Becky Wade's Blog, page 4

A bouquet of pencils and a helping of grace

There’s something about the middle of August. It’s a time of bouquets of sharpened pencils and kids starting school. The temperatures are still blisteringly hot here in Indiana, but my kids started school this week. I have a senior and a sophomore in high school. And my recent college grad moved over the weekend and started his grown-up job after milking every moment out of his last summer.

I wasn’t prepared for the turning of the calendar page.

Tragedy hit my family at the end of July, and it has cast a long shadow over the last few weeks.

It’s amazing how life goes on. It doesn’t slow down for a moment. And through the grace of some writing friends yesterday, I realized I needed to give myself some space to be.

I’m inordinately terrible at it. I race from thing to thing — my calendar tends to be built that way. I had one day at home after being with my brother and his daughters before flying across the ocean with my young adult son for a conference. Then I was back home for one day to record podcast episodes and then take my daughter on three college visits all over the region over the next three days. It was just what had to happen.

When I was finely home again, I let myself sleep most of Sunday afternoon, because I recognized that I hadn’t allowed myself to feel jetlag. Or many of the other emotions.

Why does this matter? Because I’ve been frustrated with myself that I have this big idea for a book proposal. . . But I can’t get it down on paper. Did I mention I’m writing non-fiction books for the university press at the university I teach at this year, too? There’s a lot going on in my brain, and I just can’t get the characters to settle into place. I’m so excited about this idea.. and then when I sit down to write. . . to quote Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail again. . . Nothing.

It’s so frustrating.

I’ve had to acknowledge that I need to give myself grace and space. Make it through the next few weeks. And maybe over this fall the characters will begin to speak to me. I hope so! Because I love this concept. But until then, here’s to leaning into a season of grace for ourselves and others.

The new season of Book Talk has started with two fun guests: Lisa Bergren and Bethany Turner. I currently have a giveaway of Bethany’s latest novel running with her episode, so be sure to pop over to enter! You can do that here. It closes on August 19th.

There’s something about the middle of August. It’s a time of bouquets of sharpened pencils and kids starting school. The temperatures are still blisteringly hot here in Indiana, but my kids started school this week. I have a senior and a sophomore in high school. And my recent college grad moved over the weekend and started his grown-up job after milking every moment out of his last summer.

I wasn’t prepared for the turning of the calendar page.

Tragedy hit my family at the end of July, and it has cast a long shadow over the last few weeks.

It’s amazing how life goes on. It doesn’t slow down for a moment. And through the grace of some writing friends yesterday, I realized I needed to give myself some space to be.

I’m inordinately terrible at it. I race from thing to thing — my calendar tends to be built that way. I had one day at home after being with my brother and his daughters before flying across the ocean with my young adult son for a conference. Then I was back home for one day to record podcast episodes and then take my daughter on three college visits all over the region over the next three days. It was just what had to happen.

When I was finely home again, I let myself sleep most of Sunday afternoon, because I recognized that I hadn’t allowed myself to feel jetlag. Or many of the other emotions.

Why does this matter? Because I’ve been frustrated with myself that I have this big idea for a book proposal. . . But I can’t get it down on paper. Did I mention I’m writing non-fiction books for the university press at the university I teach at this year, too? There’s a lot going on in my brain, and I just can’t get the characters to settle into place. I’m so excited about this idea.. and then when I sit down to write. . . to quote Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail again. . . Nothing.

It’s so frustrating.

I’ve had to acknowledge that I need to give myself grace and space. Make it through the next few weeks. And maybe over this fall the characters will begin to speak to me. I hope so! Because I love this concept. But until then, here’s to leaning into a season of grace for ourselves and others.

As we reach the middle of August, are there places where you need to extend yourself some grace, too?

The new season of Book Talk has started with two fun guests: Lisa Bergren and Bethany Turner. I currently have a giveaway of Bethany’s latest novel running with her episode, so be sure to pop over to enter! You can do that here. It closes on August 19th.

Creating a Writing Life

Often when I tell people I’m an author, they’ll mention either wanting to write a book or being
close to someone who wants to write one. Telling stories—our stories—seems to be a universal
desire. When I began my journey to publication, I didn’t know much about writing novels or the
publishing industry. But with time, research, and a lot of help from other writers, my knowledge
grew.

