Launch Day is almost here ...

... This tuesday, September 15!

     The New Testament was built on top of the Old Testament and all the prophecies and revelations therein. From Genesis forward, God continually gave us clues about how he would redeem us.
     My new book is built on top of the Story of Glops, which are about people and happenings in the Old Testament. Expecting and Encountering the Messiah goes forward from there, at the end of the four-hundred silent years and the beginning of the New Testament. This book is more researched than my previous books and more appropriate for adults. ​I hope and pray you readers will enjoy it.

Here is the final teaser before the book is available for you to purchase:
     The caravan of thirteen magi reached Jerusalem and camped a respectable distance northeast of the city walls. Their elegant tents brought a crowd. The magi took advantage of those bold enough to enter the circle of tents and asked questions. One man in particular gave a great deal of information.
     “You all have a large group of tents.” The man in ragged worker’s clothing and dirty sandals continued, “They sure are colorful. Where did you all come from? Have you all been traveling for long?”
     “We are travelers from the East,” Caspar answered. “People have told us that when we reach Jerusalem, we should visit the Temple, even though we may only enter the Court of the Gentiles.”
     “That is one of the laws, you know, but the Temple is an awe-inspiring site, even from the outer courts.”
     “Which gate should we enter?”
     “Most people going to the Temple Mount go inside that gate right there.” The man paused as he pointed. “It goes to and from the Mount of Olives, too. The name of the gate is ‘Gate of Mercy,’ but most of us around here use the name ‘Golden Gate’ because it goes to the Temple with all the gold on it. The Temple is under construction, you know, and not anywhere near finished.”
     “People said if we have time, we should go to King Herod’s palace, too.”
     "Well, to go to the palace, you all can go all the way around to the west side and through the ‘Joppa Gate.’ That is where the Roman road goes all the way northwest to the major port city of Joppa. You know, on the Mediterranean Sea. On the other hand, if you enter the Golden Gate or any of the three gates on this east side, you all can walk through the city and up to Herod’s palace. Taking the route from the Golden Gate to Herod’s palace is more direct and will save you some time. You cannot get lost because Herod’s palace is almost as tall as the Temple.”
     “Some of us struggle with spatial orientation. May we ask for a guide to the palace?”
      "Oh, sure. The street boys will work for a few coins or for food. They make good guides. There are always street boys at any of these gates.”
     “Thank you for the information you have shared with us. Would you like a cup of wine before you go on your way?”
     “No, but thanks for the offer. I need to get going. I am on the cleanup crew at the Temple building site. Have a good day.”
     “We will. God be with you.”
     “May the good LORD keep you all safe as you all travel.” The man left and blended in with others walking through the Golden Gate.
***
     Larvandad, Karsudan, Shir, and three from the other groups of wise men asked a street boy to guide them. The boy, around ten years old, set a comfortable walking pace through Jerusalem to Herod’s palace.
     “Would you like for me to stay here and guide you back to the gate where you came into the city?”
     “Thank you. That would be helpful.” Larvandad gave the boy three coins. “If you stay here and guide us back, I will give you more coins.”
     “Thank you. I will stay right here.”
     The six magi stared at the opulent palace and the grounds. The buildings and garden stood along the city’s western and southwestern walls. Both palace wings were flush with the city walls at their backs. The size and grandeur of Herod’s palace was intimidating. The exterior of the palace and towers consisted of white marble stones, larger than most stones and exactly fitted to one another, giving the appearance of one marble stone on an entire wall. Immediately northwest of the palace, Herod had built a fortress with three immense towers, for protection and as a last refuge in case of danger or Jewish insurrection.
     The large garden, in front of both palace wings, included many porticoes containing pillars, and all the courts were open to the air and flora. The garden had several groves of trees with long paths through them, deep canals, and ponds fitted with bronze fountains and statues.
     From the luxurious exterior of Herod’s palace, the wise men could only imagine what a more intimate view of the LORD’s white and gold Temple would reveal.

     If you have read any of my books or short stories, please leave a review at Amazon. It can be brief and only take a minute or two. Something like: "I loved it" or "I recommend it." It can be something longer, such as: "It made me want to read more of the Bible." It will mean a great deal to me and will give me more clout as an author and speaker. 

Events between now and Christmas (hours may vary):
Sept. 18 - Friday, Grown-Up Book Fair, New Frontiers in Writing,
     Arts at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd, Amarillo, authors,
     vendors, beverages, 5 to 8 pm
Sept. 19 - Saturday, New Frontiers in Writing Mini-Conference,
     Arts at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd, Amarillo, 8 am to 5 pm
Oct. 17 & 18 - Saturday & Sunday, Pioneer Gun & Knife Show,     
     Amarillo Civic Center, 10 am to 4 pm, and 11 am to 3 pm
Oct. 23 & 24 - Friday & Saturday, Christmas In October, Amarillo
     Civic Center, 11 am to 5 pm, and 9 am to 5 pm
Nov. 7 - Saturday, READiculous Book Fair, The Party Suite, 4400 S. 
    Washington St, Ste B-C, Amarillo, 11 am to 3 pm
Nov. 14 - Saturday, Shop-Til-You-Drop, South Coulter Baptist Church
     Bazaar, 4108 S Coulter St, Amarillo, 10 am to 3 pm
Dec. 4 - Friday, First Friday Art Walk,  Arts at Sunset Center, 3701 
     Plains Blvd, Amarillo, 5 to 9 pm

     May God bless you and yours.

In faith and trust,
Betty