The Author Post: Blog #24, "A Novel Idea"

It came to me at 3 a.m. one dark and quiet morning a few years back. It seems that God often wakes me up at 3 a.m. when He wants to speak to my Spirit and answer my prayers. I'd been praying for God to give me new direction in my life. Yes, I'd been doing things I loved and making a living at them. But, I didn't feel fulfilled. I looked back at my whole life on that somber morning, my restless mind taking me in all different directions, and finally came to a distinct realization. I really and truly love to write! I'd always been good in English through my school years, getting special recognition for certain composition works and praise from my teachers. I can still hear the echoing words billowing from Miss Dixon, "Erin, you have it in you to be a great writer someday." (Encouragement is one of the greatest gifts to give a child..I always remembered her encouragement.) I had enjoyed thinking up bizarre stories as a kid and loved acting them out in plays. My dream from five years old was to be an accomplished writer. So, why not? What was holding me back? Insecurity? Thoughts of failure? Maybe, but all I knew was that God was guiding me and would be there through the long journey and that I had to try. 

Bibletoons began with one idea. Do you own a Bible? Do you read your Bible? Well, how would you like to physically jump in it and go back to the Bible days of old? That's exactly what my characters do in this series. They meet all kinds of Bible heros first hand and become part of the story. It is a delicately spiritual series mainly for children ages 3-12 years, although adults love it, too! I wrote the first rough book and shared it with my Pioneer Girls Club that I led at church. They really loved it by their radiant smiles and wide eyes at the end! So, I began to pursue my dream with determined and loving support and enthusiasm from my two wonderful daughters. On my knees, I prayed for God to Bless everyone who came in contact with my manuscript at the Christian publishing company and every adult and child who would read it in the future.

Humbly speaking, the contract was at my door within two weeks of submission, the very first manuscript I had ever submitted and chosen from tens of thousands of manuscripts they receive each year. I would write a Bibletoons series of nine sequels, a total of ten books. So, I ask you..."Does God answer prayers?!" I would say He DOES! Book One, Adventure with Noah went into production soon after and nine months later, in July of 2012, it was a bright and colorful book ready to be introduced to children everywhere! Of course, I can't take the credit for it, as I feel that God is the author!

Within a year's time, Bibletoons became available in over fifty countries worldwide and online, at major book stores like Barnes & Noble, Living Word Parable Christian Store, Books-A-Million and Amazon. I have had numerous promotions and book signings at libraries, book stores, events, fairs, festivals, speaking engagements, radio talk shows and even a TV interview. Bibletoons eBooks including Sony Reader, Nook, Kindle 2, iPad and iPhone 4 are available, as well as new Hardcovers. Bibletoons: Book One, Adventure with Noah continues to bring joy to children.

However, this year sales have slowed down. My second book is waiting to go into production as soon as the first book reaches the sales goal. So, I felt the need to step it up a bit. After all, God may be testing me. It's so difficult not to get discouraged. After all, I want this exciting journey to continue at a faster pace. But, I've waited this long, and besides, it's not about my timing..it's all about God's! (It took the Chicken Soup authors, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, 13 years to become an "overnight sensation!")

So, dropping to my knees often, I ask God to help me reach my audience. I thank Him for blessing those who have been reading my work and those who will read it in the future. Writing has become a way of life for me. I design web sites, too, for my company, WorldHorizons Web, that I began 14 years ago, and writing is a major part of my web work. I am writing blogs, such as this one here at The Author Post, and besides my Bibletoons work, I have been writing a Christian Novel that I expect to be published in 2016. 

God keeps my ideas flowing! I know that at this precise time in my life, my writing is touching more and more lives and bringing more and more children to Jesus. The main thing that I feel is essential is that even if only one child sees the window of God's teachings through Bibletoons, then my whole journey has been worth it! I love God's beautiful children and have been called to serve them through Him in this blessed way. God's challenge for me has been A Novel Idea!

