A.M. Heath's Blog, page 2
December 23, 2014
Deleted scene: The Hands and Feet of Christmas
The Hands and Feet of Christmas
December 25, 1862;
Maple Grove, Tennessee
Luke Prider bounded off his bed, too excited to feel even the cold wood against his bare feet. It was Christmas morning. His sister, Sue Ellen, said that Santa wouldn't visit them. Even his momma tried to convince him that the Union blockade held a tight line and wouldn't allow Santa to visit those in the South. But what did they know? They were only girls. They couldn't possibly understand the power of a man on a mission.
His daddy was out there, even now, dealing with those Yanks. Sue Ellen may not have faith. His momma might have given up, but not Luke. He believed in Santa, just like he believed in his daddy. Santa came last night. He just knew it.
His feet pounded on the rough wooden floor as he ran to the tree. But the tree sat alone. Dark without the aid of the candles, the short cedar tree stood in the shadows in the corner of the room. Without his daddy to bring in a nice tall tree, they had to make due with whatever his momma and sister could manage alone. His little chest heaved as he took in the sight of the lone tree. Brushing a lock of blonde hair away from his eyes, he turned to the fireplace. He insisted they each hang a stocking above the fireplace, but they too were empty. There had to be something. Somewhere.
Dropping to his knees, he scurried under the tree, his hands patting the floor in front of him. Nothing. Backing away from the tree, he pulled his legs up to his chest and rested his chin on top. What happened to Santa? He tried his hardest to be good. He just knew he was better this year than last year. Santa came all those years before; he couldn't have put him on the naughty list this year.
Did he decide not to show because of Sue Ellen's attitude? His frown deepened into a scowl. His sister would ruin something as important as this. But what if it wasn't her? What if his daddy was hurt and couldn't help Santa? What if those awful Yanks shot down Santa for trying to help the kids in the South?
Luke heard a soft, pitiful meow coming from outside. General, his kitten, must have left the barn and wandered up to the house. Most likely in search of food. They were all searching for food these days. Momma kept making meals out of a little cornmeal and the remaining vegetables they kept from the meager crop this year. General wouldn't find anything to eat, but he could at least come in out of the cold. Luke quickly rose from the floor and opened the door to let in the orange kitten. His momma would have a fit if she found out, but it was Christmas morning; somebody should receive something special today.
~~~
“Santa came! Santa came!” Luke shouted, running through the house. Suanne Prider could barely open her eyes before her eight-year-old son leaped onto her bed, jumping and shouting all the more. “Santa came! Santa came! He really did; just like I said he would!”
Suanne rubbed her weary eyes and sat up. “Luke, what on earth are you talking about?”
He let out a deep sigh, and his shoulders slumped. Frowning at her, he answered, “Santa came.”
Suanne held a hand to her forehead and winced. He said that already. Several times actually, but it failed to make any sense. She had nothing to set out under the tree. She tried her hardest to make the boy understand. They haven't had meat on their table in over three months. Their savings had long since run dry, and Harry's paychecks were becoming scarce. The Confederacy was running low on funds just as the rest of the South was.
She wanted to get something for the kids this year to help make up for their father's absence. With a heavy heart, Suanne decided that any money found in their home would best be spent on clothes, shoes, or food. A simple gift would be too much to hope for.
Regardless of what she said, the child went to bed last night holding out hope that Santa would indeed visit him. She didn't look forward to a disappointing day, and it appeared as if Luke would make things even more difficult than necessary.
Her daughter, Sue Ellen, glided in next and carefully sat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes showed her concern. Her fifteen years understood more than a young girl should. She remained silent and at least that was a comfort.
Taking a deep breath, she let it out in a rush. “Luke, honey, Santa couldn't have come last night.” She prepared herself for his disappointment and for an onslaught of tears.
“But he DID, momma. Won't ya listen to me. He DID come last night.”
She held a hand up, wearily, but the little boy rushed on. “I done been outside. I saw the presents he left us. He left them on the porch.” Her brows turned down in confusion, and she met Sue Ellen's worried glare.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, throwing the covers off and sliding out of bed. She threw a thinning wrapper around her shoulders and tied it snugly around her waist before turning to the boy. Luke leaped off the bed in the same way he got on.
“Santa must've been in a hurry last night cause he didn't come in and set the stuff down by the tree like normal. But I knew he'd come. I just knew it.”
“Luke, please,” she said impatiently. “None of this is making any sense.”
“Well, come on. You'll see.”
“Momma, I don't know,” Sue Ellen said cautiously.
