Interview With Annette O’Hare

Today we will be interviewing an up and coming author who I know you will want to read, well as soon as she’s published that is! Her name is Annette O’Hare. Annette hail’s from Deep South Texas, just north of Houston.

Interviewer: So tell me Annette, what are you working on right now?

Annette: Oh, so glad you asked! I’m currently working on a historical romance novel set during the Civil War.

Interviewer: Can you tell us a little bit about the book?

Annette: Of course. Main character, Margaret Logan’s fiancé is killed in the war. And to add to her misery she’s been uprooted from the magnificent city of New Orleans and moved to desolate Bolivar Point, Texas. Her father, a lighthouse keeper, is re-commissioned to man the Bolivar light only to find upon their arrival that the lighthouse has been completely dismantled because of the war.

Interviewer: Interesting. So where does the real conflict come in?

Annette: Well, the action starts when Margaret comes across a severely wounded Union soldier washed up at the bay. Because her fiancé died at the hands of the North, Margaret instantly hates this man. Much to her surprise, her parents insist on bringing him to their home to nurse him back to health.

Interviewer: Sounds Interesting! Did the book require much research?

Annette: Most people have no idea how much work goes into researching a historical novel. Fortunately I really love this part of the novel writing experience. I happen to have a connection to the lighthouse at Bolivar Point, a real place that’s featured in the book. You see, my great aunt was married to the man who bought the lighthouse at auction in 1947. One of the two houses adjacent to the lighthouse bears the name “Maxwell” which is my grandmother’s maiden name. I understand that a Maxwell currently lives in the house with his young wife. I would love to meet them.

Interviewer: Wow! That would be wonderful.

Annette: Yes, especially if I could hand them a signed copy of my book! Hi I’m your cousin. We’ve never met, but I would like to give you a copy of the novel I wrote about this lighthouse.

Interviewer: Hilarious! Well, Annette I’ve enjoyed our interview and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with me.

Annette:  And I thank you. I hope we can talk again soon so I can tell the readers about another book I have in the works for young adult readers called Puppy Ciao!

24 Hours On The Monitor



Murphy’s Law: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

“Mrs. O’Hare, I need you to wear a heart monitor, get a heart echo and undergo a stress test. Just as a precaution of course.”

Completely ignoring his last two recommendations I consider what he’d said. A heart monitor, that doesn’t sound so bad. “Okay, where do I get one?”

“Just go up front and the nurse will take care of everything.”

“Thank you doctor.” I approach the checkout desk where I’m unacknowledged. “Excuse me, I’m Mrs. O’Hare and I need to pick up my heart monitor.”

The nurse looks down her long pointed nose through half glasses at her computer, then at me and then back at the computer. “Let me see here. Mrs. O’Hare, yes…well it seems we just gave away the last monitor a few minutes ago. We can schedule you to come in and pick one up on Monday.”

“But it’s Wednesday! Don’t you have one coming in tomorrow, or even Friday?” Pointy nose glares at me over the half glasses and sets my appointment for Monday morning.

Monday morning rolls around and I shower before leaving to pick up the monitor. The phone rings. “Hello, Mrs. O’Hare, this is *Tina from *Dr. Spock’s office. I’m sorry, but we accidentally gave the last monitor away this morning.”

“What? I’ve been waiting since last Wednesday! Why wasn’t one set aside for me?”

“Like I said, I’m very sorry and there is no excuse. I can get you in tomorrow at 2:00.”

I was beginning to wonder if this was the stress test the doctor mentioned. The next day I was fitted with the monitor and told to push a button whenever I had any symptoms and record it on the journal I was given. Oh and by the way Tina, thanks for leaving the lead wires in a bird’s nest knot. I’ve always wanted to look like I have an alien under my shirt!

It annoyed me that I had to park at least three-quarter miles away from the doctor’s office, but it never occurred to me that I would be walking back the distance wearing a heart monitor. The jog back to my car left me huffing and puffing and my heart racing a bit. I push the button and record it in the journal.

Arriving home I let Max the beast-dog out to play. His new favorite toy is an old chewed up Frisbee. His favorite game to play with the Frisbee is to put it in the flowerbed upside down and then dig it out. I went outside to check on him to find that he’d dug up the entire bed…onto the front porch. As I swept away the loads of soil from my front stoop let’s just say I had another cardiac episode. I push the button and record it in the journal.

Later that day I picked my son up from school…all is good…nothing to push or record. Until, that is, we decided to go outside and enjoy the gorgeous southeast Texas weather we’ve been blessed with over the past few weeks. As the kids and I stroll around to the backyard, Max the beast-dog hones in on a small woodland creature with the gall to traipse into his yard. Like a round shot from a small caliber weapon, Max takes out after the trespasser. Halfway to his destination, Max falls to the ground and yelps as if he’s suffered a mortal wound. My son would later liken it to the sound of an elk during the rut. As a result my daughter and I take off in a full out run to check on the smallest member of the family. My mind goes straight to a compound fracture and my heart goes into another cardiac episode. I push the button and record it in the journal.

