Lisa J. Crane's Blog, page 4
July 7, 2014
Marvelous Monday: New Beginnings
There's a feature here on Goodreads--Ask the Author--in which you can ask your favorite author questions. Pretty much just what the title suggests. The author can pick and choose which question(s) they answer. They can also flag questions as inappropriate. (Although I've not run into it, I understand there's a pretty nasty contingent on GR ... people who delight in being really hateful to others.)
I hope some of you will take advantage of this feature, and not just with me. It sometimes still amazes me how small the internet has made the world in which we live. I've met people from the other side of the planet. Think about that. A homebody like me, who's lived most of her life in the same little town in Texas, and I have friends across the USA and in Europe. And I can find my favorite author here on Goodreads and ask him or her any question I want.
A few days ago the Goodreads Team asked several questions (I think they probably pushed the same questions out to all, or most, of the authors.) One of them was, "What are you currently working on?"
I answered that I'm working on ... yep, the next book in the McKenna's Haven series. The working title is Maddy's Faith. The funny thing is, the book has already changed directions from the way it took shape in my head at first. And that's okay, because that certainly worked with McKenna's story. But I'm only on Chapter 2, for Pete's sake.
But I also have another book I'm working on, of which I've actually written quite a bit more than Maddy's story. I don't have a working title yet, but the H/h are Finn and Josie, and the story is based on a really big case of mistaken identity.
And then there's this other little short story rattling around in my head. That one is about Payton and Jensen, and I have the front and the end worked out, just not the middle bit. Kind of puts a damper on things, but I'll get it eventually.
So there you have it. That's what makes this a Marvelous Monday. I'm a weirdo who likes Monday anyway, because it's the start of a new week, with new possibilities for wonderful things. But a Monday with a new WIP? Yeah, even better. AND my Honey Bunny is off this week, so that just adds to the MAHHHVELOUSNESS of it all.
So here's to new beginnings every single Marvelous Monday. Go make it a marvelous week!
I hope some of you will take advantage of this feature, and not just with me. It sometimes still amazes me how small the internet has made the world in which we live. I've met people from the other side of the planet. Think about that. A homebody like me, who's lived most of her life in the same little town in Texas, and I have friends across the USA and in Europe. And I can find my favorite author here on Goodreads and ask him or her any question I want.
A few days ago the Goodreads Team asked several questions (I think they probably pushed the same questions out to all, or most, of the authors.) One of them was, "What are you currently working on?"
I answered that I'm working on ... yep, the next book in the McKenna's Haven series. The working title is Maddy's Faith. The funny thing is, the book has already changed directions from the way it took shape in my head at first. And that's okay, because that certainly worked with McKenna's story. But I'm only on Chapter 2, for Pete's sake.
But I also have another book I'm working on, of which I've actually written quite a bit more than Maddy's story. I don't have a working title yet, but the H/h are Finn and Josie, and the story is based on a really big case of mistaken identity.
And then there's this other little short story rattling around in my head. That one is about Payton and Jensen, and I have the front and the end worked out, just not the middle bit. Kind of puts a damper on things, but I'll get it eventually.
So there you have it. That's what makes this a Marvelous Monday. I'm a weirdo who likes Monday anyway, because it's the start of a new week, with new possibilities for wonderful things. But a Monday with a new WIP? Yeah, even better. AND my Honey Bunny is off this week, so that just adds to the MAHHHVELOUSNESS of it all.
So here's to new beginnings every single Marvelous Monday. Go make it a marvelous week!
June 25, 2014
Wonderful Wednesday: Washday for Your Heart
I've recently switched from one web-based music source to another one. I noticed that when I first pull the site up, a pretty lengthy list of albums is displayed, titled "Heavy Rotation." This means these are the albums being listened to, added to playlists and so on. The next thing I noticed is that easily more than half of them have the word EXPLICIT in red beneath the album name. Now put a pin in that.
Most of you know I'm a voracious reader, so most mornings follow a certain routine with me. After I'm up for the day, I sit down with my tablet and check my book sales. Then I check for comments on my blog (I'm usually disappointed, lol.). Then I check Facebook. Then I go to Amazon and see if there are any books I can't live without. I often check the free lists. And lately, it seems to me that the large majority of the books (in many different categories) are sexually explicit. I mean a LOT of them. Have another pin? Put it in this one, too.
Matthew tells us, "Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart , and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." (Matthew 15:17 - 19). [Emphasis is mine.]
Now take those pins out, and ask yourself what you're putting in your heart. Are you listening to music that has lyrics so explicit it requires a warning label? Are you reading books you'd be embarrassed to loan to a friend? If you answered yes to either of those, your next question needs to be, "Why?"
