Merry Hearts

Well, it's been quite a week for everyone. What a blessing it is to have friends and family to bear the burdens we face. It's so helpful to know that we have people walking beside and praying for us. It's also helpful to remember that everything is a matter of perspective. Sometimes we cannot see a positive side of bad news or the hard times, but as Kim pointed out with her comments yesterday, sometimes bad situations motivate us to remember what's important.

I found myself thinking about that today. What important things might I be forgetting or missing as I focus on the negative aspects of life? It's always so easy to see the bad and forget the good. We have a tendency to remember the harsh word spoken by our friend or spouse, but forget all the positive, loving comments and actions. Sometimes we can recall stressful times more readily than restful moments.

My challenge today--for myself as well as you--is to focus on the positive. Make it a game with the family--call up a friend--write a letter to someone. Share memories and thoughts of something that is good. Offer a word of encouragement. Tell a joke. Thank someone for something they did. Enjoy the moment. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel afterwards, and you'll make someone else feel better at the same time. The Bible says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Go take a generous dose.
Tracie

And Then Things Turn…

Every other Thursday at noon, I get my nails done. I have very brittle, thin fingernails, and they crack and split when I type if I don’t keep overlays on them. So it’s a standing routine to go in and have Amy strengthen my nails with a layer of acrylic.

Last Thursday I headed to my appointment, sat down with Amy, and we chatted cheerfully while she began filing down the old acrylic in preparation for adding a new layer. Just as she finished filing, the receptionist charged into the nail room, which is in the far corner of the shop, past the hair-styling area. She whispered something into Amy’s ear; Amy’s eyes flew wide, and she dashed around the corner. My curiosity piqued, I looked into the hair-styling room and noted that the stylists were focused on the windows.

So I crossed to a window and looked out on an alarming sight. Police cars with lights flashing and officers crouching behind the cars with their rifles aimed at the building!

The salon encompasses the entire second story of an historical building. The first floor houses three businesses: a fabric shop and two offices, one of which is a law office. Apparently a man unhappy with the lawyer decided to take things into his own hands and stormed the building with two handguns. For all practical purposes, we were now hostages.

Funny how the body reacts in situations like this. It wasn’t in my game plan that day to be caught up in a standoff between a S.W.A.T. team and a man who wasn’t thinking clearly. I just headed in, normal routine, to get my nails done. And then things turned…

Oddly, looking down at that scene straight from a television drama, I got hit with a sense of calm that made no sense at all. I huddled with the others in the salon in the corner away from the windows and doors while we waited to find out what would happen next. In the meantime, the policemen were working at shutting down the elevator in the building to trap the gunman on one floor or the other. (Selfishly, I hoped he’d be trapped down below instead of up there with us!) A little less than an hour after the man burst into the building, a half dozen officers poured into the salon and gathered us up to take us down the back stairs and to the safety of the street.

Once outside the building, we congregated next door at an optomotrist’s office and then were moved to the opposite side of the street and the other end of the block. The plan to force the man’s surrender included tear gas, and they wanted everyone well away from the building. I was more than happy to get further away. In fact, I really wanted to go home! But my car was parked in the midst of the conflict (I’d been so tickled to secure a parking spot near the side door that led to the elevator…). Eventually someone else gave me a ride. I can’t tell you how good it felt to be in the security of my house.

But once home, I started thinking of all the things that “could” have happened (kind of a silly exercise, but hey, I’m human), and the calm that had held me together throughout the ordeal melted. And I melted…into a puddle of quivering nerves. When I pulled myself together, I started calling people: my kids, my parents, my husband, my friends. I wanted to tell them I loved them. I discovered life can turn quickly, and chances can be snatched away. I didn’t want to waste another opportunity to tell the precious people in my life how much they mean to me.

The verse I chose for my “2009 theme” ran through my mind a lot that day: “Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength (Is. 26:4).” (I also murmured "Igbok, igbok...") The surreal sense of calm had to have been Him giving me strength--no other explanation that I can see. In a situation like that, all you can do is trust that the Lord will see you through.

Life is full of unexpected turns. Illness, job loss, family conflicts, gunmen (!)... But there's one thing we can count on: God's presence and strength! Sure am glad I don't take any of these life-steps alone.

