Showing posts with label publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label publishing. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Expand my territory!

"I like the idea of expansion, as long as it is not my waist or weight ๐Ÿ˜", I wrote in my blog post on January 4th of this year. The post was about my #oneword for 2024: EXPAND. You can read that post HERE.

Expand as in the prayer of Jabez: Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! (1 Chronicles 4:10).

Expand as in Psalm 119:32: I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.

Europe Teen Challenge Conference

We're talking territorial as well as spiritual expansion. I like that idea. This past weekend, we attended the Europe Teen Challenge conference in Warsaw, Poland. With our non-profit organization Traveling Light, we support Teen Challenge programs (faith-based rehab and discipleship programs) in more than 30 countries in Europe. So, the annual conference is always a great opportunity to meet with staff and students from all over Europe.

Book table

We are always present with our book table, which is a blessing as well. Several of my books have been translated into other languages (German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Farsi, and Polish, to name a few). This time I had two new books/editions on the table:

  • No other gods, which is the tenth and final book in my series about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century, and
  • Duch Prawdy, which is the Polish edition of my book Spirit of Truth.

Ten Core Values

While writing that final book in the series, the idea came to me that the Ten Commandments are basically the Ten Core Values for a dedicated and fruitful Christian life. I wrote a book about each commandment, and each book represents a core value that we live out in our daily lives.

๐Ÿ‘‰I decided to do a blog series about those Ten Core Values. I surely hope you will take the journey with me. Along the way, the Holy Spirit will expand our understanding of a proper balance between law and grace.

PS: My books are available on Amazon in your country!

Friday, January 12, 2024

Giveaway 'No other gods'

Let's start the new year with a giveaway. Why not? Hopefully, it is on your wish list for 2024 to read more books ๐Ÿ˜

Why not read my latest release 'No other gods', especially now that you have a chance to win a free copy. I think a new book release is not complete without a blog giveaway, so let's do it.

Last month 'No other gods' hit the shelves. It is the tenth and final book in a series (all books can be read separately) about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century and it is based on the first commandment: You shall have no other gods before me.

‘You shall have no other gods before me’ means so much more than just refraining from worshiping idols. It is a call for undivided loyalty towards the God of Israรซl and to honor Him as the supreme God, the Creator of heaven and earth. It is also a call to not be ignorant about the destructive influence of principalities and powers, demons and deities, false religious practices and forces of darkness.

I am calling all readers to stand up and take back what the enemy has stolen from us. Let’s make it our aim to live life as God intended it, which is for us to be:

  • blessed and fruitful,
  • content and encouraged,
  • thankful and inspirational for generations to come.

๐Ÿ‘‰So, how do you enter this giveaway? Simply like this post when you see it on social media. Leave a comment if you can, and share the post! Yep, that's it. I'll put your name in the hat and next week I'll ask my husband to draw a winner.

No other gods is available as e-book and paperback on Amazon in your country.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Core values of a Christian life

With the publication of 'No other gods', the book series I have been working on since 2004 has been completed (yeah!) Ten books, each book dealing with one of the Ten Commandments.

While working on 'No other gods' the idea came to me to compose a set of ten core values, based on the topics of my books. You can find them in the back of 'No other gods'.

I have called them the Ten Core Values of a dedicated and fruitful Christian life and of course, they can be summed up in one word: LOVE.

I believe these values sum up what it means to fulfill the Law in love. Mind you, we don't live by rules, we live by the leading of God's Spirit as I have described in each book practically and simply.

Core values are fundamental beliefs that we live out in our daily behavior. As I have explained in this book series, it is one thing to say we are not thieves but it is another thing to be a generous giver. It is one thing to not give a false testimony but it is another thing to always speak truth. It is one thing to say we are not killers but it is another thing to love and value life.

Well, you get the point, right? Of course, the Ten Commandments have not changed, but the way we make them come true is totally different under the New Covenant. Merely obeying or keeping a set of rules can turn into legalism. Fulfilling the ancient writings in a life of love is a different story, as Jesus showed us by the life He lived.

๐Ÿ‘‰It is my prayer to see a Christianity based on these biblical core values with love (God) as the motivator and inspiration behind everything we do!

Monday, November 27, 2023

Final book in Ten Commandmentseries series

It was on a summer's day, back in August 2004, that I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me about writing a book series. It wasn't an audible voice but at the same time, it was loud and clear.

We were living in Southern California at the time, on a beautiful ranch where my husband worked as a racecar technician. Just a few years earlier we had come to faith in Jesus Christ. An event that radically changed our lives. The fact that it was possible to hear God's voice had never occurred to me.

