Journey to a husband

Guest post by Arlene Pellicane

Although I loved my college experience, I managed to graduate without that coveted “MRS” degree. Four years after graduating, I was studying for my masters degree when a certain young gentlemen flipped my hamburger at a student orientation. A few weeks later, I met that same  young man – James – in a van load of students headed for a nursing home. It was a Friday night and we were going to sing for the residents and visit with them. When James shared a Bible study with the residents (half of which were sleeping), I was wide awake and prayed, “Oh Lord, I want to marry that man!” 

We ended up becoming good friends and I readily decided I would love to date him. Every smile, invitation to Dairy Queen for blizzards, and phone call I interpreted as a sure sign of progress. But he just wanted to be friends. After a year and a half, I finally got the message. We were just friends. About the same time I released my desire for James to God, James was opening his eyes to the possibility of love. 

He was going to take me to his usual place – Dairy Queen – but thankfully the university librarian suggested something a little more substantial. At Outback Steakhouse, James pulled out 2 roses for me – a yellow one for friendship and a red one for love. He said we had been friends and that he would like to court me. That was the best dessert at Outback I’ve ever had! 

After that moment, we were inseparable. We took a road trip to New York City to visit his family friends for a few days. My mom asked, “What if you don’t get along and you’re trapped with him for a few days?”  I told her she had nothing to worry about. She didn’t! I’ve been happily trapped with James in marriage for the last 11 years. We married about 8 months after that road trip to New York. Our journey has led us from Virginia Beach to Dallas to San Diego, and every mile has been made so sweet with my best friend and lover James. Now he’s flipping burgers for me and our three kids!

Thursday on Living Inspired: Kristen Jane Anderson

I'm so excited to have my co-author from Life, In Spite of Me on Thursday's show. Kristen has shared her story on Oprah, the 700 Club, and all across the country. Her Reaching You Ministries is a vital outreach to those considering suicide. Don't miss this show!

About Kristin: Kristen Jane Anderson has been featured on Oprah and is a popular speaker at colleges, women's and youth events, churches, and suicide prevention outreaches. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the founder of Reaching You Ministries, Kristen seeks to help those who are hurting, hopeless, lost, suicidal and depressed.

About Life, In Spite of Me: Co-written with Tricia Goyer After her fatal choice… extraordinary hope.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen’s world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn't seem to have a bottom.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited—for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt… but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.

But Kristen's story didn't end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.

Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her—when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

To win a copy of Kristin's book leave a comment {HERE} along with your email address. One name will be drawn at random to receive Life, In Spite of Me. The winner will be announced here and be notified via email.

Journey to Book 2 by Dan Walsh

guest blog by Dan Walsh

A lot of things went right with my first novel, The Unfinished Gift. After one rejection letter, the next two agents wanted to read the whole book. I signed with one who landed a contract with Revell in just a few months. When it came out, it received a 4.5 Stars/Top Pick rating from Romantic Times. Tons of great reviews followed, and it sold well for a first book (so I’m told). It is now a finalist for ACFW’s Carol Award in 2 categories.

But what about Book Two?

Did I even have a Book Two in me? I’ve read bios of so many authors: “She’s written fifty novels.” Fifty novels? Could I even come up with a second? The storyline of The Unfinished Gift seemed pretty complete, and it was a one-book deal. But I had this nagging sense there was at least one more story to tell. My agent and editor both asked, “What else do you have in mind?”

“I’m thinking there’s a love story here,” I said. They both had wondered the same thing, but the way the first book ended, it seemed there were too many obstacles to overcome. The biggest was my main character, Shawn. In The Unfinished Gift Shawn’s wife, Elizabeth, dies in a tragic car accident while he’s flying bombing missions over Germany. She was his first love, his only love, and he loved her madly. How could Shawn get past this tragedy to love someone else? When I put myself in his place, I’d be destroyed by what I did to him, probably for years.

Obstacle Two: Katherine Townsend is the social worker in the first book. She comes to cherish Shawn’s son, Patrick, as her own. But she has no reason to even stay connected to the Collins’ family now that Shawn is home from the war. What would have to happen to even give her a reason to stay in the story, let alone become the woman who would mend his heart?

I was perplexed. I asked God to help me see the love story I knew was hidden here somewhere in the lives of these characters. The great Michelangelo was asked once about his inspiration for an angel he’d sculpted. “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” That was my task. I pondered these characters, thinking about what kind of things might have to happen for a love between them to begin to form, then to blossom, then come into full bloom.

Then it came to me, almost all at once.

I quickly wrote out a synopsis, then started to write the book. At 75 pages, I sent what I had to my agent and editor. They loved it. Revell offered me a second contract. Months later, I sent the finished manuscript to my editor, then waited anxiously for her response…for 6 weeks. I began to imagine she must hate it. She’s waiting for the right time and the right way to tell me.

The email finally came: “Dan, I’m sitting here with your second book in my lap. I’ve just finished wiping the tears from my eyes. I absolutely LOVE it, just the way it is. I can’t wait to see it published.” We decided to call it The Homecoming.

A few months later, Colleen Coble offered to read it for a possible endorsement. She loved the first book, what would she say about The Homecoming? She got back to us with this: “One of the most delightful and touching love stories I've ever read. Highly recommended.”

Then I waited for the Romantic Times Review. Would they hate it? Call it a sad follow-up to the first book? I opened the email from the marketing folks at Revell. RT gave The Homecoming 4.5 Stars and said: “The emotional storyline and well-crafted characters will appeal to all. Walsh demonstrates that, like Nicholas Sparks, men are capable of writing romantic fiction.”

Nicholas Sparks? Are you kidding me? We were delighted. But the journey doesn’t end there. To my great surprise, a third book followed, then a fourth (one will be out this spring, the other the following Christmas).

And now I’m researching and staring my fifth novel.

I guess I am a writer, then. The journey continues.

JOURNEYS -- TO THE BEACH

guest blog by Kelly Ann Libertino

This summer was a breakout year for the Kraft Family Reunion in Avalon, N.J.

Four families converged at different times, in different vehicles to fill an upside down house that looked like a flea market sneezed on the walls.

One wall held an eclectic display of art deco lime green and yellow graphic figures in dance, along with a “welcome to the beach sign” and an upside down metallic grouper fish.

Nan and Pop Kraft worked hard to pay for this beach vacation,  this treasured family time, the grandchildren were told.  College and work schedules were re-arranged, kids flown in from the Pacific Northwest and “voila”, the family mélange had arrived!

After many hugs, kisses and exclamations of “look how much you’ve grown!”  We hit the beach.
Hitting the beach, as you know involves much more then throwing on one’s bathing suit and trekking to the shoreline.  First, there were beach badges to procure.  Next, slathering on 80 SPF with cries of “is there any white showing?”  What’s wrong with a little white showing?  But, the young ones have their rituals of not looking dorky, I know.

Last minute bathroom visits, throwing water and juice packs into a small red and white cooler and grabbing beach chairs, umbrellas, and yes, even some buckets and shovels.  Whew.  Finally, are we ready?

A caravan of twenty somethings ~ grandchildren with friends, teenagers and one pre-teen later, we are on the beautiful, shell encrusted, lopsided sand to water leveled beach on the South Jersey coastline.