I'm old enough to have heard pretty much any argument you can make for listening to explicit songs. Don't try to tell me (or yourself) that you just listen to this song or that artist because of the music/melody/beat. If that's the reason you're listening, there are so many songs out there, you can absolutely find something with the same style, minus the foul and/or suggestive lyrics.
Side note to parents: Do you know what your child{ren} is {are} listening to? Word to the wise, if you hear rap coming from your teen's room or headphones, you need to pay attention. It's not only rap music that should concern you, but filth and foul language do seem pretty pervasive in the genre. However, the same attention needs to be paid to rock and country songs that include lyrics about drugs, alcohol, and sex. And no single genre has cornered the market on taking the Lord's name in vain.
The same can be said of books, particularly those marketed toward women. Please don't try to tell me you're reading so-called Mommy Porn because it helps your marriage. Don't kid yourself. In the long run, with very few exceptions, people are beginning to see the damage caused to marriages by the post-50 Shades onslaught of BDSM books. And seriously, are you going to sit there with a straight face and tell me reading about sex with vampires, werewolves, and werebears is helping your marriage? Puh-leeze.
And just as with music, there are so many writers out there who want to write good books while keeping things clean. Better yet, some of us are actually trying to impart a bit of scripture and faith with our romance or suspense or history. Surely you can find a favorite author whose goal is to use their talent to God's glory.
So is today washday for your heart? Do you need to take a step back and look at what you're putting in there? Because it's those things that can defile you or edify you. It's your choice.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday, and make good choices.
Most of you know I'm a voracious reader, so most mornings follow a certain routine with me. After I'm up for the day, I sit down with my tablet and check my book sales. Then I check for comments on my blog (I'm usually disappointed, lol.). Then I check Facebook. Then I go to Amazon and see if there are any books I can't live without. I often check the free lists. And lately, it seems to me that the large majority of the books (in many different categories) are sexually explicit. I mean a LOT of them. Have another pin? Put it in this one, too.
Matthew tells us, "Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart , and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." (Matthew 15:17 - 19). [Emphasis is mine.]
Now take those pins out, and ask yourself what you're putting in your heart. Are you listening to music that has lyrics so explicit it requires a warning label? Are you reading books you'd be embarrassed to loan to a friend? If you answered yes to either of those, your next question needs to be, "Why?"
I'm old enough to have heard pretty much any argument you can make for listening to explicit songs. Don't try to tell me (or yourself) that you just listen to this song or that artist because of the music/melody/beat. If that's the reason you're listening, there are so many songs out there, you can absolutely find something with the same style, minus the foul and/or suggestive lyrics.
Side note to parents: Do you know what your child{ren} is {are} listening to? Word to the wise, if you hear rap coming from your teen's room or headphones, you need to pay attention. It's not only rap music that should concern you, but filth and foul language do seem pretty pervasive in the genre. However, the same attention needs to be paid to rock and country songs that include lyrics about drugs, alcohol, and sex. And no single genre has cornered the market on taking the Lord's name in vain.
The same can be said of books, particularly those marketed toward women. Please don't try to tell me you're reading so-called Mommy Porn because it helps your marriage. Don't kid yourself. In the long run, with very few exceptions, people are beginning to see the damage caused to marriages by the post-50 Shades onslaught of BDSM books. And seriously, are you going to sit there with a straight face and tell me reading about sex with vampires, werewolves, and werebears is helping your marriage? Puh-leeze.
And just as with music, there are so many writers out there who want to write good books while keeping things clean. Better yet, some of us are actually trying to impart a bit of scripture and faith with our romance or suspense or history. Surely you can find a favorite author whose goal is to use their talent to God's glory.
So is today washday for your heart? Do you need to take a step back and look at what you're putting in there? Because it's those things that can defile you or edify you. It's your choice.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday, and make good choices.
June 23, 2014
Marvelous Monday: It's Raining!
In some parts of the country, you know exactly why rain makes this a marvelous Monday. But even if I didn't live in Texas, where we can most definitely use every drop of the precious stuff, I'd enjoy this. Even if I lived in, say Wisconsin, where it snowed about 80 bajillion feet this winter (#YKWYA), and now the melting is providing plenty of groundwater, I'd enjoy this. There's just something about waking up to a thunderstorm.
Side note: Oh, and in case you didn't know, #YKWYA means You Know Who You Are. That's my not-so-subtle way of letting my friends know that yes, I'm talking to them. In this case, it would be my friend, Crystal, who spent a disturbing amount of time this past winter closed up in a house with five children. I swear every time I talked with her via Facebook, it would be snowing. Every. Single. Time.
