The Christian Writers Market Guide 2009 (CWMG) is a great resource for aspiring authors and freelance writers.  It is an encyclopedia of helps to get published.  CWMG is broken down into sections that give you insight to publishing into many fields.

Book Publishers, Subsidy Publishers, Periodical Magazines, even a field for Greeting Cards and other specialty publishers.

The author Sally Stuart, lists each publisher in alphabetical order and gives insight into  what you can expect from that publisher.  Stuart gives contact information, types of manuscripts accepted, how many titles they publish a year and more.  One of my favorite things she reveals is how many first time authors are accepted.  This is beneficial to know for those trying to break into publishing because some publishers rarely accept first time authors.  Stuart also informs the reader how long the submission process takes for each publisher.

This resource is not for everyone, but for those interested in publishing their writing, this is an invaluable resource.  Every aspiring author must have a copy of this on their bookshelf.  Stuart’s book will save the author hours of frustration by helping them select the right publisher for their work.  Also, included is a CD-Rom with more helpful resources.

You can find a copy of this great writer’s guide at Christianbook.com

For the last couple of months I have been looking for Adam Clarke’s Commentaries in book form.  I have lost twice on eBay bids and I had given up.  Until today!  In the words of Gomer Pyle, “Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!” 

I had a mystery box in the mail today.  When I opened it up, there was a full set of Clarke’s Commentaries in almost mint condition.  God is an amazing God!  I have been wanting this 6 Volume Set for a long time, but they have been out of print. 

A friend of mine found them on eBay and sent them to me.  Thanks Wead!

When I was growing up I remember it was said that the postal service would deliver mail through rain, sleet and snow.  I always wondered if that was really true.  As we have been in the middle of this ice storm our mail has been delivered without fail.  The mailman has to walk in snow and ice to bring the mail.  God bless the mailman.

It is cold and many people are without power.  We have faired well.  We still have power at home and at the church.  There are alot of trees down in the area and it doesn’t look like it will get warmer until tomorrow.  This is the first time in my life to see this kind of weather.  It was beautiful this morning as the sun came out and lit up the snow.  Also, as a result of the weather we will not be having service tonight. 

When we moved in October, I noticed a major habit that I have formed.  I love books.  The more the better.  After unloading 13 boxes of books, Sonya challenged us to not buy any more books.  To me that is worse than fasting.  It is not that she is against reading, but that we no longer have any room for more books.  But I cannot live without books.  We go to the used book stores.  For relaxation I look at www.christianbook.comand dream of the next books I will buy.  My wish list on christianbook is 2 pages long.  I have been looking for used commentaries on eBay.  Is there any end to this habit?

But then I read a quote on the journey blog.  It helped relay my feelings about books.  It is an old quote from a 15th century scholar:

“When I have a little money, I buy books. If any is left over, I buy food and clothes.”  ~ Erasmus

This describes my condition in a nutshell!

We are in the middle of our first ice storm.  For a south Texan it is pretty cool to walk on slush.  The tree limbs are beginning to weigh down and icecycles are on everything.  We are praying we keep our power.  The disadvantage is I need to drive to the store but I am afraid to. 

Due to the icy weather our leadership meeting tonight will be cancelled.  We will let you know when we re-schedule it.  Stay inside, eat chocolate chip cookies and relax!