Mona Hodgson's Blog, page 22

New Wagon Train Adventure Romance Series & Book Giveaway

We may have left the Colorado mining camp in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series behind (for now), but we didn’t say goodbye to all of its characters. Nope. Couldn’t do it. If you’ve read The Quilted Heart ebook novellas, you know who might be saying goodbye to the post Civil War Saint Charles Quilting Circle to join the Boone’s Lick Wagon Train Company on the trek west.

August 6th, Book 1
Hearts Seeking Home Series

About This Book

The first step in a challenging journey is often the one that means the most.   

Though it means saying goodbye to the beloved friends and spiritual mentors of her St. Charles, Missouri quilting circle, Anna Goben is certain that she needs to enlist her family in the Boones Lick Company wagon train. The loss of her beloved brother in the Civil War has paralyzed her mother and grandfather in a malaise of grief and depression and Anna is convinced that only a fresh start in the Promised Land of California can bring her family back to her. Although the unknown perils of the trail west loom, Anna’s commitment to caring for her loved ones leaves no room for fear—or even loving someone new.

During the five-month journey, trail hand Caleb Reger plans to keep a low profile as he watches over the band of travelers. Guarding secrets about his past and avoiding God’s calling on his life, Caleb wants to steer as far from Anna as she does him, but she proves to be just as he assessed her from the beginning— independent, beautiful trouble.

Led by a pillar of hope, the group faces rough terrain that begins to take a toll on their spirits. Will the wilderness of suffering lead them astray, or will the gentle song of love that echoes across the prairie turn their hearts toward God’s grace and the promise of a new home?

PRE-ORDER PRAIRIE SONG!

PRAISE FOR PRAIRIE SONG . . .

“Mona Hodgson pens a wonderful story of love and self-reflection in Prairie Song.  Touching on elements of real life that are relevant to today, Mona weaves in a loving message of hope and forgiveness that gives the reader cause to pause and think on the blessing we have in grace.  I enjoyed reading this story and definitely recommend it to readers who find pleasure in a tender historical romance.” ~Tracie Peterson, award-winning author of over ninety books, including the Land of Shining Water series

“Writing with great sensitivity, Mona Hodgson has crafted a beautiful story of family loyalties, loss, and forgiveness.  Out of the pain of addiction springs new hope and strength and a chance for love.  Prairie Song is a heartfelt journey you won’t want to miss.” ~Margaret Brownley, New York Times best-selling author of Dawn Comes Early, Waiting for Morning, and Gunpowder Tea

“As hearts and lives are still healing from the effects of the Civil War, the colorful cast of characters in Prairie Song will take you on an adventure where love is as unpredictable as the journey west. With a quilting circle of friends all seeking new beginnings, and a group of charming soldiers yearning to win their hearts, sweet romance abounds in this first installment of Mona Hodgson’s Hearts Seeking Home series.” ~Joanne Bischof, author of Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart Is Torn

“I fell in love with Caleb and Anna from the first page, and as their journeys led them down the path of love and faith, I followed happily. Prairie Song is a novel that will stay with me long after the last page has been turned. Mona Hodgson has done it again with Prairie Song!” ~Kathleen Y’Barbo, best-selling author of the Secret Lives of Will Tucker series and the Rocky Mountain Heiress series

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

To enter the drawing for an early copy of PRAIRIE SONG, comment and include your email address! Drawing Friday, 7/5/2013, 10:0pm (AZ time).

If you had lived in the 1800′s, would you have been tempted to go west in a wagon? Why? Why not?

7 Activities for Summer Fun with the Kiddos

For many kids, school is out for most of the summer. And they’re ready for some summer fun. Whether you’re able to oblige them on a weekday or on the weekend, I’ve gathered 10 suggestions Mom, Dad, Grammy, and/or Papa can use to entertain the kiddos. Might even be able to sneak in some productivity and educational value while you’re at it. Besides, lessons in the art of playing can be priceless at any age.