Yesterday I returned to complete the interrupted appointment. I have to admit to some tummy trembles when I parked near the spot I'd parked last Thursday and then walked past the boarded up window and dangling strands of yellow crime-scene tape still hanging from the railing of the porch. But "igbok" proved true.....it was okay. And my nails now look wonderful. :o)

(BTW, don’t look for this experience to show up in one of my books--I wouldn’t want to scare my characters that way!)

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

P.S.--The photo above was borrowed from www.whatsuphutch.com.

Friends!

Friends. Aren't they the greatest fun on earth (sometimes)

I just returned from our annual Secret Pal High Tea. This year I was so completley off on who mine was, it was hilarious. I meant to take a picture of the group and forgot too. The scones, lemon curd, cucumber and cheese sandwiches, chicken salad, chocolate cheese cake and strawberry tarts were excellent and so much fun to share with Christian friends.

Life can be so hard at times, but a good friend makes the journey worth while:)


Loved the trivia game though I missed most of the questions.

On a more sober note, please pray for my two sons who work at the same stainless steel fabricator here in town. Both have been with the company many long years, but the economy has everyone in a panic. Both fear their jobs may be in real danger--they'll know this week. I know there's thousands facing the same dilemma, but remember Rick and Russ today, if you will. Thanks.

Let's play a game...

I'm going to list some dialogue from a few of my favorite movies and let's see how many you're able to guess. Just raise your hand when you recognize the movie. Ready? Let's go!

“Look, I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee that at some time, one or both of us is gonna want to get out of this thing. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life, because I know, in my heart, you're the only one for me.”

Got it? Okay, here's another one...

“Aye, fight and you may die, run, and you'll live... at least for a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take...our freedom!”

Okay, that was easy, right? Here's another...

"You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love...I love...I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on."

Okay, stop your swoonin', gals, and raise and your hand. I know you know that one! ;)

A few more...

First woman: "I do not attempt to deny that I think very highly of him--that I greatly esteem him... I like him."

Second woman: "Esteem him? Like him? Use those insipid words again and I shall leave the room this instant."

Got it? If yes, then you'll immediately recognize this line of dialogue from the same movie...

"My heart is, and always will be, yours."

I LOVE that scene. I've watched that movie no telling how many times. Okay, two more, then I'll give you the answers (as if you don't already know them)...

"I find it amusing. Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something. I just sat there. I just held Shelby's hand. There was no noise, no tremble, just peace. Oh God... I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life."

Can't you just see that scene again? Aren't you right back in that moment? I am. All because of words.

And lastly...(I borrowed this movie recently from my niece the other day--love it!)

"Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. But then, one winter's night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away. But she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within..." 

How many did you guess? Ready for the answers?

The movies are (in order): Runaway Bride, Braveheart, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and  Sensibility, Steel Magnolias, Beauty and the Beast 

Words have such a powerful and lasting effect on our lives. With them we build up, and with them we break down if we're not careful.

This past week so many of you have lifted me up with your words (in light of my mom's recent diagnosis of cancer). You've encouraged me by your kindness, by sharing your own personal experiences and roads you've walked, and are walking even now. Bless you for your words. They're lasting. I've savored each one and have treasured each note. They're renewing my strength.

Quick update on my sweet mom, June: She's scheduled for surgery in mid-March so the doctors can determine the extent of the cancer's spread. I'm praying in faith that all will go well and that she'll be healed. But if God, in His wisdom, chooses to take another route, we'll follow His lead, knowing He's walking the road before us, and that we'll all be with Him in the end. Or really, in the new beginning. Thank you, again, for being with me through this.

And before we go, back to movies. If you have a minute--what are some of your favorite movies? Feel free to leave a favorite quote too, if you'd like.

igbok,

~Tammy

P.S. Robin, I'm holding your mom and Vince close in prayer. Tracie, your sweet Rainy too.

Also, I'm giving away copies of The Inheritance on my website. Last chance to sign up for the giveaway is this Saturday. I'm also giving away some fun things on my blog (last chance to sign up there is March 6th).

Another hospital? Have mercy, Lord!

The day is nearly done, and only now have I remembered I should post something. Life got in the way again. (At left is my "I'm tired" photo.)

On Thursday night, my 95 year old mom fell ill and we had to get an ambulance to take her to the ER. My daughter (Vince's mom) and I sat in the waiting area, and I said, "This wasn't where we needed to be so soon after Vince got to go home."

