Connect With Carol Brown: 2014

Friday, April 11, 2014

It is official! I've moved. The "connectwithcarol" blog now has a grown up name and has moved over to a Word Press site. The thrust of the blog remains the same--to be a safe place where you ask questions about living life as a highly sensitive person.

You can find this blog click here See you at the new site!

Blessings, Carol Brown
...shedding a little light!

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Holy Spirit has been shedding light on something, putting things together in a way I never really thought about before.

As Easter approaches I’ve been pondering Gethsemane and all Jesus went through. I had an “aha” moment the other day when the Holy Spirit reminded me, rather painfully, of how in the past I have felt badly that Peter and John were unable to stay awake and be with Jesus during His time of great need. But I’ve learned something about the human body that makes me regret the “tsk, tsk,” that I felt but never voiced.

What I learned is that the central nervous system has a limited capacity. Just like electrical wiring, our nervous system can only carry the amount of stimuli for which it was designed. Once we reach that amount we throw a circuit breaker, so to speak, and the system shuts down before it is damaged.

I can imagine the furrowed brows and the questioning looks so let me give an example. I was a soloist years ago. When I would go to church on Sundays I would only be there a few minutes before I started to yawn. When I was called to sing there was absolutely NO evidence of the yawning, but the moment I returned to my seat it started again.

This both puzzled and distressed me greatly. I repented regularly for appearing so bored that I would yawn in the Lord’s face. I mentioned it one time to my friend, Dr. Jim Wilder, who is a psychologist. Knowing that I am highly sensitive, he explained that it was my para-sympathetic nervous system shutting down from sensory overload. I was encountering too many burdens in the people around me for my nervous system to process, turn into prayer for the people and then off load them to Jesus. Too many burdens coming too fast for my nervous system to process!

I think that is exactly what was happening with Peter and John. They were with Jesus as He was taking on the sins of the world—the past, present and future. The force of the burdens coming upon Him at that time would have overloaded anyone’s nervous system! It was so powerful it actually made Jesus sweat blood. That is serious pressure.

Remember that I didn’t have to touch anyone, be praying for them or anything—just be in the vicinity and I would begin to experience sensory overload and yawn. Peter and John were Jesus closest friends and in the vicinity of unimaginable pain, trouble, turmoil, despair…they were human beings with finite capacity--no wonder they were out cold.

I have much more respect for these rugged pioneers of our faith. I also want to refrain from even thinking or acting like, “Come on, boys. All He’s asking is an hour…” There is a bit of rebuke in that and I do not want to judge, not even a little bit!

Has Holy Spirit put things you know together in ways you have not thought about before? I’d love for you to share so we can all be uplifted. Just drop your "aha" in the comment box.

Blessings,

Carol...shedding a little light

www.fromgodsheart.com

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Shadowy Mystery Book Launch

Welcome to the John 3:16 ongoing book launch! Enter to win prizes in addition to some great reads.

Enter to win a

$100 Amazon gift card plus a lot more!

