Refreshment and Fellowship

Last week I enjoyed a break away from home for about twenty-four hours. Here in Topeka we had experienced a storm, not like the hurricane this week, but significant enough that it meant the loss of the huge silver maple in our front yard. So while the men cut down my lovely tree, I skedaddled out the front door and jumped in Nancy Moser’s car and took off for a pajama party at Deb Raney’s house. Well, it wasn’t really a PJ party—it was a brainstorming party. Nancy and I talked non-stop until we met up with Deb and Steph Whitson in Lindsborg, Kansas. Some of you may remember me blogging about the Midsummer Festival in Lindsborg several years ago.

Of course, a visit to the local library was in order. The library has a permanent sale of old books in one of the rooms and that’s where we spent some of our time. All of us ended up purchasing books—go figure! I did hold myself to two books since I’m in the process of moving my office down two levels of stairs and moving tubs of books has been quite a chore. If I came home with too many more books, I knew I’d be in trouble with my daughter who is creating a spreadsheet and shelving them as time permits.

Anyway, we had a bite to eat in Lindsborg. The adventurous members had ligonberries on their sandwiches. I opted for the chicken salad on marble bread and it was delicious. After lunch we headed off to Deb’s house. Deb loves Scrabble so she welcomed us with Scrabble tiles on the table near her front door. And don't believe what Tammy says--Deb is a wonderful hostess and lots of fun!!

Once we settled in, we began to brainstorm in earnest and believe me, four heads are always better than one or two. Ideas flowed along with a good dose of laughter mixed in from time to time. Ken, Deb’s husband, was our grill master and served up delicious steaks while Deb prepared the rest of the meal. The highlight—at least for me—was dessert. Brownies topped with homemade peanut butter-chocolate ice cream. Mmmm. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

After dinner we returned to our brainstorming and after more visiting, we headed off to bed. The following morning we enjoyed coffee and a light breakfast on Deb’s back deck where we were greeted by a beautiful day and birds to serenade us. A short time later Nancy and I headed east and Steph headed north. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and refreshment. And I hope that some day in the future all of you will read the stories we brainstormed during that get-together.

I arrived back home to a treeless front yard. The sad picture at right is where my tree once stood. I’m glad I was gone for the process as I’m sure I would have cried. But come October, I’ll put another tree out there and this time it won’t be a silver maple. Although beautiful, I’ve learned the branches aren’t strong enough to withstand storms—a reminder to me that I’m unable to weather the storms of life without the Savior’s strong arms protecting me.

May you find joy as you find strength in the Lord. -Judy

The night Mandisa nearly got me killed

It's dark. I'm tooling along the path. Got a later start on my walk than I'd planned, and I'm totally zoned into my iPod music when, from out of nowhere, this HUGE boxer is charging straight for me. Six feet away at best. I have no idea how loud I screamed because my earbuds were in and all I could hear was Mandisa belting out "What if we were real..." And I'm thinkin' real nothin', I'm about to die!

Look at this ferocious creature! Just look at him!

Well okay, that's not really him but mine was much meaner looking. And bigger. Much bigger. And his jowls were flapping and he was barking and–– Well, it was scary. Thankfully, the lit end of a cigarette butt appeared close behind him (attached to the beast's owner) and all turned out well. "Oh he's really friendly," the guy said. Uh-huh... He looked really friendly as he was eying my jugular.

But that's the night last week that Mandisa nearly got me killed...

God's been introducing––and reintroducing––a theme in my life over the past few months, one that I didn't notice at first. Not even when writing A Lasting Impression. The true theme of that book wasn't truly clear to me until after the first draft. Then God revealed it. And He's had my attention ever since.

One of the songs I was listening to repeatedly that night is from Mandisa's newest album and is entitled The Truth About Me. Here are some of the lyrics...

You say lovely, I say broken

I say guilty, you say forgiven

I feel lonely, you say you're with me

We both know it would change everything

If only I believed the truth about me.

I would sleep better at night, wake up with hope for another day

I would love...even if it costs me

Take a chance and know I'm gonna be okay

I would dare to give my life away...

Give my life away. That's the theme God's been repeating to me recently.

On another walk this week (in broad daylight, thank you very much!), Kathryn Scott joined me (in my earbuds) with her song You Gave Your Life Away, and in listening to her words about how Christ gave His life away, I was struck again by how little of my own I've really given away thus far. And how much I want to change that.