I am forever thankful that He spoke exactly the way He did because I never doubted what I had heard. I was still a rather young believer back then and, although I enjoyed writing since I was a little girl, I had no plans of writing such books.

And here we are, nineteen years down the road. I finally finished the tenth and final book in the series about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century. To be honest, I have longed for this day. Why? Because I have so many other ideas for writing books. Ideas that I didn't want to work on as long I had not finished this series. Yeah, that's called discipline ๐Ÿ˜ 

No other gods is the tenth and final book in this eye-opening series and it deals with the first commandment: You shall have no other gods before Him. Each chapter starts with a travel story, travels we made throughout the years all over the world. Travels that introduced us to other religions than the one we grew up with, to other cultures, and to other gods...

The subtitle says: Why undivided loyalty to the One and only living God matters in these days

Curious? The book is available on Amazon in your country.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Year in review

I don't know about you, but I still have some trouble getting back to a healthy rhythm in writing and posting... well, in everything really.

After almost three years of great disturbances worldwide (which affected everyone and everything, no matter where you are in the discussion) I still haven't found my flow.

๐Ÿ‘‰However, I always like to reflect and look back at each year, just to make sure I am still moving forward. As you can see I made an infographic of my writing and speaking efforts in 2022.

Hm, I think I am satisfied, although I have postponed and procrastinated on some of my writing goals. Well, 2023 will bring new opportunities and chances.

Writers/bloggers... Do you review your year? Are you satisfied? Any new goals or plans? Are you working on something new? I would love to hear it.

As far as my work is concerned:

WEBSITE: www.marjameijers.com

YOUTUBE: @MarjaVerschoorMeijers

PODCAST: Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths

TWITTER: @marjameijers

INSTAGRAM: Marja Verschoor-Meijers

FACEBOOK: marja.meijers


Saturday, September 24, 2022

The value of Christian books

Some Christians are critical, quite critical I've noticed. Especially when it comes to judging other Christians who have some sort of ministry.

I come across critical comments about Christian authors, preachers, and musicians on social media quite often, which is pretty sad and tiring (let me know whether you agree or disagree).

๐Ÿ‘‰If you don't like someone's preaching, writing, or singing... pick something else! Don't criticize the work of others, certainly not if you haven't produced anything yourself. I don't see why that is so difficult.

Personally, I ๐Ÿ’—to listen to various teachers and preachers, and I love to read books written by believers. When I need encouragement, healing, faith, or empowerment in my own life, I read certain authors. Yes, the ones I know will lift me up and inspire me.

The other day I was contemplating the value of Christian books. We are so blessed to be able to choose from a wide variety of authors whose writing helps us in our own faith walk. I often forward books that have helped me to others. I write reviews on Goodreads and sometimes on this blog.

And yes, of course I get encouraged when I receive positive notes from people who have read my books. Whether we write, preach, pray, encourage, or make music, we minister to others. Not to everyone, but to a specific person or audience. If we would all do so, we would cover the earth with God's love.

If you are one of those who enjoys my writing, make sure to watch the promo video and the book trailer of my latest book First Love! THANKS ๐Ÿ˜€

Wednesday, June 08, 2022

Giveaway 'First Love'

Yeah, summer is on the way. Hopefully, you will take the time to read a good book.

Why not read my latest release First Love? Especially now that you have a chance to win a free copy. I think a new book release is not complete without a blog giveaway, so let's do it!๐Ÿ˜ƒ

Last month First Love hit the shelves. It is the ninth book in a series (all books can be read separately) about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century and it is based on the seventh commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Not exactly an easy or popular topic to write a book about, but I certainly believe that First Love holds a beautiful and inspiring message about God's faithfulness and love. His love for Israel, for humanity, and for you as a reader. 

Because our limited human love fails us, we need His divine love in our lives in order to be able to love others. It all starts with receiving His love, renewing our understanding of that love, and refreshing the way we love Him back. What God wants to establish in our spiritual lives, He will surely use in our day-to-day natural circumstances. After reading this book, you will:

  • have a better understanding of God’s love for people
  • know that you are loved by God
  • feel encouraged about refreshing your relationship with God, your spouse, and other people
  • be inspired to love others as God loves you
  • be able to ban boredom from your life
  • be determined to remain faithful until the end.

๐Ÿ‘‰So, how do you enter this giveaway? Simply like this post when you see it on social media. Leave a comment, and share the post! Yep, that's it. I'll put your name in the hat and next week I'll ask my husband to draw a winner!

First Love is available as e-book and paperback on Amazon in your country.

