D.C. Adventure: how to see the key sites in three days

Arlington National Cemetary

Mount Vernon

On the Mall

White House in the background

The kids and I drove out to D.C. last Wednesday. It was full day with enough fog to keep us praying. But all in all a smooth drive. Eric was already in D.C. for business and spent Thursday and Friday with donors. So what did the kids and I see?

I tried to keep my expectations minimal based on the fact the kids and I would run around by ourselves for two day.

Thursday started with the Metro. We could have driven to Arlington National Cemetery from our hotel, but the kids really wanted to experience the subway. I certainly didn't mind introducing them to this great way to get around D.C. We metroed over to the cemetary and FROZE. It didn't feel like spring as we wandered around until we found the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We watched a wreath laying ceremony, then dashed back to the visitor's center so the kids could warm up their hands. Then lunch with dear friends from Law School.

Friday the kids and I drove to Mount Vernon. After getting rear-ended on Jeff Davis Hwy, the day went great. It was fun how quickly driving around the area came back. The new education center at Mount Vernon was incredible. Unfortunately by the time we got to it, we'd already spent several hours wandering around the grounds and were worn out. But if you're going to D.C., be sure to go to Mount Vernon and allow time for the center...it was wonderful!

Then we drove around Shirlington and Old Town so I could take photos for the novella I'm writing. Cap the night with dinner with great friends, and it was another great day.

Saturday we spent the day with dear friends and went to two Smithosonians: Natural History and Air and Space. Then we walked the Mall so the kids could see the monuments. It was a long walk back to the Metro, but the kids were troopers. The one thing I would change is seeing the Monuments at night. They are spectacular that way, but it didn't work out this trip.

The key to a great trip? Keeping my expectations realistic. The kids and I weren't going to jet from place to place this time like we might when they're older. But they got a great first taste of D.C. And now that we know it's only a day's drive, we'll be back :-)

I'm delighted to have my friend Lynette Eason stop by today. She writes romantic suspense that I really enjoy.

Tell us a little about yourself. I am a mother to two, a wife, a speaker and an author. I’m getting really good at multi-tasking and I love to meet new people. I married the boy next door 14 ½ years ago. He’s in the ministry and travels a lot so I started writing as a way to combat loneliness!


How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing for about 12 years. DON’T LOOK BACK is book number 10, but I have 11 books released at this point. I have another book coming out in May with Love Inspired Suspense called Threat of Exposure. And A KILLER AMONG US is the third book in the Women of Justice series. By the end of December 2011, I will have 15 books in print since February of 2008.

That's amazing! If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Either Steven James or Brandilyn Collins.

Love both of those authors, too. In your own words tell us a little about DON’T LOOK BACK.
One man lives to see her dead--the other is fighting to keep her alive.

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself--though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself believe that she can have a close relationship with a man, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact--her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those years ago.

Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?

Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back pulls you into its twists and turns to hold you there until the very last page.
Praise for Lynette Eason and the Women of Justice series

"My friend Lynette has a hit on her hands with this romantic suspense. I enjoyed every minute."--Dee Henderson, bestselling author, the O'Malley series

"Nonstop action. No chance to catch your breath!"--Irene Hannon, bestselling author, the Heroes of Quantico series

"An exciting ride with characters you will care about."--Margaret Daley, award-winning Steeple Hill romantic suspense author

I loved this book! What made you want to write this story? I honestly have no idea. As I was writing the first book in the series, Too Close To Home, I fell in love with Jamie, a secondary character. She demanded her own story so I gave it to her.

What research did you have to do for this book? I had to do a ton of research about the about the forensic anthropologist stuff. That’s not my field and I read and studied and worked on the information until I thought it fit the story and was accurate at the same time.

What are you currently reading? I just finished Terri Blackstock’s newest one. I also finished Irene Hannon’s latest, Final Judgement.

I loved those books as well. How can readers get in contact with you? My email is lynetteeason@lynetteeason.com and my website is www.lynetteeason.com. I can also be found on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LynetteEasonAuthor

Thanks for having me, Cara! I appreciate it. It’s always fun to stop by and say hi!

Spring Break anyone?

I need to upload photos from our trip to D.C. But with my Mac, it's not easy. So that will wait for tomorrow. So for now, here's a fun photo from last week. Love how Daniel looks like he's trying to reach the baby on the screen and Eric's playing along.

We just got back from a quick trip to D.C. I needed to do some research, but we really wanted to reconnect with friends. I am soooo glad we did! It was absolutely wonderful! And the kids loved the time with friends as much as the sight-seeing!
So stay tuned for photos.

If you went somewhere for spring break where was it? Or what's been your favorite spring break excursion? Can you believe this was my first spring break! Through college and law school, I always worked during the holiday!

Bound By Guilt Review

TitleTrakk.com Blog Tours Presents:

Bound by Guilt
by C.J. Darlington
Published by Tyndale House

Shuttled between foster homes, Roxi Gold will do anything to fit in. Soon she’s traveling the country stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society—and not just at work. One fateful night, both their lives are changed forever. One searches for justice, the other finds herself on the run. Will the power of forgiveness set them free?