Then as I read a couple of days ago, Paul "whisper shouted" these words into my heart,

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Oh to be able to say that. "I am already being poured out..." To live with that kind of conviction. That kind of surrender. And it makes me question, Where am I being poured out like that in my own life? What parts of my life––and heart––are still tightly corked and hidden away, kept greedily on the shelf?

It's a theme God keeps "whisper shouting" into my heart, and I'm listening. I've got such a long way to go, but I'm listening. He's shaping me, slowly but surely.

Where are you being poured out today? And into whose life or lives? If you hear a "whisper shout" too, share if you'd like and we'll encourage each other in this journey.

Blessings on your Tuesday, friends!
Tammy

P.S. Have you ever googled images of adult white boxers? Well, suffice it to say, don't forget to put the word "dog" in there when you do, k?

Pinky is my new maid

It's true. My cat, apparently, has decided to become my housekeeper. Not in a major way. And since she leaves her kitty prints just about everywhere in the house, I'm not sure that this is balancing things out. Still...

I came out of the bedroom Saturday morning, and during the night, Pinky had run the Roomba vacuum cleaner. My living room and hall carpets had those just vacuumed lines in all directions. I wouldn't mind, but I do like to make sure there aren't any pet toys lying around to get caught in the brushes. Don't want to burn up the engine or anything while I sleep.

I must confess that I wasn't terribly surprised by my discovery because I've been having trouble with her in the last couple of weeks turning the thing off in mid-cycle. Trouble maker. I guess she gets tired of the sound?

A friend told me to check out YouTube where you can find Roomba riding cats and dogs. Okay, I'm easily entertained. Sure enough, there are quite a few pets going for rides on vacuums. I don't want my monster cat to sit on mine. She already weighs 11.5 pounds at 9 1/2 months of age. I'm afraid she would definitely burn up the engine if she were to try to hitch a ride.

Now, this is where I should probably come up with some deep spiritual truth to share with you, but I'm stumped. So I think I will just leave you with one of the "cat riding on Roomba" videos I found on YouTube. Enjoy. Hope you are as entertained by animals as I am.

~robin

Committed

Wahooooooo!

Praises to the Lord, and thanks to my sisters in Christ. Many of you have committed to praying for me.We've had an aswer to prayer. St. Jude's Pain Control Program accepted me, and I'll begin in ten days. If hope springs eternal, then I'm on a pogo stick.

Yesterday and today, I've had periods of time that were headache-free. After over two years of constant migraine, those hours were more precious than gold. The same doctor who did epidural blocks in my low back did injections into my neck. He's committed to improving my health.

Best of all, God is unchanging and everpresent. His loving committment to us is boundless. It transcends everything--life's circumstances, finances, health challenges.

And so the final part of the equation is my own committment. They tested it immediately by telling me I had to wear swim shoes during aquatherapy. Wearing shoes while trying to swim is like replacing the tail of a kite with anchor. But hey--I bought water shoes and suddenly came to a horrifying realization: I had to get a swimsuit.

Shopping for a swimsuit during Back-to-School season is bad timing. Everything is picked over. Then again, whatever is left is on sale. Those "swimming costumes" of yesterday are far more to my taste than the skimpy scraps of today. I didn't have the guts to go shopping. Or more accurately, I have guts, thus I didn't go shopping. I ordered online.

I'll fight the good fight here at home for the first time. Wiggling and giggling and jiggling as I struggle to get into it, I'm sure to wonder if I ought to be committed into Bedlam. Women of a certain age and certain weight are not meant to wear even a modest one-piece.

But I'm going to do it. Committment is never measured by ability to do the easy things; it is revealed by persisting in the face of adversity. I'm diving in.

It's okay to laugh.

After all, the suit and those swim shoes don't match.

Cathy

Guest Blogger Maureen Lang: Love Is Not For Sissies

My sister recently commented how sweet my dog is. Perhaps you can tell that from Susie’s picture! After agreeing with the compliment, I suggested my sister get her own dog. What could be better than coming home to the wagging tail and adoring gaze of a pet? But she wasn’t interested in having a dog, even if that dog was as wonderful as Susie. So I explored why she felt that way.

First, she didn’t think it fair to a dog to be left home alone all day while she was at work. Okay, that’s reasonable. But the truth is a lot of dogs survive—and thrive—with that less-than-ideal lifestyle. A dog can still feel loved, nurtured, safe and happy while sharing a little more than half of a twenty-four hour day.

What about the responsibility that comes with pet ownership? I knew that wasn’t what kept her from adopting a dog. My sister is capable of taking good care of anything from a fish to another human being. She likes her home neat, though, so it stands to reason a dog would bring a certain challenge in that area. But my sister also likes to be busy, and keeping up with the cleaning challenges a dog brings would fit because she enjoys the process—and the satisfaction of results—that come with conquering all tasks around her.