Luke rolled his eyes. Turning to his sister, he said, “You think you're so smart, Sue, but you're not. I know stuff too. I'm the man here now till Daddy gets back home. You should be showin me more respect.”
She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “That's not gonna happen,” she muttered.
“Children, please,” Suanne said before the fight could escalate. Thankfully, they were more concerned about the mysterious gifts so they dropped their argument without further prompting.
“Lead the way, Luke,” she ordered. The boy eagerly left the room, scooping up General on his way to the door. “Luke,” she growled, “you know I don't allow the animals in the house.”
He turned slowly to her with an impish little grin on his face. “It's Christmas, Momma. Have a heart, would ya?”
Her frown deepened, but she said nothing more. When had she grown so hard? So joyless? Had Harry's absence done this to her? The stress of struggling to raise two kids on no money? The worries and uncertainties of war? With a sigh, she whispered another prayer for peace and perseverance. It seemed like all she could do anymore was beg for the ability to continue.
Luke threw open the door and walked out pointing excitedly. “See, I told ya! See! See!”
Suanne walked behind the boy, through the door and stopped and stared where he pointed. There against the house was a new stack of firewood. She held one hand over her quivering lips; her eyes burned with unshed tears. There would be enough wood here to keep them warm for at least a month.
“Look at that on top, momma.”
In a daze, Suanne moved closer at the bundles lying on top of the stack. She ran her hand over the two large folds of material. A tear slipped down her face as she glanced down at her children, knowing their ankles peeked out from under their clothes. She hadn't the means for making anything new for them, or even for lengthening their current wardrobe. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she ran her hands across the cold jars of peaches and green beans. But it was the neatly wrapped plucked chicken that opened the flood gates. Trembling hands caressed the packaging.
“See, I told ya. I knew Santa would come.”
“No, Son,” she whispered. “Someone much greater than Santa had been here last night.”
She could feel his curious eyes on her. “Huh?”
“It was Jesus. Only the hands and feet of Christ could have seen to our needs like this.” Swiping at the falling tears, she reached for the chicken with one hand and patted his boney shoulder with the other. “Come, we've got a Christmas chicken to cook.”
Together they gathered their precious gifts and returned inside, General trailing happily behind them.
“...and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
Note: "The Hands and Feet of Christmas" is a deleted scene from my novel, "Where Can I Flee." This scene is not a spoiler but it is a companion to WCIF's chapter 34. If you don't have a copy of Where Can I Flee, you can pick one up on Amazon. Merry Christmas from the Heaths and the Harpers. ;)
December 25, 1862;
Maple Grove, Tennessee
Luke Prider bounded off his bed, too excited to feel even the cold wood against his bare feet. It was Christmas morning. His sister, Sue Ellen, said that Santa wouldn't visit them. Even his momma tried to convince him that the Union blockade held a tight line and wouldn't allow Santa to visit those in the South. But what did they know? They were only girls. They couldn't possibly understand the power of a man on a mission.
His daddy was out there, even now, dealing with those Yanks. Sue Ellen may not have faith. His momma might have given up, but not Luke. He believed in Santa, just like he believed in his daddy. Santa came last night. He just knew it.
His feet pounded on the rough wooden floor as he ran to the tree. But the tree sat alone. Dark without the aid of the candles, the short cedar tree stood in the shadows in the corner of the room. Without his daddy to bring in a nice tall tree, they had to make due with whatever his momma and sister could manage alone. His little chest heaved as he took in the sight of the lone tree. Brushing a lock of blonde hair away from his eyes, he turned to the fireplace. He insisted they each hang a stocking above the fireplace, but they too were empty. There had to be something. Somewhere.
Dropping to his knees, he scurried under the tree, his hands patting the floor in front of him. Nothing. Backing away from the tree, he pulled his legs up to his chest and rested his chin on top. What happened to Santa? He tried his hardest to be good. He just knew he was better this year than last year. Santa came all those years before; he couldn't have put him on the naughty list this year.
Did he decide not to show because of Sue Ellen's attitude? His frown deepened into a scowl. His sister would ruin something as important as this. But what if it wasn't her? What if his daddy was hurt and couldn't help Santa? What if those awful Yanks shot down Santa for trying to help the kids in the South?
Luke heard a soft, pitiful meow coming from outside. General, his kitten, must have left the barn and wandered up to the house. Most likely in search of food. They were all searching for food these days. Momma kept making meals out of a little cornmeal and the remaining vegetables they kept from the meager crop this year. General wouldn't find anything to eat, but he could at least come in out of the cold. Luke quickly rose from the floor and opened the door to let in the orange kitten. His momma would have a fit if she found out, but it was Christmas morning; somebody should receive something special today.
