The Banket Affair

No, that wasn't supposed to read Blanket - I meant Banket. Some folks call it Dutch Letters.


For those of you who have never experienced the delight that is banket, I highly encourage you to get thee to a Dutch community and partake. In our area the Dutch were strongly represented in the founding of area communities. It's fascinating to me that these industrious folk came in the late 1800s and settled the area, digging irrigation ditches by hand that still exist and are utilized today. They brought their culture, and many of their strong Christian ethics.

Not far from me is the tiny town of Churchill. This strong Dutch community holds a wonderful Christian school from which my son recently graduated. It was through that school that I came to learn about banket. I also learned about snert, stampot and bitterballen, but I digress.

The first time I attended the Dutch Harvest Festival at the school, I was met at the school door by a wonderful greeter. The woman smiled and pulled me aside as I crossed the threshold. Whispering conspiratorially in my ear, "If you want banket, you'll have to get it right now--it's going fast."

Now having a bit of Dutch ancestry myself, I felt the calling of the banket, even though I had no idea what it might be. I nodded to the woman and allowed her to point the way. The next thing I know I'm standing in a long line holding tubes of flaky pastry that had been filled with an almond paste concoction. It was like a badge of honor as you walked through the school with your arms laden with banket. The older women nodded knowingly. Those who hadn't made it on time stared enviously.

Last week I took fellow writer Cathy Marie Hake to Harvest Festival. The affair opened at 10:00 and we were there at 10:03. By 10:05, the banket was gone. As Cathy and I left with our treasured dessert, I noticed two women whispering by the door. "They've sold out of banket," one said to the other. It was a moment of mourning and sorrow for both women. I felt sorry them, saddened that they'd come all this way for banket, only to miss out. I looked at Cathy and then to the banket we had secured. For a moment I thought the Christian thing might be to share or at least offer to let them buy one of the tasty sticks. But then sanity returned and I cradled my find like a mother protecting her young and made a mad dash to the parking lot.

A few days later, Cathy called to say her family had loved their experience with banket and that she would plan to come again next year for more. "We'll need to get there earlier," I warned. "Banket waits for no one."

Tracie

Risking my "comfort zone"

Warning: I am about to wax political, something I’ve never before done in a public forum. I am not a confrontational person, and I’m well aware that “talking politics” is a good way to stir things up. But I’ve been so burdened recently, and I just want to share my thoughts with you.

The presidential election is just around the corner. Like many of you, I’ve listened to the debates, read the newspaper, and fielded “forwards” (some accurate, some not) in email messages. For the first time in my adult life, I researched the voting records to see where each candidate stood on the issues that are most important to me. All of the information gathered has made me concerned for the kind of change that could come into America if Obama attains the highest level of leadership in our country. Although there are several things that bother me, two take precedence for me personally.

If elected, Obama has vowed to approve the Freedom of Choice Act , which includes making partial-birth abortion legal again and nullifying virtually every state and federal law that limits abortion in any way, including parental notification. America was founded on freedom for all, but--as I used to teach my fifth graders--with “rights” comes “responsibility.” I believe a leader has a responsibility to protect those individuals who are under his leadership. Obama’s past voting record and his support of this Act tell me he will not protect the most vulnerable among us: the unborn. The sanctity of life--of all life--is very important to me. Obama and I do not see eye-to-eye on this issue.

I’ve heard the argument that women should have the choice whether or not to reproduce. I agree, but I think the choice should come prior to pregnancy. After a soul has been conceived, the only moral and biblical choice is to allow the child to develop and come into this world.

On the left is a little boy named Jacob. He is bright-eyed and ornery and has a belly laugh that dares you not to join in. He was conceived out-of-wedlock by two kids who had no intention of becoming parents--in other words, he was a "mistake." But his mama decided two wrongs couldn't make a right (meaning she'd already erred in having premarital sex; terminating the pregnancy wouldn't erase that wrong and would only add to her regrets), so she saw the pregnancy to completion. Would her life be less complicated and with fewer responsibilities if she'd chosen abortion? Maybe. But I can tell you whole-heartedly that this little boy has brought her tremendous joy. She told me recently, "I can't imagine my life without him." And neither can I. You see, this little guy calls me Gramma, and I can't wait to see what he grows up to be.

I believe God has a purpose and plan for every life. When we snuff out a life before he or she is even born, what kind of blessing are we denying that child…as well as ourselves? The Bible is quite clear on God’s opinion of taking a life--He says don’t do it. I can’t waver on this issue.