So what, really, is at the bottom of this reluctance to open up her home and heart to a fluffy bundle of love? Bingo! That’s it exactly.

What’s that, you say? Exactly what keeps her from adopting a pet? Opening her heart to a fluffy bundle of love. She finally admitted she wouldn’t be able to withstand the loss of a pet. She’s seen it before, and frankly has experienced enough loss not to want to invite another source of eventual heartbreak.

And that’s where the title of this blog post came from. (I admit I’m a heartless sister for calling her a sissy, but if you can’t insult your own family you can’t insult anyone. That’s probably what God had in mind, not insulting anyone, but that’s another topic entirely.)

The whole conversation reminded me of that old Bette Midler song, The Rose. The lyrics about the various negatives associated with love seemed close to what my sister was saying. Some people see love as a river – drowning things too tender to withstand its force, or a razor shreding our soul . . . Even if it’s the hope of a rose waiting beneath the snow to bloom, doesn’t that reinforce what my sister is saying? Love may be a rose, but it’s waiting until the conditions are right for it to survive.

Can love, like time or hope, work both ways—for and against us? Time can seem to last forever when we’re in the midst of pain, yet that same time flies by if circumstances are happy. And can hope be our enemy if it’s never fulfilled? The Bible recognizes hope deferred can make the heart sick.

But wait a minute. God is love, so love should be different. Love, in its purest form, should be good (because God is good). And yet in a world filled with people who are a mix of both good and bad, even love can bring pain, because it leaves us vulnerable. Just think of how much pain God has had to withstand from all of us!

So the conversation with my sister ended amicably enough, but it all started from a simple compliment she gave about sweet Susie. Maybe I should have left it at that.

Nah.

Please let me leave you with another song that more closely reflects the reality of love, including its challenges. It’s Francesca Battistelli’s Worth It—a beautiful song reminding us that love is . . . well, worth it!

Thanks!

Maureen

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Maureen Lang writes stories inspired by a love of history and romance. An avid reader herself, she’s figured out a way to write the stories she feels like reading. Her ten books have earned various writing distinctions, including RWAs Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, a Holt Medallion and an Award of Merit, as well as finaling in several notable contests including the Rita, the Christy and four times in the Carol Award. She’s living out her real-life romance with her husband just outside of Chicago, where they’re raising their two sons and a lovable Lab.

New babies!

Last week I wasn't really able to blog because I was busy babying. Well, actually, my daughter was babying--I was waiting to welcome said baby. New life always gives cause for celebration, and grandbabies are a blessing of which I am especially fond. Please join me in giving God praise for the precious new soul who entered the world on August 17th!

My daughter named her daughter Kaisyn Faith. (She should have named her Rerun, because that's exactly what she is--a duplicate of her mommy. Zip back to last week's post, look at newborn Kamryn, and you'll see that I'm right.) Kaisyn weighed in at exactly seven pounds--seven pounds of perfection, in my not-so-humble opinion--and is a titch over nineteen inches in length. She fits just right in the curve of my arm. And she's already established a spot in my heart.

Looking into Kaisyn's sweet, innocent face brings tears to my eyes. She's so beautiful. So small and helpless. There's so much of life awaiting her... My greatest prayer for this little girl is to realize, very early, how much Jesus loves her and to choose to love Him in return. (Already she seems to enjoy Gramma singing "Jesus Loves Me" while we rock together, the same way her mommy did just two short decades ago.)

Ah, new life...

The same week of Kaisyn's birth, another "baby" arrived--

A Whisper of Peace, my brand-new historical novel from Bethany House. I'm not willing to give away my darling granddaughter, but I'd love to place a copy of the new book in a reader's hands. So...leave a comment and/or send someone to leave a comment (and have them indicate you sent them). I'll draw a winner from the respondees, and if someone you sent is drawn, you'll get a book, too, just for sending them. Sound fair?

And now, please excuse me. I need to go cuddle my Wugmump...

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

P.S. -- A few snippets in time with our little Wugmump...

Jekyll Without Hyde

I’m going to continue to blog a bit about Jekyll Island because there is so much interesting history connected to the island. I really like this old postcard map of the island. although hard to read, it shows the various roads on the island and length of each. All of my pictures today are old postcards. I think they give a wonderful sense of the time period.

