Tuesday, August 31, 2021

The Inner Views of Martha Jane Orlando & A Giveaway

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

I can't recall when or how I was introduced to the author I am interviewing today, but through our mutual blogging journeys, she and I have become friends. We have prayed for one another and supported one another along the way, and it is with a thankful heart that I share her Inner Views with you!

The

of

Martha Jane Orlando

Cheryl:  Please tell us about your childhood. What was life like for you growing up? 

Martha: When I reflect upon my childhood, the one word that comes to mind is idyllic.  My dad and mom had a strong bond that was palpable and made my brother and I feel safe, even in the harrowing times of bomb drills, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  My brother, Bill, and I often played imaginary games with our collection of “Little Animals,” stuffed Steiff gifts given by parents and grandparents.  We would create our own fantastical world with these iconic characters, one of whom, of course, was a squirrel.  But the leader of this family of animals was Hootie, the wise old owl.  He always had the answers when the others had questions.   I truly believe to this day that our innocent role-playing led to the eventual creation of all the Old Ones in The Glade.

Cheryl: How has your walk with Jesus evolved over the years? What does He mean to you today?

Martha: I was encouraged to love and embrace the church, but never guided into having a personal relationship with Jesus.  My dad was raised in a strict, evangelical household, and struggled with assimilating those teachings with his work as a scientist.  My mother attended the Episcopal church, and that’s where we went to church when she decided to go.  I recall, as a small child, that Mom only had one suitable dress for church.  She was ashamed to show up in that same dress Sunday after Sunday.  I wish that she could have realized that Jesus doesn’t care about your status, but about your heart.  Now that’s she has passed, I’m sure Jesus has set that record straight.

I had fallen off the wagon during my teens and twenties when it came to loving and honoring the Lord.  Call it the influence of secularism that bombarded my world, but looking back, there was no excuse for it.  It’s so true that hindsight is 20/20.   When I turned 30, the route I took from home to the railway to go to work in downtown Atlanta, took me by Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.  Upon a tall steeple stood a cross.  Inevitably, my eyes would be drawn to it every single time.  In beholding it repeatedly, I realized with conviction that I was empty, forlorn, lost.  I knew I had to return to the church and find my way back to Jesus.  And when my son, Daniel, was 13-months-old, I took the plunge.  As I walked into the nave, I heard a voice profound and clearly in my head: “Welcome home!”  God spoke, I listened, and I never looked back.

Cheryl: When did you first realize God had given you the gift to write? 

Martha: I first realized that God had given me the gift for writing when I was about eight/nine years old.  I recall getting excited beyond belief when my fourth-grade teacher, Miss Ratcliffe, showed us a picture from a magazine and instructed us to compose a story around the scene we saw.  I couldn’t wait to use my imagination based on the images I beheld.  Later, she gave me genuine praise for my interpretation.  I’ve never forgotten her faith in me.

Cheryl: What inspired you to write the wonderful "Adventures in the Glade" book series? Were there real-life people you know or have known whose characteristics and personalities are reflected in the characters of your books?

Martha: Being a step-parent is never easy.  You are chosen in marital commitment in which the children have no say.  You pray that you can be the best you can be for them, no matter what.  And too often, step-parents get a bum rap.

I divorced my children’s husband due to physical and emotional abuse.  It pained me to be such a failure, in my own eyes.  But when John showed up, in God’s time, we knew we had something lasting and special.  Much of Davy’s relationship with Jim in the novels is based on my son, Daniel’s, tentative relationship with John.  He loved him but was also wanting the same affirmation from his biological father that just wasn’t forthcoming.  I made that transition easier in the books by simply removing the obstacle of whom one should love first, in order to make Davy’s path a more positive and hopeful one.  

John involved himself with Daniel’s scout troop, and willingly went on weekend trips as Daniel’s “Dad.”  The one that cemented the relationship between John and Daniel was the rifle shooting outing.  John was a sharp-shooter bar none.  Daniel and his peers were so impressed, and it was at that time that John first heard Daniel call him “Dad.”  That simply had to appear in my novels.

The idea for the Glade Series and the following Adventures were birthed in the relationship I saw play out between Daniel and his step-father.  Those were the roots planted that would bear much fruit.

When John died in 1997 from a freak accident, our family was devastated.  It took years for my children and me to heal from this utterly unexpected turn of events.  But God did see us through the pain and sorrow, and eventually, led me to meet Danny via EHarmony, if you can believe it.  I like to call it “God-Harmony” because that is precisely what it is.

We married in 2005, and our honeymoon was spent in the spectacular Nantahala Mountains of North Carolina. The ancient stones and forests, the rivers that have run time out of mind, gave me the perfect backdrop for stories my heart had been longing to tell.  Where else could you meet God face to face, and know that anything is possible; even talking animals from the Ancient of Days?

