Calling Prayer Warriors

Before I get into the real reason for this post, let me tell you that Amazon is running a special on the Kindle version of Belonging. Beginning today and for the month of November, it is being offered for $3.99. Remember, you don't need a Kindle in order to read Kindle books. Software is available for just about every device (i.e. computers, iPhones, Androids, iPads, etc.).

[P.S. If the price hasn't been dropped yet from $9.99 when you follow the above link, try again later. I was told the 31st was when it starts but not when on the 31st.]

Now back to our regularly scheduled post....

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I normally send the following to subscribers of my e-newsletter list. However, having come to know so many of you blog readers over recent years, I thought I would post it here in case some of you might feel called to respond. Or perhaps you also need to form a prayer team and this will help encourage you to take those first steps in doing so.

~robin

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OUR POWERFUL GOD

"Christians shouldn't rely on their own strength but must tap into the mighty power of the Lord. Human strength is impotent in opposing our supernatural enemy, the devil. With the omnipotent God as our power source, even a little strength is sufficient for victory." (from Pathway to God's Treasure)



THE ENEMY


"Principalities, powers, rulers, and spiritual hosts (Eph 6:12) describe the different ranks of Satan's minions. The devil's army is extremely organized and prepared for devastating battle. Their demonic influence spans time, from past to present, and space, from heaven to earth."  (from Pathway to God's Treasure)



THE VICTORY


"Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees." -- William Cowper

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Prayer Examples from Exodus



1) Success to defeat the Amalekites depended upon Aaron and Hur holding up Moses so that his hands would remain steady (Ex 17:10-13)

2) Moses's father-in-law told Moses that he couldn't manage the job alone and encouraged him to appoint faithful men to work with him (Ex 18:17-21):

3) After Moses prayed and returned to his duties, Joshua remained behind to pray [in the tent of meeting] (Ex 33:11)

[Special thanks to author Gayle Roper who in 2003 provided the above Exodus references.]

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Prayer Warriors Wanted
January through December 2012 


In 1997, God called me to leave my general market career and to commit my writing to Him for His purposes. My first CBA (Christian market) novel released in 1999, and over the years, it has been a joy and a blessing to hear from readers how God has touched their hearts through my stories.



In the summer of 2003, as I was about to begin writing what would be an intensely personal story, I felt God prompting me to form a prayer team who would hold me and my writing up in prayer, believers who would ask God to give me the right words and to strengthen me by His might and His word in my personal walk with Him. I sought people who knew Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior who would commit to pray for me weekly for one year.

In the years following, I have repeated this invitation, and each year God has provided a wonderful group of prayer warriors and encouragers. Their prayers have carried me through a number of deep trials (grief and cancer treatment included). I am so very thankful for them.

 But lest you think the bulletins are always filled with huge crises, let me confess that they are more likely to consist of appeals for faster writing and fresh ideas. Not exciting but so needed.

Now another prayer year is drawing to a close, and it's time to form a new team of prayer warriors. Could one of them be you?



If you are a Christian who believes in the power of prayer, would you please ask God if He would have you come alongside me for one year, to stand in the gap for me and my family, for my writing and my speaking, for my travels, for my publishers, etc.? Prayer partners are added to a private mailing list and are sent bi-weekly bulletins with my prayer needs listed.

Please don't feel obliged to respond in the affirmative just because you are reading this post. God calls each of us to different ministries in the body of Christ, and He will decide who is called to this particular one. I know He will bless you wherever you serve Him.



But if you believe God is calling you to this one-year confidential prayer commitment, please email me at:

idaho.robin@gmail.com

May the LORD bless you and protect you.

May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.

May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.

Amen

Crazy Good

Timing is everything.
I posted on Tracie's note saying I'd be supportive of her and the upcoming weight loss surgery. So then what happened? My daughter started talking about Crazy Cake. If you've never had crazy cake, you haven't lived.

Really. Honest. For true.

Grandma Peggy taught me how to make crazy cake. It came with a history lesson: During WWII and the Great Depression, milk, butter, and eggs were rationed or expensive. Women learned to make the most of what was on hand. Creativity and simplicity could be better than fancy.

