Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in Your Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions. Previous books in the series are Blooming in Broken Places, and Bloom Where You Are Bible study. Genre: Bible Study Release Date: April, 2024 Click here to get your copy! |
Interview with Deborah
I wrote “Bloom in Your Winter Season,” because I’m in my winter season😊 I felt there was a need “seasoned” women to see examples from the Bible where God used “seasoned” women in mighty ways. Anna, Elizabeth and Lois are just a few examples we have. As my friend and mentor, Babbie Mason says, “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” He can and will use us until our last breath. I wanted to encourage other women to be mighty Winter Warriors for God!
My book “Bloom in Your Winter Season” is a compilation of authors, so it involves a total of 24 authors including myself. It was a process getting all the devotions together and formatting the book. It was probably close to a year before everything came together.
Putting my bum in the chair and writing😊 I love the research part, but the actual writing part takes a bit of discipline – something I don’t always have.
Studying the women of the Bible who I presented in my book “Bloom in Your Winter Season” was eye-opening. I’d heard of all the names of these faithful ladies but did not know them up close and personal. After studying them more intimately I grew to know them on a deeper level. This helped me to grow in my winter season as well.
I can’t think of anything that sticks out particularly, but I find it amazing how God brought all these women together to make up “Bloom in Your Winter Season.” Including myself there are a total of 24 authors involved from all over the United States. And icing on the cake is that the Debbie Macomber gave an endorsement for “Bloom in Your Winter Season.”
Let’s just say it chose me. I had been writing fiction for years. I had six Christian Cozy Mysteries and was working on my seventh when I was led to write my story, “Blooming in Broken Places.” I’d been asked over the years to write it, but I wasn’t ready at the time. During the writing of my seventh mystery, I received a “gentle nudge” to write Blooming. I had never written non-fiction and was literally afraid to try. I put the word out for someone to co-write it with me. The lady I chose told me I needed to write it because it was my story but that she would help mentor me. Julie Morris was true to her word and helped me every step of the way. I went from being afraid to write non-fiction to winning Georgia Author of the Year 2018 in Inspiration Category. God was with me!
Anne George, who was a Southern Cozy Mystery writer, influenced my mystery writing early on. Then I discovered Christian Fiction and there were many of the Christian Mystery writers who influenced me. As far as my Bible Studies, I’d say Babbie Mason, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Lisa Harper are a few who had an influence on my writing.
Studying the women of the Bible who I presented in my book “Bloom in Your Winter Season” was eye-opening. I’d heard of all the names of these faithful ladies, but did not know them up close and personal. After studying them more intimately I grew to know them on a deeper level. This helped me to grow in my winter season as well.
My goal was to reach women of any age (because we will all be winter warriors one day) but specifically women from 50 up. I wanted “seasoned” women to see examples of women from the Bible that were in their winter season and God used mightily. As my friend and mentor, Babbie Mason says, “God did not stamp an expiration date on our foreheads.”
That God can and will use them (us) until their last breath! I love these verses in Psalm 92: 12-15:
But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the
cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own
house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age
they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will
declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him.”
See above answer.
More from Deborah
Welcome to the Winter Warriors club. A club made up of “seasoned” women who have a desire to give their heart to Abba even during the phases of their winter season. Maybe you’ve been going through changes that have you discouraged and ready to throw in the towel.
Change is inevitable: hearing aids, eyeglasses, and a knee replacement are just a few I’ve already experienced. Not to mention the changes to my body shape and style – yikes! Maybe you’ve been through some of these changes, too. If we dwell too long on the inevitable, it can be easy to get discouraged and want to just sit down and give up.
In this study you will be treated to twenty-four devotions by “seasoned” authors who continue to be active for the Lord in many ways – large or small – it is all for God’s glory.
You will hear me saying often: “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” While studying these women from the Bible, you will discover that God can and will use you even in your winter season.
As my friend Beth says, “There’s only one alternative to growing old.” And we all know what that is – something we will all have to face eventually, but until then, let’s make a pact to grow old as “seasoned” women being Winter Warriors for our Abba!
Deborah Malone received Georgia Author of the Year Award 2018 in Inspiration Category for her book Blooming in Broken Places. Her companion workbook, Bloom Where You Are, was runner-up in the prestigious Selah Awards 2023 in Bible Study Category. Deborah is a certified Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Power Speaker. She is a member of the Georgia Writers Association, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Deborah lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, Travis. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
a $30 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of one of Deborah’s books!
Blog Stops
Divine Perspective, September 8
Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10
Girls in White Dresses, September 11
Life on Chickadee Lane, September 12
Blossoms and Blessings, September 13 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 16 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, September 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 18
A Reader’s Brain, September 19 (Author Interview)
She Lives to Read, September 20