Thankful for Abundant Life, Clear Skies, and Stable Booths
Happy Monday, friends!
I hope you had a joyous Easter. We had such powerful worship at our morning church service. It moves me to tears to know my God is alive. And because He lives, we can too. And not just live, but live abundantly.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
This past Saturday, I had the privilege of showcasing my books at “Meet the Author on the Park” in Winter Haven, Florida. This event was sponsored by my friends Sandy Knowles at Three Rivers Press and April Whitt at Grapefruit Press.
I met many people and was able to learn about their lives, their interests, and their troubles. Sandy and April, the organizers of the event, offered authors the opportunity to speak to the audience via a loudspeaker system. (Yikes!) I was up for the challenge and spoke to festival-goers about some tips for writing about difficult topics. I also shared about my latest book, Dragonflies, Ketchup, and Late-Night Phone Calls: 31 Days of Journaling God’s Blessings.
I haven’t officially shared with you about this book, which was such an inspiration to me as I wrote it. Dragonflies, Ketchup, and Late-Night Phone Calls is a unique thankfulness journal where you literally “jot down” your thanks to God throughout your day.
Here is a snapshot of one of the chapters.
As you can see, I open each of the 31 days with praise to God and then provide you some space to give thanks to God throughout your day. No journaling for 10, 15, 30 minutes or an hour-not that there’s anything wrong with that. 😉 The approach is to jot down your thanks as you go through your day or when you lie down for the night.
I asked people who stopped by my booth what they were thankful for that very morning and these were some of their answers:
- Shoes on my feet
- That I didn’t have to cook Easter dinner
- That it wasn’t raining (The weather called for rain.)
By the end of the festival, I gave thanks to God that my booth didn’t tumble away with the wind. 🙂
During my 10-minute talk, I was honored to talk about the inspiration for my book, which came about during my husband’s job loss last year. Writing Dragonflies, Ketchup, and Late-Night Phone Calls was my way of keeping a thankful spirit during our financial troubles, our roller coaster feelings of hope and frustration, and all of the emotional, physical, relational, and even spiritual side-effects of such a loss. God truly can help us through difficult times when we are intentional about giving thanks in all circumstances. It’s not easy; it still isn’t, but we have renewed hope and know God has been our provider during this time.
Remember, friends: God might not change your circumstances, but He can change you when you choose to thank Him.
I was also excited to showcase the Spanish version of the book, hot off the press. 🙂
To order the English or Spanish version of Dragonflies, Ketchup, and Late-Night Phone Calls, visit Amazon, CreateSpace, or your preferred online book retailer. You may also purchase a copy here on my Web site, and I will mail you a copy with a message just for you. 🙂
Big hugs. So… What are you thankful for today?
They stood every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They did the same thing every evening. (1 Chronicles 23:30)
News: Lots going on at DaphneWrites
Hi, friends!
The Lord has blessed this ministry a lot in the past couple months. Here’s what’s been going on:
Events
I had some opportunities to display and sell my books at the 4th Annual Polk Writers and Illustrators Festival here in Lakeland, Florida. I met a lot of great people and was able to share my story with them.
I was so proud to be one of six writers from our very own Lakeland Christian Writers, a chapter of American Christian Writers (ACW). Here are some of them.
With April Whitt, author of the Romeo Riley Series, and member of LCW
With Chris Pylant, co-author of A Touch of Heaven, and member of LCW
Beth Miller, co-author of Under His Wings, and member of LCW
I was also invited to display and sell my book at Truth Factory’s artistic production, “Bet on Job.” (That’s Job like Job in the Bible.) 🙂 Here is some information from Truth Factory’s Facebook page:
Truth Factory is “a platform for local Christian artists to share their unique and inspirational gifts with the greater Lakeland community. We strive to encourage creativity which portrays the principles of Christianity in the tangible form of artistic expression. Artists are invited to showcase their talents and demonstrate the breath of creation reflected in their body of work. We promote artistic freedom for artists to express their love of God, to share His message of hope and to communicate their personal experience of Him with others.
I look forward to participating in other Truth Factory productions, along with other local artists.
