What kind of brownie lover are you?

Do you like middles or edges? I'm an "edges" brownie gal myself. I always head for the corners first. Love that crunchy, thick edge. Delicious! 

Well, Deb Raney (my writing critique partner) clued me in to this wonderful invention to the right. It was made for "edgie brownies lovers" like me. Every brownie has that yummy crusty edge. This is my first time to use the pan today, and the brownies (notice how much of the mix was left in the bowl...ahem...comfort food to the max!) are baking right now. I'll share the finished results below.

As you may know if you've been following this blog, I've spent the past two weeks visiting my parents in Atlanta and just got back a couple of hours ago. We got some not so good news yesterday. We were hoping and praying that the surgery that my mom, June, underwent on the 19th (where they took 60% of her liver due to cancer that began in the cystic duct and gallbladder) would end up ridding her body of cancer. But that wasn't the case. 

The pathology report revealed that the cancer is also in the remaining portion of her liver. The biopsies they took on the day of the surgery that they thought were clean, upon further study, weren't. We brought mom home last night, which was wonderful! The staff at Emory were fabulous but after eleven days in the hospital, we were all ready to get home.  Mom and I piled up on the sofa last night and watched Dancing with the Stars. A total girl's night. She's very weak but will slowly regain her strength as her appetite returns and she starts eating again.

I'll head down to Atlanta again in two weeks to accompany them to the chemotherapy and radiation doctors, and we'll find out more then about this long road of healing ahead. Thanks again for your continued prayers. We serve and worship a great God. I loved the drive home today and really appreciated the "alone" time. I cried off and on the whole way, of course, and dialed my iPod to some favorite worship songs. I felt God's mercy the entire way.

Okay, my oven's beeping. Off to check my cornbread. Yes, cornbread. I took the brownies out a few minutes ago. I'm making every comfort food I can think of, LOL. Here's a peek at the finished product...YUM! 

~Tammy

Chase that dream

I returned on Sunday afternoon from a trip to Peabody, Massachusetts where I was a guest of CBD. The visit began on Friday and ended with a book signing at their spring warehouse sale. What an experience! I know that at least two of our bloggers on Writes of Passage (Tamera and Tracie) have been there before me, and I know without a doubt that they would echo my experience. Being at CBD was just like being with lifelong friends. (On Saturday, I shared photos and more details of my visit over on my Write Thinking blog.)

It's amazing to see the warehouse. The photo at left is of the section with the 40 foot ceiling. Books and CDs and Christian gifts and DVDs and Bibles and more. It makes one feel rather small, seeing all of the products offered to those wanting something to watch or something to read or something to wear or something to hang on a wall. Behind every item there was someone with an idea, someone who invested time and/or money in bringing it to this place. So many people with dreams of making a difference in someone's life, in entertaining a reader for a short while, of teaching a new song to children.

Do you have a dream that you haven't pursued? A story to tell? A desire to help others? An idea for an invention? The urge to serve? Then I would say to you, could it be God working in your heart, encouraging you to do something you haven't attempted before or perhaps attempted and then gave up on? Maybe today's the day you should step out in faith and chase that dream.

There were several readers who asked me, as I signed books, how long I've been writing and how did I get started. For me, I started because the idea just wouldn't be ignored anymore. Oh, there were a number of things involved that brought me to that point, but when it comes right down to it, that's the real reason. I had this story idea in my head and I had to give it a try, had to see if I could do it.

You never know what will happen until you try.

~robin

PS There was one special treat waiting for me at CBD. Zondervan went to press early with A Vote of Confidence so that copies would be available at CBD on Saturday. You can't get a copy yet in stores or via Amazon, but you can get copies at CBD. If you don't want to wait several more weeks, pop over to Christianbook.com and place your order now.

Home and Off Again

Dallas was great fun. I had a lot of fun seeing old friends and making new. It’s always great to talk to fellow authors about projects we’re working on and stories we long to tell. It’s a wonderful blessing to have a chance to hear of how the Lord is working in each person’s life. We had such a wonderful time of fellowship and praise.

Now I’m off again. This time I’ll head to Kansas to mix business with pleasure. First, my incredible accountant resides in Kansas. I couldn’t give him up when I moved to Montana because a good, trustworthy accountant is hard to find. So we will meet and do that pesky tax thing.

Then I will have a wonderful time plotting and planning new books with my dear friend Judy Miller. We have so much fun when we get together.

Added to this is the bonus of getting to see my daughter and son-in-law and beautiful grandchildren.