We had feared a possible stroke, but it turned out to be an infection. In the elderly, an infection can be very serious. In Mom's case, it has left her too weak to get up out of bed or out of her chair by herself although she can walk a bit with her walker now. She's also still a bit befuddled. So today, she was moved to a care center for rehab to try to get her strength back enough that she can come home again. I have been rushing around, from hospital to care center to home to let Poppet out for a bit to the grocery store. Needless to say, I haven't been writing on my book since Thursday.

This weekend I am leading a women's retreat, something I haven't done in about four years. I am looking forward to going, but my materials needed updated. So that's what I did all this afternoon.

Someday this is gonna be in a book.

~robin

On Hold With Hope

Sometimes it just feels like we're on hold. A permanent state of waiting for the other shoe to drop. With Robin and Tammy's news this week, my own grandaughter suffering another serious ear infection, and millions of people unemployed, it causes one to think - but of course not question aloud - what next?

Lately we've been hearing a lot about this being a new age of hope--a hope that will give us a better life--a hope that will deliver us from the sorrow and pain we're enduring. The world sees this hope coming in the form of a new president, a new piece of legislation, or even a new check. But through it all, one song keeps coming back to me. This wonderful old hymn is one of my all time favorites. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I love to remember the words.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

We do have great hope - it's in Jesus. He never fails and never leaves us to face the future on our own. My prayers are with my dear sisters here, and with those of you out there reading this now. May God's hope be the solid rock on which you stand.
Tracie Peterson

The Wisdom of Tildy

One of the most amazing (to me, anyway) parts of this writing journey on which God sent me is how many times the characters in my stories minister to me. I'll be typing along, words pouring onto the page, and I'll come to an abrupt stop, stare at what just appeared on the computer screen, and think, "Wow, I really needed to hear that!" Yes, I know I wrote it and I should have a clue what is going to come out when I sit down here, but more often than not the characters catch me by surprise.

My secondary characters also seem to be the ones who capture my heart. In my most recent release, a former slave named Tildy plays a significant role in teaching the heroine, Emmaline (a prim and proper Englishwoman), how to survive on the Kansas prairie. She also becomes a spiritual mentor to the unhappy young woman. Following is a brief passage (the way it was written originally, not the edited version from the book) from one of their conversations:

Facing forward, Emmaline folded her arms over her chest. “I want to go back to England.”

Tildy sighed. “We don’t allus git what we wants. Sometimes we just gots to be content wit’ what the good Lawd gives us.”

Emmaline shot her a startled look.

“You think yo’re the only person evuh had disappointments? Life’s full o’ disappointment an’ unhappiness, honey-chil’. But you cain’t wallow in it. You gotta look fo’ the good in it.”

“Good? In unhappiness?”

The girl sounded contrary, but at least she was listening. “Why, yes. The Lawd don’t bring nothin’ into our lives that He cain’t use fo’ our good. Even unhappiness. Why, if’n we nevuh had a sad moment, we couldn’t really ’preciate the good times, now could we?”

“But— ”

“An’ good times don’t bring us nothin’ but a smile. Don’t give us no chance to grow. Growin’s a good thang.” Tildy threw her hands wide. “Why, if a body nevuh overcomes bad times, he nevuh gits a chance to show how God works in his life. 'Cause there ain’t nothin’ we cain’t overcome wit’ His help.”

I just love that lady! And I have to admit, her advice ran through my head when I read first Robin's and then Tammy's posts this week. I wondered, How will God use these unexpected life-turns to show His strength and glory in the lives of Vince and Tammy's mom and those who love them? God isn't a wasteful God--He can use everything for our good and His glory when we're committed to His purpose. And He will give us the strength to face whatever conflicts come along when we lean on Him.

He's proved that to me so many times in my past. For years I fought aging--getting "old" scared me!--but in the past few years I've tossed that fear aside. Aging has its advantages, and one of them is being able to look back on my life footsteps and see how God took what I perceived as "the worst of times" and used it to mold me into a stronger, more functional vessel. Seeing how good came from sadness in past times helps me trust Him with the challenges of today. Yes, we serve an amazing and awesome God.

