Ruth O'Neil's Blog, page 24

15 Day Bogger Challange - Day 5

Recommend a Tear-Jerker
A couple of books come to mind right away. One is Nicholas Sparks' Three Weeks with My Brother. While this is not in my usually genre of books I read, someone handed it to me so I read it. This is a non-fictional book about the author and a three week trip he took with his brother. The book goes back and forth between his childhood and adult life.

There were tears; half the time because I was crying and the other half because I was laughing so hard. I don't usually make audible sounds when reading, but in this case I did. I know my family thought I was nuts when they would walk through the room where I was laughing.

The next is actually a series of books. These had belonged to my mom, but I inherited them when she passed away. This is the Zion Covenant series by Bodie Thoene. I think I like these books so much because there is a lot of history in them. What makes me cry is what many people had to go through during WWII. It wasn't just Jews that were discriminated against. If you were a German and were imperfect in any way, measures were taken - that's all I'll say. I had to put one of the books down after reading one description that was so sad.

If these are books you haven't read I hope you will put them on your list. If you want to purchase them I have put some links below for your convenience.




What is your favorite tear-jerker? Leave it in the comments below.

15 Day Bogger Challange - Day 4

What's the Latest Book You've Flung Across the Room?



First of all, I would never actually throw a book. Books are precious gifts in my mind, even if I don't particularly like the content.

Two books come to mind immediately. Since I'm not in the habit of author or book bashing I won't mention authors or titles specifically.

Book 1 - This was one I started reading several years ago. I just couldn't get into it at the time. I didn't like the author's style of writing at all! After putting the book aside for a few years I brought it out again. Well, I read the entire book through this time and I still didn't like it. Besides the style of writing, there were other issues I had with the story as well.

Definitely not a favorite.

Book 2 - This was a book I had really been looking forward to reading. I even actually bought it and paid full price for it. That didn't help the situation when as I began reading it there was content that compelled me to stop. Granted it wasn't a Christian book, which is what I normally read, and I can allow some indiscretions, but this book was too much.

It sits on my shelf unread. I can't give it away because it's trashy, and I can't throw it away because I paid good money for it.

For all the books that I read, there really aren't too many that I want to throw. I guess I'm picky about what I choose in the first place. I'll take suggestions from trusted friends and usually stick to those.

How about you? Have you ever wanted to throw a book against the wall?

15 Day Blogger Challange - Day 3

Who Are Your Blogging BFF's?

I have to admit I'm not that great about keeping up with my own blog let alone anyone else's. It's too easy to get sucked into reading the many good blogs out there and before I know it half the day is gone and I've accomplished nothing - except to read some excellent blogs.

However, there are a few blogs I do try to keep up with. I have listed their links below in hopes that you will visit and enjoy them as much as I do.


I "met" Jenny several years ago when she reviewed a book my mom wrote. Jenny is just a personable lady to me. I enjoy perusing her blog and getting ideas of books to read next. We also share a love of history. While she lives on the other side of the globe, I do hope that maybe someday in our travels we will meet up. I think we could spend an entire weekend talking and not run out of things to say.
http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/


Jan is an acquaintance of mine that I wish I knew better. I like Jan's posts because she is all the things I'm not. Her ideas and recipes would be all the things I would post on Pinterest, if I had a Pinterest account, and would never actually do. Go check out her blog for some truly unique and interesting ideas.
http://thenerdyfarmwife.com/


I have known Kate the longest. In fact, I have a hard time typing Kate as opposed to Katie, which is how I first knew her. She is like family to me. Her blog is a recent creation of hers and I love it! I love her writing style. Her stories always suck me in and make me stay until the end. Kate takes stories from the Bible and makes them understandable and more personal to everyone. You can find her new blog at:
http://katehodges690.wordpress.com/

15 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 2

What's Your Bedtime Reading Ritual?

I do often read before I go to bed. There isn't usually much on TV worth watching or my husband may want to watch something I don't care about. There are times when I do want to watch something, but my husband is tired and wants to sleep. Since my hearing isn't what it used to be I have to have the volume up loud enough that it disturbs him. When I'm not ready to go to sleep, it's a book to the rescue.

Reading a book is quiet so he isn't disturbed. It is relaxing so it makes me want to fall asleep. Unless, of course, it's one of those page-turners that I keep saying to myself, "Ill put it away at the end of this chapter." But then I get to the end of the chapter and there's no way I'm putting the book down yet. You know exactly what I mean. You know you've been there, too.