Friday, April 29, 2022

First Love: Book 9 in a series

Sometimes it amazes me how long it takes me to write a book ๐Ÿ˜Do all writers have a tendency to procrastinate, I wonder? There are times that I don't look at my manuscript for months and then suddenly I am back at it again.

Writing is and will always be a matter of discipline and setting strict deadlines. Anyway, there's another book on my shelf!

Last week my latest book was published, I gave it the title First Love. It is the ninth book in a series (all books can be read separately) about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century and it is based on the seventh commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Not really an easy or popular topic to write a book about, but I certainly believe that this book holds a beautiful and inspiring message about God's faithfulness and love. His love for Israel, for humanity, and for you as a reader. The back matter says:

Love, till death do us part. Such words, promises, and vows… do they still mean anything at all in our world today? Is it possible to love and keep on loving? Is it possible to be faithful to the end?

If you are interested in an inspiring and encouraging view on faithfulness, please order this book and let me know your thoughts. It is available as e-book and paperback on Amazon in your country.

๐Ÿ‘‰I would appreciate your reviews.

Wednesday, August 05, 2020

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 ๐Ÿ˜€

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?

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Understanding the old, appreciating the new

In my new book True Worshipers, I discuss, among many other things, the rules for worship under the Old Covenant and the relational worship under the New Covenant. Maybe you think that sounds way too technical to be interesting...

Well, I wouldn't blame you. However, I can assure you that reading True Worshipers will take you on a wonderful journey through the Bible I have used an illustration in chapter 2 that might help us to see why understanding the old makes us appreciate and value the new.

"Today, when we put our dirty laundry in the washing machine, we don’t think much of it. We push a button and walk away, the work is being done for us. I remember how my grandmother washed by hand.

She would boil water in a huge grey kettle and stir the laundry with a large wooden spoon of some sort. No wonder our grandmothers had muscled arms! Doing laundry was tough labor and in those times the women often set apart a whole day every week for this work.

When I think back of such times, I feel very privileged that I do not have to spend a whole precious day each week sweating over a steaming tub full of laundry. Remembering those days, however romantic and idyllic they may seem, I am sincerely thankful for modern technical equipment."

When we begin to understand how much was expected from the ancient Israelites (in terms of sacrifices) in order to present themselves before God and live in a right and healthy relationship with Him, we will become all the more thankful for the grace and love God has poured out on us when He gave His Son as a sacrifice in our place.


Wednesday, April 22, 2020

What would be left?

'What would be left of our modern-day Christianity when all is taken away: the buildings, the meetings, the money, the power, the titles, the theology, the music, and the concerts? What would be left?'

When I wrote the foreword for my new book, back in February of this year, I had no idea the words would gain prophetic relevance. I had no idea something like that could happen in just a few weeks, and not just locally but on a worldwide scale. But it did.

Our churches had to close their doors, although temporarily, due to government regulations in response to a virus epidemic. 'What would be left?' became a question millions of people began to ask, and it happened almost overnight.

Well, we might find ourselves on our knees again, without anything. No effects, no band, no structure, no liturgy to follow. Just us, on the floor… waiting for God to speak, waiting for Him to come. ๐Ÿ‘‰After more than two thousand years of Christianity we might find ourselves bowing down again, empty-handed, with nothing but our time and lives to give Him.

Looking back at the writing process, which began in January 2019, I realize the message in this book is very timely. Yes, I am aware of the fact that it might be the worst time to release a book. No meetings, no conferences, no travels, no speaking engagements or book table venues. Nothing... But I also know the current circumstances do not change the message in this book. On the contrary, they might enhance it!

Jesus prophesied that the time was coming when by the power of God’s Spirit people would worship the Father as He really is, offering Him the true worship He so desires. Have you ever wondered what true worship would be like? It begins where idolatry ends.

Yes, of course, it will take a powerful move of the Holy Spirit to have our institutionalized Christianity make the transition into relational Christianity. However, this is a process that starts in the heart of every believer.

You can order the e-book on Amazon right now, for just $2.99.

The release date of the paperback is scheduled for May 1st and you can order from my website: www.marjameijers.com

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Womb story

The abortion debate has been flaring up again, more vicious than ever before if you ask me. Arguments for and against are coming from the democrats, the republicans, the churches, the pro-choice and pro-life organisations and so on and so on.

It is a shame that we all raise our voices over the ones that have no voice... yet. What if the child could speak from within the womb? What if the child had a message for us... from above?

In 2008 my book Breath of Life was published by Tate Publishing in Oklahoma, USA. A precious story about creation, as seen (and told) through the eyes of the unborn child. In 2011, a Dutch translation of the book was published in The Netherlands and later German and Italian editions followed.

