Writing Conferences
I haven't posted for two weeks because last weekend my husband and I drove over 1300 miles roundtrip so I could attend the 2007 Called to Write conference held by the Christian Writers Fellowship in Girard, KS. Deb Vogts, president of CWF, made everyone feel very welcomed, and the ladies of the group provided so much great food that I gained weight in two days! We started off each session with a heart-moving devotion led by Patty Phipps who also later did a hilarious and helpful workshop on being a "creative chef" in our writing.
Deb Raney, a fellow ACFW member, was the main speaker, and she taught several excellent workshops on rewriting, publishing, e-newsletters, getting ideas, and writing as a business. We also heard Mary Walton give us great advice on having "Winning Writer Websites" and LeeAnn Campbell spoke about the advantages of critique groups.
This was a conference I definitely hope to attend again, even if it is half way across the country! Every part was well-planned and executed. I also connected with ACFWers in person that I had only known by email and made several new friends, too. So, I encourage all writers to find and attend some local or not-so-local smaller conferences, in addition to national conferences. I am taking my own advice and leaving on Friday for the Mercer County One Day Writers Conference in Stoneboro, PA. Check back later for a report on what I learn there!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Win a book!!
Reluctant Runaway by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
This book is the second in Jill's "To Catch a Thief" series, and I can't wait for the next one to come out in January of next year. Jill has graciously offered to mail an autographed copy of Reluctant Runaway to one lucky person who posts to this blog, so read the review below, and I'm sure you'll want a chance to win a copy. Please leave your email addy so I can contact you for mailing info. I'll get my dear hubby to draw a name from all entries on May 1st, so don't forget to enter before then. And you can check back in on May 2nd to see who is the winner!
You will love the hero and heroine in this book! Desiree Jacobs is a museum security expert who often finds herself in dangerous situations. Tony Lucano is a good-looking special agent for the FBI. Sparks fly when he tries to persuade Desiree to stay out of harm's way while he also enounters dangerous people and places. Their physical attraction for each other is unmistakable, but can it weather their disagreements and separations?
From the back cover..."Tony's organized crime case collides with Desi's (museum break-in) investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister...From the streets of Desi's beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces."
Hope you'll enter to win and also go out and buy or order the first book in the series "Reluctant Burglar" where Tony and Desi first meet.
Reluctant Runaway by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
This book is the second in Jill's "To Catch a Thief" series, and I can't wait for the next one to come out in January of next year. Jill has graciously offered to mail an autographed copy of Reluctant Runaway to one lucky person who posts to this blog, so read the review below, and I'm sure you'll want a chance to win a copy. Please leave your email addy so I can contact you for mailing info. I'll get my dear hubby to draw a name from all entries on May 1st, so don't forget to enter before then. And you can check back in on May 2nd to see who is the winner!
You will love the hero and heroine in this book! Desiree Jacobs is a museum security expert who often finds herself in dangerous situations. Tony Lucano is a good-looking special agent for the FBI. Sparks fly when he tries to persuade Desiree to stay out of harm's way while he also enounters dangerous people and places. Their physical attraction for each other is unmistakable, but can it weather their disagreements and separations?
From the back cover..."Tony's organized crime case collides with Desi's (museum break-in) investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister...From the streets of Desi's beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces."
Hope you'll enter to win and also go out and buy or order the first book in the series "Reluctant Burglar" where Tony and Desi first meet.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
A Jewish Seder
I've always wanted to attend a Jewish seder (Passover meal), so when my daughter's church had one the other night, she signed me and my husband up. Seder literally means the "set order" of the Passover service.
A man from Jews for Jesus gave a wonderful presentation which helped us all understand better what the Passover meal involved and what each food represented.
The room was set with about 20 tables, and 6-8 people of all ages sat at each one. The mother of the household has the honor of lighting the candles. There were 3 ladies at our table, but since I was sitting at the end closest to the candles, I stood to light them while Mr. Cohen spoke this traditional prayer. "Blessed are Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctifies us by His commandments and commands us to kindle the festival lights," and then the Messianic prayer: "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctifies us through Y'shua the Messiah, the Light of the world."
We started out by drinking the cup of sanctification--the first of the four cups of grape juice taken during the meal. The prayer over the cup is called Kiddush and says "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who brings forth fruit from the vine."
Then we tasted some very strong horseradish which represented the ground bitter herb or "maror". The next two cups represented plagues/judgment and redemption/blessing. I'm not sure of the order, but during this part of the meal we also tasted "chaggigah" (roasted egg), "karpas" (greens) and "charoseth" (a very tasty mixture of apples, cinnamon and nuts which represented the mortar the children of Israel had to mix while in captivity in Egypt) and "matzoh" (unleavened bread.) The prayer over the bread was "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth." The last cup we partook of was the cup of praise (also called the cup of acceptance or cup of Elijah.)
We then enjoyed a pot-luck meal of traditional Jewish foods. I made a huge platter of cheese blintzes topped with cherry pie filling and they were soon gone! Some of the foods I enjoyed most were the chicken soup and also the lamb with mint jelly.
We resumed the service by Mr. Cohen asking the 4 questions always asked of the children at the Passover meal. We then did a responsive reading of Psalm 113 and Mr. Cohen taught us a couple of Jewish songs. Then the children hunted for the Afikomen "that which comes later" which was a piece of the matzoh bread hidden earlier. Mr. Cohen spoke of how the bread was taken from the center panel of a 3 layer pouch, and affirmed that this was a foreshadowing of Christ as part of the triune God who was our Passover lamb.