Books
I’ve been working on two books. One I’ve already written you about in an earlier post. That one is still a little ways off. Be in prayer for that. The other book is further along and will be published in the next few weeks–just in time for the holidays, although it can be used year-round. Be on the lookout for it. I’ll write more about it as we get closer to publication date. And I’ll be holding some giveaways, so watch for those too. 🙂
Affiliate Merchants
I’ve been trying to work on my writing full-time and treating it as the career I want it to be. I’ve also been in prayer about the best ways to supplement my family’s income with the talent God has given me. After much research, I’ve decided to become an affiliate publisher of several big-name and respected merchants: DaySpring, Family Christian Stores, and Amazon. Please know I am in no way employed by these companies. What it does mean is that you might see links and images throughout my web site that advertise products from these merchants. When you click on a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission in return. You can read more about my role as an affiliate publisher on my disclosure page.
If you look on the new Resources tab on my web site, you will see several drop-down menus:
- Disclosure
- Printables
- Books, Movies, and More
- Sales and Specials
I hope you will browse around those pages and see what interests you. Share the resources with your friends and family. I will update the products periodically, so check back often.
Phew! That was a lot.
Please keep me in prayer as I continue doing what God has laid on my heart. I want to encourage others with the comfort He has given me. I want everything I do to point to Him.
I love you all.
Big hugs,
Daphne
By the way, what’s going on with you? Share in the comments. I want to join with you in prayer.
NEWS: Daphne at the 3rd Annual Spring Market & Craft Fair
It was a privilege to participate in the 3rd Annual Spring Market & Craft Fair here in Lakeland, Florida, earlier this month.
I displayed and sold my books, and I met a lot of people. That’s always one of the highlights of being an exhibitor at conferences and festivals.
I look forward to upcoming conferences and festivals. I have several lined up for this year and will keep you posted when I’m in your area.
If you would like to read more about Women of the Secret Place, click here.
Also, please be in prayer for my next book. Lord willing, I will have it out be year’s end–just in time for the holidays. 🙂
And if you would like me to come speak at your next women’s event, feel free to check out my speaking topics and contact me for more information.
God is doing great things!
Blessings and hugs,
Daphne
Event Recap: Daphne at the Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival
What a great weekend at the Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival!
I hope you were able to come out and talk to the many authors and illustrators who displayed their work on the streets of downtown Lakeland.
I was doubly excited because this was the first exhibit of my books. I was able to talk to people from all walks of life about my reason for writing–to comfort others with the comfort God has given me.
Most of all, I enjoyed hearing the stories of those who came to my booth. I am always enthralled by people’s life stories, and I heard quite a few that inspired me, moved me, and will always stay with me. If you have a story to tell–and believe me, you do–I hope you will share it.
Here are some pictures of the day.
My booth
My little helper and I sitting at The Comfort Station
With writer friend, Sara Robillard
I will take so many memories with me from this event, and I was so proud to share it with many other authors, three of which are in the Lakeland Christian Writers group–Beth Willis Miller, April Whitt, and LaVerne Stevens.
All Participants at the Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival
God is doing a great work!
Oh, and I managed to sell a few books along the way. 😉
My two books, “Chronicles of a Walk with Christ” and “Women of the Secret place,” followed by “Deliver Me from My Anguish, Lord,” which I edited for author Ruthie Velazquez-Paredes this year.
Thank you, once again, for your continued support and encouragement. To God be all the glory!
Big hugs,
Daphne
News: Daphne’s Article “No More Shame” Published & Upcoming Event
Happy Wednesday, readers! I hope you’re enjoying this lovely Fall day wherever you are.
I have lots to report!
First, I’m honored to have my article, “No More Shame” published in this month’s issue of Mentoring Moments for Christian Women. “No More Shame” is part of the series “Jesus is… Deliverer / Healer.”
I hope you will head on over, read, comment, and share with others who may be hurting. While you’re there, feel free to look around and read some of the other great articles on the site. Better yet, subscribe to their monthly newsletter.
And now on to the next bit of news…
I am so excited to be part of the Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival this Saturday in Lakeland, Florida. This will be a one-day event (9am – 3pm) to “promote Polk County’s creative side, a celebration of all things book!” I am one of 28 authors and illustrators exhibiting their work. There will also be a used book sale to benefit a local charity, as well as a book giveaway to children (while supplies last).
I hope you are able to attend. If you do, please come by my booth. It will be great to chat with you awhile.
This is a great opportunity to speak with local authors and editors, to be inspired by them, to encourage them, and to network. Oh, and you can also get started on your Christmas shopping!
If you’re unable to attend and would still like to purchase one of my books, please feel free to visit my Books page.
I am so excited about what God is doing, dear ones. Thank you, all, for your continued support and encouragement.
Blessings and hugs,
Daphne