(For more information on Bibletoons, please go to www.bibletoons.tateauthor.com)

Send me an email at bibletoons@gmail.com for a personalized copy for your little loved ones. :)

Go to any book store online and search me! I'd love some reviews!

I'm always available for Sunday School talks, Library visits, events, book signings, etc. Thank you for reading!

Faithfully yours, 

H. Erin Nelson

The Author Post: Blog #23, "I Opened My Eyes to a Brand New Day"

I opened my eyes this morning to a brand new day. I could smell the fresh scent of sweet white blossoms on the Dogwood outside my open window; the breeze from my small fan on the dresser sending a pleasing aroma throughout the room. It's Spring again, finally!

There are two things I think of when I think of Spring. The fresh feeling one gets as a sense of new beginnings after a long, hard winter; warm weather, fresh air, open windows, the sound of leaves blowing in the breeze, distant sounds of lawnmowers, the smell of flowers and fresh cut grass, and most distinctly, the joyful smiles and sounds of people enjoying the outdoors. God had the perfect plan for Spring!

I also think of new birth and rebirth; a distinct time of year when we can look at our lives and regroup. It is a new time to put everything into perspective and focus more on the purpose that God created us for.

We can look back on our pasts and see how far we've come in our lives through God's protective goodness.
We can look forward to our futures and see how far God is going to bring us, through our belief and faith.
Let us look to this time of year as a chance to enhance our lives in a fresh new way; a time to search who we are in God's eyes and a time to begin stepping it up...as we continue to faithfully look up.

God is always there to lead us to a righteous path where good and favor lie straight ahead. We just need to redirect and align our footsteps to the place where our footprints meet His, so that He can carry us to a brand new, exciting and abundant future! This is a beautiful season of passion. Enjoy life in all its glory! 

This is my 23rd Blog at The Author Post, so I thought I'd tie it into the 23rd Psalm: 1-3.

King James Version (KJV)

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness for His name's sake.

The Author Post: Blog #22, "God's Work in Me"

Do You Want a Miracle? Well, it is the PRECISE TIME of year for your miracle!

MIRACLES are Divine Events Orchestrated by God to those who Believe. They are miraculous occurrences in the physical world that "surpass all known human or natural powers," and are manifested as a true work of God.

In the natural, an unexplained welcome happening is impossible to believe. In the supernatural, an unexplained welcome happening is possible to believe. The key is to believe and have true, earnest faith that ALL things are possible. Matthew 19:26 says, "But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." God is amazing and can do amazing things in the lives of his faithful believers. 

Have you ever had days or certain times in your life when everything seems so hopeless and that things will never improve?.. Times that you just break down, thinking, How will I ever get out of this rut? 

The circumstances may involve grieving for a friend or a loved one, when life seems so hard and impossible without them. It may be that your finances and income have lessened and you actually don't know how you're going to pay the bills and provide for your family. Or, maybe you're just wondering if this is all there is to life, wondering, When will it be MY time to shine! Or, maybe you have experienced all of the above.

I went through all of these exact instances, and they continue on. My Mom went to be with the Lord suddenly in 2007 and my Dad, last year. I was devastated at each of their passing and somehow, someway, I had to go on without them. Being close to God, I feel their presence through Him. God has eased my grieving pain by allowing me to remember all that they stood for and taught me while on Earth, how they gave their support and stood by me, and how I still want to make them proud.

Although being a single mother of two daughters has been challenging, it has been an incredible journey and blessing to me as well. I wouldn't give up a moment of it! My girls are my everything and I've tried to do my very best in raising them in a Christian home. I remained faithful that any difficult time would pass. It was such a Blessing to the three of us to have my fiance in our lives, as well as my sister and nephew, who gave me hope and confidence continuously.