~~~
“Santa came! Santa came!” Luke shouted, running through the house. Suanne Prider could barely open her eyes before her eight-year-old son leaped onto her bed, jumping and shouting all the more. “Santa came! Santa came! He really did; just like I said he would!”
Suanne rubbed her weary eyes and sat up. “Luke, what on earth are you talking about?”
He let out a deep sigh, and his shoulders slumped. Frowning at her, he answered, “Santa came.”
Suanne held a hand to her forehead and winced. He said that already. Several times actually, but it failed to make any sense. She had nothing to set out under the tree. She tried her hardest to make the boy understand. They haven't had meat on their table in over three months. Their savings had long since run dry, and Harry's paychecks were becoming scarce. The Confederacy was running low on funds just as the rest of the South was.
She wanted to get something for the kids this year to help make up for their father's absence. With a heavy heart, Suanne decided that any money found in their home would best be spent on clothes, shoes, or food. A simple gift would be too much to hope for.
Regardless of what she said, the child went to bed last night holding out hope that Santa would indeed visit him. She didn't look forward to a disappointing day, and it appeared as if Luke would make things even more difficult than necessary.
Her daughter, Sue Ellen, glided in next and carefully sat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes showed her concern. Her fifteen years understood more than a young girl should. She remained silent and at least that was a comfort.
Taking a deep breath, she let it out in a rush. “Luke, honey, Santa couldn't have come last night.” She prepared herself for his disappointment and for an onslaught of tears.
“But he DID, momma. Won't ya listen to me. He DID come last night.”
She held a hand up, wearily, but the little boy rushed on. “I done been outside. I saw the presents he left us. He left them on the porch.” Her brows turned down in confusion, and she met Sue Ellen's worried glare.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, throwing the covers off and sliding out of bed. She threw a thinning wrapper around her shoulders and tied it snugly around her waist before turning to the boy. Luke leaped off the bed in the same way he got on.
“Santa must've been in a hurry last night cause he didn't come in and set the stuff down by the tree like normal. But I knew he'd come. I just knew it.”
“Luke, please,” she said impatiently. “None of this is making any sense.”
“Well, come on. You'll see.”
“Momma, I don't know,” Sue Ellen said cautiously.
Luke rolled his eyes. Turning to his sister, he said, “You think you're so smart, Sue, but you're not. I know stuff too. I'm the man here now till Daddy gets back home. You should be showin me more respect.”
She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “That's not gonna happen,” she muttered.
“Children, please,” Suanne said before the fight could escalate. Thankfully, they were more concerned about the mysterious gifts so they dropped their argument without further prompting.
“Lead the way, Luke,” she ordered. The boy eagerly left the room, scooping up General on his way to the door. “Luke,” she growled, “you know I don't allow the animals in the house.”
He turned slowly to her with an impish little grin on his face. “It's Christmas, Momma. Have a heart, would ya?”
Her frown deepened, but she said nothing more. When had she grown so hard? So joyless? Had Harry's absence done this to her? The stress of struggling to raise two kids on no money? The worries and uncertainties of war? With a sigh, she whispered another prayer for peace and perseverance. It seemed like all she could do anymore was beg for the ability to continue.
Luke threw open the door and walked out pointing excitedly. “See, I told ya! See! See!”
Suanne walked behind the boy, through the door and stopped and stared where he pointed. There against the house was a new stack of firewood. She held one hand over her quivering lips; her eyes burned with unshed tears. There would be enough wood here to keep them warm for at least a month.
“Look at that on top, momma.”
In a daze, Suanne moved closer at the bundles lying on top of the stack. She ran her hand over the two large folds of material. A tear slipped down her face as she glanced down at her children, knowing their ankles peeked out from under their clothes. She hadn't the means for making anything new for them, or even for lengthening their current wardrobe. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she ran her hands across the cold jars of peaches and green beans. But it was the neatly wrapped plucked chicken that opened the flood gates. Trembling hands caressed the packaging.
“See, I told ya. I knew Santa would come.”
“No, Son,” she whispered. “Someone much greater than Santa had been here last night.”
She could feel his curious eyes on her. “Huh?”
“It was Jesus. Only the hands and feet of Christ could have seen to our needs like this.” Swiping at the falling tears, she reached for the chicken with one hand and patted his boney shoulder with the other. “Come, we've got a Christmas chicken to cook.”
Together they gathered their precious gifts and returned inside, General trailing happily behind them.
