Kerry Johnson's Blog, page 3

Something That’s Better

“You are a beggar.” I tisked and shook my head at our nosey Sun Conure, Mango.

Leaning against the kitchen counter, I ran an avocado under the faucet then dried it with paper towel. Avocados are one of my favorite healthy additions to salad, and I try to eat at least one a week. I ignored the needy bird, slicing the fruit in half and twisting it open.

From his perch across the high bar separating our kitchen from the dining room area, Mango jiggled in a beggar bird dance and fluttered his wings in case I’d forgotten he was there.

“Nope. Can’t have this.”

Mango enjoys fruits and a few veggies: apple, blueberry, banana, raisins & grapes, strawberries, mango, broccoli, carrots, and corn. His store-bought bird food contains some of these items as well as all sorts of nuts and seeds and dried fruit.

We give him two or three food treats a day. But he is absolutely not allowed to eat avocados. (Or chocolate.)

Mango and one of his favorite treats–a blueberry.

I’m not sure why he can’t have avocado, but it’s definitely a no-go.

As I finished scooping out the firm, greenish-yellow avocado halves, my mind wandered familiar paths…school starting for our boys, unsettling issues I’ve been having with my asthma, home remodeling projects undone, the book I’m trying to finish editing before a big writing conference, the writing conference itself…

As they often do, my worn worries turned to whiny prayers. “Lord, why can’t…”

“Help me let this go and trust You…”

“Keep them safe while…”

“Please make it that….”

One particular writing concern, something I’ve been praying specifically about for two years–something that almost worked out recently but ultimately didn’t–weighed so heavily I blinked away frustration tears.

Another prayer trickled from my lips. “Why couldn’t that have…”

Mango eyed the chunks of avocado and dance-strutted across the thick perch over his cage.

I glanced up, shaking my head at the bobbing bird . “You can’t have this. It. Is. Not. Good. For. You. I’ll give you something else that’s better.”

I handed him a sliced almond, and he eagerly grabbed it with his black beak and dug in. (Eating only 5% of it, as birds do.)

And the still small voice, the one God’s given us to guide and direct, nudged and kneaded my heart, still tender about the dream.

“I’ll give you something else that’s better.”

For I know the plans I have for you…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Giving that tender dream back to God…I needed to do it. To be reminded that He’ll give me something that’s better.

If you’re in a similar place…praying, hoping, praying, trying to trust. Maybe downtrodden and discouraged about a closed door, too. Or even confused about something you thought God had planned for you.*

Hold fast to the Hope you have, and trust God’s higher ways. He loves us–He made us–so He knows what’s best for us.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Ps.27: 13 & 14)

 

*Praying for you, friend.

 

 

 

Filed under: Musings Tagged: candidkerry, Faith, God, God's faithfulness, God's peace, God's word, Sun conures, Trusting God

Author Interview & Giveaway ~ Brandy Vallance: Within the Veil

I’m excited to welcome my friend, talented author, and sister-in-Christ, Brandy Vallance to my blog! Brandy ‘visited’ a year-and-a-half ago when her debut, The Covered Deep, was released.

Her second historical romance, Within the Veil, released June 28th, and I’m so thrilled to get an opportunity to ask her questions about the characters, her favorite tea(s), and what she learned about gypsies while writing this lyrical romance about a Scottish half-Gypsy and an English palace guard set in Scotland in the late 19th century.

Within the Veil Blurb:

They never should have met. But they might be made for each other.

 Feya Broon, a Scottish half Gypsy, knows what it is to go hungry. Trapped in the Edinburgh tenements with a father lost to his past and only the faded memory of her mother’s faith, Feya is desperate to provide for her siblings. When an ill-conceived plan leads to thievery, she finds herself in the last place she’d ever want to be–captured by a palace guard. But there’s something about this man that tears at every preconceived notion she’s ever had about the haughty English.
 
Alasdair Cairncross never dreamed he’d be forced to transport a Gypsy woman halfway across the wilds of Scotland. The timing is disastrous, considering his fiancée’s imminent arrival and his father’s political goals. Not only that, but the fiery young woman threatens to lay bare secrets Alasdair would rather keep hidden. And yet the farther they travel together, the less concerned he finds himself with duty–both to the crown and to the plans his family has for him.
 
 As their walls begin to crumble, Feya and Alasdair must fight to survive a decades-old feud, a Highland kidnapping, and the awakening of their own hearts.