One sad part of the trip was the “going home” of my brother and sister in law’s dear friend to breast cancer.  But, somehow, the Lord covered them even in their mourning; as we gathered around them in their grief and shared the burden, dividing the sorrow among us all and multiplying the love.

Fortunately, for us, my brother is a gourmet cook, his therapy is cooking. Creating and cooking his way through the two nights that he was able to stay,  we ate homemade French baguettes, tomato and mozzarella salad with fresh basil, and a Mediterranean lamb that was done on the grill!

I guess it was “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow may not come for you…” my paraphrase, of course. Is there anything better than family sharing a meal around the dining room table, the living room and the kitchen counter? (we are a big family)

The week was full of shopping at the quaint shops, celebrating birthdays, movies, boardwalk hopping and even a “ghost ship”.  Walking through a renovated REAL ship on the pier even had the adults gasping with surprise as “real life” ghosts materialized out of nowhere to swing rubber mallets on the floor…belly laughing and yells of surprise abounded. 

This trip was spectacular because we somehow managed to get all eight grandchildren ages 24 to 11, down to the beach and dressed appropriately for a “beach portrait.”

When nan and pop opened their special gift, nan promptly burst into tears as pop watched quietly with a smile on his face. Nan said, “they all look so happy!”

“Blessed is the man whose God is the Lord.”

She sits!

Happy 6 months Alyssa!

MOMLIFE Facebook Party September 28th!!!

As you know, I'm one of the bloggers over at MomLife, Family Life's blog for moms (you do know that right?). You can check out my posts here.

MomLife has planned a SUPER FUN Facebook Party on the evening of the 28th and I'd LOVE to see you there. Here is a brief run down of the planned activities:

What's happening in your MomLife Today? We want to know the answer to that question on Tuesday, Sept. 28th, 8 p.m. Eastern Time - Join us for a time to... Pause. Connect. Share. Oh...and maybe an opportunity (or two, or ten) to get your hands on some great free stuff! And our BIG GIVEAWAY of a complimentary Weekend to Remember registration for two! Oh yeah...you totally read that right! Pssst...it's not a secret...pass it on!

Did you catch that you can win free passes to A Weekend to Remember????? So join us and TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

LOVE NEVER FAILS!

Guest post by Deb Kalmbach (if you missed Deb's interview on Living Inspired a few weeks ago - check it out here. Some good stuff there!)   

I have a sign my friend Jenni painted for me hanging in our living room. The message is simple, yet profoundly difficult: Love never fails, words from 1 Corinthians 13, the well-known love chapter in the Bible.

I'm more keenly aware of the meaning as Randy and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary next Sunday! How this is even possible is such a miracle of God's grace, one we certainly didn't do anything to deserve.

Forty years ago, we started out with stars in our eyes and as much love as we could hold in our hearts at age nineteen. Nineteen--looking back through the lens of being older and wiser, I wonder how anyone could be mature enough at that age to take on the responsibilities of being husband and wife. When we stood at the altar in front of a church filled with friends and family on that steamy July afternoon, we had no idea of what real love is all about. We expected everything to be rosy, but what about the challenges of living with adversity and disappointment? We didn't have a clue. 

Our love was framed by contemporary culture and a flimsy notion made popular by a1970s novel-turned-movie: Love means never having to say you're sorry. We quickly learned we had to say sorry a lot.

Our love certainly failed many times. Over and over, more times than I can count. When a marriage becomes difficult, it's much easier to look at your partner and see everything that's wrong. I did. If only he...became my focus and I launched a campaign to change him, instead of looking at myself. What is it I need to change? Lord, help me look at my heart, I began to pray. I found this to be an incredibly difficult and painful process, but necessary if I was to learn how to love someone with God's kind of love, love that never fails.

When I think of the never-failing capacity of love, it's clear that only God's love has this characteristic. His love in and through us gives us courage to hang in there when we think there's no hope, to believe beyond any doubt that God is at work in our lives. And that makes all the difference. I used to think nothing would ever change in my marriage, that I'd feel short-changed and resentful because I was married to a man who couldn't love himself, much less someone else.

That's when the never-failing part of God's love shows up. Just when you think you've got the situation figured out, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, comes on the scene and changes everything--especially people's hearts, and then, nothing is ever the same. Even if only one person in a marriage allows the Lord to change her heart, and becomes the one who extends God's kind of love to her spouse, the dynamics in their relationship will be different. That's a guarantee!

If you're wondering how you'll last for the next months or even weeks in your marriage, if you think there's no hope for a decades-long anniversary celebration some day, think again...of a love that never fails, a love that transforms hearts and lives. It happens--joyfully, surprisingly, miraculously!

Read Deb's part 1 here.

~

Deb is the author of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So-Perfect Marriage (co-authored with Heather Kopp) and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has been a contributor to many books, including The New Women’s Devotional Bible and Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, and many other publications.

Deb married Randy Kalmbach at 19. They thought all they needed was love—and the possessions they could fit in their metallic blue VW bug! What they didn’t realize was how much it would take to live with adversity, disappointment and heartache. They never imagined their journey taking them into the depths of addiction with Randy battling alcoholism for almost 30 years before he experienced the miracle of sobriety.

Deb isn’t just theorizing when she gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Her own brokenness has given her great compassion and insight for others who are hurting. With her vibrant and engaging manner, she speaks profoundly about God’s faithfulness and how to embrace a God-honoring life in the midst of almost unbearable circumstances. Deb and Randy are grateful beyond words for their 39 years of “not-so-perfect” marriage.

They make their home in rural Washington State with their two lively Jack Russell Terriers, Kramer and Kosmo (yep - they even have their own blog!). Their grown sons, Chris and Jeremy, and a daughter-in-law, Jen, live on the Seattle side of the North Cascades Mountains. Find out more on her website: www.debkalmbach.com

Thursday on Living Inspired: Nicole Braddock Bromley & Cindy Stiverson

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.

Don't miss Thursday's show! It's life changing. I'll be interviewing Nicole Braddock Bromley and her mother Cindy Stiverson. One day when Nicloe was a late teen, she and her mother were in the car headed to town. Nicole felt compelled to finally tell her mother the truth. Her step-father had been sexually abusing her throughout her entire childhood. Nicole and her mother, Cindy Stiverson will be talking about how they picked up the pieces, their path to healing and the amazing work Nicole is doing now to fight sexual abuse, molestation and human trafficking.

About Nicole: Nicole Braddock Bromley is the Founder and Director of OneVOICE enterprises and an International Spokesperson on issues related to sexual abuse, rape & human trafficking. She is the author of Hush: Moving from Silence to Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse (Moody Publishers, 2007) and Breathe: Finding Freedom to Thrive in Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse (Moody Publishers, 2009). She is a member of the RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) Speakers Bureau and the NCAA Health & Safety Speakers Bureau. She is a frequently featured guest on television and radio broadcasts around the world. She loves Jesus, coffeehouses, sweatpants, meaningful conversation, authentic relationships and books. Nicole and her husband Matthew have two sons under two years old! For more info, visit Nicole’s website at  www.onevoiceenterprises.com.

