Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

I knew at the age of 12 I was called to be a writer. God kept giving me ideas for characters and full stories that I played with and developed but never had the ambition or knowledge of how to publish. When I was in high school I constantly had girls and boys coming up to me and asking me to write stories about them. We’d sit in typing class where I would read the short stories that I had come up with. It seemed to entertain them.

Growing up, I don’t think my family understood me. I know they thought I was strange because I preferred to read a book or write a story than do anything else. My husband, of 18 years, also says that he thought I was strange when we first met. After we got married he would get so angry with me for not doing dishes or laundry and instead reading and writing all day. He also thought it was weird when I would jump out of bed in the middle of the night or early morning and run for my journals, but he patiently endured all my strange ways. Now that I have finally done something with my stories, he is very proud of me. He likes to tell his friends that he’s married to a woman who has four or five worlds living in her head. I tell him it’s more like ten. Our two sons are also an inspiration in giving me ideas and helping me with scenarios when I get stuck.

How did you get your first “writing break?”

After years of poor health, I finally got a kidney transplant in 1999. We moved from southern Georgia to Northern Illinois, and I got a job as a newspaper editor. It was the first time that I had a platform for to really work with my words. After five years, I began to feel trapped and wanted to express myself more creatively as I had when I was a child. I moved on to a full time job with hospice care and less than six months later wrote my first full book, Seed of Seerling. I was blessed to find a publisher that summer and am currently working hard on my second book as well as two children’s books that have been floating around in my head.

What do you write and why this genre?

I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t write down what God gave me. I feel that I would unfaithful with the gift He has given me if I kept everything bottled up for myself as I used to do. I chose the genre of Christian Fantasy for my first published book because as a teen I delved heavily in fantasy stories. Unfortunately, the only things around were secular and very bad for my spiritual well being. It is my prayer that God will use my writing to bring adults and teens to a deeper relationship with their heavenly Father as well as good, clean entertainment.

Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

My book Seed of Seerling is scheduled for release July 1, 2008. (Come back on Friday for more specific questions about this book.)

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

I am an avid reader and have recently been disappointed with the amount of Christian books that are being produced purely for enjoyment. I believe that God has called writers to a higher mission, and we should all use our platform to teach His word. I believe a fiction book can also be a book where the reader is taught something solid and walks away changed forever for God. That’s the type of book I like to read.

And now for the tough questions…

How do you balance being a mom, wife, writer, and working?

I have to admit that it isn’t as easy as I would hope at times. When I sat down to write the first book, my family did take a back seat for about a month. Something they did not like. Now, I’m learning to write in my spare time or when my family is busy elsewhere.

I am blessed to have two children who communicate even though they are boys. I love to ask them questions and hear about their lives. We take time almost every day to just sit and gab. I also stop everything I’m doing when they walk in from school or when they sit next to me and start talking. Those are the best times.

My children are teenagers now, and my husband and I have more time alone, which really helps our marriage. We take time to go out on special lunch and breakfast dates when they are in school, and we go for long walks in the evenings. It also helps that we both like sports, especially volleyball. We’re on adult leagues together. This helps build our relationship, relationships with our friends and keeps us both in shape.

I have the best full time job in the world. My boss is understanding about my writing and supportive. When I need time off, I get it. It’s the best of both worlds.

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, working, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?

Yes, I do believe that you can be a great mom, get the stuff you need to get done and also meet your own goals. However, I feel everything needs to be kept in perspective in order of importance. My most important goal outside of my own relationship with God is my family. God gave them to me, and it’s my responsibility to make sure they get my best. I find that when I honor the Lord with my life, He makes it possible for me to have the rest. Keeping in shape does take a back seat, but only because we live in a very cold state, and most of the things I like to do require good weather.

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?

I did feel as though I neglected my family when I sat down to write my first book. It was hard to find a balance between my family, writing and working full time. Praise the Lord that with the second book, I’m finding a better balance even though it means that this book is taking me twice as long to write.

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I may be strange, but interruptions really don’t bother me much. My stories live in my head. All I have to do is write them down. If I have to stop and do something else, it’s okay because I’m carrying the story with me. If I forget an inspiration, I just chock it up to God must not of wanted that there anyway. He always gives me what I need when I need it.

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

See above for answer.

What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has?

My biggest storms come in the form of self-doubt. That’s where my husband comes in. He always reminds me why I’m writing and keeps me grounded in reality by reminding me that it’s okay if someone doesn’t like my stories. My children are also huge supporters. They give me ideas for stories all the time and even help me come up with characters at times.

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?

I’m an observer and always have been. Traveling in a car, sitting in a café, watching people in a mall…these are all ways that I stop, listen for God’s voice and observe what is going on in life. Inspiration also comes when I’m reading my bible or worshiping. The best inspiration for my stories has come when I’m actually sleeping.

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?

I believe that everyone needs to be in a home church where they can minister and be ministered to. Helping people gets me out of my head and back into the reality of what God wants from me.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

Yes, I had four and a half years of illness where I did dialysis. My health was very bad, and I had a few times where my doctors didn’t think I would survive. With my health so poor and trying to mother two small boys, I felt as though God had taken away my creativity. I went most of that time without writing anything. I felt as though a piece of me was missing, but I couldn’t figure out how to get it back again. It was difficult for my spirit to give that up, but I look back and understand how vital it was that I concentrate on my family and health. I just didn’t have the energy or ability to do more than that during that time period.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

No! This is what I’m called to do right now, and I want to do it all for God’s glory. I’ve been through a time in my life where I thought my gift had been taken away. Now that it is back, I’m going to do it all for Him. If He decides to point me in a different direction one day, then I pray I will be listening to follow His path.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

Don’t give up! No matter what is going on in your life, keep writing and put the effort into trying to find a publisher. Writing always came easy for me, sharing it with others was hard. I was afraid of rejection, but my husband constantly reminds me that rejection is a part of life. Not everyone is going to like, read or want my work, but someone may. Keep at it!

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When my family and I vacation it looks something like this:

Pack up the minivan and four kids and dog, drive to see family and squeeze in some fun sighseeing to a children’s museum or Disney World. Our vacations and not relaxing at all! It’s go, go, go with maybe a day at the beach! What I wouldn’t give for a week at a beach or relaxing resort! In fact, we’ve been to a half dozen of those time share tours but when it comes down to signing the papers, we just can’t do it. Paying a yearly maintenance fee of over $300 just doesn’t sit well with us when we could probably take an entire vacation for $300 (plus gas, of course.)