Whenever I'm feeling low or in need of comfort, I run (like Tammy) to the Psalms. I found this little reminder yesterday morning in Psalm 124 (v. 8, KJV): "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." A God who can create the heaven and earth can surely be trusted to help me through today's conflicts. Lean on Him--He is faithful to sustain.

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

Igbok (continued)

Thanks, Lori and all, for your prayers. I appreciate this group so much and am grateful for your encouragement.

If you'd like a free igbok bumper sticker, click here, fill out the form, and one will be sent to you. Hey, ask and you will receive! How cool (and Biblical) is that! ;) 

For more information on igbok, check out the igbok website.

Blessings all,

~Tammy

Prayers go out

It seems the bloggers have been given a heavy dose of 'life' this week. What I'd originally planned to write just doesn't fit so I'll simply say Robin and Tamera you're in our thoughts and prayers. If my husband would allow, I'd stick one of the igbok bumper stickers on my car.

igbok

That's what's printed on a bumper sticker that Lloyd Shadrach, one of our ministers, handed out following his message on 1/11/2009. Igbok stands for "it's gonna be o.k.,' and is based in the truth that, in the Bible, God repeatedly tells His followers not to worry, to trust Him, that everything--in the end--is gonna be o.k. 

Not being a real bumper-sticker-kinda-gal, I took one that morning as we left church but shoved it in my Bible and didn't think much about it--until last Friday morning when it slipped from the pages of Psalms as I ran there seeking comfort and direction, and reassurance that everything is, indeed, gonna be o.k. 

As I wrote in my last post, I went down to Atlanta last week to be with my mom as she recovered from gallbladder surgery. The surgery turned out to be more invasive than they originally thought (couldn't do a laparoscopy) but she healed well throughout the week. We had such fun together, my dad included, and we took turns staying with mom at night. I treasure that time.

While the first of the week went well, we got some "not good" news Thursday night before she was released. Mom's gallbladder was malignant, and the doctor says they have every reason to believe it's spread to her liver. It's likely in her abdominal cavity too. Even typing this now it still doesn't quite seem real yet. 

The surgeon came in to see mom and dad Thursday night around 7:30 (before she was released) and said he was shocked, that they didn't suspect this at all. I won't go into the details but suffice it to say that we're waiting to see what the next steps will be, and where God is leading.

How quickly things change. I helped mom get ready for bed the last night I was there and I told her that I honestly believe she'll beat this. Then she and dad and I talked about how we want whatever God wants. And I do. I just also want my mom here for a while longer. I'm not ready to let her go. Yet I'm finding comfort in knowing God's walking this road with us and that He knows what lies ahead. He'll give us strength for whatever that is. 

In brief, igbok.

On Friday morning I took mom to get her hair done (thanks Vicki and all at Arden Salon in Cumming for how you ministered to us while we were there). If she's going to have cancer then you'd better believe she's going to look good (her sentiment). A true Southern belle. I'm back in Nashville now. Came back late Saturday afternoon, and will return to Atlanta in coming days after we know more. I appreciate your prayers for healing for my mom and strength in days ahead for the family.

If you have a moment, download the MP3 of Lloyd's lesson 1/11/2009 and listen to it as you're walking or running errands. It will bless you, I promise. God uses our present pain for our eternal good and for His eternal glory. I believe that. No matter what comes, I hold to that. And to Him.

~Tammy

P.S. As soon as that bumper sticker fell from the pages of my Bible, I ran outside and slapped it on the back of my vehicle. Turns out, I am a bumper stick kind of gal after all! 

And a fun thing--as I was driving around Nashville yesterday, I saw another "igbok" car, and felt a heavenly hug.

Life happens

Last week was a difficult one for me & my family. My 13 year old grandson has been stricken with Transverse Myelitis (a debilitating condition that is a kin to polio). You can check out my blog post on Write Thinking to see more about last week.

While the vast majority of my 61 books written to date have historical settings, I will tell you unequivocally how glad I am that I was born when I was. How grateful I am to live in a nation where dedicated doctors and researchers have found answers to so many ailments that used to kill countless people. How thankful I am for the pediatric neurologist who attended my grandson, for all the technicians at the hospital who helped him get a proper diagnosis, for the nurses who were so good to him in the ICU and pediatric unit.

