Round Table Discussions

She moved deftly around her spacious kitchen like a graceful dancer. A small smile gracing her seasoned face. She was preparing tonight’s dinner. Although she lived alone she always cooked healthy servings. She never lacked company. Her children or grandchildren never failed to put in an attendance to her home. Some would stay over for several nights. She didn’t mind this; in fact she utterly adored it. It gave her a sense of purpose. It was rewarding to be able to feed and catch up on current events in the lives of her babies’.

She called them her round table discussions. There is something to be said about healthy food and good conversation; it’s rejuvenates the soul. She loved all her babies including their pet dogs and cats. They were a family. Family and faith was the foundation is stood on. Material things were fleeting.

“Hey Grandma,” The sound of her granddaughters’ voice made her pause. So begins the first round table discussion. She offered up a small prayer of guidance and continued to mead her sourdough home made bread. Behind her she heard her refrigerator door open and closing softly. But remained silence. When you lived as long as she had; you’re able to discern a person’s mood. Right now her grand was in a dour mood.

The octogenarian smiled knowingling; she began humming an old time tune under her breath, all the while kneading her dough. Veronica kissed her grandmother on the cheek. She snagged an apple from the fruit tray; and stood watching her grandmother perform her culinary magic in the kitchen.

“You’re making sourdough bread. Yummy, yummy my favorite.” Grandma looked up and smiled, still humming. Veronica watched her grandmother knead the dough into formation. Grandma made three short thick loaves; turning she placed them in the oven. She moved on to her next assignment of peeling white potatoes. She sat down with a heavy sigh. Veronica could hear the sound of her grandmother's bones popping in the spatial kitchen.

“I have got to lose me some weight. My knees aren’t like they use to be. I use to stand for hours on end with out feeling any type of aches.” Veronica silently seated herself next to her petite grandmother. Her granny was 125 pounds soaking and weight.

“You don’t need to lose any weight, granny. You’re perfect the way you are.” Granny eyed Veronica and smiled. Veronica silently joined her granny in peeling the white potatoes. The two working in comfortable silence. Veronica tilted her head, sighing loudly. Grandma lifted one eye brow but remained silent. It wasn’t long before Veronica finally spoke.

Swallowing hard Veronica raked a hand through her hair in frustration. “Grandma, I have been feeling funny lately. I can not describe how I feel exactly.” She said absently. “I wake up in the morning with this feeling and lie down at night with this feeling.” Her large doe eyes filled with tears. “I feel nasty on the inside.”

Grandma’s heart stilled for several seconds. Veronica’s choice words were forming many scenarios in her mind. Experience taught her to never jump to conclusions. Patience was not born or inherited. It was a disciplined act, one must work at it. So she waited and was soon rewarded for her patience.

Veronica stirred, pushing at the many micro braids. She closed her eyes trying to formulate the words in her heart. Tears began coursing down her cheeks.

“I need help. I can not think straight. It is a chore for me to get up in the morning. Of late I have been asking why I am here. What is the purpose of my existence? I feel nasty on the inside.” Veronica shook her head pointing at her heart.

Grandma continued to hum softly. “Something is out of order, little angel of the field,” Grandma never looked up. She continued peeling the layers off the potatoes.

Veronica rested her forehead on the table. “I know. I feel there is something I should be doing, but I don’t know what. It is as if life is passing me by.” She closed her eyes and swallowed. She felt lost and confused. “Grandma, I am 29 years old. I had--have so many goals and it seems that none of them has come to fruition. The more I try the more, I get knocked down. It is too much.”

“You see human beings are design rather uniquely and if something on the inside is out of order it throws us all off track.” Grandma arrested Veronica’s eyes. “You got to get to root cause of the matter. That requires dealing with our situations.” Grandma paused. “The good and the bad ones,” The potatoes were now peeled. Grandma began to cut them up into small chunks.

“I don’t feel like I am good enough, granny. I want this nasty feeling to go away. It clings to me like a spiders clings to its web. What do I do?”

Veronica leaned in close anxious to hear her granny’s sage advice. Her grandmother flashed a smile at her. “We have layers in our lives that need peeling away. Hurt, rejections fear and doubts make for a nasty recipe. Nasty. There is a root to everything. We need to get to it. The good water it. The bad. Get rid of it.” Veronica averted her eyes some how feeling chastised. She wasn’t ready to deal with her issue. It was too painful. She was tired of the nastiness. She wanted to feel like she belonged. She wanted to live not exist. In her mind she knew her granny was right. It was her heart that was rebelling as she’d been hurt too many times.

