What I've been up 2

So, you're wondering, "Rach, do you blog any more or are we just supposed to imagine what your life is all about?"

No indeedy, you're not. Please don't. I'm blogging, see, I'm blogging.

I've been busy, too. Working on a new synopsis for next book, working title Dining with Joy. How do you like it?

I'm reviving my celebrity "chef" idea. Only she's not so much a chef... Stay tuned. Susie Warren and I really hashed out the story this week with me pausing to get input from the lovely and gracious Ami McConnell, editor extraordinaire.

Tonight we had this whole story worked out, Suz and I giving each other a thousand mile apart high fives when I go, "Wait, we can't do that scenario. I've already done it."

I took a break to think and asked the Lord for an idea and ta-da, it came! God is so good. Called Suz to run it by her, check for holes, then called Ami and she said, "Sounds good. I like it." And I'm off to rework the synopsis. Yay!

Note to all you writers out there. If you are reworking a story from a previous synopsis. Don't. Just start over. It's too hard to reset the tone of the new or modified work. The more you try to edit from an existing synopsis, the more convoluted the story becomes.

***

Fire Dweller prayer was fab tonight. I love, love leading worship with Javier. We get this rhythm going, back and forth with antiphonal songs, weaving them in with the prayers being offered.

He was doing some jazzy stuff on the guitar tonight that was really good. He's so incredibly talented.

I love the flow of the Spirit between us. And that he's a good friend, a true brother.

***

Off to bed with a growling stomach, but I weigh in tomorrow for Weight Watchers. Must be good.

***

I love my husband. He's the absolute best. Just felt like adding that line on tonight. I can't begin to put into words what an amazing man he is. I am so very grateful to the Lord for him!

Welcome to the "Sweet Life" blog tour!

To celebrate the release of Sweet Caroline, I'm hosting a blog tour and a Scrumptious Baking Basket give away!


Fun! All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter here and you'll be entered to win the gift basket stuffed with a super cool apron, a signed copy of Pat Conroy's Low-Country cookbook, a pie plate, rolling pin, and oven mit. The contest ends 6/3 and the winner will be announced 6/5!



I'm super excited to be visiting these AWESOME blogs! What a blessing. Here is the schedule of blogs I'll be making stops at! Make sure to leave a comment on their blogs, because I'll be randomly selecting two people (who leave comments on these blogs during the tour) to receive a copy of Sweet Caroline.

5/19
Karla at Looking Towards Heaven
http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2008/05/look-book-and-contest.html

Martha at Our Familys Adventures
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha/534484/
I enjoyed this book! It had great humor, a lively story line with great characters.

Trish at Books For Mom
http://booksformoms.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline.html
Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck is all that and more! In fact, I have had to wrestle my own copy of Sweet Caroline out of the hands of my almost thirteen year old daughter's hands to even read it! She is addicted to it now, and I can't get it away from her!

Kathy at Sumballo
http://sunballo.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-novel-sweet-caroline.html

5/20
Angie at God Uses Broken Vessels
http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-by-rachel-hauck.html

Deborah at A Cup of Joy
http://acupofjoy.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/sweet-caroline-by-rachel-hauck-contest/
I loved this book! Such an enjoyable read. Of all the books I have read in my lifetime, some have made me cry…some have made me laugh…some have sent a chill down my spine…this one made me hungry!

Lena at A Christian Writers World
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-rachel-hauck-sweet-caroline.html

Amy at Random Thoughts
http://amychristopher.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-book-tour-and-review-and.html Just have to tell you that the character of Caroline is soooo me. Her thought processes are just like mine. I loved this book. I loved the story. I loved that the author focused on how the character felt, dreamed and just lived.

5/21
Miralee at Coming Home
http://miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/2008/05/rachel-haucks-sweet-caroline-blog-tour.html

Melody at Kids, Cakes, Dishes, Laundry, In that order
http://kidscakesdisheslaundry.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline.html
The thing I loved most about this book was the cast of characters. Rachel Hauck has assembled a group of characters that are diverse, interesting, and highly entertaining. I fell in love with the staff of the Frogmore Café immediately, and when the book ended, I found myself wanting more. I didn’t want to let go of my new friends quite so soon, and I really wanted to know “what happened next”! To me, that’s always a sign of a good book…that it leaves me wanting to keep reading.

