Seekerville's Rockin' New Year's Eve Day-Long Extravaganza!!!!!

Yes, darlings, you've come to the right place, it's a 21-hour riotous virtual party!!!!

I mean how much fun is that????

I CAN'T EVEN!!!!!

So join us this morning as we prepare to begin again. As we lock our fears away and reach for the stars! Hourly drawings begin around 7:00 AM and will continue until 3:00 AM January 1, 2016 (Eastern Time) which is Ringing in the New Year with Keli Gwyn Pacific time!!!!

Thank you, Deb H. for this precious graphic!

A new year, with no mistakes in it yet! (Anne of Green Gables)

A day-long journey of fun, remembrances, hopes, dreams, hourly prizes, great virtual foods, insights and a time to lock away the fears that hold us back, those dark spots that drag us down, when the Lord, our God longs for us to be uplifted! To be joyous and dance in the rain, in the sun, through grass and grain...

So to begin the day, might I introduce you to our "FEAR BOX":

There you have it. A fear box, and not a challenge, but an invitation to take those things that hold you back, wrap them up (or not!!!) and toss them into the box... and now and again through the new year, we'll see how we're doing. Can we keep the fears at bay? Can we shoulder them aside?

YES! WE CAN!!!!!!

We've enjoyed love, life and loss in 2015... We've said hello to new friends and bid other friends and family goodbye.  We've danced, laughed and wept, followed world news with joy (a new princess born!!!!)

And a city in tears as Paris wept...

But we begin anew!

Join us as we toast the old year gone and the new one good day!

We enjoy the benefit of hourly hosts and hostesses... prizes to award our friends!.... recipes and ideas, and someone will surely bring silly party hats.

And sometime later we'll have a link to the pdf. file for the recipes you see here today!

We've got party favors for you... A little something something that Tina found to remind others that writing is a job!!!

Hourly prizes will be announced in a somewhat timely fashion, and the grand prize of a $200 Amazon gift card will be announced in our Weekend Edition (hand-fashioned for your viewing pleasure by the one and only Mayor of Seekerville, Tina Radcliffe!!!!!)

But today we want you to come, relax and party!!!!! And hang out as you can through the day! Face 2016 with no fear, or at least knowing we're in this together!

Our hourly hosts and hostesses are providing us with inspirational music and quotes today, vignettes of things that help them, inspire them or make them laugh!

This beautiful rendition of Soper's "Child of the Poor" is always topping my list of inspirational hymns...

And in honor of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" which was marvelous!!!!!! I mean BEYOND MARVELOUS!!!! I waited 30 long years for them to make another good Star Wars movie! I was finally rewarded for my patience, LOL! YAY!!!!!

A favorite Ruthy inspirational verse:

The first prize of the day is this lovely "Jesus Calling" duo to one lucky party-goer who leaves a comment! If you're not familiar with "Jesus Calling", it's a stirring collection of devotionals, custom-made to put us in the right frame of mind for a full new year of tackling challenges with grace, hope, faith and love... and to go with the devotional, please enjoy this leather-bound Bible, a beautiful pairing of God's word... just for you!

I've brought morning food to start the day!

Bagel bar, mimosas, coffee, and pastries from Jackson's Bakery here in upstate New York. Let's do this, my friends!!!


And now I turn the party reins over to a pair of my Arizona buddies, Sandra Leesmith and Glynna Kaye!

Love Inspired author Glynna Kaye loves this beautiful song (so do we!!!)

10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman

And more from Glynna, gentle words of wisdom and grace...

  

I don’t know who originally said it, but I’ve had this quote framed on my desk for about 17 years. I found it during a time of severe illness when I didn’t know if I’d live or die—and if I lived, what the quality of my life would be:  “Don’t fear tomorrow.  God is already there.”

Glynna sent along her fabulous recipe for "Steak Salad"

Sandra sent us this beautiful reminder that even as we stumble along our paths... God knows. He sees. He plans accordingly!

I know from personal experience that we serve a faithful God--and that even when I feel afraid, I don’t have to give in to fear. He gives me the strength and courage to “do it afraid.”

From the balmy sands of Arizona, Sandra sends us this recipe for Grandma's Orange Bread:

Recipe          GRANDMA’S ORANGE BREAD

From    Sandra Leesmith                     Serves    12

             Cooking time  1 hour             Preheat oven to  350 degrees

Ingredients:

2 rinds of medium orange (chopped)              3 cups flour

2 cups water                                                    3 tsp baking powder

½ cup sugar                                                     1 tsp salt

1 tbsp Crisco or coconut oil                            1 cup milk

1 cup sugar                                                      1 egg beaten

           

Cook rind in water until tender (@ 10 min). Drain water, add ½ cup sugar until it melts.  Cool mixture.

Add 1 cup sugar to melted Crisco. Mix well. Add beaten egg.

Then add cooled orange rind mix.

Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with milk to range mixture beating well after each addition.  Begin and end with flour mixture.

Pour in greased loaf pan. Sprinkle sugar on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Cool on rack ten minutes. Remove from pan and cool.

And because we love readers and writers in Seekerville, for this hour the gals are offering a 7" Kindle loaded with the four Seeker Christmas anthologies! 

AND..... for writers, a copy of this wonderful book that Glynna received for Christmas: "Writing DEEP" by Martha Alderson and Jordan Rosenfeld!!

And now we're turning you into the very capable hands of Walt Mussell and Vince Mooney!!!!

