New Book Review

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Ex Files

(Touchstone June 19, 2007)

by

Victoria Christopher Murray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, New York, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating from Hampton, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.

Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she decided to test her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.

Victoria originally self published Temptation. “I wanted to write a book as entertaining and compelling as any of the books on the market, put God in the middle, and have the book still be a page-turner. I wasn’t writing to any particular genre – I didn’t even know Christian fiction existed. I just wanted to write about people I knew and characters I could relate to.”

In 2000, Time Warner published Temptation. Temptation made numerous best sellers list across the nation and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.

Since Temptation, Victoria has written four other novels: JOY, Truth Be Told, Grown Folks Business, and A Sin and a Shame. All of her novels have continued to be Essence bestsellers; her last three each reaching #1. In addition, Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and in 2006, she was awarded the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being the pioneer in African American Christian Fiction.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Ex Files:

A Novel About Four Women and Faith...

There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak. She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files is the story of these four women:

When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able to forgive?

When an NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he's decided to honor his marriage vows, her shock quickly gives way to revenge...but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter.

Every night Vanessa Martin wonders why her husband committed suicide. Even worse, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again?

Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen-year marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart?

When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa, and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can't imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes and these strangers are forced to reexamine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer -- and their union -- fail them?

Tagged Response

Don't know if this is right but I'm just following Ally's tag. Here Goes:

Accent?

I talk normal. Everyone else has one.

Drink?

No Alcohol. Wouldn't want to miss Jesus talking to me.

I love flavored coffees, though. Decaf. Starbucks is a real treat. My daughter got me a gift card last May and I'm savoring it, one purchase at a time. I used it yesterday and still have $7 left on it. I love their unique cups.

Hateful Chores?

Cleaning up dog mess. My dog has had a nervous stomach lately. Lactose intolerant, I think.

Pets?

1 dog. Used to have 2 cats that I loved, but they died. That's ok because God loves cats. He created them.

Essential Electronics?

Cell phone. Computer.

BASS GUITAR AND AMPLIFIER. I can't believe I almost forgot that one!

Perfume?

My favorite has always been Shalimar by Guerlain. My husbard bought me my first bottle before we were married. But I usually just have the hair pomade fragrance around me now.

Gold or Silver?

Used to be silver only, now either. I had friends who bought me a lot of simulated emerald jewely (birthstone) with gold settings. My hubby bought me a lovely little emerald in silver, ages ago. That's my favorite one.

Insomnia?

Nope. Just wake up calls in the middle of the night so that I can call on the name of my Lord for strength and comfort.

Job Title?

Assistant to the Pastor. I LOVE MY JOB!

Most Admired Trait?

Perseverance, steadfastness, on time, one who does what they say they are going to do.

Phobia?

Wow! What a day for that question! Got to work with the burglar alarm system going off today but all the doors/windows were secure. A serviceman came by to check on some new windows for at the church and said he thought he saw a squirrel/rat in the one room. No surprise at that one but immediately I looked for a place to jump to. Had to get my feet off the ground. Turns out that its a larger than normal mouse who's been eating all the peanut butter off the traps! We'll get him soon!

Religion?

None...just a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so that I can talk to God and receive instruction from His Holy Spirit

Siblings?

An older sister and older brother. That's right I'm the 54 year old baby of the family. Didn't you just hate that term?

Time I wake up?

5:25 am

Unusual talent or skill?

I can blow spit bubbles off my tongue.

Vegetable I refuse to eat?

Spinach. Tastes like grass. Ugh!

Worst Habit?

Talking into my cell phone when the other person hasn't finished talking.

Xrays?

Dental, foot, hand, chest

Favorite Meal?

Meat loaf, scalloped potatoes, brussel sprouts and apple crisp for dessert.

I think I'm getting ready for fall.

Do I have to tag anyone?

Super Sunday!

This is a picture of my husband and his water baptism testimony to the Lord.

What an awesome day!

To start it out, my husband's brother Tom, came to Sunday service and walked the walk up the aisle with my husband to receive the Lord's Salvation! There were tears all around and I'm sure that I heard the angels in heaven singing and rejoicing.