I have a new nonfiction book, Creating a Writing Life releasing on September 3, 2025, to share
what I’ve learned.

Why did I write this book?

My journey to publication was long and filled with potholes. I felt like I learned everything the
hard way. I couldn’t find information about how to set up a small business as a self-employed
writer, what income I could expect to make from my novels, the realities of slow times, and how
to handle envy and disappointment. Many aspects of the writing life aren’t covered in books on
the writing craft, so I decided to share what I’d learned in Creating a Writing Life.

What can readers expect from Creating a Writing Life?

I encourage writers to evaluate all aspects of their writing life–where and when they write best,
existing equipment and what equipment they need. I share about the emotional ups and
downs–envy, discouragement, celebrating wins, and how to manage expectations. There’s an
entire chapter devoted to financial matters, including author income, tracking expenses, and
business options like sole proprietorships, LLCs and S corps. Since most writers struggle with
time management (don’t we all?), I devoted several chapters on this subject. There’s also tips on
creative habits, basic story elements, and the agent-author relationship.

How am I qualified?

As a multi-published, best-selling, award-winning author who has been published for over ten
years, I’ve gained a lot of insight, mostly from talking to other authors, my own research, and
hard-won experience. Additionally, nearly a million copies of my novels have been sold
worldwide. I’m not a household name, but I’m a lifelong learner. As a former electrical engineer,
I was trained to think logically, ask a lot of questions, and find the optimal method for every process. I’m sure in ten years, I will have more insight, but I don’t believe in waiting to help
people. Writers need this information now.

What do I hope readers take away from this book?

I hope anyone who reads this book ends up encouraged and excited about their writing life.
There are so many topics writers and authors just don’t talk about, and in this book I go there.
Ideally, you’ll feel like you’re sitting across from me at a coffee shop, having a conversation
about the writing life.

Where can it be purchased?

Creating a Writing Life is available in paperback and e-book through Amazon. It releases on
September 3, 2025.

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/099781795X

E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Writing-Life-Encouragement-Creative- ebook/dp/B0FHJ18RL6/

Encouragement and advice for authors and writers

Bestseller lists, fame, and financial rewards don’t comprise your writing life—they’re products
of it. This book will help you figure out the day-to-day decisions to make to achieve your writing
dreams. Where and when do you write best? What equipment do you need? How will you handle
envy? Rejection? Long droughts between contracts?

Creating a Writing Life gives you the tools to manage every aspect of your career, including
income expectations and how to handle success. Author Jill Kemerer has experienced all this and
more in her writing career, and this book will launch you into yours. What are you waiting for?
Let’s get started creating your writing life!

Read an Excerpt:

Everyone’s heard of Jill Kemerer, right?

Nope. I’m not a household name, but I am a multi-published, award-winning, bestselling author.
I’ve sold nearly a million books worldwide. You might be thinking, She must be living the
glamorous life.

Hardly.

My life didn’t drastically change when I got my first contract or my second contract or any other
since.

But I am living the dream—my dream.

On any given day, I’m working on three to four books in various stages. Today I wrote a few
thousand words for a contracted novel, spent an hour promoting my current release, then revised
two scenes in a different manuscript.

It’s how I operate. Always working on multiple projects. Some of the books are under contract.
One my agent will pitch to editors, and another I will publish myself. Who knows? Maybe one of
them will take my career to the next level.

What happens after the books are finished is not important to me right now. Their outcomes are
in the future, out of my control.

When I open my laptop, I care about one thing. Today. Meeting my daily goals.

I have big plans for my writing career. I know what I need to do this morning, next week, next
month, and next year. I’ll have more plans then, too. I always do.

My writing life isn’t super special. At the moment, I’m sipping tea in my home office. My
uniform consists of yoga pants and an old sweater. My hair is damp, and I haven’t bothered with
makeup. I stare into space often, unsure what I should write.

How do I start a book on this topic? How can I convey how fulfilling I find my writing life while
also highlighting the frustration it involves? Most days are spent in isolation, pushing myself to
meet difficult deadlines. Yet, like most writers, I persist.