Did I mention my husband has been out of town for two weeks and my two children have taken up residence in my bedroom? Later that night, while sleeping with my daughter in my bed and my son on the floor at the foot of the bed, I find myself with no covers, hmmm. The chills set in as the subsequent nightmares ensue. I don’t quite remember the dream, but it had something to do with a dog and two children holding the strings of a redheaded, middle-aged marionette. I woke up shivering, my heart racing and pounding out of my chest. I push the button and record it in the journal.

At six o’clock…a.m. my daughter woke me to say that we didn’t have any water. I had forgotten to turn on the pump. When we run out of water the pipes start gurgling and burgling until they fill back up with water. After my daughter’s shower I went into the bathroom to get cleaned up. I turned to get a towel from the cabinet when the toilet decided to BURP, sending water flying through the air. I have to admit my heart jumped inside my throat. I pushed the button…but I refuse to record in the journal that my toilet scared me so bad that I had a cardiac episode!

And that concluded my 24 hours on the monitor. I can hardly wait to see how the stress test goes!

*Names changed to protect the innocent

A Letter To A Friend

My Dear Friend,

I don’t know why it sometimes takes a tragedy to express what needs to be said. But unfortunately that’s the way it is. What hampers us from conveying the most important thing anyone ever needs to hear? Are we selfish? Is it such a hard subject to share? So what is our excuse? There is none…so here goes.

The truth is, my friend, you’re dying and quickly on your way to hell. Not because of the terrible thing that has crept into your life, but because everyone who lives is at some stage of death. I’m dying, you’re dying, we are all dying and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Yes, death is inevitable. But does a soul really die? No, a soul continues to live throughout all eternity. The question is…where will your soul spend eternity, heaven or hell? Is the choice really that hard?

So you think you’re already going to heaven. What if you died today and met God face to face and He asked you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would your answer be? I’m a good person. I help people. I go to church and I don’t really sin that much.

A recent survey shows over 94 percent of people believe in God and 89 percent of people believe in heaven, and 75 percent of those people think they will get to heaven. Few people, however, actually know how to get to heaven.

How do I get to heaven, you ask? Well I’m glad you asked, my friend, because I’m going to show you what the Bible says. It’s all a matter of FAITH. Each letter in the word FAITH stands for a different word.

F is for FORGIVENESS – Everyone needs God’s forgiveness. Why?

Romans 3:23 says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

We must realize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. We aren’t worthy of God’s grace.

A is for AVAILABLE – God’s forgiveness is available for all. How?

John 3:16 says “God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Yes, God’s forgiveness is available to all, but it’s not automatic. Why?

Matthew 7:21 says “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”  So why isn’t forgiveness automatic?

I is for IMPOSSIBLE – The Bible says it is impossible to get to heaven on our own. Why?

Ephesians 2:8 says “By GRACE you are saved through FAITH, and this is not from yourselves; it is the (free) GIFT from God.” So how can a sinful person have eternal life and enter heaven?

T is for TURN – Turn means to repent-change directions. Turn away from what; sin and self. Why?

Luke 13:3 says “Unless you repent, you will all perish as well!”

So when you turn AWAY from sin and self, you must turn TO Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” So…how do we do this thing?

Romans 10:9-10 says “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.”

What happens if a person repents of their sins and confesses Jesus Christ?

H is for HEAVEN – A place where we can live forever with God. How?

John 14:3 Jesus says “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you can be also.” Eternal life begins with Jesus.

How can this be possible? How can I have God’s forgiveness, eternal life, and go to heaven? It starts with a simple prayer like this one.

Father, I know that I’m a sinner and that my sins have separated me from You. I ask You to forgive me of my sins. I want to turn away from my past life and turn toward You. Please help me to avoid sinning again. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was raised from the dead, is alive and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me to obey You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Friend, if you do this easy thing you can have assurance of an abundant life here on earth with Jesus in charge of your life and the guarantee that you have a place saved for you in heaven. If you prayed the prayer, then welcome, you are a new member of Christ’s family. Then go tell somebody about it. They will be happy you did. I know I am.

Your friend,

Annette O’Hare

Rooms by James L. Rubart

Author, James L. Rubart weaves a tale of self-discovery and reconnection with God in his best selling novel, Rooms. Here’s how Rubart introduces the book on his website.

On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out.

Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. And after meeting Sarah Sabin at a nearby ice cream shop, he has two reasons to visit the beach every weekend.

When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like
the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way.

But as he slowly discovers, the home isn't just spiritual, it's a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah's darkest wounds and lead him into an astonishing new destiny.

I first heard about Rooms from my mother-in-law who downloaded a free copy of the book on her Kindle. She raved about it so much that I decided it would be my first purchase when I received by nookcolor for Christmas. I had high expectations for the book and I was pleasantly surprised.

Rooms’ cover reminded me of another book I’d read, House by Ted Deckker and Frank Peretti. I admit I was afraid Rubart’s book would be a creepy House clone, but thankfully it was nothing like it. If you couldn’t tell I was extremely creped out by House and felt a little like I needed therapy after I read it. Just kidding, but it was creepy!

