Patterings

Always Room for One More

2009-07-17T08:35:00.003-05:00

Emma stormed into the house, charged up the stairs to her room, and slammed her door. She never wanted to go back to church after what happened that morning. She grabbed her stuffed bear and rolled into a tight ball on her bed.

A few minutes later Gran knocked gently on the door and stuck her head.

“Emma, what is it, honey?”

“I'm never going back, Gran!” Tears were running over the bridge of her nose, making a big wet spot on her pillow.

Gran sat on the bed and smoothed Emma's hair away from her face. “What happened?”

Emma rolled over, still hugging her bear. “Stacey found a note she said was from me to Derek and she read it to everyone. I didn't write it; I would never write something so sappy. I've never been so embarrassed in my whole life, Gran. Derek was there and heard it.”

“Did you tell them you didn't write it?”

“Yeah, but Stacey waved the note and said it had my name on it. Gran, I can never face them again.” Tears trickled into her ears.

“You can and you will. If you fight this it will just make it worse, but if you go back with a smile and simply remind them that you didn't write it and move on, it will eventually be forgotten.”

Emma blinked fast, clearing her eyes. “You think so?” she asked hopefully.

“Do you think people will believe you or Stacey?

“Well, after her stunt last week, I don't think they trust her too much.” Emma sat up, her bear resting on her lap. “Why would she do that, Gran?”

Gran looked out the window before answering. “Think about her home life, Em. Since her dad left, her mom's had to work two jobs and she's not been around for Stacey. I think Stacey is trying to find attention and love, but she's going about it the wrong way. She doesn't realize she's driving away the people she wants and needs. What she did was wrong, but I think she just trying to get noticed.”

“I keep forgetting about her dad.” Emma hugged her bear tight. “She's not a mean person,” Emma said slowly and quietly, wrestling with her thoughts. “I think you're right. I think she needs friends and lots of love right now.” Taking a deep breath Emma looked at Gran. “She and I used to be friends, maybe we could be again. Do you think it would help her?”

“Can you forgive her for embarrassing you like she did?”

“If I'm gonna try to be her friend, I guess I better try, huh?”

That evening at church her friends were laughing and teasing her as they made her sit in the middle.

“Don't worry, Emma, we know you didn't write the note, you're not that sappy. After you ran out one of the girls grabbed the note and said it was Emma Landon's handwriting, not yours.”

Just then Derek sat down beside her and draped his arm around her. “I never knew you felt that way.” He winked and leaned close to whisper in her ear. “I wish you did, actually.”

Emma's eyes widened as she looked at him, then she quickly looked away as her face turned red.

Derek leaned close again, “Do you? Is that why you're blushing?”

Emma's face turned even redder and she turned away, hoping he wouldn't see it. She was saved by church starting. Later, as soon as the service ended, she jumped up to leave, but found her path blocked.

“Hey, Emma, a bunch of us are going for ice cream, wanna come with me?” Derek invited her.

Behind Derek, Emma saw Stacey duck her head and turn away, but not before Emma saw a sheen of tears in her eyes. Looking back at Derek she took a deep breath, “Sure, but can Stacey come with us?”

When Derek looked at her questioningly Emma smiled and quietly said, “She needs friends and love, Derek. Since her dad left she's been pretty much on her own and really needs us.”

A smile spread across Derek's face. “You're right. She was probably just trying to get attention this morning. C'mon, let's go get her and go out for ice cream. There's always room for one more, besides, without that note I wouldn't know you like me.”

Emma opened her mouth to protest but Derek laughed. “Don't worry, I've liked you for a long time, but never knew you liked me, too”
~*~*~*~*~*~

Today Sara is hosting Fiction Friday for us at Fiction Fusion. Be sure to join us there for links to more fiction!

Got to vs. Get to

2009-07-14T20:40:00.011-05:00

Many times in my life things get twisted about and I end up on the wrong side of things. That's happened just recently and I quickly hit the frazzled stage. I was stuck in the got to camp, and life wasn't happy. Let me tell ya, my attitude didn't smell too sweet. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. My husband was sweet enough to point out a difference between got to and get to and God reminded me of another difference.

I had let a privilege turn into duty simply because of using the wrong vowel. I was saying “I've gOt to do this” instead of “I gEt to do this”. And when it comes to the things that God has called us to do, we get to do them. We get to let God use us to accomplish His purpose. It's a privilege! If we get stuck on got to and never move back to get to, God just might use someone else and we'll be out a huge blessing.

Not only could we miss out on God's blessings because of our got to attitudes, but viewing things as got to's shows a spirit of not being thankful. God has done so much for me, exceedingly more than I could ever imagine or comprehend, that I should do the work He's called me to out of love for Him. I should let my service be an expression of love for God. Just like I do things for my husband and children simply because I love them, I should do things for God simply because I love Him.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
~Hebrews 12:28

GOt to is serving God out of duty.
GEt to is serving God out of love.
The difference in the written word may be just a vowel,
but the difference it makes in your heart is vital and invigorating.

So, which vowel are you using?

To Run Smooth

2009-07-12T07:43:00.004-05:00

These last two weeks I've rediscovered just how essential my daytimer is to my life--at least if I want my life to run smoothly. Without my daytimer open, filled in and close at hand I tend to wander aimlessly and forget more things than I remember. Little things, big things. My brain turns into a sieve and only holds whatever is right in front of me at the moment. It's not a good way to live. It leaves me feeling harried, stressed and scatterbrained. All of which are not things I like feeling!

So today I've pulled out my handy-dandy daytimer and I'll be filling in the things that need writing down and holding on to it, making sure it's close at hand. That's today's goal.

There's something even more important than my daytimer, though. It's my time spent in God's Word. Without that continual refreshment I become dry and dusty enough to rival the Sahara Desert. Without my time spent with God, I fall apart even more.

Summer schedules tend to trick us and make us think we can coast—and we can, for a short time. If we let ourselves coast for too long life goes downhill fast. My short time of coasting has come to an end. I may run a lighter schedule for another week or so, but I'm making sure the framework stays firm and that the essential things get done.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This week's winner of Margaret Daley's book is Linda. In her comment Linda said, “Margaret is the lady who introduced me to the world of this genre of books by contacting me about being at the MOA in 2008. If not for her, I'd never have opened my horizon of books. She is one neat lady inside and out. Thank you, Margaret!” I've heard similar stories from others, also. What a great example and help she is to us! Thanks so much, Margaret. And congratulations, Linda!

Berries for Stars

2009-07-10T08:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Fiction Friday! Today Cat is hosting for us on her blog A Work in Progress. Join us there for links to more fun fiction!

Berries for Stars
Callie snatched off the towel that was wrapped around her waist like an apron and tossed it onto the plank that served as a table. As far as she was concerned, the cabin could burn to the ground and it would be no great loss. Lem had been so full of dreams of land and a mansion that she’d been caught up in his dreaming when she’d agreed to move West. So far, the only part of his dream to come true was the land; his mansion was barely a tiny cabin.

“Hey, Callie, where ya’ headin'?” Lem called from the lean-to where he dreamed a barn would someday be.

“East!” she hollered as she marched toward the creek.

“Darlin’, I hate to tell ya’ this, but that direction is west.” She could hear the smile in his voice and it made her grind her teeth. She’d had it with his ‘Ain’t this grand’ attitude. All she wanted was to go home. Home was where there were neighbors and friends, towns and stores.

Reaching the creek, she crossed it and quickly continued on, paying little attention to where she was going or how long she’d been walking. As her feet followed the creek she silently ranted at her husband, slapping branches and brush out of her way.

“Lan’ sakes, girl, ya’ better be careful. Ya’ jest ‘bout ripped yer hand on these here brambles.” The voice came from the depths of a berry patch.

“Goodness, you scared me!” Callie peered into the brambles and saw an older lady in a stained dress, berry bucket in hand. “Where did you come from?”

The other lady laughed. “Originally from Maryland, but thet was so long ago I cain’t hardly ‘member it. You must be Lem’s wife. He said you was mighty purdy, with red hair an’ all.”

“Yes, I’m Callie Stanhope, Lem’s wife.”

“Waal, Callie, it’s a pleasure to meet ya’. I’m Ida Mae Hiller an’ I was gatherin’ these here berries fer a pie. Elmer an’ me was gonna stop by fer a visit tomorra’.” Ida Mae carefully picked her way out of the berry patch and sat down on a log. “Why don’t ya’ sit down an’ tell me what’s botherin’ ya.”

Callie didn’t even stop to think, she just opened her mouth and let all the bottled up frustration pour out. She told Ida Mae about Lem’s dreams and the tiny cabin, about having to haul water from the creek and not having a proper privy.

Callie stopped pacing and propped her fists on her hips. “But you know what’s getting me the most?”

Ida Mae, being a wise woman, merely raised an eyebrow.

“Lem thinks everything out here is just grand. ‘Heaven on earth.’ That’s what he calls it. Can you believe it?”

Ida Mae smiled. “Yep, I surely can. My Elmer’s jest like yer Lem.”

“How can you stand it? Doesn’t it drive you crazy?” Callie sat down, her energy spent.

“Waal, it used ta, but it don’t no more.” Ida Mae watched carefully, gauging Callie’s response.

“Once we lived near an old lady named Myra. I remember tellin’ her how bad things were an’ she tol’ me I had mud in my eyes while Elmer had stars in his.” Ida Mae laughed.

Callie surprised herself by snorting. “Lem’s got stars in his eyes, all right.”

“Mmm hmm. Sounds like he does. Myra tol’ me a lil’ story, explainin’ how I got muddy eyes.” Ida Mae looked closely at Callie. “Ya’ wanna hear it?”

Callie smiled weakly, too polite to say ‘no’ since Ida Mae had so patiently listened to her.

“Two men looked out from prison bars, one saw mud, the other saw stars.”

Callie just sat and stared at her, dumbfounded. “That’s it? That’s all there is to the story?”

“Yep. Thet’s it. Two men looked out from prison bars, one saw mud, the other saw stars.”

Callie looked at the creek and her shoulders slumped. Ida Mae could see the battle raging inside her, but turned and sat quietly watching the creek, letting Callie work it out on her own.

“Ok. I get it. If I want to see more than mud I’ve got to look at the stars, too.” Callie pushed to her feet once again. “Those sure are beautiful berries. Back home was so crowded there were no berries. Some berry preserves would be wonderful on biscuits.”

Ida Mae chuckled. “Berries for stars; thet’s good. Keep thet up and you’ll have stars in yer eyes, too.”

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

This is the first historical piece I wrote for Faithwriters and I found I loved writing it as much as I love reading it.

Also, this week's author spotlight is on Margaret Daley. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the book drawing!

with Margaret Daley

2009-07-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

This week's author interview is with Margaret Daley, who is an amazing lady.

Margaret is giving away a copy of her book, so be sure to leave a comment on this post or yesterday's, with your email addy so I can track you down if you're the winner. The book drawing is open until Saturday evening and I'll announce the winner on Sunday.

Margaret, which character in Second Chance Family most interested you while you wrote and why?
Whitney Maxwell most interested me because she went through so much personal growth during the book, especially from when she was introduced in the book before, Family Ever After. I love how she discovered the power and love of the Lord.

Which of your books was the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite?
Heart of the Amazon is the one I had the most fun writing because I love books about the jungle. The story is like African Queen meets Romancing the Stone. It’s a romantic suspense with a strong adventure element. I love reading books like that.

That sounds like my kind of book, Margaret! =)
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Description. I have to go back in and layer it into my story. I like a fast read, and I often don’t read description so therefore I have to force myself to write it.

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
No, usually I don’t eat when I’m writing, but I will have a drink—often tea.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love to read romantic suspense, adventures, thrillers, mysteries, romance, both contemporary and historical and even fantasy and science fiction. I don’t care for women’s fiction and chick-lit.

What would be your dream vacation?
Going back to Tahiti and lying on a beach on Bora Bora. It’s a gorgeous place and the people are so nice. If not there, I’d love to visit Australia and see all the unusual animals there.

Oh, Tahiti sounds lovely! I hope you get to go back some day!
Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
I often write about forgiveness and trust. Sometimes I also write about guilt and how people allow it to run their lives.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or has recently taught you?
To follow His will—his plan is the best.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
The fifth book in the Fostered by Love series (Second Chance Family is the fourth one) is Together for the Holidays. It is Lisa’s story and will be out in November 2009.