The American publisher is no longer in business and right in the middle of a nasty court case on charges of money embezzlement (not necessarily an ideal situation for new and emerging authors). In the meantime my stock had been reduced to a minimum, so I decided to publish a revised paperback edition for my European audience and a $2.99 Kindle edition on Amazon. And you know what? It couldn't be more timely!

Simply, because the story in Breath of Life is timeless. I wrote this book in order to give the unborn child a voice. I wanted to give him a chance to tell his side of the story. Let's be quiet and listen to the pure wisdom of a child who is still very close to the Father's heart. Who knows, maybe we can learn something.

Don't miss out on this precious story. It might change the way you look at life.

Monday, April 29, 2019

And what is truth?

Signing the book 'Duch Pravdy' 
And what is truth? Pilate asked Jesus that question. The very Truth stood right in front of him, but he doubted. He was influenced by the crowd ... by people who didn't know the truth and were just repeating words of others without thinking.

And what is truth? I find it an intriguing question and I have used it as the foundation for my book Spirit of Truth that was published back in 2016. Two weeks ago that book was published in the Slovak language and we traveled to the beautiful city of Bratislava for the presentation. How exciting!

Preaching on Sunday morning
We were invited to speak about this theme during a youth evening at the Faith Baptist Church in Bratislava. Around forty(!) young people were present and we spoke about truth and twisted truth. Later that weekend I spoke on Sunday morning in that same church about the attack on truth nowadays, much like  it was attacked when Jesus stood before Pilate.

We also spoke at the Teen Challenge drug and alcohol rehabilitation home in Sered about the importance of knowing the truth and about the lies that keep people imprisoned for years. "You always remain a user," "you need drugs or alcohol," "you will never be anything." Lies the enemy whispers.

The truth is that Jesus wants to set people free, truly free! He said to Pilate: In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth (John 18:37). That is quite something.

And what about us, what is expected of us now that Jesus no longer walks the earth? We must also testify to the truth and for that reason we receive the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. And that's what the book is all about!

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Words travel far

I have always been intrigued by the words in Isaiah 55:11 (maybe because I am more of a 'word' than a 'visual' person.

The words God speaks are being compared with the rain and snow that come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.

And then it says:

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Words travel and produce fruit. I want it to be like that with my own words, whether spoken or written down in a book or blog. ➽➽ It is amazing to think about the places where our words can travel and I would certainly like to encourage you all to keep on writing good stuff!

I am thrilled to announce that a Slovak edition of my book 'Spirit of Truth' is coming out April 8th. My husband and I will be traveling to Bratislava (that is the beautiful capital of Slovakia) for the book presentation. We will speak at different venues and do a book signing. I am so looking forward to this trip and to share what God has put on my heart.

I never thought my books would be available in Slovakia, but God made a way. It is my prayer that the words we write (as bloggers and authors) will travel... and produce fruit... and accomplish all we want it to... and prosper wherever we send them.


The English e-book edition of Spirit of Truth is available on amazon.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

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. ๐Ÿ‘‰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]

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

In My Name

At the beginning of this year I specifically prayed for several things (concerning my writing activities) to come to pass ๐Ÿ˜. It is so easy to become occupied with a thousand good causes and ideas, but really... what I want to do, and what I believe God called me to do, is to write more books.

So, there I was, staring at a blank computer screen and a journal with a huge amount of hand written pages with thoughts and questions, begging God to help me. Well, He did! He is faithful and good. During my vacation in Portugal I began to write with a very tight planning. February for writing, March for editing and proof reading, April for publishing and printing. Have you ever done this?

And so the latest title in my book series about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century has been released May 1st. In My Name is the 7th book in the series I have been working on for years now. It is a short study based on the 3rd Commandment which tells us not to use the name of the Lord in vain.

I have linked this commandment to the words of Jesus in the Lord's prayer: 'hallowed be your name'. It is one thing to claim we don’t use the Lord’s name in vain, but what do we do? Are we bringing honor to His name? Do we have a genuine love for His name? And most of all, is everything we do and say then, done in His name?

Reader's Favorite gave it a thumbs up in several 5-star reviews:

"Definitely an enlightening read!"

"Clear writing and a straightforward concise message."

"An excellent read..."

If you have read any of the previous books in this series, you will certainly enjoy this one, which encourages you to invite God's presence in daily situations. ‘Lord’ is not a word to end our sentences with when we talk to Him, nor is it a filler to make our prayers sound more holy and authentic. ‘Lord’ is His personal revelatory name and He gave it to us for use on a daily basis.

