Kairos: The Perfect Time for Love
by Natasha D. Frazier
Listen to this amazing Women's History Month interview with Natasha D. Frazier on BAN Radio Show - http://tobtr.com/s/10676309. We discussed living The Life Your Spirit Craves and how often times God calls you to step into your purpose but you hesitate and hinder others from enjoying the gift of it.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… Ecclesiastes 3:1
Kensi Jacobson believed in that truth with all of her heart, but when she’s up for a promotion for her dream job as assistant editor-in-chief of The Big Apple Chronicle, she hits a roadblock. She put in the work and trusted God for what she believed was her season of elevation, but her boss’ idea of a promotion was to send her to Pepperton, TX for another assignment. This new assignment pairs her up with a handsome widower, Darren Shaw, who helps her learn that delay and disappointment can sometimes become a catalyst for something greater.
Seemingly burdened with the fact that she is the only one in her circle who isn’t married with children and a career that isn’t headed in the direction she planned, she begins to wonder when her time and season are coming.
Will Kensi learn that Kairos - God’s perfect timing, is much more powerful than Chronos - her chronological timetable, and trust that things will fall into place at the right time? What begins as a crush to her ego and life plan may become the perfect time for love and everything else she’s wanted.
Natasha D. Frazier accepted the call to write in 2011. Since then, Natasha has authored three devotional books. Her first book is The Life Your Spirit Craves, a 30-Day devotional and journal that encourages readers to seek, accept and pursue their God-given assignment. Her second book, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord's Presence, encourages readers to make devotion a part of their everyday life by seeking God daily through prayer and reading His Holy Word. Not Without You has been nominated for the Henri Award. The Henri Award recognizes excellence in Christian literature.
The Life Your Spirit Craves for Mommies is a 52 week devotional for mothers that encourages them to see God at work in their lives through their role as a mother. Both devotionals in The Life Your Spirit Craves series won the Readers' Choice Award presented at the Christian Literary Awards.
Natasha D. Frazier resides in Houston, TX metro area with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations.
Natasha and her family are members of Higher Dimension Church in Houston, TX. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Kairos: The Perfect Time for Love by Natasha D. Frazier
Excerpt from Kairos: The Perfect Time for Love
It seemed as if most of the town had the same idea to head to the coffee shop after the tree lighting ceremony. There was only one table left in the place and it was closer to the door than they would have liked. Kensi held the table while Darren ordered their drinks. He returned to the table with a goofy smile plastered across his face. He draped his jacket over her shoulders and took the seat across from her.
"I'm sorry. This is not what I pictured when I asked you to have coffee with me. I was thinking nice and cozy, not dodging wind chills.. I won't keep you here too long." Spending a few moments with her here and there wasn't working for him anymore. It was time he did something about that before it was too late.
"Believe it or not, I'm okay." She smiled to reassure him.
Kensi wrapped her hands around the mug of caramel latte sitting in front of her and then rubbed her hands along her arms each time someone walked into the coffee shop. The gush of wind gave her chills and temporarily drowned out the sound of the holiday music playing over the speakers.
"You're not the New Yorker I thought you were," Darren teased.
"What kind of New Yorker did you think I was?"
Darren peered over his cup of hot chocolate at Kensi, careful to keep his eyes locked on hers while he took a sip. He could go on and continue beating around the bush about how he felt, but he knew all too well that the next minute wasn't promised. He thought he had forever with Jessica and that proved not to be true.
"How about we not worry about what I thought and let me get a chance to see for myself? I want to date you, Kensi, seriously and exclusively, once your assignment is over."
Kensi's eyes grew wide with surprise. She took several sips of her latte in order to compose her thoughts and contemplate her response. She was aware that he was fond of her, and that feeling was mutual. However, she wasn't expecting him to be so direct. In a matter of seconds, her mind went into complete overdrive as she pondered her decision. If she said no, that would go against all the whining that she'd done to God a few weeks ago about her turn for happiness.
But saying yes could mean that she would likely have to move to Pepperton if things went well. She'd need a new job. She'd have to give up New York and months of the cold weather that she loved so much plus she'd be even farther away from her family.
She closed her eyes for a moment to calm down and reel her mind back into the present. Although those things were important, that could easily be worked out later. She liked him, so she owed it to herself to see if their relationship could grow wings.
"I'd like that too," she finally answered.
"Good. You had me worried here for a second," Darren said with a nervous chuckle.
"I'm looking forward to spending more time getting to know the woman behind the camera and the pencil."
"Of course you are!" Kensi joked, breaking up the seriousness of the moment.
Darren reached across the table and squeezed her hand. Tomorrow was the theatrical production and he had never looked forward to it more than he was now. Closing the curtains after the Christmas program tomorrow set the stage for them to move forward to see what life had in store for the two of them-together.
---------
To get away from the town's eyes, Kensi and Darren went to Houston for their first official date. After early morning church service, they set off to spend the day having fun without everyone in Pepperton watching their every move. They wanted to enjoy each other's company without the questioning looks or those who felt comfortable enough to simply ask if they were dating.