Author, full-time worker, married with two teenage boys, Walt Mussell loves this beautiful Christmas favorite by Carrie Underwood: "O Holy Night" 

And who wouldn't find this inspirational???? Auburn's famous final play!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GKmkD1pUG0


And since I just finished watching Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" last week, sharing Walt's favorite Christmas movie quotes!

 from White Christmas (my favorite Christmas movie)
 
Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby):  You don't expect me to get serious with the kind of characters you and Rita have been throwing at me, do you?
 
Phil Davis (Danny Kaye): Well, there've been some nice girls, too, you know
. 
Bob Wallace: Oh yeah, yeah. Like that nuclear scientist we just met out in the hall.
 
Phil Davis: All right, they didn't go to college. They didn't go to Smith.
 
Bob Wallace: Go to Smith? She couldn't even spell it. 

And this is what Walt is throwing into the "FEAR BOX":

I have several projects that I've been working one, projects like finally finishing my presentation on Japan's Christian century and then actually making efforts to present it. Even if I don't get published traditionally with a Japanese historical in this time period, I need to start making the story of these martyrs better known. 

And from sage, philosopher, author, business owner and modern-day Ben Franklin, Vince Mooney from Oklahoma...

Quotes on fear and facing fears:

"No one ever got fat from eating too much food for the soul."

"Fear can open as many doors as it closes."

"Fear is more courteous around those who hold carry permits."

"One of the fastest ways to understand your characters is to discover what they fear most."   

"Those who don't fear, often don't care."

And for musical inspiration, Vince offers us a heartfelt listen to this beautiful Gregorian chant:

Monks singingGregorian Chant in a Catholic Benedictine Seminary. (3:37)

"These monks are singing prayers that they know, love, feel, and understand. (They understand the Latin words).  This is not a singing performance; it's worshiping from the heart. Worth a listen."

And Vince is offering two prizes for this hour!!! 

Kindle versions of two of his all time favorite Seeker books. These two romances were selected because many readers may have missed them as they were released during the early Seeker period. Please enter if you'd really like to read either of these books. Name the book you'd like to win.

"The Bossy bridegroom", Mary Connealy

"Autumn Rains", Myra Johnson

WAIT! STOP THE PRESSES! WALT HAS JUST OFFERED UP A COPY OF EACH OF HIS E-BOOKS... AND AN E-COPY OF RUTHY'S "AN UNEXPECTED GROOM" AND TINA'S "ROCKY MOUNTAIN REUNION!!!!

And stepping up to the microphone for the next hour is Romantic Times Book Reviewer Leslie L. McKee!!!!

This is one of Leslie's favorite Christmas inspirationals, "Bandaid's" "Do They Know it's Christmas Time?" a thought-provoking song that reminds us we're all in this together...

And for the fear box, Leslie has something I think we can all relate to:

"I need to work on replacing worry with prayer. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so it's hard for me to narrow it down without giving it a lot of thought first. I guess that's probably an issue needing work, too, lol!"


And she's sweetening the hour with her fudge recipe!!!!

Recipe for Fudge:

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

2 cups (1 12-oz bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla extract

·  Butter a square pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal of set fudge. Set aside.

·  In a microwave safe 2 quart bowl, heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on high for one minute.

·  Remove from microwave. Let sit for one minute, then stir to combine. If needed, heat an additional 30 seconds. Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.

·  Stir in vanilla extract.

·  Pour fudge into prepared pan. Let fudge cool completely before cutting into squares. (You can place in the refrigerator for one hour to speed up the process.)

·  Store in an airtight container. Fudge does not need to be kept refrigerated.

Prizes for this hour!!!!!! A copy of these two newly releasing Mary Connealy books!!!
The Lassoed by Marriage novella collection!!!!

AND!!! The "With This Ring" collection with our very own Mary and Melissa Jagears!

Leslie, thank you so much....

And here we have multi-published, award-winning author Myra Johnson and our very own delightful Wilani Wahl for this next hour!!!!!

Wilani starts us off with this beautiful and heartfelt hymn from the Chinook Ladies Quartet

"No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus."

This is so beautifully done, Wilani, I'd never heard this done as a quartet before, and it was absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you so much for sharing that with us!!!

And a delightfully fun, easy recipe from Wilani:

 Homemade Turtle Candy

Caramel chips or unwrapped Caramels

Chopped pecans

Chocolate chips

Melt caramels in microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Stir in pecans. spoon out onto greased wax paper to cool.  When cool.  Melt chocolate chips in the same way you melted  the caramels.  Dip the caramel and pecan ball into the chocolate chips and place on waxed paper until chocolate is cool.

And Wilani shared something for the fear box, a fear many of us writers have had at one time or another... and in varying forms! Wilani said she fears she'll never be a good enough writer to be published.... And we're tossing the fear right into the box and we're going to encourage one another to keep on truckin'.... And then she said...

"The way I am going to lock away my fear is to continue writing and enter some contests this year as well as join ACFW so I can get some helps as to where to go now that I have written.  I am open for suggestions as to anything else I can do to overcome this fear."

"Never, never give up." Winston Churchill

And over here with Myra Johnson, just to show you that fear raises its ugly head on both sides of the writing divide, Unpubbed Island and the Mainland.... Her fear is one many of us can relate to as well:

My fear for the fear box: Fear of mediocrity. 

Almost worse than the fear of failure is the fear of falling short of the quality of writing I strive for. I worry that the next book won’t be as good as the last one, that my editor will be disappointed, that readers will notice. I know the only way to overcome this fear is to just keep writing. If I’m intentional about improving my craft and faithfully writing the stories God gives me, He’ll take care of the results.

And a hymn that Myra finds inspirational.... “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

She loves this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it. 

She tries not to cook, so she eased off the whole recipe thing!