All of the dry ingredients are sifted directly into an 8 x 8 pan, the liquids are stirred in, and you bake it--no muss, no fuss. It's THE BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE EVER! It's a great recipe to make with kids. This is a treat, and it's not tricky at all to make. I though I'd share it with you.


Grandma Peggy's Crazy Cake:

Sift into 8 x 8 pan:

-- 3 C Flour
--2 C Sugar
-- 1 tsp salt

-- 2 tsp baking soda

-- 1/2 C cocoa powder
Stir the dry ingredients, then dig 3 "wells"
Add

-- 3/4 C vegetable oil into one well
-- 2 Tablespoon White Vinegar to second well
-- 2 tsp vanilla extract to third well
Cover with 2 C cold water, stir well with fork.
Bake at 350 for 30-40 min until toothpick comes out clean.

Delicious with buttercream frosting.... or dusted with powdered sugar... or just plain.
(The vinegar sounds weird, but it makes this incredibly moist!)

Oh--and if you want to be super decadent, you can toss in a handful or two of chocolate chips.


In our family, crazy is good. You can figure out if I mean cake or behavior. I'll be busy in the kitchen. You can join me. Please don't mention it to Tracie or the doctor who did my weight loss surgery six years ago. Timing is everything, and it's the weekend for treats.

You're welcome to bring your family's favorite treat, too! (Wanna confess what it is?)
Cathy

On my Journey

I've had a lot of people asking me for updates on the MS situation. Frankly, I don't feel like I have MS, except that I have to take daily subcutaneous injections. Now lest you all feel sorry for me and/or screw up your face in distaste at the thought; I have to say the injections aren't that bad. The needles are really tiny - about 1/2 an inch long and 29 gauge. For those not familiar with gauges of needles, these are super, super thin.

Every morning I pick a site for injection - back of arms, hips, stomach, tops of thighs. And honestly the situation isn't bad. In fact, I hardly even feel the stick. The medication stings a bit after the injection, but nothing unbearable and that passes rather fast.

The fatigue is being dealt with by napping and getting plenty of rest. That's truly the worst part of my situation. I'd been tired for a long time, but since I'd been anemic last year and since I've hit middle age, I truly thought it was all to do with that. Now I know better. The key is to rest everyday and not overdo - which for those of you who know me is the hardest thing. I've been that way all my life. My mom said I never wanted to take naps when I was young. I remember her even saying, "Tracie, I'm tired so I want you to go take a nap." :)

So added to all that rest - I'm really trying to eat healthy and exercise by walking everyday. The doctor says it would be beneficial to the MS situation to lose as much weight as possible - as fast as possible so I'm also starting the process for lap band surgery. It wasn't an easy decision, but was something I'd been thinking about for many years as the pounds seemed unmovable.

I have some great doctors and group supports, so I'm hoping that you'll also be a part of this journey by being my prayer support. I need prayer warriors! Throughout all of this - I want to serve the Lord and use whatever situation I go through to bring Him glory.

God Bless You!
Tracie

And the Winner Is...

Last week I posted this photograph, snapped without my knowledge, during the ACFW conference, and I asked blog readers to post a caption for it. Several participated, and I got quite a chuckle from reading the responses.

Of course, two of my fellow bloggees along with one of our most faithful readers also engaged in a little side conversation that added its own element of hilarity, but I'm going to focus on the captions.

The suggested captions follow:

Kristi Ann said... “And a-one, and a-two, and a-three....”

Aussiebooklover said..."Girls! You'll never believe what I heard in the hair salon this morning, about....!"

CatMom said..."Alright Ladies, let's try that first verse again"

LadyDi said..."You won't believe what that Wugmup is up to now! She is just such a cutie! And then there's Clyde!!!! I could talk forever about my bugaboos and my kitties!”

margie said..."Ladies, you won't believe what I'm about to tell you!"

Connie Stevens said...”Okay, so we're all agreed, what happens at ACFW stays with ACFW.”

Tamera Alexander said..."And then I saw Judy Miller trying to steal the picture in the hotel hallway just because it matched her orange purse! And Patti Jo Moore was helping her!!"

groovey said..."Now, remember, wait until Deb gets to the front of the room and then everybody make the junior birdman face!" [[KIM NOTE: My curiosity was certainly roused by this one--what, pray tell, is the "junior birdman face"?]]