When we got to the lake for the baptism, my pastor talked how the day had started with Mike's brother's salvation. As he said that, my husband broke down and gave a little testimony about how Christ has affected him. Pastor and I started crying and soon everyone had tears. It's a joyful memory with tears of love.

My husband's walk is gaining momentum. Soon he'll be running right past me.

That's ok.

We're jointly teaching the college age students. I'm sure they'll have a lot to teach me.

We sang a song in the service "The Potter's Hand"
My eyes were drawn to the hands that were shaping, molding, making a new vessel out of a pliable substance. He added water to smooth and nourish the clay. All of the unwanted clay came off on his hands. As he continued to work, his arms and body became contaminated by shavings and clumps of excess clay. The work in his hands became smoother, while his hands got dirtier.

How much does our Savior clean us up to make us useful? He took on our infirmities and sins to cleanse us and make us new.

How wonderful is our God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE DID IT!

We had our first Sunday in the new building.

The whole thing came together on Saturday and we just stood amazed at what God had done with a few volunteers that were very unskilled! To think that we have come this far with the aid of God and He gave us beyond our expectations is amazing to us.

I hope to have some pictures soon that I can share with you. Our dedication ceremony will be in September and we're going to make a powerpoint presentation.

Yesterday we cleaned out our old building and it was very sad. When the Spirit leaves something, you can see how soon it shows. The building is so small now, and deteriorating fast. God moved.

My husband has taken a Bible to work so that he can read when he has down time. Truly amazing. We tag teamed his brother on Sunday. He's ready for the Kingdom. His father is in such poor strength that I'm hoping he'll be able to make it to a service at our new church. He loves music.

Today I start back to work. My pastor says that this will be a regular work week. No extra messy stuff, just back to what we're there for. I can't wait.

For the last couple of weeks I couldn't even wear good clothes to work. So I checked my closet and had to iron tons of slacks and tops in preparation. It feels good to wear nice clothes again.

Tonight we're jammin'. I expect some extras to come. That'll be fun.

Oh and lift up my friend's son. He went to Pittsburgh yesterday to a headache clinic. He's in his mid 30's and had a neck operation last December. Since then he's had excruciating pain, can't look into any type of light and is border-line suicidal with this pain. Pray for him that this clinic has the answer for him. He's lost his job and insurance and is having a hard time getting medicaid to cover his medical expenses. So sad.

This clinic helped my father-in-law with 'tic delareaux'. He struggled with pain for 15 years, found this clinic. They found the nerve behind his ear that was being pinched, covered it with teflon and he was cured! He could eat like a normal person again, let the wind blow on his face and enjoy life.

Thank God that He gives the wisdom and knowledge. We just need to persevere and search for His answer.

Bye for now and have a blessed day!

The Questions were just a bit too young for me.

What kind of little girl were YOU?

Quiet Girl
Take this quiz!








Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Update....

Hi Everyone!

Just a note to let you know how things are going.

1. My hubby is progressing wonderfully in his walk with the Lord. For a guy who never ever read his high school textbooks, he's halfway through the Bible! He loves the old testament and struggles with the new. He just can't understand why we haven't gotten it right yet!

2. Our new church building is in the final stages. Just 3 rooms to complete, rug to put in and the sound system and we're ready to go. We have tons of little items to get finished and I'm sure we'll be finishing them after we're officially open. God has surely blessed us. His mighty hand is through it all. We just hung up the cross with the crown of thorns hanging from the center and put a light behind the crossbar. It's lovely. I'm going to have one of the men build me a half/round to go under it with tons of greenery inside.

3. My job is still the most wonderful I've ever had.

4. My hubby confirmed that his mom and dad are saved. Such a burden lifted from his shoulders. He can't wait to start on his brothers.

5. Oh and we played at a local club last week. We had a little rough start but it was our first public performance. We had a great time and the crowd wants us to come back. We may, but I think we're going to start finding nursing homes and such to play at.

6. I did get to play bass again at church this last Sunday, but I so wanted to go to the altar instead.

7. Had a real strange dream, too. Need an interpretation.

8. The weather has been lovely. Our church picnic was beautiful last Sunday. We even had a bald eagle fly over at the end. Everyone had a good time, even my mom (she's 82 and still looking for a man).