Secondly, at the presidential debate at the college campus, an observer posed a question concerning whether or not the candidate, if elected, would approve the nation going to the defense of Israel were that country attacked. McCain stated that he would unquestionably defend Israel; Obama skirted the issue. That gave me chills. If America turns its back on Israel, God’s chosen people, then heaven help us. I believe part of the reason America has become such a mighty nation is because of our allegiance to Israel.

While standing in the grocery store line a few days ago, I listened to a conversation between two men who were discussing the candidates. Finally one of the men laughed and said, “Well, since I don’t really want either one of them, I’m just gonna do a write-in for Captain Kangaroo and leave it at that.” I had to bite my tongue not to give him a lecture on civic responsibility. This isn’t a laughing matter. Too much is on the line. Our next leader will most likely place several Supreme Court justices into power. Those individuals will make decisions that will impact us and our children for years to come. We must make informed, responsible decisions.

Psalm 111:10 tells us “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” I believe every Christian should be standing right now in fear and reverence before God, seeking wisdom, and following His precepts. Sometimes we get swept away by one thought (this election’s premise seems to be “change”) and we neglect seeing the big picture. Of course there are things in America that need to change, but I sincerely hope in our quest to see something different we don’t sacrifice something precious, like our Christian convictions.

You don’t have to agree or disagree with me. I just felt the need to unburden my heart and to encourage each of you to be in prayer for our nation, for our next leader, for our next generations. Please exercise your right to vote, and vote responsibly. The choices we make today will impact us for a thousand tomorrows. Thanks for listening to my heart.

(BTW, I haven’t forgotten last week’s contest in honor of reconnecting with my “little sis” Lisbeth. Hubby drew a name from the hat, and the winner for a Kim Vogel Sawyer book is LASHAUNDA! Please contact me--kim at kimvogelsawyer.com--so we can arrange shipment of your book of choice. Thank you!)

God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim

Traveling this Week

Gosh, the posts have been outstanding the past couple of weeks. Such good advice and great inspiration.

I'm away on business this week. Please pray for safe travel and no earthquakes in California!

Sarah Palin came to town this week! I know it's politcally incorrect to discuss politics without hitting a lot of hot buttons, but sometimes you just gotta speak out and stir the waters. I did that this past Sunday morning in our Faith Class. I ask the simple question, doesn't a Christian have the responsiblity to vote Biblical principles? Reguardless. You want to guess the answers I got?

Above are more pictures taken on our Candada cruise. That me way up near the lighthouse in the purple jacket, waving at you:)

TomToms and TamTams

I got a TomTom recently. You know, one of those GPS navigation devices. I've always been directionally challenged, and since moving from Colorado (where "west" is easy to tell because of the Rockies) to Tennessee (where every road and cluster of pine and oak, while so very lovely, look exactly the same [exaggeration alert]), I've had my fair share of challenges behind the wheel.

So I got a TomTom. Problem solved, right?

Well...

I took it on recent trip with me down to Clearwater, FL where I was being interviewed on the "It's Time for Herman and Sharron Show." The TV station is a good thirty minutes from the airport so I rented a car (a Caliber, since my critique partner, Deb Raney, has her current character driving one...I considered it research on her behalf), and I set off with my trusty TomTom, which my husband calls TamTam because it's always telling him where to go.

Anyway...

I'm driving along, crossing a long bridge, loving the smell of the salt water, watching the seagulls dipping and soaring, all while following every direction my handy little British-speaking TamTam is giving me.

"Turn right in 400 feet."

It's so cool to actually know where you're going when you're going somewhere you've never been.

"Turn right in 200 feet."

I start going over possible interview questions in my mind. The book we'll be discussing is now two books ago so I'm reliving the characters, the story...

"Turn right."

I do exactly what TamTam says. She and I are "one" on the road!

"You have reached your destination."

I slow down and look up at the building. ADULT SUPERSTORE. I kid you not. I'm sitting there thinking, either I'm in the wrong place or Herman and Sharron do a whole different show than what I'd thought. :)

Suffice it to say, I was in the wrong place. I checked the address I'd entered into my TomTom and it was the station's address, but obviously this was not the place I was supposed to be. I called the station and still made it there on time, and had such fun sharing this story with Herman and Sharron--right before we prayed and went on! LOL! 

I ran across this familiar verse recently and it made me think of what happened above, while it also served as a reminder that while I may think I know what's best for my life, God is the One I want leading my steps.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

My hubby and I are headed for Prague this Saturday--a business trip for him that I'm tagging along on--so I'll do my best to post next Tuesday with pics! 