Back cover blurb for Together for the Holidays:
A single mother with a traumatic past, Lisa Morgan only wants to raise her son with love and values. But lately the boy is struggling. When his basketball coach becomes a reluctant role model, Lisa is relieved. Until she learns that David Russell is also a cop. She’s not ready to share her past—or her heart. And neither is the world-weary detective. Yet as Christmas comes closer, the true meaning of the holiday brings them together in ways they never dared dream.

Second Chance Family can be purchased from your local stores (like Wally World!) or from Amazon, CBD and for your Kindle.

You can keep up with Margaret through her web site and her blog.

Thank you so much for being here this week, Margaret. Not only do you write wonderful books, but you do so much for other writers--you're truly an inspiration. Thank you.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the book drawing!

Meet Margaret Daley

2009-07-07T00:05:00.011-05:00

Today is a triple header--I'm also posting at Exemplify about listening to the corn grow AND I'm At the Well with a devotional about defrosting your life. I'd love to have you stop by over there!

I'd like to introduce you to another incredible lady, Margaret Daley. Last week was a blur for me. Between running kids here, there and yonder and making sure all three of them had everything they needed for World Changers, I completely forgot about getting interview questions to Margaret. Completely forgot. I remembered late Saturday night, and Sunday morning, when my van played its one and only temperamental card leaving me stuck at home instead of going to church, I emailed her, apologizing. She said to send the questions through--and had them back to me that afternoon or evening. On top of everything else she does. Thank you, Margaret!

Margaret is giving away a copy of her novel, so be sure to leave a comment for her, with your email addy so I can track you down if you're the winner. The book drawing is open until Saturday evening and the winner will be posted on Sunday.

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Holt Medallion, Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines. She has sold sixty-five books to date.

Margaret is currently the Volunteer Officer for ACFW. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She served as vice-president for two years in WIN-ACFW and is still on its board as an advisor. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired last year, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community.

You can visit her web site at http://www.margaretdaley.com and read excerpts from her books and learn about the ones recently released and soon to be released.

Dedicated teacher Whitney Maxwell gave up her dream of a family years ago. But she's about to get a lesson in faith and family from an unexpected source—a brave little boy named Jason. Jason and his dad are dealing with his autism the best they can, but Dr. Shane McCoy can't put his tragic past behind him. As Whitney and Shane work together to help his son, could these two lost souls open their hearts to love again and become a lasting family?

Second Chance Family Excerpt:

This is not negotiable. My son will attend your school, starting this Thursday." After dealing with a suicidal teenage girl most of the night, Dr. Shane McCoy didn't need this.

"We aren't equipped to deal with him. Jason should go to Eisenhower Elementary where there's a class for children like him," the principal said in a tight, highly controlled voice.

The woman's last sentence shredded what composure he had. Pacing his bedroom, Shane plowed his fingers through his hair and tried to remain calm. He gripped the phone. "You've known he would attend for months."

The rumble of thunder in the distance drew him toward an upstairs window at the front of his house. Jason didn't do well in thunderstorms. Please, Lord, don't let it rain— not today. He drew back the drapes and searched the sky. Dark clouds raced toward the east, away from his house.

"We've tried to find the right staff to handle your son, but…" The woman paused, taking a deep breath.

Jason appeared on the sidewalk leading from his house.

What was he doing out front? Going to get the newspaper for Aunt Louise?

"But there aren't—" the woman continued on the other line.

When his son ignored the paper lying in the grass, concern shot through Shane. He hurried toward his door. "I'll be there for the meeting this afternoon. I've got to go," he said, and clicked off the cell phone.

Am I making a mistake?

As the question intruded into Whitney Maxwell's mind, her long hair whipped across her face, momentarily obstructing her view of the street she drove down.

"Jason! Stop!"

To the right of her someone's frantic tone pierced the early morning air. Whitney fought the wayward strand, finally managing to hook it behind her ear at the same time her gaze riveted to a sudden movement. A child disappeared between two parked vehicles ahead of her, a second later reappearing in the path of her car as he raced across the road.

Clenching the steering wheel of her convertible Volkswagen vehicle, she jerked to full attention and slammed on the brakes. Not soon enough.

Without thought Whitney swerved her VW to the right. Into a big SUV. The sound of crunching metal drowned out the thundering of her heartbeat in her ears. When she was thrown forward, her seat belt halted her progress. The strap cut into her chest, disrupting her shallow breaths.

Almost to the other side of the street near a yellow trash can, the little boy stopped, pivoted and came straight toward her. When he reached the crash, he slid his hand over the smashed hood of her car, his gaze glued to it.

"Jason! Jason!" the woman screamed, her view blocked by the big SUV.

The little boy looked up, cocked his head, then whirled around and ran back the way he came—straight into the arms of the older woman who rushed between the parked vehicles. Whitney stared into the lady's pale face as she quaked and hugged the child to her.

Everything happened so fast—only seconds—that Whitney's head spun. Her hands shaking, she fumbled for the handle. She shoved the door open, swung her legs to the pavement and stood.

The thought of the near miss shuddered through her. Her legs weak, she started to sink and clutched the car to steady herself. She needed to check on the little boy and the older woman, but her whole body quaked. Drawing in several stabilizing breaths, she made her way to the pair now on the grass between the sidewalk and the street.

The older woman, tears in her eyes, held the child away from her. "Jason, you cannot run out into the street."

"Like yellow."

Yellow? What's the child talking about?

"Wanted to touch. So pretty."

Whitney glanced toward the trash can then at her yellow Volkswagen car. Her steps faltered at the implication of what could have happened. Thankfully she'd only been going twenty-five miles per hour because the child had been oblivious to the danger involved, and yet he appeared to be at least six or seven years old.

The sounds of a slamming door and pounding footsteps nearby drew Whitney's focus toward the house in front of her. A large man, over six feet tall, jogged across the lawn toward them. His intense gaze first took in the child and woman, then slipped to Whitney hovering a few feet from the pair. It skimmed down her length before moving away. When his appraisal connected with her Volkswagen bug, a frown carved hard lines into his face.

"Aunt Louise, what happened?"

"Jason—" the older woman whimpered the name, tears streaking down her face as she clung to the child. "He— he…"

After patting the woman and whispering, "It's okay. I'll deal with this," the man fixed his gaze on Whitney and strode toward her. "What happened?"

His question frosted the air between them. She straightened, her hands clenched at her sides. "The little boy ran out into the street from between these two parked cars." She gestured toward the vehicles. "I had to swerve to avoid hitting him."

His color drained from his face. He glanced over his shoulder at the boy and the older woman. The child tried to pull from her embrace, his arm outstretched toward Whitney's VW "Aunt Louise, can you take Jason inside? I'll be there in a minute." When the pair was on the porch, the man turned back to Whitney. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" His cultured voice held a smooth, calmer tone, meant to put a person at ease. Concern—directed totally toward her— darkened his green eyes.

"Better than my car." She flipped her quivering hand toward her convertible. "I ran into someone's SUV. I—"

"Don't worry about that. It's mine. Cars can be fixed much easier than people." He walked toward the back of his vehicle and examined the damage. When he looked at hers, he whistled. "Yours will be more involved."

"Yeah. It's sorta like a beetle slamming into a wall." Where was she going to get the money to pay for this?

Even if the man could take care of his SUV, her car repairs would cost a lot and with a five-hundred-dollar deductible—money she didn't have—she had no answer. She would not accept any more help from her older brother. She'd always managed to make her way in the world by herself. She wasn't going to let this change that. She would figure out something.

After rounding the back of her vehicle and inspecting the crash from all angles, the man came back to her side. "I see what you mean. I'll take care of your car."

"No, I crashed into your SUV."

"But if you hadn't reacted quickly, my son would have been hit. I owe you. I'll take care of it." He stuck his hand out for her to shake. "Shane McCoy."

"I'm Whitney Maxwell." His warm, firm clasp conveyed a man who took charge of situations and solved problems. Her defenses quickly went up.

"Noah's sister?"

"Yes, you know my brother?"

"I've been working with Stone's Refuge ever since it began. And since he's on its board, we've gotten to know each other these past few years."

Now that she was thinking somewhat rationally, she remembered Noah talking about a Dr. McCoy seeing some of the kids who lived at Stone's Refuge, a place for foster children who needed help. "You're the child psychologist." Then she recalled her brother mentioning how much Dr. McCoy had helped his adopted son. "The one who worked with Rusty."

"Your brother was the best thing that happened to Rusty."

"I think my nephew would agree. Noah's taken to being a dad." Although she had discovered she loved children since returning to Cimarron City, she never saw herself as a mother. She never wanted to disappoint a child like she had been.

"Come in and I'll call a wrecker to take your car to a shop I know that does excellent work for a fair price."

Shane McCoy had everything figured out. She fortified her defenses. "I'll drive my car to school and come up with something."

He shook his head. "That car isn't going anywhere without a wrecker."

Whitney did her own examination of her VW and noticed the front hood was crumpled into her right tire. He was correct. Although the school was about two miles away, maybe she could walk and still make it on time. She glanced down at her watch and winced. That wasn't an option if she wanted to be on time or at least only a few minutes late.

"You mentioned driving to school—the university?"

"No, Will Rogers Elementary School."

"You're a teacher there?"

"A teacher's assistant." If all her plans worked out, she would be a teacher in three years.

"My son starts kindergarten there on Thursday. We've been marking off the days until school starts. So since I was going there this morning anyway to show Jason around before the meeting there this afternoon, I can take you. That's the least I can do."

She looked down at the damaged hood. "Fine, but I need to call a wrecker then the school to let them know I'll be a few minutes late." She hated being late her first day on the job, but there was just so much help she would accept from Shane McCoy.

"Are you sure I can't arrange for a wrecker to take your car to Carl's Body Shop?"

"I'm sure." If she had been paying better attention instead of looking for Zoey Crandell's house, maybe she would have seen the child racing across the lawn toward the street. But ever since she'd made the decision to move out of her brother's guesthouse, her attention had been focused on finding an apartment, and Zoey's sounded perfect for her.

"You can call inside while I prepare Jason to leave now."

"Prepare?" slipped out before Whitney could stop it. Jason didn't act like a normal kindergartner. What was wrong with him?

"It won't take long. I just have to prepare my son for something a little different. He already knew he was going to the school today." Shane started for the large Victorian house, stopped and said, "My aunt makes a great cup of coffee. Would you like some?"

"That sounds good." Whitney reached into her VW and grabbed her purse and the classified section of the newspaper she'd brought with her. Peering at a circled ad, she noted the address she'd been searching for and the reason she was on this particular street. "Do you know Zoey Crandell?" she called out to Shane...

Second Chance Family can be purchased from your local stores (like Wally World!) or from Amazon, CBD and for your Kindle.

You can keep up with Margaret through her web site and her blog.

Tomorrow is the interview Margaret graciously did for us. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the book giveaway!

Free to Be...

2009-07-06T03:06:00.003-05:00

Today is Monday Manna at An Open Book and Joanne gave us another short verse that packs a whallop.

Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. ~1 Peter 2:16

This verse seems to be the culmination of several verses just above it...

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ...Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. ~1 Peter 2:9, 12

We are God's people.
Our lives are to proclaim Christ.
We are to live above reproach.
Our lives are to glorify God.

Yes, it's true, we no longer live under the law, but rather under grace, but that doesn't mean we can use it as a blanket excuse for doing things we shouldn't. Just because the Bible doesn't say 'thou shalt not' do a certain thing, doesn't mean that it's okay for us to do all things. We have to look and see what the Bible tells us to do and how we're to live our lives. We are not free to do anything we want.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? ~Romans 6:1-2

In our freedom (provided through Christ's death, burial and resurrection) we are to give our lives totally to God. We are to willingly and joyfully become His bondslaves. Jesus did not die so we could go on our merry way claiming His grace and mercy as an excuse for our selfishness and self-centeredness. He freed us from our sin so that we could live our lives in such a way that God is greatly glorified. Always.

A life lived out of love for God will glorify God.