I’ve heard about those wonderful all inclusive resorts, but we’ve never done it. Mostly because we had to squeeze in family visits with vacations, but I think it’s about time we look at vacations differently.

MomCentral asked me if I wanted to blog about WonderFall Celebration and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to check out a real all inclusive vacation for a change. Here’s what Beaches says about their all inclusive vacation. “Other “all-inclusives” may say they include everything under the sun - but don’t get burned. Because add-on fees and hidden charges can really add up. Beaches is different. Beaches includes all the things you want most, so families can get away to Beaches with zero worries and zero surprises.”

Right now they’re having a special if you vacation between September and November. Sure is tempting!

GET 1 free night when you stay 5 or 6 nights. GET 2 free nights when you stay 7 nights (or longer).Valid in any category at one of the resorts featured below. Combine it with up to 45% off for incredible savings.

 

TRAVEL DATES: September 1 - November 4, 2008
BOOK BY: June 26, 2008

 

There’s so much to do for kids and teens. Some activities include kids camps, toddler pools, kids and teen disco, fully-staffed nursery, treasure hunts, game rooms, a swim up soda bar plus lots more.

 

I know the Game Garage is something my kids would be interested in. And what preschooler could resist The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street!

 

Beaches welcomes some of your favorite furry friends to our resorts. Every day, all year long, spend your vacation with Elmo and his friends Cookie Monster, Grover, Bert, Ernie, Zoe and Abby Cadabby.

Story Time with Elmo Bake with Cookie Monster Explore with Grover Dance with Zoe Discover Magical Treasures with Abby Cadabby Character Breakfast Sundays at the Movies More, much more…

 

 

For more information on Beaches WonderFALL Celebration check this out.

Have you ever been to a Beaches Resort? Let me know what you think! Or just share your typical vacation and/or your dream vacation!

 

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This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione
(Multnomah Books - June 17, 2008)
by
Chuck BlackABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chuck Black first wrote Kingdom’s Edge to inspire his children to read the Bible with renewed zeal. This captivating expanded parable led him to write the Old Testament allegories, Kingdom’s Dawn and Kingdom’s Hope. Chuck added three more titles to the series, Kingdom’s Call, Kingdom’s Quest, and Kingdom’s Reign which were released in May of 2007.

Chuck is a former F-16 fighter pilot and currently works as an engineer for a firm designing plastic consumer products. He has a degree in electrical and electronic engineering and served eight years in the United States Air Force. Chuck and his wife Andrea have six children and live in North Dakota.

It is Chuck’s desire to serve the Lord through his work and to inspire people of all ages to study the scriptures in order to discover the hope and love of a truly majestic King and His Son.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!

As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.

Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Vincero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.

When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.

Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are…the Knights of Arrethtrae!

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

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I can’t remember if I mentioned as President of the local ACFW chapter, I helped organize a miniconference with Deb Raney. I actually didn’t do much except get the room, help set it up, and do introductions and such, but I’ve been so busy with my boy’s play, I didn’t even think to blog about it. It was the first for our writer’s group, but definitely not the last. We hope to make this a yearly event and adding to it each year.

One of our members wrote an article about the day and I couldn’t have said it better myself!

DEB RANEY MINI-CONFERENCE A SUCCESS!

JoAnn Reno Wray

 

 

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The rich scent of coffee mingled in the air with laughter and a buzz of conversation as I walked into WIN-ACFW’s Mini-Conference featuring award-winning novelist, Deb Raney. Held in a room at the People’s Church near 71st and Mingo in Tulsa, this first special meeting had almost thirty in attendance. After a welcome and introduction by Gina Conroy, WIN’s President, Deb wasted no time and dove right into her program.

Bent heads, the scribble of pens, nods of affirmation, and occasional bursts of laughter were evident as Deb Raney expertly guided conferees through her “10 Steps to a Killer Rewrite.” One of her first statements was “Great writing is all about re-writing.” Deb also said that there are many approaches to writing, adding, “Take what you learn here that works for you and apply it.” Covered in the day-long class were Character Makeovers, Real Dialogue, Show Don’t Tell, Point of View, Use of Sensory Detail, Seamless Subplots, Elevated Suspense, Marking Time, Fine-Tuning, and a 10-point Checklist for Writing a “Keeper.”

Not only did the conferees listen and take copious notes, but Deb also put us through the paces with multiple writing exercises to illustrate various points that she addressed during the program. Regarding dialogue, for instance, Deb suggested that it should be used often. “Try not to let two pages go by without dialogue,” she said. “Lack of dialogue for several pages can be a clue to your manuscript falling into the ‘telling, not showing’ category. When creating conflict in your story, ask, ‘What can make it worse?’ This ramps up the interest and keep readers reading.”

Deb graciously brought and gave each conferee a mug with her “Latte-dah!” Logo and website URL: DeborahRaney.com. Conferees eagerly snapped up her books for study, and I suspect, pure pleasure. The low cost of a mere $20 for WIN members and not much for non-members for this information-filled day was a great bargain which included skilled teaching by a pro, fellowship with fellow scribes, and a chance to improve writing skills.

A big thank you to all the volunteers from WIN who brought beverages and shared their culinary skills with a tempting array of treats so none of the conferees were embarrassed by growling stomachs! Thanks also go out to those who pitched in the day before to set up the room and all who joined the work crew after the session ended to help put things back in order.

If you missed this mini-conference, you can purchase a CD of the program. Then next time WIN hosts a special meeting, be there! Sign up early – get under the spout where a shower of knowledge on the craft of writing will surely pour out.

– 

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During Timmy’s birthday month I’m sharing tidbits with Timmy. Join me as I travel down memory lane.

2003

I read a story to my three year old about having three wishes so I asked Timmy,

Mom: “What would you wish for if you could have anything in the whole wide world?”
Timmy: “Light”
Mom: “Why would you want light?”
Timmy: “Because it’s shiny.”
Mom: “And what would you do with the light?”
Timmy: “Let it shine!”

His answer was probably influenced by a video we have called “Psalty’s Songs for Little Praisers.” There is a song that talks about Jesus being the light of the world and that we should let that light shine. Even though he may be a little young to fully comprehend the answer he gave me, it’s also wonderful to think that God can be working in his little heart at such a young age.