Photo Credit: Parents Magazine

MILK CARTON BIRD HOUSES made with milk or juice cartons, sticks, and buttons. http://innerchildfun.com/2011/07/around-the-web-made-from-milk-cartons.html

ALPHABET TREASURE HUNT, indoors or outdoors. Set out foam or block letters and the kiddos match up items to the corresponding letter of the alphabet. For instance, A…maybe bring a wooden airplane to the game. http://boysgerms.com.au/2012/08/alphabet-treasure-hunt/

LEARN TO SIGN A SONG the kids can share at the next family gathering. http://youtu.be/GIhIXhvOJU4

AIRPLANE CLIP MAGNETS, using clothespins and popsicle sticks. http://boysgerms.com.au/2012/08/aeroplane-clip-with-magnet/

BUTTERFLY CUPCAKES with pretzel knots and M&Ms. http://testingtrendy123.blogspot.com/2013/01/strawberry-butterfly-cupcakes.html

CORK BOATS, made with wine corks and origami paper. http://firstdayofmae.blogspot.com/2013/06/monday-funday-cork-boats.html

CELERY STAMPING with celery stalks and frosting. http://www.craftoart.com/2012/01/celery-stamping.html

What are some of your favorite summer activities with your kiddos?

 

 

Sinclair Sisters Fun and Yum for Book Clubs

Do the members of your book club or reading group enjoy reading series and spending time with an ensemble cast? If so, the four Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series might be a great fit. And I’m happy to say the 1890s Colorado mining camp series lends itself well to having fun with Victorian, Old West, Mining Camp flair.

Your group might want a themed meeting after each of the books, or may choose to save the party for after they’ve read Twice a Bride, the conclusion of the series. Either way, here are some meeting ideas and resources for a Sinclair Sisters celebration.

Decorations:

Decorate with Victorian flair–quilts, hats, checker boards, irons, phonograph, phonograph records, vintage books, etc.

Decorate with a sisters’ theme in mind–plaques, gift books, portraits, pictures that celebrate sisters, etc.

Decorate with Miss Hattie’s boardinghouse in mind. Perhaps things you might find in the parlor–settee, armed chair, phonograph, oil lamps, quilts, etc.

Decorate with a mining camp theme–headlamps, candle lanterns, gold mining pans, books on mining and miners, etc.

Miss Hattie’s Phonograph Records?

Food:

Plan a tea party and serve Miss Hattie’s Lemon Scones or Miss Hattie’s Vanilla Pound Cake and Berry Sauce.

Prepare Nell Sinclair Archer’s Peanut Cabbage Salad for a luncheon.

Games and Activities:

A Checker’s Tournament, a favorite Sinclair family pastime.

Anyone in the group have Victorian costumes? Maybe a time period fashion show?

Has the group read all of the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novels? If so, who are the members’ favorite heroines and heroes? Why?

Choose a favorite photo from my Cripple Creek Album to Share with the group or look at the album on a screen linking to it from my website: www.monahodgson.com.

Have someone share a devotional inspired by the book or series. Or read Got Laughter? A Twice a Bride devotional.

Have someone read a list of humorous or poignant Victorian Etiquette tips. The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette is a fun resource.

Costumes:

Encourage everyone to wear at least one “Victorian Era” clothing item to the meeting, could be fun too. For instance: A hat or lace gloves, a shawl or cape, a brooch or cameo pendant.

Book Signing at Flying W Ranch, Colorado Springs

Author Participation:

If you’re reading a Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novel, I’d be honored to “attend” your book club meeting. In person, if I live within an hour of the group or if I’m going to be visiting the area. Otherwise, we could arrange a virtual meeting and chat via Skype, FaceTime, or speaker phone. If we schedule the virtual event far enough in advance (preferably at least a month or so ahead), I’ll mail you a Book Club Packet that includes bookmarks and/or recipe cards, flyers or brochures, and signed book plates for each member of our group.

Watch the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series Book Trailer

Discussion Questions for THE SINCLAIR SISTERS OF CRIPPLE CREEK BOOKS . . .

Two Brides Too Many

Too Rich for a Bride

The Bride Wore Blue

Twice a Bride

I’d love to hear your ideas. Does your book club enjoy themed meetings? What kinds of things does your reading group do to celebrate a good read? 