This was a very symbolic evening pointing to the reason for Jesus coming to be the Lamb of God, the sacrifice for our sins. The service reminded me of the cup and bread of communion. I would encourage all who have a chance to participate in a seder to do so to gain more understanding of our Jewish roots and Christ as the fulfillment of the Passover. For more information or to schedule a seder at your church, go to www.jewsforjesus.org
I've always wanted to attend a Jewish seder (Passover meal), so when my daughter's church had one the other night, she signed me and my husband up. Seder literally means the "set order" of the Passover service.
A man from Jews for Jesus gave a wonderful presentation which helped us all understand better what the Passover meal involved and what each food represented.
The room was set with about 20 tables, and 6-8 people of all ages sat at each one. The mother of the household has the honor of lighting the candles. There were 3 ladies at our table, but since I was sitting at the end closest to the candles, I stood to light them while Mr. Cohen spoke this traditional prayer. "Blessed are Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctifies us by His commandments and commands us to kindle the festival lights," and then the Messianic prayer: "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctifies us through Y'shua the Messiah, the Light of the world."
We started out by drinking the cup of sanctification--the first of the four cups of grape juice taken during the meal. The prayer over the cup is called Kiddush and says "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who brings forth fruit from the vine."
Then we tasted some very strong horseradish which represented the ground bitter herb or "maror". The next two cups represented plagues/judgment and redemption/blessing. I'm not sure of the order, but during this part of the meal we also tasted "chaggigah" (roasted egg), "karpas" (greens) and "charoseth" (a very tasty mixture of apples, cinnamon and nuts which represented the mortar the children of Israel had to mix while in captivity in Egypt) and "matzoh" (unleavened bread.) The prayer over the bread was "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth." The last cup we partook of was the cup of praise (also called the cup of acceptance or cup of Elijah.)
We then enjoyed a pot-luck meal of traditional Jewish foods. I made a huge platter of cheese blintzes topped with cherry pie filling and they were soon gone! Some of the foods I enjoyed most were the chicken soup and also the lamb with mint jelly.
We resumed the service by Mr. Cohen asking the 4 questions always asked of the children at the Passover meal. We then did a responsive reading of Psalm 113 and Mr. Cohen taught us a couple of Jewish songs. Then the children hunted for the Afikomen "that which comes later" which was a piece of the matzoh bread hidden earlier. Mr. Cohen spoke of how the bread was taken from the center panel of a 3 layer pouch, and affirmed that this was a foreshadowing of Christ as part of the triune God who was our Passover lamb.
This was a very symbolic evening pointing to the reason for Jesus coming to be the Lamb of God, the sacrifice for our sins. The service reminded me of the cup and bread of communion. I would encourage all who have a chance to participate in a seder to do so to gain more understanding of our Jewish roots and Christ as the fulfillment of the Passover. For more information or to schedule a seder at your church, go to www.jewsforjesus.org
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
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Kim Sawyer, author of Where Willows Grow
This picture is of me with one of my dearest author friends, Kim Sawyer. I first met Kim in 2002 at the first American Christian Fiction Writers' Conference in Kansas City. We were both shy and felt out of place amidst all the well-known authors. Kim had self-pubbed her first book and sold copies at our booksigning. I bought a book and was hooked on her writing. She has been compared to Janette Oke of prairie romance fame, but I think she is even better! If you would like more info about Kim and her other books, please check out her website at www.KimVogelSawyer.com
Review of Where Willows Grow by Kim Vogel Sawyer
This book is a story of enduring love during the Depression period of our country's history. Anna Mae and Harley Phipps are barely surviving on the farm her parents left her. Harley travels across the state of Kansas, against his wife's wishes, to work on a WPA project of building a castle to make money for food and taxes. Several events occur to keep them from receiving letters from each other, leading to more hurt feelings. They are both involved in harmful accidents which God can use for good if they will let Him. The blurb on the back of the book says "Her heart aches for his return, but is the distance between them measured by more than miles?" I hope you will order this book and find out the answer for yourself. If you are like me, you will be happy at the joyful ending, but sad that your visit with these heartwarming characters is at an end. Order a copy today from the site above or go to your local Christian bookstore.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Sermon notes
Last Sunday the minister told more of the story of Nehemiah based on chapter 6. I wanted to list all the building blocks he spoke about that Nehemiah used to encourage the people to stand firm in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, but the bulletin went through the wash in my husband's clothes! So, I will just share two points that I can still make out and which refer to any mission God has given us in life--1)whether it is a physical or spiritual need, we should seek God's vision for it instead of our own, and 2)when we are sure of the vision, we have to remember to not just stare up the steps, but to step up the stairs! Good advice for all endeavors!
Last Sunday the minister told more of the story of Nehemiah based on chapter 6. I wanted to list all the building blocks he spoke about that Nehemiah used to encourage the people to stand firm in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, but the bulletin went through the wash in my husband's clothes! So, I will just share two points that I can still make out and which refer to any mission God has given us in life--1)whether it is a physical or spiritual need, we should seek God's vision for it instead of our own, and 2)when we are sure of the vision, we have to remember to not just stare up the steps, but to step up the stairs! Good advice for all endeavors!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Author Interview: DiAnn Mills
I am happy to share an interview with one of my favorite authors and fellow ACFW member--DiAnn Mills.
RM: Hi, DiAnn. I hope you will tell us a little about yourself. How old were you when you began writing?