Laura at Texas Okie
http://texasokie.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-by-rachel-hauck.html
The ending is not what you think. I thought this book kept the reader interested in the story line and kept you wanting more.

5/22
Tasra at Lessons From the Scrapbook Page
http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com/scrapbook_lessons/2008/05/bubbas-buttery-biscuits.html
I will say this is now my favorite Rachel Hauck book. It was effortless to read and the story drew me in subtly yet strongly. I actually took my time reading it because I knew if I read it in one night, it would be over and I'd miss it. I actually practiced restraint in reading if you can believe that.

Margaret at The Cappuccino Life
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom/535825/
I was very interested to note that one of the hard choices was the decision whether or not to sleep with a very persuasive boyfriend--and choosing not to. It's not often that a romantic heroine holds out for a better man and marriage. Even in "Christian romance" I've noticed heroines regularly make "mistakes".

Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee
http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-win-baking-basket-full.html
That special menu touch is one way that author Rachel Hauck draws the reader in and makes her care about what's happening to the characters and how Caroline will make out in the end.

Deborah at Papcuts
http://www.tscpl.org/papercuts/comments/spotlight_on_rachel_haucks_sweet_caroline/
After reading Rachel Hauck's new book Sweet Caroline, I imagined what it would be like if her main character Caroline visited a library.

5/23
Jamie at Surviving the Chaos
http://survivingthechaos.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-by-rachel-hauck.html
I put this book away like a pint of Dove Unconditional Chocolate Ice Cream. I just ate. it. up.

Dena at Mother Inferior
http://denadyer.typepad.com/
...I'm rarely taken in by a book like I was with the one I'm promoting today. Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck is a fun, summery chick-lit novel, but it's more than that. It's also a well-crafted, lighthearted-but-not lighweight literary representation of the delicious grace of God, served up with lots of laughter. Simply put, I loved it!

AnneMarie at Not Just a Mom
http://afriedrick.blogspot.com/
I just finished this great novel about a woman who always tries to do right by everyone. Shes the kind of girl who never wants to let anyone down. Caroline has put her life on hold so many times; she’s not sure where to begin. But God has a plan.

5/24
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
http://cwahmjill.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-by-rachel-hauck.html

Joy at the Five Js
http://fivejs.wordpress.com/2008/05/24/a-sweet-book-sweet-caroline/
I also appreciate a well-written book, and Sweet Caroline is definitely that—a well-written book. Rachel Hauck didn’t write a predictable, “I-gotta-fulfill-my-contract”, Christian romance novel. No, Rachel crafted an original story that kept me turning the pages to read more, even at one in the morning—when I really should have been sleeping.

Laura at Lighthouse Academy
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-review-give-away-and.html
The faith message isn’t preachy, but expertly woven in. The setting is so developed, it is almost a character. And the secondary cast is strong, each with their own voice. The writing is impeccable. Don’t miss SWEET CAROLINE.

Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-blog-tourplus-my-review.html
I wasn't sure what to expect with this story. At first I thought it would be a straight chick lit, and in some ways it was. However, Sweet Caroline touched me in a deeper place than most lits do. I actually got choked up a few times. I rarely do these days. There were some very funny moments, some truly enjoyable girl times, and some romantic interludes that sizzled and popped. Best of all, though, was a spiritual awakening and a discovery of one's place in this world that was breathtaking and yes, sweet.


5/25
Billie at Hearing the Music Amongst the Noise
http://lifelaughterchaos.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-blog-tour.html
I've only begun to read this book. And it's the perfect under the shade tree book!

Barb at A New Chelsea Morning
http://anewchelseamorning.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-great-book-contest-and.htmlI will tell you simply, I loved this book. Reading about Caroline and her quirky friends and how she always puts them first, herself last and does what it takes to help them made me want to be a better person. I couldn't put this one down and the Christian theme running throughout the book makes it even more special. You know I wouldn't lead you astray - trust me when I tell you, you'll love this book.

Amy My Friend Amy
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/2008/05/blog-tour-sweet-caroline-by-rachel.html
I really loved this book. It's sweet, authentic, and real. It isn't really your typical chick lit novel, it's very charming and a joy to read.