 

About Brandy:

Brandy Vallance fell in love with the Victorian time period at a young age, loving the customs, manners, and especially the intricate rules of love. Since time travel is theoretically impossible, she lives in the nineteenth century vicariously through her novels. Unaccountable amounts of black tea have fueled this ambition. Brandy’s love of tea can only be paralleled by her love of Masterpiece Theater Classics, deep conversations, and a good book. Brandy is the 2013 Operation First Novel winner and the 2012 winner of the ACFW Genesis Contest for historical romance. Her novels have been featured in USA TODAY and Writer’s Digest. You can connect with Brandy via her website www.brandyvallance.com, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, YouTube, or Twitter @BrandyVallance.

***

K: Let’s begin with the most important question—what kind of tea did you drink/guzzle while writing this amazing story?

B: Ha! Great question. Here we go: PG Tips, Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice, Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice, Tazo Earl Grey, Two Leaves and a Bud Organic Assam Breakfast, Twinings Darjeeling, Yorkshire Gold, many other varieties and even some Yerba Mate!

K: Wow, that is quite a variety of tea! Sounds perfect for novel-writing. Speaking of… Within the Veil is your second novel. It’s just as lovely and vivid and emotional as The Covered Deep, your debut. Was it easier, more difficult, or just different crafting your second historical romance?

B: In some ways it was easier and in others it was more difficult. As far as the writing went—the technical aspects—that seemed like muscle memory. I didn’t have to follow a plot structure as heavily as I did with The Covered Deep. It was like my subconscious just knew what to do. I did try to push myself out of my comfort zone, so in that aspect I’ll say that it was more challenging.

K: How does the creation process begin for you? A picture of a person, plot ideas, a particular scene?

B: The only thing I knew starting out was that I wanted to write a Scottish vs. English, enemies to lovers story. At first, I didn’t plan on the Gypsy element. That just showed up in chapter one. Feya’s father started talking about the caravans and the Gypsy fires and I was like what? At that point I threw myself into research about the Gypsies in Scotland and I really liked what I found. Non-writers will find this response a bit on the insane side, but writers will know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s amazing how our subconscious works.

K: Feya and Alasdair are both strong, vibrant, flawed people. Life-like characters who lived and breathed beyond the pages of Within the Veil. I miss them! If you could spend an hour with Feya and an hour with Alasdair, what would you talk about? What do you think they’d say?

K: I miss them too! I still think about Paul & Bianca all the time and I know it’ll always be the same with Feya & Alasdair. Oh, to spend an hour with Feya! Feya is like that wild friend you have who always makes life more interesting. She’s so passionate about everything. There’s really no middle ground for her—she’s either all in or completely against something. She’s just so full of life! I think it would just be fun to sit with Feya and drink tea all night. Listening to her stories would have me laughing so hard I’d be in tears. I’d love to hear about the folklore of Scotland. She drops a lot of mentions of that in the book. And just her expressions are so funny. It’s also hard to pretend with Feya, she’s pretty insightful. So, we’d have many hilarious discussions that would end in deep, authentic, unforgettable conversations.

Now, as far as Alasdair is concerned . . . I’m not sure I’d be saying much. The man is devilishly handsome and that smile . . . He’d get bored with me pretty quickly. I’d just be staring at him the entire time, blushing.

K: Ahhh, Alasdair…*sigh* Okay, moving along. Within the Veil portrays the prejudice Romani Gypsies experienced during the 19th century in Scotland. Intense dislike—in many cases, hatred—and forced separation affected the gypsies’ lives so profoundly. Was the research difficult? Enlightening?

B: The research was very enlightening. I was struck—and saddened—that many of the Gypsies problems from all that time ago have not changed. In 2013 a leading Hungarian journalist—Zsolt Bayer—wrote in Magyar Hirlap (a newspaper): “Most Gypsies are not suitable for cohabitation. They are not suitable for being among people. Most are animals, and behave like animals. They shouldn’t be tolerated or understood, but stamped out. Animals should not exist.” In 2015 a Gypsy shanty town in Paris was raided. Four hundred Gypsies were evacuated. I watched a lot of documentaries and the more I watched the more I wanted to write Feya’s story. To learn a little bit more, this is a very good, brief video on the Gypsy people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z70wX8wLRtI

K: Which character in Within the Veil was most challenging to get to know? Which character was the most fun to get to know?

B: Ranald Aldourie was the hardest for me to get to know. Some of his motivations didn’t come out until the 4th draft!

I really enjoyed getting to know Alasdair because I gave him a gifting that my son has—synesthesia, a neuropsychological condition where all of the senses are combined. While writing Within the Veil, I asked my son to describe to me how certain things looked. Many of the synesthetic scenes that I put in the book came from his exact descriptions.

K: Yes, Alasdair’s condition added such a fascinating, emotional thread to the story. Publishing is a difficult, unpredictable business. What has been the most challenging part of the writing and publishing journey for you? On the flip side, what has been the most rewarding?