9. My mamomgram results: my doctor wanted me to go for a biopsy but I remembered that I had bruised myself where they noticed something. It wasn't a lump or anything, they just weren't sure what it was. I'm going for a re-take in 6 months. I'm sure they'll find nothing.

10. Back on Bone density pills. My Chinese doctor has some great ones. He said take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening, get lots of sunshine (without sunscreen) and excersize and least 30 minutes a day. With all the painting and climbing ladders I'm doing, I think that'll work for now. After that, I'll have to start walking again.

Bye for now!

Oops! Sorry Gals

38%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

What Debra Means

D is for Dignified E is for Earthy B is for Beautiful R is for Remarkable A is for Articulate

What Does Your Name Mean?

Hope to All

Another week has started and it feels like it's almost over. They blend into each other with all the work we're accomplishing at our new church building.

Today started my regular work week at church and I was busy all day.

Did you ever feel the rest of God? I have been lately. Just peaceful rightness that envelopes me and makes me feel as if I'm in a cocoon. Maybe even 'wrapped in swaddling clothes'.

My hubby asked his father if he was 'born again' and he said yes. Hubby said it was the hardest question he ever had to ask his father. He is very frail and hubby was afraid to burden him with pressure. But my father-in-law was very forthcoming and lifted my hubby's shoulders. Now, he's after his brother and my son.

Why is it, they are so hard? The ones you live closest to are the last to come into the kingdom. We will hold on and hold out, for He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more that we can even imagine.

Too bad the rest of the world rocks with indecision, immorality, greed, craftiness and such. They don't know what they're missing.

What's New?

Hi everyone!

Been busy, busy, busy and more busy.

The new building for our church is progressing wonderfully. God has certainly had His hand upon this move! We see His might daily.

My husband is progressing tremendously. There's no question about attending church every week. He is in the new believer's course and devouring his Bible from cover to cover.

He has only serious questions. Some I can answer, the other's I leave to P. Dann.

I can't wait to get to work in the morning, then I'm sad to leave, but happy to go home to my hubby, but then wait till sleep time to get refreshed to get up and go back to work! I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!

Couple of things, though.

Thank you, Karen for keeping me in your thoughts. When you thought of me the other day, I had to go in for another mammogram. Something about some cystic tissue they want to keep an eye on for 6 months. And before that the doctor's report showed some osteoporosis.

But that's not the truth! The Truth is Jesus Christ! 'By His stripes I am healed'! Hallelujah.

My work for the Lord is much too important to get bogged down by a little aging process. I trust in my God of heaven and earth to get me through to the other side. This is the time He has prepared me for and I will go through the fire unsinged.

NOW, I have a lovely new office and a wonderful boss to enjoy. God gives us the desires of our hearts and He's not an indian giver (who ever thought of that line?) to give us a gift and take it back.

Anyway, even if He does....HE IS STILL GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

My Scripture for the Day

Psalm 27

Verse 4 made me cry.

Verses 13-14 grabs my heart.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

God speaks to us in His Word. He is able to give you a word, no matter where you look in the Bible, for this day.

Side note....

Last Sunday my pastor asked me to play bass for our 11 am service.

Soooooo cool to play for Jesus!!!!!!!!!!

Let Go and Let God

This has been the hardest Christian lesson to learn.

I think that as you've walked with God, you begin to be more demanding and authoritive than you should be.

Maybe that's why He states in 1st Peter 3 that wives of unbelieving husbands should remain quiet, so that the unbelieving husband will become believers by the demonstration of the Christian walk of the wife.

It comes down to the 'I' thing. I want, I need, I believe, I desire.

If we truly would like to see things change in our lives, we just have to wait upon God.

Express the problem. Ask God to do His Will in the problem and see what happens. Things are amazing!

It's only been since April 15th that my husband re-dedicated himself to the Lord and the Lord has worked miracles.

His excuse for not being able to attend church on Sunday....he shattered this weekend. He felt it was more important to see his parents during church hours. He would go out and entertain them for a couple of hours with his brother playing guitars.

Now, he's changed the schedule so that he goes to church and then we go out in the afternoon. His mom is not happy about the change and she's made him feel bad about it. How soon your family will begin to hate your belief!