Besides designing web sites, God gave me the special purpose of writing. When I get an overabundance of ideas in my head, I have to write them down. Like this blog, for example. Also, like my first published book in a series of ten, "Bibletoons: Adventure with Noah." I'm extremely passionate about this continuous story. My main character, Percy Porcupine, states in the book that, "There has got to be more to life than this!" Then, he goes on the adventure of a lifetime. His miracle happened!

Humbly speaking, my dream has begun to become a reality and I'm half way there in becoming a successful children's author. However, book sales have not reached the sales mark for my second book (already written) to go into production. The market, especially for Christian children's books, is not as "popular" as other categories and there is so much competition with more well know authors, even though my book is available worldwide. But, I know that if God brought me to it, that He'll bring me through it. It pleases me so much to bring God's Word into children's hearts, helping them to learn and know His promises.

As I included in Book One of Bibletoons, Psalm 1:3 says, "They are strong, like a tree planted by a river. The tree produces fruit in season and its leaves don't die. Everything they do will succeed." Be strong and remain faithful and DETERMINED that your miracle will appear.

So, in order to press on, I had to shake off all the sadness, financial hardships, unknown purpose and fear. God said in Isaiah 46:10 that, "My Counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose." Also, in Luke 1:36 when the angel Gabriel was sent from God and appeared before a troubled Mary in Galilee saying, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." FINDING FAVOR WITH GOD is a thought that gives me the chills! Just imagine it. Having the favor of God in your life would simplify things, making life's adversities dwindle. Finding favor with God means being blessed with a miracle.

What better time than the present for your miracle! Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks for all we've been blessed with and a time of spiritual renewal. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, we gain a special connection to our Heavenly Father. Looking forward to cherished times and ultimate abundance is what we hope for. Step up your faith and really thank God in earnest for all you have and He will bless you with more! He sees your every need and knows your path through life. Matthew 10:30 says, "Even the hairs of your head are numbered." Your miracle is on its way!

Feel the season! Live the season! Hope! Dream! Pray! Believe! Dive into your Blessings! Get excited! Be the BEST person you can be in God's eyes and your long awaited MIRACLE will present itself. Imagine your life when it does!

Stay close to God and all His Glory, for THIS is the season of MIRACLES!

Happy Thanksgiving and a Healthy, Merry Christmas and New Year to you all!!!

The Author Post: Blog #21, "FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!"

As I sit here at my computer listening to the rain fall gently upon the sky light above, I know that new hope is on the horizon. Rain is so symbolic; it can cleanse the soul, washing away the old and bringing on new promises. It can saturate and stimulate the earth, bringing new colors and growth. It can sooth and renew your mind with exciting ideas, giving light to a refreshing glimpse or a mysterious wonderment of what may and what is to come up ahead.

At the first feel of Spring, one can get a sense of beginnings, new birth..and rebirth. You can choose to make the Springtime the beginning of new endeavors, new motivation and new spirit..a time of rejuvenating and re-visualizing...a JUBILEE! 

In the Bible, "Jubilee" refers to a year of Liberty, and being liberated. It relates to property being released or returned to the original owner, and is used by Jeremiah to describe the release of slaves during the Sabbatical year. The year of "Jubilee" is a year of celebrating the Goodness God has given man. It's a celebration of high hopes, endless abundance and megadreams! Imagine it..the extreme sense of freedom to do whatever you choose and to live whatever way you'd like. There are no chains of bondage around you. We live in a country that is "The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave!!" "One Nation Under GOD!" Start FEELING your freedom and go out and make a difference..THE ULTIMATE difference!

Get out your pen and paper and begin to write your novel. Or, go down and start cleaning out that cluttered basement. Begin a new adventure in your life or a new line of work, or step-up your current work. Study hard in school or college and focus on learning and writing great papers! Enhance your dreams and begin NOW to plant the seeds of your future. With all of Spring's hopes and all of Spring's promises, you, too, can begin again..to a whole new lifestyle and a whole new excitement, enhancing your every day routine! 