I highly recommend you download a copy of Rooms to your Kindle, nook or iPad…you won’t regret it. Or if you have not been blessed with an e-reader then get in your car, burn some fossil fuel and kill a couple trees so you can purchase a hardcopy of the book—at a distinctly higher price I might add. You won’t be sorry you did. By the way…just kidding about the tree-hugger shtick.

FOR THIS I AM DEEPLY SADDENED

This statement gave me great joy…

“I saw, in one enduring moment, that the God who could make the Double Helix and the snow flake, the God who could make the Black holes in space, and the lilies of the field, could do absolutely anything and must know everything --- even why good people suffer, why genocide and war plague our planet, and why Christians have lost, in America and in other lands, so much credibility as people who know how to love.” Anne Rice

And the Bible says:

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good...” Genesis 1:31

This statement made me very, very sad…

"I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being 'Christian' or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to 'belong' to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else.” Anne Rice

And the Bible says:

“Then they asked Him, ‘Where is your father?’ You do not know me or my Father, Jesus replied. If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” John 8:19

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in Your name drive out demons and in Your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23

For this I am deeply saddened.

Imagine

 

Thirty years ago this week, John Lennon was murdered in front of his New York City apartment. Even after thirty long years, his death is still commemorated on the media and across the globe.

NBC’s The Today Show reported on an auction at Juliene’s Auction House that brought in $240,000 for the jacket worn by Lennon on the Sgt. Pepper album. In addition, a red sweater worn by Elvis went for $90,000 and one of Michael Jackson’s famous gloves sold for $330,000!

It amazes me what the world values and counts worthy to memorialize. People who survived the sixty’s remember Lennon’s death with great reverence. Scads of women over the age of fifty swoon with grief upon remembering Elvis’ 1977 death. Eighty’s and ninety’s pop fans are still grieving the death of M.J.

I wonder…what would Jesus’ tunic get at auction? Would the original manger take in a cool million dollars?

Unfortunately, Elvis, The King of Rock And Roll is dead. M.J. The King of Pop is dead. And Lennon, famous for touting peace in an un-peaceful world is still dead and in the grave.

Imagine what the world would be like if everyone put as much loyalty on Jesus Christ as on the kings of this world. Makes me glad I’ve placed my allegiance with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Yes, He died and went to the grave, but He didn’t stay there. So this Christmas season, remember the One who made the lame to walk and the blind to see and still has the ability to save lost souls. My Savior lives and will reign forever!

Rudolph And The Great Affliction

 

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the classic 1964 film, has been a staple in our household and previously

in my parent’s household since…well probably since 1964. I know I must have seen the film a minimum of

forty times, but for some reason, I never noticed how incredibly mean-spirited the characters are. 

The painful dialogue begins with Rudolph’s own father. His mom is willing to overlook the situation, but not

Donner. Literally, as soon as the fawn is born, with his “affliction,” his father goes on the attack.

Mrs. Donner: We’ll simply have to overlook it.

Donner: How can you overlook that? His beak blinks like a blinking beacon!

What can be said but, appalling. Shortly thereafter, Santa arrives on the scene. And if I dare say so myself,

Santa’s performance definitely earns him a spot on the naughty list. The way he treats this poor, suffering animal makes me understand why Michael Vick turned out the way he did. Upon seeing the so called “blinking beacon,” the conversation goes something like this.

Santa: Great bouncing icebergs!

Donner: Now I’m sure it will stop as soon as he grows up, Santa.

Santa: Well let’s hope so if he wants to make the sleigh team someday.

There it is folks…discrimination. And who is in total agreement with Santa, Donner of course. And to

perpetuate the problem the abusive Donner decides to hide his son’s handicap.

Donner: Oh Santa’s right, he’ll never make the sleigh team. I’ve got it, we’ll hide Rudolph’s nose.

Rudolph pleads with his father not to hide his nose, but to no avail, Donner has his way.

Donner: Alright, son, try it on.

Rudolph: I don’t want to, Daddy. I don’t like it.

Donner: You’ll like it and wear it!

Rudolph: But Daddy, it’s not very comfortable!

Donner: There are more important things than comfort: self respect! Santa can’t object to you now.

With the makeshift nose cover in place, Rudolph meets with other young reindeer at flying lessons.

He meets a nice girl named Clarice. Upon learning that Clarice thinks him cute, Rudolph leaps for joy,

flying across the screen! The nose cover Donner made for him accidentally falls off and his glowing red

nose is exposed to everyone. The following comments were made by bystanders.

Clarice’s Father: No daughter of mine will be seen with a red nosed reindeer!

Coach Comet: From now on, gang, we won’t let Rudolph join in any reindeer games.

Disheartened and depressed, Rudolph runs away to find his place in the world. A travesty has occurred

in Christmas Town.

What about you? Do you have an affliction that is affecting your life? Is it physical, mental? Are you sin-sick?

The Bible says: 

“I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.”

Psalm 31: 7-8

Don’t run away from what ails you. Take your affliction to the Great Physician. He is happy to help heal

whatever is wrong with you.

And please don’t get me started on the harsh treatment of poor ol’ Herbie, the elf that dreams of one day

becoming a dentist. That’s a whole other story.