And the prize for this hour is this:

Wilani and Myra, thank you for being here, and I hope youse both stick around for some of the ongoing fun!!!!

THE PARTY CONTINUES!!!!!

MID-DAY CREWS ARE ASSEMBLING, EVEN AS WE SPEAK!

Oh my gosh, it's Jackie Layton and Janet Dean heading my way!!!!! SUHWEEEEET! Jackie, what's that favorite quote of yours????

Jackie Layton: One of my favorite quotes came from Seekerville and I pinned it on my Inspirational board on Pinterest. Success has no time limit. 

This comforts me as I long to write a story that will interest an agent and publisher. 

Here's an easy recipe you can play with.

Pineapple Cheese ball

2 bars of cream cheese

1 jar of pineapple ice cream topping

Cut up green pepper or red pepper

Mix it all together and spread on your favorite cracker or chips.

Inspirational song? This is going to sound so corny but it's the theme song from Rocky. Gonna Fly Now  (Ruthy note: not corny at all, this is my ring tone! I love that regular reminder that while my life is in God's hands, he's given me everything I need to reach my goals... and this song pushes me to do it!!! Now back to Jackie!) 

I saw the first movie in 1976 and I've seen them all. We even went to see Creed which is an amazing movie. They are so much more than fight movies. I won't tell you how much I cried at the end of Creed.

And Janet shared this beautiful Bible verse with us, from the book of Isaiah:

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

And she's sending along these sage sayings about worry:

Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but won’t get you anywhere

.  

 AND!!!!

You can’t keep a bird from landing on your head, but you can keep him from building a nest.

And more from Janet: 

This quote might not be labeled as "inspiring" but I think it’s a great truth and is supposedly from Henry Ford: Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re probably right. (Ruthy note: That's the kind of thing Yogi Berra would say!!!!)

We've got a choice of prizes for this hour!!! Writers, if you dare, Janet is offering a 5 page critique for you....

And Readers, she's also offering a copy of her newest Love Inspired novel "The Bounty Hunter's Redemption"!

Let us know in the comments which very holiday festive cat dish you'd like your name tossed into!  

And she's slipped a $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD into a prize bucket later in the day, thank you, Janet!!!!!

**********************************************************************

TWELVE HOUR WARNING!!!!

Then it's Midnight on the East Coast!

Welcome to the Afternoon Party Session, Peeps!!!

:)

And hey, who's steppin' up to the front of the room right now??? Revell and Love Inspired Amish author Jan Drexler is hostin' from her cozy rooms tucked in the hills of South Dakota!!!

She's starting us off with a beautiful Celtic version of "Be Thou My Vision" by 4Him

Jan, so beautiful!!!! I love it, I've never heard this version. You blessed my Irish heart this day!

And here is Jan's fear to be locked into that fear box of ours!!!!

Jan's fear: That I'm over-committing myself by trying to write for two publishers. Multiple looming deadlines ramps up the stress level! But I know the only way to lock away that fear and move beyond it is to focus on the work and get it done. 

We all understand that fear of possibly disappointing others.... 

But I think if we're eating Jan's savory ham wheels while working, we will have more energy!!! Easy and delicious!!!!

:)

Savory Ham Pinwheels

Jan Drexler

Ingredients:

1 – 8 ounce package cream cheese

2 teaspoons dried dill weed

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 Tablespoons finely minced onion

½ pound sliced Black Forest ham, or other smoked ham, from your grocery store’s deli

5 – 10-inch flour tortillas, slightly warmed

Instructions:

In a small bowl, or in your food processor, mix together the cream cheese, dill weed, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and onion.

Spread the cheese mixture over each tortilla, then lay a single layer of sliced ham over the cheese.

Tightly roll each tortilla into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least two hours.

To serve, unwrap the logs and cut into ½” slices.

Makes about 3 dozen.

And Jan has graciously offered a copy of her upcoming book "Hannah's Choice" to one happy party-goer!!!!

Jan, I can't wait to read your upcoming books!!!! So happy for you!

And now, we've got award-winning Love Inspired author Debby Giusti taking over the show!

Debby's going to start us off with John Michael Talbot's beautiful rendition of "Be Not Afraid".... a song I've done for all kinds of beautiful send-offs...

Her inspirational quote for us comes from both the Gospels of Luke and Mark:

 "Believe...with God all Things are Possible"


And for a little football weekend or holiday gathering fun, Deb's brought along this family favorite recipe!

Easy-Peasy Bean Dip

(Guys love this!)

Ingredients: 

Beans--any you have on hand

Black beans

Pinto beans

Great Northern  

Cannellini beans

Kidney beans

Use one or two cans of each

One can tomatoes – plain or flavored

One can corn

Optional: one can diced chilies 

Pre-made vinaigrette (Made with canola oil, apple cider vinegar and a packet of Ranch dressing mix)

Salt and pepper

Cilantro 

Directions:

Drain all cans and mix ingredients in large bowl

Add vinaigrette, about two cups or more

Add salt, pepper, and cilantro to taste

Mix again and refrigerate at least an hour before serving.

(Even better when made a day in advance.)

Serve with chips. Tostitos Scoops work best.

And Debby has put together this lovely prize package for this hour!

AND DON'T FORGET!!!! LET US KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE A DOOR HANGER TO REMIND OTHERS... AND OURSELVES!!!.... THAT WRITING IS A JOB! INSTRUCTIONS ARE PRINTED ON DOOR HANGER BELOW!

Debby, thank you!!!!

And we're moving right from Debby to Tyndale author Pam Hillman!

 Pam starts us off with her niece and nephew singing the very appropriate “No Longer a Slave to Fear.” 

And she's hooked us up with her favorite holiday treat, Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip!!!