Much love,

Tammy

Name your top romantic novels

Last week I was contacted on Facebook by someone collecting lists of people's top ten romance novels. I couldn't do ten off the top of my head because its been years since I read only romance. Most of the books I read for pleasure are Christian fiction, but they are a mixture of genres (legal thrillers, women's fiction, historicals, etc.). There are certainly plenty of Christian romance novels that I have read and enjoyed in the last decade or so, and I'm a fan of numerous Christian authors whose books I try never to miss. However, I'm tougher if I'm asked for a "top" book.

Here are the four romantic novels that I listed and a brief reason why:

● Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. (Michael Hosea is the hero we would all like to know. I've read this book several times, and I recommend it to everyone. On my top 5 novels list, not just among the top romances.)
● A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. (Hadassah is an unforgettable heroine, and the portrait painted of ancient Rome, circa 70 AD, transports the reader there.)
● Then Came Heaven by LaVyrle Spencer. (Maybe this is a favorite because it was her last, but there is such beauty in this story that features truly honorable characters who fall in love in difficult circumstances.)
● Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. (Many don't consider this a romance since it doesn't end with an HEA, but I do. Have read it numerous times.)

So what about you? What are your top romances and why?

Robin

Life is like...

Do any of you remember that old song, Life's Railway to Heaven? The words were always favorites of mine because I loved trains and railroads. The first verse states,

Life is like a mountain railroad, with an engineer that’s brave;
We must make the run successful, from the cradle to the grave;
Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels; never falter, never quail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye upon the rail.

Last week I was at a writer's retreat in Chama, New Mexico where they have this awesome mountain railroad. The narrow gauge Cumbres & Toltec line is open for passengers part of the year, and the scenery the railline follows is incredible.



The train and the scenery reminded me of this great old song that I remember singing in church when I was a little girl. Coming from a railroad family, maybe that gave me a stronger connection with the song, but no matter the reason I found the analogy of life being like a mountain railroad to be a powerful thought.


We will go through steep grades and tunnels where the sunlight is blotted out. We will face challenges and obstacles that threaten our well-being and that of those we love. But through it all the faith we have in the engineer will see us through. And I suppose this is where I veer away from the song's words. The song talks about us being the engineer and Christ being the Conductor, while God is the Superintendent of the Station.

I don't believe I am the engineer of my journey. Furthermore, I don't want to be. I'm more comfortable being a passenger and letting God be the one in charge. He knows the perils and beauties we will endure on our journey. We need to trust that He is capable of driving the train, no matter the terrain or weather. He knows the course, and there is a great peace in that for me. In my version of the song, God is the Engineer, Jesus the Conductor and the Holy Spirit is the Brakeman.



Sometimes it's hard to sit back and let God be the engineer. Fear blocks our senses and we stand ready to abandon the train, or try to take over the controls or worse yet, redirect the route. I challenge you this week to stay in your seat and trust that the engineer is capable, and not only that, He has a wonderful journey for you with blessings in abundance that are yet to be revealed.

Tracie Peterson

An Unexpected Benefit to Publishing...& A Contest (of sorts)

Everyone else has waxed philosophical this week (haven't their messages been a blessing?), but I'm going to head in a little more "frivolous" direction, if you don't mind... :o)

Have you noticed that my author name is rather cumbersome? Kim Vogel Sawyer. It doesn't exactly flow, and the shift from Vogel to Sawyer can be difficult for the tongue to navigate. But it's uniquely mine, so I'm keeping it. *grin* One of the benefits of including my maiden name has been people from my past contacting me to say "Are you the Kim Vogel from....who I used to know?" And sometimes the answer is yes. Recently, a yes answer thrilled me to no end.

The email arrived with a simple "Hi" in the subject line. I almost deleted it. You know how sp*mmers like to use an innocuous greeting. And I didn't recognize the email address. But I opened it with hesitance and read these words:

I found your books today at the library. I just happened to glance over at a shelf and your name popped out at me, and then when I read you are in Kansas, I thought "that has to be the same Kim..." Anyway, if you remember me and want to - send me an email! I would love to hear from you.

It was signed "I go by Liz now, but you can call me Lisbeth."

I sat back in my chair, laughed with delight, and then exclaimed out loud, "If I remember you? Honey, I named a character after you!" Years ago (30+, believe it or not), I worked at a summer camp between my high school years. There, I met a darling little blonde-haired girl named Lisbeth. She became the little sister God never granted me through the normal means. I adored that kid. We stayed in touch through letters after the summers ended, but as so often happens, life went on, the letters became more and more sporadic, and we lost touch. But here she found me again thanks to a book on a library shelf. What a blessing!

We met for lunch a week ago--a four hour lunch!--and tried to "catch up." Of course, even in that amount of time, we only managed to skim the surface, but we're determined to stay in touch now. Email makes the contact soooo convenient. I'm thrilled to have my "little sister" (who is now a very grown up wife and mother but with the same adorable dimpled smile I remember from her childhood) back in my life.

Unexpected benefit to using that cumbersome name in publishing... I love God-surprises. :o)

So I decided to have some fun with this. I named a story character after my "little sis" Lisbeth. If you leave a comment on my post, I'll put your name in a drawing for the book that includes the character Lisbeth. If you already know which book this is because you've read it, just tell me so in your message. If your name is drawn, you'll get your pick of any of my available titles. (You can see what's available by visiting http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/.) Good luck! The winner will be announced in next week's post.

God bless you muchly as you journey with Him. ~Kim

ABOVE: Lisbeth, summer 1977; & BELOW: the two of us 2008. :o)

Frenzied Hare

Ever have one of those weeks when everything piles up? You go for weeks--maybe months and things run smoothly then all of a sudden you have more things to do than you can handle. This has been my week.

I'm trying to pack for a business trip to California, do revisions, read galleys and keep my mind. (not always easy to do) All sounds exciting, but I won't mention the tears, disappointments, disbelief, and yes, joy that goes with being a writer.

I get down on m yself easily, and like Robin's earlier post, and I wonder if anyone has ever heard of my work. I tend to equate the extent of God's blessings with my obedience. I don't think that it works that way. But then God sends me to my inspirational file filled with anonymous thoughts from those who have walked the same lonely path.


A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully and before it blossomed, he examined it.

He saw the bud that would soon blossom, but noticed thorns upon the stem and he thought, "How can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns? Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and just before it was ready to bloom... it died.

So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose. The God-like qualities planted in us at birth, grow amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects.

We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies. We never realize our potential.

Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns of another, and find the rose within them. Anonomous



The sunset was taken in Halifax Canada recently.

Transcending the Transient

I was sitting in church on Sunday morning--listening, I promise--when I felt a sudden need to write God a note. Not a note for Him, really. More of a pledge to Him. A renewal of a vow, if you will.  And this is what I wrote...

Before I finish my journey here, I want to be wrung out for God. I want to run with Him so that my lungs burn. I want to experience all the fullness of this life that can be experienced, with Heaven in my view. I want to be emptied out, poured out, spilled out. Left with nothing inside me when I cross with Him into eternity. Nothing but Him within me. I want to be spent for His glory, for His pleasure, for His will, in whatever way He desires.

And shortly after I wrote that, the pastor read this verse, which felt like God writing me a note right back.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

What an encouragement to have a "tangible" reminder of how God truly does hear every whispered prayer, audible or not. Even those scribbled on the back of last week's bulletin.

We live in a transient world. Everything we see is temporary, and will be gone some day. But the unseen things, those are what will last. A reader wrote me last week and told me, "A line that will stay with me forever (from Revealed) is this, "Only what we do for God will last." I appreciated that reminder, friend.

And now, some glimpses of fall in Colorado. A friend of mine (waving to Delmar Schroeder) sent these and every time I look at them, I find myself praising God for His creativity and love of color in nature--transient as this world is. 

And hey, doesn't it make you wonder...if things can be so pretty here, just imagine what beauty Heaven holds!

~Tammy

What is that to you? You follow Me!

At the recent retreat I attended in Michigan, friend and fellow author Robin Jones Gunn (photo at right) spoke about the importance of not comparing our writing careers (or anything else) to another writer's. This wasn't a new lesson for me. I've been in this business too long not to have had to deal with this, especially when there have been disappointments — and like everyone else, I've had lots of disappointments. But it was a good reminder.

When I opened my study Bible last week to read the last two chapters of John, what did I see but a note on John 21:21-22 that reads:

Peter therefore seeing him [the disciple whom Jesus loved] said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!"

The note I'd written in the margin on June 4, 2000 said:

Jesus was saying, "Don't look at what I'm doing with someone else's life. All that concerns you is what I'm doing with yours." (i.e. keep your nose out of "John's" business!)

I learned early on, while I was still writing for the ABA, that there would always be someone getting higher advances, getting better reviews, climbing higher on the bestseller list, getting more publicity. It isn't any different in the CBA. All those things remain true.

An author has to work with her publisher to try to help her books reach more readers. I often have conversations with my agent and my editor on ways we can grow sales and reach readers who have never heard of Robin Lee Hatcher. This is just good business. And of course I look at marketing other authors have used and try to glean ideas that will work for me. But I have to remember not to compare myself or my books, not to say, "But Jesus, what about her?" Because if I do say that, I know His response: "What is it to you what I'm doing with her books and her life? You follow Me!"