http://bit.ly/Christian_Books

Shadow Stalker Excerpt By Barbara Ann Derksen

She watched as the man, the monster, moved toward the entrance. Then he stopped. He looked up the stairs, then down the hall. He looked toward her hiding place, his eyes cold, calculating, wondering. Her stomach lurched, the fright almost real enough to touch. Could he see her? Her daddy had told her to hide here. He knew they were in danger. Why? Who was this man? How did daddy know him? Maybe it was mommy the man hated. Why? Footsteps interrupted her questions. The man was moving down the hall straight toward her.
She crept backwards, crawling on all fours as if she were a spider. Her gymnastics teacher had taught her that. I need to get out of here. He will kill me, too. She remembered her discovery when she’d hidden in here last week. Her cousins had come for a visit. They loved to play hide and seek in the large, multistoried mansion that was her home. She’d found a door leading to the garage where her daddy’s cars were kept under the chauffeur’s apartment. She’d sneak out that way.
Several hanging tools brushed her shoulders as she crept under them toward safety. They swung to and fro. It was as if they whispered, “She’s in here.” She twisted her head behind. She couldn’t see through the slats in the door anymore but the heavy tread of footsteps grew louder, closer. She reached the hidden door. It creaked as she slipped through.
“Wait.” His voice echoed through the tiny room, resonating off the walls of the small space, the sound carried over the creak of the door as he pulled it open. The menace in his voice was gone, replaced by enticement.
She scurried into the large garage. Ignoring the man, she skirted the three cars stored there. Her heart pumped so loudly in her ears, the sound blocked out the rustle of the man’s clothes as he squeezed through the same opening. She turned slightly and saw his shadow. Her short legs pumped toward the door leading to the stone walled courtyard and the gated entrance to the back yard. The wrought iron gate was open. Good.
Her feet flew over the paved driveway toward the gate. She turned once to see if the chauffeur was nearby. Benson played with her sometimes. He was nowhere to be seen. Then she remembered. Benson had asked for the day off to take Maria, the maid, to the beach. There’s no one to help. She streaked through the wrought iron gate.
The yard was tree filled, almost like a park. She ran like the wind, as if the devil himself was after her. He is. She reached the second gate in the high wrought iron fence that surrounded her parent’s property. It was slightly ajar. Her parent’s always kept this one locked but now… She almost forgot to breathe as she raced through it and into the street. The sidewalk led to town. Her legs pounded the pavement hard. “Wait.” The shout came from behind her. The man was following.
The sound of his footsteps bounced off cement walls and rock enclosures, the attempt of homeowners to protect what was theirs. Trees, thick for privacy, lined the street, hiding nearby houses from view. Traffic was non-existent along this street at this time of day. She ran. Her instincts told her that life, her life, depended on it. She rounded a corner but then peeked back. He was still coming, walking briskly in her direction. I need to hide.
She crawled under a nearby bush, its dense foliage the perfect cover, she thought. The picture of her mother’s head scattering debris all over the walls played like a ticker tape through her brain. Her stomach roiled again and she gagged. Mommy. Daddy. Please help me. Footsteps rounded the corner. The sound grew louder. He’ll find me. I have to leave.
She stood. He reached for her with one hand while the other, the one that had held the gun, was in his pocket. She ducked just out of his reach. She raced like the wind, staying off the sidewalk this time. She flew through the trees as if someone carried her, her feet barely touching the ground long enough to make an indent in the leaves. Her body slammed into low branches that scratched and tore at her clothing. She was shorter than the man so movement for her was easier here, she reasoned. The heavier footsteps had slowed, proving her right. She heard a twig snap. He was still coming. Maybe a policeman…

This excerpt is from the prologue of Barbara Ann Derksen’s book, Shadow Stalker.

To connect with Barbara Ann Derksen follow any of the links below!

Website

Shadow Stalker Page

Grab one of these book launch books, a comfy chair and a cuppa something hot--aaah! Perfect! And, if this little excerpt piques your interest and you want to get the next bit...here you go!

Daily Chapter Excerpt for Gatehaven can be found at:

March 3: #1 Jill Richarson http://jill-theimperfectjourney.blogspot.com/

March 4: #2 Malo Bel www.malobel.com/christian-books.html

March 5: #3 Cheryl Colwell www.travelandmysteryblog.com

March 6: #4 Cheryl Colwell www.inspiredfictionbooks.com

March 7: #5 Carol Brown www.connectwithcarolbrown.blogspot.com

March 10: #6 Laura Davis www.interviewsandreviews.com/book-of-the-week

March 11: #7 Emma Right emmaright.com/blog

March 12: #8 Kimberly Payne www.kimpayne.wordpress.com

March 13: #9 Martin Roth www.martinroth.com.au

March 14: #10 Molly Noble Bell writersrest.blogspot.com

Daily Chapter Excerpt for Shadow Stalker can be found at:

March 3: #1 Kimberly Payne www.kimpayne.wordpress.com

March 4: #2 Emma Right emmaright.com/blog

March 5: #3 Chuck Page pagingdrpage.com

March 6: #4 Laura Davis www.interviewsandreviews.com/book-of-the-week

March 7: #5 Jill Richardson http://jill-theimperfectjourney.blogspot.com/

March 10: #6 Malo Bel www.malobel.com/christian-books.html

March 11: #7 Carol Brown www.connectwithcarolbrown.blogspot.com

March 12: #8 Martin Roth www.martinroth.com.au

March 13: #9 Cheyl Colwell www.inspiredfictionbooks.com

March 14: #10 Barbara Derksen www.barbaraannderksen.com

Daily Chapter Excerpt for The Proof can be found at:

March 3: #1 Laura Davis www.interviewsandreviews.com/book-of-the-week

March 4: #2 Carol Brown www.connectwithcarolbrown.blogspot.com

March 5: #3 Martin Roth www.martinroth.com.au

March 6: #4 Kimberly Payne www.kimpayne.wordpress.com

March 7: #5 Emma Right emmaright.com/blog

March 10: #6 Jill Richardson http://jill-theimperfectjourney.blogspot.com/

March 11: #7 Cheryl Colwell inspired fiction books

March 12: #8 Chuck Page pagingdrpage.com

March 13: #9 Dana Rongione danarongione.blogspot.com

March 14: #10 Cheyl Colwell travelandmysteryblog.com

Enjoy, Carol Brown

Friday, March 7, 2014

The Shadowy Mystery and Stunning Suspense Onslaught Continues!