When asked what he would want in the whole wide world his answer wasn’t candy or toys, it was light!!! What wisdom!! I think we can learn a lot from three year olds. So the next time I think my house is too small or my clothes too old, or start to long for an expensive piece of jewelry, I simply need to remember my son’s wish for light. It you really think about it, if you have Jesus in your life… what more do you need?

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If you’re at all concerned about the environment you probably recycle. We recycle as much as we can, which really doesn’t seem like a lot compared to how much stuff we throw into the trash and then landfills, but every little bit helps, right!

When I was asked to try Recycline’s Preserve Toothbrush my first thought was “Ick, who wants to use a recycled toothbrush.” Then I read how Recycline uses 100% recycled plastics in the handle, including recycled yogurt cups. I didn’t even know you could recycle yogurt cups. The packaging the toothbrush comes in can be recycled and it’s also a handy travel case! To recycle the toothbrush and case all you have to do is send them in in the postage-paid mailer available at stores or from Recycline.

Then I tried the product and I have to say I really like the curved handle and bristles that were engineered by a dentist. I tried out the soft toothbrush, but since I’m really hard on my toothbrushes I might have opted for the medium. It also comes in ultra soft.

This eco and teeth friendly product is available at Target stores nationwide for only $2.04. Here are some other product highlights:

You can even get Recycline Preserve coupons at their Recycline website:

Well, if a recyclable toothbrush isn’t enough for the environment, Recycline Preserve has a whole line of other recycled and recyclable products. From a variety of ladies’ shavers and and toothpicks, to table and kitchenware, you can feel good about your purchase of any Recycline product!
Some other fun facts about the company.

“As a company, we strive to combine socially and environmentally responsible business practices with groundbreaking design to create products that people feel good about having in their homes.”

In 1996, founder and president Eric Hudson was committed to the need to use our earth’s resources more efficiently and responsibly. The developing plastic recycling market represented a great new opportunity to reuse our earth’s resources (plastics are made from oil and natural gas—making up roughly 9% of the world’s petroleum usage). However, at the time that Recycline was formed, there was a lot of concern that recyclables were not

necessarily turning into new products. Seeing an opportunity, Eric started Recycline to reuse Earth’s precious resources and turn them back into products that people wanted. He worked with dentists, scientists and engineers to create Recycline’s first high-quality product from recycled plastics – the Preserve Toothbrush. Since then, Preserve has grown into a dynamic, green lifestyle company offering a range of products for almost every room in your home. Using innovative methods, we turn used materials into razors, colanders, cutting boards, tableware and more!

 

 

So what do you think? I think I found a new company I can feel good about giving my money to!

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Suzanne Woods Fisher—COPPER FIRE–A NOVEL

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s just-released historical novel Copper Fire, is the sequel to the three-time award-winning Copper Star, a World War II love story inspired by true events. Fisher was a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her work has appeared in Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, ParentLife, and Marriage Partnership. She has contributed to ten non-fiction books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. A wife and mother, Fisher lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The best thing about being a writer, she feels, is that all of life becomes material for writing. It’s all grit for the oyster.

Suzanne can be found at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/. During the month of June, Suzanne is running a book-a-day-giveaway contest. To enter, click over to her blog (http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/) and send her an e-mail: Suzanne@suzannewoodsfisher.com

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband, four children (one married, two in college, one in high school), and raise puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I’ve always loved to write…largely because I wasn’t very good at anything else!

How did you get your first “writing break?”

I was on the staff of my college newspaper and met a young student named Ginny. We became fast friends. Sharing a love of writing, we kept our relationship going through letters. A few years later, after we had both married and had started families, Ginny called me to ask if I could take over some freelancing jobs. I jumped at the chance. I started writing for Christian Retailing, then Christian Parenting Today, and eventually became a contributing editor for that magazine. And those relationships have opened other doors.

What do you write and why this genre?

My favorite is historical fiction, because it becomes a fascinating puzzle to fit true events into a storyline. I work hard at representing history in an accurate way—I want readers to enjoy a good story but to finish my book confident in what they’ve learned. Also, I try to write about interesting people who have been overlooked. For example: Louise Tracy, wife of Spencer Tracy. In 1942, Louise Tracy started a foundation (The John Tracy Clinic) to teach oral communication (lip reading and speaking) to pre-school age children. She and Spencer had a deaf son, John. Louise ignored the conventional wisdom of the day (sending John to an institution to learn sign language) and had remarkable success teaching him to communicate. There’s a deaf child in my novel Copper Star. I contacted the JTC while writing Copper Star and was able to write it into the storyline, with their blessing. Louise Tracy was a remarkable woman. Way ahead of her times! I loved being able to bring attention to such a woman through this novel.

Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

In late August, Grit from the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers, will be released from Vintage Spirit. I wrote Grit with three other very talented authors.

And another piece of great news! I just received a contract from Revell/Baker for a non-fiction book called Amish Peace in an English Life. It won’t be out until 2010…but ‘everything Amish’ is filling up my head right now.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

My favorite books (authors, too) point the way to God’s high path. Philip Yancey is my all-time favorite. I’ll read anything he writes. Working faith out in real life is the reason I write. A lot of my articles got started because I was trying to figure something out…generally, about raising kids. I was seeking ideas and encouragement. It’s important to me to help point readers to the Lord for answers, strength and guidance. Whenever I hear people start to lament about how hard things are in this day and age (and there are plenty of things to get stressed over)…I think of Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” There is nothing new under the sun that He can’t understand or guide us through.

And now for the tough questions…

How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?

I am constantly trying to find a balance. I don’t think I’ve ever had a typical day! Not with four kids and a corporate-guy husband, a steady stream of puppies we raise for Guide Dogs for the Blind, added into that mix is my parents. My father is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease…and it is incredibly challenging. My goal is to try and get three to four hours of concentrated work in, nearly every day. I can’t get much more than that in, yet I think that’s reasonable. I don’t want a spine that ends up resembling a question mark.

Did you write when your children were at home? Why or why not?

Yes, I tried to squeeze writing around naps, school, preschool, etc. Just magazine articles, though, when the kids were little. Short, quick, tight deadline. Interviews on phone calls were very hard to do (this was all pre-internet)

If you did write when your children were at home:

When did you find the time to write, and did you ever feel like you were neglecting your children when you write?

I think I felt as if I was often preoccupied. Not entirely present or “in the moment.” Sometimes, even if I’m with others, my mind can be a million miles away, mentally writing. Still working on that!