Brenda said...“...and then the editor said, ‘Kim, we want you to write an Amish Vampire book.’ so I said, ‘Okay, this is my impression of an Amish Vampire: see, no fangs. Get it?’"

Judith Miller said... “When we got off the elevator, Tammy Alexander told a complete stranger to take off her shoes because it was after 9:00 p.m. and she needed to be quiet. And would you believe the woman actually took off her shoes?”

Abbi Hart said..."And that girls, is how you sing bass while looking feminine and sophisticated!"

Tracie Peterson said..."If you want to be rich and famous like me - you'll always wear purple."

Meghan said..."No, really--I'm a natural blonde!" *Insert doubtful laughter & a long-suffering look*

Cherie Hamby Kasper said..."...and you won't believe what came out of my suitcase when I lifted up my PJ's, yep, that's right, Clyde. Yeah, Clyde, he hid away in my suitcase and didn't come out until bedtime."

Judy said...“When I opened the door there stood a man. I was speechless. Then I realized I was trying to go into the Men's restroom instead of the Women's. Speak of embarrassing!”

Chris Jager - Baker Book House-fiction buyer said... “You want me to hit what note?!?”

Nellie Hall said... “And then, ladies, the most amazing thing happened. You see, Prince Charming was in cahoots with the wicked queen the whole time, so unlike the usual happy ending, Snow was thrown into the dungeon, completely bereft. . .”

As you can clearly see, we have some inventive suggestions! I suspect there's a story behind Tammy's and Judy Miller's captions, I'm trying to figure out how Judy knew about my unfortunate misreading of a bathroom sign (oofta!), and it's apparent to me that some of the people who read the blog are Facebook followers (thanks for popping over here!). I truly enjoyed all of the entries, but one grabbed my attention above the others. Mostly because it mentioned a furry little someone who makes me laugh on a daily basis...my writing "mews," Clyde.

So, Cherie, thank you for including Clyde in your reply! Please send me your snail mail addy (kim at kimvogelsawyer.com) and I'll put a package of fun stuff in the mail to you as quickly as possible.

Thanks to everyone for playing along and giving me a chuckle--laughter is good medicine! :o)

And since Lady Di (one of my FB buddies) mentioned the Wugmump, I'll close with a recent pic of the two of us hanging out, watching a "Baby Einstein" video. Isn't she a doll? I can't get enough of that sweet little face.

Until next week...

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

P.S. Feel free to visit Clyde's Facebook page--he loves visitors. :o)

Movin' Down

I don’t know about you, but the place where I work determines how well I perform and how long I’m willing to remain at my task. Some time ago I had entertained the idea of moving my office from an upstairs bedroom to the walkout basement of our home. Then, as summer heated up, so did that upstairs bedroom. In spite of a new air conditioning unit, the heat this summer proved too much of an obstacle to keep the upstairs at a comfortable temperature—can we just say, I was a sweaty, miserable wreck trying to work up there--so I finally made it downstairs.

Unfortunately my talk of redoing the lower level into an office had remained only that—talk. So, in the midst of the summer heat, I decided it was time to take action and set to work on the project. Time wise and temperature wise, it wasn’t the best choice, but I finally managed to get most of the work completed. Now don’t misunderstand—I did not actually lay the carpet, paint the walls or install the light fixtures—that required people with more talent than I possess. My efforts, and those of my daughter and son, came in the form of grunt work. Jenna’s was more ongoing than Justin’s. He brought my old furniture down two levels of stairs. For Jenna, it mean days of packing and moving not only supplies, but BOOKS. Box after box of research books. She has now declared I can not buy anymore books unless I get rid of one or more in its place—but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her and I’ve already purchased more since moving downstairs. Besides, the bookshelves aren't completely full yet. Of course, all the boxes haven't been unloaded yet, either. But that's another story.

The actual work area.

The typewriter bookends I couldn't resist.The table and chairs donated by Justin--in case I need to have a snack and keep up my strength while working!