GATEHAVEN a Christian Historical Suspense

e-book ISBN: 1621364003

Price: Reg: $9.99
Book Launch Sale Price: $2.99

Excerpt by Molly Noble Bull

Part Five of Ten

A frosty spring followed the winter the earl arrived in Scotland, and spring melted into early summer. Shannon spent her days and many nights helping her mother with the new baby—rarely seeing the earl except at church on Sunday mornings. He must have stayed away because he knew how her parents felt about him. Yet his loyalty to Shannon made her love him all the more, and he never failed to mention their approaching marriage each time they met.

But now it was mid-June. The arrangements for her journey to England were completed. Shannon sat by a window in the sitting room owned by Ian’s parents, gazing out at the Loch. All that was left to do was say good-bye to her friends and loved ones.

On the morrow, she would be leaving for England, and though she still dreamed of going there, leaving those she loved made a part of her feel sad. Somehow, looking out at the Loch gave her the strength she needed to say good-bye to her best friend—Kate Colquhoun.

Kate leaned toward her. “Do you truly love the earl that much?”

Shannon heard a creaking sound nearby. “What was that?”

“Maybe it was the wind.” Kate shrugged. “It is often windy here—probably because we live so near the Loch.” She paused briefly. “You have yet to answer my question.”

Seated on the settee with Kate beside her, Shannon whispered her reply in case Kate’s younger sisters happened to be within earshot. She had heard something, and she didn’t think it was the wind.

The younger Colquhoun girls often listened to conversations while hidden from view, and when she first came in, Shannon had thought she heard the creak of a wooden floor plank near where they sat now.

“Do you love the earl, Shannon, or not?”

Shannon blinked and nodded. “I love him as much as you love my brother, Peter. Maybe more.”

“Well, if you are sure, that is all I really wanted to know.” Kate smiled. “I want you to be happy. You are my oldest and dearest friend. I only want the best for you.”

“Kate, I love you, too. You know that. I just hope my brother is the man you really want to spend the rest of your life with. He can be a little—”

“I know you and Peter have never gotten along,” Kate said softly. “But I love him and always will.”

“Then I am happy for you and glad that one day you will be my sister.”

“I am honored to be your future sister as well as Peter’s wife.”

Shannon released a deep breath. “I wish I could stay longer, but I must go.” She got up and glanced toward the door. “I promised to help Mama bathe my baby brother before she puts him down for his afternoon nap. Besides, I have last minute packing to do.”

Kate smiled as she got up and stood beside Shannon.

“How is the baby doing?”

“Thriving. I think he’s going to be as tall as Peter. Maybe even as tall as Ian.” Shannon reached out and embraced her friend. “I’m going to miss you, Kate Colquhoun.”

“As I will miss you and Ian. Please, Shannon, promise to write often. I know Ian will not, and I want to keep informed on the doings of my brother and my best friend.”

Their good-bye was an emotional one—at least for Shannon. Afraid she might break down and weep if she said more, Shannon reached out and hugged Kate again.

Ian was the one who had been standing in the shadows listening, but he never meant to do it. He’d come in the back way about the time Shannon entered through the front door of the cottage.

He’d read all of Pastor Petit’s letters and longed to share them with Shannon, but she was too devoted to the earl to listen to his concerns. He also had news for Kate.

He hadn’t counted on Shannon coming over to visit his sister, and he hadn’t wanted to spoil their emotional farewell. However, he was tired of standing there, waiting. If Shannon hadn’t left when she did, he would have made himself known to them.

Peter was on his way over to speak to Kate. It was important that Shannon not know what Peter had to say.

Kate shut the door and crossed to the archway leading to the dining room. Ian stepped out from behind a large china cabinet and stood in her path.

“Well, Ian. How long have you been here?”

“Long enough. I came in to tell you that Peter is on his way over.”

Kate smiled. “Peter is coming here?”

“Yes.”

Kate pushed back a lock of her curly brown hair that had fallen across her forehead. “What is this all about, Ian?”

“That is what I planned to tell you. But when I saw that Shannon was here, I decided to wait until she left. I did not wish to interrupt your conversation, and if I had moved an inch, you would have known I was here.”

“And all this time I thought our little sisters were the eavesdroppers in the family.”

“I’m sorry, but it was necessary.” He motioned toward the settee in the sitting room where Kate and Shannon were seated earlier. “Let us sit down, and I will explain.”

Kate sat down stiffly, her arms across her chest. “Now, what is this all about?”

“Peter’s parents do not feel comfortable having Shannon go to England with a group of strangers. They were pleased that I took the mentoring position Shannon mentioned and that I will be going to England. But they want a member of their family to go along as well. Therefore, Peter is also going.”

“My Peter is going to England, and he never told me. I do not believe it.”

“It is true, Kate. Peter will be here shortly to tell you himself.”

“If Peter was going to England, Shannon would have told me.”

“Shannon doesn’t know.”