Even the name has a bit of fun history. Not until 1929 was the island known as Jekyll. Prior to that time, the name had only one ‘l.’ At the instigation of club members, the Georgia legislature passed a resolution to “correct” the spelling of Jekyl by adding a second l. The resolution declared that the island had been named by General Oglethorpe, in honor his friend, Sir Joseph Jekyll and the spelling had been somehow corrupted. The Bridal Veil series is set prior to 1929 so in our books, all references to Jekyll Island bear the unique “one l” spelling. On the postcard at right, the spelling is with the one 'l.'

Another interesting tidbit is that on January 25, 1915, Theodore Vail, then president of AT&T, was on Jekyll Island when he participated in the ceremonial opening of the first transcontinental telephone line. Because Mr. Vail had suffered a leg injury, he was forced to remain on the island instead of traveling to New York for the event. He participated in the four-way call from the Jekyll Island Clubhouse. Alexander Graham Bell spoke from New York to his assistant, Thomas Watson, in San Francisco. Mr. Vail and others listened to the transmission and a short time later, President Woodrow Wilson congratulated everyone from a phone in Washington, D.C. I couldn’t discover what sort of leg injury occurred, but I’ve personally decided it would have made the story much more interesting if he’d been hunting a wild boar when he suffered the injury. More likely, he tripped going up the steps to the club.

And then there’s the very intriguing story that during the Panic of 1907, a number of the ‘money men’ decided that there was a need for banking reform in the United States. Wanting to keep their efforts secret, Nelson Aldrich organized a clandestine meeting that included a total of five powerful men. Deciding the best place for secrecy was Jekyll Island during the off-season, the five men set out on November 11, 1910. Under cover of darkness and posing as duck hunters, they boarded Senator Aldrich’s private railroad car in Hoboken, New Jersey. (The group would have arrived at the train station in Brunswick, Georgia--that's an old picture postcard of the station below, right). They used only first names for the entire journey and a couple of them even changed their first names to Wilbur and Orville in honor of the Wright brothers. They remained on the island until sometime after Thanksgiving and developed a banking plan that became known as the Aldrich Plan. Although the Aldrich Plan was never adopted, it was the forerunner of the Federal Reserve System established by Congress in 1913.

I do hope I haven’t put you to sleep with these little known facts. You won’t find any of this in our series, but when authors of historical fiction begin their research, we never know what we will find. Unfortunately, only a small portion of the research we conduct makes it into our books. However, I thought these items were both interesting and historic, even though we couldn’t use them in our series.

May you find joy as you journey with Him. ~Judy

The winners of To Have and To Hold are: The Handy Family and Pam. I will be emailing you for your addresses so I can mail out the books. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Turf, Field and Farm––Love to Research!

In research for my upcoming Southern historicals, I had such fun delving into the history of horse racing in this country, but particularly in the South. I never cease to be amazed by what can be found with just a little digging.

This is an issue of TURF, FIELD, and FARM, a publication for those interested in horse breeding and racing. This particular issue was published in 1884. I love the "FACTS YOU CAN BET ON" listed below...

(Click the image to make it larger)

Being Southern born and bred, I remember some of my elderly aunts sneaking a "dip of snuff" when I was a young girl. Kind of makes me cringe now to think of that habit, especially knowing how damaging it is. Do any of you have any snuff-dipping women in your past? Recent or otherwise? (Not counting Judy, of course.)

I loved reading this ad above. "Cut 12 of these pictures from the wrappers of Colgate & Co's Harness Soap and send them in," and they'll mail you a large handsome colored picture of a horse. Yee-hah! Though marketing ploys and gimmicks have changed through the years, the bottom line is still the same––find ways to get more people to buy more of your product!

Are any of you suffering from poor knee action? Well suffer no longer! It's the New Invisible Toe Weight! (Robin, yours is on order, dear friend.) And look at the next ad…

Ah yes, Planten's Horse Ball Capsules, the best and simplest form by which medicines can be given to Horses or Cattle. Gracious…what a name for a product.

As it turns out––as it does with much of the research we do––the majority of it doesn't find its way into the story. But we try! So be watching... You never know when Horse Ball Capsules might show up in one of my books, and you'll know where I got the idea. It'll be our little secret.

I'm giving away a FABULOUS new book on Write Perspectives this week––To Die For, Sandra Byrd's newest novel. And believe me, it IS to die for! Leave a comment to be entered for the giveaway. It's that simple.

Blessings on your Tuesday,
Tammy

Nailing Down Biblical Truth Before Life Topples

When I was a young Christian, the pastor of my church often said that Scripture needs to be interpreted with Scripture. A believer must not simply take the word of a teacher or preacher nor should we take Scripture out of context. We should examine the Scriptures, the whole of Scripture, to make sure we are not led astray. This became a cornerstone of my walk with Christ and established very early on a love for the written Word of God.