DM: Actually I was in the second grade. I wrote poetry and stories. Then I remember filling up a Big Chief pad with my first book - a western. I don’t remember what happened in the story except the hero always rode off into the west at the end of each chapter. I imagine it resembled Wagon Train, since that was my favorite TV show at the time. My goodness, I hope some of your readers know that classic!
RM: I certainly do. What is the most important aspect of your writing?
DM: Without a doubt, it is characterization. I’m a character-driven writer, and that means my goal is to write real “people” who react and respond to the events and happenings in their lives according to their traits. When you consider how long we have lived to develop our character, then you have an idea the formidable job a writer has in developing credible, colorful, and compelling characters. Characterization drives plot. Stop for a moment to consider your favorite books or movies. The plot may have intricate twists and turns, but it’s the characters who become unforgettable.
RM: I agree. You write many different types of stories. Do you have a favorite genre?
DM: ☺ That’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite!
I enjoy writing historicals because of the romance of an older era. The obstacles that stood in the way of these people bred courage and strength into their lives. Their problems weren’t any different than the ones we face today, but how the characters solved them presents an intriguing writing project for me.
I enjoy writing a contemporary because it is who we are today. Our lives are fast-paced and stressful. We are courted by TV, movies, magazines, and newspapers. Every headline, every magazine article, every viewed program sparks ideas of how a character could handle a problem. I thrive on suspense and the challenges of a protagonist who lives his/her life from a Christian point of view.
I’ve never tackled sci-fi, fantasy, children, or speculative. But who knows?
RM: What part of the writing process is your favorite?
DM: I don’t think I have a favorite because the process all builds to a finished project: a novel that inspires and entertains.
I’ve already stated how I feel about characterization.
Plotting is an extension of characterization. The actual breakout of words on paper and seeing the story come to life thrills me.
Editing to make my novel the best.
Marketing and networking is an opportunity to promote the story God has given me and to make new friends.
RM: You are great at all these aspects. What part of the writing process is your least favorite?
DM: The scary part. When the book is released. I think of it like a mom who sends her precious child to the first day of school. She wants the child to behave and have everyone love him/her, but what if the child comes home with a note that says the child was naughty?
RM: LOL As a mother I love that analogy! What do you feel is the key to continuous publication?
DM: I’d say it is a mixture of things. Striving to always make the next project better than the previous. Bathing the project with prayer. Listening for the voice of God. And, for me, mentoring new writers. I love to help someone achieve their writing goals.
RM: You have helped me and many other new writers through your excellent teaching at conferences and articles on your website. I hear you and other writers use the word “passion” when you speak about writing. What does that mean to you?
DM: Passion in writing involves a number of aspects. At least it does for me. Passion for writing is like telling a pastor to preach his best sermon, a singer to sing his favorite song, a dancer to reenact the finest performance, or an artist to transfer a dream onto canvas. Many times a writer has this type of feeling or a passion for a topic or story idea. The writer cannot not write it.
RM: How true! How do you feel about critique partners?
DM: Mine are fantastic. I like another set of eyes to read my work critically. I want to know if it works and what doesn’t. Are the characters real? Is the plot believable? Does the dialogue seem to lift off the page? And have I added the right amount of sensory perception.
RM: One of the questions I am asked frequently is where I get my story ideas. Where did you get your inspiration for The Texas Legacy Series?
DM: For years I had this idea about a lady outlaw who decides that she’s had enough and leaves the gang. Along the way, she finds the Lord, but the guilt and shame of her past plague her journey. That was Leather and Lace. In the writing of the first book, I realized the hero had a brother and sister. Each one had a story that begged to be told. Lanterns and Lace is about the younger brother, a doctor who adopts an infant from a dying prostitute. Lightning and Lace is about the sister who is forced to face life as a widow and runs head-on into a man who is attempting to live down a troubled past.
RM: Sounds great! I can't wait to read Lightning and Lace. What tips can you give new writers?
DM: Write everyday.
Establish a time and stick to it.
Read your genre and out of your genre.
Attend writing conferences
Be diligent to the craft.
What you learn, pass on to someone else
Be teachable – both mentally and spiritually
RM: Thanks, DiAnn, for these words of wisdom.
I hope my readers will check out DiAnn's website at www.diannmills.com where you can read more about her and even read a sample from Lightning and Lace, her latest book.
I am happy to share an interview with one of my favorite authors and fellow ACFW member--DiAnn Mills.
RM: Hi, DiAnn. I hope you will tell us a little about yourself. How old were you when you began writing?
DM: Actually I was in the second grade. I wrote poetry and stories. Then I remember filling up a Big Chief pad with my first book - a western. I don’t remember what happened in the story except the hero always rode off into the west at the end of each chapter. I imagine it resembled Wagon Train, since that was my favorite TV show at the time. My goodness, I hope some of your readers know that classic!
RM: I certainly do. What is the most important aspect of your writing?
DM: Without a doubt, it is characterization. I’m a character-driven writer, and that means my goal is to write real “people” who react and respond to the events and happenings in their lives according to their traits. When you consider how long we have lived to develop our character, then you have an idea the formidable job a writer has in developing credible, colorful, and compelling characters. Characterization drives plot. Stop for a moment to consider your favorite books or movies. The plot may have intricate twists and turns, but it’s the characters who become unforgettable.
RM: I agree. You write many different types of stories. Do you have a favorite genre?
DM: ☺ That’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite!