So I would appreciate your prayers for traveling and weather mercies. One of the big reasons we left Kansas was we were tired of humidity and tornadoes. So I would appreciate prayers for both to be absent. Well, I suppose I could tolerate a nice Montana humidity of 20%.
Tracie

“Paper Missionaries”

Although it’s been a full week since I traveled to Dallas, Texas, for the Christian Book Expo, I’m still smiling over some wonderful encounters. The best part of these kinds of activities is the people. As a writer, you spend a great deal of time alone in an office, pecking out words on a computer screen. So times of fellowship--with other writers who “get you” and with readers who appreciate you--are precious. Let me share some sweet moments with you.

Running into some of my favorite writing people on the floor of the convention center was a true delight! Years ago, Susan Downs (third from left) befriended me at the first American Christian Fiction Writers conference, and she remains a dear friend and unofficial cousin (we share the Klaassen name in our family background). Janelle Lowery and Lisa Ludwig are also fellow ACFWers--wonderful Christian women who I’m delighted to count as friends. So we had mini “family reunion” when our paths crossed.

While signing at the Baker Booth, a stately gentleman approached and introduced himself as my German publisher. We had a lovely chat about how Christian fiction is taking off in Germany (they reprint a lot of American books because few German authors write fiction). Then he invited me to tour the publishing company and meet my German editor if ever I’m in Germany. As it turns out, I’ll be taking a German tour the first of September! I’m hopeful to be able to accept his invitation. (Unfortunately I can't tell you his name because his is the only business card I misplaced before I made it home again! *sigh* I'm glad he took mine and promised to contact me. lol)

And…oh, joy!…the night of the Christian Book Awards banquet, I had the opportunity to visit with my long-time writing hero, Janette Oke. This wasn’t the first time I’d met Mrs. Oke. A Bethany House representative introduced me to her in July of 2005, shortly after I signed my first contract with BHP. But at that time, I was so star-struck I couldn’t even speak. After a few minutes of one-sided conversation (all hers), she finally smiled and moved away, no doubt thinking she’d just met the biggest dolt in the history of the world. I have kicked myself dozens of times for missing the chance to tell her how much her books meant to me. But March 19, 2008, I had a second chance, and I didn’t blow it.

I shared with her how her writing inspired me and how her stories touched my heart. I thanked her for giving me spiritual insight and many hours of pleasant diversion. She was so gracious and warm, completely down-to-earth and unaffected although, considering her success and her title of “Christian fiction icon,” she has every reason to stick her nose in the air and even wear a diamond tiara. Instead, do you know what she did? SHE encouraged ME. She told me she’s read my books……..and enjoyed them. That struck me speechless once again and it ended the conversation. But those words will carry me for the next 27 years. :o)

At the banquet, Mrs. Oke introduced the fiction category nominees. In her speech she mentioned that she thinks of the characters in her books as “paper missionaries.” Although she doesn’t travel all over the world to share her love of Jesus, her storybook characters do. Her words inspired me all over again to keep Jesus front and center in each of my stories. I want my characters to be “paper missionaries,” too. And after visiting with that beautiful, gracious, warm and welcoming woman who is a breath of Jesus in every way, I pray I can be just like her when I grow up.

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

The Fine Art of Giving Thanks

The mailman rang my doorbell yesterday. Well, he really knocked on the door—the doorbell needs fixing and the handyman seems to be on vacation. That small fact aside, I was delighted to see the mailman because he was carrying a large, heavy box that had the word “Amazon” printed on the side. I hadn’t ordered anything from Amazon in recent weeks. That fact alone left my husband, also known as the vacationing handyman, in such a state of shock and awe that he had to sit down while I opened the box. Nestled inside those air-filled plastic tubes (which are way better than all that Styrofoam popcorn that sticks to you like glue), I discovered the research book you see me holding in the picture. And that’s not all—it has CD-Roms that contain even more information. Now a book that reveals the front pages of the New York Times may not excite everyone, but almost any writer of historical novels is sure to be pleased. Research books will always send my heart into full pitty-pat mode. Inside was a note from my sister saying that the book was not a belated birthday present, because we’d discontinued gift exchanges many years ago. Instead, the book was a “just because” gift.

I immediately called to thank her and express my delight, telling her I’d already inserted one of the CD’s and was looking for information that I might use in my next book. Of course, she was pleased that her choice gave me such pleasure. “How did you know,” I asked? She laughed and told me it had been on my Amazon Wish List. Later that evening I was thinking about the “wish list” we offer to the Lord by way of our prayers. We ask him for travelling mercies when we make a journey, or to heal a sick child. We ask for good weather when we’re planning a family outing. We’re constantly presenting our “wish list.” But when we safely arrive at our destination, that ill child recovers, or the sunshine beams down on a balmy spring day, do we rush to give thanks for our answered prayer?

My sister was thrilled to know that her gift had pleased me so much. God delights in hearing our thanks and that He has pleased us too—let Him know!