“...and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
Note: "The Hands and Feet of Christmas" is a deleted scene from my novel, "Where Can I Flee." This scene is not a spoiler but it is a companion to WCIF's chapter 34. If you don't have a copy of Where Can I Flee, you can pick one up on Amazon. Merry Christmas from the Heaths and the Harpers. ;)
December 1, 2014
Recreating an 1860s Christmas Tree
I longed to see a civil war era Christmas tree in person and set out to recreate one last year. I'm sharing lots of pics and all the details on my blog this week. Swing by the check it out. :)
http://authoramheath.wix.com/amheath#...
http://authoramheath.wix.com/amheath#...
November 25, 2014
A True American Thanksgiving
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 118:1
As we turn our minds, hearts, and stomachs to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we're reminded to be thankful for the many blessings we have. We're reminded through history to look back in wonder at the journey of a courageous Pilgrim and at the kindness of an Indian. But did you know that Thanksgiving is NOT about remembering the Pilgrims and Indians? It's about remembering Christ, through whom all blessings come. Days of thanksgiving were common in our nation centuries ago and it had nothing to do with sharing a meal with friends and family. You might even be surprised to find the roots of this holiday in the Civil War.
During the Civil War, Lincoln would call the Union to set aside certain days to give thanks. These days of celebration normally followed a series of victories on the battlefield. But he wasn't the first to do this. The Continental Congress called for a day of thanksgiving in December of 1777. Read a portion of their proclamation:
"For as much as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of...It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these United States to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth Day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please God through the Merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance..."
The declaration goes on to explain their need of God's favor both in war and on their land. They call the people to forgo work and recreation so that they might be serious when crying out to The Almighty in praises and confession. They point out the direct connection to unrepentant sin in their young nation and the need of clean hearts to ensure God's favor upon them. The leadership of our young nation would continue to single out days of national thanksgiving to God in the years to come. Eventually this trend would fade out until Lincoln takes office. As mention, Lincoln called for various days of thanksgiving, but the most notable was In 1863, when he would call for the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and it has been celebrated annually ever since. Read a portion of this proclamation:
After acknowledging the nation's blessings of growth and peace between other nations in a season of national turmoil the writer says, "...No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union..."
There is one thing that each of these days of thanksgiving have in common. And that is the Person who receives the thanks. The Pilgrims thanked their Indian friends, but they didn't neglect to thank their God that guided and protected them. Washington and Lincoln thanked their troops but not without remembering the God of victories.
As we pass the pie this year, let's not forget to Whom all thanks is due. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1
To read the complete proclamations and learn even more fun facts about one of our nation's favorite holidays, click here: http://www.ask.com/wiki/Thanksgiving_...
As we turn our minds, hearts, and stomachs to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we're reminded to be thankful for the many blessings we have. We're reminded through history to look back in wonder at the journey of a courageous Pilgrim and at the kindness of an Indian. But did you know that Thanksgiving is NOT about remembering the Pilgrims and Indians? It's about remembering Christ, through whom all blessings come. Days of thanksgiving were common in our nation centuries ago and it had nothing to do with sharing a meal with friends and family. You might even be surprised to find the roots of this holiday in the Civil War.
During the Civil War, Lincoln would call the Union to set aside certain days to give thanks. These days of celebration normally followed a series of victories on the battlefield. But he wasn't the first to do this. The Continental Congress called for a day of thanksgiving in December of 1777. Read a portion of their proclamation:
"For as much as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of...It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these United States to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth Day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please God through the Merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance..."
The declaration goes on to explain their need of God's favor both in war and on their land. They call the people to forgo work and recreation so that they might be serious when crying out to The Almighty in praises and confession. They point out the direct connection to unrepentant sin in their young nation and the need of clean hearts to ensure God's favor upon them. The leadership of our young nation would continue to single out days of national thanksgiving to God in the years to come. Eventually this trend would fade out until Lincoln takes office. As mention, Lincoln called for various days of thanksgiving, but the most notable was In 1863, when he would call for the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and it has been celebrated annually ever since. Read a portion of this proclamation:
After acknowledging the nation's blessings of growth and peace between other nations in a season of national turmoil the writer says, "...No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union..."
There is one thing that each of these days of thanksgiving have in common. And that is the Person who receives the thanks. The Pilgrims thanked their Indian friends, but they didn't neglect to thank their God that guided and protected them. Washington and Lincoln thanked their troops but not without remembering the God of victories.
As we pass the pie this year, let's not forget to Whom all thanks is due. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1
To read the complete proclamations and learn even more fun facts about one of our nation's favorite holidays, click here: http://www.ask.com/wiki/Thanksgiving_...
August 21, 2014
I Remember...