In my current Bible study (To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore), a recent lesson was on this very thing. The key passage was from Acts 17:11 which says:

“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” (NASB95)

Toward the end of the lesson, Beth wrote:

When we've learned to examine the Scriptures for ourselves, we have a few things nailed down when life starts to rock. I cannot express to you how studying God's Word has helped me when the earth around me seemed to quake. At times when everything seemed to fall apart in my life, the Word abiding in me kept me from falling apart with them.

Then she asked:

What is at least one Scripture or biblical concept you've nailed down that has kept you from toppling when everything around you seemed to rock?

Wow! Important question. Right now, the whole world seems to be rocking, doesn't it? The stock market falling again. Unemployment high. Governments in chaos. Riots. Wars and rumors of war. And of course, my own little personal world did quite a bit of rocking over the past year or two: broken ankle, losing my mom, having cancer.

So how did I answer Beth's question about what is nailed down in my life? The first two that popped into my head were:

"His grace is sufficient" (2 Cor 12:9) and "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Neh 8:10).

I could have continued on if I'd had more time and the space to write the answers. An examination of the lessons learned through my life and the faithfulness of God (both when life is smooth and when life is rocky) would produce lots of answers. A long, long list of them. But the workbook only gave me two short lines to fill in so I stopped with the above.

Now I'm curious. How would you answer Beth's question? What Scripture or biblical concept have you nailed down that has kept you from toppling when everything around you seems to rock? Don't think about it too long. Share your first impression, the answer that popped into your head immediately.

~robin

Designed to Bounce

First off, wonderful news: Tracie's little granddaughter, Rainy, is improving. She suddenly turned a corner and had regained significant ground. The tentative plan is to keep her in the hospital for the next ten days so they can complete her round of antibiotics, make sure she isn't forming more abdominal abcesses, and then to do surgery to resituate her brain shunt. For a little girl, that's a tall order. Tracie asked me to thank you all for your prayers.

I'd like to thank you for your prayers, too. I underwent extensive testing this past week, and this next week I'll find out if I've been selected to attend the Pain Control Program.

Way back in the Dark Ages when I went through Nursing School, Medical Science recognized patients were biological beings with psychological and social aspects. (BioPsychoSocial) The Christian college I attended added an additional aspect: the spiritual. It was unique; "Quaint" as one doctor opined.

Medicine now acknowledges the power in prayer. Patients with an active faith life weather difficulties with more grace. They enjoy wider support systems. Suddenly, faith isn't "quaint." It's a component that deserves attention, fostering, and respect. Amidst the questions posed to me this past week, some revolved around the importance of faith in my life. I loved it! I can be a BioPsychoSocial wreck, but the spiritual part is going strong.

Rainy bounced back. Maybe not as high. But we live in the comforting knowledge that some day, she'll bounce as high as heaven.

Whatever pattern our lives take, we are not captured in a maze. Faith carries with it a resilience. We are not immune from life's difficulties or challenges; but Christians are designed to bounce.

Love and prayers,
Cathy

Guest Blogger Maureen Lang: God's Presence

Our regular blog readers know about the health struggles of Rainy, Tracie's granddaughter. Please keep her in your prayers. Tracie and husband have gone to be with the family, and Maureen Lang has graciously stepped in to blog in her place for the immediate future.

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I must admit I’m writing this post with deeply mixed emotion. On one level this is from the dream file, an opportunity to join some of my favorite authors—not only that, but favorite people in the industry. This is a blessing I get to thank God for.

But the more obvious reason for mixed emotion is why this opportunity came along. Tracie is, at least for a little while, unable to post because of the needs of her family, specifically Rainy’s. I’m not sure anyone but God can count the lives Tracie has touched through her writing, and now as she’s facing such a daunting challenge, I’m equally sure the number of those praying for Rainy must be uncountable, too. Can you imagine it, all of those prayers reaching God’s ears? How eager He must be to answer, as Tracie and her family rely on Him for guidance . . . and His presence to be there with each of them.

 I’ve learned there’s something sacred in turning to God when there simply is nothing else to do. I’ve never known His presence stronger than when I needed Him most. Many years ago (nearly fifteen) my oldest son was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a form of mental retardation. In that single blood test my family life was forever changed, because with it came a future we hadn’t expected, hadn’t planned.