If a behavior or action will not glorify God, we shouldn't do it.
How do we know what will glorify God? By being in His Word on a regular basis and by living in a state of constant communication with Him.

Use your freedom to live for God and to be a willing and joyful bondslave of God.

ReChopping

2009-07-05T00:02:00.003-05:00

Awhile ago we had lots of rain move through our area and our yard was looking great—when we could keep it mowed. The rain spaced itself so we had a hard time getting out to cut it before it grew too tall, and that resulted in lots of cut grass laying in rows across our yard. We didn't notice it too much the day the grass was cut, when it was still green, but the next day it was quite obvious. The cut, dead grass had turned brown and it was ugly. Not only that, but it was heavy enough that it would have hindered the growth of the grass it was on. So my wonderful husband rechopped the cut grass, cutting it finer and spreading it more so it would act as mulch and not be too heavy for the grass beneath it and kill it.

...and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. ~John 15:2b

I think God does that in our lives at times. After a time of growth, He goes through and does some mowing. The mowing might not feel so good as we go through it, but we look better for it. Then, when it's done, we breathe a sigh of relief and think 'phew! That's done for awhile.' We forget that the first mow after a period of heavy growth leaves swaths of dead, brown clippings. If they're allowed to stay as they are, they'll begin to do damage. Instead of acting as mulch and encouraging more growth, they'll act as a hindrance and stifle growth. So God rechops them. He cuts the clippings up finer and spreads them so they can help keep moisture in the soil of our hearts and help us grow more. His rechopping removes the ugly brown streaks of dead grass and turns it into something good and beneficial for us.

Growth is good. Sometimes that growth is mowed and used as mulch to encourage even more growth and to keep us from looking overgrown and ratty. We need to let God mow in our lives, and when He comes and rechops, be thankful and look forward to the results. More growth and beauty, too.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Liz Johnson was here this last week and gave away a copy of her debut novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn. Tina Russo of the Seekers, is the winner! (and SOMEday Tina will have her own debut novel to give away!) Congratulations, Tina!

Thanks so much, Liz! It was wonderful having you here! And congratulations on your debut novel!

Yesterday I posted on Adding Zest about Blue-footed Boobies and what they teach us about marriage. If a clumsy little bird like a Booby can do this, I betcha we can too. ;-)

Betty Bee and the Long Tongue

2009-07-03T00:05:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! Yesterday I spent mangling my brains at Facebook and Twitter and I think I won. There's a Twitter button in my sidebar now and I created both a page AND a group for Adding Zest. Why both? Because I'm still figuring things out as I go and I didn't know which one I was supposed to do. *eye roll* I'm determined to learn these things. LoL.

SO, I needed some light fiction for today! Shirley is hosting Fiction Friday for us at Sunny Glade --be sure to join us there for links to more fiction! We'd love to have you! =)

Today's light fiction is my first attempt at a children's story...

Betty Bee and the Long Tongue

Betty Bumble Bee settled onto a clover blossom and dropped her head onto her front legs. As she watched the honey bees scurry from flower to flower she became sadder and sadder. Oh, how she wanted to be like them: so slim and trim and so useful. Everyone loved the honey bees because they made honey. They could zip through tight spaces and always had such fun. Betty Bee wanted very much to be a honey bee instead of the bumble bee she was.

Josie Butterfly swooped in for a fast landing. “Hiya, Betty Bee. Why are you just laying here and not gathering pollen?”

“Because I’m sad.” Betty Bee turned her head away so she wouldn’t have to see a honey bee working on a nearby dandelion. “Besides, why should I worry about it when the honey bees are on the job? They can do a much better job of it than I can. I wish I were a honey bee instead of a big, bumbling, bumble bee!”

Josie slowly fanned her wings as she thought. “Betty Bee, don’t you know that honey bees are picky? They need nectar to make honey.”

Betty Bee stroked her antenna. “So?”

“So they won’t go to a flower that only has pollen and no nectar, which means that some flowers would never get pollinated if it weren’t for you bumble bees because bumble bees need both pollen and nectar to feed their babies.”

“They still make honey and look at them, they’re so cute.”

Josie shook her head. “There’s more to life than being cute.”

Betty Bee flicked a leg and sent an aphid flying off the clover blossom.

“Betty Bee, stick out your tongue,” Josie said, her middle legs propped on her abdomen.

“What? Are you crazy?” Betty Bee asked.

“Just stick out your tongue, Betty Bee.” Josie insisted.

Betty Bee rolled her eyes, but stuck it out. It was long!

“God gave you a special tongue so you could reach into flowers that honey bees can’t.” Josie thought that was so neat she did a loop-de-loop right over Betty Bee’s head.

Betty Bee stuck out her tongue again and studied it with her many eyes. “Yeah, I guess that is pretty special.” She said, sounding a little happier.

“It sure is!” Josie said as she settled back onto a nearby flower. “But there’s something else that’s special about you.

“Really?” Betty Bee asked.

“Really.” Josie replied. “When it’s too cold for honey bees, guess who’s out here pollinating flowers?”

Betty Bee hesitated and thought back to the last cold day they’d had. The only other bees she’d seen that day were fellow bumble bees. “Um, bumble bees?” she asked uncertainly.

Josie clapped her hands. “Right! You bumble bees don’t mind the cold but honey bees can’t stand it. If it weren’t for you bumble bees some flowers wouldn’t get pollinated and that would be really sad.”

Betty Bee stood up and bumbled about a little, buzzing in her happiness.

“Oh, and that reminds me of something really, really special about you, Betty Bee!” Josie danced around on her clover top. “You know how so many people like tomatoes?”

Betty Bee stood real still, listening closely. The family that lived nearby loved tomatoes, so this was really important to her. “Yeah?”

“Guess who needs to pollinate tomato blossoms so they grow the tomatoes?” Josie asked, so excited she fluttered above her flower.

As Betty Bee thought hard she buzzed… and buzzed some more. Soon her clover blossom was vibrating. “I don’t know, Josie. Who?”

Josie giggled. “Bumble bees do! God made them so they can buzz enough to get the tomato pollen to drop down to where it can be reached. Isn’t that wonderful?”

That made Betty Bee so excited she flew off her flower and did a double loop around Josie. “God made me special so I could do a special job!” she shouted to all the other bees, who stopped their gathering and cheered for her.

“I’m Betty Bumble Bee and I love being me!” she sang as she zoomed into a tomato blossom and began her happy buzzing. “Just don’t forget the ‘Bumble’ part,” she giggled, “that’s the most important part.”

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;” Ephessians 4:11-12 (NAS)

I hope you enjoyed Betty Bee!
Don't forget to check out this week's author, Liz Johnson and be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the book giveaway!

with Liz Johnson

2009-07-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we met debut author, Liz Johnson, who has a Love Inspired Suspense novel just hitting the shelves. She's also giving away a copy here at Patterings, so be sure to leave a comment on this post or yesterday's, with your email addy so I can track you down if you're the winner. The book drawing is open until Saturday evening when I'll let my favorite random number generator pick the winner. I'll announce the winner on Sunday.

Liz, welcome to Patterings! Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a child of God and always loved by Him. I am a daughter, sister, and aunt to the most wonderful family in the world. I am a full-time publicist, a sometimes writer (not nearly as regularly as I should), and an even less frequent jogger. I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and I enjoy theater, ice skating, volunteering in my church's bookstore, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on my nephew and three nieces. I’m a sucker for stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is my first novel, and I blog about my adventures (and often misadventures) in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

What did you do to celebrate your first book being published?
I just keep celebrating with friends every chance I get! I was traveling with friends and coworkers last July when I got the call that Steeple Hill was publishing my book. We went out to eat in Orlando and I think it’s likely we scared our cab driver with our excited laughter and endless chatter. Then when my contract arrived, I danced in my foyer with my roommates. But my big celebrations haven’t happened yet! In July I’m going to dinner with some friends at the Cheesecake Factory (a favorite!) to celebrate my book release and my birthday! Then I’ll be headed home to Arizona to visit my family the end of July and the wonderful ladies at my home church are planning a little get together for the release. Celebrating with friends has been amazing, and I’m so blessed to have friends and family who want to party with me. But I confess that the release of the next book might be a bit of a celebrating let-down. :)

Wow! Have fun!
Which character in your novel most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Oh, definitely Kenzie! She really cracks me up. She’s forever putting her foot in her mouth and reacting on emotions, then realizing she’s made a mistake. I love her reaction when she asks Myles if the mountain lion they’re staring down won’t attack if they’re really quiet. He looks at her and says, “Well, we’re not being very quiet, are we?” Her shock is so genuine, and still makes me giggle.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I think it was less of a specific discovery than it was a process of figuring out what was really on my heart. I’ve been writing short stories and novels (a term I use very loosely in this case) since I was 7. It’s always been a part of my life. But I don’t think I realized how much I wanted to be a published author until after college. Before that I was just playing around. When I started getting serious about my writing and took classes to hone my skills, I discovered that the story ideas just kept coming. And I’m thankful they haven’t stopped.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I’d like to claim the title of Most Undisciplined Published Author. I hear author friends and role models talking about how they write every day and usually get a few thousand words written each session. Not me. I definitely go in spurts, and I really struggle to set aside time to write—especially with a hectic day-job. One thing that really helped in getting The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn written was an accountability buddy. Every morning at work, my fellow publicist Kelly Blewett would ask how much I’d written the night before. Knowing I had to ‘fess up to her gave me the motivation I needed to get from the dreaming to the writing stage—and it earned her a spot on my dedication page and her dog Henry a role in the book. The only other thing I’ve found to really help is having a writing buddy. One of my friends is an editor, and we get together every Monday night to write for an hour. (On nights that Castle is on TV, we always finish on time and watch our favorite mystery writer solve a crime with his detective muse.) Lately we’ve also been putting our lunch hours to better use. When I told my mom about 2 years ago that I was going to start writing with Jess, she laughed at me. She thought we’d spend the whole time chatting. Sometimes we do. :) But not always. In fact, we went to Estes Park, Colorado, last March on a writing retreat. We rented a cabin, set up a schedule, and both wrote well over 10,000 words, finishing our works in progress.

Thank God for friends like that! =)
Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
I figure I’m sedentary enough when I’m writing, I don’t need to be snacking, although peanut butter m&m’s somehow always make me a happier writer. But I’m generally pretty thirsty, so I keep the diet dr. pepper flowing. It’s quite the wonderful caffeine kick when my plot needs a jolt.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. (And please don't tell me it's the Classics after I confessed to you how many of those I've read! LoL)
Until recently I didn’t realize how varied my reading habits really are. I was ordering an old book online, and my roommate commented that I like a lot of different types of books, which is so true. I love Christian fiction and read a ton of it! Of course, I work in the publishing industry, so I get to read a lot of books for my day job. Some of my favorite Christian authors are Cindy Woodsmall, Tamara Leigh (Splitting Harriet is one of my all time faves!), and Gilbert Morris’s The Appomattox Saga. I definitely try not to limit my reading to only authors that I know and love. There’s just never enough time to read all the books that I want to. In the mainstream arena, I’ll pick up anything by Meg Cabot—I love her YA books! And while I am trying to read more classics from authors like L.M. Montgomery, Jane Austen, and Louisa May Alcott, my nightstand is currently playing host to two other Steeple Hill authors Betsy St. Amant and Camy Tang, The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips by Stephen Baldwin, and my all-time favorite, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. I keep mentioning it in interviews, and it reminded me how much I love it, so I pulled it out for a re-read. My second favorite book ever is The Princess Bride by William Goldman. If you’ve never picked it up, you’re missing out. Hugely entertaining, and snort-inducing hilarious.
And that’s just on the fiction-front. I read lots of nonfiction by authors like Mark Batterson, Max Lucado, and more.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
In general, I think the Lord is trying to teach me contentment with where He’s placed me in all areas of my life. But I’m not always a great student. :) He’s busy working on getting my heart in just the right place so that I find daily joy in Him, not my circumstances. We’ll just have to see how that ends up in a future book. His lessons in my life always do find their way into my writing.