Pam also included this handy, dandy meme for us:

And Pam's giveaway for this hour is this sweet fear journal!

Julie!!!! Well, now we know it's a party because Julie has walked into the room!!!! And our beloved Jana is joining us as she can from a comfy, cozy hospital bed... and if she's not able to join us today, she's with us in spirit!!!

And here's a bit about Dr. Jana Vanderslice:

Her music choice for some sweet, sweet inspiration is Chris Tomlin's "He Shall Reign Forevermore"... and what a beautiful choice that is!!! 

And on a lighter note, I'll gracious lady has dragged along a sack of Reindeer Chow to the hospital, and she's sharing with us!!!!

Reindeer Chow
Dr. Jana Vanderslice

2 cups of Kix cereal
2 cups Cheerios
2 cups of Chex cereal (any variety or a mixture of several kinds)
1 cup of Pretzels (thin stick pretzels work best)
1 package of peanut M and M’s (in Christmas colors)
1 package of plain M and M’s (in Christmas colors)
1 package of white almond bark 

Mix cereal and pretzels in a large bowl.

Microwave white almond bark until melted, approximately 2 ½ minutes (stirring every 30 seconds or so).

Pour melted white almond bark on cereal & stir until coated.

Add M and M’s to the mixture and stir until M and M’s are coated (do this last or they will melt).

Spread the Reindeer Chow out on several cookie sheets to cool. Break into pieces and enjoy!

*Have Fun! For the 4th of July, use red, white, and blue M and M’s and call it Patriot Chow. I use green and gold M and M’s and call it Baylor Bear Chow. Whatever the season, be creative and “chow” down! 


Jana's fear, another one we all understand:

Public Opinion! I want to live a Bold, Fearless Life doing what God wants me to do! I don’t want to lose one minute trying to figure out what people think of me (or my writing). God the Father already loves me Infinitely! He’s the One who counts! I’m just going to obey and do my job. God will take care of the rest.  :)

And we paired Jana up with our lovely Julie, and she's brought food, she's totin' recipes galore here, and a prize bag worthy of SANTA CLAUS!!!!

Julie shared a fear that I know she struggles with often, and I think she's brave as heck to share it...

Fear of rejection, especially in crowds.

That often surprises people, that a talented, beautiful woman would fear something like that but I know it's true and I'm proud of her for putting it out there... WAIT! NO! For putting it in the FEAR BOX!!!! We're locking it down, Jules!!!

Okay, food from Julie...

We have the Snickerdoodles recipe (a big favorite up here, too!) from allrecipes.com, a great site:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/10687/mrs-siggs-snickerdoodles/

OR....

Monster Cookies featured in "Isle of Hope":

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/monster-cookies-recipe.html

And Julie comes bearing gifts... One lucky person will have a character named after him/her in an upcoming Julie Lessman book!!!!! 

And she's tossing in 10 e-copies of "Isle of Hope", so ten folks are going to walk away with her debut indie novel!!!!

And she's adding a $25 Amazon Gift Card into the mix! Thank you, Julie!!!

Oh, oh, oh!!!! It must be Southern Belle afternoon in Seekerville!!!! Debby, Pam, Julie and now...

Patti Jo Moore, keeper of the peach desserts, and one of the most gracious ladies on the planet!!!

Patti Jo, take it away, sweet thing! But first I must grab some of that yummy goodness you just carried into the party!

Chocolate-dipped pretzels!!! Patti Jo, I love these, the perfect balance of salt-to-chocolate, oh my stars! I'm so happy right now!

CHOCOLATE  PRETZELS

       1 pound white or chocolate candy coating, chopped

       1 package (8 oz.) Miniature Pretzels

       Colored sugar or sprinkles (Optional for decoration

      Melt half of candy coating at a time in microwave. Stir until smooth.  Dip pretzels in melted candy;  Place on waxed paper.

So easy, and sooooo good! 

And Patti Jo, my oldest daughter used your beautiful music selection in her wedding. I love Pachelbel's Canon in D, it's so gently beautiful!!!! 

One of the things I love about Patti Jo is that she brings joy into the room. It doesn't matter if it's a real room or a virtual nook, she brings joy and promise wherever she goes. Patti Jo, that's a true gift, especially if a cranky old Yankee can see it and appreciate it!!!

And Patti Jo shared her fear (one we all know well) of never being published... so I'm personally throwing that hunk o' junk fear into the BOX!!!!!!

And putting this on my prayer list, just like we did when we formed the Seekers!!!

And while I'm refilling the coffee, tea and punch (and other liquid refreshment areas!) check out these party-goers!!!! 

Patti Jo is offering a $15 Starbucks Card for this hour! 

Thank you, Patti Jo!!!

Hey, Patti, thank you so much!!!!! Send Jill this way, won't you???

Jill Weatherholt, debut Love Inspired author, step right over here and take over the party duties, dear girl!!!

FIRST!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, WE'RE SO PSYCHED FOR YOU!!!!! And yes, chat about your book, whatevah!!!!!

But first, I saw you had a fear written down to toss into the BOX O' FEAR... and here it is:


"I’m locking away my aptitude anxiety. My plan, to continue to study the craft and learn from those who’ve been in the industry longer than I have. I’ll take more deep breaths and slow down when I start to feel overwhelmed.  Most importantly, I’ll stop telling myself I don’t belong here, that I haven’t paid my dues. I WILL enjoy every moment of this  journey."

Ruthy drags out that ol' box (it's getting heavier as the day goes on!!!) and tosses Jill's fears right on in there! And shuts that top, quick as a wink!!!