As happened quite often in those days, on the night following the diagnosis my son woke sometime after midnight and well before dawn. He was nearly inconsolable. I picked him up from his crib and went downstairs for a bottle (he was just over a year and I’d long since stopped nursing him due to a malformation in the roof of his mouth) but he continued to cry. As I sat alone with him all I could imagine was a future full of heartache. The dreams my husband and I had for him all seemed to disappear as the impact of the diagnosis began to sink in.

And yet . . . God had known all along. That diagnosis wasn’t a surprise to Him. He’d knit my son in my womb. I was too raw to sort many of my emotions at that moment. Anger would come, a real but in this case not very useful emotion, but it didn’t that night. Instead, I needed to remember that God was still in control—because I certainly wasn’t. Even though I have a singing voice only God (and perhaps my mom) could love, I started a praise song. When I couldn’t remember lyrics, I’m convinced to this day that God Himself supplied them. My son’s cries soon stopped, and so did my own. God was nearly visible in the darkness as He reminded me of the words I needed to commune with Him.

I’m neither a saint nor the best mother in the world (just ask my family!). But that night when I was at my weakest, all I could do was cry out to God—and He was there.

I pray Tracie and her family will know that same Presence. God can fill those sacred moments when nothing can separate us from God, when our fears or our grief or the woes of this world have wiped out every emotion except the one that needs God. We may sense Him in the greatest moments of our lives as well, but sometimes He’s easier to see when He’s all we have.

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Maureen Lang writes stories inspired by a love of history and romance. An avid reader herself, she’s figured out a way to write the stories she feels like reading. Her ten books have earned various writing distinctions, including RWAs Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, a Holt Medallion and an Award of Merit, as well as finaling in several notable contests including the Rita, the Christy and four times in the Carol Award. She’s living out her real-life romance with her husband just outside of Chicago, where they’re raising their two sons and a lovable Lab.

I'm Not Home

...because I'm in Lawrence with my daughter, who is becoming a mommy. Since my attention is definitely elsewhere *ahem*, I will report in next week with all the details! Prayers for Kamryn and our wee one appreciated in the meantime.

Below is the first photo of me with Kamryn twenty-two years ago. How quickly time flies...

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

* * *

UPDATE: She's here! And she's beautiful...

Kaisyn Faith

August 17, 2011

9:15 PM

7 pounds, 19.5" long

A perfect little wugmump... Will blog about her arrival next week! Thanks for the prayers.

To Have and To Hold

To Have and To Hold, the first book in the latest Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller co-authored series arrived on my doorstep last week. Now I know I'm a bit prejudiced, but isn't that one of the most beautiful covers you've ever seen? The folks at Bethany House create gorgeous covers! This is titled the Bridal Veil series. 

We chose that name because of the mossy drapery that hangs from the live oaks that dot the southern landscape. When we looked at the hanging moss, it reminded us of a veil, and since we were going to be writing about love and brides, the veil idea worked its way into the series title.

You may recall that in January of 2010, Tracie and I made a trip to Jekyll Island, a destination spot of wealthy northerners for many years. We did a little blogging about some of those grand places we visited. For those who aren’t familiar with Jekyll, it is one of the islands off the coast of Georgia (waving at Patti Jo--and praying as you cope with the empty nest). Many folks are more familiar with St. Simons than Jekyll, but we discovered a beauty and grandeur on Jekyll that transported us back to the late nineteenth century. I love the live oak at right. The branches dip down and touch the ground with such majestic beauty.

While Jekyll Island provided a lovely starting point, we decided that instead of setting our story on that particular island, we would create one of our own. We placed our fictitious island of Bridal Veil not far from Jekyll Island, so that we could weave events and some Jekyll Island activities into our story—some true and some fictitious. 

Those of you who read the Broadmoor Legacy, will recall that the Broadmoor family owned one of the Thousand Islands situated between New York and Canada. In that series, Tracie and I focused on three cousins who were members of that wealthy family. In the Bridal Veil series, we decided that rather than focusing upon a wealthy family, we would develop characters who were of the working class. People who helped to build the resort and then worked there after the resort opened. This provided us with an entirely different set of circumstances and it has been fun bringing stories from another perspective and showing how the other half lived during the ‘season.’ At left is a picture inside the clubhouse on Jekyll Island.

Much like my Daughters of Amana series, the Bridal Veil series is what is often referred to as a stand-alone series. The books are tied together by the setting on Bridal Veil Island, but each book is a complete story with unique characters and events. With this series, I would suggest reading the books in order because of the changes that occur on the island. In the first book, we begin with a somewhat desolate island and show the progression from a wealthy entrepreneurial idea to actual construction and opening of the resort. In the subsequent books readers will discover the changes as the island life continues to grow and adapt to the needs and wishes of the wealthy investors and the impact upon those who work for them. At right is a picture of the clubhouse as well as the newer addition to the forefront.