Think of the past and how far you've come. Let your Faith lead you to the next steps. Hold your head up high and believe that YOU can make a difference in this world! Use the beautiful means that God gave you to accomplish great things for His purpose. Begin now, in the first signs of Spring, to take a giant leap of Faith and dive into the unknown, where your dreams await you.

Believe that everything is on the right TRACK, as you hear those far off train whistles! You are where you are right now...FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS! One of my very favorite verses in the Bible comes from Esther 4:14. "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" These wonderful words were spoken to Esther, the beautiful Jewish Queen of Persia, who miraculously saved all the Jews from death. We are ALL in our ROYAL POSITIONS..For Such A Time As THIS! It is the special PURPOSE that God created each and every one of us for! Everything in life happens in God's wonderful TIMING! Awaken and hear God's gentle voice lead you to great things, awesome ideas and your road to an amazing life! 

After all, you are reading this for a reason and for such a time as this!! God's speed!

The Author Post: Blog #20, "The Irish Claddagh: Friendship, Love & Loyalty"

I thought it appropriate to bring a little "Irish" to my blog this month, since St. Patrick's Day is this weekend. As you may have guessed by my name, Heather Erin (Conley) Nelson, I am a good part Irish, with light auburn hair and all! No blarney about that! Being Irish is in my blood and my rich Irish heritage goes way back to the earliest of my ancestors.

I love this time of year with Spring about to "bloom" as we come into a season of "renewal." It is a time of new birth and rebirth. A time for renewing vows and promises to ourselves. A time when the gray shades of winter begin to lighten with each passing day. A time to rise above all hope toward a brighter future. I know you're getting excited now about all the windows of opportunity opening for you, because I know I am!

The Irish Claddagh Story ties into this nicely. It offers the feeling of faith and enduring love, no matter how grim everything seems. 

Legend has it that an Irish young man, Richard Joyce, bound for the West Indian slave plantations - the Irish Caribbean island of Montserrat - was kidnapped in rough seas by a band of Mediterranean pirates, leaving behind his one true love, and was sold to a Moorish goldsmith. Over the many long years of his exile, the goldsmith helped him perfect the skills of a master craftsman.

In 1689, King William III negotiated the return of the slaves and Joyce returned to Galway. In Ireland, a young women who had never stopped faithfully waiting for her true love to return was still waiting for Joyce, whom after years apart, presented her with the now famous  Claddagh gold ring - a symbol of their enduring love. Two hands to represent their friendship, the crown to signify their loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the heart to symbolize their eternal love for each other. They soon married, never to be separated again.

When Richard Joyce and his true love reunited, they began to renew their love that was so faithful and true. They began to start a fresh, new life together, with fresh, new hope for a wonderful future. Let this time of the year be a fresh, new beginning for you, too. Strengthen your faith in God, set new goals, reach to new and exciting heights and let God guide your life to new levels of abundance!! The past and present are only stepping stones to new and great adventures.

FYI:

The Claddagh is a unique and distinctive Irish love symbol. The traditional Claddagh jewelry or friendship ring is worn by both men and women all over Ireland and is probably the most widely known of Irish jewelry designs. The Claddagh Ring became popular outside the Claddagh about the middle of the last century, especially as it was the only ring made in Ireland worn by Queen Victoria and later by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII.  

How to wear the Claddagh

Worn on the right hand, crown turned inwards, your heart is yet unoccupied.

Worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards, shows a special commitment to someone.

Worn on the left hand, crown outwards, let our love and friendship reign forever - never to be separated.

