What's New?

Hello, Everybody!

2017 was quite the year and it has been quite a while since there has been an update from me about Purple Butterfly Pages! There will be no Top 5 blog posts countdown from PBP last year. I didn't even post 5 blogs {Oops!} and I realize what a good habit I had of actually posting often as I am a feeling a bit rusty at it now; but I really want to update you on where PBP has been this year and where I am taking Purple Butterfly Publications this next year.

In 2017, I moved from Toccoa, GA to Hiawassee, GA and of course my publishing company came with me. It has been a process as those of you have moved can understand. I invested in property beside my parents' mountain property and added a gorgeous building. Looking forward to getting the place turned into a proper office space eventually. I named the property "Butterfly Hill"and what a transformation it has seen from summer to winter! 

Moving meant a new city, a new network, new readers to reach; new everything for my business. This was the hardest part of the move for me. If you know me, you know I love "comfortable" and familiar. While I love Hiawassee, I miss Toccoa. I especially miss the Chamber of Commerce and the amazing network there. Blessed to take the experiences, connections, network, and friendships of Toccoa with me!

'Their Inheritance' Thursday: Prayer

Hello, Everybody!

It is another fantastic Thursday to talk about the capital of my book world: Their Inheritance. Today is also National Prayer Day. The dictionary definitions of prayer are 1: words spoken to God 2: the act of praying to God 3: a strong hope or wish. James, Alexandra, Christine, and Lee all prayed. They leaned on God for wisdom.  

The first chapter of Their Inheritance begins with Alexandra praying by her parents' graves. 

“Forgive me, Lord. Make me strong and guide me. I don’t understand, but Ma always said you don’t give us more than we can handle. I hope I don’t disappoint you. Be patient with me. I promise to try harder to be courageous.  Amen,” she whispered.

She asked for strength and guidance and wisdom in understanding. In chapter three, Alexandra prayed for forgiveness when her thoughts wander to distrust or lose faith.

"Forgive me, Lord, for my weakness. I know you are taking care of things. Help me to stop worrying so. Even if I must lug that tub of water, I believe you can give me the strength to do it. Amen."

Alexandra prayed for her marriage when considering a marriage proposal.  

"Dear God, please guide me in the direction you want my life to go. Help my thoughts be pure, and please help me get some sleep. Amen."

Alexandra Williams spoke to God and depended on Him to get her through many life-changing circumstances! I was inspired to depend on prayer more after reading 'Their Inheritance' for the first time. I hope you all will check out 'Their Inheritance' ebook if you haven't already. My prayer for you, as a reader, is that you are encouraged and inspired by 'Their Inheritance' in some way!

Believe.
Caitlin A.

How Lucky is 13?

Hello, Everybody!

Hoping the first thirteen days of this new year is treating you all well. So far, my 2016 has been about refreshment. I have been exploring different avenues of creativity outside of the book world. By spreading the creativity around, I have found more inspiration to use for my book world! I grew up watching my Momma sew by hand and on her sewing machine. I have made it a personal goal for the new year to create more of my own closet items and sew more gifts. How are you coming along with your goals for the new year? Is anybody trying to sew more?! Have you had any luck with your own sewing? I would love to know your tricks!

Speaking of luck...

I am wondering how many Americans feel lucky today and will venture out to their local convenience store or gas station and buy a Powerball lottery ticket. Do you feel lucky? As a publisher, I am thinking how many books the current jackpot could buy! A couple of books could be purchased I am sure. Have you asked yourself what you would do with the estimated $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot (if you are playing)?

Losers

What about when you don't win any money from the historic lottery drawing? Would you still be able to call yourself a winner? I believe everyone can...if you are grateful for what you already have. If you choose gratefulness over greediness, you will be a happy loser! Be happy for the winner (if there is one)! Make the most of life with what you have. Strive to be grateful for what you have as you work to gain more. Someone who chooses to be grateful instead of greedy is a winner in my book!

Believe.  

Best of luck on this thirteenth day of January! You have what it takes to accomplish whatever you set out to do today.  

*If you want an encouraging read, check out Their Inheritance on Amazon! 

Caitlin

Purple Butterfly Pages &Publications

Today's Battle: Brain vs. Heart

Hello, everyone.

My heart is heavy and my mind is racing as I come to touch base with you all. As you probably know, we were all cruelly reminded of the horrors that this world is capable of as terror rained on France this past weekend.

November 13, 2015

I had been babysitting my nephews all day and doing a little bit of online work when I came across the BREAKING NEWS on Twitter. I did not believe the tweets at first and went onto the news outlets to confirm the online comments. My heart sank and I began to pay attention to my surroundings. My local bearings. I was waiting to find out if my country was next. I was on my way home from dropping my nephews off back to their parents when the news broke about the hostages becoming fatalities. My heart froze. I joined my family, friends, and fellow American citizens in prayer and continuous thoughts for France. I even changed my personal Facebook profile photo to that temporary French flag shadowed photo in unity against hate and for life. Fast forward a couple of days to today. Hundreds of foreign people have come to America seeking refuge from their countries. Many U.S. government officials fight to keep these foreigners out. I find myself uncertain about this nation-wide issue. I see the pros and cons of being an American citizen fighting to keep my country safe and of being a foreigner wanting a better, safer life for themselves. It boils down to a battle of the heart and the brain.

The Brain

The brain has so many red flags flying over this issue. There are many questions being asked. Why must we help the foreign countries' homeless when we can't even figure out a way to help the homeless that live on the streets of our own neighborhoods? Why should we invite refugees in to our country and open ourselves up to more possible terrorism? The refugees are fleeing from countries full of terror cells. How do we, as private citizens, know the difference between the peaceful ones from the hateful ones? Do we need to know....

The Heart

...or do we trust our domestic security forces? I know Jesus Christ died for me and he took my sins with Him as He died on the cross. So, why should I support government officials denying refuge to foreign refugees seeking safety from their war torn homes? Should I not be supportive of those giving hope and shelter to the foreigners? Is it not my duty as a Christian to see this as an opportunity to share Christ's love with these people? Actions speak louder than words. We will all be judged on our actions here on earth, this temporary home. Do you put the barricades up; or do you keep your head on a swivel and stay alert as you interact with any foreigners, alerting authorities of all suspicions?

God gave us a brain and a heart for a reason. Use both of them to face today's battles.

My continued prayers are with France.

My continued prayers are with America.

- Caitlin