I enjoy writing historicals because of the romance of an older era. The obstacles that stood in the way of these people bred courage and strength into their lives. Their problems weren’t any different than the ones we face today, but how the characters solved them presents an intriguing writing project for me.
I enjoy writing a contemporary because it is who we are today. Our lives are fast-paced and stressful. We are courted by TV, movies, magazines, and newspapers. Every headline, every magazine article, every viewed program sparks ideas of how a character could handle a problem. I thrive on suspense and the challenges of a protagonist who lives his/her life from a Christian point of view.
I’ve never tackled sci-fi, fantasy, children, or speculative. But who knows?
RM: What part of the writing process is your favorite?
DM: I don’t think I have a favorite because the process all builds to a finished project: a novel that inspires and entertains.
I’ve already stated how I feel about characterization.
Plotting is an extension of characterization. The actual breakout of words on paper and seeing the story come to life thrills me.
Editing to make my novel the best.
Marketing and networking is an opportunity to promote the story God has given me and to make new friends.
RM: You are great at all these aspects. What part of the writing process is your least favorite?
DM: The scary part. When the book is released. I think of it like a mom who sends her precious child to the first day of school. She wants the child to behave and have everyone love him/her, but what if the child comes home with a note that says the child was naughty?
RM: LOL As a mother I love that analogy! What do you feel is the key to continuous publication?
DM: I’d say it is a mixture of things. Striving to always make the next project better than the previous. Bathing the project with prayer. Listening for the voice of God. And, for me, mentoring new writers. I love to help someone achieve their writing goals.
RM: You have helped me and many other new writers through your excellent teaching at conferences and articles on your website. I hear you and other writers use the word “passion” when you speak about writing. What does that mean to you?
DM: Passion in writing involves a number of aspects. At least it does for me. Passion for writing is like telling a pastor to preach his best sermon, a singer to sing his favorite song, a dancer to reenact the finest performance, or an artist to transfer a dream onto canvas. Many times a writer has this type of feeling or a passion for a topic or story idea. The writer cannot not write it.
RM: How true! How do you feel about critique partners?
DM: Mine are fantastic. I like another set of eyes to read my work critically. I want to know if it works and what doesn’t. Are the characters real? Is the plot believable? Does the dialogue seem to lift off the page? And have I added the right amount of sensory perception.
RM: One of the questions I am asked frequently is where I get my story ideas. Where did you get your inspiration for The Texas Legacy Series?
DM: For years I had this idea about a lady outlaw who decides that she’s had enough and leaves the gang. Along the way, she finds the Lord, but the guilt and shame of her past plague her journey. That was Leather and Lace. In the writing of the first book, I realized the hero had a brother and sister. Each one had a story that begged to be told. Lanterns and Lace is about the younger brother, a doctor who adopts an infant from a dying prostitute. Lightning and Lace is about the sister who is forced to face life as a widow and runs head-on into a man who is attempting to live down a troubled past.
RM: Sounds great! I can't wait to read Lightning and Lace. What tips can you give new writers?
DM: Write everyday.
Establish a time and stick to it.
Read your genre and out of your genre.
Attend writing conferences
Be diligent to the craft.
What you learn, pass on to someone else
Be teachable – both mentally and spiritually
RM: Thanks, DiAnn, for these words of wisdom.
I hope my readers will check out DiAnn's website at www.diannmills.com where you can read more about her and even read a sample from Lightning and Lace, her latest book.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Beth Moore simulcast
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Beth Moore Bible study by simulcast. I had seen and heard her in person twice before, and wondered what this would be like in comparison. It was a great experience, and I would encourage anyone who has a chance to attend one of her Bible studies to do so, whether live or by simulcast or video tape.
Each of the three sessions began with lively praise and worship led by Travis Cottrell. The Beth spoke with humbleness yet great power about God's deliverance. She said her message was a further teaching based on her new book Get Out of that Pit. She began by reading from Psalm 40, verse 2: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Her key passage was Psalm 18. One of my favorite verses from this Scripture is verse 19 where David says, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." How precious to think of Him delighting in me--in each of us!
I hope you will check out Beth's studies at www.lproof.org which is the website for Living Proof Ministries and get involved in a personal or group study led by Beth Moore. I also hope my readers will recommend any of the Beth Moore or other Bible studies they have found beneficial so we can all grow in His wisdom.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Beth Moore Bible study by simulcast. I had seen and heard her in person twice before, and wondered what this would be like in comparison. It was a great experience, and I would encourage anyone who has a chance to attend one of her Bible studies to do so, whether live or by simulcast or video tape.
Each of the three sessions began with lively praise and worship led by Travis Cottrell. The Beth spoke with humbleness yet great power about God's deliverance. She said her message was a further teaching based on her new book Get Out of that Pit. She began by reading from Psalm 40, verse 2: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Her key passage was Psalm 18. One of my favorite verses from this Scripture is verse 19 where David says, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." How precious to think of Him delighting in me--in each of us!
I hope you will check out Beth's studies at www.lproof.org which is the website for Living Proof Ministries and get involved in a personal or group study led by Beth Moore. I also hope my readers will recommend any of the Beth Moore or other Bible studies they have found beneficial so we can all grow in His wisdom.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Children
Tonight at church we had a special Youth Night. Several kids sang (including my three grandkids!), a group called "Chosen" from a visiting church did an interpretive dance, and the junior Bible Bowl team whopped upon the three ministers of the church. The first game was a skunk (400 to 0) and the second game was a little closer (300+ to 60). It was an enjoyable evening for all.
