daughter's laptop - and trying to get used to the mouse on it. Ray and I drove our car onto the Spirit of Tasmania ferry for our time in Melbourne. It was good to be able to throw things in the car and not worry about plane travel restrictions - especially those boxes of books. And being away from the computer at home all day has been a real rest! Gaylene takes her computer to work during the day and I have been enjoying a book-worm's delight - reading books!

This is going to be just a brief post this week - and already late. Too reasons for this - strange computer and except to mention shopping, going to the cinema tomorrow and getting nervous about the book launch here in Melbourne on Saturday, I can't think of much to tell you.
Oh, yes, I should mention my website has been updated so do have a look. The family page is now a photo one and some of family but many of writers here in Australia and also overseas. Do let me know what you think. I am so grateful to fellow romance author, Paula Roe, for doing the updates for me.

Sorry, no photos on this post tonight but do return next week - on Thursday and will have to tell you about our book launch event this Saturday.

Watch the Clouds!

2011-05-25T07:05:00.008+10:00

Most of you reading this will be aware of the false prophecy that the rapture would happen last Saturday. This devotion Ray wrote last year seems to be appropriate this week!

Watch The Clouds.

Read Matthew 24:15-35.

Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him Rev.1:7a)

Clouds fascinate me. I enjoy discerning faces and shapes they create as they flit across the sky. They remind me that the Bible is laced with references to God in the company of clouds. He spoke from Mt. Sinai shrouded in dark clouds.(Exodus 19) That left a lasting impression to Israel’s national psyche.

Part of the reason Jesus was crucified was because He said, “…I tell all of you: (The Sanhedrin) in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of Heaven.” This is a quote from Daniel 7:9-14 and the Jewish leaders knew its links with Yahweh and the promised Messiah. The crucifixion tried to prevent this promise. Instead it fulfilled other scriptures and His resurrection guaranteed the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise to return. In Acts 1:9-11 His ascension is recorded and confirmed the future expectation. It was visible. It was from the Mount of Olives. It was with the clouds. In Zechariah 14: 4 foretold an event yet to take place which links an Old Testament prophecy to Jesus and the reading from Acts.

Today we wait for it. When we pray, “…Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven…” we are making a faith statement as well as expressing our hope! This is the great expectation and motivation of Christians especially under harsh regimes. When the Lord returns on the clouds the longing for righteousness, justice and peace on earth will become a reality. Until then we walk by faith and keep our eyes on the clouds. As 1 Corinthians 16:22 puts it ‘Maranatha’. (come O Lord)

Thought for the day. No one will be able to counterfeit that event.

Ray's devotional books are now available in Christian bookshops!

Don't forget the book launch of our three new books at Ringwood Church of Christ in Melbourne, Saturday June 4th at 2.30pm !

Special Days

2011-05-18T19:16:00.001+10:00

I won’t mention how many years ago today I was able to tell my husband, “Gaylene has arrived!” After two baby boys, this was extra special to have our daughter.

So today is that beautiful woman’s birthday – and she may be just a little cross with her mother for putting this on her blog! She teaches other mother’s children now, and from the way she speaks about “her kids” has a very loving heart towards them all – even the “naughty” ones in her classes.

As I came to write this blog today, although separated by distance, she is very much in my thoughts, heart and prayers right now. Memories abound. The day she won first prize in the toddler section at a Baby Show. As proud as I was of her, that day I decided I hated Baby shows. Every baby in that crowded hall was really beautiful in his or her way and every mother there was convinced HER little one should have won!

Then there are some funny little sayings from those early before school age days. One springs to mind and still makes me smile. Her brother had been in trouble and sent from the room to his bedroom. Her calm, matter of fact little voice said, “He likes his fwiends, he just doesn’t like muvvers.”

Her first day at school. The first time at a cousin’s special birthday party when I looked across that room and suddenly saw our little girl in high heels, a beautiful dress and realised she was on the verge of becoming the lovely woman – inside and out – that she is today.