B: I think the most challenging part of writing is always self-doubt. We writers are plagued with it. We’re always battling some personal demon or the other while writing a book. As hard as this is, it is necessary and it is vital. Writing a novel is so hard because it is so important. If you have done it right, people are going to be changed by your writing. I feel that the author has to be personally transformed during the writing of a book for it to be truly powerful, and that’s not an easy process. A lot of vulnerability is involved—or at least it should be—and bleeding on the page is essential.

The most rewarding thing for me is always connecting with readers. Hearing that something you wrote made a difference to them is a really amazing thing. I love seeing pictures of my books with readers. That is a personal favorite. This time I even got to see a picture of your bird, Mango with my book!

K: Oh yes, that was fun getting his picture with the beautiful cover! Here’s Mango and Feya (along with a little piece of popcorn to lure him in).[image error]

K: This reader fan wants to know what’s percolating in your writerly imagination?  

B: Right now I’m working on the second draft of a very fun time travel novella. The working title is All She Never Wanted. The heroine’s name is Gemma and she’s super fun. A bit on the shy side at the opening of the book although she is learning how to stretch her wings. Here’s a bit of the blurb:

 A skilled London bookbinder and paper marbler, when Gemma’s not helping her father’s antiquarian business succeed, she’s hiding in the book stacks. But when reading Bronte leads to her first kiss, she tumbles into an adventure that may require more than she was trained for. Now she must solve an ancient mystery, outwit a secret society, and rescue her kidnapped father, all before being drawn into a manuscript that makes the reader travel through time.

I’m enjoying it and I hope readers will too!

K: What an intriguing blurb! Can’t wait to read it! *Raises hand for the beta reader line.*

Brandy, THANK YOU for stopping by and answering my questions, and for writing such unforgettable stories and characters!

To celebrate the release of Within the Veil, we’re giving away a *signed* copy of the book!

Please leave a comment on my blog or on the Facebook post, and let us know about a story or character that stayed with you (and why, if you’d like.) The giveaway will run from Sunday, July 17th through Friday night, July 22nd (Midnight). Make sure you leave your EMAIL ADDRESS so I can reach you, should I draw your name on Saturday, July 23rd!*

You can connect with Brandy via her website www.brandyvallance.com, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, YouTube, or Twitter @BrandyVallance.

 

*Blog giveaway for U.S. residents only.

Filed under: Musings Tagged: ACFW, Author Brandy Vallance, Author interview, Authors, Book giveaway, Brandy Vallance, candidkerry, Christian fiction, Faith, Inspirational Fiction, Within the Veil, writing

I Don’t Know

The mother settles the baby on her hip and smiles at her three-year-old daughter, snug in the grasp of one hand. We’re waiting on drinks at a local coffee shop, and her expression is filled with joy at the children filling her arms and clearly, her heart.

The little girl’s head presses into the mother’s sundress, shyness at the bustling crowd all over her small, round face. The mother leans down, reassures her with a few whispered words. Baby boy, perhaps three or four months old, shoves a chubby fist into his mouth and stares at me with big, dark eyes.

I smile, wink at him, enjoying fresh new life and remembering. Looking at my own two children, their heads matching mine in height and their growing, strong bodies.

I remember the busy, tiny, difficult years, when one of them was always, in some way, connected to me physically.

I gaze at the little girl clinging to her mother, at her cherubic face. Because I know that feeling. I know that tight little hand-held love, and my heart tweaks because it is just a memory now.

But there are things this mother knows, already, that I don’t know.

Because she and her children are black, and her daughter and son will face looks and attitudes and prejudice that stubbornly lingers in creased crevices of the human heart, squelching grace and growing hatred.

Because while I know the grip of tiny hands, the feel of a child’s breath on my cheek, I don’t know the grip of racism, the tidal wave of terror that one of my sons will be taken down just because he’s reaching for a wallet and his skin is the color of the dark earth we’re ALL fashioned from by our Maker’s hands.

What I know is the grip of God’s grace. God’s word. All created equal, all sinners in need of grace by a Savior who is color-blind.

I hope she does, too.

###

He pulls up beside my truck at a red light. His broad shoulders are slumped and one hand grips the steering wheel, the other checks his phone. Without seeing his eyes I know the weight of the world lingers over him like a heavy cloak.

He glances my way, assessing, always aware of his surroundings.

There’s a ring on his finger, and I wonder…does this burdened man have children, a family at home? A wife praying for his safety?

Because he’s a police officer. And his squad car is shiny new and decked out with thick bars in the back seat and a computer and gadgets throughout, but his face is simply weary.

How can he not be thinking of it?

Last night.

Five fellow officers down.

A dear friend works in law enforcement, and through the years he’s shared snippets of the thankless, difficult, frightening situations and angry perpetrators he’s dealt with. His wife has called, texted to pray for her husband while he’s on midnight suicide calls and SWAT team drug busts in the middle of the woods.