What would be your dream vacation?
No contest. Prince Edward Island with a little trip over to Halifax, Nova Scotia to see the maritime museum with the Titanic exhibit. I’m a huge Anne of Green Gables fan, and I can’t wait to see Anne’s land. I made a promise to my mom years ago. I can’t even remember when I first brought it up … maybe as early as high school. I told her when I sold my first book, I’d take her on a trip to PEI. Well, here I am one contract later, and I’ve discovered there isn’t quite as much money in being published as I once thought. So I amended my promise. Told Mom I’d take her after the next book. I can’t wait to ride bikes on the beach, see the rolling green hills, and imagine where Anne and Gil were the first time they realized they were in love.

Oh yeah! Prince Edward Island! When I was little we'd go up there...many moons ago! LoL
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I don’t know about the quirkiest … hmm … I’m pretty strange all the way around. I will say that several months ago I borrowed the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack from the library, downloaded it to my ipod and spent weeks singing along to it. At home. At work. At the gym. I’ll just say that I started getting really strange looks while I was on the elliptical. I can’t believe there are people out there who don’t like “Past the Point of no Return” being sung very badly! And even after public humiliation, I blogged about it at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com. Apparently I have a high tolerance for being mocked.

Thanks so much for being here with us, Liz! Enjoy your celebrating and know we're looking forward to your next book, too! *grin* (In other words, as my friends are prone to say, get back to work. LoL) I've loved the time I've spent visiting your blog--it was just the laugh and relaxing I needed! I love your sense of humor! =)

You can purchase The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn from Amazon and CBD as well as at Wal-Mart and other stores.

To keep up with Liz visit her at her website and her blog, Liz's Diary.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into the book giveaway!

Meet Liz Johnson

2009-06-30T07:24:00.006-05:00

I'm thrilled to be able to introduce you to today's author, Liz Johnson. This is a very special book--it's her first one and I'm anxious to read it.

Liz is giving away a copy of her debut novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn so be sure to leave a comment for her, with your email addy so I can track you down if you're the winner. The book drawing is open until Saturday evening when I'll visit my favorite random number generator and the winner will be posted on Sunday.

After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, Liz Johnson set out to work in the Christian publishing industry, which was her lifelong dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-being an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she wrote articles for several magazines and worked as a freelance editorial consultant.

Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church’s bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel.

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn
Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie … but finds himself falling in love.

Here's and excerpt of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Mackenzie Thorn looked up just in time to see two men walk into her classroom. One of them, a guard, nodded at his coworker stationed inside the door, and kept his hand at the elbow of the taller man beside him. This man, clad in an orange jumpsuit sporting the initials ODOC—Oregon Department of Corrections—swaggered into the classroom, head held high, windswept brown hair falling over his collar. The intensity of his blue eyes struck Kenzie immobile for a moment as they approached.
"Ms. Thorn," the guard began.
Kenzie shook her head to clear her thoughts before holding up one index finger to the guard. "Just a moment, please." Turning to the two men sitting at the first table on her right, she said, "Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Chen, please pass out workbooks to everyone." The two men began their task while she moved to meet her new student.
"This is Myles Parsons. The superintendent's office said to put him in this class."
The guard made no apologies for bringing in a new student five weeks into their six-week GED session. Decrees from Superintendent JB Ryker's office were law inside these walls. The inmate would just have to try to keep up.
The man's piercing blue eyes bore into her face, seeming to study every crevice. She knew for a fact that her face was not that interesting. Mr. Parsons's face, on the other hand, was well worth studying. The crooked bridge of his nose had been broken at least once, but the imperfection was intriguing rather than off-putting. His wide mouth and pink lips pulled into a smirk, exposing his arrogance. Running thick fingers through his shaggy brown hair, he continued staring back at her, something few of her other students had ever dared to do.
Suddenly she realized how incredibly inappropriate she was being and ripped her gaze away from his handsome face. "Welcome to our GED prep class, Mr. Parsons."
"So you're Ms. Thorn?"
"Yes, I am. You seem surprised."
"I am." The man certainly did not mince words. "I expected someone more…" He stretched to his full height, which was at least a foot taller than her. "The way the others talk, I expected someone more intimidating."
Despite her skittering pulse, she quirked the corner of her mouth into a partial grin. "Trust me, Mr. Parsons. My tests are plenty intimidating. You may take a seat now. Third row on the left." Effectively dismissing him, she turned to the rest of the class and began teaching the basic fraction lesson.
Myles Parsons gazed at Ms. Mackenzie Thorn. Obviously frustrated by her wild, curly hair, she shoved it behind her ears, giving herself streaks of white where the chalk from her fingers lingered in her curls.
Her passion for the mundane principles of fractions astounded him. Her voice, like a melody, rose and fell as she singsonged through adding and subtracting the tricky numbers.
He shook his head to clear away the distractions of her intense gray eyes. He chastised himself for his own bad luck to end up inside these walls. Her pretty face wouldn't be enough to make his current mission worth it.
Somehow, he'd let his FBI supervisor, Special Agent in Charge Nathan—Nate—Andersen, talk him into taking this assignment. An assignment that could be summed up in two words: Kenzie Thorn.
When Nate received a tip two weeks before that the governor's granddaughter was in danger working inside the Oregon State Prison Complex at Evergreen, Myles had wondered about the validity of the tip. But Nate believed it, and he'd assigned an agent to the inside to protect her. As the youngest special agent stationed in the office, and one of the few without a family, Myles was the obvious pick to go behind bars to protect Kenzie.
Protect her from what, he wasn't sure.
But as long as he was on this mission, he'd keep an eye on her. He'd do his job and do it well.
Kenzie—Ms. Thorn, as he was going to have to think of her—turned around at the front of the class and flicked another streak of white through her hair, rambling on about finding the lowest common denominator. His mouth quirked up at the corners of its own accord at her spunky head bob, and he had to fake a sneeze in order to keep from laughing out loud.
"You're smiling awfully hard for a man who is five weeks behind the rest of the class, Mr. Parsons." Ms. Thorn's voice was soft, and she leaned closer to him, suddenly at his side. She smelled like citrus, like lemon and lime mixed together. Relishing the crisp scent in a room full of mostly unwashed bodies, he looked up into her stormy gray eyes. A row of freckles at the top of the bridge of her nose softened her hard glare, and he physically had to fight a smirk in response to her childlike cuteness.
One thing was quite certain. She wasn't going to erase his smile standing this close to him.
An intriguing contradiction, her piercing eyes and gentle face tempted Myles to turn this exchange into a flirtation. Shoving those thoughts away, he focused on the mission, knowing he had to keep his mind alert for any signs she might be in danger.
Finally, the class ended, and Kenzie took a moment to let her head rest on her desk, trying to clear her mind from the terrible day she'd just had. The day started with Cory Johns, one of her favorite students, cheating on his third and final try at the GED exam, forcing her to fail him. Any hope for a change in his life after his release went in the trash with his exam.
The next class brought her new student, Myles Parsons, whose cocky smirk and arrogance made her bristle every time she looked in his direction. He raised his hand to answer almost every question she asked, and even worse, he was always right!
Eyes closed and forehead still leaning on her arm draped over the papers littering her desk, Kenzie took the opportunity to pray for her students.
God, please give me the words to reach these men. To give them some hope and skills for when they are released. I pray for the families that are eagerly waiting for their return. And, Lord, I pray specifically for Cory Johns. I pray that he will find another way to earn his GED and support his family. And I ask that You give me a special dose of patience for my new student. Please help his attitude to change toward me and this class. Thank You for Your many good gifts. In Your name, Amen.
Just as she dragged her head from its resting spot, a noise in the doorway caught her attention. A handsome man with sleek silver hair filled the entire doorway.
"Mac!" she cried, jumping up from her seat and throwing herself into the man's waiting embrace. She clung tightly to him as he almost squeezed the breath out of her. "What are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow."
"You know how it is." He chuckled, a smile spreading over his face. "Sometimes the governor's schedule changes." He gave her another quick squeeze before stepping back to really look at her.
His gray eyes, so much like her own, assessed her carefully and he frowned. "You look tired. Is this position too much for you?"
Kenzie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He said the same thing every time he saw her. "I've been here for two years. I'm doing okay."
"Are you taking care of yourself?"
"Of course." She looped her arm through Mac's and smiled into his loving face. "I've missed you, Grandpa." She rarely called Mac "Grandpa," and since he was elected governor nearly six years before, she could count on one hand the number of times she had done so. But today she needed to be reminded that she was loved by her father's father, the man who had loved her as a daughter, ever since she lost her parents all those years ago.
Mac squeezed her tightly to his side and kissed the top of her head. "Sweet pea, you have no idea how much we miss you in Salem. I can pull some strings to get you a position at a school there. You'd make a wonderful kindergarten teacher. This place is rough. It's not good for you."
"It's okay. I'm okay. They need me, and to tell you the truth, I think I need them, too." Kenzie smiled and snuggled a little closer to his side. Mac had always been able to right the wrongs in her life, protect her from the boogeyman, dry her tears. He was larger than life when she was a child, and his presence today almost wiped away thoughts of concern over her new student.
She looked around Mac's arm and spotted his usual entourage. "Harry. Buzz." She nodded at each of the men standing just inside the doorway. Harry was built like a bulldozer and Buzz like a long-distance runner. They were part of the best security detail in the state, and Kenzie had grown fond of them through the years, as they protected Mac. "Candace." She acknowledged Mac's personal aide, a tall blonde standing beside Buzz.
Candace looked up from the notes in her daily planner. "Good afternoon, Kenzie." She offered a brief smile, then returned to keeping Mac on schedule.
"Well, you'd best show me around your classroom." Mac's voice was gruff, but held a grin.
"Sure. There's not much to show really. We have tables where the students sit. Our bookshelf is pretty meager, but the prison library has a good selection that I sometimes assign for additional reading, for those that need the practice to prepare for the exam. And of course, my desk."
As Kenzie pointed out the tables, sparse bookshelves and her own desk, Mac walked around the room, glancing at the mathematic posters, the only decoration on the gray walls. He glanced twice at a particularly colorful formula, hand-drawn, on a large white poster board, but he didn't comment.
"How's the program?" he finally said.
"It's wonderful. Since you authorized this pilot program two years ago, we've had more than two hundred inmates earn GEDs. We have almost a two-thirds pass rate. You don't have to worry about us right now. But maybe—"
"You're a good kid, Mackenzie Thorn." He cut her off before she could confess that she was hoping the state legislature might be able to allocate more funds. Distracted by his use of her full name, she forgot what she was going to say. No one called her or Mac by their shared first name. After complications with their first and only pregnancy, Kenzie's pa...

You can purchase The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn from Amazon and CBD as well as at Wal-Mart and other stores.

To keep up with Liz visit her at her website and her blog, Liz's Diary.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into the book giveaway!
Tomorrow is an interview with Liz--see ya then!

Puddled Ducks

2009-06-27T21:51:00.003-05:00

Cara Putnam has been in the author spotlight this last week and Carly Kendall is the winner of the Cara's new release A Promise Kept. Congratulations, Carly! And a big thank you to Cara! :-)
~*~~*~*~*~*~

Driving past an empty field one day I saw a pair of ducks floating in a puddle. I wanted to stop and tell them that there was a beautiful farm pond only half-a-mile away, but I realized the silliness of the thought even as I sped past.

I think I'm like those ducks--contentedly sitting in my muddy puddle, satisfied with so little when God has so much more for me. I sit and twiddle my toes in mud instead of moving to the place God wants me to be—a place of blessing and great riches. A place where God can use me.

Why do I do that? It's easier to stay in my cozy hole than it it to face the unknown. It's easier to sit in my puddle than to spread my wings and fly to a spot I've only heard is 'just over there'. It's easier to mind my own business than to possibly embarrass myself.

I cannot know the riches of His glory while sitting in my little mud puddle. I need to move to the pond God has for me in order to experience the surpassing greatness of His power. Father, open the eyes of my heart that I may know the hope of Your calling.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,
so that your may know what is the hope of His calling,
what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”
Ephesians 1:18-19

Plagued By a Piece of Cake

2009-06-26T08:49:00.003-05:00

This week Sherri is hosting Fiction Friday for us over at A Candid Thought. Join us there for links to more fun fiction! Also, Cara Putnam is in the author spotlight here this week she's giving away a copy of her new release, A Promise Kept. Be sure to leave a comment on Tuesday's or Wednesday's post to be entered in the drawing.