“It is a nasty feeling being weighted down by negative things. You know what the sad thing about it is?” Grandma scoffed, hitting the table hard with one hand. “We don’t have to keep that nasty feeling. Baby, happiness is a choice we make. You just have to make hot pursuit. Go after it.” Grandma began to pick up speed as peeled the potatoes. “If you want something bad enough you go after it. No pain no gain. Failure is nasty. Doubt is nasty. Confusion is nasty. All those layers must be peeled away. No one and nothing has the power to make you feel…nasty.” Her grandmother smiled stood up placing the potato chunks into the boiling water.

“I have been making meals for many years now. I know the process each meal goes through. If I deviate from the ingredients, I know the outcome will be different. Creation takes a plan and processing. The process is well worth the end results.” She went to the oven and pulled out the sourdough bread.” The three loaves where perfectly golden brown, the smell aromatic.

“You’re feeling the heat now Veronica. You have the ingredients to be successful. Faith and family. Prepare your master piece. If it is ruined try it again, until it comes out just right.”

Veronica stood up and hugged her granny. “Thank you, grandma. I know what you’re telling me. I am sorry, I can’t stay for dinner I have something-- I need to get started on.” She broke off a huge chunk of sourdough bread, smiling at her granny she turned and left.”

“I have a feeling everything is going to be all right.” Granny started humming again. “Hey, grandma.” The voice sounded weak. She didn’t turn around. It was her grandson Oscar. From the sound of things, he was in a bad way. She smiled offering up a prayer of thanksgiving. It was good to be needed.

Copyright © 2004
The information on this page may not be reproduced or republished on another webpage or website.

Art work is courtesy of WAK

http://www.wak-art.com

God knows my name and He knows yours, too!

Suddenly, she was hit hard. The unexpected impact sent her sprawling to her knees. She could hear the sound of the rain pelting against the large window. It was all a strange phenomenon, to her. Dark billowy clouds had gathered hovering and intimidating. It was a remarkable sight. The howling winds were a frightening thing to hear, the ominous sound causing chills to dance over the lone woman’s slight frame.

The forcefulness of the blow was numbing. There on her knees, stunned with disbelief, she watched the hands of time move. The clock on the mantle revealed that only minutes had passed. To her the moments seemed an eternity; hurt can make you feel that way. Hurt painful claws were fiercely embe dded in her, refusing her release. The pain was enough to cause a normal person to lose their insanity.

A glance around the room revealed nothing had changes. Her bed nicely made up, her mass of pillows was still in order. Her Bible was on the right side of her nightstand. Her slippers were by her armoire. Nothing had changed. Yet, for her everything had changed in a moment’s time. She could not breathe. She felt as though she were in a movie; cast in the wrong role. Enough! Deciding that she would no longer play role of the helpless victim, she raised her chin. It was time for a change, yet she needed answers. What was the right answer? What do I do? How could this happen?

Her kneeled position would be the beginning of her transition. For it was there on her knees, she began to pray. Normally words would fail her, (hurt can do that to a person) today was different. She encompassed with words begging for release and she obliged them with out restriction. With the winds howling ferociously and the rain continuing to fall, still on her knees, her words flowed, as did her tears. It was ugly but necessary. She was in the right position, there on my knees. However, the unction to get lower was strong. You see, some people have to dig a little deeper, stretch a little wider than others do.

Stretching out on her stomach, the words continued to flow. Startled, she looked around the room in question; for a brief moment, she thought she heard the faint call of her name. There in her humbled prayer position, she made a self-conscious decision (and it was a decision) to be free.

Praying not out of defeat but belief, she fought past the pain and called God’s name. Time lapsed, how much she may never know, but what she did know is this--prayer works.

She prayed in the storm and God guided her through it. She prayed the necessary prayer of the ugly and God made her feel like new. This was the process: I prayed, believed, and received. Then she got up! Smiling, she dried her eyes assured that everything was going to be all right. As if consenting, in agreement, the rain had suddenly stopped and the wind had calmed. What a phenomenal display of authority! At this, she was reassured; that she is never forgotten nor forsaken. God knows her name and he knows yours, too!



