I feel the winds of change are blowing, and I’m not resisting. Hopefully I’ll be able to spread my wings and ride the current, trusting God all the way.

We’re looking into schools for all our children next year, and I’m feeling such a peace about it while in the pass I’ve been resistant, wanting to keep the control over my children’s education. Now I feel like it’s time to let them go (at least for next year) so our relationship can grow. Most of my homeschool focus has been on the older two, and my youngest really needs more of her mom around and my undivided attention. The kindergarten I’m praying she gets into is only 2 full days a week or three half days.

On the writing front, I’m receiving more and more validation that I’m on the right path. My anxiousness to publish has lifted from me, though my writing habits still need some fine tuning. Hopefully God will work this all out, and I will learn to balance all God has given me and enjoy everything.

So bring on the wind, let it blow. I’m ready.

Last time I wrote, I wasn’t excited about Chris playing baseball. It cost a lot of money, took up a lot of time, and Chris wasn’t even guaranteed a starting position. I was’t confident at my son’s baseball skills because the last time he played baseball was four years ago when he got hit with the ball in the batter’s box. He was afraid to bat ever since.

This year his best friend was playing baseball, and Chris wanted to give it a try. And I’m so glad he did. The first time up at bat he struck out without swinging. The season (and my $200) flashed before my eyes. Chris would be paralized by fear. All I wanted him to do was swing the bat. If he got a hit, great. If not, at least he tried.

Several games later he’s not only swinging the bat, but he’s hitting the ball. Far!! He’s the team’s heavy hitter, bringing runs home, wacking doubles, and stealing bases. Who knew my little performer could play baseball? I couldn’t be prouder.

Sure he still strikes out, but the pep talk his dad gave him about Babe Ruth has really helped.

“Babe Ruth not only hit the most homeruns, he also struck out the most.”

This had a profound impact on Chris.

The last time he went up to bat he remembered his father’s words…and hit a double!

Okay, so I’m a little competitive and love an award or two, but imagine my surprise when I get an email saying my old blog was nominated for the hottest mommy blog. At first I thought it was spam, but I took the necessary precautions and typed in the link, and there was my blog nominated by someone. I’m sure it was some publicity stunt to get people over to this sight, and there’s no way I would even win with zero votes (not sure I want to win that award) , not with the adult content blogs up for the same award.

Just thought it was  funny and wanted to know if anyone else had this same experience?

I’ve heard many Christians saw they don’t read Christian fiction, in fact they don’t even step foot into a Christian bookstore. That makes me sad.

Sure there’s bad Christian fiction our there, but there’s bad ficition out there in general. If you happen to find one, toss the book and move on, but don’t give up on Christian novels.

To help make your fiction buying easier, I will be featuring Christian novels and author interviews here at Portrait of a Writer. I won’t be able to review all the books, but will direct you to several sites who will. Just check the sidebar for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Webring for reviews of this book.

So here’s the first one! I’ll try and post something Fiction related every friday! Join me for and add your thoughts!

The Heir by Paul Robertson

Jason Boyer Just Got an Inheritance to Die For
The fortune wasn’t supposed to befall him. Jason Boyer had known all along his father’s business empire would pass to different hands. Which suited him just fine. The money was crooked and the power corrupt. But when an accident claims the old man’s life, everyone is stunned by the unveiling of the will. With the passing of the Boyer crown, power-hungry politicians and shady business partners all try to force Boyer’s hand. Fighting the temptation of influence and riches, he simply wants to be a better man than his father–but attempting to stand for what’s right soon brings murderous consequences. As those closest to him are endangered–and news emerges that his father’s accident may be something more sinister–Boyer finds himself fighting for his soul…and his life!

Is There Any Escape for The Heir?
All the money he could ever crave. In the splintering crash of a car plunging through a railing, Jason Boyer’s life is changed. All the fame he could ever desire. But the last thing he wanted was the throne of his father’s corrupt business empire. All the power he could ever wield.
The estate should have gone elsewhere, but the will was changed. And now everything is Jason’s. But gaining the whole world just might cost him his life.

THE HEIR is a Grisham-like tale of intrigue and murder with a lot of humor and well-drawn minor characters.