5/26
Melody at Slurping Life
http://slurpinglife.typepad.com/slurping_life/2008/05/the-sweet-lifet.html
Living in the south, the real south, I identified and fell in love with each of Rachel's characters and settings. I know all about buttery biscuits, low country cuisine and South Carolina beaches. I have even been to Gay Fish Company while vacationing on the South Carolina isles. Immediately after beginning to read the book I became absorbed in Caroline's life, her kind spirit and her faithfulness to friends and family.

Audra at Penning Prose
http://www.audrasilva.com/blog/?p=66
and
http://www.audrasilva.com/blog/?p=71
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and Rachel Hauck’s delightful story-telling style. This is the second book I’ve read of hers (Georgia On My Mind being the first) and I look forward to reading more of her books. Add this one to your summer reading list!

Jennifer at Snaphots
http://www.5minutesformom.com/3484/sweet-caroline/
I always find my mouth watering when reading stories that have food as a subplot. The descriptions of the food at the Frogmore Cafe definitely provoked that response–Frogmore Stew with shrimp and corn, moist cake with buttercream frosting, coffee lightened with half and half, and most importantly, Bubba’s Buttery Biscuits.

Betsy at Writer At Large
http://betsy-ann.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-by-rachel-hauck.html
This was a fantastic novel! I laughed, squealed, gasped, cried, and yelled right along with Caroline as I read her moving, heartfelt story. Talk about relatable characters! Anyone who has ever felt the need to please others at their own expense will find themselves shaking their fist full of Kleenex right alongside Caroline.

I truly couldn't get enough of the town, the diner, the people...it was all so real. My only advice when you read this story is to read it slowly - you'll be so disappointed when it's over!

5/27
Revka at Our Family Porch
http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-blog-tour-and-contest.html
Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck is a fun read.

Lauren at Baseball and Bows
http://baseballsandbows.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline.html
Sweet Caroline, by Rachel Hauck, is an enjoyable book. I appreciated that the characters seemed very real to me. Their lives were far from perfect, and their problems did not always work out nicely and neatly. The characters did, however, learn that they could trust in God, regardless of how messy their lives might be. That is a great lesson for all of us!

Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life
http://cindyswanslife.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline.html
You'll enjoy finding out. Rachel Haucks writing is fresh, breezy and contemporary, and this book is as refreshing as an ice-cold root beer on a hot summer day.

Beth at The Writing Road
http://thewritingroad.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-your-chance-to-win-copy-of.html
Rachel Hauck weaves an engaging story about the consequences of choices. The ending left me a bit surprised--but life has a way of doing that, doesn't it? Sometimes I think Hauck ended the book just right. Sometimes I wish she'd written a different ending. Hhhhmm. That's also a bit like real life, isnt it?


5/28
Joanna at Becoming His
http://joannaweaver.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-by-rachel-hauck.html
I was sent a copy of Rachel Haucks latest release, Sweet Caroline...and I loved it! If youre looking for a novel to fill a little "me" time this summer, choose this one. As its title suggests, it is a "sweet" story. A lighthearted tale that isn't so light on the spiritual goods!

Patty at Girlfriends in God
http://patty-girlfriendsingod.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-book-tour-and-win.html
I really liked this book. It is the type of book you dont want to put down. It had a great message on salvation, new beginnings and how much God loves us. The characters in this book are eccentric and fun to read about. This is summer time and what a great time to read some new books and this one will not disappoint.

Pam at Without Fear
http://withoutfear08.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline-review.html
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's an easy read, because it quickly draws you into the lives of its characters and helps you to put yourself into their shoes without much effort. I can fully recommend this as a summer read for poolside or relaxing on the beach. You'll come away charmed by Caroline and her off beat friends at Frogmore Cafe...


5/29
DeeDee at Fiddledeedee
http://fiddledeedee.net/2008/05/29/sweet-caroline-a-giveaway-bonanza/
Recently, I received a copy of Rachel Haucks Sweet Caroline. I immediately fell in love with the small town that Rachels heroine, Caroline, calls home. The characters are vivid, and the story makes for a wonderful summertime read.

Lynetta at Open Book
http://lynetta.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline.html
Rachel Hauck tells such an engrossing, true to life story with all the Southern charm and wit one would expect in a chick lit novel. Caroline is an endearing character from page one—we are captivated by her dilemma—a sense of obligation and the desire for something big and exciting in her life. Hauck employs the present-tense, first person point of view typical in the genre, with seemingly little effort. As readers we are actually there with Caroline, watching her every move and hearing her every thought. This is by far the best chick lit I've read in a long, long time.

