Author: Jemmie Jems

Under the name Francis Lee, I write interracial Christian romantic suspense. My stories are about finding enduring love when hope and redemption seem unattainable as danger lurks around every corner. My characters learn that where there is darkness, "joy will always come in the morning".

The Fantasy

What do you enjoy most about writing?

I love to create a world where I am in control or where I feel like I am in control.

I can create the scenarios, but when I write fiction, my characters surprise me and do things I never thought possible.

Characters can hit you by surprise. Once you get to know them, you either like them or hate them. If you like them, then they have a happy life. If you hate them, you can make them the villain and kill them off in the most brutal fashion  imaginable.

I just like writing things that can be enjoyable.

In other words, my imagination gets to break free and soar so high where only the sky becomes my limit.

For The Moment…118

My God is merciful and kind.

He has not dealt with us after our sins.

Thank the Lord, or we will be punished as the day is long.

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

He does not treat us like we treat others for their misdeeds. He does not think like us, and I thank him for that.

If he were to think like us, then there would never be mercy for those who misstep.

There would never be kindness for the weak who mess up on a regular basis.

There would never be love for those who need a shoulder to lean on.

My God is not like us. He is not quick to condemn. He shows compassion when no one else would.

This he does for his children, for his people, to those who follow him and love him, for those who make him the Lord or their life.

Praise his name forever.

Adapted from Psalm 103 verses 10 and 11.

Quiet time

What brings you peace?

There is so much noise surrounding us. The noise of people giving advise, sounds from every corner of our world, some bad filled with hate and news of war and unrest, stock market crashes, natural disasters and those who are poor, or homeless. There is still some good news of joy and laughter, and yet there is still nothing that gives true peace.

There is just so much noise, so much chatter that I desire to plug my ears, but I can’t. Everything remains right in front of me.

For that little morsel of peace, I go into my room, turn off the lights, and pray. I talk to God. It is my quiet time to pour out my heart to the God of the Universe, to the Maker of heaven and earth, and my Father.

This is what brings me peace.

Consistency

What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?

There are so many things we can do to maintain good health and 6 regular exercise, eating well, socializing, and having more sleep, but it all works together with less effect if we are consistent.

Keep doing the right thing, and it will become a good habit.

Take a break to breathe.

Life gets busy. I find I need to separate myself from the activities around. I sit alone quietly with the lights off, and I talk to the Lord. I tell him my whole heart and thank him for the day. Most times, it is bad, but sometimes it is good.

I feel better after my talk and my silence. It relaxes me.

Road trip…

What are your future travel plans?

I don’t think too far into the future because I never know what the future will bring.

But I dream of a fabulous getaway by hitting the road in a cool RV.

I can go where I want, whenever I want. I can just relax.

For The Moment 117

If God is for you, then who can be against you.

You have nothing to fear. You have nothing to worry about. He sets a path of blessing before you to walk in all peace and confidence.

If God says yes, then no one can say no.

Kindness

What would you change about modern society?

A show of a little kindness where nothing is wanted in return. No strings attached is true kindness.

For The Moment 116

Proving God should be easy. Society pulls us one way, saying we should be independent while the word of God tells us to put our trust in him.

We must be brave and dig deep, holding on to the edge of his garment and believe.

The edge of his garment is his word. Repeat it in your head. Say it out loud and trust him. A few words if hope gives us strength.

Prove him…

Love a good dog

Dogs or cats?

I think cats are cute, but I am allergic. Sorry.

I love my dogs. My dogs are so loyal and love me in return.

Besides, they are so cute.

The Love of my life

If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?

I would invite the love of my life only if I knew who he was.

I am working on it, but pickings are slim. Looking for a good man is like going to the market after a super sale. The leftovers are all spongy, saggy specimens you give a pass.

That is why I am not looking, but I leave it all to the Lord to order everything, so at the right time and place, I meet this paragon of man.

I can choose a dress, a cute pair of shoes and a good book but for goodness sakes my future man radar isn’t very good.

It’s best to leave it all to God. He knows what is best for me.