With a desire for a more thankful heart. ~Judy

Taking life minute by minute

I'm incredibly grateful for the prayers that have been lifted up for my mom this past week (pictured to the right with my dad). Her healing since last Thursday's surgery has been very slow, and not without its setbacks.

I hadn't been home from the hospital long last night when the phone rang. I picked up and heard my dad say, "Tam...I think mom's dying."

You can imagine what emotions hit me in that moment. Disbelief. Fear. Denial. Anger. Helplessness. And you can guess what questions came to mind. Can I get back to the hospital in time to say goodbye? Will I see her again this side of Heaven? Have I said everything there is to say?

I had trouble understanding what Dad was saying on the phone so I asked him to pass the phone to a nurse. She got on and said that they had indeed called a code on my mom because her vitals were dropping. It wasn't cardiac arrest though. It was due to respiratory problems, along with some other issues.

Long story short, they told us they thought she'd had a stroke. So around midnight last night they did a CAT scan on her head and chest, and we waited. The chest scan was clear but the brain scan was inconclusive. It wasn't until later this morning that we learned the brain scan was negative for a stroke, which was great news! They're not completely certain what happened yet. We're thinking perhaps a combination of medicines and other factors, but may never know for sure. 

I'm sitting outside of ICU right now, dad's in with mom, and minutes ago we had our first real conversation with her since before her surgery last Thursday. What a blessing that was, and how precious those moments.

As dad and I sat together as mom "drifted," I told him that I realized last night (when he called me) that there was nothing left unsaid between me and mom. Nothing that needed "fixing." In that sense, we're ready to step into eternity in regard to each other. Dad and I talked about that and about how the same is true for our relationship. We live life with everything "said" between us. That's such a blessing. [Though my husband might disagree since he has to live with me constantly making sure "everything's said." :)]

Mom has a long road of recovery ahead and it's not going to be easy. But we're hopeful for a complete healing and for many more years here together. We're still awaiting the pathology report on the tumor, of course. That's due to come back in the next couple of days, and we're finding strength in knowing God's already waiting for us there in that moment as surely as He's with us in this one.

Back to ICU, and to hug mom! 

~Tammy

P.S. Thanks for the private congrats on From a Distance being a Christy Award finalist. My daughter is taking full credit due to her hair being used on the cover. ROFLOL! As much as I appreciate that nomination though, what means far more to me is having heard from readers who've read FAD and who've said they've taken a step closer to Christ because of it. 

Now that's something I'll carry with me into eternity. Thanks, friends.

A Season of Life

After more than a month in rehab (which followed her three days in the hospital for an infection), my mom comes home tomorrow. I had prepared my mind and heart to accept that she would be going into long term care (and shed more than a few tears over it). That is probably where she needs to be. However, we have a few more hoops to jump through before that is a possibility.

The folks at the rehab center say Mom needs 24/7 care. Which means, since I must be able to write in order to keep a roof over our head, I've got to have aides come in to stay with her while I slip off to write at the library or Moxie Java. I am going to have to readjust a lot to this new situation. In the past, I haven't hesitated to run to the store or to go to church for a couple of hours on Sunday morning. Now I will have to arrange for it all in advance. Easier said than done, methinks.

This is a season of life that countless people have walked through before me. I'm grateful for all the words of encouragement and advice that have been spoken to me as I face trying to make decisions for what will be best for Mom, for me, for the two of us.

Sometimes life is hard. This is one of those times.

The Bible tells me that Jesus is coming back and all those believers who remain on earth will meet Him in the air. Well, friends, I'm thinking today would be a good day for Jesus to return. I'm ready for no more crying, no more sighing, no more pain, no more death. I'm ready to stop being an alien in a strange land. I'm ready to be home with the Father in the house God has prepared for me. Don't get me wrong. There is so much I love about my life. I'm blessed with family and friends and so much more. But my heart yearns for heaven. I long for the day I will see Jesus face to face. Don't you?

Even so, maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.

Photos: my mom and dad's wedding photo (my dad died in a plane crash when I was 4 months old, about 3 years after this photo) and my mom at her 90th birthday bash with her four granddaughters

Dallas Bound

By the time this posts, I'll be in Dallas for the big Christian book expo. I have heard so many positive things about this brand new get-together for readers to come and meet writers. It should prove to be a lot of fun, and I know many of my fellow writers have been looking foward to this event for some time. So if you're in the Dallas area, I encourage you to join us. I've included a link so you can check out the program if you haven't already looked into this.


http://www.christianbookexpo.com

The thing I like the most about gatherings like this is getting to meet my readers. People are always so wonderful and fascinating. I love hearing their stories and learning what blessed them about a particular book. One of my most amusing stories comes from a similar gathering where there were a dozen or so authors greeting and signing books. A woman came rushing up to me just gushing about how excited she was to meet me. She said, "I absolutely loved A Bride Most Begruding." I had to laugh and without missing a beat replied, "So did I. I think Dee Gist is a fantastic author."