Tricia at Its Real Life
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2008/05/bubbas-buttery-biscuits.html
I loved the book! Make sure you add it to your summer reading list...if you can only read one--make it this one! You won't be disappointed.

Mindy at Ponderings of the Heart
http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2008/05/sweet-caroline.html
This book delivered in all areas. It is love story in more than one way I think, and was all around an enjoyable read!!! The plot drew me in and the character's could have been friends of mine! I loved this book.

She Always Wore Red

I'm honored to have my friend and fellow author, Angie Hunt stop by today to talk about her latest release from Tyndale House, She Always Wore Red.

Sounds like a great story, Angie. I love the cover. Can you give us a brief synopsis?

"I'd love to," said Angie.

Jennifer Grahamm, mother, student, and embalmer's apprentice, could use a friend.

She finds one in McLane Larson, a newcomer to Mt. Dora. While McLane's soldier-husband serves overseas, Jen promises to support McLane, then learns that her tie to this woman goes far deeper than friendship.

When a difference of opinion threatens their relationship, Jennifer discovers weaknesses in her own character . . . and a faith far stronger than she had imagined.

A Romantic Times Top Pick! "Be prepared to shed a few tears in Hunt's emotionally gripping tale, the second in the Fairlawn series. With themes of family, friendship, and trusting God, the plot is enhanced by realistic and engaging characters. Jennifer's growth as a character is evident, and the supporting cast enhances the story in a significant way." --Melissa Parcels, Romantic Times reviewer

Congratulations on the Top Pick, Angie, but um, what's up with the funky photo?

Tee hee. It's my "serious author" photo. I snapped it myself, sitting at my computer. Notice the funereal pose.

Okay, now I'm going to have to try it. I'll email you later about the "scratch markings. I like it. But enough about me.

The first book in this series is Doesn't She Look Natural? Do people have to read the first book in order to understand the second? (And congratulations on the Christy Award nomination for that title!)

Thank you--I'm honored. And no, people don't have to read the first book first, though it's always nice to read the books in order to get a sense of the story and background. But all the books will work as single title reads.

I also encourage people not to wait until all the books are released. Go out and by the first two now.

The Fairlawn series is set in a funeral home. Did you observe the embalming process in your research? I know for me, the more hands-on or the more information I have the better I can plot out the story and develop characters.

Did you read about embalming and interview morticians? It's fascinating.

Unfortunately, with the advent of all the new privacy laws (HIPPA, anyone?), I was unable to observe an embalming - and believe me, I was ready and willing. So most of my research came from books, photographs, and interviews (and once you announce that you're working on funeral homes, morticians seem to come out of the woodwork!)

It just so happens that one of my Tyndale editors grew up in a funeral home. She has been a great asset--she gave me the idea for the funny flower arrangements and the funeral singers, plus I had written a scene in book three where Jen and Gerald sit down to eat a steak in the prep room.

My editor said that didn't feel right. "Too weird?" I asked. "No," she said. "There's always an odor in that room . . . not very appetizing." Ah. That's the sort of thing you can't always get from a book. :-/

(So true!)

I certainly hope the embalming stuff didn't gross anyone out, and I tried to ease my readers into it just as Jen is herself "eased" into it. Book one - the barest trace, book two, a complete description of an arterial embalming, book three, the cavity embalming. And frankly, that's as far as I want to take it. Any more would be gross for grossness's sake.

I think readers are always intrigued by new and different topics. You're so good at developing unique stories, Angie.

Did you and your editors disagree over how much of the body preparation process was acceptable to include? I ask because I find all that sort of thing fascinating, and I think that I would include far more than most people would care to read, initially.

Actually, the embalming you "see" is the embalming I put in. :-) After 20 years in this business, I think I've developed a pretty good instinct for knowing how much is too much.

And you can be descriptive in a way that is clinical rather than gross. For example, "She searched for the carotid artery" as opposed to "her stomach clenched as her gloved fingers eased into the warm opening and she tried not to think of fish guts." So actually, none of my editors ever remarked on the level of detail . . . and none of my readers have complained. Yet. :-)

I see what you mean. Nicely done! So, has this series changed your attitude about death?

I'm utterly at peace about it - not in a hurry to pass on, you understand, but very relaxed about the process and my final destination. Doing research has also convinced me that I want to be buried, not cremated, and that I'd be better off buying my casket online.