Book Club Fun and Yum with the Sinclair Sisters

Do the members of your book club or reading group enjoy reading series and spending time with an ensemble cast? If so, the four Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series might be a great fit. And I’m happy to say the 1890s Colorado mining camp series lends itself well to having fun with Victorian, Old West, Mining Camp flair.

Your group might want a themed meeting after each of the books, or may choose to save the party for after they’ve read Twice a Bride, the conclusion of the series. Either way, here are some meeting ideas and resources for a Sinclair Sisters celebration.

Decorations:

Decorate with Victorian flair–quilts, hats, checker boards, irons, phonograph, phonograph records, vintage books, etc.

Decorate with a sisters’ theme in mind–plaques, gift books, portraits, pictures that celebrate sisters, etc.

Decorate with Miss Hattie’s boardinghouse in mind. Perhaps things you might find in the parlor–settee, armed chair, phonograph, oil lamps, quilts, etc.

Decorate with a mining camp theme–headlamps, candle lanterns, gold mining pans, books on mining and miners, etc.

Miss Hattie’s Phonograph Records?

Food:

Plan a tea party and serve Miss Hattie’s Lemon Scones or Miss Hattie’s Vanilla Pound Cake and Berry Sauce.

Prepare Nell Sinclair Archer’s Peanut Cabbage Salad for a luncheon.

Games and Activities:

A Checker’s Tournament, a favorite Sinclair family pastime.

Anyone in the group have Victorian costumes? Maybe a time period fashion show?

Has the group read all of the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novels? If so, who are the members’ favorite heroines and heroes? Why?

Choose a favorite photo from my Cripple Creek Album to Share with the group or look at the album on a screen linking to it from my website: www.monahodgson.com.

Have someone share a devotional inspired by the book or series. Or read Got Laughter? A Twice a Bride devotional.

Have someone read a list of humorous or poignant Victorian Etiquette tips. The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette is a fun resource.

Costumes:

Encourage everyone to wear at least one “Victorian Era” clothing item to the meeting, could be fun too. For instance: A hat or lace gloves, a shawl or cape, a brooch or cameo pendant.

Book Signing at Flying W Ranch, Colorado Springs

Author Participation:

If you’re reading a Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novel, I’d be honored to “attend” your book club meeting. In person, if I live within an hour of the group or if I’m going to be visiting the area. Otherwise, we could arrange a virtual meeting and chat via Skype, FaceTime, or speaker phone. If we schedule the virtual event far enough in advance (preferably at least a month or so ahead), I’ll mail you a Book Club Packet that includes bookmarks and/or recipe cards, flyers or brochures, and signed book plates for each member of our group.

Watch the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series Book Trailer

Discussion Questions for THE SINCLAIR SISTERS OF CRIPPLE CREEK BOOKS . . .

Two Brides Too Many

Too Rich for a Bride

The Bride Wore Blue

Twice a Bride

I’d love to hear your ideas. Does your book club enjoy themed meetings? What kinds of things does your reading group do to celebrate a good read? 

Worry: 10 Compelling Quotes

Insidious, worry seeps into our thoughts then into our actions like a bacteria that can devour all reason and erode faith.

Fact is, there will always be a boatload of things we could fret about. But is that really how we want to spend our time and energy?

I found ten quotes that can help us put worry in perspective.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”  Corrie ten Boom

“Worry is a misuse of the imagination.” Dan Zadra

“Worry is like a rocking-chair. It gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.” Wayne Bennett

“Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have no reason to worry. But if it is I [the Lord God], then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive.” Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

“Drag your thoughts away from your troubles…by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it.” Mark Twain

“Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” Oswald Chamber

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?’” Luke 12:22 23, 25

Don’t worry, worship!” Rick Warren

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Harry A. Ironside

How do you put worry in its place?

 

 

 

Dream Walking with Dad

Dad clicked closed the footrest on his recliner and glanced up at me. “You ready?”

“Yep.” I finished dragging the dishrag across the dining room table. “Just let me grab a jacket.”

