Season changes and whirlwinds

I can scarce believe that it is October 3. My last post was 4 months ago. Which in some ways feels like a lifetime.

Of course so much has happened.

Planted my garden in May, and I am still harvesting! We are just now eating watermelon. I had no idea how long it took, and absolutely clueless about how to know when they are ripe. After several YouTube videos I now know.

I have mowed our grass darn near a thousand times (perhaps I exaggerate, or not) I used a push mower all summer long. We have nearly an acre, and that calculates out to about 3 hours of pushing and 4 miles of walking. So that helped tremendously on the exercise front. Since last January, I have lost 30 pounds in preparation for Jordan and Brittany's wedding on August 30. What a spectacular wedding it was!

Jordan and our beautiful daughter-in-love, Brittany!

Collage from friend Linda W. shown in photo

Mother and son dance. Danced to Phil Collins' song  You'll Be In My Heart.

My side of the family. Haven't gotten any other photos from photographer yet.

Had a lovely visit 2 weeks ago with our son, Micah and his beautiful girlfriend, Rebecca. We went to Leesburg/DC to celebrate Micah's 30th birthday. I am still astonished that my children are as old as they are. .

 We had a busy day first going to Great Falls. Here are the 4 of us. What a beautiful spot that I had no idea existed.

         
Here are the 4 of us at Mt. Vernon relaxing on the back patio. We waited for the lemonade, but no one brought any out. We had a lovely day, and the weather was incredible. Our visit was perfectly timed and completely enjoyed.


Since arriving back in Ohio I have gone back to work, part time subbing in the Dover schools offices. After a 9 year absence, I have picked up where I left off. It's been great seeing so many of the people I once worked with, that I count as friends! I have been at the high school and the middle school so far.

In between subbing I have a number of speaking engagements. This Monday, October 6, I will be speaking to the Rotary, the 14th, I am scheduled to speak at the Gnadenhutten Women's Club, the 23rd I am scheduled for the GriefShare group at Dennison Christian Church, and the 26th Jeff and I are scheduled to speak at a church in Frazeysburg. So there you have it.

I have canned garden goodies, and have more to do, but seem to be lacking in the energy department. Is it time for a nap yet?

Feelings

Today is June 3. For me that date has no real significance. I know for others  there may be great memories on this day, or perhaps some not so great memories.

Today is the 18th birthday of a very special young woman, Jillian Blair--you are a beautiful, talented, energetic woman. You love the Lord, your family and you have an amazing future ahead of you. I have no claim to you, other than I have known you for many years, and have loved you for the sweet young woman you are. You are the daughter of my dear friend, Lisa.  Thank you for all of the warm wonderful hugs you have shared with me each and every time we see each other. They have a special place in my heart.

Today,  for some reason I am feeling tears very close to the surface. As I said before there is no reason that I can think of for this. Perhaps I am overwhelmed with all that God has given me. My heart is full and so is my mind. I have so many things that need to be done. I need to continue to take a step forward even though I am not quite sure where I am headed. God has seen fit to bring "old" friends back into my life. All I can think of is the scripture in Esther 4:14 where it talks about "for such a time as this."

Possibly I am feeling blessed. For old friendships, for new friendships (Bonnie and Roger, Debbie, Marlene, Janette, AWSA friends) for new opportunities with hopeful connections.

So why am I feeling so close to tears? I am not real sure. So maybe I will do what needs done and simply be grateful for all that God has and is doing. If I shed a tear, God will keep it. Psalm 56:8 God has a special plan for it.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and perhaps for saying a prayer or two.

Everyone has a story!

Yes, everyone has a story.
What is yours? I am looking for stories of tragedy to triumph. Here is what I am looking for:

Volume 1

Those suffering through the tragic loss of a child (Since this is a situation I share in) and how God has used your story. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.

Volume 2

Those suffering through the loss of a loved one or friend through cancer/illness. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.


Volume 3

Those that have suffered through a situation of loss of job or home. Those dealing with addictions, and how God has rescued you. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.