Can you give us a hint about what happens in the third and final Fairlawn book?

Sure. People die and Jennifer buries most of them. It's a funeral plot.

Ha,ha, you're so funny for one who writes about funeral homes. And besides, that's not much of a hint. Come on, give it up.

I don't like to give all the plot twists away! But, here's a blurb from the back cover copy (yes, the book is finished and handed in.)

In She's In a Better Place, the third book of the Fairlawn series, Jennifer Graham is now running the Fairlawn Funeral Home. Her work takes on a new dimension when Gerald Huffman, her assistant and mentor, reveals that he has a serious illness. When she learns that he and his daughter haven't spoken in years, Jen decides to help them reconcile . . . but things don't go exactly as she planned. Once again, the mortuary is a setting for lessons of laughter, love, and life.

I like it. The setting - a funeral home - is unique, but these books are really about the typical challenges that face women today, right?

Oh, yes. Jennifer is a single mom juggling school, motherhood, and a career - and I think most modern women can relate to her. I certainly can.

Well, Angie, as always, it's been a pleasure to chat. Thanks for-

Um, Rachel, I think you're supposed to ask where they can buy the book.

I was gonna, I was gonna. (blush) So, please tell us how to get ahold of this book!

Thanks for asking! You can order it from your favorite online bookstore. Or, to make it simple, just click here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1414311702/booksbyangelae0d

For more information, visit www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Be blessed, friend.

Readers, please, take time to get this series. I know you'll love it!

I like heavy metal?

Tonight a bunch of us gathered at church to just worship and tug on God for more of Him. We hunkered down in the kid's sanctuary because the youth-types had a metal concert.

Oh joy - Tony and I were fortunate enough to catch the last and headliner band, Black Regiment.

The lead singer shoved my Sunday morning worship mike into his mouth and sang like he's possessed. A deep, growling sound. Can you imagine? This rosy cheeked teen with shiny hair.

I liked the bass player. He looked all clean cut, but when the music got going, his stance widened and he bobbed up and down, up and down.

The electric guitar players did the head bob-hair twirl thing. Very '80s, but I loved it. Especially when the drums and bass got going. I even teared up. God was there.

Too fun.

Then there was drama with some kid who didn't pay and came at security with a nail driven baseball bat.

At our little worship service where we watched a Justin Rizzo worship DVD - it's the best - we had a good presence of the Lord. I kept feeling like oil was being poured over my head. Still do, in fact.

Working on a new story. How do you like this title? "Love Ends With E." Catchy? No? The opposite of "Love Starts With Elle."

Okay, okay, don't tomato splat me off the stage. I'm going, I'm going.

My barking dogs

And I don't mean my feet. Hahaha, get it. "My dogs are barking..."

Well, okay, never mind.

My dog, dogs, you know them Pal and Lola, bark. Yep. Not all the time, but Pal lays by the front window looking out, then goes berserk when something goes by: another dog, a person on a bike way, way down the road, the school bus, and the piece de resistance (snicker,) a squirrel.

Yet when Lola first moved in with us two months ago. She didn't bark at things passing by the window. No siree Bob, she didn't. But Pal taught her. Nice doggy.

She has this shrill kind of bark that makes my heart pound. But I'm so happy she's participating in family traditions, I hardly mind.

When I open the back door from them to run out and bark, Lola fires into the yard with Pal, rou-rou-rouing away.

Pal looks at her, she looks up at him, "Isn't this fun?"

They are good friends. Nothing like the turmoil with Jack and Pal. I couldn't have handled  another second of that gig.

Pal seems to endure Lola, if not appreciate her at times.

Red, on the other hand, is still an ornery cat and behaves as if all the world is his on a silver platter.

Off to Fire Dweller. Got to fill those "bowls!" Rev 8

 

Author Intrusion

This happens to me frequently. I wake up in the pre dawn and in a twilight sleepy wakefulness, God speaks to me.

Story idea. Plot resolution. Encouragement. Ideas. Words for other people.

This morning, He spoke to me about "author intrusion." I shared it with our congregation as I led the way to Him in worship.

Author intrusion is when the story writer invades the story, telling the reader something the protagonist doesn't know. Often we see this written, "little did he know..."

Or, "By Tuesday, Jean would never want to see Frank again."