Day after day, I show up and put words on the page or fix the ones already there. It isn’t easy,
but it’s worth it. I struggle with insecurities, doubts, envy, pride, and the temptation to
procrastinate like anyone else. The one thing I don’t struggle with is knowing my purpose.

I’m a writer. I write.

Quitting is not on the table. Hasn’t been for years. Trust me, I’ve tried to quit writing on several
occasions. Within twenty-four hours, I was right back at it. The stories in my head refuse to go
away.

The idea of not pursuing my writing dreams feels wrong. The very thought of not writing doesn’t
make sense to me.

So, I keep on.

That’s what happens when you’re living the dream.

You slog through the tedious hours of writing or revising when you’d rather be doing
something—anything—else. You push through doubts and rotten feelings because you know
they’re lies.

The highs of a writing career—getting “the call,” signing a contract, holding your book in your
hands for the first time, hitting a bestseller list, getting great reviews, winning an award,
receiving royalty checks—they’re all great. But they’re fleeting. You can’t put too much stock in
the highlights of your career, just like you can’t obsess over the lowlights.

The highlights and the lowlights are mere slivers of the writing life.

Pre-Order: CREATING A WRITING LIFE

What would YOU like to know about the writing life? Leave a
comment!

Thank you for inviting me to be a guest today!

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town
romance novels often featuring cowboys. Nearly a million of her books have sold worldwide.
Jill’s essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books and long walks outdoors. She resides in
Ohio with her husband. They have two adult children. For more information, visit her website,
jillkemerer.com.

More New Books For Your TBR Pile

I’ve had the pleasure of reading (and recommending) some recent and upcoming Georgian, Regency, Regency-Inspired, and Victorian era novels, and thought you might want to consider some of these for your own reading pleasure!

A Worthy Risk by T. Elizabeth Renich (June 24, 2025)

Don’t miss this recent release from my history-loving friend, T. Elizabeth Renich, who never fails to do her historical homework! Romance, family drama, and faith in a captivating novel that moves from England to America.

“A compelling story rich with history, the aftermath of war, betrayal, complicated family bonds, flawed characters, bravery, and love, spanning places in England, Italy, and the New World. I thoroughly enjoyed the story [and] characters. So much great history!” —Jeanne C.

A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch (August 2025)

Erica is talented, smart, and funny. Have you read her books yet?

“A journey of dark deeds vs. good deeds, filled with hope and humor. Danger and rescue scenes keep the pages turning, while a slow burn romance promises more to come. Readers will be clamoring for the next book in the series!” —Julie Klassen

Sense & Suitability by Pepper Basham (October 2025)

Pepper Basham’s first foray into Regency romance is winner! Well written with poignant moments, humor, and sweet romance between likeable, noble-hearted characters, Sense & Suitability is sure to be a hit with Regency fiction lovers. Better yet? I’ve had a sneak peek at the plot of her next Regency, and it’s another winner!

The Rules of Falling For You by Mollie Rushmeyer (September 2025)

I recently saw Mollie Rushmeyer at our publishing house—on the very day she received her first copy of this upcoming novel. Her book recently earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly as well!

“A charming, contemporary romance set at a Regency-themed singles retreat, with a swoony, reluctant hero and a spunky yet vulnerable heroine. The writing is smart and sassy with humor and touching moments sure to pleasure lovers of rom-coms, Regency romance, or Jane Austen period dramas.” —Julie Klassen

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep (June 3, 2025)

My friend Michelle Griep has been busy crafting both Victorian and Regency-era novels. That girl can write!

“Of Silver and Secrets is sure to delight fans of archaeological adventure and historical romance.” —Julie Klassen

I’ve also recently read a draft of Michelle Griep’s next Regency, The Bird of Bedford Manor, which releases February 1, 2026, but is available for pre-order now.

“What a great premise! An impoverished gentlewoman poaches game on a handsome gentleman’s estate, and soon finds herself helping him hunt down the menacing stalker tormenting his sister. Danger, intrigue, and romance ensue. Don’t miss The Bird of Bedford Manor by talented author, Michelle Griep.”