The light changes, and the police officer pulls forward. I do, too, and we merge onto I-75 until the shiny squad car melds into traffic.

Minutes later a red sports car flies past, driving at least eight-five. The noise and sudden motion shocks me amidst the steady-flowing interstate.

I glare at the speeding car then glance at my boys in the back seat, grumble at the reckless driver’s irresponsible weaving.

Then I see the squad car a few hundred yards ahead.

And the red car sees him, too, and slows to what the law allows. Seventy-five, like me? For the next ten miles, the racing red car impatiently glides along beside the squad car.

Just by the officer’s presence.

And I’m grateful for it.

I don’t know the pressure, the hatred, the stress that law enforcement officers deal with daily. I know they’re not perfect because none of  us are perfect.

But I know God’s grace, and that its grip saves lives. Redeems lives. Believes in each one.

I hope the burdened officer does, too.

###

After the shootings last week, my heart was so very heavy, just aching, for the pain in our country. For the deep and wide rift that should be closing but still widens. I’ve prayed about what to write, what to contribute to the thousands of words and opinions already out there.

I don’t know the black mother’s fear for her children’s lives, or the police officer’s daily burdens or the dangers his job entails.

But I DO know–I am certain– that Jesus is the only Way to peace.

I hope you do, too.

 

 

 

Filed under: Musings Tagged: All created equal, candidkerry, children, God's grace, Jesus, Police shooting, Racism, Trials

Wonderful Writerly News

 

“You’re not allowed to cry, mom!” Chase stares at my face intently as I listen to the phone message that arrived while we were out that evening.

(He doesn’t like when I cry, even if it’s a happy cry.)

A sweet voice drifts over my dining room table, words this writer yearned to hear …”I’m calling because you’re a finalist in the Genesis Contest! I wish I could hear you screaming…”

She was so right. I was screaming. Scream-cry-smiling, Scrimling, something like that. Add a side of jumping up and down.

However weird that must’ve looked and sounded, I was so thrilled to get this encouraging news.

I can’t share the title, but it’s a cute story that came to me randomly the end of last year–a ‘what if?’ scenario that turned into two characters inhabiting my imagination, urging their story to be told.

While I have a huge soft spot for my middle grade characters and story, I had so much fun writing a romance that (one day, Lord willing) makes readers smile and sigh, too. And I’m so thankful to my two critique partners, who helped shape the story from its messy beginnings.

Along this slow and often frustrating path to publication, each step up is a step forward. And while a contest semi-final or final is not a guarantee of publication, it is a huge encouragement for moving in the write right direction.

Winners are announced at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Nashville in August. I’ll be sure to post pictures and news after the conference![image error]

Recently I read 2 Chronicles 31, and two verses grabbed my attention. Chapter thirty-one details portions of the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, how Hezekiah destroyed the idolatry prevalent in the land. He determined to make it right between his nation and his God.

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God , he did it with all his heart. So he prospered. (verse 20 & 21, bolding emphasis mine)

Everything Hezekiah attempted to do, he was successful in accomplishing. Not because of his own power and wisdom, but because he sought the Lord in all he did, he did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord, and he worked with all his heart.

Matthew Henry notes: “In all that Hezekiah attempted in God’s service, he was earnest and single in his aim and dependence, and was prospered accordingly. Whether we have few or many talents intrusted to us, may we thus seek to improve them, and encourage others to do the same. What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God, will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.”

In chapter thirty-two, Hezekiah’s encouraging words to his military men before a big battle also encouraged me.

I pray they encourage you, too.

“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (32:7 & 8).

Whatever you’re facing this week, this summer, this year, know that the Lord your God is with you, to help and to fight your battles.

God Bless You!

Filed under: Musings Tagged: ACFW, American Christian Fiction Writers, candidkerry, Faith, Genesis contest, God, God's word, writing

Brick by Brick & Birthday Blues

“They’re still working on that?” My older son said as we passed the busy construction site on our drive home.

“It takes a few months to build a big grocery store.” Every week day we noted the popular chain store’s slow progress. The building’s skeleton was up, gray and brown and yellow. Portions of the parking lot were paved, but dirt and debris still piled among the construction vehicles.

“Maybe we should wait by the front doors.” My younger son pressed his forehead against the window.

I bit back a smile. “You’d get really hungry. It’ll probably be another month or two before they open.”

I explained that if we went away on vacation for a week, we’d be surprised how quickly the store had progressed when we got back. As it was, we saw it every day, twice a day even, so the building process seemed so S-L-O-W.

The conversation was familiar now–the boys commenting on the store’s terribly slow-to-them progress–and me reminding them that things take time.

Time to build. Time to grow. Time to learn.