About Hush:
Childhood sexual abuse is running rampant, yet it's the best-kept secret in our nation today. Its victims grow into adulthood with their little child's heart trapped in the pain and torment of their past. Nicole Braddock Bromley shares her own story and the steps to moving from silence to healing. Hush exposes the harsh realities of childhood abuse, explains the pain it causes, examines the false beliefs it creates, and empowers survivors to begin a personal journey toward healing by breaking the silence. With words of understanding and comfort, Nicole tells the real-life stories of those whose voices would otherwise never be heard. She is straightforward enough to pierce the hearts of those in a survivor's circle of influence, yet careful to tread lightly on what could be tender wounds.

About Breathe: At least one out of every three women experience some form of sexual abuse or assault. Regardless of the severity of the violation, every woman can attest that it will impact her relationship with parents, friends, spouses, children, and God. This often leaves the survivor feeling isolated and without anyone to trust. But it does not have to be this way.

Nicole Braddock Bromley understands the fears and anxieties women face as they seek to build healthy relationships after sexual assault. As a sexual-abuse survivor, Nicole offers women the power and hope necessary to share their story, build intimacy, and develop healthy communication in all her relationships.

Also, Breathe is a helpful tool for those in a relationship with an abuse survivor by providing guidance, confidence, and encouragement as they seek to provide help and support.

Leave a comment {HERE} to win a copy of Hush and Breathe! (Don't forget to leave your email address!)

About Cindy Stiverson: As an ordained minister, Cynthia has served as senior pastor, staff pastor, evangelist and church planter. Her call to ministry has opened doors to speak at conferences, retreats, and in churches throughout the US and in South Africa.

As founder of WOVEN: Women of Virtue Network, she has authored two workbooks, A Monthly Oasis for Women and Entertaining Angels. She is a contributing writer to Breathe and Pearl Girls (Moody Press) and is an Educator/Presenter for Healing Balm Ministries (www.HealingBalm.org) and One Voice Enterprises (www.OneVoiceEnterprises.com).

Cynthia considers raising her daughter, author-speaker Nicole Bromley, as her greatest accomplishment in life. She is married to Mark: MVNU Golf Coach and Man of Her Dreams!

Mark & Cindy reside in Apple Valley of Howard, Ohio with their dog Lilly. Learn more about Cindy at her website: http://www.cynthiastiverson.com/

"Human Like Me" - Do I Dare Write it?

Guest post by Michael Joshua.

I began this writing thing quite by accident. I have always felt like Christians do not take Christ’s human-ness seriously. You know, we can only see him as human while seeing him as God. I knew of an author that I thought could really give power to this premise, but could not reach him after several attempts. To which, my wife simply quipped, “Why don’t you just write the book?”

Now, she might have just been trying to get me out of the kitchen, but here I am over a year later, still writing. Look what she started.

For me, not seeing Jesus as one of us is a problem. I don’t think that God gave us a pseudo-human Savior; I believe he was totally human while being totally divine. To me, this means that he felt human emotions and reacted with human feeling:

· Frustrated with his followers (Matt 15:16 – “Are you still so dull?” NIV)

· Tired of the crowds (Mark 3:9 “Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him.” NIV)

· Anger at those selling in the temple (John 2:15 “…scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” NIV)

· Apprehension knowing the cross was at hand (Matt 26:39 “…let this cup pass from me…” KJV)

· Amazed at the centurion’s faith (Luke 7:9 “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him…” NIV)

· Pushed by his enemies (Luke 4:29 “They got up, and drove him out of town…” NIV)

· Thankful to God (Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” John 11:41 NIV)

· Falsely Accused over and over and over again – all the way to the cross

Jesus lived as a human for 33 years on this earth. Even John the Baptist wasn’t sure if he was the Christ. Doesn’t that tell you just how much like us Jesus truly was? I guess Jesus wasn't wearing his halo around town.

The men showed up before Jesus and said, "John the Baptizer sent us to ask you, 'Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?'" In the next two or three hours Jesus healed many from diseases, distress, and evil spirits. To many of the blind he gave the gift of sight. Then he gave his answer: "Go back and tell John what you have just seen and heard:

· The blind see,

· The lame walk,

· Lepers are cleansed,

· The deaf hear,

· The dead are raised,

· The wretched of the earth have God's salvation hospitality extended to them.

"Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves fortunate!"

Luke 7:20-23 (The Message)

I suppose it is the same with us, I know it is with me. Sometimes when the Spirit nudges me, I wonder if it is the Spirit.

But I know. In my heart, I know.

With this tagline: “When I look in the mirror – Jesus looks back” – a thought became a manuscript. The words flowed from the scriptures through my heart to the page.

So, one nonfiction manuscript rejected several times does not deter me.

Two fiction manuscripts in my laptop clamor to be completed and released. As my characters moan and cry to be let out onto the page, I listen to the voice of the Spirit.

Inspirational Fiction – a driving force meant to inspire not only the reader, but the writer as well.

Whether I am ever published is not all that important.

I write for Him.

~~

Bio: Michael Lee Joshua discovered his thrill of the written word while completing his BBA as an adult student. His inspirational flash fiction is regularly published in a Texas newspaper as well as several online ezines. He has one nonfiction work completed and "The Southern Charmer" three-book series in progress. He is a devoted husband of almost 30 years, father of three and grandfather of four rambunctious blessings that provide thoughts for his blog on a daily basis.

Michael's website is www.MichaelLeeJoshua.com

~~

Organizing makes life easier ... and safer!

For me, fall is always a time of fresh starts.  When I was in school, I used to love getting all of my new school supplies and organizing my notebook with the dividing tabs, my pencil case and the clean paper.  I guess this has carried over into my adulthood because I always get an itch to completely re-organize my home in the fall.

If you have kids in the house not only does organizing make it look more attractive but it helps keep everything running more smoothly.  By eliminating the morning race to find one shoe or the special hair tie that your daughter just has to wear to school, life is much easier.  

As you’re organizing, also keep safety in mind:

-        Rearrange linen closets so that dangerous items such as medicines and cleaning products are kept on the top shelves away from toddlers.  Linens and towels, which won’t hurt them if they get into them, are better positioned on the lower shelves

-        Do a quick inventory of all toys to make sure that there are no missing or broken pieces.  Store small toys that could present a choking hazard to smaller children in see-through bins with lids on them.  Take a photo of each toy that is kept in the bin and tape it to the outside so your child knows exactly what belongs in there.

-        Check cold medicines and other prescription drugs to make sure that they have not expired.  Stock up for all of these items you will need during the upcoming cold and flu season.

-        Check that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are still in good working order, and, if you don’t have a CO detector, place one outside every bedroom and one on each floor of the house.

Now is also a great time to prepare and practice emergency evacuation plans with your family.  Keep all emergency numbers on a laminated card attached to your refrigerator, plan an alternate escape route and assign a meeting place outside of the house in case of an emergency.

You can get more safety tips and enjoy some fun crafts at Lowe’s Safety Saturday which will be held at every Lowe’s store on Saturday, September 25^th from 10A – 2P.  

Love for my Unlovable Teen ...

This morning as I was packaging up Teen MOPS brochures to send to organizations connected with Teen moms, I came across this post on my friend Margaret's Pearl Girls blog. It was such a reminder of the importance of working with teens and being a voice in their lives.

Love for my Unlovable Teen by Lisa Cherry

“You just don't understand! He is my life now! Don't take him from me! I can't live without him!” wailed my 15 year old daughter Kalyn. She was right about one thing. I didn't understand.