Picture by WAK
http://www.wak-art.com/

Deliver Me From My Enemies, Author Sharon Oliver

INTRODUCING SHARON OLIVER!

Sharon Oliver is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and a former Systems Administrator for a federal agency. Aside from working on her fourth fiction book, a psychological thriller, she is also a freelance writer. The author focuses on penning Christian themed novels cloaked in mystery and humor. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her family.

Synopsis: Deliver Me From My Enemies

Charlotte Morley had assumed her Aunt Ramiyah’s motive for killing her husband was due to his being abusive. However, a series of letters from Ramiyah slowly reveal that the true motive springs deep from beneath the family tree. While trying to figure out what is really going on, a childhood friend comes to town with a few issues of his own.

V. Richardson: Hi Sharon! Thank you for chatting with me today!

S.Oliver: Thank you for having me.

V. Richardson: Your latest release is titled “Deliver Me from My Enemies.” What is the synopsis?

S.Oliver: This story is the sequel to “Keep Your Enemies Closer” and it picks ups a little from the cliffhanger, which is eventually revealed and another crises in the Morley family starts to brew. The protagonist, Charlotte Morley, is still in South Carolina and while there she starts to receive letters from her Aunt Ramiyah who is in jail for killing her husband. Everyone assumed the motive behind the murder was due to the humiliating swinging lifestyle introduced to Ramiyah by her husband. However, the straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a disturbing fact the husband revealed to Ramiyah about her own family.

In the meantime, a childhood friend of Charlotte’s is also in town with some issues of his own along with the same zany cast of characters who help provide some comic relief. The story is funny yet deals with some serious issues that we often sweep under the rug. Although it does not end in another cliffhanger, there is a surprise towards the end.

V. Richardson: What do you want readers to take away from this book?

S.Oliver: Hopefully, they will be entertained. For those who may be struggling with, is,(or has been) a victim of an issue mentioned in the book, it is my sincere desire that they are healed and set free.

V. Richardson: There is always a story behind the glory. How do/did you deal with rejection(s)?

S.Oliver: I’m laughing because I’m still dealing with rejections. God is helping me to develop a thick skin.

V. Richardson: How do you stay motivated as an author?

S.Oliver: When “stricken” with writer’s block, I just go with the non-flow and rest, but once a stream of ideas and/or words flow again then I’m good to go. Plus, praying for the motivation helps as well.

V. Richardson: Are there any forthcoming projects readers should be made aware of?

S.Oliver: Currently, I am working on a murder mystery series, the first which is set for release in February 2011. I love cozies. I’m also working on a psychological-thriller. Think Fatal Attraction meets Single Black Female.

V. Richardson: What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

S.Oliver: Do not give up. Keep plugging at it because God has a way of opening doors. Purchase a copy of the Writer’s Digest. It’s an author’s bible, sort to speak. And network with folk, research everything and market your product. The work does not end along with The End in your last chapter. Writing is only a part of the journey.

V. Richardson: How can readers contact you?

S.Oliver: Please visit my website, which is www.sharonoliver.net. My email address is located there. Also, readers can find me, Sharon Oliver, on Facebook.

V. Richardson: Sharon, thank you so very much for chatting with me. It is always delightful when connecting with you. As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire.

To request a review an interview and/or a book signing with the author:
Please Contact:
Progressive Book Marketing
P.O. Box 1271; Gaylord, MI 49734
800-806-1075 ext. 103
progressiveoa@gmail.com
Denise Glesser

Visit her website at http://www.sharonoliver.net/


REVIEWS FOR KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER
All of the characters in the book are three dimensional and very interesting, entertaining and complex. The theme of this book to me is the goodness of God and things we look at as a disaster God sees it as an opportunity to bless us. The theme is really intertwined in the book from beginning to end and there is never a time in this book where you are guessing about the theme.

Even though the theme is very familiar and traditional, I felt it was still entertaining with characters such as Timmi and Sista. The author's style of writing is simple, easy and humorous. She wrote the book so that if flowed quite effortlessly. Even through the twists and turns this book takes with her style of writing, she does not lose you. Yvonne, Women of Character Book Club - Orlando, Florida

Sharon Oliver's book, "Keep Your Enemies Closer," although labeled as Christian Fiction, is wonderfully believable as it weaves you into the story of "Charlotte," a Christian woman visiting her grandparents "down south." With Sharon Oliver's brilliant writing style, you will find yourself easily captivated by the endearing character's lives, with all of their colorful and complicated "quirks." Ms. Oliver weaves a storyline so suspenseful that you will actually catch yourself holding your breath, waiting for the turning of the next page. You will also find yourself laughing out loud at the delightful character, Ms. Sista.