“In THE HEIR, Paul Robertson serves up politics, privilege, and murder with a side of acerbic wit. What a fabulous book–a great mix of angst, humor, and ultimately, hope.”
T.L.HINES–author of Waking Lazarus and The Dead Whisper On

Ever thought your life could be a sitcom?

Well, now it can. Just send your stories here and maybe you and thousands of others can watch your life unfold on this web sitcom starring Leah Remini of The King of Queens.

There are so many wonderful storytellers on the web whose funny mommy mishaps have already made us chuckle. So be sure and send your best and funniest moments in!

As a Christian author and reader, how could I possibly answer that question?

That would be like asking, “Which one of your four children do you love the most?”

Impossible to answer.

Some novels are like my oldest son. “They start off with a bang (he was born 4 1/2 weeks early) and capture your attention, demanding all your energy and time, even robbing you of sleep.” These are what I’d call thrillers, I love them…in books.

Some novels make you think, like my second son. They’re filled with thought provoking, life challenging prose that sometimes make me want to scream, enough my head hurts. Can’t I get a break? But all the while knowing that this is what I need to hear.

Then there are the novels like my third son. Quiet and steady, like a sweet romance. Not much rocking the boat, but the characters continue on a steady path, growing and changing until the black moment. And then all Hell breaks loose!

Other novels are like my fourth child, my only daughter, filled with suspense and awe. You can see trouble brewing, the choices the character makes putting her closer and closer to danger. But does she listen? No! Still it’s exciting, and the character is unpredictable. That’s like my daughter. Last born. Challenger. Risk taker. Pushing all the buttons, but always finding a way to make me smile in the end.

So how can I choose just one? I love them all for different reasons because they all meet a unique need in me. Whether I need a challenge, a thrill, a break from reality, all my favorite novels give me just that.

Like each of my children, these novels offer what I need, when I need it, whether I like it or not. But most important, like my children (who cause me to see myself at my worst and my best), my favorite novels draw me closer to God. Through the pages of a good novel, I catch a glimpse of God through someone else’s eyes and realize I’m not so different from the characters in the book. And sometimes, if it’s really great book, it makes me want to grow and change and be better than I was before I picked it up.

This article is a submission to the blog challenge sponsored by the devotional team blog, “Laced with Grace.” This challenge is sponsored by Bethany House Publishers

“Busyness is not a spiritual gift.”
From an interview with
~ Lisa Harper ~

Years ago when chatting with a girlfriend, I marveled over the fact that her and her husband would sit on the couch together at night and watch television. I couldn’t comprehend them having nothing to do at night. My husband and I were ALWAYS busy. If he wasn’t tinkering around in the garage or working in the yard, he was doing something else. He rarely had time just to sit.

It’s the same today as it was when we first got married 15 years ago. We always have a project in the works, a to-do list too long to even see the end of. My mind is always racing with new ideas, activities and project. I never have enough time to do all I want to do.

And let’s not even talk about all the added busyness four children bring to our already busy life. There’s baseball, soccer, gymnastics, and driving kids to and from homeschool activities.

I often wonder though, how much of my busyness keeps me from hearing God. Really hearing Him. Even when I do find a quiet moment to be still before Him, my mind is racing with things I need to do or story plots.

Busyness is not a spiritual gift, but it is a by product of our society mixed with God’s purpose for our life. God made me and my husband this way for a reason. We’re the ones who get things done, and God needs people like that. He needs Marthas. He’s created us this way for a reason.

Yet, the struggle is to find the balance of being who God created us to be without going overboard and getting so busy we forget the Creator.

I haven’t found the secret, or the balance to this yet, but I’m learning.

One great thing about our personalities is that there is a fail safe mechanism. It’s called Burn Out. And when we do burn out, it’s good to know that God will be there ready to pick us up and refresh us.

Do you want a one stop blog post where you can find all the latest and greatest thoughts on writing from agents, editors, published authors and writers? Then hurry over to the carnival and don’t forget to tell all the participants how much you appreciate them!

I just discovered a great place on the web! TheHighCalling.org

Their mission “is to be a resource for people seeking to understand and live out the eternal significance (the high calling) of their daily activities. We help lay people see their lives as an opportunity to serve. Service is ministry wherever God has placed us. We encourage each other to do the best we can for the glory of God.”