In My Name e-book is available on Amazon for 2.99. The paperback version is basically for distribution within Europe (unless you don't mind to pay the shipping costs).

If you want to do a review on your blog, I will be happy to send you a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes.


Tuesday, April 24, 2018

7th book in series released

I am taking a little break from my blog series about the purpose of the church... for a good reason :) The latest title in my book series about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century has been released this week!

'In My Name' is the 7th book in the series, I have been working on for years now. All bloggers that write and publish books, will know how much effort, time, love, struggle, frustration, doubt and jubilation is hidden in the writing process. 

Finding time, or should I say: making time to write, turns out to be the hardest thing to do, again and again. I wrote the bulk of this book while on vacation in Portugal; not a bad place to work after all.

'In My Name' is a short study based on the 3rd Commandment which tells us not to use the name of the Lord in vain. I have linked this commandment to the words of Jesus in the Lord's prayer: 'hallowed be your name'. It is one thing to claim we don’t use the Lord’s name in vain, but what do we do? Are we bringing honor to His name? Do we have a genuine love for His name? And most of all, is everything we do and say then, done in His name?

‘Lord’ is not a word to end our sentences with when we talk to Him, nor is it a filler to make our prayers sound more holy and authentic. ‘Lord’ is His personal revelatory name and He gave it to us for use on a daily basis.


If you have read any of the previous books in this series, you will certainly enjoy this one, which encourages you to invite God's presence in daily situation. Reader's Favorite gave it a thumbs up in a 5-star review.


'In My Name' e-book is available on Amazon for 2.99. The European paperback version will come out beginning of May. 

PS:  I will post a give-away soon!

Thursday, June 09, 2016

The fear of reviews

So, you've written a book. The days of crying, wrestling, whining, procrastinating and too much chocolate are finally over. The books arrived at your door step.

You touch the book, open it carefully and hold your breath while quickly scanning the pages... and you silently pray, 'please, don't let there be any typo's.'

You place it on your desk and enthusiastically leave copies all over the house: on the coffee table, the kitchen counter, the front porch, in the bathroom and the glove compartment of your car. It´s probably better for everyone that your husband stopped you before venturing out into the neighborhood.

You restrain yourself and carefully plan the announcements on your social media. Not too much, not too much, lest people will grow tired of your efforts. You check Amazon two thousand times a day to see whether someone left a review or purchased the Kindle version that you practically offered for free. It's your book, it's your baby, it's your tears and your pain.

Everyone told you it would be like this and yet.... the agony is worse than imagined. Will readers like the book or will they nail it to the floor? Will they tell others about it or will their silence drown your story? Legitimate questions of course, but maybe we're missing the most important one: Why fear the reviews?

We all need honest feedback, even if it hurts. It is part of the writing process which, by the way, does NOT stop when the book goes to print. Good, unbiased reviews build our character and sharpen our writing skills and purposes. As a matter of fact, I believe they should be the fertilizer for our next work!

I'll share some recommendations from recent reviews about my latest book Spirit of Truth in my next blog post. But besides that, I am curious... what are your experiences with writing or receiving reviews?

Monday, March 21, 2016

The questioning of truth

"Imagine a court room. A humble, quiet man has been brought in. He is being accused of a crime. No one seems to know exactly what kind of crime, even the judge doesn’t know for sure. What he does know however, is that all kind of charges and complaints have been filed against this man. He is trying to sort things out. Justice must prevail!

During the trial several people come forward to tell lies about the defendant, who appears particularly quiet and peaceful during this ordeal. His sad but friendly eyes drift around the room only to rest for a mere second or so on some of his countrymen. They look back with hatred and spit in his direction as if to silence his kindness..."

So begins my new book Spirit of Truth. Looking back at the events in the courtroom, where Jesus stood before Pilate, we can see a desperate cry emerge. A cry that still lingers in our courtrooms today. As a matter of fact it lingers in our homes, schools, political arena, businesses, and even in our churches: 'And what is truth?' 

In Spirit of Truth the reader is being challenged to answer Pilate's question, not just inside the courtroom... but where it matters most: in our daily lives.

'A delightful book, well thought out and relevant to us today... A book you will certainly read often.'

The message in this book is very inspiring and encouraging, especially if you find yourself struggling from time to time to stay hopeful and positive in a world  that has taken a free fall into lawlessness.

The paperback edition will be published and distributed in Europe (where I am residing), but there is also a Kindle edition which is now available at Amazon for just $2.99.

Spirit of Truth is the sixth book in a series about the Ten Commands in the 21st century. The message is related to the 9th commandment: 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor'. 

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

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.