If you, or someone you know falls into one of the categories listed, please contact me ASAP.

Writing takes time, and for this book to be available in 2015 it MUST be written.

Just a God thing!

I arrived home yesterday from the Colorado Christian Writers Conference with a renewed vision. God used so many people to speak into my life and my writing career. I had a good response to my book Through My Tears, and found lots of support in the new book that I am beginning titled: God Still Has a Voice.

I am beginning to do interviews with people for this next book. The book will have more than one volume, because there are so many stories to include. I am looking for stories, so if you happen to be reading this and if you, or someone you know has a story please let me know.

What I am looking for:

Volume 1

Those suffering through the tragic loss of a child (Since this is a situation I share in) and how God has used your story. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.

Volume 2

Those suffering through the loss of a loved one or friend through cancer/illness.

Volume 3

Those that have suffered through a situation of loss of job or home. Those dealing with addictions, and how God has rescued you.

I will also be revamping my blog a bit, so I ask that you bear with me as I change a few things. I promise you that included in this revamp will be more posts from me.

I want to thank all of you that have been reading and praying for me as I have been on a wild ride these last couple of months. My book is selling well, and I am receiving speaking engagements and book signing invitations. Continue praying as I am stretched into the shape God is moving me into.

Thanks for following my posts!

Colorado Christian Writers Conference

I want to brag about the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. I have attended four of Marlene's events, two conferences and two seminars. I look forward to attending the conference again this year.

This is an awesome opportunity to learn how to refine and define your writing. Marlene Bagnull and her staff host one of the very best Christian Writers Conferences around. Be sure to check it out and if you are interested in attending send in your reservations ASAP. This is one that you don't want to miss! http://colorado.writehisanswer.com

Today!

Today is the day we will be at Dayspring Christian Bookstore, in downtown New Philadelphia!

Be sure to stop in the store and get a book and have it signed. Or, if you already have your book feel free to stop in and we will sign it for you.

Take an opportunity to peruse the rest of the  books and gifts that Mary has in stock. Perhaps get something to put into those Easter baskets.

Looking forward to seeing YOU there.

Book Signing Schedule

Hello friends! I wanted to let all of you know that I know have a schedule of local book signings.

There will be books for sale at each of these events!

Friday, April 11, 6-8 p.m. Dayspring Christian Bookstore, New Philadelphia, OH.

Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Walnut Creek Cheese, Walnut Creek, OH. 

Saturday, April 19, 1-4 p.m. Dover Public Library, Dover, OH.

Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. to noon.  Gospel Bookstore of Berlin, Berlin, OH

Now available in kindle version!

http://www.amazon.com/Through-My-Tears-Awash-Forgiveness-ebook/dp/B00J9VXSP0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395967215&sr=8-2&keywords=through+my+tears




I am excited to share that the e-book version is available!

Book release party!

If you are in the vicinity of Dover High School, please feel free to drop by for the Book Release Party TONIGHT, March 23. Program begins at 7:30-- doors open at 7:00 p.m.

We will have a short program, and our son, Micah will be singing a few songs. We ill have a book signing afterward.

Books will be available there. Tonight only we will be selling them for $14.00. If you already have a book be sure to bring it with you and we will be glad to sign it.

Come and celebrate with us!

Celebrating!

This photo is Linda and Mike Comella (my coauthor) me, and Jeff. We had an opportunity to celebrate together on Tuesday evening. Mike and I put in many, many hours to write this book. 

I am beyond thrilled to announce that my book is now available to order. See the link below! I cannot tell you how grateful I am to God for bringing this to fruition. 

We will be having a book release party at Dover High School on Sunday, March 23. Doors open at 7:00 with the program at 7:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a celebration of life, where a few of us will share and also enjoy special music by Micah, our oldest son. Micah is a worship pastor at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia.  Followed by the book signing and light refreshments while you visit and enjoy the evening. This event is open to the public.

DaySpring Christian bookstore will be selling books at the event, or if you already ordered one, bring it with you and we will sign those too. 

