Month: April 2014

Unstoppable Love

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how
can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us,
embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own
Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who
would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare
even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for
us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you
think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love
for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger,
not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst
sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because
Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead,
angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or
unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the
way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:31-39 MSG

 

 

Well, when you put it like that…
 
 

 

What is something you can/will do differently because you believe this truth?

A Little of This and That

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 
 

I’m in between books, which always makes me feel a little naked. Like when I forget my wedding ring. Or clothes. 

But during my break, I get to catch up on reading and I’ve been barreling through some books. I pick one book on my eReader and I only get to read while I’m at the gym, so hello extra motivation for going to the gym. I’ve read two books so far.

And I’ve been reading hard copy books in the car line and at night before I drift off to sleep. I’ve enjoyed them all. 

Also, I’ve been watching the Gilmore Girls. Thank you, Charissa, for having all 7 seasons on DVD. My husband wants to kill you thanks you too! I’m almost halfway through season 6 so when I get done, I’m sure a blog post and a debate between who Rory really belongs to will come. Right, Melissa Tagg? Anywho, I’m addicted to the show and can’t believe I didn’t watch it when it was actually on TV. Craziness I tell you.

Let’s see…my daughter is going to be bass captain next year which is so awesome and I’m excited for her! She finally gets to boss people around and not get grounded for it! 

I think my laptop might have a virus. It’s not puking or running fever but it’s super slow. Joint pain, maybe? I probably should have put some anti-virus software on it, but alas, I did not.

The weather is gorgeous here which makes for great days out on the patio, minus the wasps and bumblebees which just keep me in a state of anxiety so relaxation doesn’t actually come but I’m getting a little sun and exercise. 

My new favorite drink is the hazelnut macchiato at Starbucks. Not too sweet. Just loaded enough to keep my mouth running–as if I need any help. Ask anyone.

My niece is getting married soon and I’m stoked to be there, though I’m reading some off-the-wall poem I still can’t understand and I’ve read it at least a hundred times. I’m not sure they get it or anyone will get it but I’m prepared to hear dozens of attendees ask me, “Was that about (insert interpretation here)?

And I will say, “It was about one minute of my life I’ll never get back.” (I’m kind of kidding but not really.) Nah, I’m glad to be able to participate in the wedding. It’s going to be gorgeous!

Then I’m going on vacation. With my family. In case you weren’t sure. Not my family that got married. Then it would be the honeymoon.

And now the winner of Liz Johnson’s Stolen Memories is: Grove’s Photography!! Please email me at jrpatch(at)yahoo(dot)com so I can send the book to you! Congrats! 

What’s going on with you? 

It Should Still Be Easter!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

I don’t think Easter should be celebrated just one day of the year. I think it should be a celebration every day. That is, in reference to a risen Savior. I’m completely okay with not hunting for eggs or dying them every single day. 

I’m thankful today that Christ died for us and rose from the dead. And I’m thankful He ascended to the Father so that He could leave us His precious Holy Spirit! 

“But if God
himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of
yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible
but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking
about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still
experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s
terms. It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who
raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you
that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and
breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered
from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive
as Christ’s!” Romans 8:11 MSG

The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside every believer. Wrap your brain around that today! 

What will you do differently today, knowing you truly are alive in Christ!? The impossible is now made possible!

I leave you with a favorite of mine.

How did you celebrate Easter yesterday? 

*You still have time to enter the giveaway for Liz Johnson’s romantic suspense, Stolen Memories. Check out the details and a sneak peek of the book HERE. 