And to celebrate tossing our fears aside, Jill's brought Oreo Truffles!!!! I LOVE YOU, JILL!!!!

Oreo Truffles

• 1 11.9 ounce package chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling (30 cookies), finely crushed
• 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 pound white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions
1.   Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper or foil; set aside. In a large bowl combine crushed cookies and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until well mixed. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Chill or freeze until firm.

2. In a large saucepan cook and stir white chocolate over low heat until melted; cool slightly.

3. Dip each ball into melted white chocolate; let excess drip back into pan. Place dipped truffles on the prepared baking sheet. Chill truffles about 1 hour or until firm. Store, covered, in the refrigerator up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.

And Jill is offering a $20 Starbucks Gift Card to one fortunate villager today! Thank you, Jill!!!

Happy New Year's Eve, Everyone! Audra here. Can you believe another year has slipped away? We've had so many thrills and celebrations here in Seekerville, I can't keep up with all the blessings.

I'll be your behind the scenes hostess for this second half of our New Year's Eve celebration. Hang tight! The fun is far from over! We've got more food and more prizes yet to come.


Soooo, let's return to the party and welcome Love Inspired debut author, Meghan Carver as she joins us for this hour of Seekerville New Year's Eve fun!

Meghan's video choice is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg -- Carol of the Bells for 12 cellos by The Piano Guys!!! Shiny cellos, snowy mountains, cold city sidewalks...what better video to watch to get you in the mood for the holidays!!

I know it's tough to imagine after that snappy tune, but Meghan also has a fear to share:

"My fear is that I won’t get another book contract in 2016. I refuse to be one-and-done. I’m going to keep writing, improving my craft, submitting, and PRAYING!"

And our prayers will be heard, dear girl!! Let's just slip that nasty ol' fear in the Fear Box and snap the top shut quickly!! You know what helps takes the pain out of fears?

COOKIES!!

Check out these yummy cookies! Don't start your diets yet!!

Cake Mix Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box cake mix

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup buttermilk or sour milk {Make sour milk by mixing ¼ tbsp. white vinegar with ¼ cup milk in a glass measuring cup. Then let it sit for five minutes.}

Directions:

Mix cake mix and oil in large mixing bowl.

Then use the measuring cup to put together the sour milk.

While the milk sours, add egg to the mix and oil. Stir well, approximately 50 strokes. It becomes quite stiff, so your stirring can work off the calories you’re about to consume when you eat the cookies. ☺

Add the sour milk. Stir well.

At this point, you can either ball cookies or spread the dough in a pan for bar cookies.

Bake at 350 until golden. For bar cookies, this takes 12 to 15 minutes. For balled cookies, try 8 to 10 minutes.

There are as many possibilities as there are cake mix flavors ~~

Chocolate cake mix cookies, perhaps with chocolate chips or nuts.

Yellow cake mix cookies with chocolate chips.

Lemon cake mix cookies with powdered sugar on top. {My favorite!}

Spice cake mix cookies with cream cheese frosting or two cookies in a sandwich.

Bon Appetit!

Now that we're brushing the cookie crumbs from our chins and feeling much better about life, let's welcome Sandy Smith as Meghan's co-host for the hour. 


Sandy, what is your song choice for us??

The song I would like to use is “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston.  I really find that song motivating.  We used it on our son’s graduation slideshow to accompany the slides showing him running in track meets.  Here is the link to the song: 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c84ogrNEds0

Where do you find inspiration in written words?

For a quote I will go with Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  I have to remind myself of that often.

I love that verse, Sandy. When life gets hard, why do I find it so hard to remember it? So speaking of life getting difficult, do you have a fear you'd like to deposit in the Fear Box??

My fear to put in the fear box?  My fear is that my writing will never be good enough so I just give up.  Even though I have had many stories published in the past, I haven’t had much success lately.  Now that I am working on a novel, I definitely have the fear of not being good enough.

That fear plagues us all, doesn't it? Sandy, thanks so much for sharing with us!!

And we can't forget the recipe that will have us all drooling for sweets? Sandy, do share!!

Fudge is my special treat at Christmas.  I know others have used it but I'm including the link for Kraft Fantasy Fudge.

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/fantasy-fudge-51833.asp

So now that we're filled with cookies and fudge, do I hear the whispers of anticipation for...Prizes? Do we have prizes for this hour?? We certainly do!!

How about a copy of Meghan's debut book, Under Duress??

In addition, fellow Love Inspired Suspense author, Debby Giusti is offering a gift certificate for $20.16 to Amazon to welcome in the new year!!!

Thanks for sharing the fun, Meghan and Sandy! Stick around and keep up the chatter!

Our hostess this hour is Mary Connealy! 

We'll start with some mood music. What do you have for us, Mary?

Well With My Soul.
A song I love and listen to, too much. Have you heard the background of this song?
Amazing and so powerful.
http://petticoatsandpistols.com/2011/12/30/it-is-well-with-my-soul/

The solos in this song are stunning in the talent of these two men.
Guy Penrod first, then David Phelps singing in a Gaither Homecoming video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nJ6wQpLmuo

When she talks about food, well, Mary can get a bit possessive. She left very explicit dictates with us that no one - I repeat, NO ONE - is allowed to change the name of this candy. No Logan Herne Crunch; No Harders Crunch. So y'all, after you've made this tasty candy and snacked on more than a few pieces, remember the name (drum roll, please) -

Connealy Crunch

2 pound package Almond Bark (melted)

Melt in microwave 1 ½ minutes. Stir. Melt 1 ½ minutes. That should be enough. You might need slightly longer. Almond bark doesn’t lose its shape when it melts so you have to stir it to see if it’s enough. 

