Monday, 18 October 2021

A book for writers and readers

 


Hello dear friend,

The title of this blog is Christocentric Choices and in this case this post is aimed at fellow Christian authors as well as fellow Christian readers. I can recommend this book to both.

Newly belonging to my local library (I lived in Greece for many years and am thrilled to be part again of this wonderful institution!) I am settling in by randomly picking books from the shelves of authors I have never read before. I chose The Memory Collector as the theme resonated with an idea of mine, from some years ago, to use as the premise for a novel of my own. (This premise was, in fact, entirely different to my own idea though - so, who knows, I may still use it one day.)

The book's story line is intriguing and centres on extreme hoarding and the damage it can do to those around you. It brings in family dynamics around this subject and the lasting impact it can have on lives. It is also a romance.

Though I enjoyed the book I do read avidly yet don't usually blog about it. What has inspired me to do so this time is that I see in it a blueprint for Christian authors like me to study how to write for mainstream readership while retaining our Christian integrity. It is peppered with whispers of God which form part of the characters and are underlined by Christian values. This includes the fact that the romance is refreshingly wholesome, and it is that aspect which, for me, makes it a good Christian read. 

As a Christian writer who always has the antennae out for a like-minded writer I did suspect that #Fiona Harper was one from those little clues: a word here, a reaction there, and so on. Then, as I read the Acknowledgements I came across this: "And, finally, all honour to my God and Saviour for being the master storyteller. I would not be where I am today without your strength, love and inspiration." Nice one Fiona!

If you want to bring your faith into your own work try the following quick meditation to help you.

1 minute meditation

* Close your eyes and take a deep in-breath. As you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax. 

* Now say this prayer, or one of your own:

* Dear Lord, I want to bring You into my whole life so please will You show me how to include You in my work. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

* When you are ready open your eyes and have a big stretch.

Wishing you all the best with that challenge. 

Love and blessings

Teresa 

For more info please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop or online bookstore. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC


Sunday, 17 October 2021

Follow your dreams!


David Jeremiah
 Dr. David Jeremiah

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are well! Thank you for stopping by.

I wonder if you ever feel too old / too young / too busy / too poor / too ill / too.... you fill in the gaps, to be who you really want to be. 

Well, I just love to Encourage Everyone regardless of their so-called limitations, to follow their dreams. 

A few days ago I was flicking TV channels and stopped on TBNuk Praise. There I encountered an American Christian author, Dr. David Jeremiah, whom I discovered was encouraging everyone, regardless of age or circumstances, to move forward in their life and discover their God-given purpose on earth. As this has been my personal mantra for my own work for many years I watched the whole programme with great interest. And, yes, with renewed purpose. 

I have not read his book but from what I heard I have no reservation in recommending it to you. "Forward: Discovering God's Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow" published October 2020 by Thomas Nelson. 

To renew your own purpose try saying the following prayer, or one of your own.

Dear Lord, please show me the next right step to take so that I can do Your will and find Your purpose in my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wishing you every success in following your dreams.

God bless

Teresa 

For more info on my work please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration check out my books on how to put your hand into God’s and follow your dreams. It is called 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life. Here is the link for the book trailer: 9 Days to Heaven

You can buy the book on lots of sites the web or an good bookshop. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC


Thursday, 14 October 2021

Autumn: Let it renew you!

 


It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:17 


Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you are having a great day!

Out walking around my neighbourhood yesterday I came across this scarlet ivy festooning a garden wall. It was a vivid reminder that autumn is marching onwards in the UK. 

Wherever you are in the world I wonder if you, like me, are experiencing autumn and wondering what the coming months will bring. No need for me to spell out the rumours of what we may experience.

No matter what crops up the most important thing to remember is that if you stay close to God at all times there is really nothing to fear...

Try this 1 minute meditation  for instant calm

 Close your eyes and take a deep in-breath. As you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax.

Remember that it was God Who created the earth. God Who is moving on the seasons. 

Then, remember that the Holy Spirit is with you at all times. Relax into that empowering thought.

When you are ready, open your eyes and have a big stretch.


Wishing you a wonderful and productive rest of your day 

Love and blessings
Teresa

For more info please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk or other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link:  9 Days to Heaven


The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop or online bookstore. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC