Labor Day has always been an oxymoron to me. On a day dedicated to the working man, no one works. Unless you have a yard, a house, and a family—then you spend the day working on those or for those. Your day off really isn’t. For some it is the last weekend for a family […]
General
Off to Conference
Two years ago this week I attended the Oregon Christian Writer’s conference in Portland, Oregon. There I met my then-to-be-publisher Miralee Ferrell, of Mountain Brook Ink and agreed to write a three-book series—a happy ending to a long journey of attending conferences and seeking publishing houses. This week I will again attend the conference, bringing […]
Be My Neighbor?
My neighbor’s wife died in 2009, leaving him not only a widower, but without children, totally alone. We’d known the couple for at least twenty-five years and seeing him so isolated and without nearby family bothered us. My husband suggested we provide a meal a couple of times a week to let the man know […]
Forty-three and counting
I remember the first thing he said to me. The Fourth of July had dawned and as a member of the staff at the church where I worked I was expected to attend the annual barbecue and family picnic at the church’s campgrounds. I found members of my singles college and career Sunday School class […]
Looking for Fifty Volunteers
My third novel, A Kite on the Wind, will release October 1. I’m looking for fifty (50) volunteers to read advanced copies for me and prepare a review. Those reviews would then be posted on any or all of the following: Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, Barnes and Noble.com. Reviews can be as short as one word. Or […]
To All Men
In honor of this weekend and the celebration of Father’s Day, I want to wish all men a happy and successful day. Every man has as part to play in God’s design, whether or not he has a family. He is an important part of the fabric of our society. The role of father is […]
Like Writers, Snails Exist
When I was a leader for my church’s Awana club, I had the privilege of teaching during their evening closing time. One year the director chose to use a compilation of stories that compared the attributes of various creatures with the role they played in God’s kingdom. When my turn came to share, I drew […]
When Communication Fails
Earlier this week I experienced a phenomena unknown to me. I lost my voice. I’d been fighting a virus for about a week and thought I was on the mend when I awoke and tried to speak. I squawked like a chicken awaiting the axe. Nothing but air and wheeze. Surprised my husband, too. I […]
Conquering Death
The last three days had been horrible. The man with whom they’d spent three years traveling Judah had been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He’d been dragged off by soldiers and brought before the Sanhedrin. Accused of blasphemy, he was sent on to Pilate. The Roman ruler didn’t know what to make of Jesus. […]
Then There’s Book Club
Last Monday I was invited to speak to a book club. A friend who had read my debut novel, An Anchor On Her Heart, and who belonged to a local group of readers asked me to come and share with her fellow booklovers. She said I could speak on anything I wanted to share. […]