Build My Life

Mar18

Last Saturday, I pulled into my garage and started crying… literally! Tears were streaming down my face as I was hit hard by a song on the radio. It wasn’t my first time hearing it, but this time, it hit me differently. Suddenly it became clear to me what I need to do. I marked that day in the sand—March 16, 2024. It will serve as my reminder of THE DAY I took God at his word concerning some things I had been praying about. It was also the day I decided this would be my very last blog post. More about that later…

As for the song, it was Build My Life by Pat Barrett. Below is a YouTube video with the lyrics so you can truly appreciate what the song says.

I know you can listen for yourself, so I will resist the urge to include the lyrics in this post. I’ll tell you my favorite part though, the chorus part that goes like this: “I will put my trust in YOU alone, and I will not be shaken.” The words are no revelation. I already knew that, but somehow when I heard the words being sung this time, it really sank in. I was overcome with emotions and knew it was time for me to seriously take God at his word and not be shaken.

My desire is to be a full-time author. Right now, I’m a full-time nurse case manager, and the storyteller inside me is competing for my time. She is losing the battle though. I know there is so much more that I need to do as an author, but time simply is not on my side. I’m not quitting my day job because I cannot afford to. However, as I work toward my goal, I know I have to invest more time and energy into writing and promoting my books. They say for an author, writing is the easy part. Marketing and promoting yourself and your books is the hard part. “They” are right!

This blog is not a time consumer. If you are a subscriber, you know I don’t make regular posts anyway. That is not why I am quitting. The main reason is because there seems to be no benefit of continuing. It’s cathartic for me because it’s an outlet for me to write ad hoc articles when something pops in my head. If you’re reading this, I would never know it because we don’t have a two-way-street. I honestly don’t know who reads my posts. I have failed at garnering any kind of active participation where readers actually leave comments. Unfortunately, I don’t watch my statistics enough to know what’s happening here, if anything.

So please accept my apologies as I throw in the towel as a blogger. Hopefully you have found some joy, encouragement, enlightenment, motivation, inspiration, and even entertainment of some sort here. If so, I encourage you to subscribe to my newsletter. I don’t want to be a passive writer who is not fully committed anymore. I’ve let go of the imposter syndrome feelings I’ve had for years. I’m not just trying to become a real author. I really am one already!

I am putting my trust in the Lord. As I set out on my new venture of truly pursuing my passion for writing, I will not be shaken by what I see or don’t see. I am on a mission to become a full-time author, publisher, marketer, promoter, and guest speaker. I will need to be all of those things because statistics are strongly against me. I am much more likely to fail or give up just like 99% of other aspiring authors.

Just know I did not set out for this final post to be depressing. I.AM.NOT.DEPRESSED. As a matter of fact, I am quite relieved to have both my confession and revelation in writing. I’m jumping for joy as evidenced by the video below which explains more about my newsletter.

If you’re reading this, please consider subscribing to my newsletter at this link: Books by Betty

My goal is to find readers and stay engaged with them. I want to be connected to people who are interested in reading my books. The newsletter will feature all sorts of things, including of course, the books from all 3 genres that I have discovered I have a passion for writing. More about that in the welcome email you’ll receive from me once you subscribe to the newsletter.

So for now, please know that I am not giving up. I simply see no reason to continue blogging. My journey has taken me down a different path in an attempt to attract people who want or actually need to read what I have to say. I will be writing more books than ever and releasing them much quicker than ever. It all changes now. Well, it all changed last Saturday. That was the day I took God at HIS word. I’m building my life as an author, not for vainglory, but to bring honor and glory to God.

I’ll leave you with my final picture. It’s featured at the bottom of every newsletter as a reminder to all who subscribe that I am literally jumping for joy that they are on this storytelling journey with me.

Signing off for the final time as a blogger. I hope to see you on the other side as a subscriber to my Books by Betty newsletter. I truly believe it will be worth your time.