Where was I? Oh, yes, the rain. As I lay in bed this morning, listening to the rain and the thunder, my mind drifted to a conversation I had with another friend yesterday evening. You see, there's this project that's been stuck in my head for several months. It's a project based on a true story. Oh, not that kind. Not the kind where the guy with the deep voice warns you that it was "ripped from the headlines."
No, this true story is the kind that will give you goosebumps. It will make your eyes widen, your mouth fall open, and your breath catch. It's one of the most startling things I've ever heard in my life. It's also amazing, and wonderful, and will restore your faith in people. Or at least one lovely person.
So you see, I have to get the story just right. I'm going to focus more on this project than I am on the four romances that are currently rattling around in my head--although, to be honest, this story is very romantic, just not my usual kind of romance.
Anyway, as I lay there listening to the rain, a few ideas came to me. A few angles I could take in order to do this story justice. So now I'm very excited about the tale. This one is going to require a little research (and y'all know how much I love research ... not). But I think it'll be wonderful.
Are you intrigued yet? Good. I hope you'll stay that way while I work on this project. And it wouldn't hurt for you to toss a prayer my way so that I get it right. The working name is 500 Quilts. I already have a cover in mind, too, and I hate doing covers nearly as much as I dislike doing research.
So stay tuned. I'm interested to see how this unfolds, and I hope you will be, too.
Side note: Oh, and in case you didn't know, #YKWYA means You Know Who You Are. That's my not-so-subtle way of letting my friends know that yes, I'm talking to them. In this case, it would be my friend, Crystal, who spent a disturbing amount of time this past winter closed up in a house with five children. I swear every time I talked with her via Facebook, it would be snowing. Every. Single. Time.
Where was I? Oh, yes, the rain. As I lay in bed this morning, listening to the rain and the thunder, my mind drifted to a conversation I had with another friend yesterday evening. You see, there's this project that's been stuck in my head for several months. It's a project based on a true story. Oh, not that kind. Not the kind where the guy with the deep voice warns you that it was "ripped from the headlines."
No, this true story is the kind that will give you goosebumps. It will make your eyes widen, your mouth fall open, and your breath catch. It's one of the most startling things I've ever heard in my life. It's also amazing, and wonderful, and will restore your faith in people. Or at least one lovely person.
So you see, I have to get the story just right. I'm going to focus more on this project than I am on the four romances that are currently rattling around in my head--although, to be honest, this story is very romantic, just not my usual kind of romance.
Anyway, as I lay there listening to the rain, a few ideas came to me. A few angles I could take in order to do this story justice. So now I'm very excited about the tale. This one is going to require a little research (and y'all know how much I love research ... not). But I think it'll be wonderful.
Are you intrigued yet? Good. I hope you'll stay that way while I work on this project. And it wouldn't hurt for you to toss a prayer my way so that I get it right. The working name is 500 Quilts. I already have a cover in mind, too, and I hate doing covers nearly as much as I dislike doing research.
So stay tuned. I'm interested to see how this unfolds, and I hope you will be, too.
June 16, 2014
Marvelous Monday: Interview With the Author
Don't get excited. The interview is just me. I'm the interviewer and the interviewee. I'm so excited about the upcoming release of book #6 in my McKenna's Haven series, Delaney's Peace, that I thought I'd answer some questions. Questions you may or may not have asked. That's the beauty of a blog: I get to write what I want. ;-)
Some of these questions are based on emails I've received. Others are based on reviews. Still others come from questions I get asked on a fairly regular basis. So here goes.
How do you come up with your stories?
That's a really good question, and one that's not always easy to answer. As a writer, there are always stories going on in my head. Even while I was working on DP, I wrote a novella, You Were Always There, two short stories, and edited several other previously published works. But the whole time I was doing this, I jotted down notes for FOUR other stories. I don't know yet whether they'll be books, novellas or short stories. Only time will tell. So to answer the question, I'm not sure. The stories are always there.
Why is there so much praying in your books?
This has come up in more than a few reviews, and it always saddens me. I can't imagine not having that avenue of prayer. I mean, think about that for a minute. I assume most of my readers believe in God, so just let sink in the fact that He listens to what we have to say. God. Creator of the universe. He listens to me. He loves me and wants what's best for me, and He answers my prayers. Why wouldn't I want to include that in my books? Why wouldn't I want to reinforce that with some reader out there who may be experiencing doubt or discouragement? I believe God gave me this talent, and I need to use it for His glory, not mine.
Wow, there are some pretty steamy kisses in your books. Do you think that's appropriate for Christian romance?
Absolutely. I've blogged before about the fact that God is the one who made us as sexual beings. However--and this is important--He also expects us to enjoy that relationship in the proper bounds: marriage between one man and one woman.
When I write those kissing scenes, there is always a reason. I don't just throw them in to titillate my readers. Most of the time, those kisses are as big a surprise to my characters and me as they are to you, my reader. But in nearly every case, it's a single kiss. It's not extended 'making out' as one reviewer complained. And in nearly every case, following the kiss is an attempt by my characters to place themselves in another setting, a setting where they won't be tempted. You remember that old bumper sticker that says, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven," right? Well, in my mind I keep hearing, Christians aren't perfect, just prudent. Christians (at least my characters) feel the same sexual desires as anyone, they just don't place themselves directly in the path of temptation. And that's precisely why I write those steamy kisses. To show that a person can desire the man/woman they love without getting carried away until the time is right (after 'I do').
So those are my questions for today. Y'all know how I am. I may or may not blog tomorrow and answer more questions. If you have any questions, please ask them in a comment below, or on Facebook, and I'll answer them. I'm more excited than I can say about the release of Delaney's Peace. My hope and prayer is that it will be published on Friday, so who knows what I might blog this week?
Hope you enjoyed my little interview (wait, would this be considered talking to myself?), and that you'll have a Marvelous Monday.
Some of these questions are based on emails I've received. Others are based on reviews. Still others come from questions I get asked on a fairly regular basis. So here goes.
How do you come up with your stories?
That's a really good question, and one that's not always easy to answer. As a writer, there are always stories going on in my head. Even while I was working on DP, I wrote a novella, You Were Always There, two short stories, and edited several other previously published works. But the whole time I was doing this, I jotted down notes for FOUR other stories. I don't know yet whether they'll be books, novellas or short stories. Only time will tell. So to answer the question, I'm not sure. The stories are always there.
Why is there so much praying in your books?
This has come up in more than a few reviews, and it always saddens me. I can't imagine not having that avenue of prayer. I mean, think about that for a minute. I assume most of my readers believe in God, so just let sink in the fact that He listens to what we have to say. God. Creator of the universe. He listens to me. He loves me and wants what's best for me, and He answers my prayers. Why wouldn't I want to include that in my books? Why wouldn't I want to reinforce that with some reader out there who may be experiencing doubt or discouragement? I believe God gave me this talent, and I need to use it for His glory, not mine.
Wow, there are some pretty steamy kisses in your books. Do you think that's appropriate for Christian romance?
Absolutely. I've blogged before about the fact that God is the one who made us as sexual beings. However--and this is important--He also expects us to enjoy that relationship in the proper bounds: marriage between one man and one woman.
When I write those kissing scenes, there is always a reason. I don't just throw them in to titillate my readers. Most of the time, those kisses are as big a surprise to my characters and me as they are to you, my reader. But in nearly every case, it's a single kiss. It's not extended 'making out' as one reviewer complained. And in nearly every case, following the kiss is an attempt by my characters to place themselves in another setting, a setting where they won't be tempted. You remember that old bumper sticker that says, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven," right? Well, in my mind I keep hearing, Christians aren't perfect, just prudent. Christians (at least my characters) feel the same sexual desires as anyone, they just don't place themselves directly in the path of temptation. And that's precisely why I write those steamy kisses. To show that a person can desire the man/woman they love without getting carried away until the time is right (after 'I do').
So those are my questions for today. Y'all know how I am. I may or may not blog tomorrow and answer more questions. If you have any questions, please ask them in a comment below, or on Facebook, and I'll answer them. I'm more excited than I can say about the release of Delaney's Peace. My hope and prayer is that it will be published on Friday, so who knows what I might blog this week?
Hope you enjoyed my little interview (wait, would this be considered talking to myself?), and that you'll have a Marvelous Monday.
June 11, 2014
Wonderful Wednesday: Let It Go
Why, yes. Yes, I did just reference a song from Frozen. If you don't know the movie or the song, please allow me to help you out from the rock under which you've been living. Now, let your eyes adjust to the light. Go ahead, we'll wait. Okay, ready? Lovely. Moving forward.
For pretty much the rest of the free world who've already seen the movie, you know that song is actually talking about letting loose more than letting go. Elsa has been holding her emotions in for years, hiding her feelings from the world. Now that she's alone in her ice castle atop the mountain, she can let go and actually feel.
Since the movie was released, nearly every time you hear someone say, "Let it go." you're very likely to then hear someone sing a line or two. If it's my daughter, Chloe, the singing is accompanied by grand gestures.
