For you who are in and around Amarillo, Cheryl Brewer, FBC Amarillo librarian, and I will lead the study using the Bible and Dr. Robby Gallaty's The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi.

​We will meet:

• from 4:30 to 5:30 pm
• in room 102 on the first floor of Amarillo FBC (just under the church offices)
• for eight Sundays, from this Sunday, January 12, through Sunday, March 2. 

 The Forgotten Jesus will open your eyes to:

• the first-century world in which Jesus lived
• important Hebraic perspectives on the Messiah
• differences between the Western and Middle Eastern thoughts and actions.
• differences between our Bible, influenced by the Greeks and Romans, and the truth of Jesus and His people, the Jews
• essential connections between parts of the Bible that are often overlooked
• reasons that Jesus’s words on the cross had deeper meanings than we may realize.

"By uncovering the teaching of the first- and second-century rabbis and Christian theologians, and highlighting little-known Jewish idioms and traditions, Gallaty takes Christians on a biblical journey to rediscover a forgotten Jesus from a biblical perspective, deepening our relationship with God." — quoted from Amazon.com.

"The message of Jesus may be timeless. But his life, teachings, death, and resurrection were all time-stamped. They took place in the real word at a specific time and place. In The Forgotten Jesus, Robby Gallaty helps us better understand the long-forgotten culture and context of Jesus's life and ministry so that we may better grasp the timeless beauty and power of his gospel." — ​Larry Osborne, Pastor/Author, North Coast Church

The trip to Italy was amazing! My roommate was a sweet friend from Amarillo, and we joined a tour group that included people from California, Arizona, Minnesota, and West Virginia. The weather was perfect the entire eleven days that we were there. We flew into Venice and traveled by bus to Assisi, Florence, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Rome. All our flights were on schedule (basically) and our luggage traveled with us. No hiccups. It was great! If you want to see photos, I have narrowed my 700 shots to about 350 good ones. 

Christmas is just around the corner and music is in the air! I will play piano for some programs and sing in others. The children's choirs will sing at church and at Park Central Senior Adult facilities. The Sanctuary choir and orchestra of First Baptist Church in Amarillo will present our annual musical program. It is "Bright Angel Hosts," and takes place Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 pm and 7 pm, and Monday, Dec. 9 at 7 pm. The Amarillo Master Chorale with the Amarillo Symphony present our "Holiday Pops" on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. 

Cheryl Brewer, the church librarian, and I will lead a Bible Study on "The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi" by Robbie Gallaty. The eight-week study will begin Sunday, January 12, at 4:30 to 5:30 pm, in FBC room 101. If you do not yet have the book, be sure to contact the church office to order one for you. Of course, Amazon has the book, too.

Looking ahead, Amarillo Master Chorale will present Handel's complete Messiah with a small orchestra on the Saturday evening before Palm Sunday. That is April 12, 2025, at 7:30 pm. This will be a thrilling, meaningful experience. Fun, fun, fun!

Merry Christmas to one and all!​

Did I mention, last time, that my next book would need a great deal of research? So true! I continue researching and reading and learning and taking notes and writing and researching and rewriting because of the new information and learning and taking notes and ... Yes, this adventure is great fun like the Tilt-a-Whirl that I always loved was fun! What a literary adventure!

One of the books I read for research is The Forgotten Jesus by Robby Gallaty, an excellent book about the Jewishness of Jesus. If enough people show interest, the church librarian and I will lead a Bible study, in the spring, centered on the Bible and Gallaty's book. Some of Gallaty's references are such notables as David Bivins, Arnold Fruchtenbaum, James W. Fleming, Dwight Pryor, Ann Spangler, Joni Eareckson Tada, Lois Tverberg, Ray Vander Laan, and Brad Young.

Another book I was surprised to enjoy is Discovering Jerusalem by Nahman Avigad about archeological discoveries. I am in a "Fusion" Bible study (by Zoom) with Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel. I could continue to wax "eloquent," but you get the idea.
​

• My next book will be the first in a new series for adult readers.
• My elevator pitch: Think of how a person's brief encounter with Christ might affect that person's life.
• The working title for the series is On the Fringes.
• The working title for the first book is The Anointed Prince.
• I also have a possible cover front for the first book, but  I'll not show it now since I will probably play with it and change it several times before the manuscript is finished.