Of course the woman was embarrassed by this, but I thought it endearing. It's one of the nicest things about being an author in the Christian publishing world - it's like being in one big loving family. Like my sisters here on the blog - we rejoice with each other and share the triumphs and sorrows.

Sometimes I'm asked, "But don't you find a lot of rivalry and jealousy among the authors?" My answer is simple. "No." Of course there are always those moments when an author wonders why his/her book didn't win an award or make the best seller list, but even at those times it seems more in keeping with a heart that desires to give their very best rather than anger at those who accomplished the feat.

So I'm happy to share this blog with such dear sisters, and excited to see my extended family in Dallas. I hope I'll see many of you there as well. Oh, and here's the link to all of my Dallas booksignings on March 20-22nd.

http://www.traciepeterson.com/speaking.shtml

Tracie

Feelin' grateful

Has someone ever believed in you? I mean really, really believed in you...maybe even to the point of personal risk? I've had the privilege of hearing how Judy's and Tammy's husbands pretty much challenged them to begin writing. Tracie's a life-long story-teller, kind of like me. I've not heard Robin's personal story, but maybe she'll share it with you sometime. I'm a writer--or maybe I should say I'm a published writer--partly 'cause two people believed in me. I call them Mom and Daddy.

When I was a kid, I was always disappearing with a notebook and pencil, up in a tree or in a closet, scribbling away. Not once did my Mom ever discourage this activity, even though there were times I probably should have been cleaning my room instead. As I got a little older, I'd sneak off with Daddy's typewriter--a late-1960's manual Corona. I used that machine to write the first manuscript that went all the way to an editor's desk in New York City (Grossett & Dunlap, because they published the Bobbsey Twins). I was an eleven-year-old kid, and the typewriter was a prized possession. Daddy could have said, "Kim, that isn't a toy; leave it alone." But he didn't.

Many years later (mid-1990's), a series of rejections defeated me and I buried my long-held dream of becoming a published writer. Daddy and Mom repeatedly encouraged me to dust it off and try again, but I resisted, still heartsore and discouraged. In 2002, they personally funded a not-inexpensive self-publishing venture. They took out a loan and contracted with American Christian Writers Press to print 2500 copies of A Seeking Heart. There were no guarantees the book would sell. They had no assurance they'd ever see a return on that investment. But they did it anyway because they believed in my writing. They believed in me.

And you know, for whatever reason, that simply told tale of a young woman trying to escape an abusive past touched hearts. Readers asked for more. Which of course built my confidence. So I began attending writing conferences to learn more about the publishing world. An agent read the story and agreed to represent me. Eventually, the door opened to traditional publishing. (And with my first advance check, I reimbursed Mom and Daddy.)

I wonder sometimes if I would have held on to my childhood dream had I not had parents who supported me. What if I'd had parents who scolded me for always being lost in make-believe worlds? Parents who said, "It's too tough to get published--be reasonable and choose a career that's more stable." But God gave me Mom and Daddy, and their belief in me helped me believe in myself.

This morning I'm on my way to Dallas, Texas, for the Christian Book Expo. I'll have two off-site booksignings (details below--if anyone lives in the area, I'd love to see you!). Mom and Dad were over a couple of nights ago, and I commented, "Would you ever have imagined me jetsetting all over the U.S. to do booksignings and speak?" They just smiled.

I'm pretty sure they've envisioned it all along.

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

Daddy, Mom, and me at Bethany House shortly after the
release of Waiting for Summer's Return, my first traditionally-published novel.

* * *

Friday, March 20 -- 7:30-8:30pm
The Shops at Legacy
7300 Dallas Parkway, Suite A120
Plano, TX

Saturday, March 21 -- 10:oo-11:30am
Family Christian Bookstores
904 Melbourne Rd.
Hurst, TX

A Few Words from a Nosy Scrapbooker

I’m going to do a kind of “shimmy and slide” into Lori Copeland’s Wednesday spot. You notice I didn’t say I was going to jump in and fill her shoes. As a long time friend and one of Lori’s fans, I know it would be impossible to take her place. But, for better or for worse, I’ll be here on Wednesdays with a few words of significance. Okay, that’s a joke. My words will likely be somewhat insignificant, but I’ll be here. I do want to offer a big thank-you to Robin, Tammy, Kim, and Tracie for adding me to their number. And thank-you to those of you who have already extended a welcome.

If you’ve visited my website or if you receive my newsletter, you’ve already discovered that I’m a scrapbooking enthusiast. I’ve always been a person who enjoyed crafts of some sort or another, but when the scrapbooking bug hit me many years ago, it hit with a double whammy. As the years have passed, I’ve evaluated my love of the craft and tried to figure out why I like it so much.

