WEEK 27: THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

Welcome to THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP!! Each week a new group of writers introduce themselves and tells you a little about their books. Check out past and previous posts and find some new books to enjoy–you might even discover the next big thing!

I’m excited to introduce you to my latest release!

1: What is the title of your book?

Heavenly Horse Sense: Inspirational Stories from Life in the Saddle

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

While horseback riding thousands of miles over craggy trails through the Rocky Mountains, I experienced first-hand the power and protection of God through my breath-taking (and hair-raising) encounters with everything from forest fires to grizzly bears.

In each experience I came away with a unique life lesson. I’ve corralled a collection of these Wild West adventures into this book.

Join me and witness God’s power through three miracles in the life of a foal named Rahab; see how you can accomplish the impossible through a stallion who overcomes insurmountable odds; and conquer the death-grip of fear over your life through Rebecca near-death experience.

3: What genre does your book fall under?

Nonfiction Devotional

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Tom Selleck would have to play me, because other than me, do you know of any other gals who would live in a tent and ride her horse around in the wilderness leading horse pack trips for 15 years?

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Saddle up and ride through the pages of Heavenly Horse Sense for an adventure of a lifetime.

6: Who is your publisher?

Harvest House Publishers

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

53 years, which is how long it took me to learn to write and to ride the wilderness

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

None, this is a cutting-edge family devotional that will keep your teens on the edge of their seat.

9: Who or What inspired you to write this book?

My desire to share life-lessons with people, combined with a couple nudges from God, led me to corral this collection of Authentic Wild West adventures.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Do you enjoy the wilderness? My readers say that they leave the hustle and bustle of the world behind and that they find themselves alongside me in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana, experiencing the sights, sounds, and adventures.

 I love keeping in touch with my readers. It’s be fun if you contacted me through my Website: http://RebeccaOndov.com and/or through Facebook.

Thank you for Hillari Delgado for including me in this blog hop. If you enjoy Regency romantic suspense, check out her new “Fatally Fun” novel Lavender Close.

Here’s the line-up for next week–for WEEK 28: THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP (December 30th). You’re going to enjoy these two authors and their books:

Barbara T. Marshall, who is the talk show host for the Barbara T. Marshall Show. She’s on a Mission to Help You Love Your Life! Described as energetic, dynamic, compelling and passionate with messages that reach right to the heart, Barbara has written Ransomed and its companion Study Guide, which helps women love themselves from the inside out. Find out more at http://www.loveyourlifeministries.org/

Linda Thomas, Who is an author of the Little Miss Frisky Children’s books. You can find out more at: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Miss-Frisky-Sister-ebook/dp/B00ACNA1U4

Join the Spring Fling!

This is so awesome—at the end of the month I’ll be doing a mailing to cowboy churches in the United States to let them know about my newly released devotional book “Heavenly Horse Sense”. I’ll be enclosing a coupon in the letter—and my publisher has offered to send a free copy to the first 50 cowboy churches that mail back the coupon to me. Wahoo! So if you attend a cowboy church or know of one that wants to be included, please email me this next week with the pastor’s name, church name and mailing address. You can get my email from my Website: http://rebeccaondov.com/Contact.html  Join in the spring fling by emailing me before April 28, 2012.

In the corral at home, Brian just tacked shoes on SkySong—1^st set this year—and I can’t wait to put some miles on. If I lived a bit further south…like in Naples, Florida, I would have loved to put some miles on with one of my readers, Linda Kay Thomas.

Talk about creative! Linda Kay Thomas sent in the photo on the right which I’ve featured as the new photo on the “Horsing Around with God” page of my Website. Linda Kay says, “Frisky and I are going for a Red Shoes Ministry prayer walk through our neighborhood. This ministry was created to attract our neighbors’ attention as we walk through our neighborhood praying for them (it was not originally intended to include horses, but when I found Frisky’s red boots I decided to paint my riding boots red too and take her with me). Frisky is the same horse I wrote my children’s story about, ‘Little Miss Frisky’ A Story About an Unwanted Pony.”

Do you have a photo you’d like to share on my Website of how you “Horse Around with God”? For more details, check it out: http://rebeccaondov.com/Horsing_Around_with_God.html

Until next time~~Happy Trails to you!

