Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 72

God is Good.

Last week I did a great job of getting morning devotions in. Serious time with God. Reading the Bible, journaling, praying. Seeking Him. And then the rest of the day would happen. Taking that time seemed to push the rest of the schedule off.

It’s been a long week. It’s been a long summer. It’s been a long year.

On the hard days, @cara_putman shares 4 truths to #encourage you.
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There’s been so much good, but there’s been this one circumstance that has not gone at all like I expected. I researched, I planned, I prayed. And it has been a shadow over this year. And right about the time I hope, pray and plead that it is over, it looks to ramp up again.

And that shadow has felt like two steps forward, one and a half (maybe two) steps back. It’s tentacles ruined my Friday night. A new sliver ruined Sunday night. And I wrestle and I wait and I try to pray.

Instead so often, my prayers sound like the pleas of a lost girl. God, where have You gone? What have I done wrong? How did I miss You in all of this? 

Have I? Or is this just one of those challenging experiences?

I wish I knew the answer. Instead, I have to cling to what I do know:

 

So today as I long for answers and a conclusion, my heart prays for you…my friends and sisters who find yourself in similar circumstances. Life hasn’t gone the way you thought or dreamed or planned. It may not be the end of something or devastating, yet it casts a shadow. And others of you are experiencing an event that feels like death. For all of us I know these truths remain.

God is good.

God never changes.

He loves me completely.

And He will turn this into good.

Fiction Friday: The Bones Will Speak

The Bones Will Speak is an absolute page turner. Carrie Stuart Parks has quickly developed a style that goes deep into a story with multiple plot lines intersecting throughout the pages. This style makes it incredibly hard to put a book down. Where the A Cry From the Dust dove into a what if regarding Mormon history, The Bones Will Speak dives into the neo-Nazi world with a serial killer who seems to be stalking Gwen Marcey.

The killer has planted evidence close to her home and takes her on a scary ride that is intense and filled with suspense. The prologue launches the book with one case. The first chapter picks up with Gwen’s first person account of what is happening years later…and eventually the two begin to overlap. Throughout it all, Gwen has to deal with the messiness of real life…and staying alive.

Love a book packed with #suspense? A real page-turner? @cara_putman recommends The Bones Will Speak.
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The Bones Will Speak is perfect for those who love a good suspense. I highly recommend it!

More about The Bones Will Speak:

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey has become the target of a serial killer who believes he’s been appointed God’s executioner.

In Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim’s grave, Gwen uses her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.

The murderer is a “lone wolf,” a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood-and he has a score to settle with Gwen. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race-not grace-provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her and everyone she loves.

Homeschooling Organization Tools

Earlier this summer I received a box of Pendaflex items that I got to play with to see how they could help me be a more organized homeschooling mom. If only they’d come with an organizational guru to get me there! Now that we’re moved into our new home, I have a challenge in that I don’t have a designated schoolroom. I gained an office, but lost our school space for a season. Now more than ever I need ways to get and stay organized so that the kids can stay on track, and I don’t lose my mind.

#Homeschool #organizational tips & tools from @cara_putman. What are your tips?
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Here’s a short video that explains how I plan to use these items.

Do you have organizational tips? How do you keep your homeschooling/or working at home job from taking over your house? I’d love to hear your secrets and tricks!

Pendaflex Desk Free

 

Pendaflex PileSmart

Pendaflex On The Go

I received these Pendaflex products from the company. However, the ideas for how to use them in a homeschool and my opinions are my own.

 

Fiction Friday: Among the Fair Magnolias

Today, as part of Friday Fiction, I’m delighted to tell you a bit about this new collection of historical, Southern novellas. Also, be sure to read to the bottom to enter a giveaway of this book.

I had to read this book because it has a novella from my friend Tamera Alexander. If you read her latest book, , then you may have been as curious as I was about what happened to Savannah Darby. In her novella, To Mend a Dream, she lets us know. It is a rich story that is perfect for the novella length.

This entire collection is perfect for those who love a good story, but don’t necessarily have time to invest in a full-length novel. Instead, inside this package are 4 novellas by acclaimed authors.

ABOUT THE BOOK



Among the Fair Magnolias(Thomas Nelson, July 2015)In the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history, four Southern women—destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war—face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.

An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray

When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers she’s very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily has a secret: She’s in love with one of the freedmen on her family’s plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including “A Lasting Impression” and “The Inheritance.” Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), “The Protector,” recently made the New York Times best seller list. Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams.

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3 End of Summer Reads

Today, I wanted to share a few books that I’ve read in the last few weeks that I thoroughly enjoyed. There are some great reads available right now. I have a feeling one of these will be just what you’re looking for in your next book!