This is what I’ve discovered: I enjoy fellowshipping with other women while we work on cutting, pasting, and creating pages for our scrapbooks. I enjoy the luxury of going through old pictures and mentally reliving the memories of wonderful times from the past. I find a sense of satisfaction in memorializing those “good times.”

But most of all, I’ve learned that I’m just plain nosy. And that accounts for why I accomplish so little when I attend a scrapbooking get-together. I’m far too busy visiting and riffling through other scrapbookers’ pictures. Then, of course, I want to hear the story that goes with the photo. And if the picture is really old, I’m hooked for at least an hour or two while I listen to how great-great-grandma Belle came across the plains in a covered wagon or how old Uncle Jed cut off his toe while trying to kill a rooster.

Like most writers, I enjoy learning about people and places. Some folks refer to incessant questions as research. But take my word for it, most of those researchers are just like me—they’re downright nosy. And since it wouldn’t be fair to be nosy and not share some of my own pictures from days gone by, I’m embarrassing two of my children by posting one of the scrapbook pages from their book. Remember, a good scrapbooker always keeps copies for herself—you never know when those embarrassing pictures will come in handy.

Blessings as you fill your day with memories.

~Judy

Waitin' On a Woman

My daughter and I went to see Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and Darius Rucker in concert together Saturday night and had such a fun time. I just love that girl so much, and it's nearly impossible to believe she graduates from college this May. Where did all the years go?

I enjoy country music, among many genres, and part of the reason is that country music tells stories. And of course, I love story. One of my favorite songs of the night was Waitin' on a Woman. More on that in second...

But first, I want to share what happened during a quiet moment of worship this weekend at church. While others were still singing, I closed my eyes and---anticipating leaving for Atlanta this week to be with my parents during mom's surgery on Thursday---I asked God that when the surgeon opened mom up, that the surgeon would find no cancer. Not a single abnormal cell of it. I know God can do that if He wills. With a thought, He can heal. I have no doubt. Then another prayer quickly followed on the heels of that one... Father, would you give us the strength to not just accept what's coming on Thursday, but to have the faith to give You praise no matter what the news is?

I was crying, of course. The music ended and we all sat down. I dabbed my eyes and reached for my glasses. Then heard the Lover of my soul echo my prayer right back to me in the words of the minister. Lloyd opened his message by saying (and I quote), "Are you praying for a miracle this morning? Or...are you praying for an immovable faith?"

I just sat there, stunned. And of course started crying all over again. LOL. But truly, I believe God was "answering" my prayer, in a sense. Not a promise of healing or of "great news" that we'll get on Thursday, but also not "A word of warning:batten down the hatches, a storm is coming." But rather, He just whispered back, "I'm here. I'm listening. I'm in control, and I'm holding your mom. And it's gonna be ok."

Thanks so much for your prayers for my mom, June. I'll keep in touch in regard to what comes. But whatever that is (say it with me...), igbok.

Now, back to Waitin' on a Woman. The first time I heard the song, I ran home and downloaded it. Then couldn't wait to watch the music video. If you've not seen it, take two minutes and enjoy it. Just click on the title of the song (the picture is one we took at the concert of the huge screen on the stage), and you'll be able to watch the music video. Love that Andy Griffith!


Much love,
Tammy

P.S. I love how so many of you have written saying you've gotten your own igbok bumper sticker. Cool! It's not too late. You can get yours here.

And lest you think I've forgotten about the movie giveaway--not!--scroll on down. :)

Winner of the Sense and Sensibility Movie Giveaway is...

Drumroll, please....

** Michelle **

I chose a name at random but loved what Michelle said in her comment on last week's post:

Ok so I have never seen the this movie, but in my defense it's not from lack of wanting to. Between Disney movies for my daughter (or veggie tales) and man movies with my husband, I just haven't had the opportunity...lol..so this would definitely bring about a well needed night with the girls if I did get it.

Michelle, I hope you and the girls love this movie! Wish I could be there with you! If you'll send me your mailing address (through my website contact page, if you'd like), I'll send you your movie!

Thanks for playing, everyone,
~Tammy

ah . . . romance

I'm a sucker for a great love story. Even when I know there will be an HEA (happily ever after) when I start reading a romance novel or start watching a romantic comedy, I still find myself holding my breath when conflicts arise, when I wonder how on earth will this couple ever overcome this roadblock. And I smile and sigh with joy when it all comes right in the end.

Well, here is a short film (12 minutes) called "Signs" that was made for the romantic in all of us. Kick back and treat yourself. If you're a sucker for romances as I am, you'll be glad you did.

We miss Lori —and we welcome Judith

We (my fellow bloggers and our Writes of Passage readers) were all sad to bid farewell to Lori Copeland last week. A long time friend of mine (we go back to when she and I were both writing romances for the general market), she was a treasured part of our blogging family. However, I told her it was more important she write her books than that she write for this blog. Hurry up, Lori, and get us more of them to read!