As a mom, homeschooler and writer, I definitely have a high calling, but sometimes it’s easy to lose the big picture in the daily grind. With personal stories, devotions and podcasts, this site is a wonderful resource.

The High Call is packed with meaty articles on work, family, leadership, intergrity, excellence and that’s just to name a few of the categories. If you’re a Christian who believes you have a higher calling, than this site will have plenty for you to sink your teeth into. If you’re not sure about your higher calling, there’s plenty of folks over at the High Calling to help you along the way.

Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself!

Or see what others have to say about it!

Gordon Atkinson
L. L. Barkat
Gina Conroy
Craver VII
CREEations
Milton Brasher-Cunningham
Mary DeMuth
Karl Edwards
Emdashery
Every Square Inch
Amy Goodyear
Marcus Goodyear
Al Hsu
Jennwith2ns
Chalres Foster Johnson
Mike McLoughlin
Eve Nielsen
Naked Pastor
Ramblin Dan
Charity Singleton
Stacy
Camy Tang

“Lisa Samson loves to nourish writers, face-to-face, in a quiet setting filled with the beauty of nature, friendship, good food and good conversation. Because of this desire to further budding artists and encourage good writing, she began Serenity Weekends for Writers.”

How I would love to go to this, but my conference money is pretty much allocated for the year, though many of you might want to take advantage of this incredible weekend. You won’t be disappointed.

You can read my interview with Lisa here. 

For more information visit http://lisasamson.typepad.com/serenity/

I needed a little diversion today.

When was the last time you….

1. kissed someone?

Definitely last night kisses with my daughter before bed. We made this squeeking/buzzing sounds with our lips and she wanted to do it over and over again. It’s fuzzy if I kissed anyone today because when I woke up we rushed to church, went out to eat at Flying Rolls, and then I took a nap.

2. drank coffee?

This morning at church. They offer it free to everyone in the sanctuary and today they had hazelnut and I still had to add 3 sugars and 2 creams.

3. read a book?

About and hour ago. I started Lightening and Lace by DiAnn Mills, but last night I stayed up way too late finishing Showdown by Ted Dekker.

4. cursed?

Not sure, could have  been last week! Though cursing isn’t part of my daily vocabulary, it does creep up on me in anger. Darn that old flesh!

5. had a nightmare?

Last night. It wasn’t a monster/death/fear nightmare. It was one of those “I’m getting ready to perform and I forgot my lines and can’t find the stage” kind of nightmare. Which was really strange because I’m not anxious or nervous about anything.

6. checked your email?

Right before I started writing this.

7. had a crush?

Don’t know if you’d call this a crush, but the college guy behind the coffee counter who smiled at me about a year ago made me feel good about myself.

8. drove a car?

Yesterday I drove to my son’s soccer game, took my daughter out for lunch, then took her shopping, rested and then went out grocery shopping again!
9. rode a roller coaster?

In October at the state fair. I used to love all kinds of rides, and I still do, though they do scare me more then they ever did. My boys love to ride them as well, but me and my husband have to stay away from the ones that go round and round unless we’ve taken Dramamine.

10. took a nap?

After eating too much at the Flying Roll today, I had to lie down. I tried reading, but was too sleepy for that. Probably because I stayed up too late reading last night.

11. went to the movies?

A couple of weeks ago when I say The Ultimate Gift.
12. drank alcohol?

Months ago. About a year ago I started occasionally having a glass of wine before bed. I don’t particularly like the taste, but it does help when I can’t sleep or get too grouchy for my families good!

13. went to a party?

Uh, does a five year old birthday party count. I arrived 1 1/2 hours late to my daughter’s friend’s party last Monday.

14. said “I love you”?

To Grace before she went to bed.

15. cooked a meal?

If defrosting a meal I’ve already cooked counts, then last night. Other than that, it’s soccer and baseball season. We’re lucky if we get a meal!

16. exercised?

Yesterday and I plan on exercising again later today. In fact since my husband bought me an elliptical trainer for my birthday I’ve been slowing increasing my exercised time. Last week I was up to 170 minutes, which is an average of 30 minutes a day.

Any one else want to play? Let me know and I’ll drop by and visit.

Okay, why is it that I’m not at all shocked any more when I hear of yet another well respected Godly couple calling it quits or separating?