Now that our Vacation Bible School is over for our church, our eyes are fixed on the upcoming World Changers trip. This year 3 of my kids will going with 60+ others from our church youth department for a week of work. This is a highlight of their year and they're excited!

Throughout the summer many others are going on missions trips, and as you know, missions and missionaries are near-and-dear to my heart. So, for today's Fiction Friday, I'm posting a piece to remind us to pray for those going on missions trips.

Plagued By a Piece of Cake
***Thursday***
I'm so excited I can't sleep. Tomorrow we leave on our missions trip and I can't wait. Cindy, my team leader, keeps asking me if I'm sure I want to do this. I keep telling her I love people and new experiences. This is going to be a fabulous two weeks, I just know it.

***Friday***
This place is beautiful! Palm trees line the streets and snow capped mountains are in the distance—just gorgeous! We're spending the night in a dorm that missionary kids live in during the school year and it's not much different than my college dorm. There's even a t.v. in the living room area, and we had meatloaf for supper. I don't see what the big deal was about and why we had to sit through all that orientation. Tomorrow we travel to Chillanes where we'll work on their church. This is going to be a piece of cake.

***Saturday***
I thought we were going to die on the bus ride here! The driver was a madman! He flew around hairpin curves and wove in and out of traffic. He used his horn more than his brakes and he couldn't even stop someplace decent for us to use the restrooms. I have never seen, or smelled, such a disgusting place! The toilets were overflowing, there were no toilet seats, and you had to bring your own tissues in with you. When I started gagging Cindy led me around a hill so I could squat. If I hadn't been so desperate I would've waited for someplace with clean toilets.

It turns out Chillanes is a dirty little town. We're staying in rooms at the school where there's no glass in the windows and no running water: only a smelly outhouse.

***Sunday***
When I mentioned the accommodations to Cindy today, she said, “I kept telling you this is how it would be and you kept telling me you could handle it.” She makes me so mad! There's been dirty kids hanging on her, and she acts like she loves the food. At lunch we got potato soup and bread, and supper was a huge plate of rice and beans with some cooked bananas thrown across the top. Of course, Cindy smiled and cleaned her plate. Everyone loves her—I just don't get it. Tomorrow we start work.

***Friday***
I am so tired I don't know how much I'll be able to write.
The work is harder than I thought it would be and people are always nagging me about being too stand-offish. I work hard, but I can't stand the food, and I'm starving. The dirtiness of the everything is just gross, too. I'm glad the kids don't pester me anymore--their sticky, grimy hands give me chills just thinking about them! The adults are better, but they don't try to talk to me anymore, either. I smile at them and say, 'hola', but they just smile and go talk to someone else. I don't get it.

***Sunday***
We went to another church today, even higher in the mountains and dirtier than this place. I forgot my candy bars and didn't get to eat anything all day. One of the old ladies there gave me some of those baby bananas. I smiled and said thank you, but I couldn't eat them after seeing her dirty fingernails. I threw them out as soon as I could. Later on she wouldn't even look at me but went and sat near Cindy. Of course Cindy put her arm around the lady and gave her a hug. How can she do that?

***Wednesday***
I shared a candy bar with one of the cleaner girls today. She laughed and ran off to share it with her friends. I was so weak I stayed in bed almost all day. Two more days here and then we go back to the city to fly home. The other girls are talking about how much they'll miss the people here, but I don't know why. I tried making friends with them, but even tonight they didn't want anything to do with me. And they say I'm standoffish!

***Friday***
Finally! We're back in civilization! I almost ate myself sick at supper. They served hamburgers and nothing ever tasted so good!

The people here are so much cleaner and friendlier. Why couldn't that village be like this? They don't treat me like I have the plague here-- I don't understand why the village people did.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This was great fun to write because I wove bits of real events in with the fiction. Chillanes is a town in Ecuador, although my description here is NOT accurate of the town, but I wanted to use that town name because two of my favorite missionaries live there--they had a profound influence on my life, whether they know it or not, and I love them greatly.

This sort of thing happens quite often on missions trips--unfortunately--but it doesn't have to! Loving people speaks through our actions and crosses all language barriers. I've seen missionaries kill the language but still have a great ministry because of their love for the people. It all comes down to love--God's love in and through us.

Remember to pray for the missionaries you know, as well as those going on missions trips this summer!

Absorbing Heat

2009-06-25T14:47:00.007-05:00

I watched the sugar dissolve as I stirred up another batch of hummingbird feed and marveled that it didn't all dissolve until I heated the mixture. Sure, I could've let it sit on the counter for a couple hours, but I wanted to get the food out to my hummers as soon as possible, so I popped the mixture in the microwave for a quick heat so the sugar would be absorbed by the water, making tasty food for my favorite little birds.

It made me think of my dad--he's declared that hummers like his feed mixture better than what my mom fixes. Wanna know his secret? He super-saturates his mix with extra sugar. He pulls out a little saucepan and heats the water and sugar to make sure it all gets absorbed by the water, then he cools it and fills the hummer feeders. And it's true—hummers love being at his feeders.

My Heavenly Father does something similar with us, His children. He turns the heat up under us so we can absorb more of Him and be better and sweeter feed for others. Without the heat, we wouldn't absorb Him as quickly, nor as much.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17

So when the heat gets turned up in your life remember there's a reason for it and absorb all you can.

Don't forget the book giveaway that's going on this week!

with Cara Putman

2009-06-24T00:02:00.001-05:00

Cara Putnam is an incredible lady. I still haven't figured out how she manages all that she does, but that's okay. LoL I'm just tickled she's visiting us today! :-) Cara is doing a book giveaway, also, so be sure to leave a comment for her to be entered in the drawing. The giveaway will be open through Saturday evening and the winner posted on Sunday.

Welcome to Patterings, Cara! Tell us about yourself and how you juggle all the things you do and still keep your sanity.
First, thanks so much for having me, Patty. I was so honored when you asked.

I’ve been married for 13 years to a wonderful man. Eric, a boy from Indiana, and I met, a girl from Nebraska, met in Colorado when we were 18 and 16. I’ve always said only God could pull off something like that. Eric says I’m the speedboat zipping around his ocean liner. It’s a great description. I race through life, from project to project, and absolutely nothing fazes him.

We have three children with one in heaven and we homeschool. I’m an attorney who lectures in business law at a Big Ten University. I also write books, am active in our church and American Christian Fiction Writers. I have a hard time saying no because I love to help others, but that means I don’t get an abundance of sleep.

Tell us about your new World War II series.
My second series for Heartsong Presents is set in Ohio during the war and each book highlights a different sibling. Evactuated children, top-secret projects, and baseball, oh my!

Where did you get the idea for this series?
JoAnne Simmons posted a list of states that were still available, and Ohio is next door. I’d done some research on children evacuated from Britain to the states, and knew that some found their way to Ohio. That provided a hook to the state. I emailed JoAnne that I might be intrested in Ohio, then went back to writing another book. Several months later she emailed me and said that she needed to pick the author for that series, did I have my ideas for her? Needless to say, I hopped on Google and prayed for direction since she needed the proposal in a week. It was so cool to watch God lead me to the two additional historical hooks that I needed to make the three-book series.

Which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite? And why.
Great question, Patty. I’ve enjoyed each book, but I am actually having a blast writing the last book in the Ohio series right now. I’m not a huge baseball fan, football is much more my speed…but I am having a blast writing Kat Miller’s story. She’s a 17 year old heroine with tons of spunk, trying to live our her faith away from home. Who hasn’t done that? And Jack Raymond, the hero, is a rogue that’s just waiting to be redeemed. :-)

You also write romantic suspense for Love Inspired. Tell us about that series.
Deadly Exposure, which released last year, launched the series. Trial by Fire releases in October, and Love Inspired has a proposal for three more books in the series. My romantic suspense is clean, fun, intense, and you just have to race to the end. This series is set in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Trial by Fire allowed me to research arson. You should have seen the librarians as I checked out videos on arson investigation. I can just imagine what they were thinking!

Did you have an epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing and eventually publication?
For me it occurred in 2005 when I insisted on going to a book signing at our local Christian bookstore, Carpenter’s Son. I didn’t know then why I was so determined, but there I met Colleen Coble. For reasons unknown to me, she took me under her wing.

That fall I attended my first ACFW conference. I had a partial suspense manuscript and tried to soak in everything I could. I left the conference with three invitations to submit to editors. I followed up on those, and received my first contract at the ACFW conference in 2006. That book, Canteen Dreams, was my first printed and the ACFW 2008 Book of the Year in Short Historical.

Crazy as this sounds, my husband had just started a graduate program in addition to his job, so I decided the timing was good for me to dedicate evenings to writing. He’d be busy with classes and I could focus on creating books like I’d dreamed.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Wow, great question. Umm, I can’t think of anything at the moment. :-)

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
Last night it was hummus with multi-grain Wheat Thins. Tonight it was a homemade chocolate chip scone. And always sweet tea.

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
I pray my readers get the sense that God is active in our lives. That He cares deeply about us. And that He is always there, even when we think He doesn’t care or doesn’t see.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
Do I really trust Him? Or do I pay lip service to allowing Him to control my life? I say my career is in His hands, but is it really? He continues to ask me to trust Him and allow Him to direct my life.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
Captive Dreams, the third in my Nebraska historical series for Heartsong Presents, is set in the middle of prisoner of war camps and an airbase. Anna Goodman’s mother is dead, her father has given up on life, and her brother, Brent, goes missing in action in World War II. Even though she has a full-time war job, she feels she must keep the family farm going so that Brent will have something to come home to. She won't let herself think that he might never return. Any dreams Anna has for her future are held captive by the responsibilities the war and life have thrust upon her.

If only Anna didn't have to rely on help from German prisoners -- or from Specialist Sid Chance, the cocky know-it-all who oversees the prinsoers' work. In her heart, she knows she can't do everything demanded of her, but whom can she trust to carry the burden with her?

A Promise Kept releases to the Heartsong Presents book club this month! It’s my married romance, women’s fiction, historical. Josie and Art Wilson marry in the opening scene. It was a challenge in a fun way to explore what early married love looks like. This book also pushed me deeper because of the women’s fiction angle – Josie experiences a miscarriage. This grows out of my own experience with a miscarriage a couple years ago. Even though I had two children then, three now, that miscarriage was the most painful experience of my life to date. I still grieve for the child I won’t know this side of heaven. Our family is incomplete, yet God has turned even that into good. Don’t worry, the book doesn’t preach about miscarriage, but how the couple handles the experience plays an important role in the book.

The historical hook is that they welcome a distant cousin from England into their lives. More than 2000 children were evacuated to the United States, with many more families ready to welcome them before the Germans torpedoed a ship containing evacuated children, ending the program. I read some fascinating books filled with stories of these kids experiences and the research on the impact. Great stuff!

How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?
I post at least three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) on my blog Cara's Musings. I frequently giveaway books and talk about my writing as well as introduce readers to other authors. They can also read excerpts from my books at www.caraputman.com.

Thanks again, Patty!

Thanks so much for being here with us, Cara! It was wonderful getting to know you a bit!

Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a free copy of A Promise Kept.

Meet Cara Putman

2009-06-23T00:04:00.005-05:00

IOWA FIREFIGHTERS uploaded by Solon Firefighters

Have you ever seen a fireman trying to put out a fire with a straw?

Neither have I. But I have seen plenty of us living like we're straws--when we're not.

I'd love to have you join me at Exemplify Online's Blog where I'm posting about this. :-)

I'm so happy to introduce you to Cara Putman today! Cara is an amazing lady--one I'd like to try to follow for just one day to see how she manages all she does. I have a feeling she'd run my legs off. Cara is doing a book giveaway, so be sure to leave a comment for her to be entered in the drawing. The giveaway will be open through Saturday evening and the winner posted on Sunday.

Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara Putman has wanted to write mysteries. For years she asked God if this dream was from Him. Her life was full. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), moved to the Washington, DC area, married the man of her dreams, worked in the non-profit world, went to George Mason Law School at night while working, and then started having children. While her life was far from empty, the dream wouldn't die. Then she followed her husband to Indiana. Talk about starting over!

In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara's been writing books.