But here's the thing (and yes, that's one of my favorite phrases): when most people say "let it go", they're talking about relinquishing anger or fear or a grudge or all of the above. One of my kids is angry over something the other one said. A friend is mad about something another friend did. Someone is upset about some slight. We encourage them to let it go, because deep down, we all know anger isn't good. It's not healthy, it's not productive, and it's usually just blocking the rest of the good things in this life. So our advice is, "Let it go."
I was thinking about something this morning, something that ... well, it didn't so much make me angry as it surprised me. It bugged me, yes, but more like that annoying papery tag on the inside left hip of so-called tag-free t-shirts. Y'all know the one. It's got the care instructions on it, and it's made of the same stuff the do-not-remove-under-penalty-of-death tags on mattresses. That little tag is nearly always right at my waist, so I spend the day looking to see what's biting me. All. Day. Long. (I know, I know, I should just cut the tag off and let it go.)
For the most part, I've let this slight go. (Cue singing and grand gestures.) But I occasionally cross cyber-paths with the person who treated me to such nasty behavior. Each time that happens, I remember the ugly things she said to me. That happened this morning, just a few minutes ago. I remembered her less-than-Christian words and attitude. I remembered how stunned I was at her behavior--especially when I began to realize it wasn't an isolated incident. There was that little paper tag again, poking at me.
By now you're wondering how I'm getting a Wonderful Wednesday out of this, aren't you? Patience, friend, you know I always get there eventually. So here it is. Here's the payoff for reading this far.
God lets things go.
Yes, you need to actually ask for His forgiveness, but when you do, "... as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12) And He doesn't do it for His sake. He does it for my sake. Every time I've asked for mercy and forgiveness, God has taken my sin and let it go.
Tell me that doesn't make today a Wonderful Wednesday.
For pretty much the rest of the free world who've already seen the movie, you know that song is actually talking about letting loose more than letting go. Elsa has been holding her emotions in for years, hiding her feelings from the world. Now that she's alone in her ice castle atop the mountain, she can let go and actually feel.
Since the movie was released, nearly every time you hear someone say, "Let it go." you're very likely to then hear someone sing a line or two. If it's my daughter, Chloe, the singing is accompanied by grand gestures.
But here's the thing (and yes, that's one of my favorite phrases): when most people say "let it go", they're talking about relinquishing anger or fear or a grudge or all of the above. One of my kids is angry over something the other one said. A friend is mad about something another friend did. Someone is upset about some slight. We encourage them to let it go, because deep down, we all know anger isn't good. It's not healthy, it's not productive, and it's usually just blocking the rest of the good things in this life. So our advice is, "Let it go."
I was thinking about something this morning, something that ... well, it didn't so much make me angry as it surprised me. It bugged me, yes, but more like that annoying papery tag on the inside left hip of so-called tag-free t-shirts. Y'all know the one. It's got the care instructions on it, and it's made of the same stuff the do-not-remove-under-penalty-of-death tags on mattresses. That little tag is nearly always right at my waist, so I spend the day looking to see what's biting me. All. Day. Long. (I know, I know, I should just cut the tag off and let it go.)
For the most part, I've let this slight go. (Cue singing and grand gestures.) But I occasionally cross cyber-paths with the person who treated me to such nasty behavior. Each time that happens, I remember the ugly things she said to me. That happened this morning, just a few minutes ago. I remembered her less-than-Christian words and attitude. I remembered how stunned I was at her behavior--especially when I began to realize it wasn't an isolated incident. There was that little paper tag again, poking at me.
By now you're wondering how I'm getting a Wonderful Wednesday out of this, aren't you? Patience, friend, you know I always get there eventually. So here it is. Here's the payoff for reading this far.
God lets things go.
Yes, you need to actually ask for His forgiveness, but when you do, "... as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12) And He doesn't do it for His sake. He does it for my sake. Every time I've asked for mercy and forgiveness, God has taken my sin and let it go.
Tell me that doesn't make today a Wonderful Wednesday.
June 4, 2014
Wonderful Wednesday: A Constant God
I'm not only a writer, I'm a voracious reader, as well. For as long as I can remember, I've loved to read. I'm the sort of person who'll read automotive signs while waiting for my car to be inspected if I don't have a book or magazine. I read cereal boxes at breakfast. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
In between writing lately, I've been reading a book--fiction--based on the Greek gods and goddesses. The story is mostly contemporary, but it goes back and forth through history so the reader understands about certain relationships and, especially, rivalries between some of the gods and goddesses. The contemporary couple is emotionally damaged because of their respective mothers. The guy can't commit, and the girl has abandonment issues. Come to find out, both of their mothers were cursed by Aphrodite (goddess of love) when she was having a bad day. Aphrodite and Apollo have wreaked havoc in the lives of these two young people for the sake of a game the gods play.