Lots of great reading ahead! Have you ordered or pre-ordered any of these yet?

All Because Two People Fell in Love

I’m updating a post from 11 years ago since my blogging day once again falls on the day of my wedding anniversary. This year is 51 for my wonderful groom and me, and this is what I wrote back in 2014 on our 40th:

Today is my 40th wedding anniversary. (Not sure how that can be since I’m only 35, but it’s true.) And oh how quickly those four decades have flown! It seems like just yesterday I was that wide-eyed nineteen-year-old heading down the aisle on my father’s arm, wearing a dress my mom sewed—like she did all my clothes. At the end of that aisle was the man I loved more than life itself. I’m not sure Daddy would have let me go so easily if he’d known that man would haul me off to New York only four months later.

When you’re a Kansas farm girl, New York is like a foreign country. But the two years we lived there were some of the best times of our life together. We had each other and the Lord. Not two dimes to rub together, and no mamas nearby to run home to. We had to figure it out for ourselves. And we did.

Oh, if we could have seen glimpses of the joys to come. But then, we would have also seen glimpses of the hard times. Ken always jokes that we’ve been happily married for thirty-fill-in-the-blank however long we’ve been married minus two years. It’s not that we had a bad run there, but we figure the bad days—or weeks—probably add up to somewhere close to two years in total. And they’re mostly forgotten now. We’re in a good time these days. A time when God has taught us that the little stuff doesn’t matter…and it’s all little stuff.

Ken’s grandparents on their 75th anniversary. They celebrated six more before Grandma died, just 18 days before their 82nd anniversary. Grandpa followed her Home four months later.

Forty years seems like for-ev-er. But we have a history, a wonderful legacy of long (really long) happy marriages. Between both of our parents and four sets of grandparents, the anniversaries add up to well over 300 years! That’s a lot of till-death-do-us-part. We want to be counted in that amazing legacy. And we figure if we’re stuck with each other for almost 82 years the way Ken’s grandparents were, we might as well enjoy it! Shoot, if we match their record, we’re not even halfway there yet!

Happy anniversary, babe! Here’s to the next 40!

 

And the best part? What happens forty years after two people fall in love. . .

***********

Here is a 2025 update: I would marry this man 100 times over again! There are 24 of us now when we all get together! God has blessed us with 14 grandkids ranging from almost 1 to almost 20! Every single one of them is a joy and delight.

Inspiration? Alexandria! (And a giveaway)

Australian author Jessica Wakefield is guest-posting on the blog today and kindly offering a copy of her brand new book to one of you. We’re delighted to have you join us here, Jessica! -Becky

“Addey walked down King Street, huddled deep into her jacket, the chilly wind blowing her hair behind her. Christmas wreaths hung from the iconic iron lamp posts. The shops were bordered with green, twinkle light-infused garlands, while red Christmas bows hung from doors throughout the main street. In a different mood—when she hadn’t just quit the party and disappointed her parents yet again—she might slowly wander and drink in the holiday spirit.” — It Shouldn’t Be You

I tend to set my books in fictional towns, but this one, set in Alexandria, VA has a special place in my heart. It was my first visit to the USA and I took my then three-year-old daughter, Eleyna, with me—on my own! Yes, you read that right. I took her halfway across the world on two flights totaling 20 hrs! Was I scared? You betcha. Did I survive? Yep, in fact I thrived. I was filled with confidence as I stepped into the unknown and faced fears but I also ticked off the number one item on my bucket list—visit the USA.

Mansion Circle

When my American friend moved from Australia back to the USA, she was insistent that we visit. So I saved up and hit the tarmac and found myself in Alexandria, VA. I fell in love with this old world, modern city and its surrounds. King St in Old town is famous for it’s cobblestone streets and historic architecture, but the area around it also amazing. We visited Mount Vernon, the home of Geroge and Martha Washington. We had an amazing day exploring and learning and the perfect weather—gently falling snow as we walked the red brick pathways around the property.