Something the deacon prayed in his closing prayer struck me. "Help us see the children not just as our future, but as our present." We usually think of teaching our children to follow us, but he also prayed "And help us to follow the children." This is similar to what Jesus taught when He said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
May we all become like little children in our trust, love, and wonder at God and His creation.
Tonight at church we had a special Youth Night. Several kids sang (including my three grandkids!), a group called "Chosen" from a visiting church did an interpretive dance, and the junior Bible Bowl team whopped upon the three ministers of the church. The first game was a skunk (400 to 0) and the second game was a little closer (300+ to 60). It was an enjoyable evening for all.
Something the deacon prayed in his closing prayer struck me. "Help us see the children not just as our future, but as our present." We usually think of teaching our children to follow us, but he also prayed "And help us to follow the children." This is similar to what Jesus taught when He said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
May we all become like little children in our trust, love, and wonder at God and His creation.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Next to reading, scrapbooking is a favorite hobby of mine. I started scrapbooking over nine years ago, but never completed a whole album until I retired from teaching the following year. I especially enjoy scrapping with friends. We can talk while we work and share our ideas and pictures with each other.
Since I no longer need to do bulletin boards, I use my creativity to create layouts and borders to showcase my pictures. My grandkids especially enjoy looking at our family pictures in the completed albums. Someday I hope the albums will become family heirlooms, passed down to future generations to tell the stories of our lives in pictures. You know they say, "One picture is worth a thousand words." If that's true, I'm a millionaire of memories!
How about you? Any other scrapbookers out there?
Since I no longer need to do bulletin boards, I use my creativity to create layouts and borders to showcase my pictures. My grandkids especially enjoy looking at our family pictures in the completed albums. Someday I hope the albums will become family heirlooms, passed down to future generations to tell the stories of our lives in pictures. You know they say, "One picture is worth a thousand words." If that's true, I'm a millionaire of memories!
How about you? Any other scrapbookers out there?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Wedding Plans
This is will be short tonight as our youngest daughter is getting married in five months, and she asked me to start working on a wedding invitation list tonight.
The word wedding reminded me of two times it is used in the Bible. In Matthew 22 Jesus tells the parable of the king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. Those invited didn't come, so he sent his servants out to invite others. I am so thankful that we have been invited to the wedding banquet for God's Son where we will be not just guests, but the bride of Christ.
This wedding banquet is found in Revelation 19:7 "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." Then in verse 9 John writes the words the angel gave him: "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" May we all accept His invitation.
This is will be short tonight as our youngest daughter is getting married in five months, and she asked me to start working on a wedding invitation list tonight.
The word wedding reminded me of two times it is used in the Bible. In Matthew 22 Jesus tells the parable of the king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. Those invited didn't come, so he sent his servants out to invite others. I am so thankful that we have been invited to the wedding banquet for God's Son where we will be not just guests, but the bride of Christ.
This wedding banquet is found in Revelation 19:7 "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." Then in verse 9 John writes the words the angel gave him: "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" May we all accept His invitation.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Success/Failure
The sermon today was about mistakes we make. One of the quotes the preacher shared really stuck with me throughout the day in regards to my writing. Malcom Forbes said, " Failure is success if we learn from it." An online search also led me to this quote by Henry Ford. "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
I know I have a lot to learn about writing fiction. Most of the writers on the ACFW loop say writing is a lifelong learning process, which suits me fine because I love to learn new things! So, each failure is a success for me if I can learn from the experience and "begin again more intelligently." As the minister said, we can learn from our own mistakes and from the mistakes of others. So, I will continue to read and study writing how-to books and attend conferences, and most of all, continue to write and implement what I have learned.
I received a rejection letter a couple of weeks ago. I told my husband it was a "nice" rejection letter, although that sounds like an oxymoron. But, it was addressed to me personally by my first name, and signed by the editor with her first name. (I had met her previously at a conference.) My failure in attaining a contract from that house can be my stepping stone to success as long as I continue to learn and to write more intelligently. How about you? Is there some failure you need to turn into a success by learning from your mistakes and implementing what you have learned? What better time to start than now?
The sermon today was about mistakes we make. One of the quotes the preacher shared really stuck with me throughout the day in regards to my writing. Malcom Forbes said, " Failure is success if we learn from it." An online search also led me to this quote by Henry Ford. "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
I know I have a lot to learn about writing fiction. Most of the writers on the ACFW loop say writing is a lifelong learning process, which suits me fine because I love to learn new things! So, each failure is a success for me if I can learn from the experience and "begin again more intelligently." As the minister said, we can learn from our own mistakes and from the mistakes of others. So, I will continue to read and study writing how-to books and attend conferences, and most of all, continue to write and implement what I have learned.
I received a rejection letter a couple of weeks ago. I told my husband it was a "nice" rejection letter, although that sounds like an oxymoron. But, it was addressed to me personally by my first name, and signed by the editor with her first name. (I had met her previously at a conference.) My failure in attaining a contract from that house can be my stepping stone to success as long as I continue to learn and to write more intelligently. How about you? Is there some failure you need to turn into a success by learning from your mistakes and implementing what you have learned? What better time to start than now?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Remodeling
We are in the middle of a long-planned project to build a laundry room/shower room on our ground floor. For the past thirty-three years we have lived in this house, both the washer/dryer and the only shower have been in the basement. After thousands of trips up and down the steps, we finally are working on making this dream a reality.