Special Days always bring back memories. We celebrate many of them over our lifetimes. Of course there are Days like Christmas, Easter, ANZAC and Remembrance Days we share with millions of others around the world, but we also have our own Family Days. These of course include birthdays, anniversaries, even very personal ones we may not always feel the need to share with anyone else. One such that springs to my mind is way back when I was sixteen and I had travelled for nearly three hours with my Dad in the car back to his appointment with his cancer surgeon. It is not a time I want to dwell on, especially those tears I shed only witnessed by a kind nurse and my loving Heavenly Father after I was able to leave the hospital room Dad was admitted into for those last few weeks of his life. Somehow, I remember that time more vividly than his funeral.

So not all Special Days are necessarily ones we want to remember. Some bring back memories of pain, tears, decisions we made we wish had not. They are not days to celebrate, to dwell on. We may still need to deal with the memory, commit what is in the past to the God who “demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ (His only Son) died for us.” (Roman 5:8) I am just very, very glad that one tremendous Day, as we have responded to that love of God, we will have all tears wiped away as we see Jesus face to face.

But until then...

Let’s enjoy Special Happy Days like my beautiful daughter’s Special Day! Last year she celebrated a “special” birthday milestone at Disneyworld in California. Mmm...I wonder what you do today – besides teach those children of course.

Happy Birthday Darling Gaylene! We are very proud of you and thrilled that you are so committed to the God who loves you!

And I do hope after this blog you still love your "Muvver"!

Exciting when New Books arrive!

2011-05-11T22:17:00.000+10:00

Ray’s devotional books arrived last week.
My Justice at Baragula arrived last Monday so we have several boxes of books to store away until they are all sold – or given away, so watch this blog! I just checked one Christian bookshop on the internet and Ray’s books have started to arrive on their shelves in cities across Australia while mine are still to make their appearance.

I even eventually managed to work out how to “create an event” on Facebook to let folk know about the book launch we are organising – or at least the first one in Melbourne, Victoria, on Saturday, June 4th at 2.30pm at Ringwood Church of Christ. This will be followed by afternoon tea and the friends of our daughter, Gaylene, are kindly catering for us and would appreciate an RSVP so there will be sufficient goodies.

Now we can also announce the names of the kind folk who are going to launch our books.

John Sharpe, the minister at Ringwood will launch From Eden With Love. We do thank John for all his support.

We are thrilled our dear friend, Jacquiline Purnell, will be home from Bangkok and is launching CHILDREN: God’s Special Interest. She has worked for years with children and has written the forward to this book for Ray. Jacqui and her husband David have worked for many years with World Vision and he is currently their South-East Asian Development Manager.

Delightful, talented author Amanda Deed will be launching my Justice at Baragula. I was not at all surprised when her challenging Christian novel, "The Game”, won the 2010 CALEB award for Christian Fiction.

Ray is donating the royalties from his devotions about children to the Khayelihle Children’s Village in Zimbabwe, and those from his devotions for married couples to the Australian Christian Lobby which supports Christian Marriage.

As well as all the excitement about our books we have been busy with other activities this last week. It has been very encouraging to receive feed-back about my talk last Thursday at the local Women Aglow meeting. As Ray teases me, I spend days preparing a talk but then get away from my notes as my heart takes over. How could anything else happen when talking about the outward appearance of Christians and their inward appearance that should shine the beauty and fragrance of Jesus to those we meet. As Isaiah 53:2 (NIV) says about the promised One, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him...” yet despite the horror of Him dying on a cross, for those of us who have learned to love Him as Keith Green’s song says,
“O Lord, you’re beautiful,
Your face is all I seek.
For when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.”

Another old song should be our daily prayer. “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me, all His compassion and purity.” If only that could be true!
Our prayer is that at least though our writings we may share snippets about the Lord Jesus Christ that will encourage readers to want to know Him as their Saviour and Lord - and also intimately as their best Friend.

The winner of last weeks giveaway, Outback From Baragula, is Michelle Dennis Evans. Congratulations! Please send me your postal details to mary@mary-hawkins.com and I will have it in the mail for you.

Another Book Giveaway

2011-05-04T17:43:00.001+10:00

Very exciting!

We are expecting Ray’s books to arrive any day! He has been receiving emails that boxes of his books have arrived in Adelaide at the Churches of Christ Global Mission Partner office and from other friends and family too in Queensland and New South Wales. My book, Justice at Baragula is still at the printers but should also be arriving on our doorstep – and in bookshops during the next 2-3weeks.