Add:

3 C. Captain Crunch Peanut Butter Cereal                              

3 C. miniature marshmallows

3 C. Rice Krispies

3 C. mixed nuts

Spread out on waxed paper. Let cool. Break into bite sized pieces.

It's beyond delicious...but don't mess with the name!!

But...Mary also offers another treat she's not quite so possessive of.

Baby Ruth Bars

½ C. white sugar

½ C. brown sugar

1 C. white syrup

Mix together in sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Boil one minute. Add:

1 C. peanut butter

Mix thoroughly. Pour over:

6 C. cornflakes

1 C. peanuts

Press into 9 x 13 pan.

Frosting:

1 C. chocolate chips

1 C. butterscotch chips

Melt in microwave. 1 ½ minutes, then stir. 1 minute then stir. Should be enough.

Spread over cornflake mixture.

Where does Mary find this stuff? Do you give cooking lessons? Yumbola!!

My favorite quote about fear.

The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?
 Psalms 27:1 NIV

What am I afraid of?
Man it's hard to say.
I honestly fear very little. I have things I don't want to do, but even public speaking isn't exactly FEAR it's more a job I don't want to do. Drive long distances for no return and no audience.
FEAR???? I'm an incredibly calm person who rolls with the punches as well as anyone on the earth.
Fear????
I worry about my writing career and have longings and goals but not exactly FEAR.
Of course there are mice but that's irrational and insignificant--plus I have no intention of giving it up.

Okay got one.

I fear writing DRECK. I fear that I will lose my judgment as to what's good, and no one will tell me and I'll churn out lousy books for the last decade or two of my life.
This happens to MANY WRITERS. I've read them and wondered, "What happened to her? Wouldn't anyone near her be honest with her?"

There you have it. A bit of insight into Mary Connealy to take you into the new year. Thanks, Mary!

We have MORE giveaways this hour!!!!

Look what Mary is tempting us with. Oooo, decisions, decisions.

Lassoed in Texas novella collection and With This Ring novella Collection 





                                                            and One 20.16 gift card

Thanks, Mary for all the fun you always provide. Mary's an awfully hard act to follow, but I'm game to give it a shot.

Happy New Year's Eve 2015! Is everyone having fun?? I hope so. You may remember me. I'm Audra Harders. The elusive, MIA Seeker. I'm praying my status changes early this year. I've been begging the good Lord for time to play in Seekerville! We'll see what He thinks.

No matter what the future holds, I'm here now! And making the most of it : )

How can I find ONE favorite or inspirational song or video?I listen to country music, specifically the "oldies" sung by the greats like George Strait and Chris LeDoux. Their songs are packed with inspiration and sigh-ful moments. So I decided, instead of country music, I'd share a video that makes me smile each time I click and watch. It's the theme song from the Good the Bad and the Ugly as performed by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. I hope a grin finds you as it often does me. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLgJ7pk0X-s

Next comes my favorite quote. I've carried this saying with me since the day I heard it in a country tune in the 80s.

You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

Check out the country video by Aaron Tippin. Tell me these aren't words to live by!!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_s-Qk07KxA

Fear Box time!! In general, I'm not a very fearful person. I figure God has my life in His hands and that's good enough for me. BUT, patience isn't always a virtue for this gal. You see, I haven't written a word of fiction since July. JULY! Since early summer, so many little issues bit at me like no-see-ums on a warm summer night, I finally turned it over the frustration and angst to God and asked Him to prioritize my life. It turned out writing was not on my priority list for right then. Ouch, that hurt. I listened and obeyed and spent my time working out the other stuff that cluttered my life and God very graciously (actually quite frighteningly) took away all desire to pen a single word.

Well, I do believe that season in my life is now coming to an end since characters and plot lines are once again weaving their way through my brain. That's the good news. The bad news is my fear over not having enough emotion left to fill my characters with heart once I finally sit down to write again. 

At this point, I know what you're thinking. Audra has a recipe to share, right? Wrong! Taco Bell is this family's best friend! Instead, I offer the exclusive Seekerville Door Hanger. Hang it on the door while you're deep into plot and maybe YOU will be lucky enough to get a Taco Bell Crunch Wrap Supreme for dinner!!

The prize for this hour is a Kindle Fire 7" along with downloads of the Seeker Holiday Romance collections AND...

 A Kirkwood Lake duo of Ruthy's "The Lawman's Holiday Wish" and "Loving the Lawman", the book that put Ruthy on the bestseller charts! 




Okay, enough about me. I'd like to introduce our hostess for this hour, Preslaysa Williams!

Here's a link to a song I like "The Pleasure Principle" by Janet Jackson: https://youtu.be/Q-gu1KETjVY 

(I really like the dancing, especially when she does the chair move!)

So Janet Jackson has Audra Harders all out of breath just watching her dance! Can't we all imagine a workout like that each day? My oh my, I do believe I could consume all the chocolate I want without a speck of guilt. 

One of Preslaysa's fave quotes is: "If I'm honest, I have to tell you that I still read fairy-tales and I like them best of all." (Audrey Hepburn)

Don't you just love Audrey Hepburn? I can hear her soft, melodic voice utter those words to whatever leading man is gazing into her soulful eyes. I can understand why she made such an impression during her movie prime. I'm such a sap!! Thank you, Preslaysa for zapping energy back into the night!

For this hour, Seekerville is tickled pink to offer a great choice:

We have one e-book set of May the K9 Spy From Kc Frantzen 

and 

a Kirkwood Lake duo of Ruthy's "The Lawman's Holiday Wish" and

 "Loving the Lawman"

Thank you, Preslaysa! I'll be tapping my foot to JJ for the rest of the evening! 