The wrap-around couch donated by Justin.

And, of course, more bookshelves. :)

I also took over a small room and am using it to store books, supplies and it also has one more bookshelf. Hmm. I do see a copy of someone’s recent release. How did that get in there?

All that to say that I enjoy seeing where other authors work, so I thought I’d show you a few pictures of my new work environment. I do like it. I can look out the double doors at the backyard—there’s a couch where I can sit and read, and a television which I avoid turning on during work hours. The couch, along with the table and chairs were a donation from Justin. When he moved from Phoenix they wouldn’t work in his new home, so I was the grateful recipient. He also purchased this picture for me, but I haven’t yet decided exactly where I’m going to hang it. There are lots of options, but no nail holes until I’m certain!!

May you find joy as you create a place of comfort and spend time with the Lord. ~Judy

Most often asked questions at book signings

"Do you know where the bathrooms are?"
"Do you know if y'all have Apple Fritters?" (at a Wal-Mart book signing in Atlanta, and yes, I did know and, sadly––or happily––could tell her exactly where they were)
"Do you know if y'all have Karen Kingsbury's newest novel? Not the one out last month but the one out this week." 


Those are just some of the questions I've been asked as I sit at booksignings. By myself. Alone. No one coming. The aisle before me void of human life and as dauntingly vacant as you can imagine. But this past Saturday was different... It was fun!

I was at the Cool Springs LifeWay in Franklin, TN and got to see and meet so many wonderful people.

One of the highlights was meeting "Writes of Passage's" very own Catherine (Tyson DaCostca) who lives here in Nashville. She and her sweet (and cute!) husband, Erik, stopped by and stayed to visit and it was such a treat. Thanks, Catherine, for taking the time to come by. You're so lovely, inside and out!

Click the pic for a larger image, then "x" out to return to the blog

Next, Leecia Penrod came by and we got to visit. Leecia was a college choral student of my father-in-law, Dr. Fred Alexander, from just a few years ago (as she and I joked). My family and I attended Michigan Christian's 50th Choral Reunion last year at Montgomery Bell State Park and it was touching to see so many of those relationships still going strong. Leecia, bless you for coming by!

Next, some dear sisters who are very special to me drove all the way from Fayetteville, TN to visit and to get A Lasting Impression. When I saw them coming down the aisle, I teared up. I tell ya, the relationships authors have with readers is so special. I'm not sure you readers realize what you mean to us. Truly. Thank you! And thank you to Bonnie and Roz for making the trip to Franklin, which they made last year too with their sister Venetia. What a joy.

Then...  I saw this lovely woman standing off to my right. I noticed how pretty she looked in her turquoise and brown and was about to tell her just that, but all I managed to say was, "Hi, I'm Tamera, and I––" When she said, "And I'm Kelly Reinhart." I nearly fell out! Kelly and I grew up together in Atlanta but it's been 28+ (?) years since we've seen each other. She and her handsome husband Brad (pictured with her below) live here in Nashville. They read about the book signing on facebook and dropped by. Again, what fun! Kelly (and Brad), thank you. And Kelly, you do look stunning in turquoise, honey.

Finally, what a joy it was to meet Hannah Christiansen and her mom. They came by to get a book and introduced themselves. Hannah attends Ravenwood High School in Brentwood and said she's an avid reader of inspirational fiction. I'm honored she and her mother both read my books. Love that! Thank you, Hannah (and thanks to your mom), for coming out on Saturday. You're adorable!

I had an opportunity to talk with several writers about their writing journeys too, and did my best to encourage them on that road. Speaking of... Sheila, if you're reading this, please know that I'm praying for those next steps you're contemplating taking. And please keep in touch. 

On the way home, I stopped by Sweet CeCe's for some froyo (frozen yogurt) to celebrate the day. Delicious! Is there a Sweet CeCe's near you? If there is and you haven't been yet, get over there today. My favorite flavor is Cake Batter, with Pomegranate (sorbet) coming in at a very close second. Do you have a favorite?

Lastly, see pics of the Cajun Shrimp Boil we hosted at our house on Friday night [in PHOTOS on the left, then you'll see the Cajun Shrimp Boil album]. And view the recipe for a yummy dessert I made that night too. It was a busy weekend, but a fun one.