We hired a couple of guys to close in and insulate a section of our back porch. My husband is doing the plumbing and wiring himself. Today we went to order the washer/dryer. We left them at the store to be delivered later, but picked up the electrical and plumbing supplies he would need to get ready for them. When he finishes with that, I will help paint and decorate the room.
Thinking about how much work is going into this small project caused me to ponder the remodeling God is continually doing in us when we allow ourselves to be led by Him. Although the word remodel is not in the Scriptures, there are many verses about renewal and transformation. One of my favorites is Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Another one I really like is Psalm 51:10 when David prays, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." As we move through this new year God has given us, I pray that we all may be renewed and remodeled by the Great Architect. (Hebrews 11:10) Happy remodeling!
We are in the middle of a long-planned project to build a laundry room/shower room on our ground floor. For the past thirty-three years we have lived in this house, both the washer/dryer and the only shower have been in the basement. After thousands of trips up and down the steps, we finally are working on making this dream a reality.
We hired a couple of guys to close in and insulate a section of our back porch. My husband is doing the plumbing and wiring himself. Today we went to order the washer/dryer. We left them at the store to be delivered later, but picked up the electrical and plumbing supplies he would need to get ready for them. When he finishes with that, I will help paint and decorate the room.
Thinking about how much work is going into this small project caused me to ponder the remodeling God is continually doing in us when we allow ourselves to be led by Him. Although the word remodel is not in the Scriptures, there are many verses about renewal and transformation. One of my favorites is Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Another one I really like is Psalm 51:10 when David prays, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." As we move through this new year God has given us, I pray that we all may be renewed and remodeled by the Great Architect. (Hebrews 11:10) Happy remodeling!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Mothers and Daughters
Dear Readers, thanks for the comments several have left about about the mission trip. This will probably be my last one about the trip unless God leads otherwise.
This experience was very special to me as it was an answer to a prayer request I've been praying for several years for me and my youngest daughter to go on a mission trip together. She had always promised me we would go when she got her medical degree, but she came home the first month of classes and said she found out there was a mission trip planned that she could go on as a dental student. I told her to ask if her mother could go along, and the rest is history! The picture of the two of us in our scrubs was taken in front of a carving at the hotel where the interdenominational church service we attended was held.
I am very thankful that we had this experience together and hope it will be the first of many trips. I was also very proud of my daughter and the others on the trip's willingness and boldness to do everything in their power to relieve tooth pain in the Honduran people and to assist the missionaries and pastors who serve there. The country is very poor economically, but the people are rich in friendliness and smiles!
Another mother/daughter team also went on the trip, a dentist and her daughter. Although the daughter was the youngest member of our group, she pitched in and did sterilization of instruments and helped in the pharmacy, too. It was special to see them together.
We also connected with another mother/daughter team as one of the missionaries we served was a woman who lives in Honduras with her two teenage daughters. I think God prepared us all to encourage each other and to help the Honduran people and be taught and loved by them.
It is my prayer that we all will continue to be led by God whereever He wants us to go. And I hope you will pray for God to send you and/or some of your loved ones on a mission trip. You never know how or when He will answer that prayer!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Honduras, Part 2
We just returned from a Christmas Eve service where we reflected on the birth of Christ, and as we took communion the pastor reminded us to see Jesus in others which was basically the theme of our mission trip this past week. Each evening as we held our "debriefing" session we shared many ways we saw Jesus in each other and especially the loving Honduran people.
The pastors and members of the small rural churches prepared a delicious Honduran meal for our lunch each day, sharing with us from their own food supply. The children shared their smiles and hugs. Several grandparents brought their grandchildren to be seen, and often kissed us on the cheek as they left.
Our team consisted of two dentists, eleven dental students and three support persons plus an interpreter. All of the dentists and dental students pulled teeth every day. The girl in the red top is my daughter Mandy pulling a tooth. Since I was one of the three team members without any dental training, I spent most of my time in the pharmacy dispensing the pain medicine and antibiotics the dentists prescribed. I also helped some with sterilization of the instruments and passed out coloring sheets and crayons to the children.
Our group began each clinic with a prayer circle for the work to be done that day, and the people we would see. In our morning and evening devotions our interpreter, Pedro, often played his guitar and sang songs both in Spanish and English. One of the songs we knew so we sang in English while he continued in Spanish. The sound of the languages blending together gave me a glimpse of what heaven might sound like with the saints "from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9) praising God for eternity.
Our team was led by Dr. David Sperow who lived with his wife Marti as missionaries in Honduras for two years. The mission statement for LaCima missions is: "To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by partnering with local churches and missionaries around the globe. We will use our time, talents, and resources to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the impoverished peoples of the world." For more info please check out his website at www.lacimaworldmissions.org
I'll close with a short piece I wrote and shared with the group our last evening there entitled "Dichotomy"
When I saw Jesus in you, I saw
A gentleness, yet a fierceness
Joy mixed with sorrow
Meekness and bravery
Loud/soft
Laughter and tears
Learners/teachers
Playful, serious
The heart of a child mixed with a growing maturity
Calm, excited
Skillful, yet willing to seek help when necessary
Giving/receiving
Servants/leaders.
My prayer is that you may always be guided
by Him Who is the
Alpha and the Omega.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Buenos Dias, Amigos
Greetings from the lovely country of Honduras. Our dental mission team is staying in San Pedro Sula and holding dental clinics in the surounding countryside. Our first clinic went very smoothly today, seeing 22 patients in the afternoon following church services at an English speaking congregation. Our leader, Dr. Dave Sperrow told us last night to look for Jesus today, and one of the first songs we sang this morning was "Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus." And God answered that prayer in many ways--from the smiling faces of the children to the loving spirit at the church to the spirit of servanthood shown by the team members.