CJ has crafted a book with compelling characters and a situation that is almost unimaginable. Roxi finds herself in an impossible dilemma, and my heart broke for all involved. A great read!

Great job! You kept me turning the pages.
--Francine Rivers, Internationally best selling author

C.J. is a wonderful, talented writer . . . extraordinary . . .
--Bodie Thoene, best-selling author of the A.D. Chronicles

This one engages your senses and reaches your heart.
--Jerry B. Jenkins, NY Times best-selling author & owner of The Christian Writers Guild

Watch the book trailer:

About the Author:
C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over twelve years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com

QUICK LINKS:

• The 1st chapter of Bound by Guilt
• Buy at Christianbook.com
• Buy at Amazon.com
• Buy at Barnes & Noble
  

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Penny Serenade

Penny Serenade is a 1941 movie that stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. It is set as a retrospective beginning with a wife who says she's leaving her husband. Then she begins listening to records. With each record she sees a different aspect of their life together spanning from the time they met, their courting, to adopting a daughter and the crisis that threatens to tear them apart.

This movie starts as a dramatic romance, moves into comedy with the arrival of a baby and then slides back into drama.

The scenes involving adoption and the desire this couple has to adopt are very touching. And Roger's plea to the judge to be able to keep the little girl by finalizing the adoption brought tears to my eyes.

I knew nothing about this movie going into it. A friend had loaned it to me, so Eric and I took a chance on it -- not hard to do when Cary Grant's the lead. I'm glad we watched it. It was tender and touching. A film I won't soon forget.

These are a few of my favorite things: YA novel Heist Society

My writing friend extraordinaire Jenny B. Jones is very good friend. Last year when she was in town for the ACFW conference, she drove around with me while I delivered the kids to their grandparents for four days of spoiling while I worked and taught at the conference. What does this have to do with Heist Society? Excellent question!

I pulled out my ACFW conference MP3s a week ago and started listening to them and the kids asked to listen to the Jenny lectures. Really, it's the only way I would have listened to her YA lecture, much as I adore her and her writing. But in the lecture -- which was as hilarious as she is -- she highly recommended a book by an author I'd not heard of. Now keep in mind, I'm more than a few years past YA myself :-) but I'm constantly on the lookout for books for my 10 year old to read. And this one sounded like way too much fun. I bought it. And then I inhaled it. So now I share it with you.

Heist Society is an incredibly smart book that stars a fifteen-year-old and her band of merry thieves -- literally. Kat Bishop tried to escape her families art theft ways, but is now sucked back in when someone threatens her father. The writing is crisp, funny, and action packed. These globe-trotting teens have less than two weeks to steal back paintings that have been stashed in one of the world's premier museums. The pacing and sense of humor reminded me of the Ocean's Eleven movies. Loved, loved, loved it!

Now this book is published by Hyperion and is not a Christian book. However, I found nothing in it that would prevent me from handing it to my daughter and her friends. In fact, I wish I'd bought more copies so I could do exactly that. I haven't read Ally Carter's other books, but I will be looking into the Gallagher Girls series. The only one I can speak about is this one...and I LOVED IT. You can read the synopsis here. And while the main character is Kat, she's surrounded by teenage boys -- so I think boys might enjoy it as well.

If I could write something this fun, I'd move to YA immediately.

These are a few of my favorite things: Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock

Terri Blackstock is a master of suspense...not intense like Steven James, but good, page-turning, she-isn't-going-there-oh-she-just-did suspense.

Vicious Cycle was a book I'd been waiting for since hearing her talk about the plot at a writers retreat. I enjoyed the first book in the series (if you can enjoy a book that deals with addiction, murder, and a family trying to stay together!) But this was the book I wanted to read.

In Vicious Cycle, the Covington family is back. It's a year after Intervention and Emily is about to come home from drug rehab. But now her little brother Lance is the one in trouble. He finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car -- she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's befriended. Before he can take the infant somewhere for help, the police are on his doorstop arresting him for kidnapping. And the story is off.

I loved this story! I cared deeply about the Covingtons from the first book, but the author does a masterful job of writing in such a way that you don't need to read Intervention to get caught in Vicious Cycle's web. This plot went so many directions it was almost impossible to keep up. And I cared so deeply about the baby's mother that as she made wrong choice followed by good choice followed by wrong choice I kept wanting to see if she'd get it right in the end. Ultimately, this is a story of redemption. A story that shows we should never give up hope. In each other or in ourselves. I loved it!

I received this book as part of the CFBA tour.

These are a few of my favorite things: Devotionals

I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for devotionals that will challenge me. Yet they have to be something I can do in the midst of my busy life. And ideally, they'll help me grow in my faith.

One I received recently is Ginger Garrett's A Woman's Path to Inner Beauty. When I first heard about this one, I thought, what a great topic. An area most women struggle with is beauty and comparing ourselves. But I long to get to a place where I am secure in who I am so the comparisons fade to the side. Each devotion starts with a verse followed by a short page and half reading and closing with a prayer starter. It's the perfect size to have at your bedside, in your purse or in a drawer at work. The devotions are short, but thought-provoking. It would make a great gift to a girlfriend, too.

