Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Interview with Debut author Debbie Mitchell and giveaway of ebook devotional Pearls from the Sea


Pearls from the Sea: Hoist all sails, weigh anchor, and come aboard the tall ship, Pilgrimage, for the voyage of a lifetime! Spend 180 with Jesus at the helm while you navigate dangerous shoals, climb the rigging to the top yards, enjoy breathtaking horizons, suffer through the doldrums, battle fierce pirates, and endure violent storms! And all the while, getting to know the captain of your ship (and your soul) and learning to lean on Him.

Who is the captain of the Pilgrimage? He is the Son of God, and He wants to take you on a journey that will change your life, your heart, and your outlook. He wants to teach you how to navigate your ship in the dark, how to keep your sails full of Holy Spirit wind, how to endure the storms of life by His side, how to battle the enemy, and finally how to reach those glorious eternal shores where you will find rest for your soul.



Welcome Chaplain Debbie! We are so happy to have you here this week, and that you have agreed to share a bit about yourself.

Q: First of all—fudge brownies, strawberry shortcake, or celery sticks?  J

No contest, fudge brownies! Chocolate rules!

Q: When did you first know you were a writer?

I'm still not convinced that I am a writer. My devotions come from my heart and God has given me the words to say. I am currently working on something, not a novel, more of a 'how to' for grandmothers. Hey, you write what you know, right?

Q: How does history play into your writing?

Well, since the devotional deals with the Bible, I'd say that there is a lot of history. Some of the devotions touch on some of my own personal history, but mainly on Biblical people.

Q: If you could sit down and interview any person, fictitious or real from any time, who would that be and what is the first question you would ask?

Job, from the Bible. I would ask him how he was able to withstand all that he went through. The Book of Job is my favorite book in the Bible. No matter how bad I think my life is going, all I have to remember is one quote: 'Have you considered my servant Job?' Makes my troubles seem smaller and more endurable.

Q: Who have been your mentors, and how did they help you most?

Joanne Chapman. She made house visits when I homeschooled my three kids. She quickly became a part of the family. Even though the last child graduated from High School six years ago, Joanne still comes to visit when she can. Joanne was a valuable asset when it came to my teaching success. She walked me through any problems I had and encouraged any fears. She is a sweet, Christian lady who has never let me down.
Pastor Jim Wellsand. Pastor Jim was my pastor years ago...and I truly wish he was still my pastor today. Pastor Jim is the reason that I have read through the Bible almost 13 times. His sermons were always inspirational and uplifting, yet brutally honest sometimes. While I attended his church, I truly felt God's presence. He was always there for his congregation and always seemed to have a smile on his face. He is now blessing the lucky state of Hawaii.
MaryLu Tyndall. MaryLu has been such an inspiration to me. She has lifted me up when I was hurting and she constantly prays for me and my family. She makes me laugh and being on her Motley Crew has been so much fun and so rewarding. Through her writing, I have learned so much about God's faithfulness and about redemption. I am so grateful that she agreed to do this devotional with me. God has truly blessed me by putting MaryLu in my life.

Q:  What do you hope your readers will take away from your books?

From the beginning, I have always believed that MaryLu's posts on her blog should be put into a devotional. When she asked me to do it with her, I was so excited. It is my prayer that anyone who reads these devotions will be uplifted and blessed. We all have troubles in this life and these devotions show that the reader is not alone in his/her journey. 

Q: Do you have a question you would like our blog readers to answer?

Yes. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?


Here is my blogsite: http://redemptiondrawsnear.blogspot.com/     

 I would be happy to give away a copy of the ebook to one of your readers. 


Debbi Mitchell Bio: 
Debbie Mitchell has taught Sunday school for over 20 years. She is a firm believer in reading through the Bible each year and is working on her 13th time through. Keeping in the Word and teaching Sunday School has helped her to recognize and face the enemy. She lives in California with her husband Jack and their two dogs. She has one son, two daughters, two sons-in-law and has been blessed with grandchildren that truly make her days. 



31 comments:

  1. It's a pleasure to have you here today, Chaplain Debbie--this time as our featured writer. Welcome, and congratulations on your devotional!

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    1. Thank you so much for having me on here, Kathleen! I am still in that numb stage about being published..seems so surreal right now. I truly pray that this devotional touches the hearts of everyone who reads it. God bless you!

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  2. Fave verse? In quietness and trusting confidence you shall be saved..
    why? b/c it's proved to be a solid rock in many storms!
    please link thru blog name above or DM @_eHope TY

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    1. Isaiah 30:15 Great verse! I hope you are able to pick up a copy of my devotional and be blessed by it!

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  3. Hi Ladies!!! Great interview Kathleen and Debbie! I'm honored beyond measure that you included me in your mentor list. Not sure I've ever been anyone's mentor. My kids won't even listen to me! LOL
    But seriously, this devotion has been so much fun. Debbie says she's not a writer... but you'll see she has a real knack for making things simple, down to earth, and applicable to your life! She's a dear friend who also prays for me too. I thank God that He threw us together.