To Dad and I walks were like parties are to children. Any occasion could prompt a walk. Whether we’d just polished off a Thanksgiving feast, unwrapped Christmas gifts, or it was simply Saturday, the circumstance called for a stroll.

At the road, Dad would take the outside edge to protect me from traffic. Arms swinging, we’d soon hit our stride.

Trips to see my paternal grandparents, league bowlers, usually included a visit to a bowling alley. Though antsy, Dad would watch their first game, then he’d look over at me. “You ready?”

After more than twenty years in law enforcement, Dad realized his dream of full-time ministry. Following his ordination, we walked.

Sometimes Dad and I explored model homes, kicked tires on used cars, and usually stopped to savor a frozen yogurt cone. Many walks took us through RV sales lots. Climbing into the motorhomes and travel trailers, Dad dreamed aloud about trips he and Mom would take.

During those times we spent traveling on our feet, Dad and I formed bonds of friendship and mutual understanding. We laughed, discussed possibilities, and shared our dreams. And I was sure we could solve any problem–ours or someone else’s–while we pounded the pavement exploring new territory.

A particular Thanksgiving weekend walk remains vivid in my memory. As we strolled his Phoenix neighborhood, Dad told me about his dream to have a portable locksmith business when he retired (yep, out of the back of one of those RVs). That was the same day I told him about my dream to be a writer.

A few months later, Dad asked, “Whatever happened with your writing? Are you doing anything with it yet?”

“Not much,” I answered. “Think I should?”

“Well, I don’t know that you’ll become rich or famous writing, but I think God has given you something important to say.”

I believed him. And some of what I have to say has been in print for twenty-five years now. Dad was right. I’m not rich or famous. But I am well off in memories and in the legacy Dad lavished upon me.

One of our last long walks took place in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. In 1990, Dad was doing pulpit supply for a small church in Nutrioso. Bob and I and our two daughters went along for the weekend, lodging with a couple from the church. Saturday, Dad and I headed down the dirt road beside the house, toward a creek.

Mid-step, a deserted, dilapidated cabin caught my eye and the fiction writer’s what if? question took root deep inside me. What if it was Gram’s cabin? What if something dreadful happened there and the heroine hadn’t returned to the scene for fourteen years…until she faced losing Gram.

What came next? Twenty years of preparation while I dreamed of being a published novelist. In 2009, that dream came true.

Dad put feet on fatherhood and taught me to dream. He gave me permission to daydream. Even encouraged it.

Thanks, Dad!

In honor of my dad, Bill Gansberg, and in sweet memory of our dream-walking, I’m GIVING AWAY four Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novels. Be one of four people who will win a book. Comment on this post to enter the drawing. Your comment must include your email address for easy notification. Drawing takes place at 10:00pm (AZ time) this Sunday, on Father’s Day.

 

 

 

Balloons, Scones, and Other Blessings!

Ever been to Phoenix, Arizona? Ever been to Crossroads Books and Coffee? Books, coffee, a piano, sitting areas, sweet staff–it’s a destination! Visit once, and you won’t want to return to Phoenix without stopping in at Crossroads.

This past Saturday, I headed down to Phoenix to participate in a bookstore Anniversary Celebration Event. Phil and Karen and the rest of the staff at Crossroads Books and Coffee made it a super fun Author Book Signing.

Mona at Crossroads Books and Coffee, Phoenix

The staff created a festive atmosphere with a beautiful display of the books. Balloons too! I provided a special edition Twice a Bride mug full of Cerreta Candy Company chocolate boots, and the staff hosted a Giveaway.

The sweet greetings, warm smiles, and a bouquet of flowers made me feel right at home.

A cup of their signature White Chocolate Caribou coffee was a yummy part of the warm welcome.

It’s all pretty impressive, right? Then you step around the corner and see the table.

Foods from Miss Hattie’s Boardinghouse in Too Rich for a Bride and The Bride Wore Blue

Miss Hattie’s Lemon Scones

Miss Hattie’s Vanilla Pound Cake and Berry Sauce

What a wonderful surprise! And yummy too.