So if you're an aspiring writer who has completed several manuscripts, don't compare yourself with your writing buddy who just sold her first manuscript. If you've been in a business — any business — for what feels like an eternity but you can never seem to quite get ahead, don't compare yourself with others who seem to have had it so much easier (chances are, they haven't). If you're a married woman feeling like life is too complicated, don't compare things with your unmarried friends. Look forward. Look up. Follow Jesus. Let Him worry about others.

I'm following, Jesus, the very best I can. Help me to look at You and not over my shoulder at "John." Amen.

---

cross posted on Write Thinking

Booksigning Fun

I'm happy to announce that this weekend in glorious Colorado Springs there will be numerous booksignings at a variety of locations with a number of authors.



I'll put the locations and time below, but I wanted to share about this for another reason. Sometimes people are hesitant to come to booksignings because they worry about what to say or do. I had one lady tell me that she didn't come to a book event, because she was shy and didn't know if she'd be brave enough to actually meet the authors.

If that's you, or you worry that you'll be expended to buy something, put your fears aside. For me book events are for the sole purpose of getting to know the store owners/managers, the workers and of course the readers, and for letting them get to know me. I want to put myself out there and show everyone that I'm just a regular person. Actually, I'm a pretty shy person, but readers always make me feel welcome.

Over the years I've seen God work in wonderful ways through book events, so I go where He calls me, no matter my comfort level, no matter the weather, no matter. I hope I'll get to see a bunch of you at the booksignings, but even if I don't, just know I think about you as readers and booksellers, and I pray for you. I know the economy is rough and that times are difficult, but know that this didn't take God by surprise and He totally has it under control.
COLORADO SPRINGS SIGNINGS
Friday's signings - please note on both days there may be additional authors who aren't listed here.

Mardel - from 11:00 - 1pm with
Stephen W. Smith
Donita Paul
Dale & Susan Mathis
Joe Wheeler
Robert Liparulo
Mark Andrew Olsen

Focus on the Family from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. with
Jim Daly (there from 2-3pm)
Lisa Tawn Bergren
Cindy West
Mark Tedder
Third Day

Castle Bookstore from 3:00-5:00pm with
Tracie Peterson
Judith Miller
Kelly Eileen Hake
Cathy Marie Hake
Kristen Heintzmann
(may be some others not sure)

Connections from 5:00-7pm
Robert Liparulo
Donita Paul
Marshal Younger

Saturday
Focus on the Family 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Marshal Younger
Larry Killam
Dale & Susan Mathis
Joe Wheeler


Mardel 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Tracie Peterson
Judith Miller
Cathy Marie Hake
Kelly Eileen Hake
Kristen Heintzmann
Larry Killem
Jonalyn Fincher
Dale Fincher

Castle Bookstore 2:00-4:00 p.m. with
Tosca Lee
Donita Paul
Jonalyn Fincher
Dale Fincher
Travis Thrasher
Tom Doyle

Connections 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Lisa Tawn Bergren
Mark Andrew Olsen
Tosca Lee
Travis Thrasher.

Hope you all can come. It should be great fun!!!

Fellowship: Ahhh...

Have I ever mentioned that writing is a solitary occupation? I'm not complaining at all--I love what I do and am so grateful God has opened the door to full-time writing. But... sometimes... especially since Isabella (my kitty) isn't here with me anymore... it gets kind of lonely. So the opportunity to be with people (ones who don't live inside my head) is always welcome.

Last Saturday I drove to the neighboring town of Lindsborg (around here we call it "little Sweden"--a quaint community with brick streets and lots of painted horses hanging from posts) to spend some time "talking shop" with a book club. We met at a coffee shop called The Old Grind and pretty much took it over for the two hours we met. But what a delightful time!

Several of the ladies are involved in education, which gave me an immediate kinship (I'm a former teacher, you know), and their love of books endeared them to me at once. We discussed My Heart Remembers (well, we tried--we kept getting side-tracked lol, but chasing bunnies is fun, too!), and it was so enlightening to "see" my characters through their eyes, to discover that the spiritual lessons I had hoped might be glimpsed were actually recognized.

Afterward, they thanked me for coming, but I really felt as though I needed to thank them. That time of fellowship was so sweet. God made us to be social beings, and coming together to talk and share is such wonderful refreshment. I'm now hoping they'll read another of my books so I can come back again!

In the meantime, though, I do have work to do, so.......back to my "make believe" friends. :o)

God bless you muchly as you journey with Him. ~Kim

We gathered for a group shot before everyone rushed back to their busy lives...