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    1. Hey MaryLu! Thank you for your kind words! God's hand has definitely been in this adventure. Praise His Holy Name!!! God bless you, my friend.

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    2. MaryLu, you are a mentor to many of us! Not only does Chaplain DEbbie feel that way, but I know Debbie Lynne feels that way, too, and so do I! You have been a patient and gracious teacher.
      And Debbie Mitchell, of COURSE you are a writer, dahling! You've co-authored a book with one of the industry's best!

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    3. That's so sweet of you to say, Kathleen.. thank you. :-)

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  4. Hey gals! This was a wonderful interview! I really enjoyed reading more about Debbie and her new work with Cap'n Mary Lu...the devotional sounds very inspiring!

    My favorite Bible verse would have to be Psalm 145:3 "He healeth the broken in heart and binds up all their wounds." Everyone, myself included, has had their heart broken over something at least once in their lives, its so comforting to know that we have a promise that the Lord can and will heal the areas that hurt!

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    1. Great verse Lynn and I agree wholeheartedly with you! Every heart has been broken at least once. I pray that you will be able to get a copy of our devotional and that you will be blessed beyond measure!! Hugs!

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    2. Lynn, that scripture has been a balm to me on many occasions. Thank you for sharing it.

      I guess my favorite scripture would be "unto him who is able to do exceedlingly, abundantly above all we could ask or imagine according to his power that worketh in us, unto Him be all glory!" So cool how the Sovereign God of all the universe chooses to use us and allow His power to flow through us to accomplish His purposes. That gets me excited every time!

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    3. That is a good verse, too, Kathleen. My favorite verse has always been The Golden Rule, Do unto others as you would have others do unto you...words to live by. :)

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    4. Thank you Kathleen and Debbie!

      Kathleen, your verse is my sister's favorite too. She quotes it all the time! :-)

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  5. What exciting news.....Debbie, so proud of you. Feel I know you from MaryLu's blog! Can't wait to read your book!
    My favorite scripture is Psalm 73:26 God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
    When my husband had emergency heart bypass 2 yrs. ago, THAT was only scripture I could think of....I was in shock. I claimed it. Imagine my delight, when a few days later, the heart surgeon gave me his business card (for future appointment) and that very verse was printed on it! God is good!
    Jackie Smith
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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    1. Wow, Jackie, that is an amazing story! Praise God! I pray that your husband is doing great! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and God bless!

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    2. Jackie, that gave me chills--Holy Ghost goosebumps! I love our amazing God. And so happy to hear your husband came through surgery okay. Pray he is doing better.

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  6. Wonderful interview! I look forward to working my way through this devotional.
    'And my God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory' We have experienced this directly in the past year. PTL for friends who pray and for a God that answers!
    Betti
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You are such a great and encouraging lady, Betti! Hugs and God bless!

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    2. Nice of you to come by, Betti. Love that scripture. Amen--we've seen this come to pass many a time.
      Looking forward to reading this, too!

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  7. Kathleen , Debbie , and MaryLu Great review. I love these two ladies Debbie and MaryLu they have helped me and prayed for me a lot. I think this was a great thing they did together writing this book. I have not read it yet ,but I know it has got to be good. I would love to win this book and thanks for the review.
    Blessings,
    Liz
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Elizabeth, thank you for coming. What a wonderful testimony of these ladies' commitment to prayer and ministry. All the best!

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    2. Ahoy Liz!! Thanks for stopping by and for the sweet words. You have blessed me on many occasions, too! Hugs!!!

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  8. a wonderful posting...thanks for sharing. looking forward to reading this novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Karen, I am so happy that you are looking forward to reading me and MaryLu's devotional! God bless!

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    2. Thanks, Karen! Good luck and happy reading :)

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  9. Lovely interview and I cannot wait for the devotional! My favorite verse, which is written on my coffee mug, is: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." II Cor 12:9
    When I'm feeling down and that I cannot handle homeschooling my 4, I look at my coffee cup and see this!
    I love reading everyone's verses here. :)
    Susan P
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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    1. Susan, great verse! It would fit perfectly into some of our devotions. And may I say that you are a great mom for homeschooling your children. It is hard work, but very rewarding, for them and you. Hugs and God bless!

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    2. Susan, I didn't know you were a homeschooler. God bless you! And what a terrific verse. May He indeed strengthen us in our human frailties and in these perilous times.
      And how appropriate it is on a coffee cup. LOL I look to God and coffee to get me through all of my crises. :D

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  10. And the winner is Jackie Smith! Congratulations, Jackie. Random.org chose you as our winner this week of Chaplain Debbie and MaryLu's e-votional. I'll have Chaplain Debbie email you shortly.

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    1. Congrats Jackie!!!! May you truly be blessed by our devotional!

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