I haven't been saying anything to him about reading the Bible unless he asks me a question about it. Then I just get it and show him the answer. I left one by his chair so that if he wanted, he could pick it up and use it.

Last night he just sat down and read 5 chapters in Genesis and 1 or 2 in John.

Isn't God great! How rich He has made me feel, that I'm the most blessed of all women!

Glory to God in the Hightest! He REIGNS!

So just let go and let God. He will move mountains for you, if you just let Him have His way. God bless your day.

When 2 Hearts Unite

My husband and I have been married for 35 years (36 in June). We've been through many trials, tribulations, jubulations and joy. Love is not perfect, here on earth, but it sure has been an adventure.

Our concept of marriage and love is marred by the commercialism of the world. Love never changes but listening to the media, it's easy to alter it.

I believe that love has many facets. It's not just one thing but a compilation of many emotions that all blended together becomes something we call love.

You can hate some of his habits, but you love the way his skin smells. Just funny, quirky things that when you think about it makes your head spin.

Now, that I'm free to God-talk with my husband I've found that I need to adjust my brain and tongue to let loose the things I need to say. I also need to learn how to communicate better so that we have even greater understanding of each other.

The vessels are now on a semi-even keel and to avoid strife and miscommunication is more important than ever.

With this testing, I'm leaning more on my Savior's shoulders to change me. I feel as if I'm a 'babe' in Christ all over again.

We're both going to work at the Franklin Graham Festival in June. He's decided to be a counselor on the floor, as well as an usher. I'm just amazed at how receptive he is to God's prompting. I feel like I may be left in the dust if I don't step up to the plate.

Also, I've felt the need to study the book of James. Wow! Such fires we start with the tongue.

Ok. Time to Stretch those Spiritual muscles. I need to exercise.

UPDATE

Hello All!

Sorry that I've been lax on posting.

Update on my husband: 1. It's hard turning your mind around and realizing that you can share God things with him. 2. It's hard to change into an obedient wife. I thought I was unless it had to do with spiritual things, like doing what I wanted when it came time for church. Now, I have to consider his wishes more than my flesh wants to. 3. It's wonderful sitting in church with him when he can get there. 4. Yesterday he was accepted into the church membership. Hallelujah!
5. Usually when I want to stay, he wants to leave. 6. Maybe that's a good thing, so that I don't get burned out overworking. 7. How can you overwork for the Lord? 8. Tonight's our last night of the Christian Life and Witness Course that we're attending together. 9. I'm going to get him his own Bible today. 10. I'm painting at the new building today, since it's my day off. 11. We're starting a Branch of our church once a month at our home. Kind of like a 'home cell' group but not with the wrong connotations. It will be fellowship time and prayer. We're going to incorporate music because we have the studio. Once we get it going, I think it'll be fun. After all, what's the sense in having what the Lord gives you if you don't share it with others?

That's it for now. Got to get to work.

God bless all of you and I hope the Lord grants every good and perfect gift to all.

Take It Easy...

Remember the oldie - "Well, I'm running down the road, tryin' to loosen my load. Got a world of trouble on my mind"?

Here's the chorus line"
"Take It easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels
drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
and take it easy"

It just keeps running through my mind today because of what the Lord has done.

Since my husband has confessed his salvation, I keep waiting for the Glory of God to fall and anoint him with His Holy Spirit.

I haven't yet experienced the euphoria of emotion because of his salvation. I thought bells, whistles and jumping for joy would accompany his testimony. Nope.

My husband is a very quiet man, a man of a few words. Why would I think that God would change his personality? He's the way God made him.

Salvation doesn't change the man, it changes the way the man is.

The Franklin Graham Festival is coming here in June. We have been preparing for this for a year and a half. There are so many training and educational opportunities before this event takes place, that I had a dilemna on how to be able to participate within the event without ruining my marriage.

Now, that Mike is saved, he has been so understanding (another prayer answered).

FG had an upcoming Christian Life and Witness Program starting last night. So I just prayed and left it in God's hands, that I would like to go with Mike. When he came home last night, he asked me what the evening would hold and I told him that I wanted to go and asked if he did too.