Last night my extended family (mom, cousins, aunt, children, grandchildren) met for dinner to celebrate my mom's 95th birthday and my aunt's 91st birthday. Vince got out of the hospital on Saturday and so he was able to be there with us, and I thank God that he could walk into the restaurant with the help of the walker. I'm so grateful for his cheery attitude, and I'm asking God for a full recovery for this very precious child.

It's fun to visit the past as I do in my books, but it's good to live in the present. It's good to love our families and be thankful for every moment we have together. Below I've included a photo of Vince and another of his mom (my daughter) last night. Rejoice with me in God's mercy and grace.

BE MINE

Okay, so it was a toss up. Write about Friday the 13th or Valentine's Day, and since I'm such a romantic at heart - Valentine's Day had to win out.

I found some very interesting tidbits about Valentine's Day. There are all sorts of stories about how the holiday came to pass. It's said to be founded in honor of St. Valentine who married lovers in secret against the wishes of Rome. I found it fascinating that in 1537 King Henry VIII

is actually credited with making it a national holiday for all of England to celebrate. Somehow this seems strangely appropriate for a man who had six wives.

There are wonderful stories about the middle ages when young people would draw names from a bowl to see who their Valentine sweetheart would be. They'd pin the names to their sleeves, and hence the saying, "wearing your heart on your sleeve" was born.



There are all kinds of traditions and myths associated with Valentine's Day. Women were told if they saw a robin fly overhead on Valentine's Day she would marry a sailor. If it was a sparrow - she would marry a poor man, but if she saw a goldfinch - she would marry a wealthy man.

And of course there is the financial aspect. It's reported that over one billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year. Valentine's Day is the biggest holiday for florists, with an estimated 110 million roses being delivered on this day alone.
With all of that in mind, it seemed only proper that I should send you a Valentine through this blog. So here it is.


I wish you blessings on this day, that your heart would be full of hope and love, and that God would guide your every step and thought.
Tracie

Being Ministered To

Several months ago—August 2008, to be exact—I got an email from a woman named Jalana in Tennessee who invited me to come to her church and lead a women's fellowship retreat. My first thought was, "Uh-oh, that's pretty far away. Which equates to major expense. I'm not sure we can make this happen." I emailed her my concerns. Her response made me smile: "I realize that Kansas must be a ways off, but I really feel that God is in this."

The more I thought and prayed about it, the more I felt prompted to go to Tennessee. Initially, I presented a weekend in October 2009, but Jalana was hoping for something a little sooner. In examining my 2009 calendar...my calendar that already felt way too cluttered!...I fixed on the first weekend in February. Now, February already had two speaking events and a radio interview in place. I wasn't keen on adding one more event to that month, but I kept being drawn back to that date. So I said, "Okay, God, if Jalana agrees, we'll call that 'our' weekend." Of course, Jalana immediately agreed, and we began planning.

That Jalana is some organizer! She ordered books to sell at the speaking event, arranged newspaper and radio interviews, and scheduled a booksigning at a local bookstore. She planted posters all over Loretto and Lawrenceburg. (I'm thinking she'd make somebody a very fine publicity chairwoman if she wasn't so busy teaching school.) Her enthusiasm stirred my enthusiasm.

I invited my friend and "partner in hilarity," Kathy, to come along. You see, I'm a first-class introvert. Being with a group of strangers is veeeeery intimidating to me! So having a familiar face in the audience helps put me at ease. However—no offense to Kathy—I would have survived this one without her (with the exception of her very important navigational skills...I always get myself lost!). From the moment we arrived at the Glenrock Church of God, the warmth and friendliness that exuded from the women made me feel as though we were long-time members rather than visitors passing through. The younger ones called me "Miss Kim," the older "Sister Kim," and I enjoyed both titles immensely.

Anyone who knows me even a little knows how much I love music. And let me tell you—these ladies can sing! Jalana, Debbie, and ladies from the choir... when they put their voices together, you feel as if you're in the presence of a heavenly chorus. Even though I wasn't familiar with several of the songs so I couldn't join in, it didn't impede the worship one bit. My heart sang along.

