'No other gods' finalist for the 2025 CIPA Awards

It is a little more than a year ago, that I finally finished the writing and publishing of the tenth and final book in my series about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century.

Quite a relief, I might add. It took me nineteen years to finish this book series.

I have received news that No other gods is a finalist for the 2025 Christian Indie Awards. Yeah, that is an honor in itself, if you ask me.

Looking at the shortlist I noticed that there are twenty-one categories and a little over seventy finalists in the Christian Indie Awards.

Read more HERE (my new blog) and make sure to sign up! 

Illumination Award for True Worshipers

Anyone writing blogs, books, or articles knows how encouraging it can be to receive good reviews, reports, or comments regarding your work. We all need that boost from time to time to keep going 😉

So, I am happy and thankful to be able to announce that my latest book True Worshipers received a bronze medal in the 2021 Illumination Book Awards, and well in the category Christian Living.

The fact that the book is being noticed, that the jury found it worth reading, and that it deserves an award is an encouragement to me. I know that I wrote this book for a time like this, and if you have not ordered your copy yet... please do so. It is available on Amazon.

The message in the book is based on the conversation Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well, as described in John 4. He prophesies that God the Father will be seeking a certain kind of worshipers, people who will worship Him in spirit and truth. An intriguing concept, especially in our time.

👉In the past year, our concept of worship has been challenged, on a worldwide scale. Churches had to close their doors, concerts and big events were canceled, meeting together restricted, and even singing forbidden, etc. Where does that leave us? A challenging question, whether you abide by these restrictions or not...

Of course, I had no idea the world would look like this when I wrote the book back at the beginning of 2020. That makes the message all the more interesting. I hope you will decide to read True Worshipers and evaluate whether you are one of the worshipers the Father is seeking!

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Encouragement for writers

In my blog post of April 13, I wrote that 2020 would become the most creative and productive year I have had so far. Simply because I refuse to be a victim of the thief's schemes who wants nothing more than to paralyze us as we passively watch the world go crazy.

I know, what the Lord has called me to be, and that is to be His faithful mouthpiece, regardless of the circumstances, I should add. This morning I read Psalm 57: 2 in my NLT, it says: I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

Such verses excite me ... He will fulfill His purpose for me. No doubt about it. He will do it. Phew, relax.

Anyway, 2020 so far. On May 1st my new English book True Worshipers was released. In the same month, a Russian edition of my book In My Name was released and soon an Italian edition of the same book will also be released, which will be distributed in Italy through CLC.

Last week, I was notified that In My Name also ended up as a finalist in the 2020 International Book Awards, hosted by American Book Fest. Category Religion: Christian - inspirational. Whether that makes any difference in book sales or publicity doesn't really matter to me. I take it as a nice boost and encouragement... my work will not be unnoticed!

I have been working on a theme frame for a new book but currently, we are busy with a house renovation which takes up time and energy... mind you, we are camping out in the yard 😀

Anyway, I have hope and expectation when it comes to my writing journey, certainly because of encouraging words such as found in Psalm 57!

What about your writing, work in progress, ideas, or plans?

A writer's glorious blues

Musing over a blog post? Re-writing an article for the umpteenth time? Discouraged about a book-deal gone wrong? Well... most of us have been there. We procrastinated. We failed and tried again. We cried and picked up the pieces... again.

And so the story of our writing journey continues. 👉Who knows we are writing life stories for a next generation that is growing up with smart phone language and emoticons. Although some people will never read a book in their life, let alone write one, one day someone will be inspired and motivated by the words we are putting on paper.

I must have been 5 or 6 years old when I knew I loved reading and writing. I ran up and down to the local library several times a week to get new books. I wrote little journals, diaries and short stories at a very early age. God put it in me, I just know that for sure.

Back in 2006 my first book was published in the USA. It has been a long and bumpy road ever since. I have doubted my calling. I have had writer's block. I have been discouraged a thousand times. I wanted to quit several times. But you know what? I am still here and I am still writing. Even if no one would ever read my stuff, even if no one would ever buy one of my books... I would still write. Simply because it is what I love to do.