Adam & Ava: Life Lessons From 6-Year-Old Twins

Feb19

It wasn’t a New Year’s Resolution, but I decided 2024 would be the year I focused on my new children’s book series. So much has happened since September 2, 2023, the day I had the very first inkling that I would consider writing a children’s book, (in the future) certainly not right then. I’ve probably slept less over the last 5 months than I ever have in my lifetime. I’m on a mission to save the children from the onslaught of negative messages screaming for their attention these days. I am determined to let my voice be heard while entertaining children with age appropriate stories both they and their parents will love.

I’ve already published the first book, Adam and Ava Trade Places, the second one will be published this spring, and it’s highly likely that 2 additional books will be released later this year. I have ideas for the first 7 books so far, and it’s getting harder and harder to contain these ideas in my head. There is so much I want to share, and so much I feel like the Lord is directing me to write. It’s been a fun and exciting period, but also a scary and intimidating whirlwind that I have no choice but to continue.

I won’t use this as a Dear Diary session to reflect on the past 5 months, but I am requesting that you check out my new website, Adam and Ava Books. (Details omitted here as I really want you to check out the website.)

For additional fun, check out the Facebook page I created, Adam & Ava: Life Lessons From 6-Year-Old Twins. Like and follow it to keep up with the twins shenanigans (as well as my own.)

Speaking of shenanigans, MINE specifically, here’s my unauthorized photo shoot at a local bookstore. I was afraid to ask the bookstore manager for permission, so I sneaked and did it after stalking the aisles for a safe place to “jump, jump” without being discovered.

I wish I could tell you all the plans I have for this book series, but I’ll spare you the details… for now. You can watch it all unfold on my website and Facebook page. (Links repeated here in case you missed them earlier… lol)

Come along on this journey with us and discover life lessons even adults need to ponder. (Yes, that’s me driving the car, but the twins are the bonafide heroes in these books. Jeter, my real-life grandpuppy, is there for guest appearances because he’s cute, and kids love puppies.)

Allow Me to Introduce You to My Twins!

Nov9

Okay, so let’s back up a bit. I was overly anxious to share a sneak peak at one of the pages in my new children’s book. Children’s book? Yes, I’m writing a series of children’s books. It’s a long story about how this came to be. Suffice it to say, DIVINE REVELATION.

Watch this book cover reveal of the first book which will be coming to you this December, Adam and Ava Trade Places.

Discovering life lessons through the eyes of six-year-old twins—Book 1

Book synopsis: Six-year-old Ava’s silly question to her twin brother reveals a not well thought out plan: “Adam, wouldn’t it be fun to trade places and trick Mommy?”

Come along for their adventures at school as they discover what can happen when a person pretends to be someone they are not. It’s a priceless lesson even adults need to ponder.

Below are the next 3 book titles in the series. These covers are just placeholders though. I will reveal the actual covers in 2024 before each book is released. Of course each cover will feature the bonafide stars and heroes of the book, Adam and Ava. Look for all 3 of these coming in 2024.

If you’d like to take a guess, leave a comment on this post with your ideas for what you think these titles will be about. If anyone comes remotely close to figuring out what any or all of them will be about, you’ll win a free copy of each book once they are released in 2024. Enter your best guess in the comments.

Oh, by the way, before I let you go. Watch this video. You will see a familiar face…

Yes, I have inserted myself into my children’s books. I am the twins’ mom. Just so you know, the main reason for that decision was to make in-person events more fun for my target audience. I will dress like the mom character whenever I visit schools, libraries, vendor fairs, or host book signings, etc. I think the children will relate to me on a more interactive basis if they see me “inside the book” and discover I am also the author as well. I’ve learned from researching children’s books that I need to really connect with my audience on their appropriate age level, so I took that very literally.

My parting words for this update is a sneak peak at the narrative for the animation that will be released soon. Yes, you guessed it. Not only have I hired an illustrator, but also an animator who is going to bring my twins to life. The animation will be a commercial introducing my new children’s books to the world. It will be released later this month. The narration below gives you a glimpse of my vision for the books. Just wait til you hear the narrator voiceover to accompany my “live” animation.