Upon Raegan's suggestion, their first stop was at the Breakfast Klub. When they arrived, patrons were standing in a line wrapped around the small yellow building.
"Are you sure we're in the right place?" Darren asked, circling the building trying to find a parking space.
"Yea," Kensi answered, checking the GPS on her phone. "Raegan said there may be a line, but it moves fast. Apparently that is all part of the experience."
"Well, we have nothing but time today, so let's check it out," Darren said as he pulled into a parking space in a muddy parking lot across the street. "Before you get out, let me come around to check that area near your door. It's quite a bit of mud around here."
Darren dodged a couple of muddy sections in the grass and went around to help Kensi out of the car. Luckily there was only a small puddle of mud near her door and he helped her over it by allowing her to use his arm to steady herself.
The duo walked side by side to the restaurant to get a place in line. Before making it to the end, a familiar voice called out to her. She had been so focused on getting in line that she didn't hear her name until Darren mentioned it. They turned around to see Raegan and Caleb waving to them. She should have expected to see them after mentioning that they would be coming to Houston.
"We saved you guys a spot in line," Raegan said after giving Kensi a tight squeeze. She then whispered to Kensi, "Now you know that I wouldn't have missed the opportunity to see who my friend was taking road trips with, right? I love you," she said and squeezed once more before pulling away.
"Introduce us, Kensi," Caleb interjected.
Kensi shook her head, smiled and proceeded with introductions. Caleb shook hands with Darren and Raegan greeted him with a friendly one-armed hug. Kensi stopped and spoke to the couple standing behind them, because she didn't want people getting offended because they skipped line. The couple was warm and friendly, holding a conversation with the group until they made it to the front of the line to place their orders.
Scanning the menu, Darren asked, "What's good?"
"Everything. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Cami got me hooked on this place while she was pregnant. I can't tell you how many times I had to bring her out for the wings and waffles or place a to-go order. They should know us by name as much time and money as we spent here," Caleb answered.
Darren ordered the wings and waffles, while Kensi ordered the shrimp and grits. Raegan and Caleb both ordered the wings and waffles, along with the famous cappuccino. They found an empty table to seat four, sat down and chatted while waiting for their breakfast.
"Darren, I'm sorry we're imposing on your time with Kensi, but when she mentioned that you guys were coming, I suddenly had a taste for wings and waffles. It is so good!" Raegan apologized and praised the food.
"They're best friends, Darren. She's not sorry. She's coming to check you out, but the food is good," Caleb countered, and everyone chuckled.
"It's cool. It's probably a good idea that we all get to know each other. Maybe you can convince her to move to Texas."
"Y'all know I'm a city girl, specifically a New York City girl. No Pepperton, Texas, for me," Kensi added. Raegan sat across from her and they had a conversation without saying a word. They both knew that given the right conditions, she'd leave New York.
"We'll see about that," Darren added and took a sip of cappuccino.
Raegan took the reins of the conversation and questioned Darren about his background, where he grew up, why he moved to Pepperton, his future plans and where he saw Kensi fitting into those plans. As much as she enjoyed the food, she didn't stop her interrogation when it arrived.
Darren answered her questions as if he'd been preparing for them his whole life. His responses were perfect, almost too perfect in Raegan's opinion. Though he didn't appear to be the type who would treat Kensi badly, Raegan didn't want this to turn out to be another Rico type situation. He was far from that type, but it made Raegan wonder if he was hiding something too.
"Well that was intense!" Kensi finally added when Raegan finished her line of questioning. Neither Caleb nor Kensi stopped Raegan, only piggybacked on a question here or there.
"Nah it's all good. She's just looking out for you. Any good friend would have done the same thing. Besides, I'd probably be concerned if she didn't grill me like a piece of meat," Darren said and chuckled. The others burst into laughter at his comment and commenced friendly chatter until Raegan and Caleb had to leave and get back to their children.
Caleb and Darren left tips for the waitress before rising from the table and meeting the ladies out front. Kensi and Raegan had walked out just minutes before them, using the excuse of needing to use the restroom to talk privately.
Kensi and Raegan were standing in front of the building to the right of the long line that seemed to have no end. Raegan gave her smile of approval to Kensi after offering a few encouraging words.
"I like him for you, Kens. He seems really nice. I wasn't trying to embarrass you, but you know I've learned my lesson from not asking enough questions."
"Amen. I think our entire circle learned from you," Kensi agreed.
"If I can help you avoid a Rico situation, you best believe I'm going to be inspector gadget."
"And amen again," Kensi agreed and chuckled.
"Bring Darren by again sometime, Kens, if you all have the time," Caleb said when they caught up to the women standing outside. "It was good to meet you bro." Caleb shook Darren's hand once more after the couple hugged Kensi and bid their goodbyes.
When Caleb and Raegan reached their car, Raegan asked, "So what do you really think about him?"
"I think that given enough time, he could be a good match for our little Kensi."
"Stop talking about her as if she's a little girl," Raegan said and giggled after swatting his shoulder. "Maybe she's found her perfect match, just like we did."
Caleb agreed by leaning across the center console and pressing his lips against hers. If Kensi had finally found what they had, she should count herself blessed.