I am getting used to the up's and down's this journey brings. I learn from my mistakes and I cherish the highlights.

I entered my latest book In My Name in the Reader's Favorite 2018 Awards. Knowing that they receive thousands upon thousands of entries in more than 140 categories I knew I needed God's favor to be noticed. But a girl can ask, right?

My book did not win an award. But I am thankful to announce that In My Name was a finalist in the category Christian - Devotions and Bible Studies. Such moments make the writer's blues glorious again. We get pushed forward, we believe we can do one more article, one more blog or yet another book :)

Thank you readers, thank you bloggers. Let's continue to encourage one another!

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer [Psalm 45:1]

Spanish version of Grace of Giving

Writers and their books... a never ending story :) We write, we struggle, we sweat, we cry.... and start all over again. If it wasn't for the highlights in between, we would have gone fishing a long time ago.

I am delighted to share such a highlight with you all. The Spanish edition of my award winning book Grace of Giving is now available through Amazon, Bookdepository (free worldwide delivery!) and other internet book sellers. How cool is that?

Sometimes readers ask me where I get the translators for my books. Well, in this case I met Martha Steinebach at a weekend conference where my husband and I were speaking, in Lubeck, Germany (not the place where you'd expect to find a Spanish translator). Martha picked up the German version (which is yet another story) of Grace of Giving and came back the next day, all exited!

'I would love to translate this into Spanish', she announced. It turned out she is a native of Colombia, now living in Germany with her husband. So, that's how we met.

As soon as she started with the translation, I began my search for a Spanish publisher. After several months and many emails I came across Libreria Evangelica Logos in Alicante, Spain. They were interested in the manuscript... and well, the rest is history.

La Gracia de Dar is available in paperback, an e-book version will soon be available as well. If you, dear readers, have Spanish speaking friends, neighbors or co-workers who would love to read this book, please consider ordering a copy. Your kindness would be a huge help to get the ball rolling in the USA.

Am I asking you to buy a book and GIVE it to a Spanish speaking friend? Yes, I am... After all, that's really the theme of the book :) Let's call it a new kind of Give-Away.

Inexpensive yet valuable Christmas presents

Yeah, I have decided to do it this December month. I have been asking myself whether 'doing it' would be considered spamming... but I have to come to the conclusion that promoting my own books falls in the following category recommendations and tips :)

And why not? The books have been and still are a blessing to readers worldwide. The award winning book Grace of Giving has been translated in German and Italian and is currently being translated in the Spanish and Macedonian language. I am thrilled to see this book going all over Europe, changing lives of believers, especially during this time of economic uncertainty. I am thrilled that pastors, leaders, missionaries and churches all over Europe are embracing the principles in the book. But, I wrote it first of all for the American public...

So, if you are looking for an inexpensive, yet valuable Christmas present for your loved ones... Please consider ordering one of my books. They're easy to read, but loaded with nuggets of truth and wisdom. They can be ordered from most internet book sellers for less than 10 bucks. I am looking forward to hear which one you all liked most!

Order now in time for Christmas!

Tell me about yourself award

Every now and then a fun and inspiring award travels through the blogging world. I received several in the past and I am always amazed at the creativity of the people who invent and design these awards. I don´t keep track of ´m all, but this week I received a nice one from Cathy, over at Thoughts on Books. Thanks, Cathy, for surprising me with this new award. It´s a great idea to get to know fellow bloggers a little better and to take the chance to visit new blogs. In other words, awards like this keep the blogging world go round, so I am happy to pass it on.

Please, take note of 3 simple rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
2. Reveal seven things about yourself,
3. Pass the award on to 5 other bloggers. Leave a comment on each blog, telling them that you've nominated them for this award.

Well, here's seven things about me that are fun to share:

1. I just LOVE lasagna, but unlike Garfield I prefer it hot from the oven!

2. I have been together with my husband for more than 25 years, we have no children.

3. I love to travel, exploring new places and re-visiting old ones and I always take plenty of photo's

4. I do not have a television, but enjoy watching movies and browsing Youtube on my laptop.

5. I like my desk organized and clean

6. I desire to write many more books, bible studies, blog posts and articles on practical Christian living and spiritual growth.