In Good Company by Jen Turano

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was just what I needed: a light, fun romance with characters I enjoyed. I literally laughed out loud repeatedly as I read it on a car trip. My husband said he loved hearing me laugh. There is enough conflict to keep the romance rolling along in a fun and engaging way. This book is perfect for those who love a romance that will keep them in stitches.

Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a delightful read. The book worked. It’s a case of mistaken identity that spirals out of control. Over the course of the novel, the romance develops in a triangle that left me really hoping the heroine would choose one hero — she made the right choice!

The Grove: Trusting God to Fill My Kindness Gaps

Today, I’m over at the Grove. Here’s the beginning of the post, but I welcome you to join us over there for the balance….

I long to be a woman of kindness. A woman who breathes grace and peace wherever she goes. One who extends a helping hand to those in need, an encouraging word to those who feel alone, and a smile to those who feel beat down by life.

Yet I often feel far from that.

A day can go by and I realize I haven’t spent an unrushed moment with each child.

Night ends, and I jolt at the reality that my husband and I have not really connected about our days. To read the rest, go here. 

You long to be a woman of #kindness, but are you trusting God to fill your gaps? via…
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Looking for a Writer’s Conference? Come to ACFW

In less than 40 days, one of my favorite times of the year happens. The ACFW conference! I’ll never forget my first time at conference in 2005.

I went with a fellow writer from Indiana — a gal I’d met once or twice — yet, we became fast friends in the six hour drive to Nashville. I met Tracie Peterson for the first time looking like a drowned cat — boy, would I like a photo of that first impression! That first conference launched my writing career…introducing me to editors, agents and other writers. Finding out that I wasn’t crazy for thinking a bit differently from others and believing the dream that I could actually write a book and maybe — just maybe — I would see it in print.

Are you an aspiring #writer? Need help? @Cara_Putman says: come to the @ACFWConference! #Amwriting.
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This year, the conference will be in Dallas at the Hyatt Regency DFW. It’s literally at the airport…a short walk or shuttle ride from baggage. It will be a great location for us with lots of room for workshops, meals and more.

I’m excited that this year’s keynote speaker is Bill Myer. This man has written so many and varied books, that I’m eager to know what God has given him to share with us. Plus Bill Mayer is teaching the early bird and a post session as well. Then there are all the editors, agents, media experts, mentors and more who are there to help YOU progress on your writing journey.

There are so many reasons to come if you are a Christian fiction writer. I’ve attended each one since 2005. Why?

Because it’s the one time a year, I get to spend time with many of my dearest writing friends. It really is like a giant (we’re expecting 700+ this year) family reunion.
I learn so much from the workshops and speakers.
I get to give back a fraction of what has been given to me. I love running the first time orientation program for those who have never been part of our family before. You’ll see me all over the conference giving hugs, praying with people, and doing a lot of squealing as I run into so many dear friends.
I get to celebrate with friends as the Carol and Genesis Awards are handed out at the Gala.

But why do I invest two months in the first time orientation program? Because I remember what it was like to step into the conference hotel. To have spent hours traveling from my home to a destination that held so many of my dreams. To know that even as an extrovert, I was scared and out of my comfort zone. I want to remove as many of those concerns and replace them with information, friendships, and the certainty that if God has prepared a way to attend, then He has a plan for your time at ACFW. So come expecting and excited to see what He will do.

One thing I know with certainty. God always shows up and works in amazing ways at ACFW. If you’re an aspiring writer, I hope you will join us!

Fiction Friday: Sarah Sundin’s Through Waters Deep

Today I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend and co-author of Where Treetops Glisten Sarah Sundin. I love Sarah’s World War II novels — she does so much research and has such a passion for the time period that they really come to life. Today, I’m asking her about her latest novel Through Waters Deep. Now I loved this novel! I think it’s one of my favorites of hers because it combines a mystery with her trademark romance and strong WWII setting. I hope you enjoy this peek into the story behind the story.

Nancy Drew meets #WWII in @Sarah_Sundin’s latest #novel. #amreading #giveaway
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Sarah, congratulations on the release of your new book Through Waters Deep. Tell us a bit about it.

In 1941, as America teeters on the brink of World War II, Mary Stirling works at the Boston Navy Yard and renews an old friendship with naval officer Ensign Jim Avery. Jim’s destroyer escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic, but problems on his ship point to a saboteur at the shipyard. As Mary works to find the culprit and Jim battles U-boats, could their friendship blossom into something more? Or could the dangers they face keep them apart?

What drew you to write this book?

I wanted to tell a story about two childhood friends who are reunited after several years apart and slowly fall in love with each other. And since my grandfather served in the Navy in World War II, I wanted a series dedicated to the Navy.

How did you get the idea for Through Waters Deep ?