Things You Don’t Know About Liz Johnson and a Giveaway!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
@lizjohnsonbooks
Hey
everyone, I’m so excited to have my friend and author Liz Johnson here today!
Liz and I bonded over a favorite Monday night TV show. Teen Wolf. Don’t judge!
Great cast, great writing, great romance and suspense…speaking of romantic suspense
Liz is sharing the inspiration behind her newest Love Inspired Suspense, Stolen
Memories, sharing some fun facts about herself as well as giving away a copy of
the book! Liz, thanks so much for being here! Tell us what inspired this story.
(Liz) “Stolen Memories came about
in an entirely new way for me. A little over a year ago, I received a call from my
literary agent. The editors at Love Inspired Suspense were putting together a
continuity series featuring books from six of their authors, and I had been
invited to participate. My agent asked if I was interested. Of course, I was. I jumped at the
chance to work with the talented authors writing the other books in
the series. We were each assigned a book in the Witness Protection series and
worked together to keep the overall story arc flowing smoothly between books
about the different characters. It was a brand new writing format for me. I’d
never collaborated with other authors like this, and, while there were some
unique challenges to keeping all the story lines and secrets in place, I really
enjoyed the camaraderie and encouragement of working together.”
(Jessica) That
is so cool, Liz! Now I have to read the other ones. Now that we know how the
story came about, tell us three fun facts about yourself so readers can get to
know better.
3 fun facts about Liz:
I played
the alto saxophone from 5th to 10th grade. And there’s a
very good reason that I haven’t picked it up since then. (I wasn’t very good.) J But I
always wanted to have a musical talent.
When I was
a kid, I wanted to live during the American Civil War. Now that I know it
wasn’t as romantic as the books made it out to be, I’m glad to be alive in
modern times. But I’m still fascinated with the 1860s and love to read fiction
and nonfiction about the people and places of the era. And since I moved to
Middle Tennessee, I love visiting the historic plantations that played a part
in America’s history.
I’m a
terrible cook, but I made a commitment to get better at it this year. So far
I’ve conquered BBQ chicken in my slow cooker and tacos and frozen…just about
anything.
(Jessica)
Ha! I’m good at frozen anything too and I just made BBQ in my crock pot on
Monday. Great minds, eh?!
Thank you
so much for visiting with us today and congratulations on your new 3-book  Contemporary Romance contract with Revell. Can’t
wait to read them!
Buy the Book! 
Sneak Peek
at Stolen Memories:
IF ONLY SHE
COULD REMEMBER…
Attacked
and left for dead, “Julie Thomas” has amnesia, and doesn’t know why
anyone would want to hurt her. But when surveillance video of that night shows
Julie holding a baby—a baby nowhere to be found—she panics. Is the child hers?
Where is she now? With no answers and no place to go, Julie accepts Detective
Zach Jones’s offer to help her solve both mysteries. The handsome, loyal cop
makes her feel safe. But someone is trying very hard to make sure her memories
stay buried forever.
Witness
Protection: Hiding in plain sight
Liz has graciously offered to give a
copy of Stolen Memories away! To
enter, help us out by entering an easy and favorite recipe in the comments. For
extra entries, share on facebook and twitter and tag me so I can enter you!

Rocks Really Can Cry Out!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 
But he
said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.” Luke
19:40
 
How in
the world do rocks cry out?
 
This particular scripture was fulfilled in Matthew 27:51
after Jesus finished the work on the cross.
 
“Then,
behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the
earth quaked, and the rocks were split,…”
 
What if
there’s more to it?
 
Let’s get into a little quantum physics, shall we? And let
me start off by saying, I am in no stinking way an expert in physics.
According to an article written by John Keely circa 1893, (whichyou can read here) he stated the following:
 
“First: Matter is capable of infinite
subdivision.
 
Second: In the aggregation of matter,
force or energy is stored up or conserved.
 
Third: In the dissociation of
matter, force is liberated.”
So, matter is a whole formed by many. In its whole form,
force is stored up. He says, “matter is force in bondage.”
 
Hang with me, troops. I’m gonna bring it all together soon.
 
Apparently there are subdivisions of matter. He says, “The
atomolic substance is what is termed the ether which fills all space and is the
transmitting medium for all celestial and terrestrial forces.”
 
Ether is the upper regions above the sky. Supernatural.
Which we know there is. God in the heavens, sitting on his throne. We know
there are angelic hosts, they rejoice when sinners repent. They sing—choirs of
angels. We know the seraphim circle God’s throne and they cry out (like the
rocks could) Holy! Holy! Holy!
 