Jennifer Rothschild is an author of in-depth Bible studies. The two I've taken (Lessons Learned in the Dark and Me, Myself, and Lies) had great depth and really challenged me. Her devotional Fresh Grounded Faith plays off her Java with Jennifer column. One thing I love about this devotional is the way there are questions at the end of each reading along with room to write. I often need the accountability of filling something in to make sure I get everything from a devotional. The devotionals feel like I'm sitting across the table at Starbucks from Jennifer -- her writing style is just like her personality. Intense, bubbly, and oh so open and friendly. I have loved this one and given copies to friends.

This last devotional is actually one my mother-in-law gave me. I don't know about you, but sometimes, I just need to be encouraged in this crazy job of mothering. This devotional does just that. Very short -- about the attention span of a toddler, there are enough readings for a year. And the devotions span the spectrum. Funny story all mothers can relate to. Then a study of a Biblical character. On to a devotional on a character trait we'd all like to develop. It's another great resource to have on your bedside table.

These are a few of my favorite things: Writing Books

This week, since so many people are on spring break, I'm going to share a few of my favorite books with you. I'm going to start with a craft book.

Plot v. Character is a new writing book, releasing in the fall of 2010. Jeff Gerke, the author, has developed software (which I love) that walks writers through the creation of stories through two means. Starting with 1) the plot or 2) the character. Most writers have a style that they prefer -- I tend to be strange (shocking I know!) and will start some stories with a plot idea and others with a character. I'd used the software when I'd get stuck in a book or to help flesh out a germ of an idea.

What I love about the book is that it takes the gems from the software and puts it in a very easy to read and apply format. The book has lots of practical applications and covers just about everything a novel writer needs. It's not genre specific, so really is a tool that any novelists can use with success.

First, the book deals with creating likable characters. It addresses everything from physical attributes to the major events and inciting incidents that character must deal with. Then it turns to marvelous plots. The author relies on the three act structure to form the bones of the plot.  I would still use the software to help me implement all he talks about, but the book alone is gold.

Another book that I love and recommend to most aspiring writers is James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure. (His Revision and Self-Editing is equally good.) Plot & Structure's strength is the very easy way that Jim explains how to formulate a novel. When I get stuck in a plot, I'll pull it out and read a few pages for inspiration. I always come away with practical tools I can immediately apply to the novel I'm writing. And this book is loaded with excellent exercises that you can apply immediately after reading. I highly recommend it!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: The King and I

The King and I is a classic Rogers and Hammestein musical set in Siam in the 19th century. Yul Brynner is the 19th-century Siamese monarch who hires English governess Deborah Kerr to teach his wives and children and winds up getting an education of his own. Features such songs as "Getting to Know You," "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance." Filmed in 1956, the movie is rich with Deborah Kerr's beautiful gowns and a subtle sense of humor. It also deals with deep issues including things like keeping promises, the value of life, and many more.

I showed this to my daughter a few weeks ago and she enjoyed it, but thought it moved a bit slow. However, when they started singing and dancing she was enthralled. And there's something timeless about a romance that is doomed from the start.

Whether you see this in the film or as a play, it's a wonderful story and piece of America's theater and cinematic history.

Are You a Roaring Lamb?

I'm borrowing the name from Bob Briner's book Roaring Lambs. I love the image it creates. A lamb that's willing to take on the world and be vocal about what it believes. Lions aren't exactly quiet when the roar you know.

In the book he talks about the fact that Christians have created a subculture rather than taking the light to the world, to the culture. I don't know about you, but I know lost people and I see even more. I want to somehow spread the Gospel in a way that is relevant. In a way that God can use as a tool to woo others to Him and His immense love and truth.

But I can't do that if I'm being quiet.

As a writer, I don't have a salvation in each book. Usually, my main characters are Christians who are wrestling with their faith. But when God made it clear that a character wasn't saved, I obeyed. My characters experience real life... the good, the bad and the ugly. In that they thrive and sometimes fail at faith. But isn't that real life?

I also want to write books that are well-written. Books that are crafted in a way that is excellent.

What about you? Do you think Christians should try to enter the culture and raise the standard? Or should we create excellent craft within the sub-culture? I don't know that either is more right, but I'd love hear your thoughts!

CFBA Tour: In the Shadow of Evil

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  In The Shadow of Evil    by  Robin Caroll   


With a story ripped from the headlines, Robin Carrol is back with her trademark southern suspense. When a body is found in a burned Homes of Hope house that Layla Taylor built her life begins to unravel. In the running for a prestigious award, all that will disappear if she's tied to the destruction. Then people she cares about begin getting sick. Maddox Bishop is back as the investigating detective, and with his appearance the romance ramps up. This book has it all: puzzling mystery, tight suspense and enough romance to make you fall in love. A book I really enjoyed!

ABOUT THE BOOK   

Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy plus devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil casts the modern day story of a building rebound scam exposed. It begins when the body of a property inspector is found among the ashes of a burnt out Homes of Hope house. Wrapped up in this mounting case of unethical practices, supply shortages, and murder, top Louisiana homicide detective Maddox Bishop is losing his heart to a charitable contractor, Layla Taylor, whose own sister is under suspicion. He’s also about to discover a deep secret about his tragic past.

If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Shadow of Evil, go HERE.