I hope you stick around and enjoy the fun!!

I'm excited to welcome Jessica Nelson and Virginia Carmichael as our hostesses for this hour!!

Jessica has offered an amazing video for us. You're going to love all the underwater action. Makes me want to go swimming!! Check out the video, Naughty Boy - Runnin' (Lose It All) ft. Beyonce, Arrow Benjamin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJSik6ejkr0

Jessica's favorite quote reminds us all what we need to keep in mind when the words won't come.

"The most important thing in writing is to have written. I can always fix a bad page. I can’t fix a blank one.” ~Nora Roberts

"Will I ever sell another book???" exclaims Jessica with fear rasping her voice.

 Oh, Jessica! Move over on that one! I'm stuffing that in the Fear Box where it can mingle with all the fears we writers have before Ruthy flushes them all the down the drain!!

And now it's Virginia Carmichael's turn to chatter on! 

My Inspirational song? How about A Nicole Cross cover of Pink's song "Try". I really like the lyrics about "you've got to get up and try" when I'm at the end of a long writing session!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZpUu2f9dY

My short recipe is delicious peppermint bark! SO TASTY.

Melt 2 lbs of white chocolate and spread on a cookie sheet covered with foil. Add one cup crushed candy canes as topping. DONE!

Oh my goodness, Virginia! That is FAST! Heavens, I think even I can handle that, LOL! (Can anyone tell Audra does not cook much??)

My Fear for the Box: auto accidents. I have a lot of driving to do in the next few months since my kids have some places they want to visit. I really hate driving long distances but I'm going to put my fear of car accidents in the box and lock it with God's promise of protection!

Thanks for sharing that, Virginia. You're talking to a village full of prayer partners and we're all here for you! I'm glad you're overcoming your fear so the kids can experience life. Good for you!

How about a glimpse into Mary Jane Hathaway, too, since you're equally comfortable writing as her as well?

Mary Jane Hathaway is a late night scribbler who force-hugs teens, dodges toddlers and fakes the complicated steps of the paso doble. A homeschooling mother of six young children who rarely wear shoes, she's madly in love with a man who has never read Pride and Prejudice. Author of the Austen Takes the South series and the Cane River Romance series, she also writes under the pen name of Virginia Carmichael. Find her on facebook at Mary Jane Hathaway, blogging for Huffington Post, or on her personal blog The Things That Last. 

Jessica is such a sweetheart to offer our favorite blend of goodies...
Book and Chocolate as a giveaway!
Goodness, what could be better??

BUT, Virginia is not to be outdone! She is giving away two (2) copies of her book, Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin' Cornbread. With a title like that, how could you not want to read it?? Sign me up, please!! 

Thank you, Jessica and Virginia! Stick around and chat. We love seeing your smiling faces at the party!



Tina’s Hour is Upon Us.


 Happy New Year!

 It’s late, so let’s talk fears and coffee, while I serve up No Bake Coconut Balls. Here’s a little something to perk you up. The 15 Most Caffeinated Cities in the U.S. Are you on this list? 

I am stuffing my fear of writing a romantic suspense into my coffee mug and drowning it this year. Because I CAN DO THIS! My giveaway this hour is a writerly mug, appropriate for coffee or tea. If you are a reader you can count on a surprise box of winter reads! If you haven’t read my current release, Rocky Mountain Reunion, let me know and I’ll include that in either winner package. Two winners this hour. All you have to do is comment.



 A little music while we chat. Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up, to inspire you to be all you can be in 2016! And don’t forget to drop us an email for your door hanger! 

Happy New Year to all on the East Coast!!!

Missy Tippens, our resident Southern Belle and co-creator of the Yankee-Belle Cafe (I'll let you guess whether Missy is the Yankee or the Belle) here in Seekerville, is offereing her best musical inspiration and tasty treats. Sit back, listen and munch!!

Pentatonix Joy to the World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xo64Q2ucQ8
Pentatonix Little Drummer Boy http://bit.ly/1NdhPSn
Pentatonix Carol of the Bells http://bit.ly/1TvgMRv

OMG, doesn't that music just put you in the mood for the holidays? And the Pecan Pie!! I do believe I've died and gone to heaven!!

The hour would not be complete without giveways with special love crocheted into every stitch. Quick, raise your hand if you want one! 2 winners will recieve hand made bookmarks created by Missy's very own sister!! 

Happy New Year everyone in Central Time Zone!!

Thanks for showering us with your sweet, Southern charm, Missy!


And the night continues!!


I'm so happy to introduce our hostesses for this hour. our favorite Librarian Artist, Jen and Lyndee Henderson. 

Let's start with Lyndee's favorite music:

Casting Crowns – Great are You Lord https://www.facebook.com/castingcrowns/videos/10153800702773793/?pnref=story


I'm pulling out the Fear Box. Oh my, if Ruthy thought it was getting full a few hours ago, she should try and drag this thing around now! So Lyndee, please share with us.

Fear of not being able to meet the expectations others have for me, particularly my elderly parents who are depending on me to hold things together as they face the end of their lives. Trust in the Lord, O, my soul…I will trust God to guide me on this hard decision road.

No truer words to live by. I know there were few more fearful moments in my life than when I realized my parents needed me. Lyndee, the Fear Box is lifting your concern off your shoulders and letting all of Seekerville pray for you and lend you support.

So are we ready for some treats now? Whatcha got for us?

