I've Got to Talk to Somebody, God

I thought I would write these prayers taken from the book by Marjorie Holmes. I want to try to do one every Sunday or every other Sunday. They are so inspiring and uplifting!

I've got to talk to somebody, God.

I'm worried, I'm unhappy, I feel inadequate so often, hopeless, defeated, afraid.

Or again I'm so filled with delight I want to run into the streets proclaiming, "Stop, world, listen! Here this wonderful thing."

But nobody pause to listen, out there or here---here in this very house where I live. Even those closest to me are so busy, so absorbed in their own concerns.

They nod and murmur and make an effort to share it, but they can't; I know they can't before I begin.

There are all these walls between us--husband and wife, parent and child, neighbor and neighbor, friend and friend.

Walls of self. Walls of silence. Even walls of words.

For even when we try to talk to each other new walls begin to rise. We camouflage, we hold back, we make ourselves sound better than we really are. Or we are shocked and hurt by what is revealed. Or we sit privately in judgement, criticizing even when we pretend to agree.

But with you, Lord, there are no walls.

You, who made me, know my deepest emotions, my most secret thoughts. You know the good of me and the bad of me, you already understand.

Why, then, do I turn to you?

Because as I talk to you my disappointments are eased, my joys are enhanced, I find solutions to my problems, or the strength to endure what I must.

From your perfect understanding I receive understanding for my own life's needs.

Thank you that I can always turn to you. I've got to talk to somebody, God.

Here's Lucy!

I have to say that I grew up watching old "I Love Lucy" re-runs on TV until we got off cable. After finding it near impossible in stores, I finally started buying the series and feel in love with Lucy all over again! I have to say that "I Love Lucy" is my #1 favorite old TV show and TV show ever! I'm sure you are all familiar with the star of the show, Lucille Ball, and her amazing career! She was the 1st woman to own her own television studio! Imagine that! And she was best known for the Queen of Comedy! She sure was an amazing woman and lived to be 77 years old! She was born in 1911, I believe, and surmised in 1989. Tomorrow would have been her 100th birthday had she lived. There are several aspects of her life that saddens me: first she lost her father at the age of 3, after she and Desi were married she had 3 miscarriages(but was blessed with two beautiful children) and her divorce to Desi Arnaz. I just cannot picture them two to be separated. I guess I'm just hung on their image in "I Love Lucy"! Anyways, I thought I'd celebrate her birthday with a few photos I found of her on google. Happy Birthday Lucille Ball! I LOVE LUCY!

Published!

I am so excited! I found out this past weekend that "Hurray God!" has been published! It's now available on Amazon.com!

I hope to be getting my copy sometime soon in the mail!

My short story is entitled "Not Guilty". I wrote it about a year ago and I never expected to get chosen out of the many people I am sure applied. Several of my Facebook author friends have short stories in the book also. These are true stories about how amazing God truly is!

Author Jeanette Sharp put this wonderful book together and has written several stories for this book also! You will also find works by Barbara Robinson, Renie Burghardt and many others I can't even think of!

Anyways, I know you will be blessed when you read this book and even though I haven't read it, I know it'll be a great buy! Like I said, it's available on Amazon for $14.03, you can find it here.

I'm sure your local bookstores might have it or getting it soon! I can't wait to see it! :)

Online Mark Party

Natalie's Mark Party (yep, that's me! lol)

Starts on August 1 and ends at midnight on August 31!

Location is here.

Party created by Joy Hardin.

More Information: I having an online mark. party Visit http://jhardin.mymarkstore​.com/ and meet mark!

One lucky guest will win a free gift!

Get free shipping with code "welcome"!

Your mark. rep is Joy Sills Hardin. Feel free to message her on FB, email her at markrep_joy@yahoo.com, or call at (662) 549-0235.

Want to host your own online Mark Party? Sign up before the end of this party and get a gift pack!

Purchase during this party and you will be included in the August Customer Raffle for the pictured bag with surprises.

My Latest Jewelry Creations

My newest creations that I will be listing on Etsy this week, I hope! More creations are to come, but these are the ones I just took pictures of. You can find more jewelry creations on my Etsy shop-- CraftyChic90. Have a wonderful week! :)

Devastating Weather

It is so sad about all the people who've been impacted by these deadly tornadoes this year! They say that May is the worst month for tornadoes and I find myself thanking the good Lord above that May is almost over!