Of course, he said no. Said he didn't need it to witness to people. So it started a whole conversation on witnessing. I told him that I hadn't had 'formal' training on witnessing and that I wanted to be able to KNOW the truth so that when I see someone witnessing in the wrong way, I could say that I KNOW the right way.

He didn't say much about that but said that he was happy and had no worries so why go at all.

I said then, what will you say to people who ask you, why are you happy? What is the reason for the hope that you have? He couldn't answer. So I left it at that.

I just got in the shower and left it in God's hands. Next thing I know, he comes in and says "I think I'll go with you. I don't like staying home alone anymore and I'll go and see what it's like."

See, we have to 'take it easy' with our loved ones and leave it in God's Hands. He knows the desires of our hearts and He's blessed me so much that I'm complacent to let Him do it.

For all of you 'unsaved' spouses, take hope and encouragement. Don't expect fireworks when your spouse gets saved. Expect God to do it in His timing and perfectness.

Expect God. Expect Him to save AS HE HAS PROMISED IN HIS WORD.

He won't let you down.

P.S. I hate the term 'unequally yoked'. Everyone is, because no one is on the same level. I love the feeling of being married to a believer, though. I feel like I finally fit in, even though, I already did.

P.P.S.S. Always look at your unsaved loved one as ALREADY SAVED. God does. He knows the ending from the beginning. So must you.

Salvation is Here!

For all of those spouses with unsaved spouses, there is hope!

My husband committed himself to the Lord yesterday, April 15th.

We'll be married 36 years this June. I feel like a newlywed again.

God is faithful to keep His promises. Promises of household salvation. Promise that if we are persistant and persevere He will honor that. He stored up all my tears of supplication and standing in the gap for my Mike and granted His salvation in a beautiful simple moment.

It's taking me awhile to soak it in. I didn't hear any fanfare or even cry when I heard.

I expected.

I waited for God's response. I told God that this was the year. I wanted Mike's salvation proven, once and for all.

Please don't give up on your lost loved ones. Seek and seek and seek. Knock and knock and knock. Ask and ask and ask. Expect, expect, expect, expect...

You will see the deliverance of God's hand in your life. The timing will be perfect. The results to the Glory of God.

Hallelujah! Salvation has come to my house. Truly I can say "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Shoes In Church

I showered and shaved...............
I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat..............
In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer.........
As I closed my eyes.

I saw the shoe of the man next to me.....
Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side......
I thought, "Why must our soles Touch?"

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...
But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father".........
I thought, "This man with the shoes.. Has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched Even
worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings,"
the prayer went on.

The shoe man said.........
A quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer.......
But my thoughts were on his shoes Again

Aren't we supposed to look our best..
When walking through that door?

"Well, this certainly isn't it,"
I thought, Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended............
And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud. ........
Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters.........
His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear..........
The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering.........
And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached....
Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............
What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft "clink".
As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me..........
To tears, and that' s no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man.....
For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service........
As is the custom here

We must greet new visitors..........
And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow.............
And wanted to meet the shoe man

So after the closing prayer..........
I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark....
And his hair was truly a mess

But I thanked him for coming.........
For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie ............
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."

There were tears in his eyes.........
But he had a large, wide grin

"Let me explain," he said...........
Wiping tears from his eyes.

"I've been coming here for months....
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance.........
Is not like all the rest"

"But I really do try.................
To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes..
Before my very long walk."

"But by the time I get here...........
They're dirty and dusty,like chalk."

My heart filled with pain............
And I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize.........
For daring to sit so near.

He said, "When I get here...........
I know I must look a sight."

"But I thought if I could touch you..
Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment............
Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison...
I spoke from my heart, not my head.

"Oh, you've touched me," I said......
"And taught me, in part;"

"That the best of any man.....
Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought.................
This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am...
That his dirty old shoe touched my Soul.

You are Special to me and you have made a
difference in my life.

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!!!

We will finally close on our 'new' church building today. Hooray!

Now, the work begins. Fun stuff of decorating and re-designing.

Tons of work and tons of rewards to come. New neighborhood and new opportunities to disciple those seeking.

Can't wait.