by Roseanna White | Jul 25, 2013 | Giveaways and Contests
I had so much fun hearing about everyone’s wedding dresses yesterday! If anyone missed that conversation but want in on it, I’ve posted some pictures of the dresses described by readers too. Check it out here.
And of course, we have a new winner of Ring of Secrets — Deborah Dunson! — And only two more days to enter for this!
Thoughtful About . . . Names
What is about names that have such power? Ever wonder about that? I sure have–I even wrote a 20-page essay on the subject in college, LOL, based largely on biblical names. So you can bet I put a lot of thought into my kids’ names, and that I put thought into each character name too. I could ramble on about that. But today I want to talk about another Name.
Because yesterday this just LEAPT out at me and made me scratch my head:
“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for he will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him.”
~ Exodus 23:20-21
God’s name–now that’s a powerful thing! So powerful that it’s one of the commandments–“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
So powerful that it is being itself: “Tell them I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14)
This is something I know…and yet I don’t think I fully understand it. Because we have so many names for God. You can find list upon list of them, entire Wikipedia articles about it. He is so much to us. Alpha and Omega, Jehovah-Jirah, Elohim.
But that passage from Exodus 23 doesn’t say “My names are in Him.” It says My name. One. God has one name, His true name…and we don’t know it. Jesus no doubt did, but He called Him “Abba.” Daddy. Papa, as my kids call my hubby. My little ones know his name is David, but they don’t use that name. They shouldn’t, because it doesn’t speak their love.
I daresay no other man knows the true name of God though. And why? Because that name is power. Power to destroy, to judge, to rule. It’s the power of God Himself. That’s pretty amazing. I’ve yet to find another passage where God gives His name–His true name–to any being. But here, as He’s preparing to take Moses to Sinai…that was a pretty special time.
And that really makes me pause. Even given that I know only the human names for my Lord…am I using them right? When I call upon Him, do I mean it? Do I ever sigh out an “Oh, Lord” that means nothing? Or even if I’m calling to Him…do I need it? Bear with me, now. 😉
This is another section of Exodus that struck me the other day. It’s when they’ve come to the Red Sea, Pharaoh’s army is closing in, the children of Israel cry out to Moses. Moses says, “Don’t be afraid, y’all! Just wait and see–salvation’s coming. The Lord’s got it all under control. He’ll fight for you, I promise.” (The Roseanna Paraphrase Version. Which usually has a few more “dude”s in it…LOL) And God replies to Moses’s plea:
“Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.”
Did you catch what stood out to me? Why do you cry to Me? That left me dumbfounded. Because, well, shouldn’t we?? Isn’t prayer to be our first response?
Yes.
But…God had already made the promise. God had already led them with fire and smoke. God had already spoken, had spared, had afflicted the enemy. More, God had already lent His power to Moses for this. That’s what I took from that verse. He isn’t saying, “Don’t bother me, kid.” He’s saying, “Did you forget the power I put in your rod? Just stretch it out, dude. That’s all you gotta do.” (See–“dude.”) 😉 That “but” isn’t, I don’t think, a conjunction–it’s not saying, “but since you insist, do this.” It’s a an adverb. A “merely.” Just lift up your rod.
Sometimes it’s so hard to remember that God, especially through the salvation of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit, has already given us at least a portion of the power of His name. It’s within us, all the time. And while I don’t know the Name to call him…I know the title.
Abba. Father. God of my end (as they pray in the Culper Ring books, taken from Puritan prayers). When the wilderness lies before me, when the enemy’s closing in behind, help me to remember that You’ve already put salvation in my hand.
What does your name mean?
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by Roseanna White | Jul 24, 2013 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
First, if you jump over to Colonial Quills today, there’s a review of Whispers from the Shadows with a giveaway of it! I know some of you already have Ring of Secrets, so you might be interested in getting that new one. =) https://www.roseannamwhite.com/2013/07/guest-marian-baay-reviews-roseanna.html
Can you believe there are only 6 left in the giveaway?? And only three for the beautiful Pen, Ink, and Paper set! Though still quite a few chances to win Ring of Secrets. =) Yesterday’s winner is:
Jill Haggard!