On April 16 the Southern states were hit by a series of deadly tornadoes, killing 43 people. As they tried to piece their lives back together, we were hit again on April 27 by another series of deadly tornadoes...this time 344 people were killed.

Then Missouri was just hit the other day, May 22, at least 125 people were killed....numerous missing.

I pray we're not going to have anymore tornadoes this year. They can be so very devastating.

And the Winner is....

Almost 10 people were in the contest and the winner turned out to be.....

Suko!

I have emailed you with the information and will get these earrings sent out to you ASAP!

Now for all you other earrings lovers out there thinking you missed out on getting a free pair of earrings, don't worry your pretty little fashionable hearts! Another giveaway is coming very soon on Facebook, on my page Natalie's Creations! So... be ready and "like" my page!

Until then, keep on crafting!

~Natalie~

PS- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE!

Blue Cat's Eyes Earrings Giveaway

Here it is! My first giveaway I am hosting myself! I thought I would start off with something simple and elegant! I am giving away a pair of earrings that I made. These earrings are made of Cat's Eyes glass beads, silver beads and sterling silver earring hooks. The first turquoise bead is 4mm and the second one is 6mm. They measure 2" long and are pretty lightweight. Perfect for everyday wear, special occasions and to re-gift if you'd like to. This giveaway will last from April 27th and will end on May 5th at Midnight CT. Here are the requirements in order to be eligible for the drawing:

Leave a comment here with your name(1 ticket)

Follow this blog: Pioneer Writer (2 tickets)

Follow my blog using Networked Blogs (1 ticket)

Favorite my Etsy jewelry shop (2 tickets)

CraftyChic90

Favorite my Etsy crochet shop (2 tickets)

SimplicityCrafting

Post a link of your favorite item in either of my Etsy shops (1 ticket)

Follow me on Twitter (1 ticket)

@PioneerWriter

Like my Page on Facebook (1 ticket)

Natalie's Creations

That's all there is to it! Good luck everyone and feel free to ask me any questions!! Share this giveaway with your friends on Facebook and your other blogs! :)

Have a blessed week,

~Natalie~

Lisa Blogs hosts a Giveaway featuring my shop!

A friend on Facebook purchased several earrings from me and reviewed them for her blog. She is currently hosting a giveaway featuring my Etsy shop!

Go here to see her blog.

Natalie's Creations Review and Giveaway hosted by Lisa.

These earrings are available to win, you have until April 11th to win them!!! :)

Best of luck to you all!!!

<3

Natalie~~

Fountain Creek Collection

I just finished reading this book I bought 2 weeks ago at a consignment store. I just happened to glance into a book buggy and saw a boxed set of 3 books in there. I picked it up and seeing that it was just $3, I bought it. Only knowing that it was Christian Fiction Historical. That night I read the first book and it was so sad that I did not want to read it. But I continued and it turned out to be really, really good! The 2nd book was just as good and so was the last book! One of my favorite series I've read in awhile!!!

~

Colorado Lace by Rachel Druten Review

I enjoyed this book so very much! My first book I've read by Rachel Druten and I loved it! I especially love how all 3 stories began and ended--I was sad to reach the end of the book and the stories ended! I can't wait to see what other books this author will write, it's sure to be a gem like this book was! A keeper for sure!

Get Free Stuff!

You get credits when you sign up and use the credits to get free stuff!! The more you do on the site, the more credits you get! A great way to get free things!!!

Time of Day

When is the best time to write? According to you?

For me, it's late at night. Long after the dishwasher has run and the dryer has cut off, when the only light in the house is my lamp and the night lights. When my parents are long gone to bed and my cat is slumbering at the foot of my bed. The only sound being heard is the air condition clicking on or the occasion rustle outside my bedroom window. The words just flow best at that time for me. I cannot explain it. It's like God is giving me the words and my pen just flies on the paper.

Although I have to admit that the last time I've written was a week after my surgery back in January. We've had some things go on in February and I just have had too much on my mind. After getting back into the routine, I'm almost afraid of summer coming up. Not because it means that my two best friends will be leaving for collage that fall, it's because of the responsibilities that will be on my shoulders. So much more work is evolved in the summertime that at times I long for the slowness of winter. The long days just seem to drag...and that's one thing I'll miss most.