Really? How does Jean know. Trust me, I try to "see" into the future and so far, I'm blind about it.

Yet, a lot of older and classic fiction is infused with author intrusion. My guess is they used it as a way to build suspense. There are some modern, main stream writers who do this, but it's a technique I advise new writers to avoid.

Most books today are written in "third person limited" point of view. Meaning, the reader cannot know anything the protagonist(s) doesn't know. If Fred doesn't know what is going to happen on Tuesday, then neither should the reader. Unless, the clever and creative author switches to another point of view, Jean, where she confesses she's going to break up with Fred on Tuesday.

But the Lord spoke to me about author intrusion. HE, the author and perfecter of our faith wants to intrude our lives. He wants to take over in areas where we can't see. He wants us to trust He's writing a good and great story for us. About us.

But we struggle in our "third person," or "first person" limited point of view. If we don't know it or understand it, we don't believe it. Or think it exist. Or that "it" can happen.

But God is saying, "Yes it can. Trust Me."

Sometimes we just plain ole struggle with control and sin. We want to be in charge, dictate the story, tell God how it's to go down.

I always cringe when I hear writers say, "the characters just took over the story and told me how it was going to be." This is usually followed by questions of how to get out of their plot problems.

My characters say things all the time I didn't plan, but they never, ever change the direction of my story. I've deleted some really excellent dialog and scenes because they took the story to a place I couldn't use.

Let God write His name on your heart. Let Him author and perfect your faith. Listen to His story and believe. He is for you. He loves you. He has your very good in mind.

I've concluded this

It's about Jesus. Keeping our eyes on Him. No matter what the circumstances, no matter what's going on around us, gaze at Jesus.

He is love. He is willing. He is able.

Beach

This morning, I sat on the beach as the sun claimed the day and thick waves crashed the shore.

Tuesday Checking In

Can you believe the end of April is coming? Wow, the year has gone by so fast.

I'm good... took the dogs for a walk under a rainy sky. Pal had a teeth cleaning-pulling yesterday so he was a little groggy, but when he saw me put on my workout clothes, he went crazy. 

So, I took him and Lola walking. He seems more like himself. Poor boy.

I'm vacuuming in a few minutes, straightening the house, getting ready for home church tonight then Dream Team.

Sorry I've been so boring lately. My sister blogs about her kiddos and they are so funny. I need to borrow a kid. :) After all, it's all about the story... hahaha.

I'm forever a writer. Everything is a potential story.

BAM!

Well, we're glued to the TV these days, watching Todd Bentley and the healing revival God is doing over in Lakeland.

Just through the TV, we feel the anointing, tear up as we watch chronically ill people receive healing.

Todd's fun to watch. He'll exclaim, "Bam!" as he prays for people. Today, he explained the phrase just comes out of him. He doesn't intend to say it.

God loves to do fun and unusual stuff. If the weirdest thing a healing revivalist does is cry out, "Bam!" how can we complain? ;)

Anyway, watching this has really increased Tony and my faith to pray and believe for healing. This morning (Sunday) Tony spoke at the Vineyard Church and afterwards, we prayed for people.

An older woman came to me for prayer for her knee. She had knee replacement surgery in December and has been in pain and discomfort since.

I ask the Lord to heal her. She went out in the spirit and as she lay on the floor, her knee twitched and moved. The result?

Pain gone. She could bend and raise her knee which she hadn't been able to do in years. She knew she was healed.

She even got on her hands and knees - another thing she couldn't do - and got up off the floor. Stood on one leg, the "damaged" leg and felt no pain. Nor was she wobbly!

Isn't God good? AMEN!

Our friend Chelle was with us and she prayed for a man who's back was in pain. He felt heat and the pain left.

We are excited. God is moving! God HEALS!

Sigh!

Sigh.

Sigh....

Sigh!

Sigh.

Sigh....

Sigh!

sighsighsighsighsighsigh

Flowers for Rachel

During a grocery run this morning, I decided to buy myself flowers. Why not? I'd completed the final task for Love Starts With Elle - reviewing the galleys - and thought, "Boss, give your employee a reward."

Being as I am both boss and employee, I agreed with myself and bought flowers.

I'm not a huge "flowers" person, but they are nice once in a while and a cheap way to say, "well done."

Friends visited this week from Kansas City. They drove down to attend the healing revival in Lakeland. Both of them - a he and a she - have cancer.