The days following those late nights of reading are a little long, but when it comes time to go to bed that night, the book-reading ritual starts all over again.

How about you? Do you read before you go to bed at night? Do you have a ritual?

15 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 1

Someone recently asked me about doing a 15 Day Blogger Challenge. During this challenge I will be answering questions set up for me. Hopefully this will accomplish two things. I hope it will help you get to know me a little better, and I also hope it will help me be a little more consistent with blog entries.

So, here we are on Day 1.

Make 15 Book Related Confessions

1. I love the way a new book smells.

2. I am a book hoarder.

3. I can never have too many books.

4. Books are a girl's best friend.

5. I don't usually read books more than once. Why would I when there's so many more to choose from?

6. I am never without a book nearby. Reading is the best activity to do while waiting in line or waiting for kids.

7. More often than not, I read 2-3 books at a time.

8. I started writing book reviews just so I could get more books.

9. Reading a book while soaking up the sun is my summer guilty pleasure - even if I have work to do.

10. I don't like every book I read. Some I hate.

11. I find mistakes in many (if not all) of the books I read.

12. I have books in my library that I've owned since I was a very small child. (The hoarding started young apparently.)

13. It's extremely hard to pick a favorite book. My favorite might change with the next book I read.

14. I much prefer print books over digital copies. There's no paper to smell with a digital book.

15. I get excited every time a new book comes in the mail.


How about you? Do you have a book confession? Leave it in the comments.

Come back tomorrow for the answer to another question.
 

Guest Post with Author Deborah Heal

WARNING! “PRUDISH” CHARACTERS ON BOARD!

Writing Christian fiction is not for the faint of heart. As my friend Tom Jones (the pastor not the pop star) recently told me, if you’re going to be a writer you have to grow a thick skin because people will criticize.

A few weeks ago, I received a criticism of my young adult trilogy from a friend of mine who is a deacon in the Episcopal Church. She said that teenagers are going to roll their eyes at my characters Abby and John for their commitment to sexual abstinence. She assured me that mainline denominations believe that concept is misogynous and outdated, and that as long as the couple is mature enough and respect each other enough, sexual activity is suitable and even assumed—especially if they are engaged.* See more below.

A recent (3-star) review of Every Hill and Mountain by SKJAM! REVIEWS closely mirrors her view.

“This book is aimed at the Christian young adult market, so there is quite a bit of God-talk …The sexual prudishness of the protagonists will probably have older teens, particularly ones not raised in more conservative Christian communities, rolling their eyes. Conservative Christian parents, on the other hand, are likely to approve of Abby and John’s chaste relationship.…”

This same reviewer jumps to the conclusion that the reason my characters are so “prudish” is because they’ve been the victims of an abstinence-only sex-ed program. He continues:

“And [Ryan’s] reasoning for having sex with Kate shows the perils of abstinence-only sex-ed and purity culture–a more streetwise woman than Kate would have noticed how bogus the logic was.”

Speaking of bogus logic. Modern sex-ed programs do everything but assist teens into bed with so-called “safe sex” instructions. It is the abstinence-only programs that teach girls (and boys) to be “street smart,” to warn them of the perils of listening to their hormones talking.

Of course, I was quite conscious as I wrote the trilogy that our culture has taken the position that abstinence is passé, uncool, unnecessary, and an impossibility. (And possibly even dangerous to the health of its practitioners.) No one could watch contemporary TV or movies or read secular novels without realizing that “dating” (if the word is used at all) equates with a sexual relationship. Actually, “relationship” itself equates with sexual activity.

And I knew that many contemporary mainline denominations are silent about what the Bible says about sexual purity. My deacon friend actually asserts the Bible doesn’t even teach this.

But I have to admit I’m more than a little shocked that this reviewer and especially my deacon friend would find Abby and John’s commitment to abstinence a negative. After all, even if you believe that it is impossible to live a sexually pure life wouldn’t you still want novels to present this ideal to teenagers? I would say that although it is impossible to fully live up to any of the Bible’s commands we still need to hear what they are. (And turn to Christ as the law’s fulfillment.)

I once read an article in which young people had been interviewed about teen novels that adults write for them. More than one complained that adults seemed only to write about teens having sex and using alcohol and drugs. “We think about more than that,” one girl said. “We think about lots of other things, important things.”