Please pray for our team to continue to see Jesus and follow His lead. I'll report more later.
Greetings from the lovely country of Honduras. Our dental mission team is staying in San Pedro Sula and holding dental clinics in the surounding countryside. Our first clinic went very smoothly today, seeing 22 patients in the afternoon following church services at an English speaking congregation. Our leader, Dr. Dave Sperrow told us last night to look for Jesus today, and one of the first songs we sang this morning was "Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus." And God answered that prayer in many ways--from the smiling faces of the children to the loving spirit at the church to the spirit of servanthood shown by the team members.
Please pray for our team to continue to see Jesus and follow His lead. I'll report more later.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Friends and Family
Sorry I didn't post last weekend due to my hubby and I being on the road. We were gone 10 days and put over 2,000 miles on our car. We spent the first night with Judy, a friend from college who lives in Alabama. The picture at the bottom left shows us sitting with her on her couch. In her bedroom was a plaque that sums up our relationship: "Friends are a gift from God." We then spent one night at Dauphin Island, AL, our only hotel stay of the trip.
The next day we were off to New Orleans where most of my family now live to spend Thanksgiving with them. My two sisters and their families are still living in FEMA trailers more than a year after Katrina. The picture of the two ladies in teal shirts are my two sisters wearing the shirts my daughter sent them as an early Christmas gift. Butterflies were our mother's trademark. The other two pictures are of my husband and brother-in-law working on the house--running wiring and shoring up a broken timber under the house. We would appreciate all prayers for them to have speedy success in getting back into their home soon.
Our last stop was Lake Charles, Louisiana, where we spent two days with one of my "forever friends." (see October 15 post) Sandi and I went through school from 7th grade through college. The pic above of the three ladies with "flowers in their hair" is from a previous visit at Sandi's. Phyllis, my college roommmate was also there at the same time and we had a blast!
I am so thankful for my family and friends, both silver and gold. Next week I will be making many new friends on a dental mission trip to Honduras with my youngest daughter and some of her fellow dental students. Prayers for all aspects of this trip are much appreciated, too. I'll report about the journey next time.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Michelle Sutton's Review of Anna's Journey by Nancy Toback
Dear Friends, I am delighted to share with you a book review by a friend and fellow-chocolate lover, Michelle Sutton. I have read the book and agree with everything she says (including crying at the end!), so I am copying the review in its entirety with her permission. I hope you will also check out Michelle's blog listed at the end of the review, and that you will order this great read from Heartsong Presents.
Anna's Journey by Nancy Toback just came out and I devoured it. It's the best Heartsong I've ever read to date.
Want a review to post?
Product Details# ISBN: 1597891304ISBN-13: 9781597891301# Format: Paperback, 176pp# Publisher: Barbour Publishing, IncorporatedPublication date Sept. 2006
From the back cover:
Anna McCort always wanted to serve the Lord in a third-world orphanage, but she ignored His leading to focus on romance. When her ex-boyfriend threatens violence, the emotionally devastated Anna knows she made the right decision to break up with him. This time around, she won't let anything--or anyone--deter her from her God-given mission. Then, a very handsome stranger from church takes notice of Anna. Can she trust herself to do what's right?
Daniel Boccini never had to work hard for a woman's attention--until he met Anna. No matter how hard he tries, he finds he has to manipulate the situation just to be with her. At least he doesn't have to worry that she will ever want him just for his money. If only he could figure out why she keeps him at arms' length... Will Daniel ever be able to give lower priority to his worldly possessions? Can Anna catch a glimpse of just how much the Lord loves her and wants her to be happy?
My review:Up until I read Anna's Journey, my favorite Heartsong title had always been Love Online (also authored by Nancy Toback) because she has a fabulous gift for drawing the reader in. Many times I find category romances boring, but this story had incredible pull and I devoured it. I loved the believable conflict, the feelings of longing, the tension with the violent ex, the honorable qualities of the hero (and his foreign accent), the innocence of the heroine and her struggle to trust, the character growth, etc. Even the secondary characters like Jane had depth. Nothing cardboard in this story. Just about everything in Anna's Journey plucked my heartstrings. Especially the epilogue. I actually cried real tears of joy. That's a rarity for me. I loved the "edgy" content, especially for a Heartsong, and the kisses were delectable. If Heartsong Presents continues to print novels of this quality I may just have to join their club!
Michelle Sutton (pen name)"Writing truth into fiction"
Great Beginnings finalist2005
writer/book reviewer
www.MichelleSutton.net
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
Dear Friends, I am delighted to share with you a book review by a friend and fellow-chocolate lover, Michelle Sutton. I have read the book and agree with everything she says (including crying at the end!), so I am copying the review in its entirety with her permission. I hope you will also check out Michelle's blog listed at the end of the review, and that you will order this great read from Heartsong Presents.
Anna's Journey by Nancy Toback just came out and I devoured it. It's the best Heartsong I've ever read to date.
Want a review to post?