Well, I must get back to my earrings on Etsy, but before I go..I'd like to say that I'll have another review coming up by or during this weekend. Have a wonderful and blessed week! God bless you all, my beloved readers!

Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall Review

This book begins with Cindy meeting a really good friend. Miriam is Old Order Amish and one could not imagine the friendship that would occur! They bond and laugh, share tears and memories throughout the entire book. A friendship that could only be bonded by God. It was wonderfully written and one could not ask for a better non-fiction! I look forward to reading more of Cindy's work and was inspired to read the words by Miriam, learning new things about the Old Order Amish! A wonderful read, highly recommended!

Review by Natalie White

First Comes Love by Whitney Lyles Review

This book was not at all bad. Does have bad language in it, other than that...pretty good. I love Cate and Ethan! They're such a cool couple! Some of the things I read made me laugh out loud! I would definitely check out another book by this author, most definitely! I do recommend reading "Always a Bridesmaid" first and then "Here Comes the Bride" next, I made that mistake and read this one first. I had no idea it was book 3. It was good, regardless of the bad language which I personally think could've been left out.

Whitney Lyles is the author of bestseller book "Always a Bridesmaid" and "Here Comes the Bride". "First Comes Love" is the third adaption in this story about Cate and Ethan.

~~~

Review by Natalie White, pictures courtesy of Google

Windy City Brides by Frances Devine ~ Review

This book is part of the Romancing America 3-in-1 series. This book takes place in Illinois.

Book 1- A Girl Like That is about a girl name Katie who wants to be involved in the theater. On center stage she meets a lawyer, Sam, and they both want to help the poor Irish immigrants. Through their charitable works and budding friendship, a great fire happens and nearly destroys the entire city.

Book 2~ Once a Thief is about Danni who is trying to find a better life for her and her brother, Jimmy. Danni is caught by a play writer, Blake, and is deemed a thief. She acts her way out and finds solace in Blake's neighbors and tries to figure out a way for Jimmy to escape. Blake sees Danni as the star in his play and they grow closer as friends. Meanwhile Jimmy's captor threatens to tear it all apart.

Book 3~ Sugar and Spice tells the story of a preacher's daughter, CiCi, and a lawyer's brother-in-law, Jimmy. CiCi desires adventures and Jimmy seems to be just that type! As CiCi falls in love with Jimmy, he discovers his desire to help the poor tenements and drops out of law school. CiCi struggles to think Jimmy may want to be a missionary and starts hanging out with the wrong crowd. CiCi also discovers that Jimmy and Danni's captor is released from prison and unknowingly befriends him. CiCi learns about Jimmy's childhood ordeal and boards a sinking ship to face his captor.

Review Coming Soon

New book review next week. The book review will be on Windy City Brides by Frances Devine. It's very good and I am on the last novella.

Available on Amazon! Windy City Brides

Blogging for Books

I thought I'd share this with all my reading friends. I'm the same as you. I don't always have the money to buy the books I want to read, so I just mostly write the ones that cost more than $10 down on a list ...then turn around and buy them a few months later on eBay. Well, I found this site that will send you books for FREE! All you have to do is write a review about the book. It doesn't have to be a good review, just a review! I invite you to join & get FREE books! It's FREE to join!

Blogging for Books

Let me know if you join it! : )
Love & hugs,

~Natalie~

Currently Reading

So I thought this new book I was reading was gonna be like on the prairie life or whatnot. I was surprise when it turned out to be a city book back in the late 1800s. The first one is about Irish immigrations and the theator. I must admit reading about the Irish immigrates tickled my heritage. Yes, my family originally descended from Ireland...so we are part Irish. I know most people say the Irish are known for drinking a lot, but we do not allow alcohol. Anyways, this book is really good so far, I recommend to anyone who loves a good Christian Fiction.


Windy City Brides by Frances Levine

A Blank Notebook

I found a blank notebook on sale at Wal-mart today. It's white with pink flowers on it. It's just waiting on me to fill the pages with writing. I cannot wait until I can take a pen to those pages!

A blank notebook

pages crisp and new.

Waiting on the writer

to open with a pen.

To write a poem

or a redemption story.

Whether it be truth