I respect that and try to offer teens substance in my books. I believe they are looking for heroes and role models such as my fictional characters, Abby and John. I disagree that my characters are sexually repressed prudes. Here is the passage from Every Hill and Mountain that apparently offended my critics. Abby and Kate’s boyfriends are stuck at Abby’s house and spend the night downstairs in the living room. During the night, an emergency comes up and Abby must find her boyfriend John quickly.

The tricky part would be finding John. Pat had brought a sleeping bag from the hall closet for him, but Abby had no idea where he put it. Other than the soft snores coming from the vicinity of the couch, the room was completely quiet.

She discovered the answer to her question when a hand came out of the darkness and grabbed her ankle. She stumbled and landed on a warm chest. A bare warm chest, from which came a soft whoosh of air. Right after the whoosh, a large hand covered her mouth. The precaution was unnecessary. She had recognized John’s cologne and knew in an instant that it was no nightmare monster attacking her.

He put his mouth to her ear and whispered, “What are you doing here? I thought [Ryan] Turner was the one planning on nighttime shenanigans.”

Abby pulled his hand away from her mouth and tried for indignant, which was difficult when whispering. “Don’t be ridiculous, Mr. Roberts. If I was inclined to get into your bed, and I’m not, it wouldn’t be with Ryan in the room.”

“Well, you are in fact in my bed, and you’d better get out of it quick. I know the Bible says God will never give us any temptation stronger than what we can handle, but…”

“Just to be clear, you are the one who dragged me into your bed, and—”

“Abby. Please. Have pity. What is it you want?”

If felt wonderful being in John’s arms, but she had promised him and God that she wouldn’t intentionally tempt him to break his commitment—their commitment—to abstinence.

“Come up to the computer room,” she whispered. “There’s something you have to see.” And then she rose less than gracefully and stood looking down at him. “And don’t wake Ryan.” 

I think they’re being heroic, not prudish. After all, they certainly think sex together would be pretty wonderful. Consider another passage that exemplifies the thinking more typical of our culture today. Here, Abby’s friend Kate tries to convince her that premarital sex is okay.

“Ryan said virginity is like a tamper-proof seal on a bottle of aspirin. It’s meant for the man you’re going to marry. And now that we know we’re getting married, what’s the point of waiting. You’ll see when you’re engaged, Abby.” Kate turned on her side away from her. “Let’s get some sleep.”

Abby lay staring up at the blinking red smoke detector light on the dark ceiling, wondering if she even really knew her roommate any more.

How sad that Kate has fallen for that line. It’s not that she lacks “street smarts.” She just forgot to run away from temptation, something that John becomes quite adept at in Unclaimed Legacy.

It would be wonderful if everyone who read my books loved them (and posted glowing reviews for them.) But as they say, you can’t please all the people all the time. However, I really listen to every comment I receive about my books, whether positive or negative. Sometimes I learn some pretty good stuff that will help me to be a better writer.

But not this time. I pray that I will remain firm in my commitment to please God rather than reviewers.

*But back to mainline denominations. Is my deaconess friend even right about their teachings on sex? Do you have experience with such churches? I sincerely would like to know their various positions on sex. Wait! that came out wrong. I mean, I would like to understand what churches are teaching about sex today. You may leave your answer in the comment section of my blog. Click here to go to the article. 




By the way, I am a prudish and happy member of a “radical, extremist, and conservative” denomination that still believes premarital sex is sin. I live with my husband in Waterloo, Illinois, where I enjoy reading (of course), gardening, and learning about regional history. We have three children, four grandchildren, and two canine buddies Scout and Digger.

I love to interact with my readers, who may learn more about the history behind the books at my website http://www.deborahheal.com/and my Facebook author page. My books may be purchased in paper and ebook formats at Amazon.com. Click on the books below to go directly to Amazon.


                                                               

A Song I Knew by Heart

Book Club Wednesday
This past month our book club read A Song I Knew by Heart by Bret Lott. I have to admit – this was not my favorite book. It intrigued me because it was a modern day retelling of the story of the biblical Naomi and Ruth. Not too far into the book I had to separate this story from the real thing. I thought that might make the story a little better, but not so much! I know the writing style is subjective, but I didn’t really like this particular author’s style. I understand he was trying to make her sound southern and use that vernacular, but this Yankee girl had trouble reading it. I found Naomi’s conversation somewhere between Yoda and Jacob Two-Two. Some sentences were worded backwards and many more were repetitive. However, there were some nice moments in the book where the relationship between Naomi and Ruth was obvious.