Miss Hattie’s Lemon Scones

Miss Hattie’s Vanilla Pound Cake and Berry Sauce

Happy 37 Years in Business Store Anniversary Crossroads Books and Coffee! And thanks for celebrating the completion of The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series with me.

I’m already excited about my return to Crossroads Books and Coffee for a Prairie Song Launch Party, Saturday, August 24th! If you’re in Phoenix, please come join us.

Do you have a favorite bookstore you like to visit? What makes it special?

 

Are You a Savvy Yard Sale Shopper?

If my hubby, Bob, put bumper stickers on his van, this one would be appropriate, “I Stop for All Yard Sales, Garage Sales, Rummage Sales, and Swap Meets.”

Bob has a knack for mining such places for treasure. He knows how to sift through garage and attic chaff for a golden harvest. Our family and friends know to give Bob a list. For my mom, it was a bonnet hairdryer. For his mom, a carpet for her living room. A treadmill for a sister. An elliptical machine for a daughter. And his finds on my behalf include: black lace-up boots and hats for my Victorian costumes, a settee and a rocker for my office, sad irons, a Victorian phonograph to inspire me as I write historical fiction.

Because of Bob’s aptitude for second-hand shopping, I asked him to share his top tips with us.

1. You’ll find two types of yard sales: People trying to clean out their garage. And People trying to pay for their garage. If the first few items seem over-priced, they all will be. They’re just as happy to pack the stuff back into their garage and pull it all out another weekend…until someone finally buys it. The best deals are in the first one because those people just want to clear out the stuff.

2. The more bombastic the rummage sale sign, the less likely there’s anything you need. For example: “Huge” and “gigantic,” aren’t. Still go, just don’t expect much. “Multi-Family Sale” usually means clothing, especially baby clothing. Estate Sales often bring in what didn’t sell at the last five Estate Sales, especially if run by a professional. These are essentially a moving junk store.

3. Go early for treasure, if you don’t mind paying higher prices. Art, jewelry, high-end furniture are usually gone quickly if the prices are right.

4. If the first thing you see at a yard sale is a print out from e-Bay, turn around and leave. Just because someone’s wildest dream in Florida prices an item, doesn’t make it the going price. You could probably buy it for less at Wal-Mart or Craigslist.

5. Remember, real yard sales only exist for a couple of hours early in the day. Don’t waste your time on marginal deals when you might find the same thing at the next sale for half the price. In the average size town, if you decide there is something you can’t live without, you can probably go back.

6. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to ask. Being an electronic technician, I always ask if there is electronic stuff they want to get rid of. Most of it isn’t worth storing, but I do occasionally find good parts.

7. If the sale has enough interesting stuff, stay and chat awhile before negotiating. People will give even new friends a better deal. You’re not at a department store, don’t be afraid to negotiate.

8. Don’t waste yours or the seller’s time if you know it’s a good deal and you know they know it’s a good deal. Buy it.

9. Check back at the end of the sale for the best deals. You may not find the highest value items, but you’ll get the best price.

10. Beware: Wooden items, such as desks and dressers, may have hidden cracks or broken drawer slides. Particle board furniture has usually crumbled under the “skin,” and any wheel sockets may be unusable. Plastic toys and shelving units are usually in the process of recycling themselves at the molecular level. Check bundled sheet sets for a hidden hole. If a set is what you’re looking for, it only takes one defective piece to mar the set. Anything inflatable, won’t. Check clothes thoroughly for stains and iron marks. Unless you’re a technician, stay away from electronics. “It worked the last time I used it” means it stopped working, and he stopped using it.

Yard Sales can be a source of treasure, but are most often a source of entertainment. Keeping that in mind wil allow you to have a fun day, and who knows…you might just find the thing you’ve been looking for.


Have FUN with a complete understanding of the concept “Caveat Emptor”—Let the Buyer Beware. Don’t expect any refunds. Once the deal is done, the product is yours.

Do you shop yard sales? Have some great finds to share with us? Or maybe some yard sale shopping tips of you own?

© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker

The Role of Art in the Westward Expansion

Karen Witemeyer
Guest Author

Glorifying the Wilderness Experience

So many things drove the westward expansion of the 1800s. The lure of a better life. Cheap land. Adventure. The railroad. Art.