I remember well when Ancient Words was just a good idea. I remember when God pressed it on my heart, in the strongest way, to stop the story I had been playing around with and begin writing this one. I remember the fear, anxiety, and doubts that clouded my every thought. I also remember surrendering to His will.
I remember the countless hours of research. The hundreds of post-it notes piled high on my desk as I typed out my notes. I remember the stress of needing an answer and not finding one right away. I remember the joy and gratitude that came when God answered the simple prayer, "Help me!"
I remember the early writing and the constant doubting. I remember finding my enjoyment in the story, but questioning whether it was a love that only a "mother" could have. I remember getting my first review and the tears of joy that flowed down my face as I learned that someone else loved my precious story too.
I remember the hardships of the editing phase. The pressure of a deadline that stole away my nights. I remember the joy of watching something that had lived only on the computer screen suddenly come to life through the printer. I remember the joys of seeing the pencil marks of an editor as I reached out and claimed my baby, excited to take it to the next level.
I remember the endless hours I spent on the lopsided chair in order to format my creation. I remember how the tears of frustration gave way to tears of joy as one by one those walls crumbled and I became victorious. I remember those that stood with me during those dark hours. Those that spoke a word of prayer or peace. Who wiped my brow and brought my tea and reminded me that something greater was at stake.
I remember that in surrendering my will to His, that I would never walk alone. Even when troubles arose and I couldn't find my way out, His perfect plan would see me through. I remember that whether writing, baking, talking, or washing my life would be to honor Him, and Him only. I remember that striving for perfection and high sales would be a goal too high. A goal too dangerous. A goal not worthy of my time. I remember that seeking to glorify His name in everything would be the only obtainable goal. The only goal blessed by my Father and left within reach.
I sit back today to remember all that I've done and in remembering, I celebrate. Today, the simple story known as Ancient Words has grown into a four book series. Today, the first book is released to the world. Today, Where Can I Flee will live in the hearts of readers instead of my computer screen. Today, I lay down my every effort and my every word at the feet of Jesus and ask only that He use to glorify His holy name.
Today, I look forward to dusting off the scraps of book two. Ready to finish the story that burns within me. Today, I pray for God's continual strength as I understand that Satan's attack will soon take on the form of bad reviews. Today, as with everyday, I celebrate. Thank You, Lord.
I remember the countless hours of research. The hundreds of post-it notes piled high on my desk as I typed out my notes. I remember the stress of needing an answer and not finding one right away. I remember the joy and gratitude that came when God answered the simple prayer, "Help me!"
I remember the early writing and the constant doubting. I remember finding my enjoyment in the story, but questioning whether it was a love that only a "mother" could have. I remember getting my first review and the tears of joy that flowed down my face as I learned that someone else loved my precious story too.
I remember the hardships of the editing phase. The pressure of a deadline that stole away my nights. I remember the joy of watching something that had lived only on the computer screen suddenly come to life through the printer. I remember the joys of seeing the pencil marks of an editor as I reached out and claimed my baby, excited to take it to the next level.
I remember the endless hours I spent on the lopsided chair in order to format my creation. I remember how the tears of frustration gave way to tears of joy as one by one those walls crumbled and I became victorious. I remember those that stood with me during those dark hours. Those that spoke a word of prayer or peace. Who wiped my brow and brought my tea and reminded me that something greater was at stake.
I remember that in surrendering my will to His, that I would never walk alone. Even when troubles arose and I couldn't find my way out, His perfect plan would see me through. I remember that whether writing, baking, talking, or washing my life would be to honor Him, and Him only. I remember that striving for perfection and high sales would be a goal too high. A goal too dangerous. A goal not worthy of my time. I remember that seeking to glorify His name in everything would be the only obtainable goal. The only goal blessed by my Father and left within reach.
I sit back today to remember all that I've done and in remembering, I celebrate. Today, the simple story known as Ancient Words has grown into a four book series. Today, the first book is released to the world. Today, Where Can I Flee will live in the hearts of readers instead of my computer screen. Today, I lay down my every effort and my every word at the feet of Jesus and ask only that He use to glorify His holy name.
Today, I look forward to dusting off the scraps of book two. Ready to finish the story that burns within me. Today, I pray for God's continual strength as I understand that Satan's attack will soon take on the form of bad reviews. Today, as with everyday, I celebrate. Thank You, Lord.
August 1, 2014
One Great Month, Two Great Reads
August not only brings more hot weather but also ushers in two debut novels by two new Christian authors.
First up is The Hesitant Heiress, by Dawn Crandall, releasing today.
