Debra L. Butterfield

Stories that Stir Your Spirit

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Thank You, Dear Readers

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With Thanksgiving in two weeks, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers. You’re the reason I’m here, writing books for your enjoyment and blogs to encourage you and build your faith.

My first foray into the blogging world was with a site I called Glory and Strength. It was an outreach of my first book, Help! My Husband Has Sexually Abused my Daughter (the second edition is titled Carried by Grace). I don’t know what year that site began, but I published the book in early 2007, so I’ll guess I started blogging in 2007 or 2008.

I’ve learned many things over the years and shifted my blogging focus to writers. I’ve been blogging about writing since 2012 and love it. I started freelance editing in 2010, and somewhere around 2014/2015 began learning about book interior and cover design. I love doing it all.

In 2020, on the cusp of COVID lockdown, I split my this blog into 2, one for readers and one, The Motivational Editor, for writers.

Last month, TheMotivationalEditor.com was named in the Top 50+ Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024 on Shelley Hitz’s website TrainingAuthors.com.

Wow! Such an honor and I have my readers to thank for that.

I love being able to share my knowledge and faith with you and encourage you in your faith.

My newest book, Embracing Her Inheritance, releases officially tomorrow. As I write this (in October) I plan to throw a live launch party on my YouTube channel. Watch your email tomorrow for the details. (I have to learn the ins and outs of YouTube live first.)

Thank you, all, from the bottom of my heart for buying, reading, and reviewing my books. Without you there would be no reason for me to write aside from my own enjoyment.

Happy Thanksgiving from me and Clemmy

Destined to Succeed in Your Purpose

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For many years now, my desire has been to fulfill God’s destiny for my life: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Eph. 2:10 NLT). And in doing that, to experience and enjoy the life Jesus promised in John 10:10: “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (NKJV).

I want to live in the totality of that life. Redemption, deliverance, salvation. Healing and peace and provision. His purpose and eternal life. Seems like a tall order, but is anything too difficult for the Lord?

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How NOT to Write a Book

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Claiming Her Inheritance

In writing book 3 of my Her Inheritance trilogy, I learned how NOT to write a book…at least for me. Hat’s off to pantsers because I think my recent experience comes pretty close to writing by the seat of my pants (the definition of a pantser).

How NOT to Write a Book

  • DO NOT change your plot after you’ve already written 20,000 to 30,000 words.
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Do you want to live the abundant life?

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Planting seeds to live an abundant life.

Are you living the abundant life Jesus died to give you?

Jesus said in John 10:10 NKJV, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” But if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, then you aren’t in abundance.

I’m talking about all aspects of abundance—complete health and wholeness, forgiveness of sins, salvation, and your physical needs met.

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A Peek at Embracing Her Inheritance

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I thought I’d give you a taste of what I’m currently working on. I’m up to 32452 words. Still aiming to release this in late fall. Here’s the prologue from Embracing Her Inheritance. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts.

“Chief Schmidt, good morning. I’m Elizabeth Travers from the Chronicle.” Elizabeth shook the chief’s hand and observed the fire station bay and the personnel wiping down the trucks. “Thank you for agreeing to see me.”

“How can I help you, Miss Travers? Let’s go to my office. Would you like some coffee?”

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Trust and Submit

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Submit.

Generally, not a word women like to hear because husbands have often used it to demand obedience to what they want. Even my character Sally Clark wrestles with this issue in my book Discovering Her Inheritance. I’m not sure I know of any woman who hasn’t.

I’ve often heard “wives, submit to your husbands” but without an explanation of what real submission looks like.

Bear with me. I’m not here to discuss wives submitting to their husbands, but to discuss our submission to God.

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Possess God’s Promises

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Be fully convinced of what God's Word has promised you.

Do you actively take hold of God’s promises or do you sit back and wait for God to drop them on you?

Many people believe God sends the things we need in His own good time. After all, Matthew 6:8 says God knows what we need before we even ask. Yes, God knows our needs, but have we been deceived about our part in receiving His promises?

Today, I’d like you to consider that we take an active role in possessing God’s promises. Promises like “by whose [Jesus] stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV), and “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV), and “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).

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Staying Focused on God

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The Lord taught me several lessons last year, but I think the one that stands at the top is to be more aware of what I think about.

I can watch the daily news and let it fill my mind with turmoil, chaos, and confusion. Or I can keep my mind focused on God and His Word and let it fill me with His love, peace, and joy.

I’m not talking about putting my head in the sand. I’m talking about controlling my thoughts.

“Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV).

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