The main character, Charlotte, gives us all a shining example of faith in action. Charlotte handles each complication that comes her way by seeking God first and so her own faith shines as a beacon to her friends, as well as family. The Light of the Low Country Magazine, Bamberg, SC.
Review from weRead.com
by Stephanie (weRead user published 2008-09-05 )

OMG! I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for the sequel. But seriously, the faith that is displayed in this book and the descriptions of the fruits of the Spirit are awesome. The book grabs your interest and holds it from cover to cover.
A reader from Virginia writes: I just finished the book and I am ready for the sequel. When will it be ready so I can see what will happen to Charlotte and the bad twin. It was so exciting that I couldn't put the book down. Please let me know and keep on writing.

Another reader from Texas writes: When is part 2 coming out? I just cannot wait to find out what happened...
www.myspace.com/Sidne-The Book Clubs Reviewer: The novel offers you characters that display humor, faith, struggles, a non-believer's perspective, deception and the character of Sista is someone you will find in your church. This novel is a wonderful Christian fiction read.

Through The Storm

What a glorious day it was going to be! I'd planned my day a week in advance. Another lesson learned: Life can become unexpectedly busy. Yet in somethings, there are no lesson to be learned. Sometimes, you just KNOW a thing. I know to appreciate the beauty; that life has to offer me. With this thought in mind. I smiled enjoying my day of repose. I inhaled the saltiness of the fresh air. It was 7:00am. The earth looked revived, in its morning glory. I was feeling a sense of completion.

The water looked inviting. Contentedly, I watched the waves bobbing up and down. The seagulls were calling out to each other in loud song. Their calling sound was comforting to hear. Sipping from my bottle of water, another smile escaped me. Then...I thought about yesterday. Another lesson learned: Somethings are just better left behind. My smile was replaced with a frown, as I was 'remembering' last night. I was in a storm-- and I shall never forget it. Ever.

This is how my story goes: I was driving down the highway, when I was soon caught up in an unexpected storm. I confess that there were some signs. The dark clouds looming above gave me warning that it was coming, the wind had begun to pick up speed sending the debri in a tailspin. I like so many others opted to ignore the signs. I didn't want to see or hear about any bad news. The meteorologist predicted it would be a sunny and mild day; and that was what I believed. This happy news prompted my decision to go to the beach! I packed my necessities (somethings are necessary when your life is orchestrated by God) and loaded up in my car. My Bible. Which is like my American Express card. I never leave home with out it. Be it in my heart or in my car. My Water. I often found myself becoming thirsty at the strangest of times. The sun was shinning and I was ready.

The heavens had suddenly opened releasing the rain fast and furiously. The forceful gale of wind was causing my car to shake. And my faith, too. The heavy rain was hitting hard against my window, the sounds was eerie. The silence in my car was deafening. I wish I had someone with me in my storm. I been her before: In a storm. Again, the rain making hard for me to see. My wipers were up to the max, yet seemed no match for fast falling rain. The weather was at odds with my vision. I saw myself luxuriating by the calm water and communing with God. Not struggling through the rain.

All I wanted was to reach my destination. Where the sun was shinning and water was calming. Yet, there I was driving in a storm. I felt all alone. Several times, I wanted to stop and pull over. Something deep inside told me to keep going. I pressed on. It seemed like this storm would never end. The question is/was: how long? became my song. It would had been alright if someone was on the road with me or in the car beside me. But it was just me. Or was it?The road seemed long and barren, not a single car could be seen. I thought am I the only crazy one? Again I thought all I wanted was a day in the sun. My teeth were chattering uncontrollably. I was cold with fear. I hated this feeling. My anxiousness was causing my throat to become dry. I rarefy for my bottled water and began to drink. I couldn't afford to dry up in the storm, I've come to far for that.