The Silvery Plume Pen and Ink Set
Now for today.
Remember When . . . She Chose the Gown?
As I took my early morning walk one day last week, I was brainstorming my next book, How Do I Love Thee? (Let Me Count the Ways Series, Harvest House, 2014) and musing about the ones already out. Somehow or another, my thoughts about those melded with my thoughts about my friend’s upcoming wedding in which I’m honored to be a bridesmaid.
And I decided it would be fun to talk weddings and dreams with you all today. =)
As a romance writer, weddings come up. LOL Though I don’t always write the wedding itself, you can bet there’s one at least alluded to at the end. Sometimes I actually get to include it in the story. Sometimes I just leave it in my imagination. But I know I’m not alone in sighing blissfully at the thought of flowing white dresses, bounteous flowers, and promises of forever.
In my first published book, A Stray Drop of Blood, there is indeed a wedding in the middle of the book…but not exactly a huge celebration. It’s biblical, and I’m afraid Abigail didn’t have what we’d call a gown. But she would have worn a new linen garment and the ruby necklace her bridegroom gave her.
In Jewel of Persia, Kasia finds herself wed to the king of Persia. There was no formal wedding ceremony for a mere concubine–just a contract, the time of preparation, and then the night she was brought to him. But I have these lovely pictures of my cover model, so imagine her looking something like this as she gazes into the eyes of her beloved.
My next book was Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland. Set in 1784, the book begins with a betrothal on the rocks and takes the readers through Lark’s escape from the emotionally-withdrawn Emerson, to Annapolis, and eventually back to her home in Williamsburg. Lark’s wedding dress would have been a fine gown (not necessarily white), which she would have worn again after her wedding. Her family was well-to-do, so it would have been fine indeed. Perhaps like one of these. =)
Then we jump back a few years to Ring of Secrets. Winter Reeves was of strong Long Island stock, more comfortable in homespun than the fine silks her grandparents forced upon her. She does, however, keep a nice gown for her wedding–still, it would be something she would feel comfortable in. I’d loved to have seen her in one like this:
In Whispers from the Shadows, Gwyneth arrives in Maryland with only one trunk of dresses, and she hasn’t the time or inclination to shop for more. For her wedding, she would have chosen something directly from her wardrobe. Perhaps even this one. 😉
In book 3 of the Culper Ring Series, Marietta is widowed. For her first wedding, all the stops would have been pulled out. She was marrying one of the wealthiest men in Maryland, after all. So let’s imagine her simpering in a Victorian beauty like this:
My next one is back to the Regency, in England this time. Maybe, when it comes time for Arabelle to marry, she’ll choose something like this.
I hear my soon-to-be-the-bride friend has chosen a dress with lots of frill and pouf–and I can’t wait to see it!! I always thought I’d pick out a ball gown to get married in. But I opted for a more modern, strapless look for my wedding, something simple because I married my hubby at the beach.
And I love it still. =) What about you? I want to see your dream dresses too! Like…
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| Abbi Hart’s 50s-inspired dream dress |
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| Bookishqueen, perhaps something like this? |
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| Jennifer F. wants a corset-back, A-line dress. |
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| Ice-blue mermaid style for Salyna |
What did you always dream your wedding gown would look like?
If you’re married, what dress did you in fact choose?
Feel free to post links to pictures, and I’ll add them to the post!!
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by Roseanna White | Jul 23, 2013 | Uncategorized
Only 7 days left! Can you believe it? And two winners I’ve yet to post are:
Wendy Newcomb and Kathleen Belongia!
And this week, you’re entering for this beautiful set, as well as the daily drawing for Ring of Secrets.