Watch the trailer:



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters, one precious grandson, and their four character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for ACFW. Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as RT Reviewer's Choice, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year. An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals!   

A homeschooling success

As most of you know, I homeschool my two older children (ten and seven). We do that in no small part because I was homeschooled for the greater part of my education and my husband and I see the value of it.

The challenge is finding the right formula for our kids for this year. For example, this year, I've done a bit of battle with my 10 year old. Sixth grade math has been a challenge for her and so she's procastinated. That used to mean she held the rest of us hostage, because I wanted math and English done before we proceeded to other topics.

That just wasn't working well. Most days held an element of stress as I hounded her. She didn't like it, and neither did I.

A few weeks ago I was praying about it and got an idea to switch our days up.

Now we start with the subjects the kids do together (Bible, History, Science and whatever book we're reading aloud) and then they move on to the subjects they do separately. If they're motivated, like they were the other day, both kids can get up and finish those subjects before we start the together elements. Or they can do them afterwards.

This one little change has really helped smooth out our days. If you homeschool, what one tip that has worked well for you? If you don't homeschool, what's a great homework tip?

Classic Hollywood Reviews: High Society

High Society is a 1956 flick that remakes The Philadelphia Story (1940). Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart are replaced by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Grace Kelly slides into Katherine Hepburn's role as the spoiled socialite preparing for her wedding. I LOVE the original. But one thing High Society has that the original doesn't is Bing and Frank singing and dancing. That's something extra that's pretty special, too. Add in Louis Armstrong and his trumpet and gravelly voice, ad you have some great music.

But the movie still lacks something that the original has...well, it lacks Kate, Jimmy and Cary. And while I adore Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly just isn't Kate Hepburn (IMHO). The original also won two Oscars, so I guess the Academy agrees with me.

The basic storyline is identical. Rich, spoiled heiress is preparing to marry her second husband in a matter of days. Reporters and first husband show up making a mess of her ordered life. In the process she comes to realize she wants more from her life than the cold, above-it-all persona she's crafted for herself.

High Society is still worth watching...just watch it first and then pull out The Philadelphia Story.

Couple Delightful Books: Mountains Bow Down & Dining with Joy

In Dining with Joy, readers get to return to the lowcountry in South Carolina. First, I love the cover and the new ones for earlier books. They just make me smile and want to pick them up. Joy Ballard is a character, the kind of gal I'd love to get to know. Too bad she's only a character!

When her father died, she took over his job as host of a cooking show. She's brilliant at it except for one not so minor detail: the girl can't cook. At. All. The charade is getting tiring and when the producer sells the show without telling the new owner that she can't cook, the deception digs deeper. Enter Luke...a hunk of a hero who can cook. Very. Well. The sparks fly immediately and the two are paired as co-hosts for the show.

That would be enough to make the book interesting, but the author doesn't stop there. She adds complicated layers with family, Joy's past with her dad, her inability to see a future apart from the show, an inability to dream. The result was a book that i delighted in reading. Many books I'll read because they're good. Or they might be interesting. Or occasionally engaging. But this one truly delighted me. I slowed down the reading so I wouldn't have to say good-bye. Some of the parts don't end the way I'd like -- but isn't that life? God doesn't promise us a smooth, easy life. Instead, He promises to be there through all the rough patches as well as the delightful times.

I loved this book. And for me to say that about a straight romance is rare. This book is a treat you've earned!


Raleigh Harmon is back and this time she's on an Alaskan cruise ship. Every girl needs a vacation right? But trouble follows Raleigh like calcium forms rocks. What should have been an opportunity to explore Alaska and hunt for rocks turns into a murder investigation. Then there are the problems with her mom and cousin. And don't forget her love life. This book has more points to it than one of the unique Star of David rocks she finds.

The author is a gifted writer, spinning words into a web that is lyrical and engaging. I even had to grab the dictionary for one word that she later explained. But she uses words in a beautiful way to paint pictures and make Raleigh a truly unique character that I've come to love. I'm already eager to read the fourth book in the series and go back to book one. Each book in the series stands alone, but has enough ties to prior books to keep someone who loves a series engaged without losing new readers.

And the spiritual threads in this book are poignant. I loved this book.

Done in by Fashion

I'm usually a pretty stable gal. But yesterday morning as I was getting ready for church I was in tears...over clothes! That is so not me!

I'm back in all my pre-pregnancy clothes, which is awesome, but somedays I feel like my options are living in jeans every day of my life -- blech -- or looking like a college student or my grandma. Now I love my Grandma dearly, but I'm not even close to 84. I don't want to dress like it! But I'm also not as close to 18 as I once was.

Can anyone help a girl out?

I spent some time Sunday afternoon darting through all the stores in the mall -- no luck. Problem probably was that I knew exactly what I was looking for. Problem is none of the designers must be on the same page. Ever have that happen to you?

I guess I want to adopt Audrey Hepburn's style. Boatneck t-shirts and capris (when it gets a bit warmer). Pretty skirts with ballet slippers. Things like that.

So what's your style? And if you're a fortunate soul, have you found any place that actually sells clothes that reflect that style?