I shared my testimony Friday night, and then Saturday we examined the idea that God has good plans for each of us and looked at how He is with us every step of the way to see those plans to completion. Usually when I finish a two-day retreat, even if things have gone well, I'm physically exhausted and emotionally drained. But, oddly, this time—although I was tired from lack of sleep—I felt rejuvenated and recharged. I came to minister, but somehow these ladies (and men, who served us a fantastic meal) ministered to me with their warm acceptance and innate courtesy.

I truly hope to return to that "neck of the woods" again someday. But, as one woman put it as she hugged me goodbye, "If I don't see you again this side of Glory, I'll see you there!" Yes, we will, and I look forward to it!

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

With my new friend and sister-in-Christ Jalana, a lovely lady both inside and out.

And with Mary, an employee at the Lawrenceburg Christian Bookstore, where I had a signing on Friday. (Everyone at the store was so kind and encouraging!)

Sun, fun and a little inspiration

I co-authored a series(Heavenly Daze) with Angela Hunt many years ago, and we still have a wonderful reader's group who get together once a year to laugh, talk and just have fun. January 2009 they've decided to take a cruise and invited Angie and I along. We're going to Cozumel for five days and four nights and it's going to be one rowdy cruise. If you'd like to join us, visit my web site www.loricopeland.com and sign up! The more the merrier, and you've got a whole year to save for the incredibly low prices on this trip.

On the home front, the hot water heater is installed! The carbon monoxide detector only went off twice, and there was a lot of mutterings coming from the utility closet, but hubby finished the job nicely. He has decided to have someone else hook up the water softener:)

Hope your week if full of blessings--oh, and Happy Valentines's Day!

Atlanta, gallbladders and biscuits

Hey friends,

I'm currently in Atlanta taking care of my mom who recently had surgery but I posted a message here before leaving. Hope you'll take a moment and check it out!

I had a treat last week when author and friend Kim Vogel Sawyer (pictured below, far right) came to Nashville with her friend Cathy (far left). I met them at the Loveless Cafe for dinner and we had SUCH a fun time! We laughed and laughed while eating the famous biscuits served there, along with fried chicken. Does it get any better than good food and good friends?

Continued blessings,

Tammy

From Sweden with hope

The majority of my books have been set in Idaho because I love my state and its rich history and its vast wilderness area (largest in the lower 48). But when I wrote my Coming to America series that featured heroines who shared my ethnic roots, I set the book about my Swedish heroine (Patterns of Love) in Iowa. Why? Because that's where my Swedish great-grandparents settled and were later laid to rest and where 9 of their 13 children were born.

Selma Gustavson & Andro Johnson married in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 11, 1868, then got on a ship and sailed to America to begin new lives. Selma was 18 and Andro was 29. Their first four children were born in Chicago. Then the family moved to Iowa and put down roots, deep in the soil. They were farmers, as was my grandfather, their 9th child.

This great country of ours was settled by so many people like my great-grandparents. They came here with little but hope and a faith in God that sustained them through the deaths of children (the Johnsons lost four -- one stillborn, one at 5 days, one before his fourth birthday, and one at seven), through drought, through storms, through hardships of every kind.

Selma & Andro never again saw the parents they left behind in Sweden. They didn't have text messages or video messaging or telephones. How hard that must have been, to leave ones family, knowing it was most likely goodbye until heaven.

I'm so grateful my Swedish ancestors came to America to start a new life. I'm even more grateful that my maternal grandparents moved to Idaho and that I was born and raised here. Most important of all, however, is how thankful I am for the legacy of faith in God. I look forward to meeting them in heaven.

Below are the portraits of my Swedish great-great grandparents, the Johnsons and the Gustavsons. What a treasure these are to me.

~robin

Historical Heritage

As a writer of historical fiction, I love to research the past. There are always the most amazing tidbits to learn along the way. Perhaps the most fun has been in listening to the stories my family tells about the "old days" and relatives long gone.

There was my great-grandmother who was born during one of the worst recorded snowstorms in the late 1800s. She married and lived on a farm in Kansas, and I used to love to visit her. Here's a pictures of her when she graduated high school.



One of my favorite memories of visiting her farm was the outhouse. There was a long walk to the outhouse that took you between several other out-buildings. One was the milk shed where the milk and cream separator did its wondrous tasks. Tucked in by the window on the outside of this building was a butter knife. Now, I know this knife was used to scrape mud off of their shoes as they returned from the outhouse, but then I was certain it was used to fight off Indians and wild animals. See, even at the age of 5 my imagination ran wild.