October 22, 2002 had progressed like most any other for our model Christian family. We were close, hard-working, tight knit, fun, and stable. As the mom of my larger-than-average brood of nine, I felt my life was exciting, fulfilling, and grand. That is why what happened to us was such a shock.

An $800 cell phone bill had brought our day to a screeching halt. As the phone numbers were identified with a middle-aged man from our church, the possibility of a billing error was considered. We launched a family investigation.

Kalyn entered our bedroom hesitantly. She sat in the green rocker at the end of our bed, and at first denied any role in the calls. But something did not feel right. Dad pressed his questions just a little harder. A look came over her face that I did not recognize. With cold, distant eyes she broke her stiff silence. “I made the calls. It was all my fault.”

So began our family's multi-year nightmare. Kalyn journeyed through the aftermath of what we were to later discover was teenage sexual abuse. She had become a statistic—one of the one in four girls sexually abused by age 18. Denial, rebellion, depression, suicide threats, cutting and eating disorders filled her teenage life. As her mother, I travelled the sea of anger, hurt, despair, fear, and torment. My beautiful, fulfilling life was transformed into what seemed like scenes from a bad B-rated movie. Never were we more tempted to give up and give in!

Read the rest here!

Get FROM DUST AND ASHES Free!!!!

From Sept. 20th – Oct. 4th Amazon will be giving away a free Kindle download for my first historical novel From Dust and Ashes.  This book was born after a chance meeting with Marta, an Austrian historian, which inspired my imagination and sparked this story of liberation. AND you don’t even have to have a Kindle to get it!

Here are the links to the pages for this awesome free application for your PC, Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Just search for the title, download and enjoy! Happy reading!

From Dust and Ashes FREE HERE.

Kindle free application for your Windows PC

Kindle free application for your Mac

Kindle free application for your iPad

Kindle free application for your iPhone

Thursday on Living Inspired: Linda DeYmaz

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.

I'll be interviewing children's book, author Linda DeYmaz, this week. She has a special story and I can't wait for you to hear it!

About Linda DeYmaz: Linda DeYmaz, her husband, Mark, and their four children live in Little Rock, where Mark is a pastor of the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas. On Easter morning of 1995 their little daughter was stillborn. Linda, the author of two books, believes that God sent Ali Grace to enrich her life and give her a glimpse of heaven.

About her book: Mommy, Please Don't Cry is a book of love and comfort for mothers who have experienced the deep sorrow of losing a child. Serene illustrations frame gentle words that describe heaven from a child's perspective. With room for the reader's personal reflections at the end of the book, every page is a poignant gift of hope and healing. "Our stories are all different, but our pain is the same," writes Linda. "We are mothers who will forever grieve the loss of our children. And yet, there is hope for our troubled souls."

An Undesired but Welcome Journey

guest blog by Kirk Kraft

2 Corinthians 4: 7:9 (NIV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

There are roads you want to travel down and ones you would prefer to avoid. This seems pretty universal for human beings, but especially true for parents. We all desire to see our children grow up to be wise, strong, grounded in Christ…and healthy. Health is where our journey begins.

My wife, Patty, and I have been blessed with four wonderful children – three girls and one boy. The two oldest both had outstanding health when small except for the usual ear infections and colds. Our third child, Katarina, experienced an ailment that causes organs to shift internally. In her case, they actually exited her body. The shock was tremendous to my wife and I both and it happened a total of three times before things normalized. We never imagined this would be preparing us for something far more dangerous.

Our 4th child, Sarah Ann, was born on September 10, 2008. She was very jaundiced but also a happy baby. She ate well and wasn’t lethargic. But the jaundice wouldn’t go away. Our pediatrician wasn’t concerned so neither were we. Our other children doted on Sarah and she reveled in the attention as most tiny ones do. We noticed over the weeks that Sarah’s stomach was distended but expected that to be a result of her breastfeeding so well.

November 13, 2008 - The day our world exploded

I came home at the end of my work week, just like any other Friday. Patty had taken Sarah for her two month appointment. I clearly remember my wife’s face when I walked in the door that Friday. There was something wrong. “We have to go to Children’s emergency room now.” Not the words one likes to hear, ever. Our pediatrician had been disturbed by the ongoing jaundice and some other signs and ordered full labs for Sarah. The tests had shown alarmingly high numbers in regard to her liver. So we loaded Sarah and our three other kids – Patty had planned a movie night for them, so they were fully garbed in pajamas and ready to partake of some popcorn – and headed off to my parents. We deposited our other children there not really knowing how long we would be gone. Oh, if we could have foreseen the impact this would have on every member of our family. But hindsight, as they say, is twenty-twenty.

That night and the three days following it were some of the longest of our lives. Not only were we separated from our three oldest kids but Sarah was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease, biliary atresia, which affects about 1 in every 20,000 children. The liver either has no bile ducts or they are very small, allowing bile to build up inside the liver, causing irreparable damage. Sarah’s first surgery, called the Kasai, was the following Monday.

This is the beginning of another story, the story where the Body of Christ clearly demonstrated its love for one another. We were never alone for any moment from Monday morning through the end of Sarah’s surgery that evening. I can’t even begin to relate how important that was to Patty’s well-being. Yes, our friends love us and we are grateful for that but the kind of love that was displayed during this trial and beyond, to an eventual liver transplant, transcends just “friendship”. This was, plain and simple, Jesus loving two of the hurting members of his Body with overwhelming grace and mercy.

With a young liver transplant recipient in our home, our lives will clearly never be the same. It’s not just the trauma that change us but the face of Christ.

~~

Kirk is a pre-published fantasy writer also working on picture books, one of which details the story of his daughter’s liver transplant from the viewpoint of a four-year-old. Kirk blogs about liver disease, the transplant community, parenting and other topics at http://livingwithbiliaryatresia.blogspot.com. He’s the father of four wonderful children, aged 2-8, and husband to an incredible wife, Patty. He resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

My reindeer!

When Suicide Hits Home

There are some days when you wake up and have no idea your life is going to change. One of those moments was the day I first heard about a young woman named Kristen Anderson who tried to commit suicide by laying down in front of a train.

The first time I'd talked to Kristen on the phone, I knew I had to write her story. There was a time Kristen's life had sunk into darkness. She had four friends and her grandmother die, she started drinking and smoking, and then she was raped. Kristen felt like a zombie for about six months. She didn't want to die, but she didn't want to live with the pain, either. One January night she laid down in front of a train. Kristen survived, but lost her legs. For three years she struggled with depression and even went back and forth out of the psych ward. Kristen knew that to get beyond the depression she had to give herself to God completely. She started praying, reading her Bible, going to a dynamic church and she surrounded herself with Christian friends. Through the process of seeking Him, God changed everything. She's now one of the happiest people I know.

When I thought about writing the book, I knew that if people would see how Kristen's life did not remain in that dark place, they could have hope for their own journeys. My intentions were to help people “out there.” I had no idea that it would open up conversations within my own family.

When I first started working with Kristen on the book, I was intrigued. I'd seen Kristen on Oprah and I knew people were amazed how she survived. I was amazed too. There were numerous times in the interviewing process that I thought, “This is a miracle.”

As with all books, I often share what I'm writing with my family. I remember one afternoon when I was driving and my sixteen-year-old daughter Leslie was with me. I was talking about Kristen and Leslie looked at me, sadness in her eyes. “Mom, I have to tell you, I've considered suicide before.”