But the good news is, we have been able to fill our Wednesday blogging spot with another great author of historicals, Judith Miller. Her first blog will go up on Wednesday morning, but in the meantime, please help me welcome her to Writes of Passage. 

If you don't know Judy and/or her fiction, please follow the link to her web site in the sidebar and get acquainted. Of course, you'll get to know her better in the weeks and months to come as you read her blog posts.

~robin

Amusing Translations

It must be the week for having books translated to other languages. I received two in the mail this week from my publisher and both had been translated to German.

First to arrive was A LADY OF HIGH REGARD with a fresh new cover and title.

It's now translated - THE MATCHMAKER. And that fits, because the story deals with a heroine who likes to match make.

The second came today and is a new translation of WHERE MY HEART BELONGS.


Now the title is - WHERE MY HEART DROVE ME. I had to laugh at that one. It wasn't as great as Kim's Shards of Luck, but it amused me. And, it seems very appropriate given that my heart often drives me to go a lot of places. Like writing as a way of sharing Jesus with others.

I now have books in German, Dutch, Norwegian, Indonesian, Spanish, and a strange dialect from India that I can't spell much less pronounce. It thrills me to pieces to see this, because my books are a ministry for the Lord. I am totally stoked to imagine all the places that these books might go. If you think about, please pray a blessing on the people who read the various works of Christian fiction. This is a precious mission field and I'm so blessed to be a part of it, but this is only one small part as I'm sure any of the authors here would attest. Seed planting is vital, but there needs to also be cultivators and harvesters. Pray that God will send someone to the people who read these books--someone who will be a blessing and encouragement to the reader. Someone who will share in this mission to help people fall passionately in love with Jesus.
Tracie

Wordless

Lori, I'll miss you, dear lady, but I understand. Sometimes we all find ourselves wordless.

Lately I've struggled to get words into my current project. I had no idea how much harder it would be to write for young adults. I want to write the story--I want it to be good (obviously!)--but trying to slip into the mindset of a teenage girl when my teen years are far removed has proven much more challenging than I envisioned.

Staring at a blank computer screen. Wordless....

Then there are moments when we hear something hard to accept. A marriage crumbles, a neighbor loses a child, or a friend suffers a serious illness. We want to offer comfort or encouragement, but we feel helpless and inadequate. So we act as though the situation hasn't occurred and say nothing.

Standing at a distance. Wordless...

Have you ever had one of those times when you wanted to pray, but nothing came out? Either your heart's too full to find adequate praise, or you're so burdened all your soul can do is groan.

Bowed low before the throne. Wordless...

Yet probably there are times when it might be better to be silent. I once saw a bumper sticker that read, "Lord, keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth." Humorous, but oh so true. How many of us carry regrets for words hastily spoken in anger, thoughtlessness, or apathy? How many of us are haunted by words hurled at us in anger, thoughtlessness, or apathy... Once words are out, you can't snatch them back. And contrary to that old adage about sticks and stones, words DO hurt. They can leave lasting scars.

Words... They carry the power to entertain, to enlighten, to devastate or uplift. It's all in how we choose to use them. But what should we do when words fail us and we find ourselves wordless? David had some advice. In Psalm 37:7 (NIV) he wrote, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..." In those times when we are faithless/wordless, He is faithful. God assured Moses in his time of uncertainty, "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say (Exodus 4:12)." Perhaps occasionally we should just...be...still...and wait.

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

May God Bless and Keep You

Hi guys,


When Robin invited me to be a part of this wonderful blog I told her I wasn't sure I was the "blogging" kind, but I'd try. And it's truly been a wonderful experience, but I'm going to say good-bye for now. I have loved hearing the different responses, and Traci, Robin, Kim and Tamera's writing adventures. God is using these women in a mighty way. But I've discovered 'blogging' isn't my thing, and for me it is as difficult as writing a book! I guess you'd say I live a pretty ordinary life with the exception that I write books.

I hope you'll think of me--say a little prayer for me, when you see my name on the bookshelves. You're a great group, and I'll miss ya encouraging comments.

At Panera Bread (without my nail clippers)

I decided to write at Panera Bread this morning and am happily situated in a corner, just finished my Bible Study (A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place--really enjoying a closer examination of the tabernacle), and am turning now to write.

I need to make major progress today on Within My Heart that releases later in the fall. I've loved getting emails from readers who've already read Beyond This Moment (still amazes me how many months and months it takes to write a book and then it's read in two days, or one!!), and they're asking for Rachel Boyd's story, along with more about Dr. Rand Brookston. 

Well, it's coming! The story's tucked inside me. The challenge is getting that story onto the page. So, to that end...