Art?

Wait a minute. How did art drive the westward expansion?

Home in the Woods by Thomas Cole (1847)

In the mid-1800s, a new wave hit the artistic community, a desire to show nature in its most glorified state. Known as the Hudson River School, this movement focused on dramatic landscapes painted with romanticism and wonderful uses of light and detail to make the subject even more attractive than it might usually appear. It derived its name from the original locales that were painted–such places as the Hudson River Valley, Catskills, Adirondack, and the White Mountains. As the movement grew and inspired a second generation of painters, however, the landscapes they painted encompassed wilderness areas from as far away as South America and Syria. The themes of the paintings fit so perfectly with the American persona of the time—themes of discovery, exploration, and settlement. And for a growing number of east coast citizens, the appeal came in viewing untamed landscapes and idyllic nature scenes so different from the bustling cities to which they had become accustomed.

Thomas Cole is considered by most to be the father of the Hudson River School, but it was his prize pupil, Frederic Edwin Church, who became a true celebrity. Some of the finest works from the Hudson River School were painted between 1855 and 1875, and Church’s works constituted the majority. His paintings are truly stunning. I must admit that I fell in love with them myself. Here are a few of my favorites:

Niagra Falls (1857)

The Natural Bridge – Virginia (1852)

Twilight in the Wilderness (1860)

You really have to see larger images to do them justice.

In the 20th century, the term luminism was coined to describe this style. It is characterized by attention to detail and the hiding of brush strokes so that nothing distracts from the vision of nature being depicted. Artists in the Hudson River School for the most part believed that nature in the form of the American landscape was a manifestation of God. Therefore they painted highly realistic yet idealized renderings of what they had seen on their travels.

New!

In Stealing the Preacher, Joanna Robbins’s mother was an art teacher back east who was greatly influenced by the Hudson River School. It is her dedication to this style of art that drives her to leave her safe city life to search out her own wilderness to paint. This, of course, eventually leads her to Texas and the wild man who will become her husband. She passes her love of art on to her daughter. Joanna embraces this passion, though she finds she has a better eye for capturing people than landscapes on her canvases.

What type of art speaks to your heart? I’ve always preferred realistic landscapes that capture the glory of God’s creation. That’s probably why these paintings gripped me so completely. What about you? Do you have a painting or print in your house that you just adore? What painting would you buy if money was no object? I’d love to hear about it.

I’m giving away a copy of Stealing the Preacher to one lucky commenter, so don’t be shy! Your comment must include your email address. (US residents only)

MONA: Thank you, Karen, for this fabulous peek into the art that inspired folks to people the West! We appreciate the Book Giveaway too!

Karen’s Website

Karen on Facebook

Ruth Graham Quotes on Marriage, Mothering, and Faith

Ruth Bell Graham first became known as evangelist Billy Graham’s wife, but she soon became shepherd to a flock of her own.

My dad was the one who introduced me to Ruth Graham’s writing when he handed me a copy of her book, Sitting By My Laughing Fire. Ruth Graham’s poetry, heart, humor, honesty, and down-to-earth faith quickly endeared me to her.

Here are five of my favorite Ruth Bell Graham Quotes:

Marriage

“It is a foolish woman who expects her husband to be to her that which only Jesus Christ Himself can be: always ready to forgive, totally understanding, unendingly patient, invariably tender and loving, unfailing in every area, anticipating every need, and making more than adequate provision. Such expectations put a man under an impossible strain” ~ Ruth Bell Graham

“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” ~ Ruth Bell Graham

Motherhood

“If I cannot give my children a perfect mother I can at least give them more of the one they’ve got–and make that one more loving.  I will be available.  I will take time to listen, time to play, time to be home when they arrive from school, time to counsel and encouerage.” ~ Ruth Bell Graham

Faith

“Down through the years, I turned to the Bible and found in it all that I needed” ~ Ruth Bell Graham

“Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart.” ~ Ruth Bell Graham

Do you have a favorite Ruth Bell Graham moment, book, or quote?