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Sara Ella

February 4, 2013

A Valentine from Above

Plus a Valentine’s Day Library Giveaway!

In honor of the “Valentine” my husband discovered in our front yard, I wrote a little poem to remind everyone of our greatest love of all!

 

Do you ever just need a reminder that your Creator cares for you?
Something that says, “I will love you, no matter what you do?”
Imagine a love letter so deep and so wide.
Imagine a Savior who for your sake died.
His Word is the letter; His life the sacrifice.
How can we forget? We were bought at a price.
No matter who you are, or how lonely you feel,
Your Savior’s desire is that you know His love is real.
He pursues you just as a husband pursues His wife,
Won’t you let Him in? Won’t you give Him your life?
In this month of chocolates, love letters, and hearts trimmed with lace,
Be reminded that there is One who loves you so much, He saved you by grace.
It can’t be bought or earned; stop trying to “do”.
This love is a gift. Just trust Him, won’t you?
It is my prayer that you will never forget that the greatest romance you will ever find is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. As parents, there is nothing more important to teach our children than that their Savior loves them. What better way to do that than with a collection of books all about God’s love?
Now through February 13th you can enter to win a Valentine’s Day Library, courtesy of Thomas Nelson. Just leave a comment and tell me what your favorite “love themed” Bible verse is and why. You can earn extra entries via the Rafflecopter below.
Here are the 6 books included in the library: Shine Your Light Devotional, I Love You to God and Back, I Love You No Matter What, The Cupcake Bible, An “I Love You” Prayer, and Smack Dab in the Middle of God’s Love.
 Even if you don’t win the giveaway, you can still save 30% when pre-ordering these great titles by visiting Thomas Nelson and entering promo code LOVE at checkout. This “lovely” offer expires February 15th! I will announce the giveaway winner on Valentine’s Day, so if you don’t win you will still have time to save!
Also, a very Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband of 6 years!
“God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.”

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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18 Comments

« Bible Stories that end with a hug!
Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore »

Comments

  1. Joe says

    February 4, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    🙂 happy aniversary! you have such a talent for writing!

    Reply
    • Sara Larson says

      February 5, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      Thanks, honey. I love you!

      Reply
  2. Beth Brittain says

    February 4, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    This is a nice post!
    I like this take on Valentine’s day! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sara Larson says

      February 5, 2013 at 7:21 pm

      Thanks, Beth 🙂 I couldn’t believe there was a heart in my front yard! It reminded me that God cares enough just to say “hi”.

      Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    February 5, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Phil. 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; Instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done”. When I would start to worry, I would be reminded to stop and pray. That may not seem like a “love verse”, but to me that verse has got me through some tough times. God pulling me through. God showing me his amazing love for me.
    Mindy minderela@hotmail.com

    Reply
    • Sara Larson says

      February 5, 2013 at 7:19 pm

      Thanks, Mindy! You always leave such thoughtful comments 🙂 That’s a great verse for tough times which is when its important to remember that God loves us no matter what. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    February 5, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    What a great colection of books you have for this giveaway! I love the pic of the heart in the snow, btw. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    February 5, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    Love it girl! I would have to say my fav verse on love is… 1corinthians 13:4-8. I guess its not just a verse. But it does help you know really how amazing the Lord really is. Enjoy your anniversary! I love how your hubby asked u to marry him. Super cute picture!
    ~Cheyanne~

    Reply
  6. asheardy says

    February 5, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    Psalm 5:11

    Reply
  7. Kristie says

    February 6, 2013 at 1:03 am

    Psalm 136:23 “He remembered us in our low estate.
    His love endures forever.”

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  8. KayM says

    February 6, 2013 at 3:00 am

    I’m not entering the giveaway, but I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your lovely poem. Thank you!

    Reply
  9. faroutmom says

    February 6, 2013 at 4:32 am

    I came here from Pinterest. I love the heart under the tree…neat when stuff like that happens.

    John 3:16 is the ultimate display of love from our Creator.

    Reply
  10. coleycoupons says

    February 6, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    love the picture.. what an amazing gift to wake up to.. our God sure does love us!
    1 John 3:1

    Reply
  11. Kristin Bowling says

    February 7, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. – Ruth 1:16

    This is such a beautiful verse that truly shows the emotion Ruth feels when she decides to stay with her Mother-In-Law Naomi, who has lost everything and everyone who she loves. This verse of love shows the unconditional love of putting others needs before our own, which could be the love between a mother and a daughter, spouses, a brother and a sister, or even friends. It is the love that Jesus showed.