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

I must be on a Cary Grant kick right now. A couple weeks ago, Eric and I pulled out this 1948 Cary Grant flick. I love that it co-stars Myrna Loy, one of my favorite actresses thanks to the Thin Man series. In Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, Jim and Muriel Blandings decide their apartment is impossibly small and rather than be content there, they are going to build a dream house in Connecticut. The only problem is they'd never heard of Dave Ramsey and his financial principles. They find that building the house is much more trouble than they anticipated, not to mention over the top financially.

The movie is not the typical quick repartee comedy...but if you stick with it, and understand all the mistakes the couple makes, it is a fun movie. Just don't take any financial advice from this couple!

I personally like the attorney who plays narrator and breath of ignored reality to the couple. He can't help it that Mr. Blandings refuses to take his advice -- at any turn.

And here's a fun piece of trivia for you from IMDb: The house "Blandings' Way" really exists on Indian Hill Road in New Milford, Connecticut. It's a beautiful huge white art deco/colonial house that has many of the actual rooms discussed in the movie - such as a room to cut flowers. Also less than a mile away on Long Mountain Road is executive producer of the movie and MGM head Dore Schary's old country home.

How do we generate creativity in kids?

In Sunday school we talked about a study Mark Batterson referenced in his book In a Pit... It focuses on divergent thinking and showed that 98% of children between the ages of 3-5  score in the genius category, 32% of children between the ages of 8-10 score at the genius level, 10% of teenagers, and 2% of those over 25. And yet our God is a divergent thinker. Just look at the Bible to see a host of examples where He did things or told people to do things that weren't...normal. Naaman, go dip in the Jordan seven times. Joshua, march around Jericho seven times. Donkey, go talk to Balaam. Etc.

So as a homeschooling mom, it has me thinking. What can I do to help my children keep that divergent way of thinking? Why would I care? Because I want them to be willing to do anything God asks. I want them to be able to look at problems from a different perspective because they aren't limited.

I guess I want more for my kids. I want them to be willing to do things that seem foolish -- if God asks them to do them.

In the same chapter he talks about another author who had a common experience when he went into schools. He'd ask kids who were the artists in the class. In first grade it was all the kids, yet by sixth grade it was only one or two self-conscious kids.

Now I don't want to force my kids to be artists. But we were created by the ultimate Artist. And I want them to feel the freedom to create.

So how do I do that? Again as a homeschool mom and in general. To the left is a painting my oldest daughter painted when she was 8. She was actually commissioned by a friend to paint a similar painting of their dog after my friend saw this one. Will my daughter by the next Monet? Um, doubt it. But she's learning to be creative and use what skill God has given her.

I don't want her to lose that. I want her to love to create so much that she sets her alarm for 6:30 a.m. so she can create a new bracelet to go to church. I want my son to be forever constructing random Lego masterpieces because it's a way he reflects creativity.

What about you? How do you foster creativity and divergent thinking in your kids?

The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World

Recently, I received the Life Ready Woman, in part because I've found Shaunti Feldhahn's other books to be filled with practical information I can use pretty much immediately. The Life Ready Woman tackles the idea that Christian women can balance the many roles they have if we approach the process intentionally. As a woman who teeters on the edge of spinning out of control on any given day, yet passionately desiring to use every moment, I am always looking for new tips and strategies in this area.

I LOVE the concept of this book. It's all about finding the right balance at this season so that we can use our God-given gifts to the maximum potential. I don't know about you, but I don't want to get to heaven and hear that I've missed a purpose that God had me here to accomplish. But one thing that the authors stress in the introduction is that the book can best be used with the companion video series. After reading most of the book, I wonder how much of the video content is required to dive deep into the subject. Now, that may be because I am constantly looking for and reading books in this area. But I would love to do this book with a group in the video setting.

You can watch the video sampler for session one here. I'm eager to dive into that since the handout that accompanies the video looks great.

In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman, MomLife Today is giving away 2 Weekend To Remember Gift Packs and much more!

Not only, is MomLife Today helping promote Life Ready Woman, but they are thrilled to announce that Shaunti will be joining MomLife Today as a regular contributor!!!

Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.

Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a conference registration for you and your spouse … and more! MomLife Today will be randomly selecting NINE lucky recipients to receive one of these great gifts:

1. 2 Weekend To Remember Get Away conference registrations for two. $259 value each pair (Two couples will receive this.)
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To enter click one of the icons below then tell your friends. Winner will be announced on March 2nd on the MomLife Today website.

MomLife Today provides encouragement, advice and resources to help YOU with your daily Momlife! Because…every MOMent counts!

Do We Shortchange Christian Youth?

I know...the title isn't typical of what I've posted lately. But it's something I've thought about the last couple weeks. In In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day Mark Batterson mentions almost as a sidenote: Lion chasers refuse to live their lives in a defensive posture. They are actively looking for ways to make a difference." (p. 121)

Then he quotes from Bob Briner's Book Roaring Lambs, where he challenges us to dare to dream that the top director in Hollywood, the Pultizer Prize winning journalist, and the principle dancer for the leading ballet company are all Christians. To quote Batterson again, "We need to stop criticizing culture and start creating it."

I can remember as a teenager telling people (mainly from the church) that I wanted to go into journalism or politics. That's where I felt called from about the age of 14. And I remember the recoiling in horror. "Christians can't go in those areas and remain Christians."