But with our human ears, we can’t hear it. Nor can we, with
human eyes see it.  2 Samuel 5 tells us, “Therefore David inquired of the Lord,
and He said,“You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon
them in front of the mulberry trees.  And it shall be, when you hear the sound
of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly.
For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the
Philistines.”
 
Heavenly troops marched above the trees! God allowed them to
hear.
2 Kings 6 tells us, “Then
Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the
LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was
full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
 

 

 
So how
does this relate to rocks crying out?
 
In Japan, they designed a supramolecular nanofiber that
aligned with 
harmony in music. Yeah. Wild huh? They played Mozart and Beethoven
and that little nanofiber danced in harmony to the music. I have no idea about
the physics behind it other than it was proven. You can read about it HERE.
Which is interesting because Keely also says, “All motion is
synchronous; no sound or movement can be made but all that moves or sounds does so in harmony with something.”
 
If this is true, that all that moves or sounds does so in
harmony with something, then imagine if everyone stopped praising God. Not one
praise from a human being.
 
What would happen?
 
That
force in bondage would break open and be liberated. It
would explode, like quaking—like mountains moving– in harmony with the praise
already going on in heaven! Like that nano fiber jiving to Mozart. The rocks would
indeed have to cry out if ALL that moves or sounds does so in harmony with
SOMETHING!
 
Don’t make a doctrine out of this, but think about it, that’s all I’m doing…thinking. How
ironic that physicists try to discredit God all the time yet Jesus may have
been standing there giving a lesson in physics on that day!
 
These rocks will cry out. If you won’t move in harmony with
the sounds in heaven, they will. Physics demand it!
 
Crazy huh? Speaking of crazy. The Hebrew word for “rocks cry
out” in Luke 
19:40 is krazo. Which totally had me laughing as I said, “Oh, God,
do you get it?! That’s krazo—crazy!” Pretty sure he got it.
 
Truly, he is the Great I AM.
 
“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing
was made that was made.” John 1:3 

If he says the rocks can cry out…they can.

 
 
Brings a whole new meaning or a richer meaning to this song
doesn’t it?
 
 

Looking on Love

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 
You drive me crazy…
but I adore you.

When it comes to romance, the looks say it all. Don’t ya think? Whether it’s in animated film or not. We read romance in facial expressions. Sometimes it’s harder to capture the exact expression in a book, but that’s what we, writers, work to do. 

I know many writers, including myself, that study movies, YouTube clips etc…poring over and over an expression an actor makes that portrays falling in love, admiration, flirtation, longing, desire, angst. 

Here are a few pictures that capture an expression. No words needed (but I’ll probably give you some anyway) to convey what’s going on. 

 

 

What do you see in his face? Does he need to tell her
how much she means to him? The hand at the
back of her neck is tender. A soft moment.
Longing. Desire in a non-fifty shades kind of way.

 

 

 
Whether you’re  fan of  Twilight or not,
this facial expression he’s making is killer
 (ha pardon the pun or don’t). This is
intense. Angst. And in context of the movie,
a struggle in self-control on Edward’s part.
 
Ah! We all love Princess Bride, don’t we?
Westly is about to leave. But this expression, it’s
almost like he’s imprinting his promise to return,
his loyal devotion and love to her. He. Will. Be. Back.
And not Terminator style! 
 
Here, Westly is back! It’s been forever and
at this moment she knows it’s her farm boy
and not the dread pirate Roberts. This expression
conveys, “I came back. My love, my loyalty, my devotion
has never wavered. And…I missed you.”
 
 
 
Okay, Matthew C. really knows how to express
falling in love. I love the lips on lips smile. It expresses:
You make me happy. Love is fun. Whimsical. And it’s
about to crank up to something so much more.
 
Yeah, here he is again. Okay,
so they fought. So they had a misunderstanding.
It’s resolved. It’s a quiet expression, isn’t it? Full
of apology. Hope. Even pleading a bit. And longing,
as well as desire. We all know what happens next.
Plus the sweat just adds to it, doesn’t it?
 
Paul Rudd in Clueless. Cher doesn’t realize he’s
sneaking a peek at her. But check out those eyes.
I want to be with her. She’s so out of my league.
He’s almost willing her to see him, really see him,
with that look. You’re beautiful. And more than the outside.
 
