Debra L. Butterfield

Stories that Stir Your Spirit

Debra L. Butterfield

The Latest Happenings

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Hallelujah, it’s springtime! Sunshine, warm temps, and fresh air blowing through my windows. I even planted tomato and red pepper plants in pots on my patio so I can enjoy some fresh produce this summer. In July, I’ll decide whether to plant a pumpkin again this year.

New Podcast: Reading Between the Lines with Debra Butterfield

Three episodes of my new podcast are now live. Have you enjoyed them? They’re available in both audio (Spotify, Apple, Podbean, Amazon Music) and video (my YouTube channel). I recorded episodes 5, “From Surviving to Thriving,” and 6, “How to Discover God’s Purpose for Your Life” last Thursday.

Would love to hear your feedback. Leave a comment on my YouTube channel or here on this post to let me know what you think and how I can make the podcast better or give topic suggestions. Still learning all this, but having fun, and pray that it’s making a positive difference in your life.

My Next Book

I’ve started over 3 times on my newest book. Ugh. Such is the writing life. Sometimes that’s what it takes to get the kinks worked out and the final result of a great story. I’m still planning to get it published yet this year, but admittedly I am way behind my original schedule.

Clemmy has been absolutely no help. Not a fun suggestion, creative thought, or even a raspberry to spur me on. Instead, she spends her day basking in the sun with a good book (can I blame her?). I’m sure she’ll find her way into the book somehow. If not this one, then book 2 or 3 of the series.

Yes, another series but this time a mystery series! Not cozy murders, but mysteries all the same. I’ve already fallen in love with the characters, especially Ferguson and Maisie who make their debut in book 1. I haven’t landed on a title for the book or the series, but the Ferguson and Maisie Mystery Series is growing on me.

Workshops

On April 30, I spoke on marketing mindset in collaboration with Dak Frederick in his workshop Messy to Masterpiece. We had a good turn out to help writers take another step in their publishing journey.

Last Friday I presented a memoir workshop at the local library to help older Americans write their story.

As you can see, I’m a busy bee, working to bring you great content, in one form or another, that you can apply to your own life.

What’s happening in your world? Big plans for summer? Leave your comments below.

Conscious Expectation

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A lesson of conscious expectation of what you want through Gold N Glaze donuts.

This month, I want to follow up on my post about expectations where I stated, “What we expect, we look for.”

On my phone I have recorded 11 affirmations that I listen to daily, usually once in the morning and once at night. Author Melissa Holy calls them signature self-talk. These statements help me renew my mind to the truth, keep me focused on what I want versus what I don’t want, and help me set my conscious expectations for the day. But am I only looking for big things and missing the little ones?

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What Do You Expect Each Day?

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Don't expect what you don't want.

I want to challenge you’re thinking today, so buckle your seat belt.

I’ve heard it said—both inside and outside of church—that if you’re going through hard times, it’s because you’re doing something for God that the devil doesn’t like. I agree, but have reservations with this.

I’ve also heard that we give the devil credit too often. And I wholeheartedly agree with that.

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Stay in Faith

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mountain with rainbow stay in faith

As I looked back over my posts from 2024, I noted a theme: believe and trust in God.

Both of which require faith. Especially when your prayers seem unanswered…or your desires unmet…and you’re losing hope.

As I wrote this, I found myself listening to Danny Gokey’s song “Haven’t Seen It Yet.” On the heels of that, I listened to “Stay Strong.” I needed those reminders: that good things are coming, and that I need to stay strong in my faith.

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A Taste of What’s to Come

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Happy New Year, everyone. I thought this month I’d give you a taste of the newest novel I’m working on. It takes place in the little fictional town of Emerson, Missouri, and is filled with lively, fun characters. I have no working title for it or the series it will announce. For now, I just call it Emerson.

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The Power of Doubt and of Our Words

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The Power of Our Words, word cloud with positive words

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. …Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.’ Then the angel said, ‘I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time’” (Luke 1:13, 18–20 NLT).

With Christmas only 10 days away, you might be asking, What does Zechariah have to do with Christmas? Though born only months apart, John the Baptist came first and prepared the way for Jesus. It seems only fitting that his birth announcement come before Christ’s.

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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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