I wanted to ask why not. I might have even done it. And then I had the strength to pursue those fields anyway, despite what people I admired and respected said. Thanks to Mom and Dad for not joining that chorus.

And now I wonder...do we continue in that same path? Do we tell young people in the church that the only way they can truly serve God is by being a teacher, minister, or missionary? I pray not.  Because as I look at the world, Hollywood needs a lot of tent makers. As does Washington, D.C., New York City, and every other seat of power.

What do you think? Does the church direct youth one place or is it getting better?

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Save The Date  Thomas Nelson (February 1, 2011)  by  Jenny B. Jones  
I adore Jenny's books and Jenny, so had to share this since the bio so shows her sense of humor!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I write Christian fiction with a few giggles, quite a bit of sass, and lots of crazy. My novels include the Katie Parker Production series and So Not Happening. I would also like to take credit for Twilight , but somewhere I think I read you’re not supposed to lie.

When I’m not typing my heart out (or checking email), I teach at a super-sized high school in Arkansas.

My students are constantly telling me how my teaching changes their lives and turned them away from drugs, gangs, and C-SPAN.

Okay, that’s not exactly true.

Some facts that are true include:

I've always been refined!

A. I got my camera confiscated by big boys with guns at the American  Embassy in Europe this past summer. O la la!

B. I once worked in a seed mill office and cleaned out mice on a regular basis. Ew.

C. I’m a former drama teacher.

D. I didn’t pass my drivers test the first time. Or the second…

E. I attract stray animals like a magnet.

F. I used to assemble and test paint ball guns for a local factory...

Since my current job leaves me with very little free time, I believe in spending my spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits such as:

-watching E!
-updating my status on Facebook
-catching Will Ferrell on YouTube and
-writing my name in the dust on my furniture

I’d love to hear about you, so drop me a note. Or check me out on Facebook.

ABOUT THE BOOK -- Totally fabulous book!

You’re invited to the engagement of the most unlikely couple of the year.

When the funding for Lucy’s non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair, former professional football star and heir of Sinclair Enterprises—the primary donor to Lucy’s Saving Grace organization. Alex Sinclair has it all . . . except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Both Lucy and Alex have something the other wants. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn’t quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart – and her future – on the line.

Save the Date is a spunky romance that will have readers laughing out loud as this dubious pair try to save their careers, their dreams . . . and maybe even a date.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Save The Date, go HERE

The Me Project Tour & Guest Article

I love the idea of this book. Kathi's other books that I've seen have been great jumpstarts. And if the article below is any indication, then this book is a great way to discover a dream or put some feet to the dream.

Be sure to leave a comment if you would like to be included in a chance for a Starbucks basket the author is giving away to one person who comments during the tour.

(San Jose, CA) Has that rush to make (and break) New Year’s resolutions already waned? According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, taking small steps every day will not only help you stay committed to your goal, but will also help you ultimately achieve that goal when obstacles come up. Author Kathi Lipp wants you and your friends to live out those dreams—and have some fun along the way.

As women, we forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. To-do lists replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi Lipp’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.

This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman.

Three Super-Simple Kick Start Living Your Dreams
– in the next 15 minutes

by Kathi Lipp

Is there a dream that God has given you, but you are waiting until the kids are grown and you have money in the bank before you get started?

You may not be able to enroll in a month long pastry making class or take a week off of work to get started on your novel, but today you can take three little baby steps to making your dream a day-to-day reality.

1.     Go Public with It

It’s a little scary to tell the world what you want to do when you grow up—but this is one little step could get you closer to living your dream than almost any other. Plus—it takes very little time and you don’t have to raid your kid’s college fund to make it happen.

When you gather up all your courage and tell your best friend, “I want to learn how to paint,” suddenly she remembers an old art book she has laying around she would love to give you, or her friend from church who teaches art classes. The people you know and love want to be a resource. Give them the privilege of being a part of making your dream happen.

2.     Join an Online Group

This is one of the simplest—and cheapest—ways to start exploring your passion. Find out who else is talking about restoring antiques and listen to their conversation. Start by Googling your interest along with the term “online groups.” You will be amazed with the number of people who want to talk about the proper way to care for 1950’s lunchboxes as much as you do.

3.     Don’t be Afraid to Pray

I remember the first time I put an offer in on a house—I wanted it more than I had wanted almost anything else in my life. While I knew that I had dozens of other people praying on my behalf, I was too scared to pray.

I didn’t want God to tell me no. I was afraid to pray until my co-worker Kim asked me (in a loving, kind way), why I didn’t believe that God wanted His best for me. Don’t be afraid to pray—as with anything amazing in my life, the path is never what I expected, but it has always been obvious that God’s hand has been on it the whole way.

 


Finding the balance between living day-to-day with purpose while pursuing the passions God has placed in our hearts is a delicate pursuit. In this refreshing, insightful book, Kathi lays out a doable plan that makes sense and helps make our God-given dreams a reality. Never stop dreaming, because women who dare to dream do make the world a better place.
—Jean Blackmer
author of MomSense: A Common Sense Guide to Confident Mothering
Publishing Manager, MOPS International www.MOPS.org

Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: www.kathilipp.com.