Again, he’s really looking at her. If she can’t
see how he feels about her in those eyes, in that lopsided
grin, she’s…well….clueless! Right? Right? 
 
Good gravy, I adore the closed eye hug. This is Elijah
and Hayley from the Originals. This says, you’re safe.
You’re in my arms and I’ll never let anything ever happen
to you.  Flood of relief. You belong to me (in a non-Silence of the Lambs
kind of way). It’s so intense, he has to close his eyes.
 
A favorite prince for me. What’s this say?
I’m cute. Admit it. And I’m worming my way out of
something. Ariel is smitten with him over his boyish
flirting. It’s effortless to him. 
 
Check out the same-ish look in Hugh Grant’s expression.
This was Two Week’s Notice. He’s playful. Teasing.
But behind that, look at the admiration, the desire,
the…love he has for her. He’s every bit as smitten
as Eric in the next picture below.
 
 
Here she’s working her charm, naive as it is, on him.
Nothing else in the world is going on. Not dinner. Not the world.
Nothing but her. He could stay right here like this forever.
And she’s not even noticing.  
 
 
We all love Mr. Darcy! Rain helps set this mood.
Nothing like a hero with we hair matted to his forehead,
dripping down his cheeks. This is I love you but…see the pain.
The agony there. Not like Edward Cullen. Because it’s a
different king of pain a different kind of control.
 
 

Something about the trapped expression. His jaw’s set.
Look closely. He’s determined. He knows exacty what he wants
and it’s not slipping away. His hands shield her from it.
Pay attention to her face! She knows it. He’s a wolf (cue Duran Duran)
but not the kind that will devour her in a bad way. In fact, maybe those arms
are there to reveal she’s safe…sort of wink wink…

 
What hero/movie/book stands out to you as a sigh-moment in relation to romance?  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Who Can You Trust?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 

“Those who
know your name trust in you, for you, O
Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:10

 
Trust boils down to knowing someone. Really knowing them. If you know someone well, you’ve experienced their behavior. You know if you can or can’t depend on them. But you have to give that person opportunities to prove themselves one way or the other.
 
“Those who know Your name trust in You….” 
 
I can trust Him because I know He is The Good Shepherd, The God Who Forgives, Righteous, Faithful and True…the list goes on. 
 
By what name or names do you know God? Or pick a favorite to you.  
 
And wallow in the goodness of Bryan and Katie Torwalt’s I Will Trust You. It’s amazing! Go run away in it!
 
See you Friday. 
 
 