As I read, though the basic premise of the book is entertaining enough, I can't help thinking, "What if God were like that?" Think about it. Our God is kind and loving, so loving that He sent His Son to die for my sins. To think that a supreme being would toy with the lives of humans for his or her own pleasure is ... I'm not sure I have a word. Deplorable. Disgusting. Disturbing. Downright terrifying .
To think further that people used to worship these arbitrary and flighty (not to mention wholly imaginary) gods and goddesses ... well, it makes me feel sorry for those people. It also makes me doubt their intelligence, but that's another blog.
So today is a Wonderful Wednesday because I'm reminded that my God is constant. No matter what is going on in my life, good or bad, I know He loves me. I know He will answer my prayers. I know He won't toy with my life just for grins. And that's about as wonderful as it gets.
In between writing lately, I've been reading a book--fiction--based on the Greek gods and goddesses. The story is mostly contemporary, but it goes back and forth through history so the reader understands about certain relationships and, especially, rivalries between some of the gods and goddesses. The contemporary couple is emotionally damaged because of their respective mothers. The guy can't commit, and the girl has abandonment issues. Come to find out, both of their mothers were cursed by Aphrodite (goddess of love) when she was having a bad day. Aphrodite and Apollo have wreaked havoc in the lives of these two young people for the sake of a game the gods play.
As I read, though the basic premise of the book is entertaining enough, I can't help thinking, "What if God were like that?" Think about it. Our God is kind and loving, so loving that He sent His Son to die for my sins. To think that a supreme being would toy with the lives of humans for his or her own pleasure is ... I'm not sure I have a word. Deplorable. Disgusting. Disturbing. Downright terrifying .
To think further that people used to worship these arbitrary and flighty (not to mention wholly imaginary) gods and goddesses ... well, it makes me feel sorry for those people. It also makes me doubt their intelligence, but that's another blog.
So today is a Wonderful Wednesday because I'm reminded that my God is constant. No matter what is going on in my life, good or bad, I know He loves me. I know He will answer my prayers. I know He won't toy with my life just for grins. And that's about as wonderful as it gets.
May 30, 2014
Fabulous Friday: Put Your Paws in the Air ...
... like you just don't care! Okay, I admit it. My mind works in some unusual ways. If you ever need a partner in a word association game, I'm your girl. It's like the famed six degrees of separation (or Kevin Bacon, if you prefer), but on a weirder scale.
Take the title of this blog. I started out by asking myself what makes today a Fabulous Friday. The answer is easy. Last day of school. The next thought that came to me was, "Raise your hand if you're excited about school being out." Close on the heels of that exuberant idea came an image of that hamster in his hamster ball in the commercial about the Framily phone plan. You know, the one where he says something like, "I got my paws in the air like I just don't care." And now you see where my title came from.
Now that you understand that, put your paws in the air if you're excited about summer. What does summer mean to you? You know what it means to me? It means time with my children.
Wait. Did I hear a sigh? A snort? An eye roll, perhaps? (Yes, a trained Mom ear can hear an eye roll, and don't you forget it.)
Seriously, I love spending time with my kids. We play stupid games in the pool. We visit snow-cone stands. We have strange conversations in even stranger accents. We drive around with the top down on my Bug, Bluebell, singing at the tops of our lungs. And yes, at stop lights, sometimes we even put our paws in the air like ... well, you get it.
I know there are parents out there who dread summer. It's like that Christmas song that says, "And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again." I get it. I really do. There are days that my children aren't very pleasant to one another, and it's not fun to be around them. There are days when I'm trying to write, and they just. Won't. Stop. Talking.
But you know what? There are also days when I see the amazing young adults they are becoming. There are days when we talk about serious and thought-provoking subjects, and I get a glimpse of their astonishing and refreshing insights. And yeah, there are days when we just act goofy. Those are the days I treasure in my heart.
Parents, as my mother (and her mother before her, and her mother before her) used to say, don't wish your life away. Your kids won't be those goofy teens forever. They won't be those messy toddlers with their sticky hugs and kisses. Enjoy them. Take your time with them.
Now go have a Fabulous Friday, knowing you have two and a half glorious months with your kids. Make every minute count, and remember to thank God for all of them.
I got my paws in the air like I just don't care! (Admit it. You read that in a gangsta hamster voice. And you waved your paws.)
Take the title of this blog. I started out by asking myself what makes today a Fabulous Friday. The answer is easy. Last day of school. The next thought that came to me was, "Raise your hand if you're excited about school being out." Close on the heels of that exuberant idea came an image of that hamster in his hamster ball in the commercial about the Framily phone plan. You know, the one where he says something like, "I got my paws in the air like I just don't care." And now you see where my title came from.
