ACFW

A few weeks ago I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Denver, Colorado. I had attended this same conference last year (held in Minnesota) and the experience was SO wonderful, I knew this year's conference couldn't possibly be any better. WOW! I was mistaken! For me personally, the conference this year was even MORE AMAZING....the Lord worked in such wonderful ways to bless me, I was constantly in awe of His goodness! I made new friends, visited with folks I'd met last year, and the Lord provided opportunities to talk with Editors - - even more than I'd planned on. ~ An added bonus was once again having my precious daughter Amy along with me. Such a special "mother/daughter" time together! ~ Perhaps the most amazing thing was our flight home. The plane was almost full when I made our online reservations, so Amy and I had seats at opposite ends of a row. We weren't thrilled about that, as we're used to sitting next to each other. ~ A precious couple from our church was also on that flight (they'd attended a wedding in Colorado) and as it turned out, their seats were beside ours! So, we were able to swap, so they sat together, and Amy and I sat together. Once again, I knew that was NOT "coincidence" but the Lord at work!! He is AMAZING!! (The picture is Debbie Macomber and me - - She was a GREAT keynote speaker!)

Enjoying the Drive

When I was still teaching school a few years ago, I didn't particularly enjoy my daily drive to and from my school. At the time I had two children in school, and we were always rushing---getting to their schools, and then I'd hurry on to mine to be ready to greet my roomful of kindergarten children. I loved my teaching job, but it seemed my life was a constant whirlwind - - always hurrying. Quite a few times I'd commented to family members and friends that I wished we lived closer to the schools, and I even reached the point where I'd say "I detest that drive!"~ ~ Now, several years later, due to a very bad back I am no longer teaching. My "baby" is now a high school senior, and I view that very same drive across the county each day with an entirely different perspective. Instead of seeing the drive as a "hassle," I'm viewing it as extra time with my child. Yes, he can drive, but I'd much rather take him each day (there are too many reckless-driving young people on those roads). Besides, I keep reminding myself that this time next year my son will be in college, and I know I'll actually miss those daily drives together. ~ ~ This thought just occurred to me last week: The very same activity I'd felt grumbly about in the past is now something I treasure! It's all in the perspective. ~ ~ I am reminded of the verse in 1 Thessalonians: In everything give thanks. ~ So I am giving thanks for this added time with my precious son, while he's still living at home, and I'm also noticing some lovely scenery along the way that I hadn't noticed a few years ago!

Singin' in the Rain...

A few days ago I was out running errands in our Georgia heat and humidity. There were a few clouds in the sky, but I really thought the weather would stay clear all afternoon. As I pushed my shopping cart (or "buggy" as we say here in the South!) to my car, I noticed the sky had quickly become an ominous gray. The instant I arrived at my car to load the groceries into it, the rain began. Only it wasn't just some raindrops falling down - - oh no, it was a DOWNPOUR, in every sense of the word! It was as if someone had a giant bucket, dumping water onto the Kroger parking lot. Not only that, but the wind began to blow strongly....so the rain was now blowing into my car as I loaded the groceries. Before I was even halfway finished putting the groceries in, I realized I was DRENCHED! I'm sure I looked as if I'd just stepped out of a swimming pool, fully clothed and dripping. ~ At that moment, I felt like a kid again, and I began to giggle. Then I laughed, continuing to place groceries in the car while wiping water out of my eyes. I know I must have looked silly - - laughing by myself and at myself - - but I knew there was no point in being aggravated at getting soaked. ~ On the drive home, I couldn't resist putting in a music CD of old classic movie themes. So of course I played "Singin in the Rain" as I drove home....and laughed some more! ~ ~ A favorite verse from Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ~ ~ May I always have a merry heart!

BLESSINGS

After recently reading the book Blessings, by wonderful Christian author Kim Vogel Sawyer, I was struck with the thought of that oft-heard phrase, "Count your blessings." We hear a lot about being thankful and counting blessings around Thanksgiving time, but shouldn't we be just as thankful ALL year long? I decided to make a determined effort to really count my blessings each and every day - - not just mentally "listing them" but truly having a thankful heart. After all, the Lord didn't have to bless me as much as He did, but since I am so very blessed, I should be continually thanking Him!

* * If you've never read any of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, you are missing a very talented author. The book I mentioned above is the 3rd in Kim's Sommerfeld Trilogy, and is excellent. Of course, ALL of Kim's books are excellent....and she's a very sweet lady! * *

Books by Cheryl Wyatt

Christian author Cheryl Wyatt has written some wonderful books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired line, and I recently read two of them. A Soldier's Reunion and Ready-Made-Family are both in the WINGS OF REFUGE series, and I highly recommend them. ~ These contemporary romances feature themes such as forgiveness and trust, and show how God can help people overcome major obstacles in their lives. Cheryl's characters are very believable, and there is a sprinkling of humor throughout the stories too. ~ I wasn't familiar with pararescue jumpers and the amazing jobs they do until reading Cheryl's books. Cheryl does an awesome job using these *heroes and their loved ones in her stories, and I look forward to reading more of her books!

* Although Cheryl's characters are fictional, their job descriptions are very real!

Spring Cleaning in my Heart

As long as I can remember, I've heard people use the phrase "Spring cleaning" each year (especially in the months of April and May). It's a great concept, and who would argue that a sparkling clean home doesn't make the occupants feel better?! ~ But I recently had a thought, that in addition to having a thorough cleaning and de-cluttering in my home, I should also have this in my heart. This may sound silly to some folks: Spring cleaning in your HEART?? ~ For me, this just means "cleaning out" negative thoughts and habits that are cluttering up my heart - - which in turn affect my mind. I'll admit I've always been a worrier, so that's definitely something I need to "toss"! If I eliminate worry from my heart and mind and replace it with TRUST, PEACE, and PRAISE, what a difference that would make. Instead of fretting over situations in which I have no control, I would pray - - trusting the Lord to take care of the situation. This in turn gives me peace, and I can praise the Lord.....knowing He is in control! ~ I pray all my family and friends are having a wonderful Spring season - - filled with peace as you enjoy the beauty of this marvelous season (even if you haven't cleaned your house yet!!).

Treasure Island, Florida

I recently finished reading the book Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida by Christian author Debby Mayne, and I now hope to visit Treasure Island myself one day! Using an actual location, Debby has created an enjoyable story with believable characters and a strong faith element. I enjoy stories that are not predictable, and that was certainly the case for this book! The characters' unique personalities and various situations throughout the story kept me turning pages. The ending was delightful, and now I look forward to reading more of Debby Mayne's books. ~ If you are a fan of contemporary Christian romance, you will enjoy reading Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida by Debby Mayne.

* * This is another book in the "Love Finds You" line from Summerside Press. Each book, although fictional, is set in an actual town of the United States. * *