Do You Enjoy Murdering People?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Cause like, that’s a crazy
question, right?
That’s a
question that comes with two answers: Yes. And no.
Before I
get the police called on me, I’m talking about writing inspirational romantic
suspense.
Does that
even go together? Inspiration and murder? You might ask the question (and yes,
I’ve been asked this before) why do you write about murder and mayhem since
you’re a Christian?
Good
question. One I asked myself. Why do I do this? (I also write contemporary
romance.)
I think
it’s complex but I’m going to try and break it down like this.
Romance:
I can’t
write a single book without including romance. It’s not an after thought. Or a
sub plot. I love romance! We’re built each and
every one of us to love romance. It comes from God. You may disagree. I
think the entire Bible is God’s love for us. He speaks to us as his Bride. He
is the Groom. It’s page after page of him pursuing us. A divine romance. Love that song by Phil Wicka-wicka-Wickham!
I love the
dance of romance. From the first flutters to the first kiss to the
hope-ever-after. Romance. Easy enough.
Suspense:
Here’s few
questions: How can we entertain ourselves with serial killers, abductions,
heinous evil–whether in books, movies or TV? Seems wrong.
Agreed.
When we find the thrill in the evil side of life. When we glorify evil.
I believe
we, humans as a whole, love puzzles. Love to figure things out. By nature we’re curious to seek things out.
Truth. Answers. We want to solve things. That’s why my stories never give up
the killer/villain right off the bat. They’re more of a mystery. Because I like
to solve puzzles. I’m not a box puzzle kind of person, but I do love to answer
riddles, go on scavenger hunts…discover answers. Discover truth.
I love the
Word of God because it can be very much like a treasure hunt. Read, dig,
search…find answers. Truth.
Shows like
Criminal Minds, Law & Order, Insert favorite crime show here __________ are
all about solving a puzzle. Finding truth. We find it entertaining, engaging.
Our minds
are curious. How could someone be that demented? So far gone? Completely
depraved? We cover our eyes then peek through spaces between our fingers. We
gape. We cringe. Sometimes we even turn off the TV or toss books that cover
hard subject matter. We want to pretend evil doesn’t really exist. Innocent
people do not die. Revenge, power, greed do not motivate people to take drastic
and frightening measures. And monsters aren’t really lurking in the darkness or
the broad daylight.
If we can’t see it or hear about it, we can live in our happy bubble.
Yet it
does exist.
Tragedy,
death, despair, pain, torture. Abuse, assault, the list goes on. Every day it
gets worse. We can’t turn blind eyes. Can’t wish it away.
But there is hope. Even amidst the evil. There is good. God is good.
As a
Christian writer, I want to take that evil, create a puzzle to solve and bring
readers along with me. Let’s solve this. And while we’re at it, let’s throw in
some really flawed characters we can relate to, identify with– who are also
searching for answers. For some truth. For some hope.
It’s not
just about good conquering evil. It’s about God saving, rescuing, loving,
holding, guiding, loving, touching, healing, blessing, showing grace, showing
mercy and compassion, loving, strengthening, renewing, restoring, directing,
teaching, comforting, loving…it’s about a God we can’t always understand, but
we can trust.
In green
pastures where the sun shines and still waters beckon us to rest. And in the
valley of the shadow of death.
Do I love
to create a sick, twisted villain–yet crafty and smart? Yes. The grittier the
villain, the more depraved the better.
Why?
Because no matter how big and swallowing the villain is. God is bigger.
God is greater. God is stronger. God is an all-consuming fire.
 I’m a Christian writing from a Christian point
of view (not in every character! And not in a Bible-thumping manner). I can’t
write without hope. Sorry. No. Can. Do. Because I’ve experienced it (Him!) in
my life. Every day. Over and over.
So when
you find me hunting down ways, or doing research, to make things bad or
terrifying for a character/s, I’m doing it so I can show God bringing good,
administering peace and hope.
Because he
does. He will. It’s who he is. And my prayer is that readers, who are
experiencing some of the same feelings as my characters, will discover that the
same hope in the pages of the story, is available and real to them and that
they will grab hold of Him, our anchor in this evil temporary place called the
world, our Hope for better things to come.
*I just created a suspense and romance board on Pinterest! It’s in the early stages but I’d love for you to come and follow where it leads…muwahahahaha. 

Click here to hang with me on Pinterest!

Do read romantic suspense or watch suspenseful shows/movies? What’s
favorite of yours?

So, Yeah, I’m Back!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 

Hey everyone! I missed you. I’m feeling a little out of the blog loop but I finished my manuscript and hit the send button. Ah relief! And some mild heart palpitations. But hey, it is what it is. 

God is awesome. I believe he has my best interest at heart and where better to be than God’s heart. 

I wanted to share with you my new blogging schedule. I’ll be posting a devotional, worship song that’s moved me, or something like that on Mondays. And on Fridays I’ll be posting fun writerly stuff! We’ll chat about suspense, romance and I have a few guest posts from amazing authors (giveaways coming) and writers in the works! So hang out for lots of laugh, chills, thrills (that was so flipping cliche and I don’t care) and fun! 

This Friday I’m kicking it off with…

Come back and see! 

Today, I leave you with this amazing song from Kari Jobe’s new album, Majestic. And a prayer!

 

“May
God, our very own God, continue to be with us just as he was with our
ancestors—may he never give up and walk out on us. May he keep us centered and
devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts,
walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors.” 1 Kings
8:5 
 
Do you listen to Kari Jobe? 
Have her new album? 
What’s on your playlist right now?