Come along for a playful journey as six-year-old twins, Adam and Ava Albright, unravel hot topics facing today’s young children. These inquisitive twins will discover valuable life lessons that will even serve parents well. Immerse yourself in their adventures with relatable illustrations that guide you toward solutions to every day challenges. These books are a fun and amusing way to capture the attention of children ages 3-8 while tackling issues even adults need to ponder—starting with Adam and Ava Trade Places, the first of many books featuring the adorable and innocent Albright twins.

p.s.

I have to give a shout out to my illustrator, Cassandra Harris. She has worked wonders to bring my twins to life. No children’s picture book is effective without the talented artwork of an illustrator who understands the author’s words and meaning of the story so precisely that they create pictures worth thousands of words. I call her my magician. We are on a mission to save the children!

King of the Crown Imperials: Inspired by the Story of Queen Esther (Where the Lilies Wander)

Sep23

I usually can’t find time to enjoy a good book because I am always working on my own book projects. However, I made time this time because I had an inkling this new book would be just that good, and it did not disappoint.

Today is official launch day for Joanna Alonzo’s new book, King of the Crown Imperials.

Here’s my 5-star book review:

“Serve the King of kings first and foremost; serve the kingdom next. You cannot fail.”

Insightful words spoken by an ailing King Edward to his once wayward son, Prince Philip, who was bracing himself for the impact of a kingdom thrust upon him during the threat of war with a neighboring island.

Rest assured this is not a typical fairy tale or typical Christian fiction for that matter. The two main characters, Prince Philip and his fake fiancé Vivienne, will tug at your heartstrings as you are immersed from the very beginning of this high stakes romance. I found myself so immersed in this story that I wished I had the time to sit all day and binge read from beginning to end.

Joanna Alonzo is a brilliant author who has weaved together an emotionally charged masterpiece inspired by the biblical story of Queen Esther. I couldn’t wait to turn the page to see what happened next. Throughout the drama, I had to remind myself that the emotions I was feeling were based on fictional characters. My mind knew that, but my heart had a hard time not being truly fixated on whether the story would have a happy ending. There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t know who to love, who to trust, who to pity, and yes—who to despise.

Suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue, the romance, the drama, the suspense, the powerful storytelling, and the truth hidden inside the pages. Although technically a work of fiction, we can all learn from this book and be inspired to serve God first and foremost. While Philip and Vivienne thought they came from vastly different backgrounds, they discovered, just as we all should, that humanity is interconnected regardless of where we come from or where we may try to hide. All is not fair in love and war, but if you trust God above all else, you cannot fail.

In other words, buy this book! My only regret is that it ended. I am now officially an addict and can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Follow Joanna Alonzo here on Instagram and take a sneak peak at one of the book’s videos below.

Love Broke Me

Jun4

When I was 14 years old, I told a boy “I Love You” because I thought I did. When I was 18, I told that same boy “I Love You,” but that time I knew I did. I remember it like yesterday, but it was exactly 40 years ago today, June 4, 1983.

Keep reading as I share the short story I wrote that revolves around this love affair. It’s part of an anthology I co-authored with 20 other women entitled The Breaking Point. My chapter is called LOVE BROKE ME, which starts with this quote from Mother Teresa.

We have not come into the world to be numbered; we have been created for a purpose; for great things; to love and be loved. ~Mother Teresa

Can loving and being loved actually cause a breaking point? I pondered that for quite some time as I contemplated what I deemed my undeserving place in this book. I wondered if I had truly experienced something so monumental that my life required a shocking reboot? It was only after I prayed about it that my answer was an outrageously loud affirmative. While it may not be the horrific or cataclysmic ordeal others have fought for dear life to overcome, you may be able to relate to my much more subtle, but no less powerful breaking point, which catapulted my life’s trajectory into places I never imagined.

My first breaking point actually occurred a week before high school graduation in the aftermath of a physical assault by a classmate. That near-death experience began with a skull fracture and ended with emergency surgery to remove an epidural hematoma (blood clot) on the brain of an eighteen-year-old.

That eighteen-year-old was William Collier. He was and still is the absolute love of my life. He is also my beloved husband of thirty-five years and counting. In my heart, I truly believe God saved his life back in May, 1983 because he was created just for me. He’s part of my story, and had he not gone through such a horrendous nightmare, we probably never would have gotten married. We fell in love as fourteen-year-olds in ninth grade. We also broke up in high school and would have gone our separate ways after graduation had God not allowed that dreadful misfortune to take place.