In honor of our newest release, I’d like to offer two free copies of To Have and To Hold. So comment on the blog and I’ll let you know who wins next week.

May you find joy as you discover God’s goodness and love. ~Judy

P.S. Rainy’s condition has worsened so please continue to pray for her, and for Tracie and Jim as they are traveling to Kansas to be with Rainy in the hospital.

13 comments:

(We had issue with this post for some reason––I think because Judy did something really, really weird and strange that she won't admit to––but anyway, it's being reposted, but I saved the comments so we wouldn't lose those... )

Aussiebooklover said...

Judy! Your new book looks simply fabulous and no wonder you feel a bit prejudiced about the cover,it is awesome! :)

I'm always intrigued to hear how all you authors choose your particular settings, the characters and the history behind it all.

I "take my hat off," to both you and Tracie for the many hours of dedication and obvious love you have for your readers. 
Your books are ALWAYS very enthralling and immediately captivate the reader's interest, and it is extremely hard to put them down. 

Your photos were great too and I just know this book will be a best seller.
Congrats to you both!

We send little Rainy our love and we are praying for her and ALL her Family.

Rosie.

August 17, 2011 5:49 AM

Kav said...

I've been looking forward to this book's release for some time. The cover is absolutely gorgeous! And I was going to ask what kind of tree that is but you answered my question in your blog. I love the depth of research you always do for your books. It makes the read so much richer.

Please don't enter me in the draw because I already have a copy on order. :-)

And I will definitely be praying for Tracie and her family!

August 17, 2011 6:19 AM

Veronica said...

Judy,
Praying for Rainey and the family. At times like these, I wish that I could do more. But I know that prayer is the very best thing right now. My heart goes out to them.
Veronica

August 17, 2011 6:57 AM

Catherine said...

I tried posting first thing this morning and the blog wouldn't let me. It's hard to believe that the trip ya'll took in January 2010 is just becoming a book. Helps us realize how long it takes!! Can't wait to read "To Have and To Hold" so please enter me into the drawing. :)

We're definitely praying for little Rainy and her family. Please keep us updated as ya'll can.

August 17, 2011 7:13 AM

Anne Mateer said...

The moment I saw the cover of this book, I knew I had to read it! It came in the mail just the other day and is next on my list after I finish the book I'm reading now! I can't wait, especially since I grew up reading Eugenia Price's books set on St. Simons.

August 17, 2011 7:19 AM

Meghan said...

What a beautiful novel...I read about it further and it looks like a fabulous read! I just love historical fiction. =D Always have...guess that's why I only write in that genre. 
Consider me entered in the giveaway!

August 17, 2011 7:48 AM

Judith Miller said...

Hi Rosie, Thanks for the kind comments. We hope readers are going to be excited about this new locale! :)

Hi Kav, I won't enter you in the drawing. I am delighted to hear you already have a copy of the book. Hope you enjoy.

Catherine, I've got your name in the drawing. Sorry you had trouble getting onto blogger this a.m. It can sometimes have a mind of its own. :)

Hope you enjoy the read Anne--The islands off the coast of Georgia are stunning. I hope readers will have an opportunity to visit if they haven't yet had an opportunity.

Hi Meghan--I have you in the drawing. Thanks for your comments!

And thanks to all of you for your prayers for Rainy. I know Tracie and the entire family are most appreciative.

August 17, 2011 9:54 AM

HandyFamily said...

You are correct, that cover is just beautiful! It would be a blessing to win a copy.

I will be praying for Rainy and each member of her family. We recently lost my niece(5), and I can somewhat understand the sorrow that goes with a child who is sick. Prayers & hugs to them all!

Wendi

August 17, 2011 9:58 AM

Letty Meek said...

Sounds like an awesome book - as usual! You and Tracie work so well together. And I LOVE the cover!!! Can't wait to read it!

August 17, 2011 10:01 AM

CatMom said...