Or there was my great-grandmother's mother who was orphaned after the death of her parents and siblings to typhoid fever. She was given over to relatives who treated her as a slave, because it was rumored she was part Native American. This woman always fascinated me. The stories told about her were incredible. She married and raised several children, often times having to fight the elements, intruders and animals to keep them alive.

Every family has incredible stories to tell, and I encourage you to write them down and keep this historical heritage alive. First, because it's your legacy. Second, because there will be some writer like me who will want to hear all the details - just in case it would work well in a book.

Happy Friday
Tracie Peterson

The "Tail" of Clyde-Kitten

Once upon a time a girl named Kamryn rescued a homeless calico cat. She named the cat Frances, and Frances grew plump and happy under Kamryn's care. Soon it became apparent that Frances' round tummy was due to more than the ample food supply she enjoyed, and on a July morning she delivered a litter of darling kittens.

Kamryn named the two white kittens with blue eyes Frank and Sinatra. The mottled calico baby was named Picasso for her unique markings. The two tiger-striped kittens--one with white feet, one with gray feet--were dubbed Bonnie and Clyde for their penchant of escaping their enclosure. Kamryn and her mother--both cat-people--enjoyed watching the babies play and grow, and they dreaded the time when the babies would be old enough to find homes elsewhere.

When the kittens were nine weeks old, a nice lady took Bonnie and Frank. Even though it made Kamryn and her mom sad to see them go, they knew the lady would give them a good home. Two weeks later, the same lady returned and took Sinatra as a birthday gift for her grandson. Shortly after that, Kamryn went to college, so Kamryn's mom assumed care for Frances and her remaining babies, Clyde and Picasso.

As the weeks slipped by, Kamryn's mom grew more and more attached to the kitties in her care. The idea of giving them away made her heart ache, yet she knew she couldn't keep them. She already had two cats--Sam and Maizie--and five cats was too much for one house. Especially since the house also contained Kamryn's dad, a dog-person. So she prayed and prayed that loving homes would be found for ornery little Picasso and affectionate, bunny-soft Clyde.

The day finally arrived that the dog-person said, "You've tried long enough to find homes for them. They have to go to the shelter." Since he had agreed to let Kamryn's cat Frances stay in the house while Kamryn was in college, arrangements were made to take Clyde and Picasso to the animal shelter. The morning Kamryn's mom delivered the kittens to the shelter, she cried all the way home. She'd grown especially close to Clyde, who often sat in her lap and watched her type with his little head tipped to side, as if proofreading.

Kamryn visited that morning and, seeing her mother's sadness, called her dad and asked if she could give her mother Clyde for her birthday. Her dad said yes, IF one of the other cats went to live elsewhere. So Kamryn asked her grandparents to provide a home for Frances. Then she told her mom, "You can have Clyde!"

So Clyde-kitten returned to Kamryn's house where he sits on Kamryn's mom's lap and watches her type. Kamryn's mom's prayers were answered for a loving home for Clyde: her own. (She continues to pray that someone will rescue Picasso and give her a good home, too, so all the kitties will have a happily-ever-after ending.)

Isn't it nice that God even cares about the little things in our lives...like kittens?

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

What a week

Missouri dodged a another major ice storm this week, and I'm grateful. But we discovered we need a new furnace. And if we're getting a new furnace we might as well replaced the old air conditioning system. Then the hot water heater went out. So if we're replacing the hot water heater we better put in a water softener because it helps with a skin condition my husband is plagued with; Grove Disease. Anyone ever heard of it? We hadn't either, and there's no cure or treatment--at least any treatment that doesn't damage organs. We'd noticed that while we were in Florida the rash eased considerably and we concluded it must be the water softener. Anyway, so furnace, air, water heater and softener. This is where it got tricky. My husband wanted to install the water heater and softener. Simple, right?

My house looks like a destruction zone. Hubby has been to the hardware store three times this morning alone. I have the old hot water heater sitting in the hallway. The new one in the utility closet, but not an ounce of hot water. He hasn't even started on the softener yet, which I'm not looking forward to having. My hair is a wet noodle with those things.

I figure this is going to be a lonnnnnnng week:)

On a happier note, Harvest House is republishing some of my older historicals. Outlaw's Bride will be out this July--a story about a man unjustly accused, and the woman who helped him find a new life.