    Reply
  12. Adam&Rachel says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    Beautiful poem! I love it. and Happy Anniversary! 🙂 -Rachel

    Reply
  13. Marina@EBMR says

    February 9, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    My favorite love themed Bible verse would be John 15:13….Greater Love has no man….

    Reply
  14. MC Chau says

    February 10, 2013 at 3:58 am

    My favorite love verse: Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

    Reply
  15. Jenndiggy says

    February 12, 2013 at 9:33 pm

    The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

    Reply

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Sara Ella
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1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place in the Young Adult Category for 2013!

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About Me

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it's almost Christmas (even if it's only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away. Read More…

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🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS! I have a full lineup of b 🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

I have a full lineup of bookish events this spring! I’d love to see you at one or all of these:

@storyconusa | Salt Lake City, UT | February 27 & 28 | Workshops + Interrogate an Author + Book Signings

@tucsonfestivalofbooks | Saturday, March 14 | 10:00–1:00 | Indie Author Pavillion 

@pvpllibrary Book Fest | Saturday,
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🍪 Food is my love language. Whenever we go out of 🍪 Food is my love language.

Whenever we go out of town, I’m already looking at menus ahead of time, planning what yummy things I want to eat.

Themed food is my favorite. Call a honey latte a Pooh Bear Latte and I’m sold! Serve me a cup of the most delectable potato soup I’ve ever had and call it Samwise Soup? I’m there! 

If I’m going to Disneyland, I’m planning my day around which new cold brew I want to try and where I want to eat lunch. And if I’m going to a writing conference? You’d better bet I’m on the hunt for a Vanilla Coke and the best hotel cookies yet!

Yummy food just makes everything a little more magical. Can you relate? What’s your favorite food, drink, or dessert?

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🥳 Happy Birthday, @nadinebrandes ! There aren’t m 🥳 Happy Birthday, @nadinebrandes !

There aren’t many people in this world who tackle hardship with joy the way you do. You are a true example of what it means to “count it all joy” amidst trials. Even on your toughest days, you find ways to bless others and see God’s sovereignty.

I don’t know what I did to deserve you as my best friend all these years. But I do know that God brought you into my life because He knew my life would be richer and fuller and just all around better with you in it. He knew I would need someone to walk alongside me in good times and bad. Someone to encourage me during discouraging years like this one has been.

I have been so blessed to see you so much in 2025. Although we are states apart, when we are together it feels like no time has passed at all.

Here’s to the woman who inspires me as an author, speaks truth into me as a wife and mom, and reminds me that God never leaves us and that His plan and timing are perfect. I love you, Bestie! Many happy returns for the rest of 2025 and the year to come! My life is better because I know you.

#nadinebrandes #saraella #bestfriends
You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I co You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I couldn’t resist doing this one for Disneyland. 

I’m definitely dreaming of a Disneyland Christmas this year. 🎄 If anyone knows of someone giving away free tickets for a family of 5, send them my way! 😂

Fun fact about this date: December 18, 1971 was the first ever Candlelight Processional held at Magic Kingdom. 🕯️

I’m dreaming of more Disney days in 2026. Christmas is my favorite season to visit the parks. They are just extra magical this time of year. ✨

Are you staying home or traveling for Christmas this year? 

#disneylandchristmas #dreamingofdisneyland #disneylandpark #disneylandcalifornia
🚫GIVEAWAY CLOSED! The winner is @the_disney_reader 🚫GIVEAWAY CLOSED! The winner is @the_disney_reader ! 🎉

🎄CHRISTMAS PAINTED EDGES GIVEAWAY! 

Did you see my unboxing reel for the painted edges of Glass Across the Sea? These editions are extremely limited as they are hand-painted by the very talented @hilltop_art . 🎨

For Christmas, I’m giving away one of these painted edges editions, plus a bookish Glass Across the Sea candle 🕯️ from @lamplighterliterary and mini cookie mix from @story.crumbs ! 🍪

Today is the LAST DAY to enter this giveaway. I’ll be putting all entries together tomorrow and sending them through a randomizer to pick a winner!

Entry rules and details are all in the caption of my unboxing reel. Enter there to win this dreamy Christmas gift! 🎁 

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🚫GIVEAWAY CLOSED! The winner is @the_disney_reader 🚫GIVEAWAY CLOSED! The winner is @the_disney_reader ! 🎉

🎨 Painted Edges Unboxing & GIVEAWAY 🎁

I’m so thrilled to finally be holding these beautiful painted edges for Glass Across the Sea in my hands. Bethany @hilltop_art made my vision for the most beautiful lighthouse come to life! And the details are even more stunning in person. From the lighthouse to the fireflies and cherry blossoms, I couldn’t be more in love!