I was intrigued by historical events in 1941. US Navy destroyers were escorting British convoys across the Atlantic and exchanging fire with U-boats—before Pearl Harbor! What would it be like to do battle when the nation was officially neutral? Also, a fierce debate raged in the United States about whether or not to get involved in the war. Tempers flared, the nation was polarized, and rumors of sabotage and espionage ran rampant. What if there really had been a saboteur at an American shipyard?

What was the greatest challenge in writing this book?

Getting the naval details right. The Navy is a unique organism with its own language and customs, not easy for a landlubber to penetrate. There was a lot more research than I anticipated, but it was fascinating.

This book has a Nancy Drew feel to it with an intriguing mystery. Was that fun to write?

That was my second greatest challenge. I’d never written a mystery before. I had to learn to manage a cast of suspects, plant red herrings and clues, make each suspect look both guilty and innocent, and make the ending both logical and unexpected. Whew! It was challenging, but I did enjoy it.

What did you learn as you wrote Through Waters Deep ?

I learned I could write a lot faster than I realized! I had less time with this contract than with previous books, and I had more research than I anticipated. As a result, I wrote the rough draft in record time for me.

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5 Benefits of Accountability Groups

Here at the Alley, we’ve ganged together to eat healthy and exercise in preparation for ACFW. This conference is the highlight of the year for many of us. This got me to thinking about why accountability groups are so helpful. No matter the kind of change you are making, knowing that someone is watching (and cheering you on) makes all the difference.

5 Benefits of Accountability Groups to reach your Goals.
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There are at least 5 benefits:

1) You know you aren’t tackling a goal alone. Whether it’s writing that novel you’ve always dreamed about or losing ten pounds, knowing you aren’t the only one makes the goal seem much more reachable. And whenever you’re tackling something challenging, knowing you aren’t alone makes the task less daunting.

2) You can learn from those you’ve partnered with. Maybe they have a new kind of exercise they love. Or maybe they have a diet plan that really works for them. You can learn from their success — and be challenged to keep going when it feels like you are getting anywhere.

3) Encouragement comes in a group. Sometimes I get lazy or forgetful. When I’m working with others, I know I have the accountability. Someone will ask how I’m doing. At the same time, I am often encouraged as I see others writing in the midst of crazy lives. Or I see them making diet changes that work. Or fill in the blank. Finding a place of encouragement is such an important part of sticking with a goal long enough to have success.

4) At the same tie I can be a source of encouragement to others. It helps take the focus off of me and helps me to make sure I am encouraging others in their journeys. I get such joy out of helping others that it encourages me to keep chasing my goals, too. So don’t lose sight of the value of helping others reach their goals.

5) Deadlines help me reach points to celebrate. For this group we have the deadline of the ACFW Gala. It’s a fun night to dress up and celebrate with other writers. I can circle the date on the calendar and know if I’ve made it or not. But don’t forget to celebrate on the other side of the goal. Do something fun with the group. Whatever you do, make sure you take the time to celebrate the reaching of the goal together.

What would you add?

The Tale of a Homeschool Mama’s Denial

This week I’m in denial.

I’m in denial that summer is almost over. Between teaching graduate classes and moving, I don’t feel like we’ve had much of a summer. Add in moving, and the chaos has been complete. Where. Did. Summer. Go? I truly want to know. Summer, come back wherever you are.

I’m in denial that school is right around the corner. My 14 year old will take three classes at the high school starting Wednesday.  As in a week from tomorrow. Gulp. Where. Did. Summer. Go?

Summer? What summer? A #homeschool mama’s tale of denial.
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I’m in denial that I need to order curriculum, because I’m in denial that I have to dig through the boxes in the basement to evaluate what we have and what we need. I’m over boxes. I’m over chaos. I’m over everything not having a place and being in it. 

I’m in denial that all four of my kids will be in school. That I’ll have a 10 grader, 7th grader, 2nd grader and 1st grader. It is simply impossible that my babies are collectively that old. It is simply impossible that we need to start making college visits. Simply impossible.

I’m in denial that I am a day over 25. Just had to throw that one in for fun…though it’s true. And a 25 year old cannot have a 10th grader. It’s impossible.

But I’m not in denial of these core truths:

I am blessed to have the opportunity to homeschool my kiddos. Even on the days when I gaze longingly at the school bus, the reality is I am immensely blessed to have this privilege.
I am blessed to watch my children learn and to be an active participant in the process.
I am blessed to play a role in helping them become the men and women God placed them on this earth to become.
I am blessed that God cares even more about their education and development than I do. When I partner with Him amazing things happen and incredible doors open.
I am blessed to recognize this is a season. This will not define every year of my life, but it does define this come one.

So here’s the key question: Are you in denial, or is all of your school shopping complete?