Product Details# ISBN: 1597891304ISBN-13: 9781597891301# Format: Paperback, 176pp# Publisher: Barbour Publishing, IncorporatedPublication date Sept. 2006
From the back cover:
Anna McCort always wanted to serve the Lord in a third-world orphanage, but she ignored His leading to focus on romance. When her ex-boyfriend threatens violence, the emotionally devastated Anna knows she made the right decision to break up with him. This time around, she won't let anything--or anyone--deter her from her God-given mission. Then, a very handsome stranger from church takes notice of Anna. Can she trust herself to do what's right?
Daniel Boccini never had to work hard for a woman's attention--until he met Anna. No matter how hard he tries, he finds he has to manipulate the situation just to be with her. At least he doesn't have to worry that she will ever want him just for his money. If only he could figure out why she keeps him at arms' length... Will Daniel ever be able to give lower priority to his worldly possessions? Can Anna catch a glimpse of just how much the Lord loves her and wants her to be happy?
My review:Up until I read Anna's Journey, my favorite Heartsong title had always been Love Online (also authored by Nancy Toback) because she has a fabulous gift for drawing the reader in. Many times I find category romances boring, but this story had incredible pull and I devoured it. I loved the believable conflict, the feelings of longing, the tension with the violent ex, the honorable qualities of the hero (and his foreign accent), the innocence of the heroine and her struggle to trust, the character growth, etc. Even the secondary characters like Jane had depth. Nothing cardboard in this story. Just about everything in Anna's Journey plucked my heartstrings. Especially the epilogue. I actually cried real tears of joy. That's a rarity for me. I loved the "edgy" content, especially for a Heartsong, and the kisses were delectable. If Heartsong Presents continues to print novels of this quality I may just have to join their club!
Michelle Sutton (pen name)"Writing truth into fiction"
Great Beginnings finalist2005
writer/book reviewer
www.MichelleSutton.net
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 12, 2006
God-incidences
As a writer I have heard many times not to use co-incidences in my stories as that makes them unrealistic, and I don't really believe in co-incidences, but I have had many events happen in my life that can only be explained as God-incidences. I started thinking about this because of the guests we hosted this weekend shown in the picture above. From left to right they are Danai Chowwiwats, John Johnson, Ann Johnson, and Somphet Krongmadee.
We just met Danai and SomPhet yesterday, but felt an immediate bond with them due to their Christian spirit and because they are from Thailand where my husband spent two tours during the Viet Nam war.
We met John and Ann almost fifteen years ago when they moved to KY and bought a farm near ours. They soon became Christians and went to Russia shortly thereafter to pass out tracts in the subway stations. When they returned Ann called me up and said they had met a friend of ours over there--Bro. Earl Mullins. Bro Earl was the minister who had married us in 1968, and he was in Russia to look at some mission opportunities. He and John were stacking Bibles/books one day and one of them said it reminded them of a guy they knew who stacked his hay bales like that. The other one said they knew someone back home that did that also. A few days later they started talking about where they lived and John said he lived outside a small town in KY that Earl had probably never heard of named Cynthiana. That's when Bro. Earl informed John that he knew Rose and Chester from there and that Chester was the farmer he had talked about who stacked his hay bales. John said that we were neighbors of his and that Chester was the guy he knew who did that, too! We are very glad that they got to meet and know Bro. Earl who recently went home to be with the Lord after faithfully serving Him for many years as a Christian school teacher, administrator, and missionary.
John is a printer by trade and he and Ann have formed a ministry named Gutenberg Ministries to print the Bible and Christian literature in many languages. They have travelled in several countries and even lived in Guinea for a year. Another God-incidence occurred a few years ago when they contacted us to tell us they were going to Africa soon and said they needed to contact a missionary who was currently at home on furlough, but they didn't know how to do that. When John told me the missionary's name, I said "He is spending the weekend with us, so why don't you come and visit him while he is here?" He did, and gleaned many helpful bits of information from this veteran missionary that aided in his trip.
We have other connections with the Johnson's also--their son JD (now 16) was the ringbearer in our daughter's wedding over ten years ago. We were happy that they could spend the night with us while in for a church missionary day before attending the national missionary conference in Indianapolis next weekend. They brought Danai and Somphet with them because they are now partnering with them in Southeast Asia Christian Mission (SEACM, pronounced Seek'em). They will also be the American contacts for this organization. So anyone wishing to support this work among the Hmong people in Thailand or wanting more information about it or the printing ministry can contact the Johnson's at GutenbergMinistries@Yahoo.com.
How about you--would you like to share any God-incidences of people God has brought into your life so you can better serve Him?
Sunday, November 05, 2006
ACFW Photos--Take Three
I'm posting three more pictures from the ACFW conference in September. The first one was taken at the crowded chocolate party held in Michelle Hutchinson's room. It's become a well-attended tradition! Yummy! The second one is of me with my roomate for the past three conferences, Jennifer Johnson who had her own book (Kentucky Keepers)to sign at the booksigning this year, and our new friend, Nancy Jo Jenkins (on the left). If you haven't read Nancy Jo's Coldwater Revival yet, please do yourself a favor and add it to the top of your TBR pile. It's a very moving story, and sooo well written! The bottom picture shows me with Liz Curtis Higgs, a fellow-Kentuckian, taken at the book signing. As our keynote speaker, Liz had us running the spectrum from laughing to crying in the same talk. Each attendee received a copy of her latest non-fiction book, Embrace Grace, which is a lovely reminder of God's Grace. I've read several of her other books, too, and love them all! I also enjoy her Bible studies in Today's Christian Woman and used her Bad Girls of the Bible video and book with my Teen MOPS. Treat yourself to one of her books soon! Happy reading!
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