Close up view of the home

“In front of him was a well-manicured lawn with gravel pathways framing the edges. At the end of the lawn sat Mount Vernon, home of the country’s first president. The red roofed two-and-a-half story mansion with its dove-topped cupola was flanked on either side by two single-story buildings, creating a cozy feeling for such a large space.” – It Shouldn’t Be You

Both these sites are what inspired my new release, It Shouldn’t Be You. A forced proximity, forbidden romance sporting Romeo and Juliet meets Gilmore Girls vibes. I think it was the architecture of Alexandia that brought in the Gilmore Girls vibes—the place seemed made for someone like Emily Gilmore—ha ha. I didn’t start out with anything in my mind, except the setting and a jaded journalist with a chip on his shoulder. It wasn’t until I got home from the trip that I started fleshing out the whole thing. I wrote it during my daughter’s pre-school days.

Cupcake shop in Alexandria

And today, the book is out in the world—11 years after I first dreamed it up. Everyone now gets to see Declan and Addey walk around King St, meet at Mount Vernon and fall in love when they’re really not supposed to.

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win an ebook copy of It Shouldn’t Be You. I’ll randomly select one winner on Sunday, August 10th. Best of luck! -Becky

As a kid, Australian author Jessica Wakefield penned really bad Anne of Green Gables fan fiction. Nowadays she lives in Newcastle with her husband, two daughters and a fluffy mini-groodle. Jessica has a lifelong love of Sweet Valley High books and is a recovering Gilmore girls addict. When she’s not fawning over her cuddly dog Ginny, you can find her reading, going for walks or baking. Find out more at: www.jessicawakefield.com

To revive his stalled career, jaded journalist Declan Collins is assigned to cover the Hamiltons’ extravagant Christmas party—the same Hamiltons who are demolishing the community centre where Declan spent some of the best moments of his childhood.

Addey Bennet, the event planner behind the party, needs everything to go perfectly. Her business is on the line, and so is her chance to mend a strained relationship with her powerful parents—the ones footing the bill.

Neither of them expects the spark between them.

Addey never planned to fall for the man who resents everything her family stands for. Declan never imagined he’d be drawn to the Hamiltons’ daughter. But as tensions rise and emotions deepen, their unexpected connection could cost them everything they’ve worked for—and maybe even a shot at love.

You’re Invited!

Every year during the first week of August I host a big bookish bash in my Facebook group – The Posse. It’s hard for me to believe, but this year marks year number 8 for the group, and we’re still going strong. I’m so blessed by this community of readers. We have so much bookish fun and everyone is always quick with an encouraging word or a funny pun. And when I need brainstorming help or a focus group to give me reader opinions on images/ads, my Posse is where I turn first.

Because they are such a blessing to me, I try to return the favor by throwing a week-long birthday bash each summer. All this week we’ve been playing games and having loads of fun. There are daily prizes to be had including signed books, custom mugs, bookish goodies, and a whole lot more.

It’s not too late to join the fun. If you’re not a member of my Posse, you can join today and still get in on the celebration. Just look for the posts marked “Posse Party #_” and play the game and leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win that day’s prizes. You can go back to enter for previous days as well since winners won’t be chosen until Saturday. There will be a digital download party favor available to everyone who comes.

Join the Posse Party Here

Here’s an example of the games we play. This is one we used last year. Enter your answer in the comments here for fun.

At the time of the writing of this post, I was reading a Bible Study Guide on a Jet Ski. LOL!

What is your reading pleasure?

Redefining “Booktrovert”

With all the “bookish” paraphernalia that has arisen in the past few years, one of the shirts I’ve long wanted to order is: 

From Piper and Ivy

I’ve latched onto the term. I decided it aptly described me as an introvert who reads. But the other day, I looked up the definition as others understand it. 

From Amazon

Mind you, this is not an actual dictionary word. But this definition is the one bandied about in the culture of readers: someone who prefers the company of fictional characters to real people. 

Of course, I laughed the first time I read it. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was not what I had been thinking when I pegged myself as a booktrovert. 

I am a classic introvert. I prefer people one-on-one or in small groups. I hate chit-chat. I prefer more substantial conversations. Lots of people—whether all at one time or smaller groups over a short time—exhaust me. I have to refuel. 

Now, introverts tend to refuel alone. But this doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s napping. For some, it’s simply quietness. For some, it involves movies or binge-watching TV. For my husband, refueling often involves watching baseball games. And reading. 