7. I have learned to speak in public and actually feel in my element when doing so.

I've chosen 5 blogs. Some I have followed for ages, others I've recently started following. Feel free to go visit these lovely blogs and Cathy's as well. :)

On Wings of Mirth and Worth
Putting Pen to Paper
My Daily Walk in His Grace
Blessings in His Grip
Ponderings

If you are one of the 5 blogs I nominated and would like to pass it on, copy the blog award to a post, reveal 7 things about yourself, and pass this award on to 5 other bloggers of your choice. Congrats!

Happy blogging!

Readers Favorite Award 2011

Just received news that they did not receive enough RSVP's for the Readers Favorite awards banquet in Las Vegas, which was scheduled for November 5th, 2011. So, they moved it to Miami for next year, where they'll combine it with the 2012 event during the International Book Fair. Well, I got my certificate and we've decided to fly out west anyway and enjoy Southern California while it will be winter here in Holland.

Make sure you pick up a copy of Grace of Giving if you haven't done so already! You will never look at GIVING the same way again, I promise :)

Blogging buzz....

Thanks everyone for your kind words and congrats on my award-winning book Grace of Giving :) I truly appreciate all the support. Before we'll move on with the grace chapter from that book (as I have been sharing over the last few weeks) I like to mention a few things:

The Readers Favorite 2011 Awards Banquet will be held in Las Vegas during the10th annual Vegas Valley Book Fair, November 3-6, 2011. If you're in the neighborhood, join the book fun!

I received the Liebster award from fellow blogger and friend Maria Morgan, make sure to check her inspirational blog Life Lessons and see what that is all about. Thank you Maria, I so appreciate your kindness! I wish to present the Liebster award to 5 other bloggers. There are just a few rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

2. Give the Liebster Award to five bloggers and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. And best of all – enjoy!

The Liebster award is presented to blogs with less than 200 followers, but definitely deserve more! So here we go, I picked from my blog roll:

Heather Sunseri over at Balance with purpose.

Traci over at My daily walk in His grace

Lisa Tortorello over at her author's blog

Aileen Sewart over at Aileen's Thoughts, and

Cherie Hill over at Journal of Faith

Readers Favorite Award 2011

Yes! Praise the Lord, I am so happy. I am honored to announce that my latest release Grace of Giving has received GOLD! Today the winners were announced on the Readers Favorite website. If you decide to visit this website, you'll notice how many books have been entered in 70+ different categories. They have already entered information about the 2012 contest, so if you're an author make sure to check that as well.

Grace of Giving has been voted best Christian Non Fiction in their Readers Favorite 2011 Awards Contest. Needless to say that I am thrilled and thankful for such recognition. If you have not yet purchased a copy of this book, this might the be the moment to win you over :) For less than 10 bucks you'll have a treasure in your hands! It's a great book for self study or group discussion. It is available at most internet book sellers, like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders etc.

Readers Favorite Contest 2011

I've been in and out of the house a lot lately, not much time for a good post (on the power of God, as promised).  So allow me to quickly share some great and exciting news.

Grace of Giving is one of the finalists in the Readers Favorite 2011 Awards Contest. This year there are more than 50 categories and they received more entries than ever. Grace of Giving is one of the five nominees in the category Christian Non Fiction.

You can see the 2011 Contest Finalists list here. 

Stylish Blogger Award

Wow! I just received the Stylish Blogger Award, all the way from New York City. How cool is that! The sky is the limit for us bloggers :) Check out the blog of this lady on a roof... She writes about her travels, her love for the Big Apple and shares her favorite restaurants with the readers.

I actually met her while she was fixing the roof of the Teen Challenge Center in Holland. She came to Holland on a short missions trip with a team from Times Square Church and did a great job of bringing joy, encouragement and practical help to the guys in the residential program! My husband and me were there as volunteers too and really enjoyed this young and enthousiastic group from New York! Thanks for the award Carolyne, I appreciate it!

I will pass this award on to my blogger friend Wyn, from downunder! Her blog Ponderings is a place I enjoy visiting. Wyn is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoys writing poems. I think she deserves an award!