Christmas is coming! All retailers know that this the time of the year for most of our sales. Three of us who write Christian books have a booth in this upcoming, big event:

As stated, CNO is Friday, 10/25, 12-7pm, and Saturday, 10/26, 10am-5pm, at the Amarillo Civic Center. Three of us Christian authors will have our books, including my Glops books and music books, at Booth 99, located very near the big Bake Sale, which is one of the biggest draws to the annual event. All booth rentals and other proceeds from the Holiday Market go to Sharing Hope Ministery for Bibles and materials to women plagued by addiction, criminal behavior, or other adversities in their lives. 

At present, I have no other Christmas book events scheduled, but I hope to do a couple more. If you know of a local event with openings for booths, please let me know. However my schedule prohibits my inclusion to most of the local events this year because of a trip.

Instead of the trip to Israel on October 7, last year, my "consolation" trip is to Italy, this year. My roommate, a sweet widow from church, and I are excited to join this tour group. Fun, fun, fun!

The book launch of the final book in The Story of Glops series was pleasingly successful. Hooray!

Thanks to all of you who bought paperbacks, eBooks, and/or audiobooks. Please, keep buying and keep reading. Thanks for every review you have written and posted online. Please, keep reviewing. 
  
Before the final Glops book was edited and ready for launch, I wondered what to write next, prayed about it, and thought I might feel some direction in a year or two. After all, the final Glops audiobook is still to be done.

However, in December before the book launched in April, I felt an intense, electrifying sensation on the path and direction to take. Absolutely breathtaking! It will still be Christian historical fiction, and biblically focused, but for more mature readers.

Research is needed. Lots of research. Books, people, online resources ... Processing and tweaking as I go. This may take awhile! 

The final book in The Story of Glops series, 
In a Foreign Land with Daniel, Ezekiel, & Esther: 
The Story of Glops, Book 9,
launches on Tuesday, April 2, on Amazon.
​No APRIL FOOLing! 

Did you know that each year has its own color? According to www. housebeautiful.com, the color for 2024 is "Peach Fuzz ... a light, delicate shade that sits between pink and orange. This soft, heartfelt hue expresses the desire to nurture kindness, compassion, and connection — all while fostering a deep coziness as we seek a peaceful future."

​That is good to know if you are painting a house, designing its interior, choosing wedding colors, or revising a website. Website? Yes. I would love to get positive, constructive feedback from you about changes I made on my website:
https://www.bettymreeves-author.com 

Notice the exciting announcement on the home page:

Alright, I confess that I had already picked "peach" as one of my website colors. Daughter Elayne will not be surprised that I chose a shade of "pink." It's nice to know I picked a good color for 2024, but I chose it hoping you and others will want to browse the pages and stay awhile.

Does it work for you?

Have a wonderful 2024. 

In early November this year I was scheduled to have three book signings, but that number has increased to five! ​

4. I will have a very special book signing at Pac & Mail Mailing Center, 305 N Coble, Borger, on Wednesday. from 10 am to 2 pm. I will sign books already purchased as well as new books purchased on Wednesday. Do come!  I happen to know Glenn Reeves, personally, and he is the best Christian man, business man, and husband in the world. I love him dearly!

How important are Christmas sales (in October, November, and December) for retailers? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, many retailers' holiday sales reach more than a third of their yearly sales. That is especially true for stores catering to children and the young-at-heart with toys, games, and hobby items. Since reading is often considered a hobby, book sales also increase, especially in November and December.

There are two times when my book sales are highest: at Christmas and when I publish a new book in the spring. The newest book, In a Foreign Land with Daniel and Esther, will be the final book in the Glops series, bringing the total to nine books and two short stories. I will let you know when the new book is edited, finished, published, and ready for you. 

My customers are the best! I am a HAPPY author! 

The Book Signing at Eat-Rite went so well last Thursday that they invited me back for this Thursday. Thank you for buying books and making it possible for me to have another time at Eat-Rite. I hope to see some of you there between 11 am and 2 pm, November 14, at Eat-Rite, 2425 I-40 Frontage Road, Wolflin Square.

To Grandparents and others who love children:
This is the book series to read and share with your young people so they understand Bible stories and get more from God’s Word.

Remember these events:
This Saturday, November 18, 9 am to 3 pm, I'll be at Osage Baptist Church, 8425 Osage. ​

The 40th Anniversary event at Goodin's Jewelry is on Saturday, December 2. I plan to be there from 11 am to 4 pm., 3701 Olsen Blvd, Suite I, Olsen Village.