I want to give one of these gorgeous limited editions away for Christmas, along with some other goodies! 🎄

🎁 One U.S. winner will receive:

📖 A hardcover of Glass Across the Sea with Painted Edges

🕯️A Prince Dante candle created by @lamplighterliterary 

🍪A mini Noelle cookie mix created by @story.crumbs 

✅ To Enter the giveaway:

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Enter to win through Monday, December 8th at 11:59 p.m. PST. U.S. Only. Instagram only. Winner will be announced Tuesday, December 9th and tagged in my stories and on this Reel. Winner will be contacted via direct message for shipping address from this account only. Void where prohibited. Prize will be mailed in time to arrive by Christmas.

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✍️ When did you first start writing? This is a c ✍️ When did you first start writing? 

This is a common question I’ve received in various settings over the years. The easy answer is, “I’ve always been a writer.” And it’s true. English was my favorite subject all through school, and I’ve never not loved reading.

But when did I actually start taking novel writing seriously? When did I really begin believing that I could pursue it and reach my dreams of having a published book in my hands?

That happened in my 20s. When I had a baby on my hip, and my mom’s health began to rapidly decline. She’d always said I was a writer. It’s why my first book, Unblemished, is dedicated to her. But the truth goes deeper than that.

My mom’s lifelong dream was to open a coffee shop. I suppose it’s part of why I love this beverage more than any other. She wanted to create a place where people could fellowship, eat, laugh, and, of course, drink all the yummy coffee. But she passed away before that dream became a reality. 

She had always put off her own dreams for us kids. She sacrificed everything for us. As a mom of 3, what she did for us holds so much more meaning now. But she didn’t want me to wait. She said I could do both. That if I put off writing a book until I had time or my kids were grown, I never would.

I don’t know if that’s true. Lots of people write books later in life and are highly successful. But her hope for my future stuck with me, and so, after she passed, I made a promise to myself that I would write a book and get a publishing contract by my 30th birthday.

Many of you know the story—3 days before my 30th, I got the call. My dream publisher at the time wanted my trilogy. 🥹 And the rest is history!

Now I have 7 YA fantasy and fairy tale novels on the shelf, I have the most amazing family at @enclavepublishing , and I’m blessed with encouraging readers and writers all around me.

If you’re holding back from pursuing the thing you are passionate about, I’d encourage you to go for it.  Take the leap! My mom always said I’d write a book, and as always, she was right. ❤️

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I’ll admit, I am very selective when it comes to the audiobooks I listen to, and probably even more picky regarding the narrators for my own books.

I am so thankful to @enclavepublishing and @oasis_audio for how involved they have let me be in the audiobook process. @megrunyannarration and @ramondeocampo knocked Glass Across the Sea out of the park! They worked so hard to bring this fairy tale world to life in such a magical and enchanting way. 🥰

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Shoutout to @charmagnebooklover for sending me a glass pumpkin!

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When I first started out on my writing and publishing journey, I never imagined my idea for a portal fantasy about a girl afraid to look in the mirror would lead to a decade of books, editing clients, mentees, and more.

I am truly grateful for every single manuscript I’ve had the privilege to edit. For every author I’ve mentored who has equally blessed me with encouragement and kindness. And this year especially, for every reader who took a chance by picking up Glass Across the Sea, and every Substack subscriber who has followed me on my new venture.

This year has ushered in many ups and downs. I’ve never seen so much grief and loss in the span of twelve months. I don’t know what the future holds for our family. I don’t know where God will have us in 2026. Every day brings its own struggles.

But I do know I am so grateful for each person who has blessed and supported my little writing and editing business in different ways. You have made a greater impact on me and my family than you know. And for that I’m humbled and thankful.

👉 Tag your favorite small business in the comments so we can spread the support and follow them! Some of mine include:

@mariposa.aristeo.art 
@jennethleed 
@writewithapro 
@nadinebrandes 
@enclavepublishing 
@cassieporathauthor 
@gracebought 
@music.with.noelle 
@eahcreative 
@hannahprewettstories 
@hilltop_art 
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@ms.madeleine.elizabeth 
@crystalgrantauthor 
@erinmcfarlandaz 
@story.crumbs 
@yourebakingmehappy 
@lamplighterliterary 

#smallbusinesssaturday #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #supportsmallbusiness #saraella #saraellawrites
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