Old Barns

I want to be a blogger, honestly I do, but my life isn't 'blogging' material. My week, like yours has been filled with political uproar, fear and wondering what tomorrow will bring. But I was reminded of an e-mail someone sent me many months ago. I filed it away and today I want to share it with you. I think it speaks of our lives in these troubling days. Hope you gain as much from the words as I did when I first read it.


A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT OLD BARNS
Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking.
He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway.
I told him right off he was crazy.
He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car,
His hands, and the way he talked.
He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn
Sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale.
I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.

Sure, it was a handsome building in its day.
But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind.
The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray.
Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired.
Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.

That set me to thinking.
I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn.
The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road.
He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful.
Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful bar n wood.

It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I.
Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us.
Sure we turn silver gray too... And lean a bit more than
We did when we were young and full of sap.
But the Good Lord knows what He's doing.
And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives,
The dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying
Our souls that nothing else can produce.
And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!

They took the old barn down today and hauled it away
To beautify a rich man's house.
And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off
To Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord
Has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.

And I suspect we'll be more beautiful
Then for the seasons we've been through here...
And just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.

May there be peace within you today.
May you trust God that you are
Exactly where you are meant to be.

Fall in Franklin

It's a beautiful fall day here in Franklin, TN and I'm outside writing on our back patio. I snapped a quick pic to share, and um...you'll get a glimpse of my every day "work wardrobe." LOL! None too glamorous but hey, it's comfy.

Jack is always close by me, and this morning was no exception. He's been driving me nuts with his Kong. He comes and drops it--over and over and over--by my feet. 

So this pic (below) was my view earlier before we finally headed outside (where he goes exploring in the yard and forgets I even exist, so I can write in peace).

I've still got a lot of writing to do today, so I'll just leave you with a quick thought. It's something my son and I were texting about last night (love you, Kurt!), and that reminded me, again, to be a woman of my word. Something, sadly, I've not always been. 

I reminded him to listen to what a person does, not what they say, to hear (and see) who they truly are. Actions really do speak louder than words in regard to character.

Do I ever make a promise with intentions of breaking it? No. But when I don't keep a promise, in the end--regardless of the circumstances that brought me to that point--I have not kept my word. So, I make promises less often these days and am far more selective when I do. I want to be a woman of my word. I want my walk to match my talk.

Wherever you are, I hope you, too, are enjoying a beautiful fall day!

~Tamera

Back to Business

Thanks for the get well wishes you sent last week. I got sicker before I got better, and my deadline is suffering for it.

On Sunday afternoon, I got my head back into the story by reading through previous chapters and I also wrote a page or so. I also spent time working on Facebook, adding photos, updating my profile, trying to figure out what I'm doing, etc.

Ah, Facebook. And ShoutLife and MySpace and Twitter and blogging and ... These are all tools that can help writers communicate with each other and, most importantly, with their readers. But they can be huge time drains as well, right along with email. It takes a lot of discipline to keep from getting sucked down that drain.

But, having said that, if you're on Facebook, I'd love to have you for a friend. {{grin}}



At least my current characters don't have to worry about all these social networking sites. The folks of Bethlehem Springs still socialize the old fashioned way, visiting with their neighbors over the white picket fence, sitting down together at dinner parties, writing letters. There are moments when I envy them the simplicity of their lives. Of course, my job is to make things not quite so simple for them. {{evil grin}}

Well, I'd best see what sort of new mischief I can create for Cleo and Sherwood.

-rlh-

Deadlines Amidst Chaos

I have a postcard on the wall board in my office that reads:
"So I haven't written much lately! So what? Neither has Shakespeare."

The first time I saw the card it gave me a chuckle. I remember saying, "Yeah, but Shakespeare doesn't have deadlines anymore."

Writing on a deadline is always a challenge, but it's a good feeling to know that something you have in mind to write, already has a home and the interest of a publishing house. Now if the silly world would just stay out of the way, everything would be perfect.

But alas, the world careth not for my needs. And neither does Shakespeare, because he's dead.

The car doesn't care either, because it can't feel a thing for me. If I fail to lavish it in attention, it fails to cooperate and run. If someone fails to lavish me in attention, I'm still required to cooperate and run.

The bills I owe don't care. They simply demand I present the proper amount of homage at or on the proper date and time. If I expected that, the world would simply snicker and ignore me.

And sometimes the people I think should care, don't because they're consumed with their own problems. Just like I get consumed with mine. And that's the point of my blog this week. Issues and things will do their level best to consume us and take our focus. Deadlines will creep in to add stress and misery, even when they are good deadlines. And chaos, the Devil's favorite playground, will ensue to defeat and destroy.

So my goal this week is to focus on the positive aspects of life and to enjoy the fact that God has blessed me with deadlines while protecting and providing for me amidst chaos. He is a good and loving Father to be sure, and I don't want to forget that even when the deadlines and chaos loom.