And what better place to heal all regrets, disappointments, and heartaches?  Through Davy, Racer, Reverend, and all the other characters in The Glade, I most of all wanted to show how good will ever triumph over evil in God’s time.

Cheryl: Will there be any future sequel books?

Martha: Are there any plans for future books?  Not until the Holy Spirit moves me to go in that direction.  I feel, for now, that the story God placed upon my heart has been told.  I did leave the last book with the possibility that more adventures could follow, but for now, I’d be gratified if folks would read my novels and, if they enjoy them, recommend them to others.  Word of mouth is the best advertising there is, and I would be grateful beyond measure for the blessings other readers would bestow upon them.

Cheryl: Any parting words for Homespun Devotions readers?

Martha: Please know, readers, that anyone who comments on Cheryl’s blog will be in my prayers.  I do keep a prayer journal and care so very much about how God is working in the lives of others.  And, if you would like to keep up with my bi-weekly writings, you can follow my blog at Meditations of My Heart where I offer personal insights for the day-to-day in our lives. Thank you, Cheryl, for allowing me to be a part of Inner Views!  God bless you!

A BIG thank you to you, Martha, and may God bless you! I am so thankful you shared your heart with us!

Now for that giveaway!

Martha is generously giving away one whole six-book signed set of her amazing books! Here is what the winner will receive ~

Book One






To enter the giveaway, just leave us a comment below! Make sure you identify yourself - anonymous and unknown commenters will not be entered, as we have no way of getting in touch with you. The giveaway is open to everyone, including readers from countries outside the U.S.
The giveaway will end one week from tomorrow on Wednesday, 9/8/2021.

If you don't win the giveaway and would like to purchase Martha's books, just click here!

Bio:  Martha Jane is a grateful wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoys writing, reading, and being with family.  She and her husband, Danny, live in Kennesaw, Georgia.

46 comments:

  1. Cheryl, I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful post, and it is so timely as I hadn't yet written a blog for Friday. As I mentioned in my email, I will post earlier than I usually would. I do hope, between the two of us, that we can get some serious blog traffic going. Something to definitely pray about, my friend.
    God bless!

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    1. Thank you, sweet friend. It was an honor to feature you and your amazing work here! You are a gift to this world, and you are so loved and appreciated by so many - that is obvious by seeing the many comments here. I love and appreciate you and am so thankful you will now be among the "Inner Views" interviewees here! God bless you always.

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  2. I love hearing about this series. I too have children with blended families and similar backgrounds to the author's. This struck a chord with me. I would love to have these books to share with my great-grandson and his family. Maybe I'll win them! Thanks for the chance. hrglover@hotmail.com Helen

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    1. Thank you, Helen! I am so thankful for your visit and that you entered the giveaway! God bless you and your family.

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  3. What a beautiful post and story. I was very glad to see your post my dear friend. Life has bee hectic and crazy in our household this summer and we're hoping for some calmness to reign soon.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Thank you, dear Betsy! I know your lives have been so busy and I trust the Lord will bring that much-needed sense of calm to your home and heart. Sending love, blessings, and hugs back your way, sweet friend.

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  4. Was good to see a post dear Cheryl. What a lovely testimony of God's mercy, grace and healing for Martha. Hope you are having a happy Wednesday. I am sipping on my coffee and praying for many this morning. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. You are such a sweet prayer warrior and woman of God, dear Cindy! I am so thankful for your visit and for each prayer you have prayed for my family and me. May the dear Lord bless you in a big way. Love, hugs, and blessings right back at you, sweet friend!

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  5. I can testify to the goodness of Martha books and how they have blessed so many children. She is a carrying full of the Spirit women of God and it reads Jesus all the way in her books. Beautiful Thanks Cheryl for highlighting her this week. Blessings.

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    1. Yes! The love and Spirit of Jesus shines through every single thing Martha does, and she is such a blessing to us all! Thank you ever so much for your kind words and sweet visit, Betty. May God bless you and also heal your body, my friend. Praying for you.

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  6. Thank you Cheryl and Martha for this wonderful interview and the chance to win this lovely set of books. Martha, I didn't realize you were an author. I've seen your comments on a couple of blogs we both follow. I can't wait to see who wins the books. Have a blessed Labor Day weekend!

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    1. I can't wait to see who wins the books, too, Regina! Thank you for your sweet visit and kind words today. Sending love and gratitude your way!

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  7. I enjoyed your post on Martha and loved reading how her journey back to the Lord came to be. It was so interesting to see how blessed she has been with her writing and how her life evolved.

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    1. Martha's life and testimony are truly amazing. Her autheniticity and sweet spirit are refreshing and such a blessing to all. Thank you, dear Kitty, for your visit and sweet comments. May God bless you, my friend!