After finishing preparing my talk for the Women Aglow meeting in Beaconsfield tomorrow morning, I managed to “create an event” on Facebook – my first one. Weell... I did try earlier but didn’t send it to specific folk and now they are probably getting the invitation twice – hopefully no more than that! This is announcing our book launch in Melbourne, Victoria at the Ringwood Church of Christ, Saturday 4th June at 2.30pm

Promotion of books takes TIME! And I’m discovering doing three at once even more complicated. I guess my main problem is trying to do and be involved in too many other things at the same time.

Trying to help readers know whether they can recommend books, authors often offer free copies – Weell... as many as we can afford of course. In later posts I will be giving away Ray’s two books also, so I do suggest if you are not already a Follower of this blog that you become one so you do not miss out. As mentioned in my last giveaway draw, I am giving you an opportunity to read my first two Baragula books before Book Three, Justice at Baragula hits the bookshelves. Unfortunately again I need to limit the draw for Book Two, Outback From Baragula, to readers in Australia and New Zealand. Later in the year when our books will be available as e-books we will celebrate that by more giveaways of them to – everywhere in the world!

About Book Two in the Baragula single title, inspirational romance series:

Meet folk from Baragula again in OUTBACK FROM BARAGULA when Matthew and Emily’s friend, Steve Honeysuckle, heads west to the Davidson’s outback cattle station and Matthew’s sister, Jillian Davidson. He loves his mountain home while she loves the endless plains of the outback. He has strong faith in God, she has none, but together they have to face the dangers of the outback to find Jillian’s missing twin brother and Davidson Downs’ stolen cattle.

To enter the draw, you must leave a comment here. The draw will be Tuesday evening the 10th of May next week Please return to see who the winner is. I will need contact details to send the book to the winner.

ENTER THE DRAW NOW BY LEAVING A COMMENT!

2011-04-28T22:37:00.004+10:00

It’s been a very busy week. I was rostered to share a post on http://www.internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com blog There I wrote about Resurrection Sunday and Easter Monday and ANZAC day. Yesterday I should have written something for my readers here. Instead, I found myself trying to finish editing a manuscript my brother, Stan Pedler, wrote.

This is a photo of myself with my brother Stan and sister Shirley.

A few years ago I did some editing on this story for him but early last week I saw a notice about a contest for unpublished writers and really wanted him to enter his “Joanna Downs”. As I read through the historical story again of an English couple who left their home to carve out a life for themselves and others in western Queensland back in the nineteenth century, I began to realise how much I have been learning myself since my last efforts on this manuscript!

When our children were younger, they used to listen with fascination when Uncle Stan told them stories of unusual people he had met and incidents both good and not so good that had happened during his days of farming on the Darling Downs in Queensland. Of course, he also especially enjoyed telling them stories about their mother when she was growing up! Stan is a wonderful story teller and also has a great imagination, but he is still learning how to put stories down on paper in acceptable ways to submit to editors – or at least that has been my observation so far.

For over 15 years he lived on Thursday Island right at the northern tip of Cape York and very close to New Guinea. After much sadness in his life, there the Lord gave him a ministry to Torres Strait folk through a Christian bookshop and sharing first Christian videos and in later years Christian DVDs. There are folk in the world today that Christ has transformed through my dear brother’s efforts and I am very proud of him.

However, even before Stan went to Thursday Island he started to write. Since he bought his first computer he has now written fifteen books. These he has simply printed a few copies out, including covers, bound them himself and given to interested family and friends to read. He writes different kinds of books from myself but I have lent them to some friends here who read widely and they enjoyed them so much they keep asking me when Stan will write another book! There are some great yarns among those books, but they do still need to be revised and edited. I would so love to see them published! However, over the years my dear brother has had little confidence in himself regarding his spelling and grammar especially.

Stan can do so many wonderful things, including not only using all kinds of large farm machinery, but he flew his own plane, sailed his own boat from Brisbane to Thursday Island and around the Torres Strait Islands. I keep telling him if he can do all these, he sure can learn some of the techniques of novel writing!

Oh well, his manuscript will be entered in this contest next week. I would so love it to at least be short-listed! I would love an editor and publisher to see the potential in his writing. I want to see him have the same delight as I have had of holding his own published book in his hands, seeing them for sale in bookshops!

