New Book Release: Neta Jackson Stand By Me

Happy March!

Neta Jackson has a new novel, STAND BY ME. Here’s the details:

Sometimes you learn the most from the person least like you.

Avis Douglass and her husband, Peter, have dreamed of selling his software business to finance a two-year mission effort to South Africa. But when the economy crashes, they're suddenly faced with the real possibility of bankruptcy.

When one of the co-pastors of SouledOut Community Church passes away suddenly, Avis and Peter are asked to step in and assist with the leadership of the church in the interim. But that creates an all-black leadership, fanning some subtle racial issues in their multi-cultural church. As tensions mount, they wrestle with returning to a traditional church where things would be easier.

Meanwhile, Kate Blanchard arrives in urban Chicago with three friends. Their vision of radically following Jesus-from dressing in second-hand clothing to trying to live green-only adds to the unrest at SouledOut Community Church. When Kate attaches herself to Avis as a mentor, her good heart but lack of wisdom drives Avis nuts.

Before long, though, they'll both realize that the body of Christ needs all parts-and Avis will see that she needs Kate's joy in following Jesus as much as Kate needs Avis's wisdom.

Click here to own.

Day 7: Uncovering More of You

Psalm 45

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.(1)

.Father,

Thank you for waking me up. Thank you for waking me up on time. Thank you for rest, rejuvenation, prioritizing, and making room for you.

One of my Lent activities this year is to declutter my life. I made a list of five things I would clean out during lent:

1. my car trunk
2. my email inbox
3. my closet
4. my room
5. my bathroom drawer

As I began to remove things that have no room in my life anymore I found myself removing obligations, associations, rules that shut love out…I began to declutter my soul.

Thank you.

Writing to God Day 4: Thanks for my Gift of Writing

“…my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”- Phil 4:10-20

Father, thank you for today. Thank you for my family taking care of me today and thank you for the gift of writing. Most times I forget that this is a gift. You could have given someone else this love to write. You could have given another author a publishing contract. This past year you gave me that gift. I thank you for it. The gifts that have come along with this gift have afforded me to be able to take care of many of my medical costs, my daughters birthdays, back to school supplies, her wants and needs. That would not have happened if it were not for this gift. I also thank you for putting people in my life who respect and champion this gift. I wanted to thank two of them personally today. I had big plans to do it. Yet, my body demanded more rest to heal. I felt bad about not doing all the things that I want to do and then I felt even worse for not being thankful for what I do have. You. All that is good is you. I know you took care of my friends for me today. That is another gift you do so well for me. I pray that writing to you will help someone else recognize the gifts You have given to them.

Again thanks. This year I will be a better writer.

Writing to God Day 3: Tribute

 

40 DAYS OF WRITING TO GOD: Lent 2012

John 17:9-19

I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of^[a] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. ¹² While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by^[b] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

When I read this scripture earlier today it made me cry, Lord. I’ve lost so many wonderful people in my life this past year. I’m still not over losing Maggie and I’m still in shock of Suzette’s death. It doesn’t make since, but I still feel sad about Whitney Houston. I didn’t know her personally. And then this morning I learned that another friend had gone on to be with You.

Natasha Munson.

That news hurt, because I’m still fighting battles against the disease that took her HOME. And I don’t know why I’m here and why she isn’t.

I’m thankful that I am here to see my daughter another day. I’m not so sure if anyone cares to read another book I write, whose life would be affected if I never wrote another word?Mom must have felt my pity, because she made her special deep dish pizza pie to make me feel better. Yet, I’m still weary. Probably more than yesterday. I dislike myself for sounding like a whining baby when so much work has yet to be done, when good people have gone and I know they had great plans to accomplish much.

So I reread these words Christ said to You, as he prepared for his death gave me a measure of peace with these losses. All is not lost. They are with you and I am with you. We are One. Perhaps I can carry on for them.  My spirit knows this. My spirit knows this. My spirit knows…

Day 2 When It’s Just Not Fair

40 DAYS OF WRITING TO GOD: Lent 2012

Hebrews 12:1-14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Today was a day. When I was a child every day was a new adventure. The days didn’t last long enough. I had no cares in the world unless my brother or my best friends didn’t want to play with me.

But at a brand new 38 today I found myself not wanting to get out of bed. Tired before the day begun. Not filled with the fight I had yesterday. I needed a little more sunshine. God this day was hard for me.

As the day has turned to night, I became disappointed that I didn’t complete the many tasks I had planned for me. There are so many things I have to do. People are counting on me. Then I remembered why I loved childhood so much. Although I had plans, I didn’t knock myself for not trying. I believed I had another day. I believed that what happened in that day was enough and the best thing ever. If I couldn’t play with my friends that day, I could tomorrow.

Perhaps because I’m an adult and I live with serious health challenges, I can’t count on tomorrow working out for me. I don’t if you will give me tomorrow.

Reflecting on my Daily Scripture for this second day of advent I am reminded to lay down my burdens, even those I inflict on myself…even my fears about the future.

This is hard for me, so I’m clinging to you tonight. Hold me.

Thriller Thursday: Chris Holm’s RuleBook

by Chris F. Holm

One thing I've discovered in my writing life is I'm no good at predicting whether or not an opportunity is gonna prove worthwhile. But I've also learned I don't have to be. Over time, I've developed a few simple rules to guide me. They've helped me immensely; mayhap they'll do the same for you.

Read the Rules today at ITW’s THE THRILL BEGINS blog. He will also be on LIVE today to chat.

43rd Annual GMA DOVE AWARDS & Kim Burrell

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees at a press conference held at The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, GA, which was streamed live at HearItFirst. Nominees were announced by GRAMMY nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for his iconic hit “This is How We Do It,” BET “Lift Every Voice” host CoCo Brother, Daytime EMMY nominated comedian Chonda Pierce, and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles.

Atlanta will host the Dove Awards for a second time at the Fox Theatre on April 19, 2012, following a sold-out show in 2011 hosted by Sherri Shepherd which aired on the Gospel Music Channel and garnered 1.5 million viewers.

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees include:

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Chris August
• Chris Tomlin
• Jason Crabb
• Kirk Franklin
• Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Vocalist of the Year:

• Francesca Battistelli
• Kari Jobe
• Laura Story
• Mandisa
• Natalie Grant

Urban Song of the Year Recorded:

• Kim Burrell for Sweeter
• Windows; ; Canton Jones; ; ; CAJO International
• SOVEREIGN KING; FROM THE HEART; DEBORAH; ; ; ZOE RECORDS

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year:

• How I Got Over; Smokie Norful; Jason Lyson; EMI Gospel
• If you didn't know Now you Know; Norman Hutchins; Michael Bereal; co-producer, Vicki Lataillade; Sueekey  Entertainment/IR Music Group
• Promises; Richard Smallwood; Steven Ford; Verity Gospel Music Group
• The Legacy Project; John P. Kee; ; Verity
• XV Live; Chicago Mass Choir; Percy Gray, Jr.; Jeral Gray, Sr.; New Haven Recor