Do you see where this is going? 

I love to read. I love story. I love learning about new locations and time periods. But I don’t prefer fictional characters to real people, even if they don’t drain me like real people do! If I did prefer fictional characters, I would not be a life pleasing to God. For God has called me to love flesh-and-blood people the way He does. And this means giving preference to time in the company of others. 

Reading, however, does help me to love people better because: 

Reading about characters whose experiences are different from mine helps me relate to people I might not normally understand. Reading to refuel helps me have the energy to interact in meaningful ways the next time I am with people.  

Do I still want the Booktrovert shirt (the cute, first one)? Yes. I love the term and believe it truly applies. But I would hate for anyone to get the wrong idea and think I prefer fictional people to the real ones, the people Jesus died and rose to save from sin and fill with new life. 

Maybe I need to buy the shirt and only wear it at home, when I’m truly “booktroverting.” 

Do you consider yourself a booktrovert in either sense of the definition? I’d love to hear what you think! 

Coeur d’Alene Writers Retreat…22 years now in the books

Late last night, I returned from our annual Coeur d’Alene Retreat, a wonderful five-day weekend with a group of writers who have become so precious to me over the past 22 years. They’re among my dearest friends, and I’m grateful for each of them.

This weekend’s retreat was especially meaningful. Because it was our last formal gathering in CdA.

Have you seen the pics on-line where you video your group walking toward the camera then grab stills from the video? Well, this is us starting out. And this is us toward the end!

Only 7 (out of 11) were able to make it this year. Personal/family health issues or the loss of a loved one prevented the others from coming. And oh we missed them! It just wasn’t the same.

As always, there was lots of brainstorming novels, recounting God’s blessings, worshiping together, tons of laughter, reflecting and reminiscing, fabulous food…and I’m still holding the memories close.

Robin (Lee Hatcher) and I have been rooming together for years (missing you, Robin). I used to sleep in the “dormitory” in the basement on a blow-up mattress until a mouse ran across me either that 2nd or 3rd year, then I moved upstairs to Robin’s room. LOL (Plus it was COLD in the basement and my feet just would not get warm. ) Robin and I are great roommates. We both rise early, love to visit, and we both sleep with white noise.

With Robin

Here’s a glimpse from a recent year when we were all there . . .

Back row (L to R): Brandilyn Collins, Francine Rivers, Sandy Sheppard, Tricia Goyer Front Row (L to R): Robin Lee Hatcher, moi, Sharon Dunn, Karen Ball, Sunni Jeffers, Janet Ulbright, and Gayle DeSalles in front

These CdA Sisters have shaped not only my writing—honing me, challenging me. But they’ve shaped me for eternity. I cannot imagine this earthly walk without them and am thankful to Jesus that we have an eternity with Him to continue to grow in our knowledge and wisdom of Him together. Because He is what it’s all about.

It takes time—and the Lord Jesus—to develop these kinds of deep, eternal relationships. I’m praying you have these kind of friendships in your life, too.

What’s a special gathering or event you’ve had to “say goodbye” to? One whose ending you grieved even as you realized that seasons change and that endings are also part of new beginnings.

Love from my corner of Nashville where Tuesday means GramTam Day. We keep our two grands every TU/TH. Talk about the highlight of my week. Precious.

These are snapshots from lunch today. FUN day still in progress!

Love from my corner of Nashville,

Tammy

House Work

Someone recently asked what I do to celebrate the Sabbath, and my answer is taken from the Bible: “Do no ordinary work.” Since my ordinary work is writing, sabbath activities tend to center around house work–things that just never seem to get done in the ordinary scheme of things.

So the other night I was flipping through Facebook reels and I saw an ad for a magnetic dryer vent. My heart went pitter patter. We have lived in this house for eight years, you see, and NEVER has our dryer vent functioned properly. The part of the vent that goes into the wall is all distorted, so the flexible vent hose never fits onto it very well. I have tried tightening it, taping it, even zip-tying it, and it barely holds. And it sits behind the washer, not the dryer (my laundry room is backwards) so if the washer shimmies even a bit too much during a heavy load, it will jostle the vent from the exhaust thing, and soon I have a laundry room filled with humidity, heat, and dryer dust. I’ve had so much humidity that the drywall has begun to bubble. So much heat that I always have to have a window open when I run the dryer, and so much dust that I sneeze every time I go into the laundry room.

