Songs that Inspire: Matthew West’s “Moved by Mercy”

September 30, 2013September 30, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

I’m inspired by many things in life that are touched by the Almighty. One such thing is music. Not all music. Just music inspired by God. And when I’m inspired by Him, He inspires me to write. I’d like to share some of these song with you in my “Songs that Inspire” series. Don’t you just love the word “inspire”?

The following is an amazing song by Matthew West. And as usual it was inspired by a true testimony. I want to share this song with you. First I’m sharing the story behind the song…

…and now the song itself.

I pray that this song strengthens those who are looking for comfort in a world empty to them.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

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Revising Woes for “Tanner Rose”

September 25, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

I’m in the midst of revising Freeing Tanner Rose. It’s not an easy process, as many of you writers out there know. It’s a matter of tearing out sections of a novel that you spent hours and hours writing.

It has to be done though. And much of what’s being removed is just not working to make the story the best it can be, and that’s the thought process I have to keep reverting back to. Some stuff is easy. Let’s be honest, it just filler, initially needed to create a bridge from one section of the story to another.

But some of the content destined for removal is pretty good, if I have to say so myself. In those cases, it’s too much to let go, so I take what’s not working for Tanner Rose and put it somewhere safe for another novel.

If you need a tip for this process…Just do it! Every word should count if you want to produce a meaningful novel.

Anyway, I’ll continue to tear poor Tanner Rose apart and hopefully get to the final revision soon. Here’s praying!

God bless and thanks for checking in. TMG

How hard do you find the revising process?

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Why I’m Inspired by “Duck Dynasty” and the Robertsons

August 18, 2013 / tmgaouette / 3 Comments

I’m not the only one who loves the reality show “Duck Dynasty” or the Robertson family. That’s pretty evident, since the fourth season episode drew in 11.8 million viewers. That’s the largest audience ever for a reality show on cable television.

I’m not a big fan of reality shows. Most of them are filled with inappropriate content and language, and founded upon superficial values. But “Duck Dynasty” is the complete opposite.

There are many reasons why the show is popular. The family members are real and honest and have a great sense of humor. Although they’re wealthy, they remain grounded and haven’t forgotten their roots. They refused to “tone down” Christian references on their show, even after the network requested it. But most of all, they’re not apologetic about being Christian. They’re very open about their love for Christ. And it’s an honest devotion, not manufactured for television or ratings. It’s evident that they love God and they want to share that and the Gospel with their audience! This is why I find the show and the family inspiring.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the show, here’s the sneak peak for season four:

The Robertson’s are God-loving people. Hollywood is full of characters who say they’re Christians, but their actions far from represent those claims. I believe that “Duck Dynasty” is so popular because finally we’ve been introduced to a family who live the Word.

The Robertsons are the kind of Christians I strive to portray in my novels -true Christians who live the Word. Martha and David and Eva from The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch are like the Robertsons. As is Gabriel in my upcoming novel, Freeing Tanner Rose. Their love for Christ is not just a hobby, it’s who they are. It’s natural. Scripture says you’re either with Christ or you’re against Him. And when you’re a Christian, there’s just no compromise.

“Duck Dynasty” and the Robertsons not only inspire my writing, but they inspire me to become a better Christian! What about you?

Friends, are you a fan of “Duck Dynasty”? Do the Robertson’s inspire you?

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Book Review: The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch -“I laughed, and I cried…very well written”

July 31, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is the story of ten children, ignored, abused, handed off to others to raise, and lost from their respective parents. They all end up placed in a foster home called Sunshine Ranch, owned by a Catholic couple, Martha and David Credence. Mr. Jones, lovingly called “Bones,” helps out the family and the farm.

The author describes each character with such love and truth that the reader comes to know them and love each of them. Benedict is the first of the children introduced, and the story follows his troubles from one home to another, and how he is able to deal with the pain of being rejected by his mother. Benedict doesn’t trust and he doesn’t believe in things getting better. He shows feelings of abandonment:

And on the wall above his head, hung a picture of the Virgin Mary cradling her baby Jesus. Benedict sat up and turned to get a better look at that picture. He wondered if his own mother, whoever she was, ever held him the same way. Yeah, right, he thought. A mother who held her baby that way would never let go.

Check Out My Posts at Project Inspired

June 10, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

Project Inspired is a busy place to be these days. Not just because of the many awesome posts to inspire young Christian girls, but also because of the many young girls that visit.

There’s so much to discuss, from fashion to natural beauty and Christian teaching to pop culture. If you haven’t checked it out, you should. That’s where I’ve been spending much of my time these days.

Check out some of my posts there!

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Have Some Catholics Really Evolved or Have They Just Turned Away From Christ?

May 22, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

I have a question! I was watching a news show not that long ago, and on it a woman stated confidently that Catholics are evolving. She said it in response to a news story about a homosexual college student who wanted to ban a Catholic church on campus because the priest did not support gay marriage.