I felt my breath escape me. Tears sprang to my eyes. “What? When?”

Leslie went on to tell me it was when she was in junior high. She didn't have many friends and felt shunned at church. Worse than that, the girl she considered her best friend teased her all the time, telling her she wasn't pretty, wasn't smart, and would never have a boyfriend. “I was so sad inside. I didn't want to face that sadness anymore, but I didn't take my life because I knew how much it would hurt you and dad.”

Over the next couple of days Leslie and I continued to talk about how hard life seems sometimes. We also talked about how easy it is to pretend everything's fine when we're really hurting inside. It made me realize that as a mom there could be things my kids are struggling with that I have no clue about. How about you? Are there things you're struggling with that your parents don't know? I know it's hard to share sometimes ... but maybe you should tell them. It might be hard, but parents want to be there to help. They care.


When I talked with Kristen's mom, Jan, during the process of writing the book, she told me she'd been worried about Kristen's friends at time, but not about her daughter. “Kristen was the one everyone turned to for help. She seemed to be having a hard time, but I had no idea how bad it had gotten.”

I have to admit that when I was a teenager suicide crossed my mind, too, but I never took it seriously. While I was in high school, though, a friend of a friend did commit suicide after his girlfriend broke up with him. I remember how the whole community was saddened by this. We all wondered if there was more that we could have done to help him.

Here is Kristen's story about how God changed her life even after she lost her longs. Her mission in life is to help people who are in the same dark place she used to be in.

If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts there is hope!

Contact Reaching You Ministries if you need help ... or just someone to talk to. 

For Kristen, her story turned out to have a happy ending, but for so many others it doesn't. More of Kristen's story can be found in Life, In Spite of Me.


There is hope!

And the 'Victory' Winners are ...

Before I announce the winners of the Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington contest, I want to say how blessed I was by all the amazing responses to this contest. I love that many of you shared your heart and your tough stuff. Super cool! If you find yourself with a minute or two free - read the contest entrees here.

So without further ado, the winners are:

1 Beach Bum
2 Lovin Hello Kitty
3 Believersheart
4 Tales from The Empty Nest
5 Jill

Email my assistant Amy with your mailing address and she'll see that your prize pack gets in the mail ASAP!

My Life: An Adventurous Journey

Guest blog by Jo Franz

I love the theme Journeys, because my life has certainly been that—an adventurous journey!  In 1977, just as my husband and I were heading off to a new state to begin seminary, having become Christians five years earlier thanks to a couple witnessing to us at a 5th Dimension concert, dizziness blindsided me so I had to grasp a counter to keep from falling over. Within a few months my hands and feet tingled. I felt pain at the base of my skull and fatigue overwhelmed me. After various specialists ruled out several conditions I was hospitalized by a neurologist in February of 1978 and I was diagnosed with unpredictable, humanly incurable, and possibly severely disabling multiple sclerosis, MS.

My husband told me, “We’re in this together.” But as I grew through honest sharing of my feelings with God and praying he would miraculously heal me, through Bible study and prayer I received peace He would use the MS for my good and His glory if I let him. Meanwhile my husband slipped away from God—though he was by then a pastor. He began an affair and I nearly took my life, but when God intervened, I determined to trust Him. I sought to grow and learn who I really was and work hard at keeping our marriage intact, but my husband left me and eventually filed a divorce I didn't want after 15 years of marriage. I was devastated, but while I lived alone, God became my Daddy, drawing me even closer.

My life became not only a one of adventure in living with MS, but I learned to ski with the helps of the disabled; traveled alone through Sweden, Norway, and England using crutches; worked on
an archaeological dig in Israel; and rode a tandem bicycle with others. With the help of friends I began a concert-with-testimony ministry in churches and I began speaking nationwide to groups of women as well as recording music CDs. I’ve since added speaking for businesses and colleges.

One Sunday I met a new guy at the singles breakfast I attended sponsored by my church. I discovered on our first date he didn’t even notice I used forearm crutches to walk! After a year of on, then off again (he moved cross-country!) dating—and what a story of individual growth that was for each of us—we married and I became an instant mom to step-daughters ages eight and ten!

Do you ever really know your spouse when you marry them? Ray and I learned so much more of our painful pasts than even we knew once we triggered things in each other—and we healed together into a marriage bonded by our intimate commitment to love and comfort one another deeply. We’ve dealt with my cervical spinal cord injury that should have left me a quadraplegic or worse, where I learned to stand and walk again. We know what it’s like for me to lose the ability to speak, let alone sing, for nearly a year due to an MS attack.

But we’re learning that God really does keep His promise to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). For instance, because I couldn’t speak and sing I began submitting stories, and one week after my voice was miraculously returned by God, my first story was accepted for a book. Many more followed before I finally heard in prayer soar unafraid as you write and I knew it was time to write my life-story requested since 1984, my memoir: Soar Unafraid: Learning to Trust No Matter What.

~~

Jo Franz is an award-winning author, speaker, vocalist, song-writer, and recording artist—even  though she’s lived with unpredictable MS (multiple sclerosis) since 1977. She inspires others to know Christ intimately so they may know him as Daddy Father, living in praise in order to soar unafraid through life. Jo also inspires college students and business men and women to SOAR through anything life may bring. She loves her family, laughter, and living adventurously.

Thursday on Living Inspired: Julie Lessman!

 Don't miss this week's show, I'll be chatting with talented author Julie Lessman. Julie will be talking about family, writing and Julie's latest book, A Hope Undaunted.

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.

About Julie: Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her white-hot passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and 2009 Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever and is the author of The Daughters of Boston series, which includes A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied.

I love the way Julie describes herself on her website:
I’ll give you a hint: When I was little, my brothers and sisters used to call me “Walking Nervous Breakdown.” Okay, so I’m a bit wired … there’s no harm in that, is there? I mean I do everything fast—I walk fast, I talk fast and I eat fast—a natural byproduct of being # 12 in a family of 13. Imagine 15 people at a Last Supper-style Formica table with long red vinyl benches on either side. Like a school of sharks waiting for meat to hit the water. If you didn’t grab for the grub, chances are there wouldn’t be anything left. Can you say “plague of locusts”? To this day, buffets put a twitch in my eye because I feel like the food will run out.:)

And, yes, I am dramatic … okay, “melo”-dramatic, but in my opinion that makes for a good storyteller. I like drama and passion— LOTS of it—especially in my reading material, which is why my books are not sweet, easy reads. But the flip side is that ALL that PASSION and ENERGY are also channeled into my love affair with God, which is a very good thing!

About A Hope Undaunted: WINDS OF CHANGE SERIES, BOOK 1

What happens when the boy she loved to hate ... becomes the man she hates to love?

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

And be sure to friend Julie on FACEBOOK - she's launching a contest later this month and giving away a KINDLE! She's announcing the winner at a FACEBOOK Party on October 7th! All the details will be announced on her Author Page!

Win a copy of Julie's latest book - leave a comment {HERE} along with your email address to be entered to win!

Journey into the Discomfort Zone

Gust blog by Suzanne Hartman

Although I have some training in writing, I have little background in writing fiction, so God’s nudge to take the stories I’d created to occupy myself while at my children’s music lessons and sports practices was all it took to bump me into the discomfort zone. All through the nine months it took to write the first draft of The Race that Lies Before Us, God encouraged me as I wondered if I could complete the task He gave me.