Story Time Tuesday . . . Jasmine by April McGowan
Occasionally I like to talk to y’all about books I’ve edited, and today seemed like a fine time chat about our most recent fiction title, Jasmine. April McGowan is a talented writer who tells a story of a girl who ran away from a life that could have killed her, landed on the streets, but picked herself up. The book begins when Jazz gets the news that her mother has passed away, and she needs to return to her hometown for the first time in 15 years for the reading of the will.
She survived her past there–but can she face it now?
Let me tell you a bit about what drew me to this book to begin with. I was the acquiring editor for it at WhiteFire, and I was pulled in right away by April’s smooth, simple style of writing. The pages turn quickly in this book, so fluid and graceful is the voice. But the story–the story packs a punch. Jasmine is tough, hardened, jaded about some things in life…but she’s also a hero. She’s turned her life into something beautiful and useful, having earned her doctorate so she could counsel at-risk young women who are in situations much like the one she escaped. Abused, used, and neglected, these women all need to learn the same lessons Jazz did–that it won’t get better until they get out.
But Jasmine still has lessons to learn too, and traveling through them with her is poignant and real. When faced with the family she’d turned her back on–and the best (guy) friend who would give anything to be more than that to her–memories long suppressed come flooding back, and with them the weakness she hates in herself. But only in weakness can she see the strength of One greater than she.
This is a book that will touch you, move you, make you cheer. And maybe, just maybe, make you wonder what stories around you you’ve never seen…and what you can do to help them change.
April’s also partnering with her local women’s mission, directing readers and in-need women to them–I just love it when my authors put action to their passions!
And this being a WhiteFire book, that means that digital copies are cheap!! =) Check it out at Amazon or B&N, or pre-order your paperbacks now (Amazon). 😉
Now, an interesting quirk of Jasmine’s family is that her mom names all three kids after flowers. The brother is Sweet William (he goes by Bill now–I can’t understand why, LOL), Lily is her older sister, and then Jasmine herself.
So my question comes from that.
If you had to pick a new name based on a plant,
what would it be?
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by Roseanna White | Jul 22, 2013 | Giveaways and Contests, Word of the Week
Hope everyone had a great weekend! We participated in a fundraiser walk for some friends of our adopting from Ethiopia, watched Captain America, and did some much-needed straightening up around here. =) Two of those activities were much more fun than the other, LOL.
As a reminder, here’s this week’s bonus prize, in addition to a daily copy of Ring of Secrets! And if you haven’t watched my new video book trailer yet for Whispers from the Shadows, I added that to my left sidebar. It’s so much fun!
Now onward we go. =)
Word of the Week . . . Calm
Did you know that calm is related to heat? I sure didn’t! But our word calm comes from Old Spanish and Portugese calma, which meant “the heat of the day.” The time of day when everything came to stand-still, when work stopped so animals and people alike could find some shade and take a siesta. 😉 The Spanish in turn came from the Latin cauma, meaning “burning heat.”
So if your July is anything like mine, it’s been full of cauma to be sure–so a fine time to seek out some shade (or a pool) and enjoy some quiet and calm.
Your question of the day:
Which is your favorite season and why?
Mine is spring–love the new life, that brilliant green of fresh growth, and the moderate temperatures. Fall’s a close second…but it ends in winter, which is my least favorite, so… (And yet, yes, I named a character Winter, and I adore her. What can I say? LOL)
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by Roseanna White | Jul 21, 2013 | Uncategorized
Sorry this weekend’s posts have gone up a bit late–someone schedule them for the wrong time. Don’t know who that could be. 😉
Also a little behind on announcing winners! We have two winners of Ring of Secrets from Friday and Saturday:
Rachel Kasperson
Debra Dawn Smith
And the winner of last week’s Tea Light Garden is (drum roll, please):
Randi!
This week, not only are there daily drawings for Ring of Secrets, but also for this fun set! (Or something else from Victorian Trading Co of equal or lesser value.)
Weekends are just for fun, so without further ado, my question for you today:
What’s your favorite hobby?
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Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 