And each time we talked about it, the Holy Spirit pressed that truth on my heart, too.

Building something worthwhile and meaningful takes time. Patience. Frustration, even. It’s a brick by brick by brick operation, whether it’s a marriage, a friendship, a career, a building, a family, or a publishing career.

Looking back at my writing path over the past six years, *now* I’m thankful for each frustratingly slow brick. For each word I’ve written then deleted, because that meant it wasn’t the right word. For each disappointing contest score, because that meant feedback that has valuably and positively shaped the way I write.

Mostly I’m thankful that God didn’t give up on me when I’d almost given up.  And that He always directs my eyes back to Him, because He’s the reason I write and the Creator of any talent I possess.

How silly it would’ve been for us to park in front of the half-built grocery store, waiting for food that wasn’t yet in the store. So too would it have been pointless to expect to be published when God knew I wasn’t ready. My stories weren’t ready.

Christian writers, publication isn’t the journey. Christ is the journey. Publication is an amazingly cool added bonus that I look forward to one day (soon).[image error]

“..that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” (Colossians 1:10-12)

***

So, there’s a birthday tomorrow. Ugh. It might be mine and it might be a new decade and I might hide my head under the pillow all day in denial.

When you’re a kid, which I still think I am in the deep part of my brain, 40 seemed so A-N-C-I-E-N-T. I mean, they didn’t even sell birthday cake candles in packs above 25. Did they?

But as I prayed about and wrote this blog post, I realized something that eased my heart. I realized that each moment, hour, week, and month–each of the past 40 years (GULP)–God has directed, protected, forgiven, blessed, and guided me. And I wouldn’t trade a moment of it.*

(*Unless I could be 34 again. Ah, 34. Now that was a good age.)

No really, I wouldn’t trade those moments. They’re mine and they’re precious and they’re highly imperfect and God’s grace is all over each of them.

So, here’s to 40. Here’s to trusting God’s plan and His timing are best. I hope and pray you can, too.

Now, where’s the cake!?

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Musings Tagged: Birthday, candidkerry, Christian fiction, Colossians, God, God's grace, publishing, Trusting God, writing

Thankful Thursday

Today I’m running, well, walking through a list of thankfulness. It’s Thursday Thankfulness, even though it’s almost Friday (yay!).

Summer’s here! My boys are officially out of school. Ten weeks of no alarms, no PB & J sandwiches made at 11pm on weeknights, no rush to wash uniforms, and no set schedules. It was a good year in some way; a very difficult year in other ways. But God was good through it all.
Finishing my first book proposal. It was an in-depth, detailed project, a college literature paper on steroids. Because a book proposal is like a job application, and I’m SO glad it’s finished, and excited to see the next curve in the writing road. This leads me into my next thankful item…
Critique partners. Three years ago, even two years ago, I was like meh. I’m doing okay, chugging along with my writing. Do I really need a critique partner (or two, or three?) Then God intersected my path with two writers with whom I finaled/semi-finaled in a contest in 2015, and pieces I didn’t know were missing clicked into place. Talk about oh, snap. :) Encouragement and camaraderie galore, and now I wish they lived closer so I could hug them for all their wonderfulness (and I’m really not that huggy). They’re a blessing on this journey-to-publication, and I pray I’m a help to them, too.
I’m thankful for gummy bears. Yes, those. Squishy, chewy, fruity little bears. I’ve been on a kick lately. Haribo is the best, FYI & IMO.
I’m thankful for new beginnings. Each new day, we start fresh, thanks to God’s mercy. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul. ‘Therefore I hope in Him!'” (Lam. 3:22-24).
For new cars. After nearly eleven years and saving for a long while, my husband purchased a new vehicle. It’s pretty fancy and shiny and it flies…okay, it doesn’t fly. But it IS fancy and shiny and I’m so happy for him and grateful for how hard he works and how well he takes care of us.  *Done husband gushing now*
This one is weird. Are you ready? Hear me out. I’m thankful for a memorial service I attended recently. Not, of course, for my dear friend’s loss (though she and her family are grateful their loved one is no longer sick and now stands, healthy, in the presence of the Lord). But I’m thankful for the joyful reminder of grace and hope through Jesus Christ. In the face of death and loss and suffering, we have HOPE. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
For praying friends. For friends to pray with, whether it’s about family, illness, finances, the future, writing, or just peace for the anxious moment. Words fail at my gratefulness for prayer, at the reminder of how very much we need each other, and how very wise our God is to give us each other.
I’m grateful for you . Don’t forget you are loved and treasured by a God who hand-made you.

Can you think of a few things to give thanks for this Thursday, almost Friday? I hope you have a fun almost-summer weekend!