The Hesitant Heiress is a wonderful book of romance, mystery, and high society; a story where people are not always what they seem. The Hesitant Heiress will be a favorite among the Jane Austen fans.
At the end of the month is Where Can I Flee, by A.M. Heath, releasing August 21.
Where Can I Flee brings to life the South's most memorable moment in history: the Civil War; a story where the realities of war touch the lives of everyone in its path - the reader included. Weaving history and the gospel together, Where Can I Flee is bound to tug on your heartstrings.
First up is The Hesitant Heiress, by Dawn Crandall, releasing today.
The Hesitant Heiress is a wonderful book of romance, mystery, and high society; a story where people are not always what they seem. The Hesitant Heiress will be a favorite among the Jane Austen fans.
At the end of the month is Where Can I Flee, by A.M. Heath, releasing August 21.
Where Can I Flee brings to life the South's most memorable moment in history: the Civil War; a story where the realities of war touch the lives of everyone in its path - the reader included. Weaving history and the gospel together, Where Can I Flee is bound to tug on your heartstrings.
July 14, 2014
Author Humor part 1
I browse pinterest when I need a little procrastination time. Pinterest is officially my favorite way to find a new recipe, do a little research, look for inspiration when my writer brain is ready to quit, and find a little humor to lighten the load. Below are some of my favorites...
Due to the no picture feature on the goodreads blogs, you'll have to click on the link below to enjoy these funny photos that I pulled from pinterest. Sorry about the inconvenience, but you won't regret it. I promise!
http://authoramheath.wix.com/amheath#...
Due to the no picture feature on the goodreads blogs, you'll have to click on the link below to enjoy these funny photos that I pulled from pinterest. Sorry about the inconvenience, but you won't regret it. I promise!
http://authoramheath.wix.com/amheath#...
June 26, 2014
Doubling Sorrows
I've browsed, read, scanned, and studied countless civil war letters over the past two years. It's been entertaining, to be sure! I've found myself growing, not only in my love for the history, but also in knowledge. I've grown to admire the people that have endured so much. I've often found myself laughing out loud at some of the descriptions or at trash talk that was often exchanged between enemies. But sweeter than that, were the rare times when these faded words spoke Truth to my heart.
I was blessed to get my hands on a copy of Old Enough to Die by Ridley Willis II. This collection of family letters were extremely helpful to me in my research. And it was within these pages that I found a beautiful nugget of truth that deserves to be shared. This particular letter is addressed to a sister. And he writes:
I am sorry that you allow yourself to have the "blues" which you complain of having, in your letter. It is a disease, which like chills, will become chronic if allowed to continue unchecked. I have, in my younger days, sometimes indulged myself in gloomy dreams and fancies but I have quit the bad habit. I have suffered more intensely form the anticipation of evils that never came to pass, than I have ever from actual, real sorrows. I have learned that real happiness has its source in the heart and not in external circumstances....Happiness is like the sunlight, free to all, high and low, rich and poor alike, and is only denied to those who willfully shut themselves up in the darkness. Have the blues no more. Turn your thoughts more upon the blessing which you have, rather than to those which you have not; never double sorrows by anticipating them but wait till they come upon you and then, forget them as soon as possible.
-J.L. Bostick
I was blessed to get my hands on a copy of Old Enough to Die by Ridley Willis II. This collection of family letters were extremely helpful to me in my research. And it was within these pages that I found a beautiful nugget of truth that deserves to be shared. This particular letter is addressed to a sister. And he writes:
I am sorry that you allow yourself to have the "blues" which you complain of having, in your letter. It is a disease, which like chills, will become chronic if allowed to continue unchecked. I have, in my younger days, sometimes indulged myself in gloomy dreams and fancies but I have quit the bad habit. I have suffered more intensely form the anticipation of evils that never came to pass, than I have ever from actual, real sorrows. I have learned that real happiness has its source in the heart and not in external circumstances....Happiness is like the sunlight, free to all, high and low, rich and poor alike, and is only denied to those who willfully shut themselves up in the darkness. Have the blues no more. Turn your thoughts more upon the blessing which you have, rather than to those which you have not; never double sorrows by anticipating them but wait till they come upon you and then, forget them as soon as possible.
-J.L. Bostick
June 12, 2014
Good Fun on Goodreads
I've recently opened an account on Goodreads.com. This is the popular gathering place on the web for all of us bookaholics. If you love to read and review books, then I encourage you to open an account there. It's a lot of fun!
Day #3 of Goodreads led me to exploring the hundreds of groups available, where I joined three different Christian based reading groups. These groups do it all: reading and discussing books together, talking up and reviewing books, sharing freebies and giveaways, and even extending various fun reading challenges to their members. It's these challenges that bring us together today.