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  8. Thank you for your prayers, Martha. Thank you Cheryl for the Inner Views series.

    God bless.

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    1. Victor, it was SO wonderful to hear from you today and to see your kind words here. I trust all is well with you, my friend. God bless you.

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  9. Hi Cheryl,

    I shall mention your Blog, especially the Inner Views series, on my Blog soon - showing your interview with me. Hopefully, it will attract new readers to your Blog. Thank you for all your good your good works on this Blog, especially the Inner Views.

    God bless.

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    1. Oh, that would be just wonderful, Victor! Thank you ever so much for the mention and for highlighting your wonderful interview here! I deeply appreciate your kind words today. God bless you richly!

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  10. Dearest Cheryl,
    That was quite a revealing interview and well written!
    No need for entering the drawing but just wanted to leave my comment here.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  11. I love learning more about my friends! Thank you, Martha ... thank you, Cheryl! Blessings!

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    1. Thank you so much, Mevely! I am grateful for your visit and kind words. Blessings to you, too!

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  12. I have read Martha's blog for a long time. This interview has shown me much about Martha which I was unaware. The one important thing which drew me to Martha was her love for The Father. Martha did not mention her poetry in the interview. Be sure and check out her many poems on her blog.

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    1. I completely agree that Martha's love for our dear Lord draws us to her. Thank you ever so much for reminding us all of her beautiful poetry. She is so multi-talented on so many levels. We are all so blessed to know her. I appreciate your visit and comment, Loralu!

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  13. Dearest Cheryl,
    An additional comment here, the link you built in for Book One is not working...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  14. Martha thank you for your kindnesses and prayer. CHeryl is it wonderufl to meet you and thank you for sharing this interview with Martha will all of us. THe book series sounds simply wonderful. Have a blessed weekend.

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    1. It was so wonderful to meet you, too! Thank you ever so much for stopping by and leaving such sweet encouragement behind. God bless you!

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  15. Lovely! I enjoyed this bio of Martha and it is great that Cheryl so graciously conducted this brilliant interview!!

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    1. How sweet you are, Terri! Many thanks to you for stopping by and being so kind. God bless you!

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  16. What a wonderful look inside the life that God has used to inspire and encourage so many others. To see how Ms. Martha Jane has used heartache and heartbreak to strengthen her walk with God is such a blessing. I know understand what makes this dear woman's writing so very relatable. God's blessings.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement, J.D.! What a blessing it was to see your comment and have you visit here. May the Lord's richest blessings be yours!

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  17. What a wonderful story, Martha! Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing Martha's story here, and also sharing the link for her wonderful books. I do already have a full set of the books, and have shared them with others in the past. It may be time to bring them back out and share them with some new friends. And Martha, I learned more about you from this than I knew before. I know God has truly watched over you and blessed you throughout your life, even when things were difficult...He was there, preparing you for the better things that were yet to come. God is so good, and we are so blessed to be His children. Thank you both for this lovely post today!

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    1. Thank you so much, Pamela, for your sweet visit and kind words! I appreciate it so much and trust the Lord will richly bless you and yours!

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  18. What a beautiful testimony! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you, Edwina! Sorry I am just now seeing your comment. For some reason, it didn't post right away. God bless you!

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  19. Such an inspiring story, Martha. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed learning how your books are inspired by your life, your son, and husband, John. Cheryl, thank you for giving us an opportunity to learn about Martha and her writing.

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting, Katherine, and for leaving such sweet encouragement behind. May God bless you always.

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  20. Martha, I can't say enough how much I enjoyed hearing more of your story and how your magination turned into novels with such depth and detailed storylines. I'm so glad we connected online and are Jesus girls together! God bless dear friend!

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  21. To all of you dear ones who have commented here on Cheryl's blog, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your sincere and heartfelt contributions have humbled me, and filled me with hope, that the spirit of gratefulness and love for one another abides amongst us. May we all continue to serve the Lord and praise Him!

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  22. Such a wonderful interview with my dear friend Martha! How I appreciated a peek into the story of her life, and how the Lord took such difficult times of her life, and used those moments to bless children through her inspirational stories! Just like the Lord to do this! Another incredibly well done interview Cheryl, and I am so thankful for the testimony of the Lord in Martha's life! May the sweet blessings of the Lord be with you both :)

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    1. Thank you, sweet Marilyn! May the dear Lord richly bless you, too, my friend!

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  23. Great interview, Cheryl. It's so inspiring to read about Martha's journey, and to see how God has used the difficult times in her life to fulfill His purpose for her, and to bless and encourage others through her writing. Writing is hard work, and to see how many books she has published is a testimony to God's faithfulness and her determination. All the best to Martha, and to you! Hugs.

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    1. Thank you ever so much, Nancy! All the best to you, too, my friend!

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