Heartsong Presents published a three book series of World War Two romances: Canteen Dreams (October 2007), Sandhill Dreams (May 2008), and Captive Dreams (September 2008). Love Inspired Suspense published her first romantic suspense in May 2008. And the Complete Idiot's Guide to Business Law (don't ask!) came out in May 2009. This month, the first book in an Ohio World War Two series, A Promise Kept, is released, also published by Heartsong Presents.

Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, women's ministry leader, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is.

A Promise Kept

Josie begins her newlywed life with excitement and love. Art Wilson is everything she hoped for in a husband. It seems her prayers have been answered as many dreams come true. But when one dream dies, Josie is not sure her wounded heart will ever heal.

Art Wilson adores his bride and can't spend enough time with her. But he never anticipated how challenging marriage could be, especially with the distraction of a new job in a strange city coupled with the arrival of a distant cousin seeking refuge from the bombings in London.

Josie and Art both wonder where God is when one dream dies and another is blessed. Can they keep the promises they made and build a love that will last a lifetime?

Here's an excerpt of A Promise Kept

Prologue
November 1939

The tick of the second hand rounding the face of the grandfather clock jarred the sudden silence in the small church anteroom room. Josephine Miller stared at it, praying it could somehow speed up. Her wedding would start in a matter of minutes, the thought was wonderful. Why did time slow and each second seem to take a minute when all she wanted to do was sweep out of the room and race down the aisle? .

In the middle of these crazy, uncertain times, Art Wilson had swept her off her feet and made her feel cherished in a way that blocked out everything.

She turned to look in the mirror where it stood against the wall, fingers fidgeting with the pleats as she scanned her appearance. Her white gown flowed around her like a dress designed for a princess. Mama had managed to tame her hair into a sleek upsweep, so different from how she looked most days. Her mother sighed, and Josie caught her gaze in the mirror’s reflection.

“You look so beautiful.” Mama smiled and pressed her handkerchief to the corner of her eyes. “The gown fits you perfectly.”

Joy bubbled around the butterflies filling her stomach. The day she’d longed for had arrived. Only one thing would make her joy complete. They’d make their first home in Dayton.

Her smile faltered in the mirror. How she wished Art hadn’t accepted a position miles from Dayton and home. She knew the job would provide a strong start for them, an opportunity Art hadn’t found in Dayton. Her dreams they’d start life in a small apartment near Mama and Daddy had evaporated. Instead, they’d head to Cincinnati. She’d longed for an adventure, and this move fit the bill. The chance to launch their life on their own was reality. While it might not have been her initial dream, a tingle of excitement edged the glow of anticipation she felt when she thought about her new life with her husband. Husband. She rolled the word around in her mind again and again. Heat flushed her cheeks as she thought of everything the word meant. God had blessed her!

“Josephine Miller, you’ll be late to your own wedding if you don’t move.” Her younger sister Kat’s sharp words pulled Josie from her thoughts.

Josie cleared her throat. “Isn’t that Mama’s line, Kat?”

Mama laughed as Josie fiddled with the bottom of her lace jacket. It topped a floor length, lace covered gown that made her feel like a movie star or wealthy socialite.

Kat stood in the glow of colors flowing through the stained glass window that accented her athletic form and the bruise she’d acquired in her latest game with the boys. Josie shook her head. You could clothe Kat in a dress but that wouldn’t make the girl any less of a tomboy. Kat caught her stare and rolled her eyes. “Fine. Just remember I’m the one who told you Art was interested.”

The door groaned on its hinges as it pushed into the room, making way for Carolynn Treen. Carolyn had done an amazing job pulling together the wedding of Josie’s dreams. Josie’s breath caught at the thought.

Carolyn shut the door behind her. “Are you ready, Josie? The organist is waiting for her cue.”

“She’s ready.” Kat played with Josie’s small bouquet before placing it back in the vase. “She can’t stop fidgeting.”

“I’ve waited a long time for this moment.” Friendship followed by a courtship. Josie had known before Art asked that he was the kind of man she wanted to marry. His firm character and commitment to God made him the one she could imagine spending the rest of her life with.

“Only a few more minutes.” Carolynn laughed and motioned her hand in a circle. “Twirl, Josie. Let me absorb your beauty.”

Josie lowered her chin demurely as she obeyed.

“Hmmm. Art is a lucky man.” Carolynn squeezed Josie and squealed. “Can you believe it? You’re getting married!”
A lopsided smile stretched Kat’s face. “About time. Now I get my own room.”

“When you put it that way, I’m surprised you didn’t push me out sooner.” Josie tried to make her expression match her stern words, but couldn’t. Tickles of joy pulsed through her.

It was here.

Her wedding.

The tickle turned to full-fledged, gut-splitting happiness.

She’d dreamed someday she would find a man like Art Wilson. But with the war consuming Europe, matters like love seemed trivial. She’d tried to be content helping Mama take care of the house and Daddy, Kat, and her brother Mark. Then she’d met Art at church…
Kat snorted. “Ugh. You’re thinking about him again. Let’s get this wedding over. You are way too focused on him.”

Oh, to be thirteen again with unlimited wisdom.

Carolynn’s sweet laugh filled the room as she ruffled Kat’s curls. “Someday you’ll understand. You won’t be thirteen forever.”

The look on Kat’s face telegraphed she sincerely doubted she’d ever be as crazy about someone as Josie was for Art.

Carolynn tugged a corner of Josie’s veil. “There. You look perfect. Well, I’d better get back out there and let them know you’re ready.”

Josie hugged Carolynn, then brushed the top of the comb holding the veil back in place. Artificial pearls dotted the top, hiding the stems of the baby’s breath lining the veil.

The first notes of Amazing Grace filtered through the door. Mama tucked her handkerchief in her sleeve and smiled. “I’d best head in. Let them usher me to my place.” She kissed Josie on the cheek and hugged her lightly, the sweet scent of violets filling the air around her. “Love you, Josephine.”

Josie sucked in a deep breath and eased it out as Mama slipped from the room. She loved Art to the very core of her being. She’d been amazed to realize one could know something so important in a matter of days. He treated her like a treasured gift, someone he couldn’t believe he’d wooed.

“Where’s Daddy?”

“I’m here, darling.” Louis Miller strode into the room looking dapper, if professorial, in his best suit. He buttoned the final button on his double-breasted jacket eased across his ample belly. “You look beautiful, Josephine. Art is lucky to have won your heart.”

Peace filtered into her heart. Daddy would only give his blessing to her marriage to a man he believed would care deeply for her. “Thank you.” She took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I’m getting married.”

“My happiest days were the day I married your mama and the days each of you kids were born. Serve and love him with all you have.” Daddy’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “My prayer is you will have a love that transforms your life like your Mama’s has for me.”

The music changed to the sweet strains of It is Well with My Soul. It might not be everybody’s idea of wedding music, but every time she heard it the words spoke to her soul. She longed to race through the door and up the aisle of the community church. Art and the minister would stand at the front, waiting for her.

Daddy swallowed then offered his arm. “It’s time, Jo.”

“I’m ready.” She slipped her hand through his arm and closed her eyes. When she opened them, Kat slipped past her. Kat’s green dress highlighted her pale complexion and reddish highlights. Kat had taken after Mama’s Irish heritage, while Josie looked more like her daddy’s mother. Carolynn squeezed her hand before she moved out the door and to the sanctuary. How could she say good-bye to Carolynn? The friend who had cried and dreamed with her?

Daddy tucked her closer to his side. Together they stepped toward the sanctuary and her future.

You can visit Cara at her website: http://www.caraputman.com/ and her blog, Cara's Musings.

You can order A Promise Kept from Heartsong.

Be sure to join us tomorrow for an interview with Cara, and don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a free copy of A Promise Kept from Cara.

Gourmet People

2009-06-21T00:04:00.001-05:00

This last week Debby Mayne was here at Patterings and Esther is the winner of Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida. Congratulations, Esther! Coming up on Tuesday and Wednesday, in this week's author spotlight, is Cara Putman and another book giveaway.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In today's instant society there are mixes and powders for everything, but the one that makes me snicker most is baby powder. I can just see a little girl stirring water into baby powder and expecting a baby.

Life isn't always instant though. In fact, none of the great men of God were instant men—they were gourmet. It was years after being anointed king that David finally took the position God told him he would have. During those years he was basically made an outlaw by his father-in-law, yet he never became angry nor bitter about the amount of time that passed. He did what God put before him, and he sought God's leading constantly. God used those years to better prepare David for the purpose He called him to.

There have been many times in my life that I felt I was going nowhere—simply treading water, and killing time. But that's not how it was. God was using those times to prepare me, and He's still preparing me. Am I following David's example of not becoming impatient or angry? Am I seeking God's next step for me and making myself available for His use?

Gourmet cooking is not a 'just add water' affair. It takes time and energy and even special ingredients...I'd rather be God's gourmet dish than my own instant generic-box-blahness.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NAS)

Jake's Ladder

2009-06-19T00:05:00.002-05:00

This is one week when I'm exceedingly thankful it's Friday! It's been a long, busy week and my family still isn't feeling well--and they've shared their yucks with me. Yippee. or not. LoL

Be sure to check out this week's author spotlight--it's Debby Mayne and she's doing a book giveaway--just leave a comment on *Tuesday's or Wednesday's* post to be entered in the book drawing. Also, don't miss Debby's book trailer posted on Tuesday--it's wonderful!

And now for Fiction Friday!

Our host this week is Joanne of An Open Book. Join us there for links to more fun fiction. Thanks, JoDear.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Jakes's Ladder
“Sh. Your father's sleeping, so you're going to have to be quiet until he wakes up,” Misti said as she put some cookies on the table for her youngest son who had recently entered first grade.

Jake stuffed half of an oatmeal cookie in his mouth. “I hate it when Daddy has to work nights.”

“We all do, Jake, even Daddy. But it's life so we just have to deal with it make the most of it. Thankfully he doesn't have to work nights all the time.” Misti poured his milk and joined him at the table. “What'd you do in school today?”

“Kyle's dad came and told us what to do if our house burns down and how to stop, drop and roll if our clothes catch on fire. It was fun.” Kyle swung his foot back and forth, scuffing the chair rung on each pass.

“I take it Kyle's dad is a fireman?”

“Yeah, he's so cool! He's huge, Mom, you should see his muscles. He said he's saved lots of people, and that people have even cheered when he's come down a ladder.” Jake took a big drink of milk, leaving a milk mustache. “I wanna be a fireman when I grow up.”

Misti handed Jake a napkin. “Being a fireman wouldn't be bad, except when there's a fire or a big accident.”

“Kyle's dad said it's a dang'rous job,” Jake said as he swiped at his mustache.

“Yes, it is and I bet that Kyle's mom is often concerned he'll get hurt sometime.”

Jake stopped chewing and looked at Misti. “You mean like Lindsay's dad?”

“Yes. Has she said how he's doing?”

“She said he couldn't fix roads anymore because he can hardly walk, so he's gonna try fixin' computers instead.” Jake leaned back in his chair, a frown creasing his face. Even his foot was still. “Mommy?”

A smile tugged Misti's mouth. “What is it, Jakey?”

“Why do dads have to have dang'rous jobs? Why don't they just work in stores or somethin' like Carey's dad?”

“Well, not all jobs pay the same, and the jobs in stores around here just don't pay enough to take care of our family.”

Jake took another bite of his cookie. “So Daddy has a dang'rous job to take care of us?”

“Yes, but remember, he's real careful.”

“Yeah, he showed me all his safety 'quipment when he brought it home last weekend to clean. It was cool.” Jake's foot scuffed against the chair rung once again as he finished his milk. “Does Daddy like being a coal miner?”

Misti chuckled. “Well, not especially.”

“So why doesn't he do somethin' else, like Lindsay's dad is gonna do?”

“Daddy has a good job, and even though he doesn't really like it, he doesn't hate it either. Besides, there's not many other jobs around here.”

Confusion clouded Jake's face and he tugged on his ear.

“Daddy keeps going to work to take care of us,” she explained as she ruffled his hair.

A smile blossomed on Jake's face and he jumped up and went to the cabinet where his paper and crayons were. “He takes care of us because he loves us.”

“That's right, Jakey, he loves us a whole bunch.”