We've been praying for them to be healed and God has already done some amazing things in their lives, and when they understood He opened the door for them to drive to Florida, they came. In faith.

You know, we've lost a lot of the faith aspect of Christianity. Hebrews 11 says without faith, it's impossible to please God. We have to believe He is who He says He is and that He is love.

There have been some amazing testimonies out of this revival. And we cannot dismiss it because the leader is not of our style or ilk. What does it matter if the evangelist loves the Lord and God is using him to heal and set free?

We should be so used by the Lord, Beloved.

Hubby and I are going over Friday night with our senior pastor and his wife. Impartation is happening.

I hear from my trusted brothers and sisters the presence of God is so strong it's hard to stay away. "I am lovesick..."

Fire Dweller has been praying for a move of God in our county for over five years. We want to see salvations, healings, miracles, people growing in the knowledge and love of the Lord. They only way to change and heal our society is a touch of God.

We are going to the meeting Friday to ask God to give us the anointing He's pouring out in Lakeland. We want to bring it home!

Our nation needs God. And we have to be open yet wise and discerning on how He moves. He just might move in a way that is foreign to us, but if our hearts are toward Him and in right fellowship, then we will not be deceived.

****

Well, back to work. I have a few things to get done today. Busy weekend coming up. We have a wedding on Saturday. Congrats Jake and Heath!

Updates on a boring life

Okay, life has been a little boring lately - I'm happy to report.

Not boring to me, but just no a whole heck of a lot to report. Life is status quo and I'm glad!

I am feeling quite ranty about politics, but I'll refrain from spewing here. I'll say this, "Think, people, think. Listen! With both ears, your heart and your head!"

Ask questions, don't just go, "Hmm, that sounds good."

Ask how? When? Why? What will it cost me and my children, and future Americans?

Moving on... I have the galleys for "Love Starts With Elle" and will be reading over them the next few days.

I'm teaching a workshop Saturday at the Daytona RWA chapter. My topic is "The Third Character - Universal Truth."

It took me awhile to put it together, but it turned out really nice. In the near future, you can down load the class from MyBookTherapy.

Sometimes the best way to learn about writing is to teach.

Our little dog Lola is doing great. She's so cute. Between hanging around our other dog, Pal, and our cat, Red, her personality has blossomed.

The cat bit the bottom of my foot Sunday afternoon. Good thing he doesn't have front claws or my leg would've been torn up. He's a grumpy old man, that Red. I was on the couch watching a movie, Gridiron Gang, and he hopped up on the cushion by my foot.

Next thing I know? Mortal pain. I think he was mad because he wanted to sit with me, but I had Lola on my lap.

Five days later, it still hurts, but I can walk without hobbling now.

Yes, Red lived. I didn't kill him. He's sixteen so his days are numbered anyway.

Lost 5.5 pounds on Weight Watchers in three weeks. I'm happy with that considering the cat bite and another minor heath issue has impeded my exercise routine.

But never fear, I'm on the mend.

Did you hear about the healing revival breaking out in Lakeland with evangelist Todd Bently? Very cool. Check out the details at www.freshfire.ca.

We are praying for the same here in our county. This Sunday, the pastors made room for extended worship to focus on the Lord and pray for people. And, ah, we have to do an unplugged set because our drummers are going camping.

Hmm...

My "daughter" Cassie will be helping with worship this September for American Christian Fiction Writers. She is full time staff for the Night Watch at the International House of Prayer-KC. She's a worship leader and bass player for Misty Edward's band.

My other "daughter," Cassie's sister Carrie will be with us too. She's a writer for the State of Florida and one of the most compassionate people I know.

I'm working on a new story idea, too. Will keep you posted.

This is weird, I'm addicted to Gilmore Girl reruns. Yeah, go figure. I loved the show, but so hated the way the writers ended the series I had no interest in reruns.

But, now, I'm hooked.

Hearing God, Part III

Hearing God takes time. Focus. Dedication. My personal experience is I can't hear God on the run (typically) and I can't hear God out of angst or anxiety.

My mind and emotions speak to me every time in those situations.

Yet, there have been times when I was in turmoil and as I went to prayer, asking God for peace and truth, I heard Him speak. I had to settle down, focus (that word again) and looking for the peace in my inner man. (Ephesians 3)

There a countless times I thought God spoke to me and I acted, not knowing if I "really" heard or not. You know, give that person a $20.