 

Filed under: Musings

Already Yours

“Have a good day. See you next time!” I smiled, gave a small wave as the customer fisted her bags and headed to the store exit. She was a regular customer, and I knew I’d probably see her next week.

I glanced at the time on the register. 1:44. My shift was almost over. Another face appeared in line, this one unfamiliar. I motioned her over, pulled on a smile. Her hands overflowed with trinkets and treasures.

The norm in this mecca of beautiful furniture, home décor, rugs, sheets, comforters, and even kids’ toys where I worked part-time.

This particular customer discovered two ornate crystal picture frames, a bag of granola deliciousness, and three alphabet-letter bookends. To my surprise, they were my initials! When I shared that, we had a fun chat about our names (totally different) as I rung her up.

During the transaction, I eyed the letter that matched my last name. A large, off-white ‘J’ with wood etching. It would go so well on one of my bookcases…

Stop. Nope. Don’t need it. No.

Working at a retail store that has the word ‘Happy’ as part of its tag line can be dangerous. When I started there four years ago, my husband cocked his head and gave me the Captain Obvious look. “Is it a good idea to work there? Will you actually bring a paycheck home?”

I had to learn two things: 1) Self-control, and 2) How to walk through the store with eyes closed.

But that pretty letter ‘J’ struck my fancy, and before she left the register I asked if there were anymore. She said yes, and I made a mental note to check on my way out.

After chatting with another employee I hadn’t seen in a while, I talked myself off the cliff of buying the letter ‘J’ that I didn’t really need.

Later that day, I dropped onto the stationary bike in our bedroom, a book in hand, set for thirty minutes of exercise. Halfway through, I glanced across the room and noticed a pretty, white and wood ‘J’ right smack in the middle of my corner bookshelf.

Wait a minute.

I already own that J?

Memory dialed back, maybe a year-and-a-half ago. At work we occasionally carry the same items, months later. And apparently we’d carried that letter J, and it had caught my eye back then.

The very thing I’d focused on, wished for, wanted, I already had.

The thought made me grin. It’s already yours.

One of my favorite New Testament books is Colossians. It’s a potent little book that reminds believers that WE ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST.

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Col. 2:8-10)

Sometimes I get so caught up in minute details and overwhelming schedules and dreams bursting from my heart {writing stories that honor God and touch readers’ heart & publish said stories} that I forget I’m already complete in Him.

And we have all we need, because of Jesus.

Do you need strength for the day? Ask Jesus.

Patience with your children? Ask Jesus. He loves them more than you do–he’ll fill you with renewed patience and grace.

Wisdom to deal with a situation at work? Ask Jesus. The Holy Spirit will help you speak the truth in love.

Perseverance in a task–finishing a book, completing a project, reorganizing your house? Ask Jesus. God’s peace isn’t just for high stress situations, but for every aspect of our lives.

Don’t long for something you already have. You are complete in Christ.

Thank You for Your gift of eternal life and peace through Christ Jesus. Help us not take that for granted in our busy, busy lives, Lord. Keep our eyes on You. Amen.

Filed under: Musings Tagged: candidkerry, Colossians 2:10, God, Jesus, Trusting God

Lifting the Fallen

The flow of thick Saturday morning traffic halts. Red lights flash, heartbeats pulse with loud thumps.

A fallen motorcycle lays in the far right lane of the six-lane highway, a gleaming pile of suddenly immobile metal and rubber.

The small SUV in front of my larger SUV slows, stops, emergency lights flashing a warning. Two woman leap out, rush to the scene in front of their car.

A downed motorcycle. People on the road.

The sight of the motorcycle on its side halts my breath. I slam my foot on the brake and glance in the rear view mirror. My finger jams the red triangle button on the dash. The car behind me pulls closer, but sees the lights.

They slow.

Someone honks on the southbound side. Everything metal and human slows.

People on the road.

Two people had been astride the muscular bike, and my body fires with the spiky adrenaline as the drama of Hollywood jumps into real life with no stunt people and no CGI to fill in the blanks.

People on the road.

I crane my neck–rubbernecking is a thing–and peer around the small SUV. The two ladies are on the scene, standing over the downed bikers, shouting questions.

Helping the fallen.

Hands reach for hands, and the two bikers struggle to their feet. A collective sigh fills the vehicles stopped on their way to pick up groceries and attend birthday parties. Gather with friends and play soccer games.

The motorcycle is black and shiny–a Harley most likely–and its riders a man and woman, middle-aged. Shock slows their bodies, paints their features. The  man nods at something the passenger–his wife?–says.

Car doors slam and three more people fill the scene, concern worn like coats, arms outstretched. Cell phones ready.

Someone takes a picture, and I grimace. Put it away.