So imagine my delight when I saw this magnet thing–it is a solid thingamajig with a magnet on the exhaust port and a tube that fits onto the dryer with a magnet at THAT end. Then you push the dryer back toward the wall and “click”–the dryer part seals with the vent part and it will not be dislodged.

I found it on Amazon and ordered it. Then I went to Home Depot and bought a reducer which would change the messed-up wall port from a four-inch opening to a three-inch opening (did I mention the rats that keep entering from the outside and also doing their part to dislodge the flexible hose? They can still fit through a 3″ hole, but they’ll have nowhere to go but in the dryer).

The gizmo recommended a SOLID vent pipe, and I had one in the garage about six feet long. I googled how to cut such a thing, and I was told to use a reciprocating saw or tin snips. So at Home Depot I also bought a reciprocating saw and blades for cutting metal.

So on Saturday, I pulled out the dryer (easy) and the washer (hard!) and squeezed back into that space. Swept up tons of dust and even rat droppings. Tossed away the old flexible hose (which was a waste, anyway). Then I installed the part of the gizmo that goes on the wall, shoved the reducer into the wall, and measured the distance between one opening and the other. I needed 27.5 inches of solid vent pipe.

Went outside to use the fancy new saw, but that thing kicked like a mule, and it was HEAVY. Hubby had to hold the dryer vent pipe steady while I tried to cut it, but I just couldn’t do it. So I got the hack saw, got a hole started, and cut the rest with tin snips. Not to worry–I had a tree fall over the other day, and I can use the fancy saw to cut what’s left of that down. I’m sure I’ll find lots of uses for it.

It took me a couple of hours, but finally I had all the pipes and gadgets tightened up and taped together. And Sunday morning, when I dried a load of clothes, for the first time in eight years the laundry room wasn’t hot, dusty, or humid. Ta da! It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

I know I will have to take it apart about once a year to clean it out, but that’s okay. At least it is now fixed properly.

What home projects have you tackled lately? Isn’t it a glorious feeling when you’re DONE?

~~Angie

FIVE-SECOND GOLDFISH MEMORY

I’ve heard it said that a goldfish has a memory that lasts about 5 seconds. So as it swims around its tiny round fishbowl with a castle in the center for decoration, it is constantly thinking, “Look, I have a castle.” 5 seconds. “Oh, wow! I have a castle.” 5 seconds. “Well, will you look at that. I have a castle!”

Friends, dare I say that we are a lot like the goldfish.

Have you ever read the Old Testament and thought something like, “How could the Israelites forget what God did for them?” All of the plagues in Egypt. Parting the Red Sea. Manna in the wilderness. Causing the walls of Jericho to fall down. Making the sun stand still.

We would never forget. Right?

Well, maybe not you. But I am guilty of forgetting the many ways God has blessed me and rescued me and sustained me. When life gets easy (or easier), I coast and my memories dim. And then life hits me up alongside the head, the storms rage, and I’m ready to shout, “Father, where are You? Don’t You care that I am perishing?” (see Mark 4:38-41)

Our five-second goldfish memories are one of the reasons it is so important to be saturated in the Word of God. To nail down those biblical truths and memorize those verses. It is also good, I believe, to write down those moments, circumstances, events when God showed up for us. So that the next time the winds rise and the storms rage, we can point to the past and say, “God didn’t fail me then. He won’t fail me now.”

Fourteen years ago this month, I wrote a blog post that asked others to share what Bible verses had kept the reader steady when the rest of the world seemed to be violently rocking. The two verses that came first to my mind back then were: “His grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9) and “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). 

Today, I would say Isaiah 42:16, “I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone” and Matthew 28:20b, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We need the Word of God hidden in our hearts so that we can overcome our five-second goldfish memories. We need to remember the goodness of God. We need to remember that He is more than able, no matter what we face.

Would you care to share a moment when God showed up for you? A memory that, despite the five-second tendency, you will never forget.

~robin