But there are two more – so far – sequels to the Joanna Downs book. I wonder how I can make time to help him with the editing of those too. Hmm... perhaps less time on writing blogs – and Facebook – could be a start?

And this also makes me wonder just how many great story-tellers there are who sadly never do see their books published.

Book winner and Book Three

2011-04-20T19:59:00.004+10:00

A big thank you to those who entered the draw for the first book in my Baragula series, Return to Baragula.

The proofs for Book Three, Justice at Baragula, arrived yesterday and I've been very busy today checking them for the Title Manager at Ark House Press so they could get to the printer in time for the release of the book in May. Sorry the draw for my book giveaway had to wait. Our son arrived right when I needed someone to select a piece of paper from all those with names on of those followers who left a comment.

I am delighted to be able to congratulate Mandy! Your book will be sent as soon as you send me your postal details.

Afraid my eyes have been glued to this computer screen too long today so this post needs to be kept short.

Justice at Baragula is the 18th story I have written and will be my 19th title released. Amazing! Now I need to knuckle down and think very seriously which book will be my 20th - a real milestone. There is still one manuscript I called Delayed Dreams that was rejected and still languishing neglected in a box somewhere. Should I rewrite that one? Should I finish writing Her Outback Cowboy or should I think about seeing if my second inspirational romance book, Damaged Dreams, could be re-packaged and re-printed? That really needs to happen now before I look at Delayed Dreams again.

So, what do I do now? The first thing is to pray of course -which I can assure you all I have certainly been doing.

Do any of you remember my second Heartsong Presents book, Damaged Dreams? Anyone read it?
And afraid this has to be enough tonight here. I need to stop, stretch, do hand and finger exercises - and exercise discipline to stop checking my Facebook home page!

Once again, a very big thank you to you all. I will have another draw for Book Two, Outback From Baragula in the next few weeks!

Giveaways, Guests and Greetings

2011-04-13T17:33:00.001+10:00

Australian and New Zealand followers, you still have until before next Wednesday to leave a comment and be entered in the draw for Return to Baragula. Do remember you need to leave a comment AND be a follower to be in the draw.

As I mentioned last week this is Book One in my Baragula series. There will be another giveaway contest for Book Two, Outback From Baragula, before Justice at Baragula, Book Three, is released in May! Not long to wait for that book now, so do check back here! I will be including overseas followers later when I can offer them the e-books Ark house Press have said will be released as well!

Ray and I have been really blessed with hosting overnight guests this last month or so.

In fact, just after I typed that last sentence two lovely friends arrived to share with us. They have become “Grey Nomads” with a camper-van travelling around Australia and we have not seen them for many, many months. They returned to Tasmania for several weeks to see family and friends and we are so privileged to be included in their visit! (And that information is so you know I do have a bit of an excuse for this blog post being late – once again!)

I have truly had a feast of fellowship with guests these last few weeks. Jo-Anne Berthelsen and her husband stayed a few nights with us and while our long-suffering husbands also enjoyed fellowship as fellow ministers, we enjoyed sharing “writer talk”. We are both published by the same company, Ark House Press, and I am really looking forward to reading her next book, Helena’s Legacy, scheduled for release in June. Jo-Anne is also a wonderful speaker – as we discovered when she was the main speaker at the Baptist Women Ministries’ conference in March. Do click on her name to go to her website and learn about this lovely woman who blessed me so much during our time together.

(However, I'll make sure I don't stand in front of the stayed glass of our door next time. I promise you that is not a halo!)

Last week we were privileged to also have John Mackay stay overnight with us. He is the International Director of Creation Research - the man the media has called "The crocodile hunter of creation." and an international speaker http://www.creationresearch.net He had several appointments in our area and was great to renew fellowship with him in this way and be informed, blessed and challenged by his message. This photo was taken with John and another member of his team at Brady's Lookout between where we live and Launceston - a beautiful place.

With still catching up on the hundreds of neglected emails, organising book launches for Justice at Baragula and Ray’s two books in Melbourne (June 4th – more details later) and Launceston as well as family and other commitments, this of course does mean I haven’t written anymore of my new manuscript. But I do know God IS in control! The time to write will come.

And now I must finish here and get back to checking the proofs for that new release in May.

Please remember the draw for that first book in the series, Return to Baragula. The draw will be Tuesday evening and announced next Wednesday.