A faithful woman jumps off her stool on the grass-carpeted corner from which she hands out grace each Saturday. The cardboard “Jesus Cares” sign tucked under one arm, she hurries toward the motorcycle couple brushing gravel from their jeans and leather jackets.

Without hesitating,  Jesus Cares wraps each biker in a thorough hug, comforting as a mother would. Whispering words I wish I could hear, but smile about anyway.

They’re okay. I’m still uncertain what happened this bustling morning, but they’re okay.

A burly bystander has picked up the bike, and three people roll it to the roadside. The ladies in the small SUV in front of mine jump back in their vehicle, pull up beside the limping bikers, and reset their flashers.

Giving the stunned bikers more time to settle, necessary moments to recuperate from meeting the road face-to-face, while the rest of us slowly drive away, considering what happened. Thinking of those now behind us who lifted the fallen.

Of Jesus Cares offering arms to comfort, hold close. Coming forward to strengthen and support.

And I’m reminded of friends and family, of tight warm arms and grace-filled, you-can-still-fly words that have lifted me when I’ve fallen. Can you, too? I hope so.

Two are better than one,

Because they have a good reward for their labor.

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up.

Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;

But how can one be warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecc. 4:9-12)

When I started this writing life, it was mostly on my own. My parents have always been there, from the day in fifth grade when I wrote a story called Attack of the Killer Onions after watching a goofy movie with dangerous grumbling tomatoes.

They–and other dear family members– have moved me forward to the dream’s beginning mark. To the “GO” God inscribed on my heart seven years ago with a character who wouldn’t get out of my head.

Now there are fellow writers whose arms have lifted. Whose words have encouraged and whose stories have inspired.

And I meet still more each month, each conference I attend. Sensitive people who love the Lord, love words and stories and long to share those with others. Who use the gift of words to entertain and teach.

I’m thankful for their arms and words, lifting me when I’ve fallen.

And I pray I take my turn standing over the fallen, lifting them back up. Helping brush off the gravel of disappointment and the dirt of despair when the road chokes progress or turns the wrong direction.

Today, tomorrow, be a lifter. Lifting the fallen.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Prov. 17:17)

Filed under: Musings Tagged: candidkerry, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Faith, Friendship, grace, Jesus, Publishing journey, writing

Thanking in the Hard

“We’re not telling our thankful thing for the day anymore,” Chase observed one evening.

We were seated around our kitchen table, probably eating tacos on a Tuesday. Maybe even grilled cheese and tomato soup on a Friday.

“Why aren’t we saying the thing we’re thankful for?”

I drew in a breath then thought back–a jagged breath, now–to the past three months. Truly, April was the first month in which the sun was literally and figuratively shining brighter.

“It’s been a hard year, honey. And, you know, I just forgot to start a new piece of paper for February.”

It was a lame-o excuse, but all I had.

The beginning of this year I started a family thankfulness page. Planned one for each month. I used my favorite purple pen to scribble down words we could read later.

Gratitude to remember weeks, months down the road of life.

We circled the table, shared one funny or serious blessing or thankful thing. Some evenings it was difficult to come up with ideas; other days we were excited to share. Sometimes my husband worked late and wasn’t there, and other times we ate out and didn’t get to share that night.

But my heart ached that it become a habit, externally and internally. For all of us. Gratefulness, noticing little blessings and humor in every day.

Gifts from God, reminders of His grace.

And now, those messy, purple words remind me of the month of January as I gaze over them.

No school today (Chase & Cole)
Finished checking ramp A (Dad)
Watching Cole laughing with a friend at pick up line (me)
Epic soccer game in PE (Cole)
Made Chaz laugh in school (Chase)
Big encouragement from a writer friend (me)
It’s Friday (Dad)
Spent time with Chase (me)

My morning walk time is often part of my prayer time, and the other day, it was positively easy to pray. To say ‘thank you’ to God from the depths of my heart.

Gratefulness oozed from my pores.

After all? It was a beautiful morning, kids were mostly healthy and getting along, no humidity, house was clean, our families were on the upswing (Thank You, Lord), the bird was doing well with his potty-training, I didn’t have to work. Laundry was 98.8% conquered.

The dog was bathed. There was writing time on the horizon.

All good things going on.

How easy it was to stroll along, my eyes on the skies, gratitude flowing like spring sunshine.

The thing is, I was thanking in the easy. And boy, it was easy.

Two months ago, I tried thanking in the hard. And boy, was it hard.

How could I say thank you, God, when a family member was dying? Painfully?

Or when my Dad was bedridden for weeks from a hip-related physical therapy accident, very possibly out of a job now, totally not of his own doing?

Grumbles of protest and the weight of worry squelched out my voice and gratitude during those difficult weeks. Often I numbly recited verses and groaned to God on behalf of my loved ones.