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?

Ah, a constant battle! Being a writer is an odd career. To write well, one needs quiet time, space, discipline. But to write anything of substance, one needs relationships, activity, meaningful time with the Lord! I really love a quiet morning at home, but I am aware of the need to be open to interruptions and see them as beneficial to my life, not as intrusions.

Is it any easier writing now that your children are grown?

Yes! Mostly, I’m more seasoned. I’m a better writer! And on a practical level, I have more control over my time. Sort of.

Is parenting your grown children easier than raising them while they were young?

Easier? No. Different, yes. I think my kids on my mind just as much, and in my prayers just as much, but the problems get bigger as they get bigger. So does my faith, though, in seeing how the Lord has carried us through things.

What would you say to moms who can’t wait until their children are older so they can write more?

I would recommend that they journal on a daily basis and capture moments of childhood and early parenting. I encourage people to practice journaling as they would practice piano scales, exercising the craft. Journaling helps them to learn to pay attention and to remember details. But there’s no reason they can’t be writing. That’s the beauty of writing…all of life is material!

What interruptions in your writing didn’t you expect once your children were older and out of the home?

Just the other night, I received a panicky phone call that my dad had disappeared from his Alzheimer’s Board and Care facility. The police officers were out looking for him…and we finally found him (through the help of a guardian angel).

Taking care of my dad can get very consuming.

How do you handle these interruptions in your writing life?

I try to have the mind of Christ and make myself see the situation from His point of view. Otherwise, I can get very resentful. But when I try to think the way Christ thinks, it helps me yield to the circumstances, and I start to feel more tenderhearted toward my dad and his current needs. I even start remembering all of the kind things he has done for me in my life. Takes work, though, to

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

Sometimes it works, sometimes it just doesn’t. But I have a better sense of the big picture of writing. Not every hour is “billable.”

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

Not really set aside, but definitely to keep it in balance. I know the Lord wants us to be careful we don’t turn writing into a golden calf. It’s a wonderful passion, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for more important things.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

Rejection can be very disheartening. It’s taken a while to work it through so that it doesn’t derail me. I think it’s just part of the writing gig…not necessarily a message from God to stop writing.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

This is an industry in which “no one is looking for you.” Behind every published piece, a writer has a fat file of rejection letters. But, ah, there’s just something about that published piece that makes up for that rejection file! Persevere!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

A while ago, I went to my first writers’ conference expecting to connect with editors, plug a few queries, well, you know the drill. I left the conference with something even better: Three new writer friends all at the same “career place.” We have kept in touch (a cinch for e-mail junkies), edit each others’ work, and are even writing a devotional together to encourage new writers called Grit for the Oyster. I went to the conference with one intention; God had another one in mind. So my parting words are: Stay open. Stay optimistic. And remember that if God calls you to write, He’s not calling you to be the best, just to give your best.

Find Suzanne on-line at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Copper Star (ISBN: 0-9793327-4-5) and Copper Fire (ISBN: 978-0-981-5592-0-9) are available at Amazon or other on-line booksellers, at Suzanne’s website, or can be ordered through your favorite bookstore.

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       Don’t know who wrote this poem, but thought it worth sharing! Let me know your thoughts!

I  was shocked, confused, bewildered
as I entered Heaven’s door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
who made me sputter and gasp–
the thieves, the liars, the sinners,
the alcoholics, the trash

There stood the kid from seventh grade
who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
was rotting away in hell,
was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, “What’s the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How’d all these sinners get up here?
God must’ve made a mistake.

“And why’s everyone so quiet,
so somber? Give me a clue.”
“Hush, child,” said He, “they’re all in
shock.
          No one thought they’d be seeing you.”

Judge NOT. __._,_.___

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It’s June 21st, time for the Teen FIRST blog tour!(Join our alliance! Click the button!) Every 21st, we will feature an author and his/her latest Teen fiction book’s FIRST chapter!

Melody Carlson

and her book:

 

Mixed Bags (Carter House Girls, Book 1)

Zondervan (May 1, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In sixth grade, Melody Carlson helped start a school newspaper called The BuccaNews (her school’s mascot was a Buccaneer…arrr!). As editor of this paper, she wrote most of the material herself, creating goofy phony bylines to hide the fact that the school newspaper was mostly a “one man” show.

Visit the Melody’s website to see all of her wonderful and various book titles.

Don’t miss the second book in this series: Stealing Bradford (Carter House Girls, Book 2)

And one of her latest, A Mile in My Flip-Flops will be featured on FIRST Blog Alliance on July 1st!

Product Details:

List Price: $9.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310714885
ISBN-13: 978-0310714880

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:


“Desiree,” called Inez as she knocked on the other side of the closed bedroom door. “Mrs. Carter wants to see you downstairs.”

“The name is DJ.”

“I’m sorry, but your grandmother has instructed me to call you Desiree.”

DJ opened the door and looked down on the short and slightly overweight middle-aged housekeeper. “And I have instructed you to call me DJ.”

Inez’s dark eyes twinkled as she gave her a sly grin. “Yes, but it’s your grandmother who pays my salary, Desiree. I take orders from Mrs. Carter. And she wants to see you downstairs in her office, pronto.”

DJ grabbed her favorite Yankees ball cap and shoved it onto her head, pulling her scraggly looking blonde ponytail through the hole in the back of it.

“You’re wearing that?” asked Inez with a frown. “You know what your grandmother says about?—?-”

“Look,” said DJ. “My grandmother might pay you to take orders from her, but I’m a free agent. Got that?”

Inez chuckled. “I got that. But you’re the one who’ll be getting it before too long, Desiree.”

“DJ,” she growled as she tromped loudly down the curving staircase. Why had she let Dad talk her into living with her grandmother for her last two years of high school? She’d only been here since last spring, late into the school year, but long enough to know that it was nearly unbearable. Boarding school would be better than this. At least she’d have a little privacy there and no one constantly riding her?—?-telling her how to act, walk, look, and think. She wished there were some way, short of running away (which would be totally stupid), out of this uncomfortable arrangement.