Last time it was good friends of ours. The husband left his wife and two kids without any warning. He just didn’t want to be married any more. My husband tried repeatedly to be a friend to him, but there was always an excuse why he couldn’t get together for lunch.

Now it’s a homeschool mom of three girls, raised in a Godly family and married to her college sweetheart who’s left her family. I’m surprised, but not shocked and that’s frightening.

It tells me that more and more people I know and respect are splitting up. Couples who I thought had a better/stronger marriage relationship than me and my hubby are now calling it quits. It’s crazy! By all appearances I probably should have been divorced, oh fifteen years ago, but we made a commitment to each other and no matter how tough it gets, we’re willing to work through it. Yes, mostly for the children’s sake, but also because I believe that our union was orchestrated by God, though at times it’s hard to understand what in the world God was thinking when he put us together. But that’s another story for another day!

Still, I know that we’re together because we really need each other. Yes, I’m pretty stubborn about a lot of things and my baggage usually gets in the way of learning my lessons, but I’m not quitting. No matter how long it takes me to graduate.

I’m a product of divorce and never want my children to experience that. Even though ours is a dysfunctional family of sorts, we’re still a committed family. That’s why I can’t understand what pushes these people to the edge. Why they leave their children and families?

Well, maybe I can understand. I’ve felt hopelessness and despair, but instead of withdrawing or running to someone else for comfort, I cried out to God. Instead of focusing on myself and the moment, I’ve tried to grasp the big picture and how my actions would affect the whole family.

Maybe it’s not for me to understand. I probably never will. But one thing I can do is pray. Will you pray also for these marriages and for the ones that are on the brink of destruction?

We have a great states tape that sings the capitals of the states and Grace knows most of the capitals, though she doesn’t always pronounce the names correctly. I heard her singing along in the back seat and had to chuckle at the capital of Montana…Humana, Monatana.

She asked me about the capital of Texas, and then Oklahoma. So I answered her and broke into song…”Oklahoma where the wind goes sweeping down the lane.”

Gracie replied, “Mom, they don’t have wind in Texas?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Then she said, “Mama, do you know people live in soda?”

That one threw me for a slight loop, “Do you mean Minnesota?”

“Yes, Victoria said her grandma lives in Minnesoda.”

Then the boys joined in on the geography talk with some jokes.

“What did Tennessee? The same as Arkansas!”

I’ve had the privilege to sit under DiAnn Mills awesome teaching, so it was no surprise that her latest book would pique my interest.

Lightning and Lace, Vol. 3 in Texas Legacy Series by DiAnn Mills

Clouds of Secrets Loom Over a Texas Town

Too many people are hiding things in this town. Afraid of someone or something.

A preacher – disarming and dangerous – arrives in Kahlerville, Texas, incognito. From what or whom is the bespectacled and bearded Travis Whitworth hiding?

A mother – widowed and wandering – attempts to rise from the ashes of mourning. Will Bonnie Kahler find the strength to conquer the demons within and face the evils without?

A boy – unruly and undisciplined – is fighting against what life has handed him. What will it take to turn Zack Kahler around?

A banker – deceitful and dubious – casts suspicions on the new preacher and Zack when a woman turns up dead. Will Lester Hillman hang the murder on innocent men?

Two men – determined and driven – desire to make the same woman their own. But only one can win her. What will it cost -heart or life?

When the storm retreats, who will be left standing?

Read chapter one here.

Interview

DiAnn, how old were you when you began writing?

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!

What is your most important aspect of writing?

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.

Do you have a favorite genre?

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 they solved them (character) 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 spark 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?

What part of the writing process is your favorite?

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.

What part of the writing process is your least favorite?

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?

What do you feel is the key or keys to continuous publication?

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.

I hear you and other writers use the word “passion” when you speak about writing. What does that mean to you?

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 can not, not write it.

How do you feel about critique partners?

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.

Where did you get your inspiration for The Texas Legacy Series?

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.

What tips can you give for new writers?