In one hour, I joined three different groups and six challenges. There are countless groups to join and therefore there are tons of fun challenges available. Here are the reading missions I'm participating in:
In the Christian Historical Fiction group, I joined the 2014 Christian Historical Fiction Challenge where I pledged to read 12 books between now and the end of the year. Originally this challenge was for 24 books, so I cut it down since the year was half over. This challenge is a simple and sweet. The others are a bit more...well, challenging :)
In the Christian Fiction Devourers Group, I found the other five fun reading missions. And here they are:
New Author Challenge: This challenge is simply to encourage you to read from an author that you've never read from before. It doesn't have to be a debutante author such as myself :) They created fun levels for everyone pending on the pledge you submit.
• Curious – 2 new authors
• Fascinated – 3 new authors
• Addicted – 5 new authors
• Obsessed – 10 new authors
. Super-obsessed- 25 authors
. Off the Charts- 50+ authors
I went for "obsessed" and pledged to read from 10 "new to me" authors before the end of the year.
The next reading challenge I signed up for is Library Reading Challenge. This challenge is meant to lend support to the local library by reading books either from the physical library shelf or it's online library. I'm already a big fan of both and probably already met my pledge in the first half of the year but chose to focus only on the months that are left. Here are the fun levels of participation:
Board book- 3 library books
Picture book- 6 library books
Early Reader- 9 library books
Chapter Book- 12 library books
Middle grades- 18 library books
Young adult- 24 library books
Adult- 36 library books
Librarian- 50+ library books
I went for the Chapter Books level at 12 books
The Back to the Classics Challenge is simple: Read a book that has stood the test of time.
1-5 Freshman
6-10- Sophomore
11-20- Junior
20- 25-Senior
26+- Graduate Student
I wasn't feeling as capable of this challenge and pledge only 4 books at the Freshman level. :) I have a head start with 2 classics already in progress!
What's in a Name Challenge is a unique, fun, and exciting challenge that I couldn't help getting involved in. Each book you read for this challenge has to include certain things in the title:
1. A book with a" type or element of the weather" ( Wind, rain, thunder, etc.) in the title.- e.g.- Rain Song
2. A book with a "profession" in the title- e.g.- Stealing the Preacher
3. A book with a "number written in letters" in the title- e.g. -The Thirteenth Tale
4. A book with a 'body part" in the title e.g.- Eye of the Sword
5. A book with a "building" in it's title- e.g.Little House on the Prairie
6. A book with a "reference to time" in the title-e.g.- The Final Hour
See, I told you it was fun! And speaking of fun, the next challenge is not only fun but also the most challenging for me. It's the Rainbow Challenge. Each title has to include a color.
1. A book with “Red” or any shade of Red (Scarlet, Crimson, Burgandy, etc) in the title.
2. A Book with "Orange", or any shade of Orange(tangerine, rust or even peach, etc.) in the title.
3. A book with “Yellow” or any shade of Yellow (Gold, Lemon, Maize, etc.) in the title.
4. A book with “Green” or any shade of Green (Emerald, Lime, Jade, etc) in the title.
5. A book with “Blue” or any shade of Blue (Turquoise, Aquamarine, Navy, etc) in the title.
6. A book with "Purple" or any shade of Purple (Lilac, lavender, plum, magenta)
7-Bonus point(s)- A book with ANY other color in the title- Black, white, brown, etc AND/OR a book with "rainbow" in the title.
There were tons of other challenges on this group alone: The 50 States Reading Challenge, Read Around the Genre Challenge, Finish the Series Challenge, Cozy Mystery Reading Challenge, and Book of the month challenge. What fun!!
So check out Goodreads.com for yourself. Jump in on some fun group discussions and don't forget the challenges! There are still 6 months left in the year to get in on the action! I'll be posting my progress along the way. I have tons of reading to do :)
Here's what's on my reading list right now and I'm thrilled that they already fit into my challenges:
Emma by Jane Austen and Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan for the Back to the Classics Challenge
Appalachian Serenade by Sarah Loudin Thomas for the New Author Challenge
Old Enough to Die (a book of Civil War letters) for the Library Challenge
I can't wait to see how I can creatively fit books into each category. It's kinda like a reading scavenger hunt!
If you make over to Goodreads, be sure to look me up and show your support for Where Can I Flee. Even though it's not for sale yet, it's posted on the site and waiting to get on your official "Want Read It" list!
