The Cover, The Cover

Krista (Steeple Hill Editor extraordinaire) snail mailed a copy of the cover for Georgia On Her Mind. Very cool, ya'll. I don't have a scanner, so I can't put it up for you to see, but it's very peachy keen!

Wow! It's so cool to see the cover. With my name on it! I feel this way about the Heartsongs, too. By the way, Lambert's Code comes out in a few days!

Times like these I miss Dad. Typically, I'd call him and talk to him about it. Or get reassurance that I can write two more books under contract. Of course, my dear Mom is a great encouragement, and my hubby, but for some reason, I want to hear Dad say, "Rach, you can do it."

I think it goes back to my Ohio State days when I called Dad completely stressed out. "I can't do this!!" He'd talk me down off the ledge, give me a few pointers and send me on my way with a verbal pat on the head. There's an echo from those days, deep down in my soul, still moving across the valleys of my life. "Dad, help, I can't."

But, you'll be happy to I have matured some in the last 20 years (I know, I know, I went to college when I was fifteen) and the doubt is just a wispy remainder of weaker times. Jesus has shored up my insecurities and immaturity and assured me I can do this and if I can't, He can step in and help. He'll do more than give me a verbal pat on the head. He'll give me ideas and creativity and rivers of flowing life.

Maybe it all just a longing in my heart to hear my Dad's voice again. I can't believe that almost five months later, tears come when I realize he left this life for a better one and didn't take me with him.

He came back for me that one time. I was eight and he'd gone off to pick up some kids for church, probably desperate for a moment to himself. I ran after him as he drove down the long gravel drive, "Wait for me."

But he didn't. Balled up on the gravel, I cried. Then, heard the putt-putt of the VW Micro bus coming back down the road. He came back for me.

This time, he didn't. He couldn't. My partnership with Jesus is not done in this life yet. So, He comforts me. He's my daddy's voice. "Rach, you can do it."

Went to a meeting for the Young Women's meeting last night. We went over final details, then the ministry teams got together and ministered to each other. Way cool. I got a couple of good exhortations from the Lord.

Well, off to work. Got a lot of writin' to do. Peace out.