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“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:17-19

Friday, June 24, 2011

HOME SWEET HOME

The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders. Blessed of the Lord is his land, with the precious things of heaven..." Deuteronomy 33:12-13


I’ve been a gad-about for the past several weeks, taking a research trip to the mountains in north Georgia in May. The setting for the three book series I’m currently working on is the north Georgia mountains. I saturated myself in the history and feasted my eyes on the vistas. Trying to capture the beauty with a camera doesn’t quite to justice to the real thing, but the panoramas are etched in my mind and when I close my eyes, I can see my characters surrounded by the mountain panorama.

In early June, I flew out to Kansas for a writer’s retreat. The Kansas trip is something I look forward to every year. Getting together with the ladies from my critique group (we’re really more like a support group!!) is therapeutic and inspiring. We brainstorm each other’s stories and visit museums, pulling story ideas from the charming sights. We laugh a lot too!!

I was home just long enough to do my laundry and re-pack and head north for a visit
with my sister and her family in Pennsylvania. Hanging out with my sister who never fails to make me laugh – [we were playing a hilarious board game with her grandkids and one of the cards Pam drew instructed her to smell the feet of the person next to her!! I laughed till I cried!] -- and nephews who know how to barbeque killer baby-back ribs – [Mmmm, the aroma made my mouth water. Best ribs I ever ate!] – and simply enjoying watching the young’uns play enabled me to make some sweet memories.

We took a side trip to Ohio Amish country and stayed in a gorgeous bed and breakfast—The Charm Country View Inn in Charm, Ohio http://www.charmcountryviewinn.com. This is the view of the Amish farm across the road from the bed and breakfast. What a serene setting. Hearing nothing but birdsong and the clip clop of horse-drawn buggies. We had a wonderful time and picked up some lovely Amish and Mennonite-made crafts to bring home.

But no matter how much I enjoy going, I think I enjoy coming home more. There is something about being home that draws me. Maybe it’s the promise of the HOME we will one day see where we will bow at Jesus’ feet and reunite with our loved ones who have gone before us. When I grow restless and itchy to travel and see friends and family, I can buy an airline ticket or jump in the car and go. But sometimes the restlessness is deeper. It can’t be appeased with an airline ticket or packing a suitcase. It’s a longing to step beyond the bonds of this earth and be welcomed into a Home I’ll never have to leave.


Thanks for letting me share my heart.

Friday, June 10, 2011

TIME WITH THE POSSE

"For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1st John 3:11

There is nothing like hanging out with a bunch of writers—people who understand the passion for taking pretend characters and turning them into warm-blooded, breathing beings on the page. When I talk about the hero in my story like he is a personal friend, they don’t look at me strangely and threaten to call 911.

I had the privilege of hanging out with a few of my favorite people this week. We brainstormed stories and prowled around museums, cheated on our diets, snuggled with kitties, harassed our hostess’s hubby, and laughed way more than is probably legal.

How blessed I am to be part of the best critique group on the planet—THE POSSE!!!


Kim Vogel Sawyer opened her home and entertained us with her never-ending tang-tungled expressions.


Eileen Key (otherwise known as Biker Babe) proved this Nana is not so sedate that she won’t go for a new adventure.


Margie Vawter, alias The Cat Whisperer, offered insight and possiblities into what makes my characters tick (Margie, I still need another conflict thread between my H & H.)


I can’t divulge EVERYTHING that happened, because as our shirts so colorfully state: What happens with the Posse stays with the Posse. It’s girlfriend/sister time at its best.


I thank God for the privilege of sharing my heart with these ladies.