But I had no idea of what the discomfort zone was truly like until God led me to my first critique group. My “baby,” my first novel was done. Now I needed to put it before others so they could point out what was wrong with it. And there was a lot wrong. Once again, God stepped in. He strengthened my resolve and used the wonderful ladies in this group to teach me how to write fiction.

This level of the discomfort zone deepened when I started querying agents and the rejection letters flooded back. Despite a few requests for the full manuscript to encourage me, I nearly gave up when I allowed my focus to stray from God. Bitterness against the system built up until God reminded me that I needed to look to Him for direction, not those in the publishing industry. Soon I was back on track and revising my manuscript again.

Perhaps the hardest part of my writing journey, however, has been learning to give God control. Shortly after I finished the second major revision of The Race that Lies Before Us, I felt God whisper to me that I should stop querying after a small publishing house asked for the full manuscript. It went against all common sense; there was no guarantee that the editor would offer me a contract. Yet God’s voice was clear. So I followed His leading to work on my blog and increase my social networking instead of querying. I have never heard a decision from that publisher, but the waiting period brought me to God’s timing for contacting the agent who eventually offered me a contract.

I wish I could say that trusting God’s control has become more comfortable for me, but I still struggle with it. To my shame, the waiting game has become my comfort zone. As much as I long for my book to be published, I know God will push me even further into the discomfort zone with the need to market myself and my book. But I have experienced God’s perfect timing and come to rely on God’s encouragement as I continue this journey He set me on almost four years ago. I need to cling to Him as He leads this quiet, introverted, reserved woman to the point where He wants me to be—far, far from the comfort of my own private little world.

~~

About Suzanne: Suzanne is the author of the pre-published book, THE RACE THAT LIES BEFORE US. She is also the Editor for the Port Yonder Press. She is wife to a wonderful husband, and homeschool mom to her three children. She and her family live in the St. Louis metro-east area.

For more info, please visit her websites: Suspense with a Twist (website) / Write at Home (blog).

Teaching Compassion

It's September. Time for the start of something. For me that was homeschool resuming for my youngest son and beginning a new Bible reading plan. It began with Matthew 1 and while I usually don’t get too excited about reading genealogy (does anyone?), God pricked my heart concerning something I haven’t thought much about.

    Matthew 1: 5-6 says:
    Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
    Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
    Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.

Personally, I love the story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth, a foreigner and a widow is redeemed by Boaz. The lonely and unloved found love and was not only given a second chance, she was given a husband, a family, a son.

But this morning I started thinking more of Boaz. The son of Rahab, a foreigner and a harlot, found love and compassion for a foreigner and a widow. It doesn’t surprise me. Boaz learned growing up that the greatest love sometimes comes after great pain. He witnessed that within his own household.

Many times as a mom I desire to hide all the pain of my “horrible teen years” from my children. In the past, I didn’t want them to put two-and-two together when it came to my teen pregnancy. I didn’t want to have to confess that I’d had an abortion. I didn’t want to talk about the moments I fell short or flubbed up. But the truth is, as I’ve shared my pain and struggles over the years God has used my confessions to grow a heart of compassion in my kids. Now, as young adults, they care for those down and out. They befriend those on the fringes of society. They love the sometimes unlovely.

In my life I have been very grateful for God’s transformations, but I had no idea the impact it would have in my kids. Through my sometimes poor example, my children have also learned that the greatest love sometimes comes after great pain. And through their hearts of compassion, my prayer is that they’ll continue to share that care and concern with others—whoever God brings in their paths.

What about you? How are you giving your children a heart of compassion? Or maybe like me, your 'flubs' or short comings have provided a valuable lesson of God's redemption, I'd love to hear your story.

Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang

Whisper on the Wind

She risked everything to rescue him. But what if he doesn’t want to be saved?

Belgium, 1916 The German Imperial Army may have conquered Belgium on its march through Europe, but the small country refuses to be defeated.

An underground newspaper surfaces to keep patriotism alive and bring hope and real news of the war to the occupied country.

It may be a whisper amongst the shouts of the German army, but it’s a thorn in their side nonetheless—and Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print . . . even risk his life.

Isa Lassone is a Belgium socialite whose family fled Europe at the first rumblings of war.

Now, two years later, she sneaks back across enemy lines, determined to rescue Edward--the man she has loved from afar since she was a child. But will he ever see her as more than the wealthy, silly girl his mother once cared for as a daughter?

When Edward refuses to leave, so does Isa, and soon she is drawn into his dangerous double life. But the Germans are closing in on the paper, and Edward had never planned to put any one else at risk . . . especially the beautiful, smart, yet obstinate young woman who has inconveniently managed to work her way into his life—and into his heart.


"Whisper on the Wind brings to life a time and place too often forgotten in historical fiction. The suspenseful climax kept me on the edge of my seat!"
--Lynn Austin, best-selling author of Though Waters Roar

"A suspense-filled romance, an exciting page-turner, one that will have readers racing to reach the end so they can discover how it will turn out. I highly recommend Whisper on the Wind."
Robin Lee Hatcher, best-selling author of A Vote of Confidence

A note from Maureen
Whisper on the Wind holds a special place in my heart, because I conceived the idea during a time in my life when I wasn't actively writing. I knew "someday" when I could devote myself to writing again, this would be the book I'd write.

And here it is, years later--a book inspired by the true events surrounding a Belgian newspaper, La Libre Belgique. During the German occupation of Belgium in the First World War, the Germans ordered every legitimate Belgian newspaper to submit to censorship--and so sprang up La Libre Belgique, one of the few voices of opposition to the propaganda the Germans circulated.

Their goal was to bring hope to a suppressed nation, and many people lost everything from their freedom to their fortunes, some even their lives to see this paper circulated. With so much material, it was easy to create a romantic tale of adventure and intrigue, so I hope you’ll enjoy the story--knowing the story-behind-the story is full of factual history.

A little about Maureen
Maureen Lang is the author of several novels, including Pieces of Silver (a Christy finalist), The Oak Leaves (Holt Medallion Award of Merit, finalist in ACFW’s Book of the Year and Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence contests) and Look to the East (Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest winner and Carol Award finalist).

She is also the recipient of RWA’s Golden Heart and ACFW’s Noble Theme Award (now the Genesis). Maureen lives in the Midwest with her family and their much-loved dog, Susie.

Visit Maureen Here: www.maureenlang.com

Whisper on the Wind is available at any bookstore, from Tyndale House Publishers or online at: Amazon and other retailers.

Love the one you're with.

guest post by Deb Kalmbach (if you missed Deb's interview on Living Inspired last week - check it out here. Some good stuff there!)  

Deb is also giving away a copy of her book, Because I Said Forever! Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win.

I recently received an email from a friend with the subject line: Our society has stooped to an all-time low. A link to a commercial shows a middle-aged couple in bed. The husband tosses and turns while the homely woman next to him snores. The tag-line states something like this: There's only one thing worse than waking up in the morning and not knowing the woman next to you. And that's waking up with the same woman every day for the rest of your life. Then there's a link to a website.

Being curious, I checked it out. It looks like a legitimate site, basically promoting extramarital affairs. The site actually says: Life is short. Have an affair.

Yep, that's great advice. You could ask Tiger Woods or Elin Nordegren or Mark Sanford or Elizabeth Edwards, for that matter.     