Kick Start Living Your Dream -

Review: Lady in the Mist

Lady in the Mist is the fruition of a dream that was birthed in author Laruie Alice Eakes while she was in grad school. Then one of the things she studied was the role of midwives in history...and she knew she'd someday write books highlighting the contributions of those women. Now she's doing just that.

I've heard a lot about Laurie Alice's books, but this was the first time I've read one of them. Set in coastal Virginia in 1809, it took me the first chapter or two to get into the time period. Once I did, though, this book kept calling me back to its pages. The book is a blend of romance, suspense, and historical. Tabitha Eckles is a midwife, and with that role comes the responsibility of keeping secrets. All alone in the world, she is drawn to an English redemptioner who could be a spy. Either way, he isn't free to marry until his indenture is complete -- and even then, he's titled. What would he want with a woman like her? Then there's the fisherman she'd planned to marry before he disappeared...only to return two years later.

The book is layered with alternating twists of suspense and romance. And the setting grew on me as the town and characters became real.

For those who love the regency time period, this book is an easy one to pick up. And for those of you who haven't tried it before, this is a great one to start with. And being set in a rural American village made for an interesting twist in the genre.

Reviews of Save the Date and A Billion Reasons Why

This morning I want to introduce you to two new books from two of my favorite Christian romance writers. Kristin Billerbeck first sold me on chick lit with her delightful Ashley Stockingdale series. I simply loved those books. She's written other romances since then, and has a new one release this month. And Jenny B Jones is one of my newer discoveries. I adored her first women's romance (she also writes for the young adult market), and have to say this second one lives up to the promise of the first. Here's more.

Save the Date is another great romance from award-winning author Jenny B. Jones. She has a gift for creating characters I want to root for and thrusting them into situations that make me laugh out loud while wondering how they can ever resolve their love life. Save the Date was no exception.

This book is a must read. And I love what the author does with highlighting the outreach to young women who have outgrown foster care and need someone to believe in them while they transition. This book has so much heart! But the romance...sigh...it was perfect. I LOVED reading the ups and downs between Lucy and Alex. They both need each other...but the last thing either expects is love. The other thing the author does so well is incorporate a spiritual thread that adds to the story without detracting from it. This book really is a perfect blend of romance, laugh out loud moments, and heart. I give it two and a half very enthusiastic thumbs up.

With a Billion Reasons Why, Kristin Billerbeck is back with a light romance that is a fun, quick read. Katie and Luc have a history that has kept them apart but also serves as a magnet attracting them to each other. Instead, Katie is ready to marry a man she met at her church. He's safe and predictable...but is that enough? This book didn't have the zany feel of her Ashley Stockingdale series, but reminded me of the Spa Girls series. It was a fun read, with interesting characters that kept me engaged. A great spring break read especially for those who love romance.

Reader's Theater Resource by Doraine Bennett

I took a reader's theater class in college and really enjoyed it. For someone who has a tough time memorizing, it was a great way to get dramatic experience without the stress of memorizing pages of scripts.

Doraine Bennett, a family friend, has written Reader's Theater for Global Explorers, a resource filled with scripts for those who want to try reader's theater while learning about neat locations. You can check out more on Amazon at the link above.

Here's more from Doraine:

Readers theatre is a little like radio drama. It is an oral reading presentation that is more relaxed and informal than traditional theater. No sets or costumes are needed, and readers hold their scripts as they read. Narration provides a framework for the drama that occurs. Since there is little visible action, readers use their voices to interpret their lines and create the setting, characters, and action in the minds of the audience.

            Students enjoy the opportunity to “become” the character they are reading. With practice and coaching, their reading skills improve. Participation in readers theatre gives students a purpose for repeated reading that translates to fluency.  As students practice their scripts, they improve their communication skills by learning voice projection, intonation, inflection, and pronunciation.

            Readers theatre stimulates the imagination. Readers must imagine the emotions their character experienced in order to decide how to speak their lines. Listeners imagine the scenes spoken before them. Performance is a team effort that helps students to learn to interact creatively with one another. If the script performed is fiction, students often want to read the entire book. If the script is nonfiction, they are drawn to learn more about a character or an event.

            Readers Theatre is a relatively simple activity for teachers. No props or costumes are necessary. If they are used, they are minimal, suggestive elements. A scarf might suggest another culture. If girls are reading male roles, a simple prop can suggest gender, such as a hat or a tie. Students are not required to memorize their parts. The stage may be the front of the classroom. Readers may use music stands for their scripts or hold them. Chairs may be used to group readers according to script directions, but readers may simply stand at the front of the room. Readers theatre can be as simple or as elaborate as you and your students wish to make it. It may be performed for the class or you may decide to invite an audience. If you have a few minutes at the end of a lesson, you may pull out a readers theatre script and have students perform it impromptu.

            The scripts in this book are divided into sections based on the areas of the world where exploration occurred. Many of the explorers visited additional areas of the globe, but I have chosen one aspect of their journeys for each script. Scripts may be used throughout the year as you touch different areas of curriculum.