Thanks again to everyone who came on Saturday, and to LifeWay for hosting me. And tell me, you authors out there, what's the oddest question you've been asked at a book signing? And for you readers who've attended an author signing before, what's one of your most memorable and why? 

I'd love to know,

Tammy

But I Will Do as You Say

Jerry and I joined a new (to us) small group Sunday afternoon. Our church is doing an eight week study of the book of Titus, and we had a very good discussion on the questions put to us in the videos. One question went something like: What does authentic faith look like?

This morning in my Bible reading in Luke, I came to this passage:

When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” (Luke 5:4–5, NASB95, emphasis mine) 

I thought about the discussion we had yesterday. Here was one excellent answer to the question of what faith looks like. When Jesus asks you to do something and it makes no rational sense (Simon and his crew had fished all night long and caught nothing; why should they expect it to be different now?), and yet you still obey, that's authentic faith. When logic says pack up your nets and go home, but you respond to God with, "But I will do as You say," that's what authentic faith looks like.

This verse is going onto a sticky note where I can see it often and remember to make it my first response when Jesus tells me to do something new. I just may catch so many fish they threaten to swamp my boat.

Happy Monday, friends.

~robin

Knock, Knock

Knock, Knock...

Who's there?

Usually, answering the door is my "job," but Chris kindly decided to since I've got a virus and am in my pjs. I called out to him, "If it's chocolate, get me some!"

Our neighborhood must be the training ground for door-to-door sales: Newspapers, magazine subscriptions, pre-sale tickets for car washes... gift wrapping paper, cookies, vacuum cleaners... raffle tickets, paint-your-address-on-the-curb, Entertainment coupon books... KNIVES. Yes, I've had two different people come to my door with cases of cutlery. They might be really nice people with terrific products, but I was very thankful for my security screen door and dogs on those occasions.)

Amongst all those people, we have youths come by bearing cardboard boxes with a bewildering array of plastic tablecloths, color books, and chocolate. Guess what got my vote?

A rumble of conversation, the door closed, and Chris came back emptyhanded.

*sigh*

WHAT???? They had chocolate?! Chris thought I was joking.

I didn't answer, and I missed out!

Knock, Knock.

Jesus is at your door.

He knows the desires of your heart.

He isn't selling anything.

He's giving it away.

Even if you're in your pjs, answer.

Take it from me.

Cath

(Who totally missed out on Tuesday, whichwas Chocolate Cupcake Day!)

He's in the Details

Sometimes I'm absolutely amazed at the way God ties things together. We have been joining friends for a home fellowship on Thursday nights and of late my hubby Jim has been teaching. We've been talking about the history of Christianity and of Israel and the Jews. It's amazing to look through history and see the parallels of our faiths.

Throughout the ages you see where the Jewish people are despised and persecuted, and now we see how Christians are being treated much the same. I even heard someone say the other day that they would be glad when the time came that Christians had to meet in secret in the USA. Believe me - those days are coming.

The neatest part of all, however, is the way God has so intricately used the evil for good - just like Joseph speaks of in Gen. 50:20. When you look at America becoming a nation, you can see where God had plans for us to come alongside the Jewish people to encourage and support a homeland. Sometimes it's hard for us to remember that for hundreds and hundreds of years - there was no Israel. Napoleon comes along and in order to build and promote his cause he finds purpose for the Jews where others had condemned and tormented them. Of course he didn't care about them, but they served his evil purposes. You have Hitler who does the worst possible things to the Jewish people, and God uses that to rally and draw His people together. Then in 1948 America comes alongside Britain to encourage and promote the formation of a Jewish homeland. Gives you the shivers when you really study it out.

Don't ever doubt that God is in the details of your meager existence. He has the hairs on your head numbered. Believe me - He's in the details.

God Bless You
Tracie

Let's have some fun

Wynn-Wynn Media attended the ACFW conference last month, and the photographs have been popping up over on Facebook. I got tagged in one. And every time I look at it, I laugh. I can't tell you what was happening here, but the expressions on our faces... Oh my! Look at this...