“You mean his own sister was never told?”

“Her parents thought it best that she not know, and you must promise not to tell her.”

“We share everything. Of course I will tell her.”

“Peter and I believe that the earl is not the noble soul Shannon thinks he is, but we have no proof of that. Therefore, Peter will be trailing us to England—staying at inns near the earl’s estate but out of sight. He will also be seeking temporary employment there, and together, we will continue our investigation of the earl Shannon is so fond of.”

“Shannon is in love with the earl, Ian,” Kate said softly. “You must face that truth before you are hurt more than you already are.”

“I know she thinks she is in love with him. As our pastor would say, we will see how she feels once the scales are removed from her eyes.”

Early the next morning, Ian climbed in the second carriage behind the one that Shannon, the chaperone, and the earl would be riding in. The earl’s valet and Miss Foster’s maid sat stiffly, facing each other on the opposite side of the carriage.

The three of them met briefly a week ago, so there was no need for introductions. Ian greeted them cordially, sitting down beside Dickson, the valet, but close to the window. Dickson and Polly, the maid, were about Ian’s age.

Polly looked scared to death until she and Dickson realized they came from the same village not far from Luss and that they knew each other as children. All at once the two of them were chattering between themselves like a couple of crows on a fencepost. But Ian probably wouldn’t have known them when he was a child even if they were from Luss.

He’d attended a school for rich young gentleman in England when he was a boy—except he wasn’t rich or English. Ian’s father was the second son of the Laird of the village, meaning his uncle got the title, the family home, and all monies the family had. Ian’s father got nothing. Perhaps Uncle George paid for Ian’s schooling in England to mute a guilty conscious.

Ian had several conferences with his pastor since the one he had on the day Shannon told him of her plans to marry the earl. In each meeting he learned something new about the Bible he’d never known previously. But some of the things they discussed were about the dark forces of this world and how to combat them. His chores on the farm and other family duties kept his mind and body occupied, and the long journey ahead would give him time to think on the things he’d learned and how to apply them in his daily life.

For now, he would sit here and wait. Shannon and her chaperone would be arriving soon, and he hoped to watch as she and the earl entered the head carriage in front of them.

At daybreak on that same morning—before the cock crowed—Peter Aimee had mounted his brown-colored horse and galloped to the edge of the village. He hid behind an abandoned mill and watched as his younger sister climbed into the carriage with the Earl of Northon and his maiden aunt, Miss Foster.

Their little brother, Andre, was born on the day Shannon told Mama and Papa that she wanted to go to England. Later that same day, as Shannon helped their mother with the baby, Peter sat with his father in the sitting room of their small cottage.

“Your sister is a strong-willed young woman, Peter, just like your mama was at her age, and that can be a good thing. It can also be dangerous. I know my daughter. We will not be able to talk Shannon out of going to England to meet the earl’s family—no matter how hard we might try. She will run away if we refuse to give our permission, and we will lose her forever. Therefore, your mother and I devised a plan. We want you to follow your sister to England without being noticed. And you must promise not to tell anyone of our plan—even Kate. You will eat in out-of-the-way places—sleep on the ground in mild weather. I have a little money saved which I will give you to pay for your keep until you find employment.”

“No, Papa, I cannot take your money. You planned to use it to pay for passage to the land across the sea and to buy a farm once we arrive.”

“We will worry about money for boat passages and a farm when the time comes. Now we must protect your sister from a dangerous young earl who thinks she is as beautiful as her mother.”

Peter had no intentions of spending all of his father’s hard-earned money. He would take any job he could get once he reached the village near the earl’s estate in England.

At the time he made that decision, he’d thought he would be the only one going to England other than those in the earl’s party and the only one with Shannon’s best interest at heart. But after his friend Ian accepted the position Shannon found for him, Peter realized that he would have a comrade in his quest to protect his sister from the British earl.

Still, he regretted having to say good-bye to Kate.

They had walked down to the Loch. Kate wore a blue dress that matched her eyes. A summer breeze whipped her long brown hair in all directions, and he’d kissed her before he told her he was leaving. But she already knew.

“It’s all right, Dear One,” she had said. “Go. I love your sister, too. And I will be waiting here at the Loch when you return.”

If he hadn’t already planned to make her his wife, he would have known Kate was the one when she said those words.

If you would like more, view the Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/1c2HJf1

Molly Noble Bull is a Christian novelist, a native Texan, and a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville, Texas. Her first two novels, For Always and The Rogue's Daughter were published by Zondervan, and later reprinted as promise romances from Guideposts.

She has also been published by Love Inspired, and is the author of The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities. She is a mother of three and grandmother of six.

You can follow Molly and learn more about her writing here:

Website link: mollynoblebull.com

Blog link: http: http://writersrest.blogspot.com

Facebook link: facebook.com/molly.n.bull