11. 1. Write everyday.
    2. Establish a time and stick to it.
    3. Read your genre and out of your genre.
    4. Attend writing conferences
    5. Be diligent to the craft.
    6. What you learn, pass on to someone else
    7. Be teachable – both mentally and spiritually Visit DiAnn Mills at http://diannmills.com

WHEN THE SHADOW FALLS from MACKINAC ISLAND – Barbour Publishing – May 2006
LANTERNS AND LACE – Barbour Publishing – September 2006
THE PEACEMAKER from BROTHERS OF THE OUTLAW TRAIL – Barbour Publishing – December 2006
LIGHTNING AND LACE – Barbour Publishing – Coming in March 2007

Heather at FaithLifts/Swank Designs has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor! Needless to say, prayers all over the Internet have gone out on her behalf and BooMama has put together a plan to help her during this time.

Please add her to your prayer list and feel free to display the button in your sidebar! She has blessed so many people with her and now it’s time we return the blessing.

Okay, so I jumped on the book wagon and joined the hundreds of others posting their reading lists. So here is my list in no particular order.

Non-Ficiton

Power of a Praying Parent
Real Women Scrap by Tasra Dawson
Heart Felt Discipline, Again

Fiction

Murder, Mayhem and a Fine Man by Claudia Mair Burney
Obsession by Wanda Dyson
Intimidation by Wanda Dyson
Showdown by Ted Dekker
Footsteps byDiAnn Mills
Blink by Ted Dekker

Writing Books

How to Writer Killer Fiction by Carolyn Wheat

If there was such an award, I’d be a winner.

I had told my daughter we were going to a friend’s birthday party yesterday. I had a reminder on the refrigerator. I even spoke to the mother of the girl last week and said we would be there. We chatted a bit how there was going to be pizza at the party and I heard the time 6 pm. All week I had it in my mind that the party was from 6-8 pm, but did I ever check the invitation. Noooo!

I should have double checked the invitation. 5:15 pm, I was all ready to head out the door to drop off Joey at music at 5:30 and then head over to the party. I was proud of myself ’cause I was going to be early. I finally grabbed the invitation and gasped. 4- 6pm!

We were already over an hour late, and I still had to drop Joey off. I peeled out of the driveway, forgetting my cell phone and had to go back to get it. We hit red lights most of the way, and finally arrived at the party after the fun (imagine a room full of Jupiter jumps!) was over. Everyone was in the party room waiting for pizza and cake. We made a grand entrance!

I apologized and explained my absent mindedness, and really felt bad. You see before kids I was typically 15 minutes early to every appointment. Even after two kids I was still 15 minutes early. Then when I had my third, something drastically changed. I was typically on time and even (gasp) late on occassion.

Now with four little lives to manage, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten the time wrong to events, or even showed up on the wrong day! I have calendars all over the place, though not always accurate, and I rarely check them. I used to remember everything, and thought about those hand held computer calendars before, but I don’t know if I’d use them. I did pretty well with my on line calendar that had pop up reminders, but somehow the time is off now and they pop up too late. I’ve decided to try my google calendar, to see if that will help, but I haven’t figured out the reminder thing yet!

SIGH! Am I destined to be an absent minded mom or is there any hope of being the organized on time mom I used to be?

A few weeks ago I wrote an email to my dad sharing my real feelings about certain promises he’s made and never followed through with recently and over the years. The story is long, and I won’t bore you with the details, but I will say that my father left our family when I was 6, was a loving weekend dad, but someone I really didn’t get to know.

After writing this very honest and candid email, we spoke on the phone, and he revealed to me that he finally admitted he was an alcoholic. I was a little shocked because I never really new it or saw it, but the good news is that he’s acknowledged this and is working the program. My email came at a great time because it got things out in the open and tied in with what God is already doing in his heart. So things are good and getting better.

I’ve always thought I’d let go of my bitterness, but sometimes old hurts sneak up on you and you have know way of controlling them. I don’t know what I need from my dad, only God does. So I guess I’ll leave it up to Him to work the rest out.

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Scott Baio

Who’s Your 80′s Heartthrob?

How funny! He WAS my 80′s heart throb among others!!!

The weather went from 85 degrees on Monday and Tuesday to 30′s. It even snowed one day last week. But the average temperature has been in the 50s and 60s, that’s why I changed my header.

Chris has played two baseball games this week in the cold rain, it even hailed for a while last Thursday. So until the sun decides to shine on our part of the world again, I will leave the header as it is. When you see it change, you’ll know Spring has decided to return again!