Isn't that the nuttiest thing??? So...let's have a little fun, shall we? Leave a post with a caption for this picture. I'll choose the one I like best and the winner will get a fun surprise from me. Ready? Get creative! I can't wait to see what you come up with. :o)

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

Czech This Out!

Years ago I traveled to western Kansas with the idea I might want to write a story set in the town of Wilson, Kansas. In 1865 a Butterfield stagecoach station was built a half mile south of the present site of Wilson. "Attica" and "Bosland" were early names for the town before the U.S. Post Office decided it was "Wilson" in 1873. Large numbers of immigrants from Czechoslovakia in the 1870's came to work on the railroad and gave the area a unique culture. Francis Swehla was the first Bohemian homesteader in 1874 and was instrumental in bringing more Czech settlers to the area. Eventually Wilson was named the "Czech Capital of Kansas". J.T. McKittrick was one of the first settlers who built hotels and business, and brought the Pennsylvania-Dutch to this area. It was my interest in the Bohemian immigrants that sparked my interest in the area, but I never got to write my story. That's the old Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson, KS above.


However, my interest in Bohemian immigrants was sparked anew when I was researching my Amana series and discovered a Czech settlement in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That information wasn’t used in my first series, but as I began to write the first book in my new series, Home to Amana, I decided to include a Czech family. Although they don’t’ play a huge part in the story, it was fun to learn a little more of their history and visit the Czech settlement in Cedar Rapids a couple of years ago—especially visiting the bakery and tasting the kolaches. Don't they look wonderful?



When I visited Europe this past summer, I was able to visit the Czech Republic where we toured Prague. As I viewed the beauty of the city, I was struck by the realization that you never know when research will intersect. That visit to Wilson back in 2001 rushed to the forefront of my mind as I walked the streets of Prague and I couldn’t help but wonder if some of the first settlers to Wilson, Kansas or Cedar Rapids, Iowa had walked the same streets many years ago.

May you find joy as your life intersects with others and you share the love of Jesus. ~Judy

P.S. Saturday, October 22nd is Fan Fiction Day in Lifeway Stores throughout the country. There will be wonderful sales on Christian fiction for you and for Christmas gifts and most stores will have at least one author there to sign books. I’ll be signing at the Lifeway Store in Fairlawn Plaza here in Topeka between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. so if you live nearby, please stop in and visit for a few minutes!

Jamaica's Good Hope Great House

Last week I gave you a glimpse of Good Hope, a beautiful historical estate and home dating back to the 1750s that Robin, Gayle (Roper), and I visited in Jamaica. This week I'd like to give you more of the history behind all that beauty.


First, our trip started in the port of Falmouth on the north coast of Jamaica. According to history, the township of Falmouth was an economic center for dramatic social change during the English Colonial, and today it serves as a hub port for many of the major cruise lines.


Robin, Gayle, and I caught our shuttle and were treated to gorgeous views of Jamaica as we wove a winding path up dusty mountain roads that twisted and turned past orange and coconut groves along with enormous termite nests clinging to the sides of trees (and Robin, clinging to her side of the shuttle, LOL), until finally, we reached the road leading to the house...

The 18th century Good House Great House overlooks the Queen of Spain Valley, the Martha Brae River, and the thickly forested Cockpit Mountains. As the history on the website accounts, "The views from Good Hope are among the finest in the Caribbean.The Good Hope estate was the basis of one of the largest sugar fortunes made in 19th century Jamaica and contains a rare inventory of historic buildings that have been restored. In the 20th century Good Hope helped establish Jamaica's tourism industry by becoming a socialite's dude ranch entertaining royalty and renegades alike.

Views inside Good Hope Great House

"Good Hope is not only a beautiful and serene location, it is also filled with history.  The Great House was first built in 1755 by Thomas Williams and soon after purchased by a John Tharp who also acquired all the adjoining estates, eventually owning 9000 acres. The Great House first became a hotel in the early 1900's when an American banker came to Jamaica looking for antiques and happened upon Good Hope. He not only bought the antiques, he bought the place! 