The kitchen door opened and a taller version of Jake came in, backpack in hand. “Hey, Mom. Dad sleeping?”

“Yes, Jared, he is. He said he'd be up in time to make it to the game tonight. There's cookies on the table and your uniform is on the dryer.”

“Cool. Thanks, Mom.” He snagged a cookie and popped it into his mouth, whole. “What'cha makin', Jakey?” he asked as he poured a glass of milk.

“I'm makin' a picture for Daddy.” Jake stopped his coloring and looked up at his older brother, his eyes blinking owlishly. “Did you know Daddy loves us so much he's a coal miner? That's what he does to take care of us. I'm drawin' him a picture for a su'prise in his lunch box tonight.” Jake held up his picture and showed his brother. “That's Daddy on a ladder.”

“Why's he on a ladder?” Jared asked around the cookie in his mouth.

Jake rolled his eyes. “'Cause heroes climb ladders and Daddy's a hero.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Happy Father's Day! Fathers are heroes in my book!
Don't forget to enter this week's book drawing!

with Debby Mayne

2009-06-17T00:03:00.004-05:00

Thanks so much for being here, Debby! Tell us a little about yourself.
My dad was in the military, and I moved every couple of years during my childhood. Books became my best friends when I didn’t know anyone. I’ve lived in Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oregon, Japan, and Florida.

I started writing articles and short stories when my children were babies. After they were old enough to fix their own peanut butter sandwiches, I started trying to write books. It took me five years to sell my first one, and I’ve been steadily published ever since.

What prompted you to start writing?
I started out writing articles for regional parenting publications shortly after my first daughter was born. When I learned a new parenting skill, I wrote an article about it because it was fun, interesting, and a great way to generate a little income while I stayed home with my babies. Since I was such an avid fiction reader, my husband challenged me to write novels.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing articles for 26 years and novels for 15 years.

Were there any turning points in your writing career?
My writing career has had so many turning points I’m dizzy. I wasn’t one of those people who knew from an early age that I wanted to be a writer. The career evolved from a love of reading great stories. Shortly after I thought about writing novels, I decided to focus on Christian fiction because I never wanted to compromise my faith.

The Love Finds You series is wonderful! What made you choose to set a book in Treasure Island, Florida?
I had a story that I’d initially titled Bicycle Built for Two set in a beach town. When the Summerside Press editors asked me to find a town that worked with the theme of the story I proposed to them, Treasure Island was a perfect fit.

Which character in your novel most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Harold is a very smart man who just happens to have Alzheimer’s. Everyone around him thinks he’s a grouch, but he’s simply frustrated because he’s aware of the changes he’s experiencing. My heart goes out to him for having to deal with something he has no control over.

Which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite? Why?
I like all of my books—especially the ones I’ve written over the past couple of years. In addition to Harold from Love Finds You in Treasure Island, I love Carol Scheirer in “Silver Bells,” a novella in my upcoming Christmas Homecoming anthology that will be out in September. She’s the grandmother of the other three heroines in the collection. After being widowed for several years, she has a chance at love again.

Are there certain foods or snacks that keep the words flowing for you?
Anything spicy, coffee flavored, or covered in chocolate will keep me going for days.

What would be your dream vacation?
I love the beach, New York City, and visiting my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in North Carolina.

What is your strangest habit?
Checking e-mail incessantly.

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
Unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
Patience. I’ve always been one to watch the pot of water, waiting for it to boil. I’ve learned that it takes time to make anything worthwhile happen.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
I have several books coming out this year, including Christmas Homecoming in September, Noah’s Ark in October, and Be Still…and Let Your Nail Polish Dry in November.

Christmas Homecoming is an anthology I wrote with Paige Winship Dooly, Elizabeth Goddard, and Elizabeth Ludwig. As I mentioned earlier, my heroine is the grandmother of the other three heroines in the book. When she calls her family home to share a special day, her granddaughters don’t hesitate, and they’re there by Christmas.

Noah’s Ark is the first of three contemporary books for Heartsong Presents set in West Virginia. My hero Noah is a veterinarian who serves others to the point of neglecting his own personal life.

Be Still…and Let Your Nail Polish Dry is a devotional for busy women. Andrea Boeshaar came up with the concept then invited Sandie Bricker, Loree Lough, and me to join her in writing it. We’ve started a blog leading up to the release date, so please stop by http://bestilldevos.blogspot.com for a sample of what you’ll see in the book.

You can purchase Treasure Island from Amazon and CBD.
To learn more about Debby, visit her website at: http://debbymayne.com or at her blog.

If you missed Debby's book trailer for Treasure Island, be sure to scroll down to yesterday's post and watch it. It's wonderful! And she's giving away a book this week, so be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the book drawing.

Thanks so much for being with us, Debby!

Meet Debby Mayne

2009-06-16T00:02:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday!
And since it's Tuesday, that means it's Author Spotlight day. :-) Today I'd like to introduce you to Debby Mayne. Debby is doing a book giveaway, so be sure to leave a comment for her to be entered in the drawing. The giveaway will be open through Saturday evening and the winner posted on Sunday.

Debby's new release is Treasure Island is part of the Love Finds You series that so many of us have come to love. Summerside Press, publisher of the Love Finds You series says this: "The LOVE FINDS YOU™ series gives readers a taste of local life across the United States. The novels—uniquely titled after actual American towns with quirky but intriguing names—inspire romance and fun. Each fictional story draws on the compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways."

It's a series that delivers wonderful books.
And now, here's Debby...

Debby Mayne has published more than 20 books and novellas as well as approximately 400 articles and short stories. She has worked as the managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for a TV retailer, and as a copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. Debby lives on Florida’s west coast with her husband and two cats. To learn more about Debby, visit her website at: http://debbymayne.com.

Love Finds You in
Treasure Island, Florida
Amanda, a bicycle shop owner in Treasure Island, Florida, and Jerry, a businessman from Atlanta, have always put their personal lives on hold to care for needy family members. After being jilted at the altar and never knowing her father, Amanda doesn’t want to risk the pain that love inevitably brings. Jerry’s parents face insurmountable obstacles after being diagnosed with age-related illnesses, so he puts his personal life on the back burner so he can always be there for them. They try to deny their mutual attraction, but everyone else makes it their business to bring them together. Is it possible that Jerry’s father, who refuses to give up on his never-ending and annoying treasure hunt, knows something that they all need to pay attention to?

Here's just a few lines of Treasure Island to whet your appetite:
“You married?” Mr. Simpson said.

“Stop it, Harold,” his wife scolded. “That is none of your business.”

“Oh, that’s okay.” Amanda glanced back and forth between the couple. She finally settled her gaze on Mr. Simpson. “No, I’m not married.” The heat of embarrassment crept up her cheeks.

“Jerry isn’t married either,” Mr. Simpson blurted. “He’s our only unmarried child. He hasn’t found the right girl yet.” He paused and narrowed his eyes for a moment. “I think it’s about time he settled down. He’s forty-five years old and not getting any younger.”

And here's a first for Patterings! Debby has a book trailer, and I loooove it!

Take a look at what Romantic Times Magazine has to say about her latest 4-1/2 star novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida:

Mayne writes a wonderful novel about all of life's relationships, including son to aging parents, sister to sister, friend to friend, grandfather to grandson and, of course, love between a woman and a man. It's wonderful how she weaves all these different and complex relationships into one story and keeps it moving. This is one novel that will be treasured long after the final page is turned.

You can purchase Treasure Island from Amazon and CBD.

Tomorrow we have an interview with Debby--Be sure to leave a comment and tell a friend! :-)

In Black and White

2009-06-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

Today is Monday Manna at An Open Book and Joanne gave us a verse with few words, but it packs a punch!

And having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
~Romans 6:18

Two phrases:
freed from sin
slaves of righteousness

Two colors:
Black
White

There is no straddling this fence.
There is no middle ground.
There is no gray area.
It's black or white.
One or the other.

When we lived in sin, we lived in blackness—complete darkness. But those of us redeemed by Christ, having been washed by His blood, are clothed in white robes—the righteousness of Jesus.

Because we are freed from sin (past tense) we no longer have to live (present tense) as slaves to sin. We do not have to follow the dictates of sin. Sure, sin will try to entangle us, entrap us, sweet talk us and command us. But Jesus freed us from having to listen to, and obey, sin. We can cling to Jesus and through HIS righteousness we can live.

Two phrases:
freed from sin
slaves of righteousness

Two colors:
Black
White

Two masters:
Death.
Life.

Which is your master?

Said the Toilet and the Tub

2009-06-14T00:05:00.001-05:00

This last week Trish Perry was with us and she gave away a copy of her new release, Sunset Beach and Mez is the winner! Thank you, Trish! Coming up this week is Debby Mayne. Be sure to join us Tuesday and Wednesday for a chance to win a copy of her new realease Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida.
~*~*~*~*~*~

I have to admit, I don't have a cleaning schedule for my bathroom anymore. I used to, but it's kind of fallen by the wayside. But that's not to say that my bathroom doesn't get cleaned because it does! *grin* It's just on an as-needed basis.

Tucked behind the toilet I've stashed a toilet brush and Comet, and when I see the pot needs cleaning, I just do 'er up right then. No muss, no fuss and no scuzzie toilet bowl. Well, as I was swishing away recently I overheard a conversation between the toilet and the tub. Really. Here's how it went:

Toilet: (preening) See, I get cleaned when I need it. It's better than waiting for a scheduled cleaning day to arrive.

Tub: Humph. You're a toilet. Of course she cleans you more! You need it!

Toilet: Ha!

Toilet brush: You ought to handle sin the same way. Just deal with it on an as-needed basis so it doesn't build up and make your life scuzzie. Just scrub, swish and flush it right away as soon as you spot it.

Toilet: Yeah! That's how you do it! Hey, scrub a little harder in there and don't forget the top part.

Tub: Now wait just a minute there! There's nothing wrong with scheduled cleaning—for dirt and sin! It's the only way to make sure everything gets cleaned well, especially places that aren't in the main flow of things.

Toilet: Ooooooooh. Very good point.

Toilet brush: Did she skip her cleaning date with you again, Tub?

Tub: *sigh* Yeah, she did. I hope she notices the gray grungies soon. This is getting embarrassing.

Toilet brush: hehe. I'll remind her with a quick spray to the face. Maybe that'll make her see things better...

LoL—Patty here again. Aren't you glad you don't hear things talking inside your head? I giggled as I scrubbed...and remembered my neglected tub. There's a lot to be said for scheduled cleaning—and scheduled time spent alone with God searching, cleaning and confessing things.

I'm going to go grab my cleaning bucket and doing some praying while I'm scrubbing that poor tub. What's your tub saying to you?

Quiet, Please!

2009-06-12T00:05:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Fiction Friday! We have a technical change for Fiction Friday linking up procedures. Due to technical difficulties others have experienced, we will not be using "Mr. Linky" any longer. When participating in Fiction Friday leave your url in a comment on the host's Fiction Friday post (which is right here today).

This is one of my early stories that I wrote for Faithwriters Weekly Writing Challenge--one that I really enjoyed. Since so many of us are involved with Vacation Bible School during this time of year, I thought it'd be a good time for this particular story, especially since I'll be in VBS all next week. :-)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quiet, Please!
Melissa’s head was pounding as she made the circuit around the church building gathering children. In addition to her own 2, she was playing taxi driver for 5 others, giving her a total of 7 between the ages of 5 and 12. The hallways were noisy with the sound of the ‘musical instruments’ the kids had made in crafts that morning. There were oatmeal canister drums, soda bottle maracas, paper plate tambourines, and rubber band harps all being played exuberantly, emphatically reminding her why she worked in the kitchen during Vacation Bible School and not with the kids themselves. Children were not her cup of tea. In fact, she didn’t even really like children.

Finally having all seven children they headed for the van, at least until they left the church building, at which point the kids scattered in seven different directions.

“Stop!” Melissa shouted. “Walk this way.” She made a wide sweeping arc that pointed toward her van and watched in amazement as the kids laughed and fell in line behind her with their arms out, pointing. Shrugging her shoulders and shaking her head, she started off for the van. Behind her the kids shrugged their shoulders and shook their heads, but followed.