Things didn't go as planned

Ever have one of those days? When you have your list all made out and organized? Planned out by the hour--with bullet points, oh I love bullet points--so that you can get everything done? 

Then things start happening...

And you quickly realize that God has other plans for your day. That's what this day has been like for me. And yet, it's had such unexpected blessings too. A day like this used to frustrate me when I was younger. But not so much anymore.

This picture was waiting for me in my Inbox this morning (thanks, Delmar!), and I thought of the majesty of these mountains throughout my day. And reminded myself that my time was God's. All of it. Every minute. And that I had committed my day--every hour--to Him this morning, and told Him that He could do with it what He wanted. And He did. No matter that it wasn't what I had planned.

Suffice it to say that the day's not over yet and I've just gotten another phone call--literally--so I'm hitting the road again. While my original list remains undone and "unchecked off," I know all those tasks (and yes, the writing) will be there tomorrow. And somehow, I also know I'm doing what was on God's list for me today.

One quick thing I found out that was fun--The Inheritance is printed and ships from the warehouse on February 11. Have I mentioned lately how much I love "having written?" 

Also, if you have a sec, CBD.com (located in Boston) has uploaded my presentation to their employees. (Scroll to the bottom of the page.) And that's a fancy way of saying "I chatted with them about life and writing." We had such a blast! They're so wonderful, down to earth, and I got so tickled at their questions and comments. 

If you listen long enough, you'll hear me sing one of my favorite worship songs. And believe me, I'm singing it again now as I head out the door.

~Tammy

Reveling in Revisions

I spent Friday evening and all day Saturday at the IDAhope Christian Writers Conference. It was a smaller, more intimate affair, and on Saturday, I was very busy, doing a keynote address, followed by leading two workshops. It's always fun to be with other writers, from wide-eyed beginners to long published folks.

Newer writers are often surprised that contracted manuscripts still go through an extensive revising and editing process. Beginners are told that manuscripts have to be as close to perfect as possible to get a "yes" from an editor. There is some truth in that. But perfect enough to sell doesn't mean perfect enough to publish. An author is too close to the story after months and months of writing it and then rewriting it and maybe rewriting it half a dozen more times. A good editor's trained eye can find many little ways (and some times quite a few big ways) to improve an already strong story.

What's the process like? Usually something like this:

1. After a manuscript is turned in (whether contracted before it was written or the acquisition of a finished novel), the revision letter arrives. This round of editing usually deals with the bigger picture of the story and on the ways an author can strengthen the manuscript overall.
2. Line edits. A closer, more focused look at the story. An editor (usually someone different from the editor who did the revision letter) goes through the manuscript line by line, changing or suggesting changes.
3. Copy edits. An editor looks for the small but important items. Prose. Punctuation. Fine-tuning. Queries to make sure the writer doesn't have an error in facts (does that river actually run north? how long would it take a train to reach the Pacific coast from point A in that year? etc.).
4. Pages proofs/typeset galleys. The author's and proofreader's last chance to catch mistakes that have slipped through previous rounds. Using "their" when it should be "there."
   

Last week, I began revising my November 2009 release. No major changes were requested by my editor, but her suggestions are making the story better and I'm loving implementing them. And, of course, as I work my way through the manuscript, it's giving me an opportunity to spruce up my prose. (Don't all writers tweak and tweak and tweak every time they read their own work?) If all goes according to my schedule, I should be finished by the end of this week.

I can't say that I always revel in revisions. I know a few authors who do, but I'm not one of them. How I feel about revisions depends entirely upon what needs to be done, how long it will take to complete them, and how much my head and eyes will hurt as I follow any changes through to the end of the manuscript.

I must say that the best part about my current revisions is that I've been reminded how fond I am of my hero and heroine, and I can't help believing readers will take Cleo and Sherwood to heart as well.

~robin

A Rogue, a Scout and an Innocent

Our prayers go out to Robin's grandson this week. Her post got me to thinking of the blessing grandchildren bring. Lance and I have been blessed with five now, and recently added our little Anabelle. The joy these children bring into our lives is matchless. This week I want to share pictures of our three youngest, Gage, Audrey and Anabelle. May their lives be long and filled with fruits of the spirit.