In the 1950s, Tenison purchased the property and continued in the tradition of Williams, adding more rooms and promoting horseback riding holidays. The place changed hands one more time to the current group of owners who restored the buildings to their original Georgian style of architecture and ran the place as a small guest house. 

Bedroom and Dining Room, Good Hope Great House

Today Good Hope opens her doors to welcome families and retreats to breathe in the fresh tropical air, eat the delicious home cooked food and simply reconnect with oneself and with each other."

And we did enjoy some delicious food, including jerk chicken and banana muffins with cream cheese icing. We also had "festival," a very sweet fried bread that was scrumptious! Historical research is hard but somebody has to do it! (Right, Robin?)

While the traveling in recent weeks has been fun, I'm so happy to be home again and already well into my next book. And just in time for A Lasting Impression to release. Finally! Not long ago it seemed like that book would never end. Then it felt like it would never release. I hope you enjoy Sutton and Claire's story set against the historic Belmont Mansion here in Nashville.

Blessings friends,

Tammy

Cruisin' with Novelists is Oh-So-Fine!

The Celebrity Millennium cruise ship will never be the same. That's because more than two dozen Christian novelists (one male, the rest females) chose to have a retreat on a hotel that moves. Along with the novelists came many family members (spouses, one grandmother, and several kids).

Oh, what fun we had!

We were in meetings for two days at sea. Since we are all multi-published novelists, we don't have teaching type workshops. Instead we share with each other and take encouragement from the experiences of others, especially in these uncertain times in publishing.

Most of the group played when we docked in Jamaica and the Grand Caymans. I even treated myself to my first acupuncture treatment. I used to be real skeptical. However, the treatment took away my shoulder and neck pain so I'm sold on it now.

On our first full day on-board, I got to share with my friends about the miracle God worked in my life this summer and about Jerry's and my wedding just over a week earlier. What a fun way to start the retreat. Then Tammy Alexander surprised me with a lovely (lovely?) bridal veil that she asked the travel agent to pick up before the cruise. (There I am wearing it at right.) Too bad I didn't have it the week before, huh? It was, after all, a casual ceremony.

Tammy and I were roomies. Which means our cabin was filled with generous doses of laughter. We also had a powerful prayer time for some friends who couldn't be with us and who are facing some serious trials.

Oh, a friend of ours who shall remain nameless has always teased Tammy about her "big hair." (Less big now than a decade ago.) However, I discovered the cause of said big hair. The woman takes a five day cruise with two large cans of BIG Sexy Hair spray!!!!!

For those of you who follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook, you already know that I had the return trip from you-know-where. Cancelled flight, entire day spent in airports and planes, forced to spend night in hotel in SLC, and finally arrived home 14 hours later than was planned. Exhausted!!! It made things worse to want to get home to Jerry, Poppet, and Pinky and to have to wait an extra day for it to happen. I missed them all.

Laundry has been washed. Suitcases have been stowed back on the shelves. Office is still a fright but I'll get it tidied eventually. iPhone and iPad were updated to iOS 5 while I was doing other things. And now it is back to writing, fast and furious. But the memories of this cruise will last and last. So sweet.

 

~robin

Spilling the Beans

Confession: I've been keeping a secret.

I'm spilling the beans now.

Our daughter, Kelly is engaged!

I've mentioned Shannan a few times now. He's "the one" we've prayed for since the day Kelly was born: A man of God who loves our daughter with every fiber of his being.

He asked Chris for Kelly's hand.

He asked me to help him design a ring.

My mother adores him; she offered the diamond out of her mother's wedding ring.

(Yes, that's the ring. It's more breathtaking on Kelly's hand.)

My father gave his blessing to the union at a celebration dinner the day of the engagement. That was the last time our family was all together before we lost him. He was so pleased to welcome Shannan into the family!

Shannan surprised Kelly by going down on one knee and proposing out on a hike. I snapped this picture of them that evening.

I'm not saying anything about the gown other than it is absolutely gorgeous and Kelly is radiant in it. Oh--and Kelly will wear the penny I wore in my shoe that has the Lord's Prayer stamped on it.

Romance is alive and well--not just in the fiction we write, but in our hearts and future. Actually, the near future. January 14 is exactly three months away.

Love to us all!
Cathy