"I guess we'll see. Let's get home to our babies."
( Continued... )
Kairos: The Perfect Time for Love by Natasha D. Frazier
Intimate Conversation with Natasha D. Frazier
BPM: Was there anyone early in your career that recognized your talent and help cultivate it?
Natasha: Long before I started my writing career, my ninth/tenth grade English teacher recognized my talent and encouraged me to keep writing. It took years for me to take her advice, but I still hold on to it, literally. I still have the note that she wrote to me many moons ago.
BPM: How do you stay on top of your game professionally in the publishing industry?
Natasha: I read the latest industry news and work to take the advice of experts when it's applicable to me and my genre. It's ever-changing and sometimes can be difficult to keep up with, but change is inevitable and I'm learning to adapt.
BPM: Tell us about your most recent work, Kairos: The Perfect Time for Love. Available on Nook and Kindle?
Natasha: Kairos: The Perfect Time for Love is my 8th book, which was released on Valentine's Day! I'm excited to share Kairos because it seems I've been working on it forever. Kairos features Kensi, who was first introduced in book 1 of the Love, Lies & Consequences series as Raegan's best friend. Kensi is now the only person in her circle who has yet to marry and have children.
The one thing she thought she had control over - her career- takes a different turn and she finds herself wondering when she's going to experience the love and happiness that everyone else around her seems to be experiencing. She has to learn that God's timing is perfect and it doesn't always look like our timetable either. Kairos vs. Chronos. It is available in paperback and Kindle.
BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special?
Natasha: Kensi is a career girl but she desires much more than her career. She wants the marriage and family life as well, but since that hasn't happened for her just yet, she chose to focus on what she thought she could control - her career. I know a few women like Kensi, shoot, I may have even been her at an earlier point in my life. She has conquered the career world and the question becomes, "what's next?"
Darren, a coach and high school teacher, is also a family guy, but he lost his wife Jessica in a car accident a few years earlier. Now that he doesn't have her, he gives his heart and energy to his students. He hasn't thought much about dating anyone until he meets Kensi.
BPM: Is there a specific place/space that you find inspiration in?
Natasha: Generally, I just need to be alone with peace and quiet so that my mind can roam without interruption. I also find inspiration while reading.
BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Natasha: Two things: the playful banter between Kensi and Darren and Kensi's mother, Ruby. Ruby is a bit extra but my inspiration for her was Jennifer Lewis' character in any movie or TV show she ever played someone's mother. Haha.
BPM: How much planning goes into writing a book? How long does it take to complete one of your books?
Natasha: I honestly don't do a lot of planning. I told myself I would start planning, but haven't gotten around to it yet. When I conceive an idea, I sit down and start writing. Each time I sit down to continue, I read the last chapter or two and then pick up where I left off. As long as I know how I want the book to end, it's just a matter of getting there.
Lately, it has taken about 4 to 6 months to get the first draft done and another 3 to 6 for editing. My last baby has completely thrown me off my game. She is definitely a game changer. I used to be able to sit down and write for an hour or two at night, but she won't go to sleep on time. Nowadays, I have to get it in whenever I can.
BPM: Talk us through your experiences as a self-published author. Why did you go down this route?
Natasha: When I began my publishing journey five and a half years ago, my mentor was self-published and I followed in her footsteps. After learning how long it could possibly take to go the traditional route, self-publishing was the obvious choice for me, plus I wanted to retain all rights to my book. I may seek traditional publishing in the future, but as of now, I like being in charge of me.
BPM: What advice would you give aspiring writers that would help them finish a project?
Natasha: Take it one day at a time and try not to become overwhelmed with the process. Break your project down into small chunks (whatever works best for you) and it'll seem much more attainable.
BPM: Was there an early experience where you learned that the written word had power?
Natasha: Probably right after I published my first book, The Life Your Spirit Craves. Listening to readers who told me that the book positively affected their lives and encouraged them to seek God for what He wanted them to do in this season of their lives reminded me of the power of the written word. It was then that I decided that I wanted everything I wrote to impact the lives of others in a positive way.
BPM: How has writing impacted your life?
Natasha: Writing is freeing, but first knowing that my work has blessed others has indeed blessed me. It has also allowed me the opportunity to meet and get to know people that I probably wouldn't have crossed paths with had it not been for writing.
BPM: What does literary success look like to you?
Natasha: Literary Success - the power to encourage and entertain someone with the pen. Anytime someone sends me a message or posts a review that says one of my books touched or encouraged them in some way, I feel I have achieved literary success.
BPM: Share some of your writing goals. What projects are you working on at the present?
Natasha: I am working on book 4 of the Love, Lies & Consequences series, which will feature Raegan and Chloe. I'm super excited about that and if life continues to be as busy as it is now, it will be early next year before it's released. I am also going to pick up and continue working on a journal that accompanies my one-year devotional, Not Without You.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Natasha: www.natashafrazier.com
Instagram: @author_natashafrazier
Twitter: @author_natashaf
Facebook: @craves.2012
Purchase Kairos: The Perfect Time for Love by Natasha D. Frazier
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