I was 24 years-old when husband Randy's announcement shattered my world. He had met someone when he was away on temporary duty with the Air Force.

"Deb, I didn't mean for this to happen. I think I'm in love with her."

I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach, the wind knocked out of me. In a blink, the trust we had enjoyed during our first 6 years of marriage had been severed. I quickly learned that heartbreak is real.

I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. I cried for days, if not weeks and months. I'm not sure how I managed to put one foot in front of the other and keep going for my own sake, as well as our little boys, ages five and two.

Randy said he wanted to work things out. He was confused and distraught. We started counseling and embarked on the arduous journey toward healing--one that's difficult to describe in a short blog. It all seems so tidy. We persevered. We made it through, even though it was tough. Yes, there is life and reconciliation possible after adultery. But at what price?
 
I can only say the consequences of infidelity are huge, devastating, life-altering. By the grace of God, I found the strength to go on, believing all things are possible with God, even impossible forgiveness. As strange as it may sound, I believe the scars Randy bore were more damaging than my own.

He couldn't accept what he had done, and turned to alcohol to medicate his pain and guilt. After many long years, he finally believed he could be forgiven.

So I say, Life is short. Love the one you're with, the husband, the wife of your youth. I can't think of anything sweeter than waking up each day with the man I love sleeping next to me--even if we both snore!  

~

Deb is the author of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So-Perfect Marriage (co-authored with Heather Kopp) and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has been a contributor to many books, including The New Women’s Devotional Bible and Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, and many other publications.

Deb married Randy Kalmbach at 19. They thought all they needed was love—and the possessions they could fit in their metallic blue VW bug! What they didn’t realize was how much it would take to live with adversity, disappointment and heartache. They never imagined their journey taking them into the depths of addiction with Randy battling alcoholism for almost 30 years before he experienced the miracle of sobriety.

Deb isn’t just theorizing when she gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Her own brokenness has given her great compassion and insight for others who are hurting. With her vibrant and engaging manner, she speaks profoundly about God’s faithfulness and how to embrace a God-honoring life in the midst of almost unbearable circumstances. Deb and Randy are grateful beyond words for their 39 years of “not-so-perfect” marriage.

They make their home in rural Washington State with their two lively Jack Russell Terriers, Kramer and Kosmo (yep - they even have their own blog!). Their grown sons, Chris and Jeremy, and a daughter-in-law, Jen, live on the Seattle side of the North Cascades Mountains. Find out more on her website: www.debkalmbach.com

Journey out of ministry.

guest post by Kathy Collard Miller

Over a period of 30 years of ministry, I'd written 49 books, had over 150 articles published, spoken in 30 states and 7 foreign countries. God had used me to lead hundreds of people to Christ and given spiritual guidance to countless. And the counselor sitting before me exclaimed, “That has nothing to do with Jesus!”

Nothing to do with Jesus? How could she possibly say that? I had done it all in Jesus' power and for His glory. Nothing to do with Jesus? Was she crazy?

But after a few moments of processing her words (although spoken in exaggeration), I looked at my husband who was co-writer of some of my books and with whom I spoke on marriage, and from the look we shared, we knew it was true. The four days of intensive counseling had brought us to this point of being able to see the selfish motives that drove much of our ministry. As we'd explored the underlying reasons for our drivenness, we recognized that in a large part, what we gained from the acclaim and being chosen for opportunities was more important to us than God's glory. We were shocked to look in the mirror of motives. God wasn't as interested in our accomplishment as our motives and it was a humbling moment.

At the end of our counseling, our counselor mused, “I'm wondering if the Lord is inviting you to a sabbatical from ministry?”

Tears sprang to my eyes and Larry gulped back emotion. We nodded and knew deep in our souls that God was calling us out of ministry. The timing had to be open-ended. We needed to be willing to give up ministry forever.

Although it was a relief to know we were going into a time of rest, it was heart wrenching. I'd just had a new book released; a book I felt could sell very well. I feared for my reputation. Certainly, I would be considered a flake. Over and over again, I forced myself to trust God and submit to His leading.

Thus began an intensively intimate time with God; hours spent reading, praying, journaling, along with more counseling. I called it “The Beloved Woodshed” as God took me to the spiritual woodshed to reveal motives and unholy—sinful!—reactions. Tears, confession, repentance, surrender, became every day's journey with God. And it was gloriously freeing.

After 18 months, it seemed God was releasing us to ministry. We were excited and thrilled.

We didn't realize the “ministry” would be caring for Larry's 91-year-old mother who had Lewy-Body Dementia which includes paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. She could no longer be alone; she moved in with us.

What was this about? We faced caring for a woman who accused us of trying to kill her. And for the next two-and-a-half years, we walked in a different kind of sabbatical. The first was a choice. The second God's command. Yet, God was doing more “Beloved Woodshed” transformation.

Larry's mom went home to heaven in January and now we are waiting on the Lord for His next assignments. Will they be more “Woodshed” experiences or intense ministry? I trust the Lord knows exactly what He's doing. He has been faithful in gently transforming us; He will continue to work for His glory.

~

Check out Kathy's blog at http://kathycollardmiller.blogspot.com/

How a Little Obsession Might Save Your Novel

guest blog by Joseph Bentz
   
In order to finish my first novel, I had to learn how to become obsessed with it.
   
I have talked to many writers who find their biggest problem with finishing a novel is that they lose momentum. The idea seems great at first, and their enthusiasm propels them through the writing for awhile. Then at some point along the way, they get stuck. Maybe they can’t quite work out a difficulty in the plot, or a key character isn’t quite coming to life.   
   
They set the manuscript aside for a few days and decide to think these problems through before proceeding. When they get back to the novel, the problems persist, but their enthusiasm has faded. They can’t quite remember where they were headed with this story, and new difficulties pop up in elements of the book that once felt solid. They set the novel aside again, hoping that creative flow will soon return. A few days go by. Then a week. Then they find it hard to drag themselves back to the novel at all, and when they do, it no longer feels like the same story that first captivated them. If they continue at all, it is only under agony and protest, with long gaps of time in between.
   
A healthy dose of obsession might help a novelist avoid this trap. In most areas of life, of course, obsession is a bad idea. But obsession in writing a novel doesn’t carry the same dangers as other compulsions, such as a video game addiction or excessive spending at the mall. I know few if any writers who spend too much time actually putting words on the page.
   
For me, cultivating the kind of obsession that will help me finish my novel starts with setting a Rule, which is this: Whenever I start a novel, I work on it every day until the book is finished.
   
This rule is inviolate for me. The amount of writing I do is not as important as the every day commitment. Why? Because knowing that I have to push the story forward each day keeps it in my mind throughout every day, at least at a low level. Even a few sentences every day gets me further in the long run than trying to write the book in few multi-thousand-word sessions with big gaps in between.
Like many novelists, I have to squeeze in my writing time in the midst of many other responsibilities. I am a full-time literature professor, father, husband, etc. At certain points in the writing process, I go beyond the every day rule to also set goals of a certain number of words a day or a certain number of hours a day on the manuscript. But the every day rule never goes away, no matter how busy I am with other demands.