Anyway, God created us to be true friends, to love, and to be loyal to one another. This is the only way to live in harmony in order to be Blessed richly and in order for God to pour down His favor on us. We can certainly learn a lot from the ancient legends of Ireland, from the Irish and from numerous Irish Blessings and Prayers that were written years ago. I will leave you with a few:

An Irish Prayer

May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

A Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow For sunlight after showers— Miles and miles of Irish smiles For golden happy hours— Shamrocks at your doorway For blessings and laughter too, And a host of friends that never ends Each day your whole life through!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY AND TOP O' THE MORNING TO YOU ALL!!
Faithfully, H. Erin Nelson, Author

The Author Post: Blog #19, "WBRK RADIO INTERVIEW announcement on BERKSHIRE VIEWPOINT"

Hi Everyone!!

• This Blog is an announcement for my upcoming Radio Interview on WBRK 1340AM in Pittsfield, Massachusetts this Wednesday, July 18th, from 11:00am - NOON. I will be interviewed by Radio Talk Show Host Extraordinaire, Donna Todd Rivers on her show: BERKSHIRE VIEWPOINT.

It is such an exciting time, as this is my first interview!! I hope you will listen! 

• WBRK 1340AM, Pittsfield, MA

• LISTEN ONLINE:  http://wbrk.com Radio Talk Show Host extraordinaire DONNA TODD RIVERS of "BERKSHIRE VIEWPOINT," Pittsfield, Mass. will be interviewing me THIS WEDNESDAY, JULY 18th FROM 11:00AM - NOON. This will be my first Radio Interview where I will chat about my journey to becoming a Christian author which led me to my children's book series: BIBLETOONS!! Donna will also be promoting my Storytime/Book Signing at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, July 21st, 555 Hubbard Ave., Pittsfield, MA from 1 - 3PM. When I thought about what I'd say in the interview, something "sparked" in me that took me back through my whole life, realizing the steps and roads of faith that led me to this particular moment in time. I hope you will join us for some interesting and inspiring thoughts. GO ONLINE TO LISTEN FROM ANYWHERE, http://wbrk.com. Scroll down to the radio in the middle and simply press PLAY! (Allow any plug-ins). It is going to be so much FUN! Faithfully, H. Erin Nelson

The Author Post: Blog #18, "Everything is Coming Up ROSES!"

The statement or saying, "Everything is coming up roses" is a hopeful view of what IS and CAN be! It is a vision of everything around you; every sight, every circumstance, every success and every positive effort. Picture yourself in your world viewing everything as just this and seeing roses popping up wherever you look!

It is fascinating to me that we can actually CHOOSE the roses! We can choose how we look at our circumstances either in a positive or negative way. Changing the way we look at things makes the things we look at change! Remember, good ALWAYS comes from bad situations (or situations that we simply think are bad) IF we stay focused on our BIG picture of success. God always has a plan for us during our "storms" and watches us to see how we'll handle them. Passing God's tests brings light to our future and lifts us gently to the next level of accomplishment! Yes, another rose just popped up!

In the event of a storm, look first to the rainbow on the other side. God so brilliantly created beauty in life to reflect on us and to be reminders of what is and could be. Why do you think He created rainbows as a sign of hope and beauty for things to come. He created rainbows to appear AFTER the storm. Look to the end of YOUR storm, and you will see His promise and dedicated smile reflecting through.

He also created sunrises as a sign of hopeful things to come today and sunsets as a reminder of the day's accomplishments, giving us a peaceful rest at the end of a wonderful day, and knowing that great things are in store for tomorrow. 

On the road to being an author, there were a few storms. However, I looked ahead and imagined my "What if."  
My book, Bibletoons: Book One, "Adventure with Noah" became published, book signings began to happen, I began to see my book displayed in stores and online, and now the media events are taking root. Everywhere I look, roses are popping up very nicely. I began with an image of what God was leading me to in my future, I planted that image deeply in my conscientiousness and the seeds took shape..in the form of roses!

Your thoughts are the beauty of your soul. Handle them with care. Nurture them with God's light, spread your beautiful thoughts and prayers to others and soon you'll see that Everything is coming up roses! 

The Author Post: Blog #17, "Open YOUR Future to Wealth and Prosperity..A New Day is Dawning!"