“I hope that boy don’t die.”

Those were the inadvertent words my mother spoke when she first heard the news about William’s assault that sent me spiraling out of control. We had grown so far apart that I didn’t even know what happened to him a week before our high school graduation. He was clinging to life when he was taken to the second emergency room after the first one (unknowingly) sent him home to die with an undiagnosed medical emergency. The blood clot was so severe that the brain surgeon was quite certain it would have killed him if he had not rushed him into the operating room to relieve the tremendous pressure building up on his brain.

Prior to that horrendous calamity, I didn’t think I loved him anymore even though he never stopped loving me in high school. However, the thought of losing him shattered my heart into a thousand little pieces. As I reflect on that awful period of our lives, I realize it was only by God’s grace and mercy that we were reunited on William’s “near-death” bed. I loved that eighteen-year-old boy more than I ever thought possible. Past disappointments and hurt feelings had to be put aside in order to receive the magnificent gift of his beautiful love for me. In turn, I could shower him with that same love.

Just as Mother Teresa said, we were created for a purpose, to love and be loved. The basic definition of love according to Merriam Webster is strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; attraction based on sexual desire; affection and tenderness felt by lovers; affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. While it seems humanly impossible to actually define what love is, there is one thing I know for sure. There is no greater gift than love.

If we never open our hearts and allow love to prevail, we would miss out on so many wonderful things in life. William and I were on the brink of giving up on each other when love essentially broke us all the way down to a place where eighteen-year-olds rarely go. We spent the two weeks he was in the hospital recovering after emergency surgery getting to know each other all over again while reflecting on what went wrong with our relationship in high school. I never expected to open my heart so wide and let him in, but I did . . . right there in his hospital room where he actually had to get out of his “sick bed” to comfort me as my tears flowed. 

June 4, 1983

I remember that day and the look on William’s face very well. He was recovering at home by then. It was the day my eighteen-year-old self told William “I LOVE YOU!” I knew when I said it that time that it was forever. I had said it before as far back as when I was fourteen. This time though, this time, I knew deep on the inside God had filled my heart with a love for William that would never die.

As insignificant as that may seem, whether you consciously choose to fall in love or it happens without you even realizing it, the main thing to realize is that it is indeed life’s greatest gift. Loving and being loved sometimes requires overcoming a vast array of feelings to get to the point that you allow yourself to feel that way and trust the love being given in return.

While the world may debate whether true love exists, I encourage you to open your heart and expect it instead of doubt it. I simply cannot imagine my life without love, without William, without our children, and without the family that we have been blessed to share together. There is an idiom that says “And they lived happily ever after.” By definition, an idiom is just an expression, a figure of speech. Love is not a fairy tale; but if you open your mind to the idea of happily living in love, you may just find yourself there.

Although I don’t have a dramatic story of how I nursed him back to health once he was discharged from the hospital, I must admit that I smiled every time I heard his father proclaim that I brought William back to life! We were only eighteen, so of course we certainly didn’t have all the answers and would have been quite naïve to think otherwise. However, not only did we trust each other, but we also trusted our love for each other. It was something we cherished back then and learned to never take for granted.

Do I wish everyone could marry their high school sweetheart and live happily ever after? Of course! I know that is not realistic though.

Can I give you advice or simple steps to follow to ensure you have a long, successful marriage? Of course not! That’s not realistic either.

But what I can do is encourage you to follow your heart. There is no magic formula for meeting the right person or finding the perfect match. We are all imperfect, and what works for one person or couple may not work for the other. William and I grew more in love as time went on. Sure, we had trials and tribulations along the way, but marriage means trusting each other through the good and bad because it is worth it. Communication and honesty are vital components in a relationship. If you can’t trust someone to hold your heart gently in their hands without breaking it, save your heart for someone else who will take incredibly good care of it.

I know people long for finding true love. We were blessed to find it while still in our teens. When I thought about my life without William in it, I knew that no matter what it took, I would love him through whatever may come our way. How could I not love this person that I truly believe God made just for me? I couldn’t reject my love for him or his love for me.

Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

That may very well be the best definition of love that I’ve ever heard. It may sound cliché, but think about it. If you put the other person’s feelings above your own, and in your heart commit to making that person happy, doesn’t that bring you happiness as well? I have discovered the more I try to make William happy and put him first, the happier I am because I love to see him happy.  

Let me conclude with this prayer for you.

Dear God,

May those reading this wholeheartedly accept the fact that you created them out of love. Show them that they were created for a great purpose—to love you and each other. Help them to understand your love for them on a deeper and more personal level so that they can learn to share that love with others. Open their hearts to receive natural and supernatural love. Bless them to fully expect to love and be loved.  

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Here we are, 40 years later, at our 40th class reunion last month.

Chapter 2 Began 40 Years Ago

May17

Exactly 40 years ago today was the beginning of Chapter 2, page 6 in my first book. It was the day 18-year old William Collier (my future husband) could have died. But GOD…

William survived the assault and had a life-saving craniotomy (brain surgery) the next day to remove an epidural hematoma (blood clot) that was 5 cm thick and 10 cm diameter. Picture that, y’all… It was huge! Life cannot exist if something that large is squishing your brain. Left untreated, death occurs. But GOD…

As Chapter 2 goes, my brother asked if we had heard about “that Collier boy who was hit upside the head” and was in the hospital. (No, I had not heard.) Then my mom crushed me with her first reaction, “I sure hope that boy don’t die.” The rest of the evening is pretty much a blur to me. For the first time in my 18-year old life, I experienced the devastating pain and agony of my heart shattering into pieces too small to ever put back together. But GOD…

This is only the beginning of our story. I walked across the stage on May 20, 1983 to receive my high school diploma. William was still lying in neuro-trauma ICU that same day, but he was doing much better and able to transfer to the regular neurosurgical floor. His life had been saved, and he was recovering with NO neurological deficits. He was discharged home on May 29, 1983, and his only medication was to prevent seizures. What started out as what should have been a celebratory week for a high school senior turned into something so catastrophic that it still gives me a headache when I think about it. (Yes, I have a headache now as I’m posting this, but I felt the need to reflect on this moment and testify about what happened 40 years ago.)

But GOD is so good, so faithful, so full of grace and mercy! William and I will celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary in August. We have been blessed beyond measure with a life full of love, 2 fabulously wonderful baby boys (now 24 and 28) who are extensions of our hearts, and a beautiful daughter-in-love who is the perfect addition to our family.

Our 40-year class reunion is Saturday (May 20, 2023) exactly 40 years to the date from when I walked across the stage while the absolute love of my life was lying in neuro-trauma ICU. Our class reunion is much more profound for me than the rest of my classmates. My life would have been catapulted into a totally different trajectory had God not saved William’s life that day.

QUESTION: Why do I write about this experience over and over again?

ANSWER: It’s my testimony. William doesn’t like talking about it, so I share this story on his behalf. We are overcomers by the words of our testimonies. (Revelation 12:11)

MORAL OF THE STORY: I hope others will hear this testimony and be encouraged to know what God did for us, he can do for you. Nothing is too hard for God. He is never too late to meet you at your point of need. He extends unmerited grace and mercy when we need it the most. After all, we all live inside testimonies meant to be shared to help encourage others. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Do you have a testimony you’d like to share to encourage others? Please leave it in the comment section.

I Received a Book Excellence Award!

Apr6

I am incredibly excited to announce that I have been recognized as a 2023 Book Excellence Award Finalist for my book, Dear John (The Birthday Gift—Book 2) in the Inspirational Category.

Out of thousands of books that were entered into the Book Excellence Awards competition, my book was selected for its high quality writing, design and overall market appeal. To view my award listing, you can visit Book Excellence Awards Honorees.