I think all of us, some more than others, have had to thank in the hard. Have had to groan instead of pray.

And it’s okay. Because God still wants our thanks, even during the hard. Especially during the hard. Because He is still God, and He is not gone.

And His grace is sufficient.

If you’re in a trial, going through the HARD of life, hang on, friend. Don’t give up on the praise, on thanksgiving. God IS faithful.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (2 Thess. 5:16-18)

 

Filed under: Musings Tagged: Bible, candidkerry, Faith, Jesus, Kids, Pray without ceasing, Praying, thankfulness, Trials

Author Kathrese McKee: Interview & New Cover Reveal

In late 2014, I read a young adult book that kept me up way, way late. I even read it on my kindle, which isn’t my reading route of choice. But I couldn’t put it down! Mardan’s Mark is the first story in an epic adventure fantasy series, and a page-turning read. So, so good!

Thanks for visiting my blog again, Kathrese! It’s great to have you here. I love your name, by the way.[image error] Please share why you decided to switch covers.

In the year since the book was published, I’ve received numerous comments about the girl on the cover. Most people thought she looked too old to be Srilani. The other main character, Aldan, is slave to the dread pirate Rozar. (Sorry, I couldn’t help the reference to The Princess Bride.) Aldan gets equal time with Srilani in the story. So why didn’t he receive equal space on the cover?

I wrote the book with my own children in mind—three girls and a boy. I wrote it for my remedial Reading students, too, and all of my classes were predominately male. But one reviewer asked, “So tell me, if this was written for boys, why is there a woman’s face on the cover?”

Well, that comment really stuck with me. I don’t believe that male students need to see a male on a book cover to think they might enjoy a book. But clearly, I missed the boat with the original cover. Missed the boat.[image error] Sorry about the pun.

I thought it was punny! :) When it comes to the covers of your books, doesn’t the publisher choose?

Being an indie author, I am the publisher. And the cover is the most important piece of the marketing puzzle; people do judge a book by its cover. The bad news is that if I “miss the boat,” I only have myself to blame. The first cover was beautiful, and I’m going to miss it. But my first priority is reaching the readers who will enjoy the books.

The good news is that I can change the cover if I want to. That’s an option that an author with a traditional publishers doesn’t have. If the publisher puts a character with the wrong costume or hair color on the cover, that’s just too bad. In this case, I am really glad that I’m an indie.

The best part is getting to work with amazing artists who are passionate about creating great book covers. I love the folks at Deranged Doctor Design. They really got the genre, the characters, the look, and the branding right.

Makes sense. I appreciated the original blue cover with castle background, but did wonder about Aldan. I’m glad he gets cover time now, too. And you’re right. The new look is fantastic. They really nailed this story and these characters.

Without further ado….here is the new, gorgeous cover of Mardan’s Mark…

 

Wow! It makes me want to read the story again. What about your other books? I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series.

Healer’s Curse, the companion novella, is getting a new cover too. Once Mardan’s Mark changed, the cover for Healer’s Curse no longer matched. Future books in the series had to go with the first book and the novella. In fact, the impending launch for Mardan’s Anointed provided the push I needed to hunt for a new designer and get cracking.

*Rubs hands together eagerly* So when is Mardan’s Anointed coming out?

Late this summer. Several events delayed the work on Book Two, but now, I’m nearing the end. In many ways, writing a sequel is harder than writing the first book in a series. Mardan’s Anointed has many twists and turns, and I’m looking forward to getting it into readers’ hands. If you would like to read the first chapter, you can subscribe to my site at  http://www.kathresemckee.com/join/ to receive it.

What’s Mardan’s Anointed about?

Here’s the back cover copy:

“Circumstances part Aldan and Srilani from one another,

violence threatens, and lives are at stake.

Aldan returns to the land of his birth to overthrow a tyrant,

but first, he needs an army.

Srilani returns home to an uncertain welcome,

but then she must rule in her father’s stead.

War is inevitable and sacrifices are required

of Mardan’s Anointed.”

***

Sounds like lots of action and intrigue, which you do so well!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Kathrese!

If you’re a parent looking for an exciting, appropriate fantasy for your teens to read, check out Mardan’s Mark. (And please remember to leave a review on Amazon if you read and enjoyed the story. Positive reviews help authors SO much. Thanks.)

Texas author, Kathrese McKee, writes epic adventures for young adults and anyone else who enjoys pirates and princesses combined with life’s difficult questions. She is committed to exciting stories, appropriate content, and quality craftsmanship.

Filed under: Musings Tagged: Author interview, Author Kathrese Mckee, Book covers, Book Interview, candidkerry, Christian fiction, Faith, Healer's curse, Kathrese McKee, Mardan's Mark, writing, Young Adult Fantasy