I looked down at my bible (and this wasn't happenstance) and was comforted. See, I wasn't alone. I remembered God's words...these are those that I hid in my heart: “...Peace! be still!” Luke 4:9. I quoted this. I believed this. I knew that I would make it through through the storm. I continued on,after awhile, the sun began to shine again. The wind began to calm and the rain ceased its descent. I had a peace within. I had weathered the storm! God's word was my guide. It is funny how after the rain, everything looks and feels new. I was destined to succeed and so are you!

Look Again.

Hurt and rejections can cause a person to think and see situations differently. This is certainly understandable. It becomes an issue when the rejections and hurt handicap you from believing in your goals and aspiration. It takes a certain kind of faith to rise above hurtful situations. In my book The Certain Ones I state that the certain ones will find the hidden path (when it looks like there are no answers) leading to success and happiness.
It is well know amongst my family that I absolutely love brain teasers and optical illusions images.

Take a look at the picture above. At a glance we see a couple embracing each other. The earth’s elements are at peace with each other. The couple is in a delicate situation as they have a want...or need depending on how you see it. They are longing for a child together. We do not exactly know of the couple’s situation. Maybe she has suffered several miscarriages and is afraid to try again, or maybe due to health reason she can not physically have a baby. Do they give up? No of course not. There will come a time in our lives that we will face difficult times. Do not focus on the bad yet try to see the good. Although this is difficult it is possible to do.

Let us look again at the situation. Look closer. Closer, closer....can you see the baby hidden in the background? There hidden in the branches and the tree’s is what they are longing for. A baby. Could it be that the couple is there because they've just received news that they are going to parents for the first time? Or perhaps they have just received news that the adoption process is final and they can finally take their child home tomorrow. You, see not every dark cloud means that it is going to rain…it just looks like it. You can be happy it is your choice and I do pray that you choose wisely. Life is a wonderful gift from God...enjoy it. Go ahead and look again.


Happy readings,
Vanessa

God knows my name and He knows yours, too.

Suddenly, she was hit hard. The unexpected impact sent her sprawling to her knees. She could hear the sound of the rain pelting against her large bedroom window. It was all a strange phenomenon, to her. Dark billowy clouds had gathered hovering and intimidating. It was a remarkable sight. The howling winds were a frightening thing to hear. The ominous sound causing chills to dance over the lone woman’s slight frame.The forcefulness of the blow was numbing. There on her knees she was stunned with disbelief.

She watched the hands of time move. The clock on the mantle revealed that only minutes had passed. To her the moments seemed an eternity; hurt can make time feel that way. Hurt painful claws were fiercely embedded in her, refusing her release. The pain was enough to cause a normal person to lose their sanity. A glance around the room revealed nothing had changes. Her bed was still nicely made up, her mass of pillows was still in order.

Her Bible was on the right side of her nightstand. Her slippers were by her armoire. Nothing had changed. Yet, for her everything had changed in a moment’s time. She could not breathe. She felt as though she were in a movie; cast in the wrong role. Enough! Deciding that she would no longer play role of the helpless victim, she raised her chin. It was time for a change, yet she needed answers. What was the right answer? What do I do? How could this happen? Her kneeled position would be the beginning of her transition.

For it was there on her knees, she began to pray. Normally words would fail her, (hurt can do that to a person) today was different. She encompassed with words begging for release and she obliged them with out restriction. With the winds howling ferociously and the rain continuing to fall, still on her knees, her words flowed, as did her tears. It was ugly but necessary. Yes, she was in the right position, there on her knees.

However, the unction to get lower was strong. You see, some people have to dig a little deeper, stretch a little wider than others do.Stretching out on her stomach, the words continued to flow. Suddenly, startled, she looked around the room in question; for a brief moment, she thought she heard the faint call of her name. There in her humbled prayer position, she made a self-conscious decision (and it was a decision) to be free. Praying not out of defeat but belief, she fought past the pain and called God’s name.

Time lapsed, how much she may never know, but what she did know is this--prayer works.She prayed in the storm and God guided her through it. She prayed the necessary prayer of the ugly and God made her feel like new. This was the process: I prayed, believed, and received. Renewed, she got up. Smiling, she dried her eyes assured that everything was going to be all right. As if consenting, in agreement, the rain had suddenly stopped and the wind had calmed. What a phenomenal display of authority! At this, she was reassured; that she is never forgotten nor forsaken, God knows her name and he knows yours, too!

Picture by WAK