Now that you understand that, put your paws in the air if you're excited about summer. What does summer mean to you? You know what it means to me? It means time with my children.
Wait. Did I hear a sigh? A snort? An eye roll, perhaps? (Yes, a trained Mom ear can hear an eye roll, and don't you forget it.)
Seriously, I love spending time with my kids. We play stupid games in the pool. We visit snow-cone stands. We have strange conversations in even stranger accents. We drive around with the top down on my Bug, Bluebell, singing at the tops of our lungs. And yes, at stop lights, sometimes we even put our paws in the air like ... well, you get it.
I know there are parents out there who dread summer. It's like that Christmas song that says, "And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again." I get it. I really do. There are days that my children aren't very pleasant to one another, and it's not fun to be around them. There are days when I'm trying to write, and they just. Won't. Stop. Talking.
But you know what? There are also days when I see the amazing young adults they are becoming. There are days when we talk about serious and thought-provoking subjects, and I get a glimpse of their astonishing and refreshing insights. And yeah, there are days when we just act goofy. Those are the days I treasure in my heart.
Parents, as my mother (and her mother before her, and her mother before her) used to say, don't wish your life away. Your kids won't be those goofy teens forever. They won't be those messy toddlers with their sticky hugs and kisses. Enjoy them. Take your time with them.
Now go have a Fabulous Friday, knowing you have two and a half glorious months with your kids. Make every minute count, and remember to thank God for all of them.
I got my paws in the air like I just don't care! (Admit it. You read that in a gangsta hamster voice. And you waved your paws.)
May 29, 2014
Thankful Thursday: I Can See the Light
What makes me thankful this Thursday? I can see the light at the end of the authorial tunnel. Delaney's Peace, book #6 in my McKenna's Haven series is showing signs of ending. Soon. I've revealed who did it and how. Oh, and why, of course. I just need to tie up loose ends. Well, and catch the murderer. There's that.
But I'm so close I can practically taste the wedding cake! That's a big deal. No. That's not quite right. It's a HUGE deal. Because I LOVE a good HEA (happy ever after) even if I write it, myself. But as I read through the chapter I'm taking to read at crit group tonight, I realized, I'm only a chapter or two and an epilogue away from finishing this book.
Not only am I very close to wrapping up my current WIP (work in progress), my daughter is close to wrapping up her seventh grade year, her first in junior high school. She's had a great year. I really should say WE have had a great year, as I've been right there with her, pretty much every step of the way. 6:30am volleyball tryouts, followed by 6:45am volleyball practice, numerous volleyball games and tournaments. Then came basketball season. Then track. We just wrapped up the soccer season yesterday. I feel as if my world revolves around athletic events sometimes. But I've enjoyed every minute of it.
But this means we're headed toward one of my favorite times of the year. That time where I get to lie on my float in the pool and let my mind wander. And wander it does. Oh, and that's another thing that makes me thankful and thrilled and thoroughly excited this Thursday morning. Are you ready for it?
I already have ideas for what's coming next.
So here's to a thoroughly lovely Thursday. Go make it a great one.
But I'm so close I can practically taste the wedding cake! That's a big deal. No. That's not quite right. It's a HUGE deal. Because I LOVE a good HEA (happy ever after) even if I write it, myself. But as I read through the chapter I'm taking to read at crit group tonight, I realized, I'm only a chapter or two and an epilogue away from finishing this book.
Not only am I very close to wrapping up my current WIP (work in progress), my daughter is close to wrapping up her seventh grade year, her first in junior high school. She's had a great year. I really should say WE have had a great year, as I've been right there with her, pretty much every step of the way. 6:30am volleyball tryouts, followed by 6:45am volleyball practice, numerous volleyball games and tournaments. Then came basketball season. Then track. We just wrapped up the soccer season yesterday. I feel as if my world revolves around athletic events sometimes. But I've enjoyed every minute of it.
But this means we're headed toward one of my favorite times of the year. That time where I get to lie on my float in the pool and let my mind wander. And wander it does. Oh, and that's another thing that makes me thankful and thrilled and thoroughly excited this Thursday morning. Are you ready for it?
I already have ideas for what's coming next.
So here's to a thoroughly lovely Thursday. Go make it a great one.
May 27, 2014
He Knows
How many times have you heard someone use the phrase God knows? Have you ever really given it much thought? If I say it, I mean it. But a lot of people throw it out there without really thinking about it.
I'm watching the news this morning with a heavy heart. Another person has gone on a killing spree, this one in California. This young man's reasons are beyond my understanding, I have to admit. And it must be noted, his thinking and actions stemmed from mental illness. But that's not actually the topic of today's blog.