Melissa suspiciously looked over her shoulder and almost tripped when she saw the kids look over their shoulders and giggle at each other. Stopping, she turned, propped a fist on her hip and asked, “What on earth are you doing?”

More giggles as the kids propped their hands on hips and innocently batted their eyes at her. Finally Meggie, the five-year-old couldn’t contain herself, “Mommy, you said to walk this way, so we were walking just like you said!” The older kids dissolved in laughter.

“Oh, I see!” Melissa said. “So, if I walk like this,” she turned around and walked like Frankenstein, “you’ll walk that way, too?” Looking over here shoulder she saw they were following her, so she flapped her arms like she was flying and, sure enough, they flapped too, amid much giggling and jiggling from their instruments. Well, Melissa thought, I DID say it!

At the van she counted the kids and checked their faces, making sure she had the correct ones; it would be awful to get home and find she had the wrong ones. By the time they pulled out of the parking lot there was a cacophony of musical instruments as they all tried to out-do the other. This is why I only have two, Lord, Melissa prayed. Kids really do drive me crazy. Even working in the kitchen is too much, so please show me where I can serve You, without having to deal with children.

Britney twisted around in the front passenger seat and called out, “Ok, guys, I’m Miss Sherry. Let’s sing ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It!’” Melissa hadn’t thought the noise could be any louder than it had been, but she was wrong. The volume increased when they began singing.

“Sing it out, Gang!” Melissa smiled at Britney’s imitation of Miss Sherry, the song leader. “I can’t hear you!” Britney called out just as Miss Sherry did during the morning singing. The kids all belted out the song while getting more noise from their instruments than Melissa had thought possible, her head beating in time with the canister drums.

Maybe they’ll quit after this song, she thought desperately, wishing she’d taken the time to take some aspirin before getting the kids.

Rather than quitting Britney called out, “Again!” at the end of the song and they kept rolling.

In desperation Melissa held up her hand, trying to signal for quiet. “That’s not music! That’s noise!”

“That’s part of our verse today, Miss Melissa.” Jason, the seven-year-old called out. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” The kids all happily went into a jam session leaving Melissa to her thoughts.

Ok, Lord. It may be a joyful noise, but it’s driving me crazy! Melissa gripped the steering wheel and prayed for patience. Lord, I need help here. You know I’m not one who loves children…

“Quiet! I can’t handle any more!” Melissa commanded. All the children fell silent and looked at her in amazement, all but the five-year-old who was lost in her own little world.

“Jesus wuvs da wittle chill-dwen, all da chill-dwen of da wohrld.”

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.”
~Psalm 100:1 (KJV)

~*~*~*~*~

This is fiction! Truly. But I've been whammied like this many times by things from a child's mouth. I think it hurts more when the message comes through a child. sigh.

This week's spotlighted author is Trish Perry and she's giving away a copy of her new release. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the book drawing, which will be open until Saturday evening. This book Trish is giving away sounds wonderful!

with Trish Perry

2009-06-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to welcome Trish Perry back today for an interview. Trish is giving away a copy of her new release Sunset Beach. The book drawing will be open until Saturday evening, so be sure to leave a comment (with your addy to help me track you down) to be entered into the drawing.

Trish, tell us about your Beach House series. Actually, the Beach House series is novelist Sally John’s creation. Sally wrote the first two books in the series, and I wrote the next two. There are two characters who appear in all four books, but otherwise, each book in the series involves a different cast of characters. The house itself is the other constant “character” in the series—it’s a funky little, chotchkie-laden get-away in San Diego that was once owned by a sweet little old lady who has since joined her Maker. Everyone who visits the beach house undergoes a change—always for the better. I think Sally had a great idea, and it was a blessing to be involved with the beach house.

Where did you get the idea for the series? The series was Sally’s idea. The two books I wrote evolved very comfortably for me. My first foray into the series involved characters I had already created in my first two novels (The Guy I’m Not Dating and Too Good to Be True). I was dying to tell the third story in that series. So when Harvest House asked me to write Beach Dreams, it seemed like a perfect fit. Sally’s setting; my characters. Then, for Sunset Beach, I needed to develop all new characters and an entirely unrelated story. God blesses me with ideas so often, I have a hard time remembering exactly how my ideas come about. He just plants little snippets in my head while I’m in the shower, doing the dishes, sitting in front of the computer staring ahead like a zombie. When I look back after the fact, it’s always hard for me to pinpoint the genesis of each step in the process.

Which book (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite, and why?
Wow, that’s such a hard one. I’d probably give you a different answer on any given day. Today I’ll say that Too Good to Be True was the most fun. I had just finished writing a much more serious novel (which I haven’t published yet), and I was dying to do something funny and light. That was when I wrote Too Good to Be True. It had some serious issues and moments, but the heroine and her interactions with her mother and the hero made me laugh. As far as my favorite character, today I’ll say it was Aunt Addie from The Guy I’m Not Dating. I remember sitting in a tire shop while my car was being . . . tired, and this spunky older lady walked in wearing a perky red jacket and sporting a grey bob haircut. I grabbed a little pad of paper from my purse and drew her right then and there. She became Aunt Addie, a dear woman who is occasionally dotty and occasionally spot on with her observations. She was an excellent foil for my bad girl. Loved her.

Which character that you've written has most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Sonny Miller, the heroine in Sunset Beach, was an interesting one for me. She got her college degree, as I did, in Psychology, but she was far younger when she achieved that. And everything else about her was so different from me, as well. She was completely in the dark about her family of origin, and I was intrigued to imagine a girl going through life without knowing any family member other than her mother. It made me hungry, emotionally, thinking about what that must have been like for her. It’s hard enough to grasp one’s identity when you know much about your own background. Imagine trying to have your feet firmly planted on the ground when you don’t know, really, where you came from.

You have an interesting background! What prompted you to start writing? How long have you been writing? Were any turning points in your writing career?
I started writing creatively about 19 years ago, when I was taking my college courses (as an adult). I developed the itch to write but didn’t quite recognize it. When I submitted some of my English assignments, my professors encouraged me to write more. So I took as many creative writing courses as I could cram into my Psych degree, and I was working on my first novel by the time I graduated. A turning point in my writing career actually came as I neared the completion of my degree. I was making the bed, praying to God, asking Him for some guidance about whether to go on to grad school (for Psychology), as I originally planned, or take some time off to write. He “spoke” to me in a lovely way as I was tucking in the sheets. I’ll never forget it. I thought I was taking two years off from my Psych work. I never went back.

In Sunset Beach Sonny has just finished her psychology degree. Are there other similarities between you and Sonny? Do you write yourself into characters at times?
Since I happened to choose Sonny as the character who most interested me, above, I’ve probably answered this to some extent. As far as writing myself into characters, that has never happened deliberately. But I think the snarkier comments from some of my characters couldn’t come about if I wasn’t able to think of them, personally. I can get pretty sarcastic, and I grew up around British humor, which might surface through some of my characters on occasion. But I never mold any of my characters around myself or anyone else I know.

What food or snack keeps the words flowing?
Now, how did you know about that? Yeah, that’s the worst! When I’m sitting here jamming away, I’m fine. But when I’m between bursts of brilliant inspiration, I get the major munchies. Cashews are a big favorite, and when I’m really bad, Cheetos and Lay’s potato chips go down beautifully and quickly and straight to my git along.

LoL Well, I really didn't know but it was a bit of an educated guess. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I don’t really do quirky things as often as I do embarrassing things. I’m sitting here, spending way too much time reliving some of the stupid things I’ve done in public. It’s having a very bad effect on my delicate self-esteem, so I’m going to pick one incident and move on. I tend to wear comfy pants around the house when I’m writing, and I have a pair of running pants that are a little too long. One day I kept stepping on the backs of those pants, so I got two diaper pins, pulled the pant legs up from behind, and haphazardly pinned them onto the calves of the pants so they wouldn’t annoy me. Several hours later I needed to make a run to Costco and I noticed a few guys checking me out as I walked past them. Yeah, I’ve still got it, I thought. Uh, no. What I still had was diaper pins holding up the backs of my pant legs. That’s me all over. All I needed was a beanie with a propeller on top to finish off the look.

I almost always wear jeans, but today was a yoga pant day and I thought about your story as I ran into the grocery store. *grin* You're not just a writer, you're a reader too--what kinds of books you enjoy reading?
I always prefer novels, but I read a wide array of books. Romance, humor, historical, literary, classic, you name it. I tend to mix it up as I go, so if I read something dark and heavy, I’ll usually follow with something that will make me laugh or at least smile. But, oh, do I love to read. I actually get excited when I know I’m going to have a little time in the evening to read before bed.

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
Last year at the ACFW conference, Robin Jones Gunn talked about the fact that the Lord has given each of us overriding themes that will keep showing up in our work. I was struck by the fact that all of my work has involved the importance of listening to the Lord’s guidance. I’ve never set out to incorporate that idea into what I write, but He has clearly put that issue on my heart. I look back at books I’ve written, and I see that message there, at the bottom line, every time.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
He’s definitely impressing upon me the need to give the day’s work to Him every morning. I’m a tad overwhelmed with work at the moment, and there’s no way to get everything done that needs to be done. So I’m forced to give each day to Him and trust that I’ll hear His guidance about what to work on first.

What a good lesson for me to hear right now, Trish! Thank you for that. Can you tell us about what you have in the works?
I have nine book proposals out there at the moment, with one more due to another publisher. I’m just waiting to see what the Lord wants me to do next, assuming He has another book in mind. I hope to know something soon, but the break is badly needed and perfectly timed. A total blessing.

Patty, thanks so much for the interview! I enjoyed it.

And thank you for being here, Trish! It's been wonderful getting to know you!

Here's an excerpt of Sunset Beach for you to enjoy!

You can purchase Sunset Beach at Amazon and CBD

To keep up with Trish, visit her at www.trishperry.com and at her blog where she does fun author interviews and book giveaways.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the book drawing!
Also, I'm posting today at Adding Zest.
Join us next week to meet Debby Mayne!

Meet Trish Perry

2009-06-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

Today I'm also posting at Exemplify about a cow pond...and cows...and Christians. :)

And here at Patterings I'm honored to introduce you to Trish Perry! Her new release Sunset Beach is part of the Beach House series and it sounds wonderful! Trish is giving away a copy, so be sure to leave a comment (and your email addy) to be entered into the drawing. As always the giveaway is going on through Saturday evening and the winner will be posted Sunday. :)

And now, here's Trish!
Award-winning novelist Trish Perry has written Sunset Beach (2009), Beach Dreams (2008), Too Good to Be True (2007), and The Guy I’m Not Dating (2006), all for Harvest House Publishers. She writes a monthly column, “Real Life is Stranger,” for Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She was editor of Ink and the Spirit, the newsletter of Washington D.C.’s Capital Christian Writers organization (CCW), for seven years. Before her novels, Perry published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media.

Perry holds a B.A. in Psychology, was a 1980s stockbroker, and held positions at the Securities and Exchange Commission and in several Washington law firms. She serves on the Board of Directors of CCW and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, ChiLibris, and Romance Writers of America. Perry lives in Northern Virginia with her teenaged son. She invites you to visit her at www.trishperry.com

You can also visit Trish at her blog where she does fun author interviews and book giveaways.

Sunset Beach
Sonny Miller is tired of not knowing who she is. Soon she’ll begin graduate school to earn her masters in Psychology. But how can she counsel future clients about their identities when she isn’t even sure about her own? To that end she has cooked up a little meeting at a certain beach house in San Diego.

Sonny’s mother, classical soprano Teresa Miller, isn’t aware she’s about to be reunited at the beach house with her sister, Melanie Hines, after 25 years of estrangement. And Sonny isn’t aware her mother has invited a surprise guest of her own. Russian adoptee, Irina Petrova, finds herself dragged along on a trip so tumultuous she summons her handsome concert violinist brother for moral support.

The four women converge on the funky little beach house in San Diego, each with her own disappointments and hopes about family, identity, and love. For Sonny, the trip reveals all she expected and more than she ever dreamed.

Here's an excerpt of Sunset Beach for you to enjoy!

You can purchase Sunset Beach at Amazon and CBD

Tomorrow is an interview with Trish.
Don't forget to leave a comment (with your addy) to be entered in the book drawing.