“There you are,” said Grandmother when DJ walked into the office. Her grandmother frowned at her ball cap and then pasted what appeared to be a very forced smile onto her collagen-injected lips. “I want you to meet a new resident.” She made a graceful hand movement, motioning to where an attractive and somewhat familiar-looking Latina woman was sitting next to a fashionably dressed girl who seemed to be about DJ’s age, but could probably pass for older. The girl was beautiful. Even with the scowl creasing her forehead, it was obvious that this girl was stunning. Her skin was darker than her mother’s, latte-colored and creamy. Her long black hair curled softly around her face. She had high cheekbones and dramatic eyes.

DJ noticed her grandmother smiling her approval on this unhappy-looking girl. But the girl looked oblivious as she fiddled with the gold chain of what looked like an expensive designer bag. Not that DJ was an expert when it came to fashion. The woman stood politely, extending her hand to DJ.

“I’d like to present my granddaughter, Desiree Lane.” Grandmother turned back to DJ now, the approval evaporating from her expression. “Desiree, this is Ms. Perez and her daughter Taylor.”

DJ shook the woman’s hand and mumbled, “Nice to meet you.” But the unfriendly daughter just sat in the leather chair, one long leg elegantly crossed over the other, as she totally ignored everyone in the room.

Grandmother continued speaking to DJ, although DJ suspected this little speech was for Taylor’s mother. “Ms. Perez and I first met when my magazine featured her for her illustrious music career. Her face graced our cover numerous times over the years. Perhaps you’ve heard of Eva Perez.”

The woman smiled. “Or perhaps not,” she said in a voice that was as smooth as honey. “According to my daughter, kids in your age group don’t comprise even a minuscule part of my fan base.”

DJ smiled at the woman now. “Actually, I have heard of you, Ms. Perez. My mom used to play your CDs. She was a serious Latin jazz fan.”

“Was?” She frowned. “I hope her taste in music hasn’t changed. I need all the fans I can get these days.”

Grandmother cleared her throat. “Desiree’s mother?—?-my daughter?—?-was killed in a car accident about a year ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

DJ sort of nodded. She never knew how to react when -people said they were sorry about the loss of her mother. It wasn’t as if it were their fault.

“Desiree,” said Grandmother, “Would you mind giving Taylor a tour of the house while I go over some business details with her mother?”

“No problem.”

Grandmother’s recently Botoxed forehead creased ever so slightly, and DJ knew that, once again, she had either said the wrong thing, used bad grammar, or was slumping like a “bag of potatoes.” Nothing she did ever seemed right when it came to her grandmother. “And after the tour, perhaps you could show Taylor to her room.”

“Which room?” asked DJ, feeling concerned. Sure, Taylor might be a perfectly nice person, even if a little snobbish, but DJ was not ready for a roommate just yet.

“The blue room, please. Inez has already taken some of Taylor’s bags up for her. Thank you, Desiree.”

Feeling dismissed as well as disapproved of, DJ led their reluctant new resident out to the foyer. “Well, you’ve probably already seen this.” DJ waved her arm toward the elegant front entrance with its carved double doors and shining marble floor and Persian rug. She motioned toward the ornate oak staircase. “And that’s where the bedrooms are, but we can see that later.” She walked through to the dining room. “This is where we chow down.” She pointed to the swinging doors. “The kitchen’s back there, but the cook, Clara, can be a little witchy about trespassers.” DJ snickered. “Besides, my grandmother does not want her girls to spend much time in the kitchen anyway.”

“Like that’s going to be a problem,” said Taylor, the first words she’d spoken since meeting DJ.

“Huh?” said DJ.

“I don’t imagine anyone is going to be exactly pigging out around here. I mean aren’t we all supposed to become famous models or something?” asked Taylor as she examined a perfectly manicured thumbnail.

DJ frowned. “Well, my grandmother did edit one of the biggest fashion magazines in the world, but I don’t think that means we’re all going to become famous models. I know I’m not.”

Taylor peered curiously at her. “Why not? You’ve got the height, the build, and you’re not half bad looking .?.?. well, other than the fact that you obviously have absolutely no style.” She sort of laughed, but not with genuine humor. “But then you’ve got your grandmother to straighten that out for you.”

DJ just shook her head. “I think my grandmother will give up on me pretty soon. Especially when the others get here. She’ll have girls with more promise to set her sights on.” At least that was what DJ was hoping.

“Has anyone else arrived?”

“Not yet.” DJ continued the tour. “This is the library.” She paused to allow Taylor to look inside the room and then moved on. “And that’s the sunroom, or observatory, as Grandmother calls it.” She laughed. “Hearing her talk about this house sometimes reminds me of playing Clue.”

“What?”

“You know, the murder game, like where Colonel Mustard kills Mrs. Peacock with a wrench in the observatory.”

“Oh, I never played that.”

“Right .?.?.” Then DJ showed Taylor the large living room, the most modern space in the house. Grandmother had put this room together shortly after deciding to take on her crazy venture. Above the fireplace hung a large flat-screen TV, which was connected to a state-of-the-art DVD and sound system. This was encircled by some comfortable pieces of leather furniture, pillows, and throws.

“Not bad,” admitted Taylor.

“Welcome back to the twenty-first century.”

“Do you have wireless here?”

“Yeah. I told Grandmother it was a necessity for school.”

“Good.”

“This house has been in our family for a long time,” said DJ as she led Taylor up the stairs. “But no one has lived here for the past twenty years. My grandmother had it restored after she retired a -couple of years ago.” DJ didn’t add that her grandmother had been forced to retire due to her age (a carefully guarded and mysterious number) or that this new business venture, boarding teen “debutantes,” was to help supplement her retirement income. Those were strict family secrets and, despite DJ’s angst in living here, she did have a sense of family loyalty?—?-at least for the time being. She wasn’t sure if she could control herself indefinitely.

DJ stopped at the second-floor landing. “The bedrooms are on this floor, and the third floor has a ballroom that would be perfect for volleyball, although Grandmother has made it clear that it’s not that kind of ballroom.” She led Taylor down the hall. “My bedroom is here,” she pointed to the closed door. “And yours is right next door.” She opened the door. “The blue room.”

Taylor looked into the pale blue room and shook her head in a dismal way. “And is it true that I have to share this room with a perfect stranger?”

“Well, I don’t know how perfect she’ll be.”

“Funny.” Taylor rolled her eyes as she opened a door to one of the walk-in closets opposite the beds.

“I try.”

“It’s not as big as I expected.”

“It’s bigger than it looks,” said DJ as she walked into the room and then pointed to a small alcove that led to the bathroom.

“Do I get any say in who becomes my roommate?”

“I guess you can take that up with my grandmother.”