No, the topic is that, yes. God knows. As I sit here this morning, watching as more details are learned and reported about this young man, I'm also skimming through my Facebook feed. And not one, not two, but so far three of my friends have posted scripture or quotes about God's knowing what we need.
God knows when we are hurting. He knows when we're struggling. He knows the answers we seek. The list could go on because yes, God knows . And isn't that an amazing and wonder-inspiring thought? To know that the God of the universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Creator of all things knows and understands what I need! What you need!
We sing so many songs at church that speak of this. "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene." "Our God is an awesome God." "And I stand, I stand in awe of you."
And this morning, they all resonate within my spirit. I am amazed, and I do stand in awe of Him, knowing that He, alone, holds me and all those I love in His hand. I know that He, alone, knows the words that will bring comfort to me and everyone else who's hurting today.
God knows.
And I, for one, am glad He does. I will gladly lean on Him, and wait for His coming.
I'm watching the news this morning with a heavy heart. Another person has gone on a killing spree, this one in California. This young man's reasons are beyond my understanding, I have to admit. And it must be noted, his thinking and actions stemmed from mental illness. But that's not actually the topic of today's blog.
No, the topic is that, yes. God knows. As I sit here this morning, watching as more details are learned and reported about this young man, I'm also skimming through my Facebook feed. And not one, not two, but so far three of my friends have posted scripture or quotes about God's knowing what we need.
God knows when we are hurting. He knows when we're struggling. He knows the answers we seek. The list could go on because yes, God knows . And isn't that an amazing and wonder-inspiring thought? To know that the God of the universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Creator of all things knows and understands what I need! What you need!
We sing so many songs at church that speak of this. "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene." "Our God is an awesome God." "And I stand, I stand in awe of you."
And this morning, they all resonate within my spirit. I am amazed, and I do stand in awe of Him, knowing that He, alone, holds me and all those I love in His hand. I know that He, alone, knows the words that will bring comfort to me and everyone else who's hurting today.
God knows.
And I, for one, am glad He does. I will gladly lean on Him, and wait for His coming.
May 26, 2014
Merry Monday: Making Memories
I'm sitting here with my first cup of coffee, hearing and smelling the rain. Yes, rain! (Those of you in certain parts of the country will understand my excitement over rain.) My husband is working. So am I if I'm going to really commit to this author thing and say I'm a writer. Cue goofy self-conscious giggle. The kids are still asleep. Even three out of four animals has slept in this morning; the only one awake is Jingles Wigglebottom, Jack Russell extraordinaire.
On any given holiday, from New Years Day to New Year's Eve (because see, that covers the whole year, from Day 1 to Day 365), I think of my parents. This morning, I can see my mother in one of her millions of patriotic t-shirts. By this time, she and Daddy would both be dressed and about the business of getting ready for family to come over. Dad might have already built a fire in the smoker. Mom would be boiling potatoes for potato salad.
Don't misunderstand. The holidays never lost their meanings. Memorial Day was always about those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thanksgiving was always about actually showing gratitude for the countless blessings we've been given.
But holidays have always been about family, too. My mother instilled in me a love of all holidays. So while those days are bittersweet now that she and Daddy are gone, I have those memories. I'm also working on making memories with my own children. I think that's one of the greatest gifts you can give your children, besides a strong foundation in the Lord.
Traditions and memories are a big part of any strong family. What memories are you making with your children? What memories will stay with them long after you're gone?
So that's my Merry Monday. The memories I have of holidays spent with Mom and Dad. I hope you'll spend today making a memory with your loved ones.
On any given holiday, from New Years Day to New Year's Eve (because see, that covers the whole year, from Day 1 to Day 365), I think of my parents. This morning, I can see my mother in one of her millions of patriotic t-shirts. By this time, she and Daddy would both be dressed and about the business of getting ready for family to come over. Dad might have already built a fire in the smoker. Mom would be boiling potatoes for potato salad.
Don't misunderstand. The holidays never lost their meanings. Memorial Day was always about those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thanksgiving was always about actually showing gratitude for the countless blessings we've been given.
But holidays have always been about family, too. My mother instilled in me a love of all holidays. So while those days are bittersweet now that she and Daddy are gone, I have those memories. I'm also working on making memories with my own children. I think that's one of the greatest gifts you can give your children, besides a strong foundation in the Lord.
Traditions and memories are a big part of any strong family. What memories are you making with your children? What memories will stay with them long after you're gone?
So that's my Merry Monday. The memories I have of holidays spent with Mom and Dad. I hope you'll spend today making a memory with your loved ones.