Salty-Sweet ROLO Treats
https://www.hersheys.com/celebrate/holidays/recipedetail.aspx?id=8631            

1 Bag square shaped pretzels
1 Bag ROLO Chewy Caramel candies unwrapped
Pecan halves

          Heat oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pretzels on sheet. Lay one candy in the middle. Bake until candy softens, about 3- 4 minutes. Hint: Catch it before it melts! Remove pan from oven and then top with pecans. Can top with other things such as M&Ms, another pretzel, peanuts, etc.

Lyndee is also offering a gorgeous framed painting as a giveaway this hour. Check this out!

Jen, your turn! What inspirational music do you want to share with us??



Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - Hillsong UNITED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw

What a beautiful video and emotional song, Jen! I loved how the water seemed to sweep me into the song. Very nice!

I can see Jen did not forget the food! I think I'll pick up around the buffet and maybe bring out a sampling of this Party Mix and a few bowlfuls of Lyndee's Rolo Treats while the rest of you drool over the recipe!

Furikake Party Mix - I grew up in Hawaii and this is one of my favorite holiday treats you'll find everywhere: a unique sweet and salty (from the nori furikake, a salty seaweed topping) party mix.  Don't be intimidated by the seaweed, it's the best part!  =)  My aunt makes an awesome version --I'm still working on getting her recipe, but this one sounds close.  You can use almost any cereal that you'd normally use for chex-type cereal mixes. Fave ingredients are Bugles, Cheerios, Chex or Crispix, Honeycombs, Peanuts, Arare, Pretzels ...

I've seen recipes without the shoyu (soy sauce), so you can probably skip that if you want ... 

Source (also has video instructions): http://www.ilovehawaiianfoodrecipes.com/recipes/furikake-chex-mix/

Ingredients:

• 5 cups rice chex
• 5 cups corn chex
• 3 cups arare, optional
• ½ bottle nori furikake
• ½ stick of butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup karo light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven 250 degrees.
2. Use a large roasting pan, or use (2) 9 x 13-inch baking pans. Mix together rice and corn chex cereal with arare. In a medium sauce pan, add butter, sugar, oil, corn syrup, and soy sauce; cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
3. Carefully drizzle mixture, a little at a time, over cereal and toss. Keep adding mixture until cereal is evenly coated. Then sprinkle furikake over mixture until coated; toss together.
4. Bake for about 1 hour. Continue to toss mixture at least 3 times throughout, or every 20 minutes. Be sure to scrap bottom of pan when mixing to prevent burning.

I've been having some fear and anxiety about the future: I graduate in May so job hunting is a huge thing coming up (How far do I want to search? Do I want to move away from home?) ... peers and friends getting married, having kids ... That's a dream that's not even in the realm of possibility for me at this point, LOL, and just "adulting" (my new favorite fake word) in general is kind of scary.  I guess it's just the uncertainty.  The song I chose, "Oceans" by Hillsong United has definitely been one of my prayers this year because of this ... Reminding me that through all my worries, I just need to rely on God and trust that He has a plan for my life and that He'll show me more in HIS perfect timing.  =)

Jen, how beautifully stated. Your fears are so common to many graduates and those who also dread the whole "adulting" thing. Always remember, God is good and He has great plans for those believe and look to Him.

And another giveaway for the hour is a Rose Zediker's Heartsong Presents, "Sweet On The Cowgirl." Thank you, Rose!!

And, a Kirkwood Lake duo of Ruthy's "The Lawman's Holiday Wish" and "Loving the Lawman", the book that put Ruthy on the bestseller charts!

OMG! Does time fly, or what? We are looking at MIDNIGHT, here in the Mountain Time Zone!!

Move over 2015 and Welcome in 2016!!!

Our clean up hitter for the evening (nay, the year!) is our faithful Seekerville friend, Keli Gwyn! Keli has been a fan of Seekerville pretty much since we staked out our island. She's been a fan, a supporter and one-woman cheering section for the Seekers as we all left the island, one by one. The most beautiful gift for her steadfast friendship is the Lord giving her a rousing "well done faithful servant," much as we all do. WooHoo, Keli. It's a pleasure to have you usher in the New Year!!

Keli, the stage is yours!!

Francesca Battistelli’s song “Write Your Story” inspires me every time I hear it. I’ve belted out the words with gusto many times as I’ve driven down the road, enjoying myself and no doubt entertaining nearby drivers, too. As we head into 2016, I’m eager to hear about the stories the Lord is writing on your hearts as well as those you write that He’s put in your hearts.

http://www.francescamusic.com/album/if-were-honest-30961
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecV1NHmELuA



I fear hearing the voice of the Doubt Dragon dissing my writing as I’m drafting a story. I’d love to lock that confidence-crushing beast in a dark, dank sound-proof cell somewhere and listen for the still small voice of the Spirit guiding me instead.


Here’s my recipe for a New Year’s Day breakfast. Disclaimer: I’m not a foodie, and even if I were, I tend to be pretty tired after staying up late to ring in the New Year. So here ‘tis, short and sweet (pun intended):

       Preheat the oven, pop open a can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, bake them as directed on the package, drizzle the creamy frosting on top and enjoy.


Thank you, Keli! And as Seekerville wraps up another delightful New Year's Eve party, Keli Gwyn offers her amazing prize package that can make any historical (or even contemporary) reader or writer drool over.

The prize packages includes: the first-ever giveaway copy of A Home of Her Own, a March 2016 LIH; The Young Victoria DVD; a Victorian-themed notepad; an Inspire heart-shaped wall hanging. (Sorry. Vintage typewriter not included.)

Happy New Year from all of us in Seekerville!!

Myra, Missy, Sandra, Audra, Tina, Glynna, Janet, Cara, Julie, Mary, Ruthy, Debby and Pam

God Bless You All in the New Year!!