First of all, my continued prayers for precious Rainy and all Tracie's family....my heart goes out to them. ~ On a positive note, I am SOOOO EXCITED about this series, Judy!! (No need to enter me in the drawing--I'll be purchasing at least several copies*smile*). When I learned that you and Tracie were writing a series set on the Georgia coast, I was thrilled. My entire family is truly a "Jekyll family" (meaning we absolutely LOVE that area, and spend at least a week there every year!). In fact, my daughter Rebecca (who married last November) spent her honeymoon at the Jekyll Club hotel (bless his heart--my sweet son-in-law went "all out" and got the honeymoon suite for them--Rebecca said it was AMAZING!). ~ There's so much beauty and history there (and my sister and I never tire of looking at--and walking beneath--the stately oaks with the draping moss *sigh*). ~ The cover of your book is GORGEOUS, and I'm sure I'll LOVE the story! (okay, sorry this is sooo long, but I'm SUPER excited about this book!). ~ Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo p.s. Thanks for the sweet comment about my empty nest, Judy---I felt kind of silly posting that yesterday--with so many folks dealing with heavy burdens right now. But as sweet Tammy said...it's because I LOVE my son sooo much.

August 17, 2011 10:09 AM

Kaitlyn said...

NEW BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh my, this just made my day!!! I love all the collaborations you and Tracie have done! They keep me in suspense and transport me to a world otherwise unknown to me. I love becoming friends with your characters, and getting to know them just like I get to know the people I see everyday. Thank you for using your gift to glorify God and bring us hours of enjoyment. 

PS. Thoughts and prayers for Rainy as she and her family are enduring this difficult time.

August 17, 2011 10:42 AM

Judith Miller said...

I'm entering you other gals in the drawing and thanks for coming to the blog and leaving a post! 

Patti Jo, I do understand that empty nest feeling. Suffered the same thing when my son left for college. I cried the whole way home after getting him set up in his dorm. It's hard to see them grow up and fly off on their own. I'm so glad we're able to highlight your beautiful part of the country in this new series!

August 17, 2011 1:08 PM

Aussiebooklover said...

No worries about your readers enjoying the new locale of your book Judy... It will be wonderful! :)

August 17, 2011 4:31 PM

Sehnsucht

Last Friday I struggled with something. I didn't quite know what it was. I wasn't unhappy, or sad. Not really. I just wasn't…"me," if that makes any sense. Then I read a passage in a book that my Bethany House editors had sent me for my birthday and it perfectly defined what I was feeling.

In her wonderful book Deeper into the Word, Keri Wyatt Kent writes, 

"C.S. Lewis wrote extensively on joy. His life was marked by what he labeled Sehnsucht––a longing for joy. It was the longing itself that brought joy, not the attaining. And it was that longing that led him to eventually renounce atheism and become one of the greatest Christian apologists of the twentieth century. In his wonderful book Surprised by Joy, he writes, 

' In a sense the central story of my life is about nothing else… It is that of an unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction. I call it Joy, which is here a technical term and must be sharply distinguished both from Happiness and from Pleasure. Joy (in my sense) has indeed one characteristic, and one only, in common with them; the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again. '

Jesus told his disciples that they would find joy by staying intimately connected with him (see John 15). When Jesus told his disciples he would be leaving them but then returning (referring to his death and resurrection), he told them those events would cause them to grieve but then to rejoice. Sometimes the path to joy leads us first through disappointment or pain. Sometimes we find joy in the midst of the pain, in spite of it, because we experience the presence of God."

Me here again… I read that last line and it totally summed up what I was feeling. Even as I was experiencing the presence of God in my life, I had a deeper craving for more of His presence. A desire to live more fully "in the moment" with Him. And while it was encouraging in one sense, it left me with a longing––a kind of emptiness inside––that left me feeling out of sorts. Unfulfilled. And with good reason, I realized, as I more closely examined my feelings. Because (as the old song goes) this world is not my home. 

God fashioned us for so much more than just these few years on earth. Don't you feel that when you look at a sunrise? Or when you look out across a meadow bathed in the blue of coming twilight and you see, so vividly, the hand of the Creator, and you know without a doubt that the One who created what you're seeing, also created you, and also created an eternal Home for you and me. As fabulous as this world can be at times, it simply doesn't begin to measure up to God's plans for us.

 (Thanks to my friend Delmar Schroeder for these pictures of Colorado)

I highly recommend Deeper into the Word. It's a wonderful book (that could be used as a daily devotional) that enriches our understanding of words used in the New Testament and therefore God's message to us. 

On a completely different note... On Sunday night Joe and I saw The Doobie Brothers in concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. We had such a great time and the music was fabulous! But wow, when did the rest of the Doobie fans get to be so old? Sheesh... If you've never visited the Ryman, click to read the history of that wonderful historic old building. 

Praying you're sensing God's presence today, and that it leaves you Joyful and yet…Sehnsucht––longing for more.

Much love,

Tammy

Me and Joe at the Ryman