Tracie

"Good-bye doesn't mean forever..."

Anyone remember Bread? They are a singing group from the '70 and '80's. I had their albums--most of their music was "tame" enough to meet my dad's approval. :o) In fact, I think I still have their albums around here somewhere...but I digress.

I listened to the song "Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever" dozens of times in a row, zinging the needle from my record player across the disc with a "screeee" of impatience. Even as a young teen, I didn't like good-byes.

Maybe it stems from moving so frequently and, consequently, having to say good-bye so frequently. Maybe it's due to my overly-sensitive spirit. Whatever the reason, I struggle with good-bye. When I write a story, I take as long (or longer!) to write the final quarter of the book as it takes to write the first three-fourths. The last chapter? Agony... I've concluded my foot-dragging is because I don't want to say good-bye to characters who have become friends.

Last week I had to say good-bye to a special "friend"--my office cat, Isabella. For sixteen years, I have been her human (that's a third of my life!), and it seems so strange not to hear her meow of greeting when I awaken each morning or enjoy her furry escort as I move around the house. My office is incredibly empty now that no purring kitty lies in the recliner and observes me as I type. I knew I would miss her, but I had no idea how deeply I would miss her.

I'm in the beginning stages of a new book, and I've decided the matron of the story will have a regal house cat named Isabella in my Izzy-B's honor. Immortalizing her on the page may ease a bit of my loneliness for her. And in the meantime I celebrate that, in heaven, there will be no good-byes. My friends and family in the Lord will be there for eternity, and when I join them, I will never again have to suffer the angst of a farewell.

Until next time...God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim

Good-bye, Izzy-B. I miss you, sweet girl.

Simple Acts

We got back from our cruise a week ago. The trip was lovely but we we're too early for the fall colors. We had hope of seeing the lovely crimson and maples but alas fog moved in and we couldn't see our hand in front of our face.

But briefly, for a rare moment, the mist would gently lift over the harbor and God's glory shown through. I've never understood how death--dying vegatation can be so beautiful. Maybe it's a reminder that the grave will never hold victory, that through it all, God lives. He's the same in any season.

During the trip we received another sad phone call. We'd lost another close friend. He was doing some FEMA work, pulled out to pass another car and died instantly of a heart attack. Luckily there was no oncoming traffic. He crossed the center-line and hit a tree head-on. The kind man whom he was passing stopped and remained with the body until police and ambulance could arrive. The simple act of kindness meant so much to his wife. Though he was gone, she knew and felt comforted that someone had sat with him. Simple acts of kindness. They mean so much.

May you enjoy the coming month with the knowledge that God is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow.

Back from BAM

I'm just back in the door from attending BAM 2008 (Books-a-Million's annual convention) in Birmingham. Had a great time and thought I'd share some quick pics before heading to write and, later, watch the presidential debates which are being held at Belmont University (where my husband teaches).

Our daughter actually got a call today saying she was awarded a last minute ticket (dispensed via a lottery system to Belmont students) to the presidential debates, so she's sitting in the auditorium right now, waiting for it to begin. Lucky gal!

Okay, some quick pics from BAM with some author buddies and friends from Bethany House:

(L to R) Eric Wilson, Tosca Lee, me, and Mindy Starns Clark

Signing copies of From a Distance at the BAM Trade Show

Me with author, Eric Wilson 

[and um...Baker (Revell/Bethany House) President Dwight Baker sneaking in (LOL)]. Dwight Baker likes to have a close working relationship with his authors but ah...this might be a tinge too close. ??  :~)

Me with a more serious (don't be fooled) Dwight Baker. For the full--and inspiring--story of Dwight Baker's family and the history of Baker Publishing click here.

Me with Scott Hurm. Scott's the General Trade Sales Manager for Baker and a great guy! Was a pleasure to get to know him and visit some BAM bookstores together.

Okay, off to write and down more cold medicine. Robin, I think I caught this from you, friend! Ugh!  I hate being sick! ;(

late post

Sorry, everyone. My Monday post is late, and more or less worthless. I returned from my visit to my publisher's in Michigan late on Friday night and brought a cold with me. I'm still in the miserable, foggy headed stage. I need to be working on my book, but it isn't happening yet. Hopefully by next week I'll have something worth saying.

Robin

This Time of Year

This time of year always gets me into a reflective mood. I think about the year and how it's gone for my family and friends--for me. I look at the changes and the evaluate the good and the bad. But most of all, I get a sense of completion.