Leesburg is a suburb of Washington DC (www.cornerstonechapel.net) And yes this link is here so you can check it out! I am allowed to be a proud mom.

If you order a book from Amazon, because you just don't want to wait until March 23, at the book release party. Bring your book with you, and we will sign it! Please be sure to leave a comment here I would love to know who got one! 

http://www.amazon.com/Through.../dp/1493691384/ref=sr_1_4...

Through My Tears: Awash in Forgiveness

www.amazon.com

Through My Tears is now AVAILABLE!

I am beyond thrilled to announce that my book is now available to order. See the link below! I cannot tell you how grateful I am to God for bringing this to fruition. 

We will be having a book release party at Dover High School on Sunday, March 23. Doors open at 7:00 with the program at 7:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a celebration of life, where a few of us will share and also enjoy special music by Micah, our oldest son. Micah is a worship pastor at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia.  Followed by the book signing and light refreshments while you visit and enjoy the evening. This event is open to the public.
If you order a book from Amazon, because you just don't want to wait until March 23, at the book release party. Bring your book with you, and we will sign it! Please be sure to leave a comment here I would love to know who got one! 

http://www.amazon.com/Through.../dp/1493691384/ref=sr_1_4...

Through My Tears: Awash in Forgiveness

www.amazon.com

Yippeeee

OK, after my whine in the previous post about time standing still....I got the formatted galleys today. I can only see one change that needs to be made, so it is pretty much a sure thing that I will have my book in my hand by March 5. Oh yeah!!!

I am majorly excited. Can you tell?

As time goes by

I need to hug a palm tree...

Last post I said time flies....today, I feel as though it is standing still. The formatting should be coming close to completion at the publisher, then a few days for any changes/corrections by us. I am finding that my stomach is a bit queasy, and patience is seriously lacking. I am nervous and anxious. I am struggling with not having an exact release date because of marketing things needing to be done.
It seems like I am facing spiritual attacks from every direction, and physical issues are marching to their own drums. This LOUSY weather isn't a lot of help. The snow we have had this year lost it's luster right after Christmas. It's so not my thing. Give me warmth, palm trees and ocean breezes. Of course in Ohio that isn't among the options.
I am in a mentoring group for authors/speakers that Julie Gorman is leading. She has some amazing understanding about what she is speaking about. Our mentoring calls on Monday evenings are chuck full of great things. Although I must say that with all that is happening in my life right now, I am struggling to make sense of certain things. I seem to have left my brain cells in a different state. (State of confusion I think)
Last week we were supposed to have our homework done and ready to share with the rest of the group. I spent hours on mine and could not get it to say what was in my heart. So, in my frustration, I tend to make a joke out of things and here is what I am going to submit to Julie: 
I exist to:
Warm the end of the love seat? While I do that very well, it is not what God created me to exist for. My physical ailments have caused me to slow down and to actually stop doing MANY of the things I loved to do. God said to me on multiple occasions to STOP. To REST, and to LISTEN. That doesn’t mean to be lazy, it means to rest in Him and wait for His timing and lead.
Tag Line?
Get up and get moving-Tag you’re it 
Who?
To any and every slug, worm, ant, and child of God. 
How? 
By opening my mouth at every opportunity God provides. Not to complain (it happens even when I don’t want it to) but to share the goodness, love and forgiveness of God. (OK, so this one is more serious, yes I do have a plan...sort of.)
When? 
Constantly and consistently. At every open door, and to take the opportunity to knock on a few doors to see if someone will answer.
Replenishment cycle: 
I find myself feeling replenished or perhaps it is feeling fulfilled when I am serving. Spending time with my friends and loved ones. (A nap is also a seriously great thing too.) 

I am thinking this looks more like a plan for my other book. Hot Flashes with a Side of Garlic Bread.
I guess if I make a joke out of everything it makes my mood a little bit lighter. (:p)
I am going to be getting a few things today to make some of the table favor's for Jordan and Brittany's wedding. I am not going to say what it is, so in case you will be at the wedding you will be surprised. 
OK, enough ranting and complaining. At least I have occupied my thoughts for a few minutes, and posted something to entertain myself and the one other person that reads my blog.