            At the end of each script, extension exercises incorporate cross-curricular tie-ins for multiple modalities. Extension activities may be assigned to the classroom, to the group of readers, or to an individual.

 

Looking for Exercise Fun?

Yes, really. I'm serious.

At the beginning of the year, I treated myself to a few new exercise DVDs. I am really enjoying two of them and thought I'd tell you about them in case you're looking for inspiration.

The first one I've been enjoying is Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. This DVD comes with two workouts. The first is a bit easier than the second, but both contain good descriptions of the beginning and advanced forms of the exercises. What I enjoy about this is you get the stretch and training of yoga with a cardio element as she has you rep out the exercises. There's also no of the Eastern religion that I don't want. The extent is melting your heart to the sky -- or stretching. :-)

I've enjoyed it and I've got my pre-baby abs back -- not bad considering he was born eight weeks ago today (as I type this.)

The other video is Denis Austin's Hit the Spot Pilates. Again, this is a great workout for strengthening and stretching your muscles. An element I really like about this one is that there are seven targeted mini-workouts (10-15 minutes each) and then you string them together. So if I want to work abs/core, no problem. Or I can add a butt, thigh or hip element to it. And then there's a combined workout at the end. I really like it, and it emphasizes the beauty and grace of pilates.

So you can get the strength with yoga and the grace with pilates. Neither takes very long -- and you can stop in the middle to answer a baby's cry, wrestle a toddler, or put out the dog :-)

Remembering the North Platte Canteen

When the "Greatest Generation" passed through North Platte, Nebraska during WWII, they got a hug and a handshake, homemade cakes and cookies, and a moment of respite and prayer provided by thousands of volunteers from the surrounding communities. This spirit of service is vital to America today. You can give something back to our military members and their families. Visit militaryministry.org to see how!

In honor of my hometown, I will give away a copy of Canteen Dreams to someone who comments on the blog and one on Facebook. How can we serve the members of the military and their families today?

Lisa Wingate: A new author I love

Lisa Wingate has been writing for awhile, but I've just discovered her. And I have to tell you I am inhaling her Daily, Texas books. The ironic thing is the first in the series literally sat on my TBR shelf for more than a year. When I finally made time for it, I kicked myself for waiting so long. She has an amazing sense of humor that I can only pray to develop -- I'd match her with Jenny B. Jones in the humor category and y'all know how much I adore Jenny's books.

Word Gets Around is on sale at CBD for 2.99. Since the books all stand alone with recurring characters and setting, you could certainly start with it. But if you want to try a new-to-you author who writes delightfully funny romances that go more than skin deep, then please give her Daily, Texas series a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: American Madness

For those of you who are Frank Capra fans, here's a film you probably haven't seen yet. American Madness is a film from 1932 that plays with many ideas that come to fruition in It's a Wonderful Life.

It's the 1930s, the Depression era, and the Board of Directors of Thomas Dickson's bank want Dickson to merge with New York Trust and resign. He refuses. One night, Dickson's bank is robbed of $100,000. The suspect is Matt Brown, an ex-convict whom Dickson hired and appointed Chief Teller. Brown, who's very loyal to Dickson, refuses to say where he was that night. He actually has two witnesses for his alibi, Mrs. Dickson and fellow worker Cyril Cluett, but Brown is protecting Dickson...

Mr. Capra uses the film as a way to speak out against the evils he saw in big banking. He also speaks to the values that become common in his films. The idea that one man can make a difference. That we should believe in the little guy and give him a chance.  I enjoyed the film...and if you like Frank Capra movies, you really should track this one down.

The Stage in August, 1932 gave the following opinion: "Now we have American Madness, produced by Columbia and Frank Capra, showing the scenes of wild panic incident to a run on a big bank. Although it is frankly propaganda urging us to have faith in our poor, dear bank presidents, it is effective and occasionally exciting melodrama. Certainly Mr. Capra's scenes of the rapidly growing mob in the bank are expertly handled and make grand pictures. Perhaps the story is improbable and the happy ending impossible, but whether you agree with President Walter Huston's bank policy ("to stop hoarding and get business running again") or with the depositors hammering on the cages for their cash, you feel that American Madness is a good show, and hokum only part of the time."

Review: Lady in Waiting

Writing a novel within a novel is a serious challenge. So many times one story line or the other suffers. In Lady In Waiting, Susan Meissner hits the perfect balance -- in a manner similar to her Shape of Mercy.

Jane Lindsay finds a ring inside the binding of an antique prayer book. The ring is beautiful, but when she sees an inscription on the inside with her name, she becomes enthralled with finding out the history of the ring. And when she learns the ring is between 350 and 400 years old, the English Jane's that it could have belonged to seems to narrow. What will she learn from Jane's story that will help her as she tries to navigate the troubled waters of a separation she didn't ask for or want?

Lucy Day finds herself assigned to be the dressmaker for the young Lady Jane Grey. The two become friends as the years unfold and their lives intertwine. A girl caught between power hungry groups, Lady Jane seems to have no choices or voice.

This book is lyrical in writing and pacing. The story is captivating, not in small part because of the way tension heightens when one story pauses so the other can proceed. And the layers add a depth to the story that I've come to expect from Susan Meissner's writing. Beautiful from beginning to end.