Rebecca Ondov

12 Pearls of Christmas–What’s the Best Thing About Christmas?

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.

~~~

What’s the best thing about Christmas?
by Maureen Lang

The answer to that question will undoubtedly be different depending on the age and the faith of the person being asked. Most children will say it’s all about the gifts. Adults, even if they secretly still enjoy the gifts, will probably strive to sound more mature and say the holiday is all about friends and family. Still others might say it’s about tradition, or memories or the music or even the special food we connect to this time of year. The scrooges among us might say this season is just another marketing gimmick, or materialism gone awry. The faithful will say it’s all about Jesus, a reminder of why He shed the glory of Heaven to step into human skin and frailty.

I’m not here to defend or attack any answer to this question, but rather to ponder those possible answers.

Gifts: They touch us in personal ways, as tangible evidence of someone else’s thought and affection. Even if we don’t get exactly what we hoped, there’s something to be said about the thought behind a gift being the important part. Why wouldn’t gifts be an important and valid part of this holiday in which we celebrate God’s gift of salvation?

Holiday Gatherings: Parties might be a lot of work, forcing some out of their comfort zone, but at the core they’re all about human connection. Isn’t that what most people want?

Traditions and memories: They remind us of the past, of who we are, with the hope that even as we look forward to an unknown future we still hold some things worthy enough to repeat every year. We might find ourselves letting go of some traditions, or we might want to start some new ones.

The music: This is the only time of the year when even secular radio stations welcome songs about a baby born in Bethlehem. As a nation we may be getting stringent about separation of church as state, but the lines blur just a bit with old favorites that reflect this season.

Scrooges: The holiday season is probably a time to endure rather than enjoy, but even the scroogiest-scrooge might admit the lights of the season are pretty to behold. They’re free to look at, after all.

As for the food, the busyness, the expense and all the other things that make up this season: keep in mind that it’s all temporary. This, too, shall pass. Until next year, of course.

I’ll leave you with this thought: we are all made in God’s image, whether we believe that or not. Part of that image is the ability to give—and to receive. So here’s my thought for the day: stop a moment and dwell on all the gifts of the season. From the little mementos that say we haven’t forgotten someone or been forgotten by others, to the costliest gift of all: what God did for us in the form of Christ. As you enjoy the sounds, the sights, the scents and the tastes of this season, may your only trouble be in choosing just one thing among so many best things about Christmas.

 ~~~

About Maureen: Maureen Lang is the author of ten books, her most recent from Tyndale House is The Great War Series which are full of romance, adventure and spiritual journeys. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their lovable Labrador Retriever.

For more information please visit Maureen at her website, www.maureenlang.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is   {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas–Wrapped in His Love

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.

~~~

Wrapped in His Love
by Rebecca Ondov

The temperature is below zero and dropping quickly—probably to -15 or lower. Old Man Winter gusted in a couple days ago, leaving cold temperatures and a foot of snow behind. Moments ago I bundled up in my long johns and Carhartts to go out and feed. Of course I had a warm horse blanket draped over my arm. When it’s below zero I wrap Czar in two horse blankets.

Czar nickered as soon as he saw me coming. When I buckled up the blankets, it was as if I was wrapping him in my love. He buried his head in my chest. I snuggled him and stroked his long red winter hair. I pulled a couple icicles out of his black mane as my mind drifted through memories.  I’d bought Czar when he was a month old; it was love at first sight.  After he was weaned from his mother, I brought him home.

Czar leaned into me, almost as if he was hugging me. I patted his neck, “That was thirty years ago, Czar. Can you believe it?”  Czar had been my main saddle horse when I worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. I’d ridden him over 20,000 miles. Together we’d faced grizzly bears, mudslides, forest fires, and even fallen off a cliff. He’d saved my life more than once. With my finger, I traced a couple gray hairs that dotted his forehead. “You’ve earned your blankets, buddy.”

The icy breeze nipped at my cheeks and I thought how much his blankets resemble God’s love for us. God was there when we were born—and He loved us at first sight. He’s faithfully been with us through every step of our lives—through every joy and sorrow. He’s cried with us and laughed with us. He cheered when we’ve overcome. Most of all, when I’ve gone through tough times, it’s been God’s love which wrapped itself around me like a shield and pulled me through.

I glanced around me. The snowflakes glistened in the sun. His love surrounded me: the wind whispering in the pines, the chickadee that serenaded me this morning, the gurgling creek that flowed through the pasture. And His greatest love is manifested in the prize of His creation –you and me, the ones created in His image.

This Christmas season, I’m praying that you feel the God of the universe—the one who hung the stars in place—wrapping His loving arms around you and holding you tight (two horse blankets worth). And I pray that all of us experience the love He’s given us in Jesus.

 ~~~

About Rebecca: Rebecca Ondov is the author of Horse Tales from Heaven: Reflections along the Trail with God and Horse Tales from Heaven: Gift Edition. She was a contributing author in several books including Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She lives in Western Montana with her family, horses, mules, barn cat, and golden retriever. By day she works for Fox Lumber, brokering lumber throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. By night she forges ahead with her mission, writing stories which equip Christians to lead extraordinary lives. Join her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn by going to her Website: www.RebeccaOndov.com 

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is   {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM} . The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas

May You be Wrapped in His Love

The temperature is below zero and dropping quickly—probably to -15 or lower. Old Man Winter gusted in a couple days ago, leaving cold temperatures and a foot of snow behind. Moments ago I bundled up in my long johns and Carhartts to go out and feed. Of course I had a warm horse blanket draped over my arm. When it’s below zero I wrap Czar in two horse blankets.