At Book Club - I have discovered, after years of reading books together, that the ladies in Book Club are pretty united when it comes to liking or not liking a book. This was definitely a favorite of the group. But reading sometimes forces you to open your eyes and really think about what you believe and why you believe it. This book brought on some good discussion among us.

If this is a book you might like to read, here is a link to it on Amazon.

Next month’s book is Same Kind of Different as Me

Remember, you can find direct links to many of the books I review on my Book Links page. No searching for you; I've already done all the work!

Sisterly Love

Flashback Friday  
Today’s flashback is all about sisters. There is something about the bond between sisters that is truly special. Sometimes sisters may not like each other, but there is always love. No one is allowed to pick on your little sister except you. Big sisters have a strong defense mechanism when it comes to little sisters, I know. I tell my daughters that they will one day be best friends. I'm not sure they believe me right now, but I have faith the day will come.

Here are a few stories about the Doner sisters.Disclaimer – Some stories have had names removed so I can remain in their good graces.

Sisterly LoveThey call Philadelphia the city of brotherly love. I think Jordan was the town of sisterly love. Sisters give each other certain annoyances and I had two sisters so that was two times the annoyances. One of my pet peeves was that when it was one sister in particular’s turn to do the dishes, she always left some, especially if it was her last day (we had dish duty for a week at a time). That way she wouldn’t have to do everything and the next sister would have to finish up her undone chores.

Where's my underwear?

One sister got on another sister’s nerves by taking her clothes and wearing them even the undies!

You Want One of These?There was one time Martha and Sarah were fighting about something. It was probably nothing really important in the grand scheme of life. As soon as Sarah left the room, Martha opened her big mouth and said something else to upset her. Sarah came sliding across the carpet back into the room with her fists up to Martha’s face and asked, “Do you want one of these?” Of course, she was probably about six at that time so she wasn’t very threatening, not that she's threatening now, either. Martha and I both burst out laughing and laughed till our sides hurt. Sarah just had to walk away madder and more annoyed than before. We still laugh about it to this day, at least Martha and I do.

PedicuresAnother annoying, not to mention disgusting habits of one of my sisters, was biting her toenails. Every once in a while, we would be watching TV and look over and there she would be chomping away and spitting them out just like someone would chomp at their fingernails. Fortunately she grew out of that habit.

Food Fights

Then there was the dinner table. After mom and dad excused themselves to go and watch the news, we would have food fights. That is how we disposed of the food we didn’t want to eat. We were always eager to sweep the floor after dinner to sweep up all the peas that either rolled down towards mom end of the table or the ones that were quietly thrown when mom and dad couldn’t see. We swept carefully to get rid of the evidence.One night we had tuna noodle casserole. One sister had been getting on my nerves all day. She pushed me far enough for me to push her face right into her dinner. She came up dripping with noodles and a pea rolling out one of her nostrils. She didn’t bother me for the rest of the night.

Best Friends

I’m sure everyone who has sisters has similar stories. While my little sisters may have annoyed me from time to time when we were kids, today these women are my best friends. I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with them as I would like, but they are always close to me in heart.








I'm not really THAT old; Civil War events where we dressed up was just one of the things my parents subjected us to. I blame them for my love of history.


                                Christmas around 1980

























Obviously this sister and I don't have a "no pics on the Internet pact" as I do with my other sister. I'm not too worried; this sister never gets online to see it! And really, what's she going to do about it? Beat me up???
Here is a better picture of me and my "pactless" sister. See, I can be nice.   



My sisters and our mom on my wedding day, April 13, 1991. This is our last picture all together.

Review of "The Governess of Highland Hall"

Julia Foster has spent the last twelve years in India. Because of her father’s health, she and her parents are forced to return to England. Because of a need for money Julia is forced to find work as a governess. While she enjoys her work, not everything at Highland Hall is as it should be. The Baronet William Ramsey has some financial difficulties of his own. Will Julia be a help or a hindrance?

Readers who enjoy period books set in England, especially those by Lawana Blackwell, will enjoy this one as it has a similar style and feel.