When I was a child, autumn was a time of completion, despite the fact that school had just started up again. We hurried to collect the last of the garden vegetables. We worked to make sure the dog house was winterized with straw. We gathered up the summer toys and made sure they were put safely away for another summer, while making sure we knew where our winter gear had been stored.

As I grew older, autumn continued to feel like a time of completion. There was house cleaning, yard preparation, winterizing the vehicles and house and making sure we had warm clothes to see us through colder times.

Now, the sense of completion also comes in looking back over the year at the tasks God gave me, analyzing what is yet to be accomplished--what can still be improved. I like completing projects whether they're the book I'm writing or room I'm cleaning. I like that sense of accomplishment--of satisfaction.



So rather than wait for New Year's Eve, I'm encouraging you to reflect on 2008 right now. Look at what has been done and what is yet to be accomplished. Take charge of the time that is left and experience great pleasure in the satisfaction of completion. Whatever you were putting off--whatever you've been avoiding--take it by the horns and see it through to the end.

Tracie

Riding the Rails...

A couple of years ago I stumbled upon an on-line devotional that mentioned life resembled a set of railroad tracks. Tracks run in pairs, side by side, each carrying...something. In this particular devotional, the intimation was that good and bad comes into every life, often simultaneously, running side-by-side like a pair of railroad tracks. I can remember sitting back in my chair, smacking my forehead (in that classic "V-8" manner), and thinking, "That's exactly what I'm having! A railroad tracks year!"

Recently I celebrated a very special event: the fourth anniversary of God healing me of a burden that had culminated in physical pain. For 16 years I fought chronic joint pain, stomach issues, pluerisy, dizziness, brain dysfunction... On September 20, 2004, He used one of His prayer warriors to reveal the source of my illnesses, and then He excised it. I awakened September 21 in a brand new, pain-free body. The first year after my healing was, literally, a dance on the mountaintop. He was swinging door after door open, providing me with contracts for ten books in a nine month period. I was living out my childhood fantasy of full-time writing, and life was fantabulous.

Then, a year from the day of my healing, I came tumbling from the mountaintop into the valley. One problem after another--family issues, job issues, friend issues, health issues (not my own, but involving people close to me), crumbling relationships and piles of heartaches. Yet at the same time, He blessed my writing ministry beyond the scope of my expectation and provided opportunities for me to share the testimony of my healing, which always turned into a celebration.

Railroad tracks...one carrying good things and one carrying less-than-pleasant things.

A friend of mine, after learning Where Willows Grow was named Historical Book of the Year, teasingly said, "Uh-oh. That's a good thing. Better be watching for the kick." She knows my life well! :o)

But you know, there's something to be said for facing conflict. Dolly Parton, in Steel Magnolias, said, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." I think that can definitely be true. We have a choice--to wallow in bitterness and collapse when bad stuff comes, or to choose to lean on God's strength and emerge triumphant, becoming a testimony to His power in a person's life. Back when I struggled just to put one foot in front of the other due to pain and stiffness, I learned to lean on Him. Now that the hurt is emotional rather than physical, I still follow the same practice: lean on Him.

A verse from Isaiah (26:4) is tucked into the corner of a photograph on my writing desk. It reads "Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." When those railroad tracks bring things that could weigh me down and keep me from pursuing this ministry with which He has entrusted me, I remind myself that none of this can be achieved on my own strength. But the Lord Jehovah IS everlasting strength. In Him, we find all we need to keep riding the rails.

I've attached one more picture. This one is from my writing office. Hanging on the bookshelf, which stands next to the chair where I have my morning quiet time (Bible study and prayer), is the cane I used to keep myself upright during my painful/dizzy years. (It's dressed in a patriotic sleeve, which coordinated with my blue jeans, red t-shirt, and jean jacket I wore on the flight home from Denver that day in September 2004.) The cane has been hanging there for four years now, a quiet reminder of what God did for me: He allowed me to set aside my physical...and emotional...cane.

If He can do that, He can certainly be trusted to carry me along the railroad tracks of my life. And He can carry you, too.

God bless you muchly as you journey with Him!

~Kim

Home Sweet Home

We arrived back at home this morning from our New England cruise. Overfed, tired and really really glad to be back.

The fall colors weren't out yet except in Bar Harbor, Maine, but it was fogged in so that was disappointing. Water was perfect going up to Canada, and perfectly awful coming back because of Hurricane Kyle.

A cruise is a wonderful people adventure. I saw lots of books being read on the ship and that's always encouraging. I didn't have the nerve to try Lobster ice cream, but all in all the trip was nice, but I'm SO glad to be home. My own bed. My own pillow.

Now it's back to work, a real bummer from doing absolutely nothing for a glorious 10 days. In a week I'll be back to longing for a cruise.