But first, I want to offer a little token of my thanks to the community of readers who follow this blog. In line with Robin's post yesterday (movies that move us), I'm giving away a DVD of Sense and Sensibility, one of my all time favorites movies. I saw it for a great deal in Target the other day and snatched it up with this purpose in mind. Couldn't resist!

So if you're interested in entering the drawing for the DVD Sense and Sensibility, just leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered in the drawing. And if you want to leave a comment but aren't interested in the drawing, feel free to do that too, just say so. ;) I'll draw the winner next Tuesday before posting.

Oh, one last thing. I posted some pics on my blog yesterday of a birthday party at our house this past Sunday night. If you have a minute, take a peek. And to my sweet daughter out there--if you're reading this--you're so loved. Hurry home! :)

~Tammy (aka: Mommy Dearest)

movies that move you

I love to spend a couple of hours with a good movie, although during the American Idol and LOST seasons, I don't watch as many as I do other times of the year. This past weekend I watched a couple of films that I thought I would talk about on this blog.

The first was Nights in Rodanthe, a film based upon the Nicolas Sparks' novel of the same name. I haven't read the book so can't do a comparison, but going into the movie, I figured one of the characters would die. Why? Because that's what Sparks likes to do. Get you all involved with two lovers and then kill one of them. SPOILER: And that's just what happened. As a romance novelist and reader, I find this very frustrating. Why can't the author allow two characters to actually enjoy an HEA (Happily Ever After)? While I enjoyed the movie for the most part and I did shed a few tears toward the ending, I was sorry that the Diane Lane character was unfaithful to her husband (from whom she'd been separated due to his own affair). I would have liked the movie so much more if she'd held herself to a higher standard. Everything else would have worked just as well, and I still would have cried at the ending.

The second movie I watched (thanks to Netflix's Instant Movie option) was The Visitor. This 2007 film is a must-see (even wonderful watching it on my laptop). It's all about emotions rather than action or dialogue. Richard Jenkins is superb as the character Walter Vale who "comes to life" because of his encounter with three immigrants (from Syria and South Africa). The story touched my heart in inexplicable, indescribable ways. The love that developed was so beautiful, both the love between a man and a woman and the love between friends. Richard Jenkins got a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role and the director won Best Director in the Independent Spirit Awards for the film. No sex. No foul language. Just a beautiful, moving story.

What film(s) have you seen recently that worked its way into your heart?

~robin

Life Lessons

A friend of mine shared this little article with me, and I wanted to pass it along. I tried to find the original author and didn't have any luck. There are several names associated with this story, as well as variations of the story itself, so I'm clueless. If someone knows the original author - by all means let me know so we can credit them.


LESSONS FROM A PENCIL

The pencil maker took the pencil aside, just before putting it into the box.
"There are five things you need to know before I send you out into the great world," he said. "Always remember these five things and you will be one great pencil:

ONE: You are capable of many great things but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.

TWO: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time but you'll need it to be a better pencil.

THREE: You have the ability to correct the mistakes you make.

FOUR: The important part of you will always be what's inside.

FIVE: On every surface where you are used, reglardless of its condition or yours, you will leave a mark."

I thought this was a neat analogy of our life, and it gave me great food for thought that I just had to share with you.
Tracie

Shards of Luck?

A couple of days ago I got a surprise in the mail--a package from Barbour Publishing containing four copies of the Dutch reprint of Beginnings, Book 2 in the Sommerfeld Trilogy. I knew a Dutch company had purchased reprint rights, but I never know when the reprints will be...well...printed. So the arrival of books is unexpected.

This is my second novel to be reprinted in Dutch. Bygones, Book 1 in the Sommerfeld Trilogy, arrived several months ago. Other books have been contracted for Dutch, Norwegian, and German translations, but I haven't seen those books yet.

Sometimes when companies purchase second print rights, they change the covers (see My Heart Remembers below as an example), but so far the foreign language reprints have used the "American cover" and translated the contents.

The length of the Dutch title caught my attention. Scherven van geluk just seems a rather convoluted way of saying Beginnings. Curiosity got the best of me, so I found an on-line translator, penned in the Dutch title, and hit "Dutch-to-English." This is the new title of my book: Shards of Luck.

Huh? I shook my head a bit. How did Beginnings translate to that??? The heroine of the story is a stained-glass artist, so the shards thing can be worked in, I suppose, but Shards of Luck? And if the title changed that drastically, how much of the story has changed? No way for me to know, because I'm not typing the entire book into that on-line translator thingy! lol But you know, I guess that's not nearly as important as the fact that the book is now available to a whole new circle of readers. It's kind of exciting, actually, to think of someone across the ocean picking up one of my stories and reading it. What an opportunity to minister!