Taylor tossed her purse onto the bed closest to the bathroom and then kicked off her metallic-toned sandals. “These shoes might be Marc Jacobs, but they’re killing me.”

“So, you’re really into this?” asked DJ. “The whole fashion thing?”

Taylor sat down on the bed, rubbing a foot. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good.”

DJ felt the need to bite her tongue. Taylor was her grandmother’s first official paying customer to arrive and participate in this crazy scheme. Far be it from DJ to rock Grandmother’s boat. At least not just yet.

“Well, thanks for the tour,” said Taylor in a bored voice. Then she went over to where a set of expensive-looking luggage was stacked in a corner. “Don’t the servants around here know how to put things away properly?”

“Properly?” DJ shrugged.

Taylor picked up the top bag and laid it down on the bench at the foot of one of the beds and opened it.

“Don’t you want to go down and tell your mom good-bye?” asked DJ as she moved toward the door.

Taylor laughed in a mean way. “And make her think she’s doing me a favor by dumping me here? Not on your life.”

“Here are some more bags for Miss Mitchell,” said Inez as she lugged two large suitcases into the room, setting them by the door.

“Put them over there,” commanded Taylor, pointing to the bench at the foot of the other bed. “And don’t pile them on top of each other. This happens to be Louis Vuitton, you know.”

DJ saw Inez make a face behind Taylor’s back. But the truth was DJ didn’t blame her. Inez might be a housekeeper, but she didn’t deserve to be treated like a slave. Suddenly, DJ felt guilty for snapping at Inez earlier today. She smiled now, and Inez looked surprised and a little suspicious. Then DJ grabbed the largest bag, hoisted it onto the bench with a loud grunt, and Taylor turned around and gave her a dark scowl.

“Thank you,” she snapped.

“Later,” said DJ as she exited the room with Inez on her heels.

“Mrs. Carter wants to see you downstairs, Desiree,” announced Inez when they were out on the landing.

“Again?” complained DJ. “What for?”

“Another girl just arrived. Your grandmother wants you to give her a tour too.”

“What am I now?” asked DJ. “The official tour guide?”

“That sounds about right.” Inez gave her a smirk.

DJ wasn’t sure if she could stomach another fashion diva with an attitude problem, but on the other hand, she didn’t want to risk another etiquette lecture from her grandmother either. Once again, she clomped down the stairs and made her appearance in the office, suppressing the urge to bow and say, “At your ser-vice, Madam.”

“Eliza,” gushed Grandmother, “This is my granddaughter, Desiree Lane. And Desiree, I’d like you to meet Eliza Wilton.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Desiree.”

DJ nodded. She could tell by how formal her grandmother was acting that Eliza Wilton must be someone really important?—?-meaning extraordinarily wealthy?—?-even more so than the Mitchells. And that’s when she remembered her grandmother going on about “the Wilton fortune” this morning at breakfast. Of course, that must be Eliza’s family.

“Nice to meet ya, Eliza,” DJ said in a purposely casual tone. This girl was pretty too, but not like Taylor’s dark and dramatic beauty. Eliza was a tall, slender, impeccably dressed, blue-eyed blonde. She wasn’t exactly a Paris Hilton clone?—?-and she didn’t have a little dog as far as DJ could see?—?-but there was a similarity, except that Eliza’s face was a little softer looking, a little sweeter, but then looks could be deceiving.

DJ wondered if the Botox was starting to wear off, as her grandmother studied her with a furrowed brow, probably comparing her to Miss Perfect Eliza. Naturally, DJ would not measure up.

“Eliza is from Louisville,” said Grandmother. “Her parents are presently residing in France, where her father just purchased a vineyard. But Eliza’s grandmother and I are old friends. We went to college together. When she heard about what I was doing up here in Connecticut, she encouraged her daughter to send dear Eliza our way.”

“Lucky Eliza,” said DJ in a droll tone.

Eliza actually giggled. Then Grandmother cleared her throat. “Desiree will give you a tour of the house,” she said. “And she’ll show you to your room.”

“Which is .?.?.??” asked DJ.

“The rose room.”

Of course, thought DJ as she led Eliza from the office. Next to her grandmother’s suite, the rose room was probably the best room in the house. Naturally, someone as important as Eliza would be entitled to that. Not that DJ had wanted it. And perhaps her grandmother had actually offered it to her last month. DJ couldn’t remember. But she had never been a flowery sort of girl, and she knew the rose wallpaper in there would’ve been giving her a serious migraine by now. Besides she liked her sunny yellow bedroom and, in her opinion, it had the best view in the house. On a clear day, you could actually glimpse a sliver of the Atlantic Ocean from her small bathroom window.

DJ started to do a repeat of her earlier tour, even using the same lines, until she realized that Eliza was actually interested.

“How old is this house?”

“Just over a hundred years,” DJ told her. “It was built in 1891.”

“It has a nice feel to it.”

DJ considered this. “Yeah, I kinda thought that too, after I got used to it. To be honest, it seemed pretty big to me at first. But then you’re probably used to big houses.”

“I suppose. Not that I’m particularly fond of mansions.”

“Why aren’t you with your parents?” asked DJ. “In France?”

“They’re concerned about things like politics and security,” said Eliza as they exited the library. “In fact, they almost refused to let me come here.”

“Why?”

“Oh, I think they felt I was safer in boarding school. If our grandmothers hadn’t been such good friends, I’m sure they never would’ve agreed.”

“So, you’re happy to be here?” DJ studied Eliza’s expression.

“Sure, aren’t you?”

DJ frowned. “I don’t know .?.?. I guess.”

“I think it’ll be fun to go to a real high school, to just live like a normal girl, with other normal girls.”

DJ tried not to look too shocked. “You think this is normal?”

Eliza laughed. “I guess I don’t really know what normal is, but it’s more normal that what I’m used to.”

“But what about the whole fashion thing?” asked DJ. “I mean you must know about my grandmother’s plans to turn us all into little debutantes. Are you into all that?”

“That’s nothing new. Remember, I’m from the south. My family is obsessed with turning me into a lady. That was one of the other reasons my parents agreed to this. I think they see the Carter House as some sort of finishing school.”

Or some sort of reformatory school, thought DJ. Although she didn’t say it out loud. Not yet, anyway.

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Don’t let your cash get away from you this summer. Join me Saturdays here at Portrait of a Writer…Interrupted and get a grip on your cash flow and start sharing your savings ideas.