I really enjoyed reading this story. One of the things I enjoyed was the characters, their differences, and how they worked them out. They were realistic and there were just the right number to keep up with. Another aspect I appreciated was that it was a truly clean read. It seems that lately I pick up a book that is labeled as Christian fiction only to be disappointed by inappropriate scenes and language. I don’t want to see or hear situations like that in real life let alone in what I’m reading.

A special thanks goes out to Carrie Turansky for sending me a copy of her book! I love getting to read books before other people! This book has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf.

This book will be out October 15th. You can click below to pre-order a kindle or a print copy on Amazon.

   
   Kindle            Print

Watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOMDeCgTVZQ

Born and raised in Oregon, my heart longs for tall evergreens, the rugged Oregon Coast, and the pristine Cascade Mountains. . but I presently live in beautiful, but very flat, central New Jersey. This is the Garden State, so we enjoy shopping at our local farmers’ market for sweet corn and juicy tomatoes or picking strawberries, blueberries, and peaches at local farms. We are close to Princeton University, Philadelphia, and New York City, so we sometimes take day trips in and enjoy museums, plays, and touring around.

I am married to Scott and we have five great kids, two lovely daughters-in-law, a wonderful son-in-law, and three adorable grandchildren. My roles of wife, mother, and grandma are very rewarding and fulfilling for me. Scott and I partner in ministry at Calvary Chapel Living Hope, a church we helped plant along with a team of hardworking, Jesus-following friends. Our ministry at Calvary has been very gratifying and exciting for us. We feel blessed to have the privilege of serving the Lord with these dear friends. If you would like to know more about Calvary Chapel Living Hope you may visit our website at http://www.takejesushome.com.

My husband is the author of several great parenting books filled with practical insight and godly wisdom. We invite you to visit our ministry website for parenting tips, articles, resources and much more. That web site is http://www.biblicalparenting.org.

I have been writing since 1999 and have published several articles, short stories, devotions, and essays. Writing fiction is my passion, and I thank the Lord for all the creative ideas and characters He puts in my mind and heart. I am very thankful for friends and family who have believed in me and encouraged me on my writing journey.

When I’m not writing you will find me enjoying time with my family, working outside in my flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near our home.

You can connect with Carrie and order her books on her website at http://carrieturansky.com/index.php/books/.

Running Through Raindrops

 I have a special guest today. Please welcome author Lori Elliot. I was able to ask Lori a few questions about her family and her writing life.









Tell us about your book

Running Through the Raindrops … Finding Joy in the Chaos of Raising Kids is a collection of stories about my four children, Drew, Caleb, Ethan and Emma. They are stories that tell the challenges and struggles my husband, Dwight, and I have faced while parenting twins, a special needs child and a teenager. The stories are entertaining and relatable to not only moms, but to dads, grandparents and even those without children. They are stories that look at life through the eyes of a child and show you how to appreciate the humor, joy and excitement that can be found in the daily chaos.

What made you decide to write it?

I had several friends and family that encouraged me to publish a book but I think the thing that made me seriously consider publishing was when my blog, www.playdoughintheparsonage.com was recognized as "freshly pressed" on Wordpress.com. This recognition really generated a lot of traffic to my blog (almost 2,000 visitors in one day) and helped me to realize that even those who didn't know our family really enjoyed reading the stories I posted on my blog. Running Through the Raindrops is a compilation of "best of" stories from both of my blogs.

Did you learn anything from writing it?
I never realized all the work it takes to make your writing into “a real live book” (as my kids call it). But anything in life that’s worth doing takes time, energy and patience. When you are done, and you see the final product, it is an awesome feeling and it makes it all worthwhile. I also learned that it is important to have a good editor to help you proofread, organize and format your book.

What books have most influenced your life most?

I’d have to say the most obvious book would be the Bible. It is a book that I have been reading all my life. Other books that have influenced my writing have been books written by mothers like Choosing to SEE, by Mary Beth Chapman, humorous books by Christian writers like Anita Renfroe and Patsy Clairmont and I really enjoyed The Desperate Pastors’ Wives series by Ginger Kolbaba.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I think I would consider Anita Renfroe a mentor and someone who inspired me to start writing and speaking in public. She was also a pastor’s wife and the first time I saw her at a Women of Faith conference I laughed so hard and related to so much of what she said about motherhood. I read all her books and I just loved her honesty and humor. It inspired me to start writing and that’s around the time I started my first blog, www.playdoughintheparsonage.com

What are your current projects?