Czar nickered as soon as he saw me coming. When I buckled up the blankets, it was as if I was wrapping him in my love. He buried his head in my chest. I snuggled him and stroked his long red winter hair. I pulled a couple icicles out of his black mane as my mind drifted through memories.  I’d bought Czar when he was a month old; it was love at first sight.  After he was weaned from his mother, I brought him home.

Czar leaned into me, almost as if he was hugging me. I patted his neck, “That was thirty years ago, Czar. Can you believe it?”  Czar had been my main saddle horse when I worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. I’d ridden him over 20,000 miles. Together we’d faced grizzly bears, mudslides, forest fires, and even fallen off a cliff. He’d saved my life more than once. With my finger, I traced a couple gray hairs that dotted his forehead. “You’ve earned your blankets, buddy.”

The icy breeze nipped at my cheeks and I thought how much his blankets resemble God’s love for us. God was there when we were born—and He loved us at first sight. He’s faithfully been with us through every step of our lives—through every joy and sorrow. He’s cried with us and laughed with us. He cheered when we’ve overcome. Most of all, when I’ve gone through tough times, it’s been God’s love which wrapped itself around me like a shield and pulled me through.

I glanced around me. The snowflakes glistened in the sun. His love surrounded me: the wind whispering in the pines, the chickadee that serenaded me this morning, the gurgling creek that flowed through the pasture. And His greatest love is manifested in the prize of His creation –you and me, the ones created in His image.

 This Christmas season, I’m praying that you feel the God of the universe—the one who hung the stars in place—wrapping His loving arms around you and holding you tight (two horse blankets worth). And I pray that all of us experience the love He’s given us in Jesus.

Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas,

Rebecca

Stray Horse to be Auctioned

It’s a blustery Saturday morning in January and I just opened an email from a horse rescue group that tugged on my heart. It read:

URGENT!

“A gentle gray mare approximately 20 years old was picked up as a stray last week in Three Forks, Montana and will now be auctioned off on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at 12:00 pm.”

“A horse advocate can bid on her and pick her up, but this sweet mare needs a new forever home. (photo attached)”

I knew that because of the economy a lot of horse owners, who couldn’t afford to feed their stock, were turning them loose. My mind reeled ... If auctioned off; her prospects aren’t good as a 20 year old. She’ll probably be shipped to Canada and slaughtered. But my pasture is full. As I whispered a prayer, the Holy Spirit tugged on my heart and said, “There are people all around you who are lost and have no spiritual home; some have lost their jobs and have no physical home either. Feel compassion towards them, like you do towards this horse. Feed My sheep.”

Tears leaked out the corner of my eyes as I asked, “Lord, what does that look like?”

And He responded, “It might be as simple as a smile, or buying an elderly person’s groceries. Or it might be as complex as befriending a person who society has cast aside as a lost cause. I want you to shine My love into the world around you.”

So I’m taking up His challenge and going into “my world” and look for opportunities to touch people’s heart with a smile and whatever God leads me to do. And my parting words will be, “Jesus asked me to do this for you.”If every one of us does this, what would the world look like? Will you join me?

Rebecca

PS It’s Saturday at 1:39pm and I just heard that this horse was placed in a home–God is SOOO Awesome!

Happy New Year 2010

Happy New Year!

Wow–almost 2010! When I was a child I thought I’d be ancient in the year 2000. So what does that make me in 2010?

Will 2010 be Smooth Sailing? or Will We have an Adventure?

I sawa photo of a sailboat, peacefully bobbing in calm water, with the sails down, and wondered, What distant shores has it seen? Has it weathered storms? Been dashed against the rocks? Or been in a race? This next year will it continue to stay in the safety of the bay? It reminds me of our lives. Only we can decide to unfurl the sails and head out into the unknown. The sailing might be smooth, and that’d be delightful. But after a while the blue-sky, sunny days and flat horizon would become monotonous.

Have you ever noticed that most adventures don’t happen in the safety of the calm bay where the sailing is smooth? They’re out in the middle of the ocean with big black clouds billowing overhead and lightening striking all around you. Best of all, when you get back to shore you are revived. Adventures do something for our spirit. They add sparkle to our lives and put a spring into our step. Adventures sharpen our prayer lives and show us how big God really is.

So for this next year I pray that you unfurl your sails and launch out into the deep–for an adventure of a lifetime! May the Lord surround you with His blessings in 2010,

Rebecca

Come visit me on my Website for the latest exciting news!! Http://RebeccaOndov.com