Time Flies!

I can barely get a grip that it is February 2014. I feel like I must have missed a year or two somewhere along the line. Time just flies. I know our days must not have a full twenty-four hours in them, because all I do is blink, and it's another day.

I wish I could report that everything is on track for my book, but it seems that the hours that have disappeared have taken a lot of things with them. Like all of the tracking changes I made to the completed and edited manuscript. I have uploaded, and uploaded and uploaded to the publisher's website, and even after I have turned in the corrections they claim I have not completed them. I feel like such a putz. Today, I went back through. My files show they are done, accepted...markups are turned off. Arrrgh.

I need that extra measure of grace because mine has certainly flown away with the hours of the day.

As far as I know, my book is supposed to be done.

We will see.

Now, I must look for a part time job. I need to contribute to our retirement. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I wish I had more abilities, was trained in more things. I wish more than anything my physical body would cooperate. Seems I just don't have the capacity to stand, or be on my feet for hours like I used to. The fibro has simply stolen my energy.

So, if anyone has knowledge of a job opening for a 54 year old (I had a birthday since my last post) woman with a whiney disposition, and no energy please let me know.

Keep praying, keep watching and one of these days, there may be a wonderful announcement that you can actually buy my book...

My word for the New Year

Probably ought to mark this date in history. Blogging twice in a weeks time.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."   Isaiah 40:31

 

        Every year I pray and ask the Lord what He wants to speak to me throughout the coming year. This year the message began to arrive about mid winter of 2013, but I didn't recognize it until I got the loud and clear message from God. Sometimes it takes a while to get through to me, but it finally clicks.

         Almost fourteen years ago the scripture Isaiah 40:31 became a very prominent scripture in my life. As we were going through the loss of Liz, God whispered to my heart and even allowed me the experience of knowing what it feels like to ride on the wings of an eagle. You will need to buy my book in February to fully understand what my experience was. Then this past summer and fall as my coauthor, Mike, and I were doing our best to complete the book the scripture truly came to life again. As I drove to Dover I was praying and asking God to allow me to see the eagles that have been spotted in our area. I prayed this several times over the last couple of years, but I seemed to have a little extra fervor in this prayer.

         As I drove down the interstate thinking about what needed to be worked on, something caught my eye. I looked up and immediately saw the bald eagle soaring overhead. I was elated! I could hardly wait to tell Mike, since he knows about my desire to see one. I continued to go over the scripture Isaiah 40:31 in my mind. Over and over again.  A few days later I saw the eagle again, and then a third time in as many weeks. Each time I shared with Mike, and my husband, Jeff and son, Christopher. I was just so encouraged.

        As I read some things I get in a daily email, and my daily devotional time, the Lord also spoke the words "Riding on the wings of the wind." Several times over the past couple of years this has come to mind, multiple times in fact. My friend Lisa Troyer is an amazing singer, and has several songs that have been recorded and has many CD's available. While praying for her, and her ministry the Lord impressed those very words on my heart for her. I would share them, and the scriptures that accompanied the words and prophetic words. They always spoke to my heart and I know they spoke to hers as well. About eighteen months ago I felt led to write a poem that could be lyrics if they were tweaked here and there.

      Little did I realize that the Lord would repeat those very words along with the scripture Isaiah 40:31. Then on January 2, I was driving to the local office supply store. I saw something out of the corner of my eye and looked up. There perhaps twenty five yards away was a bald eagle. I watched and saw that it landed. As I came around the turn I could see the eagle had landed in a tree right on the banks of the river. And much to my surprise as I looked I saw not one but two eagles side by side on that branch. My heart soared. I knew then that God was telling me that is what He is speaking to me for 2014.

       My year is going to be full. With the book coming out in February, and other things in the works I believe that God is truly going to to carry me through these next twelve months. God will give me the strength I need to get through everything. Who knows just what 2014 will hold for me? I am looking forward to finding out!