“Catholics are evolving,” she said, and went on to suggest that priests and Catholic teaching should evolve also. Really?

So because Catholics are turning away from Catholic teaching, priests should also? And since Catholic doctrine is based on Christ’s teaching, should Christ evolve also? Instead of priests looking to Christ and people looking to priests, should priests learn Catholicism from people, and in turn Christ should just go with what Catholics are believing? Makes no sense to me!

So what’s the truth? Are Catholics really evolving, or are they turning away from Catholic teaching and taking on beliefs that don’t fit into Catholicism. Have they just turned away from Christ?

What do you think?

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Kermitt Gosnell Guilty! Does Case Reveals Truths About Abortion!

May 13, 2013 / tmgaouette / 1 Comment

fetus_in_womb_delightintruth

I believe in the protection of innocent life. In fact, I have a fictional pro-life story due out some time in the future. Because I feel so strongly about this, I wanted to discuss a huge case that ‘s currently underway.

If you’ve been following the Gosnell case closely, you’ll know that this so-called doctor was found guilty of 3 counts of murder. I advise researching the story for the details as they’re too gruesome for me to post here.

What I do want to discuss is the truth that has revealed itself in the story. One is that in many states abortion is legal up until 24 weeks. Can you imagine that? A child is fully formed at 24 weeks. You can feel the kick of a 24 week baby. You are 6 weeks pregnant at 24 weeks. You are heading into your 3rd trimester at 24 weeks gestation. I’m currently 24 weeks pregnant!

The other truth that this case reveals? If this man was found guilty of killing babies outside the womb that survived abortions, what’s the difference between a child in gestation at that same age? What makes them worthy of life outside the womb that doesn’t make them worthy inside? Gosnell was found guilty of murder for killing these babies, so why is not considered murder when a child is killed inside the womb?

What are your thoughts about this case?

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“Freeing Tanner Rose” Update: Jumping into Chapter One When Writing Fiction Novels

April 1, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

I’m reluctant to get into editing the “final” draft of Freeing Tanner Rose. Why? In contemplating it’s conclusion, I’ve realized that I have to introduce a new beginning. This may seem like a drastic change at such a late stage -and maybe there would have been a time when such a decision was unnerving, but it won’t be the first time.

When finalizing The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch I did the same thing. What was supposed to be the first chapter of that novel is now four pages into chapter 4. And I feel the story has been strengthened because of it.

If the idea of moving chapters around, changing the introduction or even changing the ending of the whole novel enters your mind, don’t brush it away. It’s tempting, I know, but the notion exists for a reason. Your reader has to jump into chapter one and not want to leave your story until it’s absolutely necessary. I’m not sure the first chapter of Freeing Tanner Rose achieves this.

If you decide to make a drastic change to your fiction novel at the last stage, remember to make sure that the change is reflected wherever necessary throughout the novel. To ensure this is the case, you’ll have to get a pair of fresh eyes to read the whole novel for you.

Sure, the change will likely knock you off schedule, but if your desire is to put out quality fiction, the wait will be worth it!

Good luck, God bless and wish me the same!

Ugh! Time to get to it.

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Where’s “Tanner Rose”?

March 4, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

Saving Tanner Rose-cover sneak peek

Yes! I promised that my next book, Freeing Tanner Rose would be published by the end of 2012. Well, it’s 2013 and it’s still not published! Why? Some of you may be wondering. Well, life and work have gotten in the way.

I do pray that some day my fiction will be my number one source of income, but until then, there’s freelance writing and blogging. One particular project that I’m blessed to be a part of is Project Inspired. It’s a Christian website for teen girls. You should check it out!

I’ve also been compelled to begin another novel. I have a tendency to write more than one at a time when fresh ideas excite and inspire!

Besides my work, I home-school the oldest of my 3 children, take care of the other two young ones (actually 3, since I have another one on the way). My husband and I are also welcoming 15 chicks and 2 doe-ling goats within the next few months, in an attempt to begin a mini-farm. We grow a large garden in the summer and are planning on canning. Our hope is to create a self-sufficient lifestyle, and in doing so, Tanner Rose has been placed on the side-lines.

It’s not that her story is not important. It really is. It’s worth telling and worth reading. And I plan on getting the novel completed soon. But I wanted to share the reasons why she’s been neglected.

Honestly, the separation has been a good one. While my life is hectic, all my other “to dos” have allowed me to step away so that I can have a fresh approach when I get back into it to complete the final draft.

I’ve not spent time with Tanner Rose, nor Gabriel for that matter, for a while, but neither have left my mind. I think of them daily, confirming the completion of their story and some of the details in between. I look forward to getting together with them soon.

Thank you for letting me share and God bless you all!

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Inspiration: Young Boy Proclaims Jesus Throughout the Bible- A Must See!

February 23, 2013 / tmgaouette / Leave a comment

Looking for a little inspiration? Check out this video. I posted it on Project Inspired also because I hope more people see it and find inspiration through this young man’s proclamation of Jesus Christ.

God bless you all!