Are you holding back on all of God's goodness by focusing on lack? Then, you must change your direction immediately! God wants to prosper you beyond your wildest dreams, and to do that, all He asks is for you to act in a positive manner and think only of thoughts that will increase you. No matter what you are going through in your life, whether it is trying to pay bills, health issues, marriage challenges or simply coping with life's hardships, there is an answer and direction that will increase your life into wealth and prosperity. God WANTS to bless you richly!


In order for you to begin on your journey into your chosen purpose, you must first unblock anything that is holding you back. God is paving the way to His purpose for YOU! Shape your life and get back on track. Focus on all the GOOD things in life that you are truly thankful for. Know that God has brought you this far and will continue to bring you to your limitless future. "If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it." Think of ONLY good thoughts and open yourself up to a new desire to succeed. Changing your energy to the goodness of God will erase negativity from your life and you will IMMEDIATELY begin to ATTRACT all that is POSITIVE. Meditate on richness rather than on lack. Pray for God IN EARNEST to bring you to a whole new level and KNOW beyond a doubt that everything is working out for you. 


When you change your energy to the direction of God, only good things will prosper in your life. Say things in praise such as "How can life get any better than this?" and "Is there anything better in the world?" and God will bless you with more. These questions will open up a whole new experience for you. When you say, "How can life get any better than this?" God sees it as your being satisfied with what you have, blessing you with more.


No matter how difficult things get, if you stay in a positive attitude, casting all your cares on the Lord and staying strong in your Faith, His answers will be overwhelming.


This is true in writing, too. Have you ever heard of "writer's block?" Well, it is when thoughts won't come to mind and writing ceases to flow. When you unblock negativity from your life, your pen will begin to flow smoothly and consistantly, clearing the path for imagination to grow. This is true with any occupation.


I have put off getting rid of a great deal of unwanted "junk" and "clutter" in my home for awhile. So, I made a decision to cleanse. I've cleaned out box after box in our basement, closets upstairs and I've been going through each room, cleaning out anything I will never use again. It began with my daughter "major cleaning" her room and it became contagious. (Yes, that's right, my daughter cleaned her room without being asked and she influenced ME! God works in awesome ways!) As I spent the last couple weeks doing this, I felt so cleansed. God honored that. Remember, cleanliness is next to Godliness.


As it is good to cleanse our homes, it is also good to cleanse ourselves on the inside. In the Bible, a very powerful verse in Hebrews 10:22 states, "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." It is always a great feeling being clean and refreshed..like after taking a shower, when you drive around in a nice clean car, when you clean your home or when you open a window after the long winter. God wants us all to experience cleanliness and freshness. Open the window of your soul and let all the sparkle in!


This blog has a DIRECT connection to Jesus dying on the cross to CLEANSE us of our sins. Isaiah's prophetic words in Isaiah 53:4-5 speak of how Christ's sacrifice for us would heal us. He writes that by His stripes we are healed and that He has taken our grief and carried our sorrows. Jesus did all this because of our transgressions.


Think about it for a minute. Jesus took on all the sins of the world so that we could live a life free from all burdens. So, I ask you now, "Why are you still carrying around your burdens? Will you give these burdens to the Lord and be cleansed so that you can live a true life of happiness?"


Isaiah 53:4-5, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed."


Many Christians don't have enough faith to believe that God can actually heal and cleanse them. God's Word says that "all you need is the faith of a mustard seed." This is the smallest seed in existence!


Unblock all the negativity in your life and open the windows of enrichment. Direct your thoughts wisely. Encourage everyone you meet every day.

Center your attention around God and also around your family, lifting them up with love and peace.  These things will cause you to succeed beyond measure so that you experience INFINITE WEALTH AND PROSPERITY. Begin right NOW. There's no time like the present! What are you waiting for?!  Unblock everything that is holding you back now, and experience your calming bliss. God Bless You All!