I am working on my next book due out in 2014. It focuses on our middle son, Caleb, who has autism and is non-verbal. The book details our journey over the past ten years since Caleb was diagnosed with autism and the battles we have had to fight with the insurance companies, school systems and other obstacles facing parents of special needs children.

 Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I never really thought I was a good writer. I am a horrible speller and I had never really written much until four or five years ago. I joined Facebook to catch up with some old friends from high school and I started posting funny things my kids would say or do. It enjoyed hearing responses from others on Facebook and I had lots of encouragement to write more. I started my first blog, Playdough in the Parsonage (www.playdoughintheparsonage.com) in 2010 as a therapeutic outlet and to connect with other moms. I would write about motherhood with honesty and humor and try to point out ways to find joy in the chaos of raising kids. I was surprised to find out that I not only had moms reading my blog, but also dads and grandparents too. In 2011, I started my second blog, Caleb's Voice (www.calebsvoice.com). It focuses on raising a child with special needs and celebrating the progress in communication that Caleb has made over the past few years. I have been able to connect with other parents of special needs children through calebsvoice.com and it has been a great support system in our journey in raising Caleb. If you would have told me five years ago that I would be publishing a book and doing public speaking engagements to raise awareness of autism, I would have told you that you were crazy. I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined I’d be where I am today. By following God’s leading and plan for my life I have discovered new talents and gifts I never knew I had.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I have trouble just writing freestyle and putting all my thoughts down on paper. I tend to want to re-read and edit each paragraph as I go along instead of writing everything out and then going back over what I have written and editing. The result of this is that I am a very slow writer. It can take me hours to write one blog post. I really enjoy writing though so I don’t mind spending the time – I just need more hours in a day!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

One of the most challenging aspects for me was picking a title and picking the cover art. There were a lot of good options and it was hard to decide on which one would be best. I had an awesome editor to work with and she helped tremendously. I could have never done it without her!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Parenting is hard and sometimes you feel like you are “doing it wrong” because you look around at other mother’s and they seem to have it all together while you feel like you are up to your eyeballs in dirty dishes and unfolded laundry. I wrote this book to help mothers find the humor in the chaos of motherhood and to realize they are not alone. I hope the "takeaway" from Running Through the Raindrops is that although life doesn't always go the way we've planned it, that is not necessarily a bad thing. God knows was is best for us and if we follow his path and listen for his guidance, we will be surprised at how he will bless us in ways we could never have imagined.

Lori's Blogs: www.playdoughintheparsonage.com
                      www.calebsvoice.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/playdoughintheparsonage

Paperback books can be purchased on Amazon. Ebooks available for Nook, Kobo or Kindle (soon to be available as iBook)

Author bio -
Lori Elliott and her husband, Dwight, were high school sweethearts. They just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last month and both share the same sense of humor and love of chocolate. Although she and Dwight planned on having three children, God had a different plan, and were blessed with four children, three boys and one girl. There is a 12-year-old son, Caleb, who has autism and is non-verbal. Then there are the twins, Emma and Ethan, who are 10. They act like an old married couple, and are often referred to as "Fred and Ethel". The oldest son, Drew, just turned 16 last month and is driving now, which has been a very "interesting" experience in parenting! "As you can see, my life has not gone the way I planned it - God had a different plan for our family. It’s been an overwhelming and chaotic few years, but the joy we have found makes all the craziness seem worthwhile. My new motto is 'Laugh more, worry less, and remember that God has everything under control.'"



















































































































































































































































Author bio





Lori Elliott and her husband, Dwight, were high school sweethearts. They just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last month and share the same sense of humor and love of chocolate. Although she and Dwight planned on having three children, God had a different plan, and were blessed with four children, three boys and one girl. There is 12-year-old son, Caleb, who has autism and is non-verbal. Then there are twins, Emma and Ethan, who are 10. They act like an old married couple and are lovingly referred to as "Fred& Ethel". The oldest son, Drew, just turned 16 last month and is driving now, which has been a very "interesting" experience in parenting! Her life has not gone the way she planned it - God had a different plan for her family. "It’s been an overwhelming and chaotic few years, but the joy we have found makes all the craziness seem worthwhile. My new motto is 'Laugh more, worry less, and remember that God has everything under control.'"