The book was released in December, 2022 and is a captivating story of grace, love, forgiveness, and redemption. If you have struggled with any of these, you will find answers embedded within the pages of this book. You can get a copy for yourself here on Amazon.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite
Betty Collier’s novel, Dear John, is the second book in The Birthday Gift series that reveals the everlasting power of God’s love and the message so aptly shared in scripture. The plot follows John’s journey to discover himself and find his way through faith. It’s a difficult journey, but one he must take. The plot is well developed, the descriptive narrative is aptly incorporated, and the dialogue is well constructed and believable. The story itself is a tapestry evolving from the heart of a seasoned storyteller. There is heartbreak, hope, and the promise of true forgiveness and love, all through the simple act of belief. The author is well versed in scripture and the choice of the main character’s name wasn’t without profound meaning and attachments. We all know the meaning of a ‘Dear John’ letter, one that will cast away the recipient, and those with faith are more than familiar with the quote from John, one of Jesus’s disciples. This compelling story will lead readers closer to their own sense of faith and acceptance. A deeply sentimental, engaging, and powerful story.

If you have already read Dear John, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. It helps build momentum for the book so that others can discover it more easily.

Can Walking Make a Difference?

Mar17

Yes! It most certainly can!

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of my book, SHOWgrins, I am proudly sponsoring the 2023 Sjögren’s National Virtual Walk being held on April 1st. Sjögren’s is pronounced SHOWgrins; hence the title of my book. (Click here to visit my website for more information about the book.)

Did you know that Sjögren’s is the second most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disease affecting roughly four million Americans, making it three times more common than lupus and multiple sclerosis? Despite its prevalence, it still remains relatively unknown.

According to Steven Taylor, Sjögren’s Foundation CEO in 2013: “This book will captivate you as you read the five inspirational stories of courage, determination and spirit from women who refuse to define themselves as only Sjögren’s patients. Join them on their journey of self-discovery as they reclaim their lives and find new purposes and meaning to how they can make a difference and be the women they always wanted to be.”

Pictured here with Betty are the Fab Five at the 2013 Sjögren’s National Patient Conference. From left to right: Cathy Taylor, Estrella Bibbey, Paula Beth Sosin, Betty, Lynn Petruzzi, and Judy Kang. A sold out crowd of 400+ attended the 2-day conference learning how to take control of their health from Sjögren’s healthcare experts. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase autographed copies of the book.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Bestselling award-winning author Betty Collier has intricately woven a beautiful, edifying and inspirational book that informs readers of Sjögren’s syndrome – its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, medication and treatment, complications, and other related information. Betty brings into the limelight the cases of Cathy Taylor, Estrella Bibbey, Judy Kang, Lynn Petruzzi, and Paula Beth Sosin. These five extraordinary women opened their hearts and shared their Sjögren’s stories with the world for everyone to understand more about this chronic illness to help increase awareness and expedite new diagnoses and treatment options. Through the heartwarming stories of these five women and the intimate details of their journeys, millions will be inspired, encouraged, and motivated to face the crossroads in their lives.

In honor of four of these remarkable women and in memory of Judy Kang, the one we lost too soon, I am lacing up my sneakers and walking to make a difference again this year. I participated in my first Sjögren’s Awareness Walk in Bethesda, MD during the 2013 National Patient Conference. That same year, I ran my first and only half-marathon with Team Sjögren’s in Nashville, TN, and then ran a 10K with Team Sjögren’s CA in the Santa Cruz to Capitola (CA) Wharf to Wharf Race. I fondly remember that life-changing year I became forever connected to Sjögren’s. Walking made a huge difference for me back then because I was walking/running with a purpose. I wanted to raise funds and increase awareness of this little known disease that affects millions of people, oftentimes silently because from the outside, most “don’t look sick.” Inside though, it’s often a battle as the body is attacking itself.

So to reiterate my own answer, YES, walking certainly can make a difference. It made a huge difference for me in 2013 and continues to make a significant difference in my life and the lives of others today. My SHOWgrins book made an impact then and still does to this very day. I am asking you to consider helping me make an even greater impact by supporting my fundraising efforts. All proceeds go directly to the Sjögren’s Foundation to help increase awareness, education and research of this chronic disease that has no cure.

For your donation of $25 or more, I will send you a free autographed copy of my book!

Click here to make a secure online donation directly to the Sjögren’s Foundation via my fundraising page.