Day #3 of Goodreads led me to exploring the hundreds of groups available, where I joined three different Christian based reading groups. These groups do it all: reading and discussing books together, talking up and reviewing books, sharing freebies and giveaways, and even extending various fun reading challenges to their members. It's these challenges that bring us together today.
In one hour, I joined three different groups and six challenges. There are countless groups to join and therefore there are tons of fun challenges available. Here are the reading missions I'm participating in:
In the Christian Historical Fiction group, I joined the 2014 Christian Historical Fiction Challenge where I pledged to read 12 books between now and the end of the year. Originally this challenge was for 24 books, so I cut it down since the year was half over. This challenge is a simple and sweet. The others are a bit more...well, challenging :)
In the Christian Fiction Devourers Group, I found the other five fun reading missions. And here they are:
New Author Challenge: This challenge is simply to encourage you to read from an author that you've never read from before. It doesn't have to be a debutante author such as myself :) They created fun levels for everyone pending on the pledge you submit.
• Curious – 2 new authors
• Fascinated – 3 new authors
• Addicted – 5 new authors
• Obsessed – 10 new authors
. Super-obsessed- 25 authors
. Off the Charts- 50+ authors
I went for "obsessed" and pledged to read from 10 "new to me" authors before the end of the year.
The next reading challenge I signed up for is Library Reading Challenge. This challenge is meant to lend support to the local library by reading books either from the physical library shelf or it's online library. I'm already a big fan of both and probably already met my pledge in the first half of the year but chose to focus only on the months that are left. Here are the fun levels of participation:
Board book- 3 library books
Picture book- 6 library books
Early Reader- 9 library books
Chapter Book- 12 library books
Middle grades- 18 library books
Young adult- 24 library books
Adult- 36 library books
Librarian- 50+ library books
I went for the Chapter Books level at 12 books
The Back to the Classics Challenge is simple: Read a book that has stood the test of time.
1-5 Freshman
6-10- Sophomore
11-20- Junior
20- 25-Senior
26+- Graduate Student
I wasn't feeling as capable of this challenge and pledge only 4 books at the Freshman level. :) I have a head start with 2 classics already in progress!
What's in a Name Challenge is a unique, fun, and exciting challenge that I couldn't help getting involved in. Each book you read for this challenge has to include certain things in the title:
1. A book with a" type or element of the weather" ( Wind, rain, thunder, etc.) in the title.- e.g.- Rain Song
2. A book with a "profession" in the title- e.g.- Stealing the Preacher
3. A book with a "number written in letters" in the title- e.g. -The Thirteenth Tale
4. A book with a 'body part" in the title e.g.- Eye of the Sword
5. A book with a "building" in it's title- e.g.Little House on the Prairie
6. A book with a "reference to time" in the title-e.g.- The Final Hour
See, I told you it was fun! And speaking of fun, the next challenge is not only fun but also the most challenging for me. It's the Rainbow Challenge. Each title has to include a color.
1. A book with “Red” or any shade of Red (Scarlet, Crimson, Burgandy, etc) in the title.
2. A Book with "Orange", or any shade of Orange(tangerine, rust or even peach, etc.) in the title.
3. A book with “Yellow” or any shade of Yellow (Gold, Lemon, Maize, etc.) in the title.
4. A book with “Green” or any shade of Green (Emerald, Lime, Jade, etc) in the title.
5. A book with “Blue” or any shade of Blue (Turquoise, Aquamarine, Navy, etc) in the title.
6. A book with "Purple" or any shade of Purple (Lilac, lavender, plum, magenta)
7-Bonus point(s)- A book with ANY other color in the title- Black, white, brown, etc AND/OR a book with "rainbow" in the title.
There were tons of other challenges on this group alone: The 50 States Reading Challenge, Read Around the Genre Challenge, Finish the Series Challenge, Cozy Mystery Reading Challenge, and Book of the month challenge. What fun!!
So check out Goodreads.com for yourself. Jump in on some fun group discussions and don't forget the challenges! There are still 6 months left in the year to get in on the action! I'll be posting my progress along the way. I have tons of reading to do :)
Here's what's on my reading list right now and I'm thrilled that they already fit into my challenges:
Emma by Jane Austen and Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan for the Back to the Classics Challenge
Appalachian Serenade by Sarah Loudin Thomas for the New Author Challenge
Old Enough to Die (a book of Civil War letters) for the Library Challenge
I can't wait to see how I can creatively fit books into each category. It's kinda like a reading scavenger hunt!
If you make over to Goodreads, be sure to look me up and show your support for Where Can I Flee. Even though it's not for sale yet, it's posted on the site and waiting to get on your official "Want Read It" list!