The everydayness is important because the world of the novel—its people and places and action—is fragile and can easily fade the same way a dream fades when you wake up in the morning. Do you ever have scenes for your novel pop into your head at inconvenient times, such as when you’re taking a shower or sitting through a dull meeting? The scene may seem so vivid that you think you’ll never forget it. Maybe you tell yourself you’ll wait until the weekend when you have more time and then you’ll write it into your manuscript. But what happens when the weekend comes? You either can’t remember the scene, or it has lost its spark and just sits there, lifeless.

Writing every day not only allows you to get these scenes down when they’re fresh, but even more importantly, it feeds that creative magic that happens when one idea leads to another and then another. When you’re in that creative flow, you’ll find yourself increasingly generating ideas not only when you’re at the computer, but at many other times of day as well, when you’re driving to work, watching TV, running and walking, brushing your teeth. You’ll find yourself diving for a pen and pad of paper at the most inappropriate times so that you don’t lose the idea. That’s the obsession I’m talking about. The everyday rule itself is not the obsession, but it helps you achieve it.

Many writers try to think their way through writing difficulties in a manuscript, but it’s far better to write your way through those problem sections. Writing every day helps because then to some degree the novel is always “on” in your brain and you never know when a character will rise up and start speaking or acting or solving some plot difficulty for you. 

I learned the lesson of obsession the hard way. My first novel took me ten years to write because of distractions with work, graduate school, writing frustrations, and other excuses. Several years into the process, I finally decided I need either to finish the book or put it out of my life. That’s when I adopted the rule for writing every day. It got me through that novel and the three that followed. More recently I have been writing non-fiction books, and I find I don’t need the rule for those books. The “world” of a non-fiction book is not as fragile as the fictive world of a novel, so I can come and go from it more casually.

When I say that my rule for writing every day is inviolate, I really mean it. Birthdays, Christmas, Sundays, days when I’m ill, days when I’m in crisis—every day still affords some small window of time to write. I started my current novel last September, and I have not missed a day on it since. As I write this, I haven’t yet done my writing on it for today, but the ideas are jumping, and I am eager to get back to it. 

~

Joseph Bentz is the author of four novels and three non-fiction Christian living books. His most recent book is God in Pursuit: The Tipping Points from Doubt to Faith (Beacon Hill Press, 2010). His book When God Takes Too Long: Learning to Thrive During Life’s Delays (Beacon Hill Press, 2005) is available as a stand-alone book or accompanied by a DVD that guides small groups through a six-week study of the book. All of his Christian living books include free Study Guides that are ideal for small group use.
  
Among Bentz’s novels are A Son Comes Home (Randall House, 2007), contemporary novels published by Bethany House, and a fantasy novel, Song of Fire, published by Thomas Nelson. Bentz is a professor of English at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, where he teaches courses in American literature and writing. More information about his books and speaking is available at his website, http://www.josephbentz.com.

Thurseday on Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer

Please join me on Thursday as we chat with two fabulous guests this week. The first half hour we'll meet Mary Ann Kirkby, author of I Am Hutterite.The second half hour we'll be chatting with Dallas Woodburn, a young woman who started a literacy non-profit for children called Write On Books. ...

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.

 Mary-Ann Kirkby: Mary-Ann Kirkby was born on a Canadian Hutterite colony near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. One of nine children, Kirkby was raised in the Hutterite tradition, similar in some respects, to that of the Amish or Mennonites. At age10 her life was turned upside down when her parents abruptly left behind the comfort and security of the colony and relocated their family to a lonely farm house in the “English” world. The transition to a startling fast-paced society was overwhelming for a young Mary-Ann as she clashed head on with popular culture.

Growing up in the isolated self-sustaining Hutterite community of Fairholme Colony, Kirkby had little contact with the outside world. A primarily agricultural community dominated by male leadership, Kirkby’s childhood dreams included a happy marriage with healthy children, good food, strong friendships and a deep devotion to her unique way of life. Those dreams where shattered when her parents packed up their large family and moved to a new world, full of unknowns.

Thrust into a foreign universe that she didn’t understand, Kirkby worked hard to adapt to a new way of life and a new identity by abandoning the culture that had defined her. She struggled to reinvent herself by denying her Hutterite heritage in an attempt to avoid the stigma and cruelty associated with being different.

A graduate of the National Broadcasting Institute Kirkby made her way into the world of journalism as a news anchor and reporter. She was the senior reporter responsible for aboriginal issues at CTV in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and worked in Ottawa for several years as a freelance journalist and as Media Relations Consultant for the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. The recipient of two Can-Pro Awards, Kirkby has made a career of telling other people’s stories. She is gifted singer, a sought after speaker and member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

Finally embracing her role as a daughter of two cultures Kirkby has used her talents to chronicle her own life story. Her first book, “I Am Hutterite,” was published in Canada in 2007 and will be released in the U.S. by Thomas Nelson Publishing in May 2010. The book has garnered rave reviews as readers react to the Kirkby’s honest and compelling story told in her charming style. “I Am Hutterite” won the Saskatchewan Book Award for Best Non-Fiction in 2007.
About her fascinating book: Mary-Ann Kirkby revisits a hidden past and weaves it into her ground-breaking memoir “I Am Hutterite: The Fascinating True Story of a Young Woman’s Journey to Reclaim Her Heritage.” This compelling story will keep you glued to every page vicariously reliving the memories of Kirkby as a young child, now a storyteller in her own right as an award-winning author and news reporter. She was awarded the Saskatchewan Book Award for Best Non-Fiction and received notable acclaim in the first edition of “I Am Hutterite,” published for the Canadian audience in 2007. With outstanding reviews and affection from readers who were awed by her courageous story, she has partnered with Thomas Nelson Publishers to bring her book to the United States. Releasing in the U.S. in May 2010, Kirkby’s memoir will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced a desire to fit in. But perhaps those who will enjoy this book best are those eager to peel away their own defenses and embrace the simple truth that beneath every human exterior beats a heart longing for understanding and acceptance. For more please visit: http://www.iamhutterite.com

Don't forget to leave a comment {HERE}for your chance to win a copy of I Am Hutterite! (Don't forget to leave your email address!)

More about Dallas: At the ripe old age of 22 she has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others! She is so inspiring. She has created an orgainization called Write On Books which is dedicated to encouraging kids to discover joy, confidence, and a means of self-expression and connection to others through reading and writing endeavors.

Dallas is a 2009 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Creative Writing and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She published her first book, There's a Huge Pimple On My Nose, when she was ten years old, and has been hooked on writing ever since. She is the author of a second story collection, 3 a.m., and has signed with a New York literary agent to represent her first novel manuscript.

Dallas Woodburn is the author of two award-winning collections of short stories and a forthcoming novel. Her short fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in numerous literary journals including Monkeybicycle, The Newport Review, and flashquake. She has also written articles and essays for Family Circle, Writer's Digest, Motherwords, The Los Angeles Times, and eight Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Dallas is the founder of Write On! For Literacy, an organization that encourages kids to discover confidence, joy, self-expression and connection to others through reading and writing. She teaches writing workshops, holds essay contests, and organizes an annual Holiday Book Drive that has donated more than 11,000 new books to underprivileged youth. Her latest endeavor is starting a publishing company, Write On! Books, that publishes anthologies of short stories, essays, and poetry written entirely by young writers. The first anthology, Dancing With The Pen, features more than sixty young writers from all across the U.S. and is scheduled to be released this summer. Learn more at www.writeonbooks.org and http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/