I don’t know about you, but I’m appalled at how quickly gas is rising, so I’m on a mission to think of ways for my family (and yours) to save money. If you have some fabulous ideas to save money this summer, then join me in posting one idea every Saturday.

Here are the official rules:

Write a summer money saving post and copy the logo and link back here to the Mr. Linky post

Invite others back here to view more tips on how to save money this summer

Sign Mr. Linky with the url of your Money Saving Post

Do NOT add a Mr. Linky to your blog, but encourage those who want to participate to visit here!

More on what to post:

You can share your ideas or some things you did the previous week to save (or make money.) I can’t wait to hear all the wonderful money saving tips you have. Don’t forget to share your money saving ideas and sign Mr. Linky! Here’s mine!

Bake more: I spend a lot of money buying organic snacks for my kids and they seem to inhale what I buy for the month in a week. So I’ll be baking more wholesome snacks. Got any recipes? My made from scratch cornbread was a flop! I also bought a food dehydrator a while ago and only made beef jerky once, but the kids LOVE it! With the help of mom, I hope to learn how to dry fruit as well.

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He’s back for the CFBA tour. You can read my interview with Mike here and my review here. He’s also written a blog post for me about his cancer and writing interruptions. Continue down for more info on The Hunted if you’re not convinced to run out and buy it! Okay, you don’t have to run out and buy it thanks to Amazon. Just click here!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing The Hunted
(Realms - June 3, 2008)
by
Mike DellossoBorn in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted. He was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years and has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets. Mike also has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters.Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer’s Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity.

You can read a great interview with Mike, over here on TitleTrakk.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A town’s deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith…

After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible. But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence.

As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God’s hands. Will his young faith be strong ehough to battle the demonic forces of The Hunted?

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

What I Say:

Review: Though I was in the middle of reading two other books, when I got The Hunted in the mail I couldn’t help cracking the book open. Several days later, I shut the book. Not because I couldn’t get into it, but because I FINISHED it! That’s right. I can’t believe I read a book in less than a week! In fact, I would have finished it last night, but I couldn’t keep my eyes opened any longer.

The Hunted grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. Joe Saunders left Dark Hills long ago, but returns when he learns his nephew is missing. What he discovers is incomprehensible. A rogue lion roaming the woods and terrorizing the town? In Pennsylvania?

Joe, along with Maggie who knows more about the “secret” than she lets on, is pulled into the mysterious and deadly attacks on the residents of Dark Hills. As he draws closer to the truth, he must choose whether or not to draw closer to the God who has let him down.

I was intrigued with the storyline and the “secret” plaguing the little town of Dark Hills. This book kept me reading way past my bedtime! The writing was exceptional for a debut novel and the pacing kept me turning pages. Though I’m squeamish with “bloody” descriptions and not a fan of “horror,” The Hunted didn’t overdo the violence (way to stick with your convictions, Mike) and told what was necessary for the story. Bravo, Mike.

What they say:

Mike Dellosso could very well be the next Frank Peretti-if you liked The Oath and Monster, you are going to love The Hunted.
–C.J. Darlington, Cofounder and book editor, Titletrakk.com

A spine-tingling tale of hidden secrets, buried hopes, and second chances. A story best read with all the lights on and an extra flashlight–just in case!
–Amy Wallace, author of Ransomed Dreams

Mike Dellosso’s pins-and-needles thriller hurtles the reader down a dark and twisted path. I dare you to take this one home!
–Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of the To Catch a Thief suspense series

With hints of Frank Peretti and Stephen King, The Hunted is a chilling debut.”
–Creston Mapes, author of Nobody

A vicious enemy, a family secret, a thirst for revenge, and a need for reconciliation all drive The Hunted from intriguing beginning to thrilling conclusion.”
–Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished

Read this someplace safe as you experience the incredibly descriptive world of The Hunted. And sleep with the lights on.
–Austin Boyd, author of Mars Hill Classified trilogy

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Ever thought of starting a book club? I did several months ago! I figured it was about time I crawl out from behind my computer and meet with real people face to face, and I wasn’t interested in playing Bunko. I thought a book club was the perfect solution and the good people at Christian Book Previews sent me a a Book Club Kit (Literary Guide and Party Planner) for Sharon Hinck’s Restorer. I only heard great things about the book so I put together a cool slide show to advertise this book club at church. Unfortunately it never made it into the schedule, and was only announced from the pulpit once or twice. I think that’s why my book club never really got off. I only had one committed member and after our first meeting we never met again. Talk about a book club flop!

But the Christian Book Previews Literary Guide and Party Planner was awesome. All the summaries of each character was there, plus questions and themes to discuss. They had everything a bookclub leader could want. One thing I regretted was reading the guide BEFORE I read the book because it spoiled a major surprise in the book for me. The other thing I regret is not being able to have the cool Restorer Party. The party guide gives suggestions for decorations, activities related to the book, music, favors and gifts, and food! I really would have liked to try the stew they had in the book!

The wonderful thing about this BookClub Kit is it all comes in a neat little package. So if you’re considering a starting a book club. Consider the BookClub Kit!

The BookClub Kit

The Restorer :: Host your own book club, everything included:
1. 8 copies of The Restorer
2. Literary Guide
3. Discussion Guide
4. Party Planner
5. Leader Checklist
6. Exclusive DVD from author
7. Graphics for invitations, posters, and evites
price :: $119 | read a sample of the Literature Guide

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Memories: Jan 28, 2004 Brotherly Love

Today instead of going to the gym like I do every M/W/F, Timmy and I snuggled in bed. It was too cold to drag the kids outside (that was my excuse on Monday) and I was a bit lazy and too comfortable in bed.

While watching Sesame Street we had this conversation:

Timmy: I want to be like Chris
Mom: Why?
Timmy: Because he’s big!
Mom: Is there any other reason?
Timmy: Because he’s nice.

These are the moments you long for as a parent. Brothers actually getting along and loving each other. Then the conversation continued.
Mom: Do you want to be like Joey?
Timmy: No!
Mom: Why not?
Timmy: Because he’s gross!! (He was definitely influenced by big bro Chris!)
I guess there’s still some more work to be done in the area of brotherly love.