Thoughts to Ponder:

“It’s not how much we give, but how much we put into giving.” — Mother Teresa

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” — Maya Angelou

“If you see someone without a smile today, give ‘em yours.” — Dolly Parton

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. — Deuteronomy 16:17

*** Do you have something that you are passionate about? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Dear John: This is why you need the eBook

Dec20

Wooo, hooo! Today is official launch day for my 8th book, Dear John (The Birthday Gift—Book 2).

Here’s the book trailer (aka my shameless plug) trying to convince you that you need to buy the eBook today for only .99¢! [You will see at the end of this post it’s not a shameless plug afterall.]

I even created a video last night showing you how “flexible” the eBook is, and why it’s better than the paperback in some regards. However, of course I’d like for you to purchase the paperback too when it is released later. For now though, Christmas is in 5 days. This eBook would make the perfect gift. You can purchase it from Amazon, and they will email the recipient directly with a link to download the book to any mobile device.

So for your viewing pleasure, watch the video below to see why a handy dandy eBook is what you need. Amazon says according to the word count, the average time to read this book is about 2.5 – 3 hours. You can download and read it before Christmas or gift it to someone else. Yes, I know most people don’t have leisure time during this very busy holiday season to read a book. But I must admit, if you give me a couple of minutes, I think you’ll be hooked and may even replace watching a Hallmark Christmas Movie with my book. (LOL)

There is convenience and beauty in having an electronic book instead of the paperback, not to mention it’s only .99¢.

Click the link below to go directly to the order page on Amazon. Buy it for yourself or gift it to someone else. It really is a gripping redemption story fueled by Grace which I believe has a message we all need to hear during these challenging times.

And lastly, here’s an official book review that gives you a better idea of what the book is about.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

Betty Collier’s novel, Dear John, is the second book in The Birthday Gift series that reveals the everlasting power of God’s love and the message so aptly shared in scripture. The plot follows John’s journey to discover himself and find his way through faith. It’s a difficult journey, but one he must take. The plot is well developed, the descriptive narrative is aptly incorporated, and the dialogue is well constructed and believable. The story itself is a tapestry evolving from the heart of a seasoned storyteller. There is heartbreak, hope, and the promise of true forgiveness and love, all through the simple act of belief. The author is well versed in scripture and the choice of the main character’s name wasn’t without profound meaning and attachments. We all know the meaning of a ‘Dear John’ letter, one that will cast away the recipient, and those with faith are more than familiar with the quote from John, one of Jesus’s disciples. This compelling story will lead readers closer to their own sense of faith and acceptance. A deeply sentimental, engaging, and powerful story.

Thank you for watching the videos and listening to my shameless plugs. To be honest, obviously it’s not about the money. I can’t get rich making .30¢ per eBook. I’m plugging Dear John because I sincerely believe it was inspired by God. It is a captivating story of grace, love, forgiveness, and redemption. If you have struggled with any of these, you will find answers embedded within the digital pages of this electronic book.

I appreciate you more than you know for taking the time to visit my blog today, especially if you read all the way to the bottom.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to one and all!

Merry Christmas From My Family to Yours

Dec14

In the busyness of the holiday season, let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas.

This is my family at Memphis Zoo Lights 2022. We started a new tradition recently of having a family Christmas outing every year (like those field trips my boys used to have in elementary school.) Then I use pictures from the field trip to create Christmas cards to send out to family and friends.

Family, fun, food… what can be better?

(Betty along with her husband, William, sons Jordan and Brandon, and daughter in love, McKenzie)

We’ve all heard the saying “Family is Everything”, and it really is. So take some time to reflect on what’s important in life. Make time for those closest to you and enjoy the merriment and wonder of the season. But most importantly, never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. His birth was part of God’s display of His love for us.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

God did indeed give us the greatest gift of all! #LOVE!

What traditions do you have with your family to celebrate the holidays? If you don’t carve out time to spend with loved ones, let me encourage you to try it. Family field trips are fun. Just look at all of us piled into one car on our way to Memphis Zoo Lights. And yes, I had my Motown Christmas CD playing in the car.