But...hm..."reader mail" might be a problem if they write to me in their native tongue. I guess I'll keep that on-line translator site in my "favorites" file, just in case. :o) Praise the Lord for new opportunities! One never knows what's waiting around the bend...

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

LEFT: Original cover created by artists at Bethany House Publishing (btw, this is my favorite cover so far!)

RIGHT: Cover used by Center Pointe Large Print books

Tissues and Me

Well, I took the leap this week. I went to see Marley and Me though I'd been warned it was a tear-jerker. It was one great movie. And yes, I was choked up.

I have allergies so we can't have pets, and with our life style the animal would probably be in the kennel more often than it was home. So we enjoy our boy's animals. Our oldest son has, over the years, had three Golden Retrievers. We watched them grow from frisky little puppy to a Marley, getting white around the face, a little lazy. Three months ago they brought home a new one and named him Winchester--Chester for short. I've vowed I won't get so attached to this one, but I already have.

Several years ago our youngest son brought his son a dog. They went to the breeder and selected the one they wanted when it was just a few days old. Then on Gage's birthday that year, Dec 22, Russ gave it to him. Sam is a real beauty and thriving.

The movie brought home how we grow old and get a little white around our eyes, too. We tear up things, overeat, are far too rowdy and probably ruin a lot of folks day. I hope that when I reach the stage when it's time to move on to my heavenly home I'll have someone like Marley's owner beside me, to pat my head, say that though far from perfect, I'd been a good person. A worthwhile person. A person that had made a difference in someone's life.

Can't think of a better way to go out.

See. I knew I shouldn't have seen that movie.

Flat tires and clipping nails

I'm currently sitting in Moody's Tire in Franklin waiting for a new tire to be put on my husband's car. His left front tire blew this morning on the way to work so he limped back home on the "donut" and we traded vehicles for the day. I needed to run some errands this morning anyway...

But really now...what is it with men who clip their nails in public? And then let the remnants just fall to the floor? I truly don't think a woman would ever do that. Would we? Reminds me of an Everybody Loves Raymond episode. So funny... Except that one of those "remnants" just went flyin' and nearly landed on my laptop! Okay, there are definite limits to my sweetness (just ask my family).

I recently splurged big time and bought the Beth Moore updated DVD study series A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place, and began watching it last night. Oh. My. Goodness. God certainly knew I needed this study at this particular point in my life. I started weeping on the elliptical, then was boohooing by the time I got on the treadmill. But it was a cleansing cry.

I know you know what I mean.

Beth started reading the scriptures in Exodus, setting up the study and explaining the premise, the tabernacle, and linking the instructions God gave the Hebrews in Exodus to the final words about the tabernacle in Revelation 21, and I was overwhelmed at how thorough and perfect and magnificent our gracious God truly is. 

How could I ever not trust Him? Trust His hand in my life, and in my family's life. In my mother's life.

Mom and dad came this weekend along with my brother and his sweet family, and we had such a wonderful time. Here are some quick pics we snapped yesterday morning before mom and dad hit the road.

Mom's doing okay. To look at her above you probably wouldn't even realize she's so sick. She's getting stronger every day (recovering from recent gallbladder surgery), but she tires easily. In about two weeks, she faces another surgery that will reveal the road ahead of us. I'll keep you updated as to what the doctors find and, in the meanwhile, we appreciate those prayers. 

My parents don't own a computer. I've offered to buy them a laptop and they just smile and shake their heads--a look I got a lot growing up. So while they were here I shared this blog with them and the precious comments you guys have made regarding mom's recent cancer diagnosis (I also shared some of your private notes to me where you say you're praying for her). They were both so touched and amazed at how many people across the country are petitioning God for her healing. So thank you, friends, for that special time.

Now, the car's about ready. I see them pulling it up out front. I think I'll stop by Panera Bread on the way home and grab a latte--and clip my nails. :-)

~Tammy

Blessed by Many Sisters

I spent Friday afternoon until mid-day Sunday at the beautiful Ashley Inn in Cascade, Idaho where I led a women's retreat. It's been several years since I led a retreat (I took a hiatus when my mom's health made it more difficult to travel), and what a pleasure it was to be able to do it again. I am always blessed by the time I spend with my sisters in Christ.

Isn't it wonderful how as a follower of Jesus, that no matter where we go, we always have brothers and/or sisters who will love us and who we can love in return? I arrived at the inn not knowing a single soul among the 50+ women who were there. I returned home with many precious memories and many new friends. I laughed. I cried. I was silly. I ate way too much and exercised way too little. I even played a word game that brought out the competitive side in me (my team won!). I came home exhausted but filled up with the joy of the Lord. God always knows what we need, doesn't He? I needed this weekend.

I love you, LORD; you are my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy of praise. (Ps 18:1-3a)

~robin