or fiction.

Be it all for the glory

of the almighty God above.

~written by Natalie White~

I know poems are supposed to rhyme, but some do not! Another attempt at a poem that I think it's good, pretty good anyways.

By the way, thank you to the almost 50 followers! I thank God for y'all reading and supporting my blog! Much love to you all!

~the Pioneer Writer~

Mini Review of Prairie Courtship by Dorothy Clark

A wonderfully written book! I really enjoyed reading about Dr. Emma and her journal from Missouri to Oregon country. How the people on the Oregon Train accepted her as a Doctor and she healed many people. It was great how the author managed to weave Dr. Emma and Mr. Thatcher together throughout the story, you just knew they would agree someday! And a great ending for a great book! Thumbs up Dorothy Clark!

Christmas Mail Order Brides Review

I adored the first 3 books in Christmas Mail Order Brides! I wasn't very interested in the last one, it was about an older couple and I just wasn't interested in reading it.

A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky - My favorite one! It was set in October 1880 where Annika travels to meet this man who turns out to not want to re-marry. Annika falls in love with the man's daughter who grows to love her as well. Chase's brother becomes fond of Annika and the feeling is secretly mutual.

The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough- This one is the most adventurous one! Jolie Addams' stagecoach is robbed and she is left alone overnight with Clay Jackson who is injured. Jolie and Clay are rescued the next morning and brought to the town where her soon to be groom is waiting. The townspeople all accuse them two of infidelity and they have to be married before Clay can even see his father.

Hidden Hearts by Therese Stenzel- Elizabeth Lariby runs to a new life in Nebraska and is shocked that her groom is a father of two. She falls in love with his girls and they marry. Elizabeth's aunt has secretly wrote her letters to Zane Michaels, telling him she was a great homemaker when Elizabeth was incapable of doing any domestic work. Little does she know that Zane has secrets of his own!

Great book, I highly recommend!!!

Never Go Back

Taking a short break from my historical novel, Deer Valley right now. I wanted to write some of this down while it's fresh in my mind.

I have been working on a new novel. This will be my first contemporary novel to actually keep on writing. I'm starting on Chapter Two later. Would you believe me if I told you that I wrote Chapter One on Wednesday night? I didn't even read over it, I just saved it. I had thought of the idea a year ago and wrote it down. Recently I made some collages for it & just now am working on it. I even made up the names last night!!!

Anyways, I thought I'd share the other collages I made for this novel. The title "Never Go Back" is the final title.

Reading Now

Currently I am trying to finish reading Christmas Mail Order Brides. I had forgotten about it during Christmas, so I am reading it now. I am almost at the 6th chapter in the first story. About the novel:

Ride the transcontinental railroad as marriage arrives by mail-order—and just in time for Christmas. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster. Elizabeth carries a load of secrets to Nebraska. And Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?

PS- If you are following me through Facebook Networked Blogs, could you also please follow me with the Gmail follow? Thanks! :)

My Fave Books of 2010

I stole this from another blogger.

1. Best book of 2010?
"A Promise to Believe In" by Tracie Peterson

2. Worst book of 2010?
"Oregon" by Birdie Etchison

3. Most Disappointing Book of 2010?
"Cindy Ella" by Robyn Palmer

4. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2010?
"Waiting for Morning" by Karen Kingsbury

5. Book you recommended to people most in 2010?
"Heartland Wedding" by Renee Ryan

6. Best series you discovered in 2010?
"Lassoed in Texas" saga by Mary Connealy

7. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2010?
Mary Connealy, Kelly Eileen Hake, Karen Kingsbury & Lynn Austin.

8. Most hilarious read of 2010?
"Petticoat Ranch" by Mary Connealy

9. Most thrilling, irrestable book in 2010?
"When the Heart Cries" by Cindy Woodsmall

10. Book you most anticipated in 2010?
"Cowboy Christmas" by Mary Connealy

11. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2010?
"Petticoat Ranch"

12. Most memorable character in 2010?
Laney from "Laney's Kiss" by Tracey V. Bateman

13. Most beautifully written book in 2010?
"Until We Reach Home" by Lynn Austin

14. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2010?
none

15. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2010 to finally read?
"Until We Reach Home" by Lynn Austin