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I have to admit. I’m behind the times a bit when it comes to the computer and other technology. Not as bad as my own mom, but I’m still lagging! After doing some research I finally got around to getting a ZUNE last year. Don’t ask me how long it took me to figure out how to get my ACFW lectures on the cool device. I recently uploaded a video I made on movie maker! Pretty cool, now I just need to remember to carry it around so I can show people photos and videos of my kids.

There are so many features on my Zune that I’m clueless about using. Like the one for podcasts. I’m not sure exactly what a podcast is. Is it just a sound recording on a blog or what? Unfortunately I’m needing to do such a recording for an upcoming Homeschool online conference I’m speaking at, but didn’t realize I might need a recording device. The ZUNE has a huge amount of memory, but no recording ability.

Then I agreed to do interviews at ICRS. The last time I did a face to face interview was over eight years ago and I took my trusty hand held cassette recorder. Hello! No way am I showing up at ICRS with one of those. That would totally date me and shout “yeah, this mom just dug out her old recorder so she can pretend to be a real journalist.” Not happening. So I figure I need a digital recorder. But they run from over $150 down to $30. And I’m not sure if they can do podcasts. Well, the $115 can do podcasts but do I really need 68 hours of recording time???

What I would really like is a digital camera that was also a digital voice recording podcast thingy. Is there such a device? Please let me know before I go out and buy something I really don’t need!!!

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I struggle with being a Martha. My mind is always going with things I should be doing. It’s hard to just rest, especially hard to just rest before the Lord, but I know it is soooo needed, especially if I’m to do and be all he has called me to do and be.

Then why do I fall back into my Martha ways? Why don’t I just sit at Jesus’ feet like Mary? I’m hoping this new book is going to get to the heart of the matter. This book’s subtitle says: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life. Seems like something I could use right now, how about you?

What They Say:
Joanna Weaver was voted the Most Promising New Writer of 1997 at the Mount Herman Writer’s Conference. She has authored Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and written for publications such as Focus on the Family, Home Life, Aspire, and The Evangel. A pastor’s wife for more than eighteen years, she and her husband have counseled many couples, both those approaching their wedding and those struggling in marriage. The Weavers live in Montana and have taught young married classes and spoken on the topic of marriage throughout the northwestern United States.

About Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World:An invitation for every woman who’s ever felt she isn’t godly enough, isn’t loving enough, isn’t doing enough.

The life of a woman today isn’t really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord’s feet…but the daily demands of a busy world just won’t leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him…yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.

Then comes Jesus, into the midst of your busy life, to extend the same invitation he issued long ago to the two sisters from Bethany. Tenderly, he invites you to choose “the better part”–a joyful life of intimacy with him that flows naturally into loving service.

With her fresh approach to the familiar Bible story, Joanna Weaver shows how all of us–Marys and Marthas alike–can draw closer to our Lord: deepening our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy.

What I Say:

What I like about this book is that it starts with the traditional story of Mary and Martha, but sheds new light on the two sisters. Whenever I read the story, I pictured Mary as a slacker and Martha having to pick up all the slack. But through Joanna Weavers words and my own study of Biblical times, I’ve come to realize that it’s more realistic for Mary to have started out helping in the kitchen, as was the woman’s custom. Though eventually she ended up at Jesus’ feet. Somewhere along the way from getting ready for company she made her way to Jesus’ side.

I want to be like Mary, though question more like Martha. “Lord, don’t you care?” Many times I feel overwhelmed with day to day drudgery (much of which I probably take on by myself and might possibly not be the will of God. Maybe I should consult him first) and wonder why no one cares. Why no one helps. Chapter Two addresses this issue. But Jesus does care. Though sometimes not the way we think he should.

Some other chapters I have yet to read include THE DIAGNOSIS, THE CURE, LIVINGROOM INTIMACY, KITCHEN SERVICE, BALANCING WORK AND WORSHIP. This seems like a very practical book and is loaded with biblical and personal testimonies from other Marthas.

Joann Weaver will be giving away 7 copies of Having a Mary Heart at her blog, so go on over and tell her Portrait sent you!

Joanna’s blog: http://joannaweaver.blogspot.com

Joanna’s website: www.joannaweaverbooks.com (Coming Soon)

Buy the book here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400074037?&camp=212361&creative=383841&linkCode=wss&tag=sprightly-20

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with news about the waiting…

http://ginawrites.ginaconroy.com

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Last week while cleaning at the dining room/school room getting it ready for the fall, I came across some old papers on my son’s I’ve never read before. Joey was in 4th grade when he took a 6th grade Shurley Grammar class. He got 100% on this essay I wanted to share with you.

A Beautiful Morning by Joey Conroy

One day I decided to watch the sunrise. I sat on a hill, feeling the morning dew drench my pants. I heard the birds chirping in the distance, announcing the sun’s arrival. Suddenly the sky changed color to a light shade of pink and orange. Then beams of light shot over the sky. Soon the sky got brighter and the colors got darker. Finally I saw the tip of the sun peeking over the green tree tops. The sun was like the smiling face of a best friend. I was glad I decided to watch the sunrise.

His teacher’s comment: “Joey, I am very impressed at how well you used descriptive phrases! Keep up the good work.”

Guess Joey takes after me when it comes to writing!

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But I’m sure you already figured that out! Tomorrow was supposed to be Timmy’s 8th Birthday party. We ordered sunshine for his SURVIVOR party. But it’ll be raining all week. Thursday was supposed to be the rain date for party. Supposed to be 40% showers. So I emailed everyone asking if Sunday would be better, then had to email them back and say, “sorry, but FORGOT my kids have a matinée that day!” Sheesh, my kids as the leads in The Jungle Book. You’d think I’d remember. Truth is, we’ve been really spoiled with carpooling. The last couple of weeks a dad who is helping behind the scenes has been driving our kids!

Back to party. Well, I got to thinking what if people show up anyway to tomorrow’s party, what if those who were looking forward to the party can’t come on Monday. So, I’m having two parties. One for the group tomorrow that can’t make it next Monday and one for Monday which looks sunny and clear. Sure hope someone shows up to that party!

At least the house is clean for tomorrow. We showed our home to a realtor. We built this house twelve years ago when I was pregnant with Joey. It’s been wonderful, but we’ve outgrown it! We’ve thought about moving before, but ten years ago we fell in love with our neighbors. They were 76 years old then and have been like grandparents to our kids. We’ve stayed because of them and still can’t even bring ourselves to seriously consider leaving them. It’s such a hard thing to think about!

Well, back to party planning chaos!

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