Once, I felt God asking me to stay home from work and hang out with Him all day. What? I can't call in sick - that'd be lying - and I couldn't take a vacation day. Or could I? To this day I think I missed an opportunity with Him.

Off and on, I've heard God speak to me most of my life. When I was in college, He spoke to me a lot. I'd wake up praying! But that was a different kind of speaking.

Many times, I've made decisions based on "it seems good to me." I trust the Spirit of God dwelling in me, leading me. Jeremiah 40: 4, Psalm 111, Proverbs 3.

I've prayed over decisions but had a sinful motive as I moved forward. Those never work out so good. Go figure.

But if I ask with a sincere, humble heart, He always responds with wisdom and goodness.

After my first date with Tony, I came home and felt God whisper to me, "that's your husband."

What? Fingers in ears, humming. No way. I'm not going to be the kooky girl who hears the cute single pastor is her husband.

Now, that did take a lot of prayer and confirmation. Since I'm married to him after a loooong ordeal, I think I heard God. ;)

God's spoken to me in dreams recently. While I seek understanding and interpretation, I see Him directing me.

My friend Chelle, a single mom living on a sub par income, believed God spoke to her to believe for a new car. It took a year of believing and praying, but God gave her brand new Toyota Camry.

Tony felt God nudge him to give his Bible away to this zealous new believer. The odd thing was the guy had a Bible. But Tony was obedient. Two nights later the young man called, ecstatic. He'd been reading Tony's Bible and the Word opened up to him and he felt Jesus was right there with him.

I was praying about a writing project once and felt God speak to me from "my spirit." My middle. Not my head. What he said did NOT line up with what I perceived and believed in my head. But I liked His exhortation! I received it and gave the promise back to Him. Less than a week later, it came about.

Last spring, I was mediating on the Lord as I was driving home from some place and felt the Lord said, "I promise you fruit." Okay!

About a month later, a woman at church was praying for me. She said, "Rachel, I see a big basket of fruit."

I laughed. Yep!

Tony was teaching high school when the Lord told him he was going to be on staff at Church On The Rock. He was a very young Christian, but believed God. He had no idea how he'd be on staff. There were no jobs open and no one asked him to join the team. Nevertheless, he quit his job in faith, and volunteered his summer to the youth.

In mid August they offered him the new position as youth pastor.

One Christmas I asked God for a thousand dollars to cover our Christmas spending. I was working a well paying corp job, but we'd had a lot of expenses that year and I didn't want to cut back on my Christmas giving. (We give to everyone in the family.)

Christmas came and went without my thousand. Money is not an area where we see a lot of obvious miracles, but I decided to keep believing God for the money.

On New Years, former youth, now married and good friends, were in town and came over to visit. They handed us an envelop. After awhile, I got up to get something from the kitchen and opened the card.

There was a check for a thousand dollars! Wow!!! I read closer. Made out to the youth ministry.

Oh well, close. I was grateful. I handed Tony the card, thanking our friends for the contribution.

Tony said, "You didn't look close enough."

Under the check to the church was a check to Tony and me for a thousand dollars. I was beyond thrilled.

When we shared our stories, we discovered they decided to gift us with the money the SAME NIGHT I prayed and asked the Lord.

Walking with God is such a great adventure. He wants to give to us and bless us, but we need to draw near with a sincere heart.

Come on, share you testimonies!

Hearing God, Part II

The other day I blogged about how to hear God. The main point I made was that we have to believe He speaks to us.

Second we have to have faith and believe He's who He says He is. The Bible is the one true place to discover God's character. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Word is living and active, sharp! John 1 tells us Jesus is the Word of God made flesh.

Peter tell us it's inspired by the Holy Spirit, men being a mere conduit.

So, to hear God we have to have faith, believe He is a God of truth.

Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

Hearing God just means believe He is a rewarder. He wants to speak.

I John 4:8b tells us, "God is love."

How then would a loving God not want to share with us? Does He have to submit to our demands? No. Does He have to tell us everything. Absolutely not. We couldn't handle it. But we must believe when we go to Him with request, petitions, cares and concerns, He is listening. He will respond.

The Bette Midler song advocates God watching from a distance. But He's not beloved. He's right in us. He can't be any closer.

Colossians 1:27, "... Christ in us, the hope of Glory."

Now, you have to believe in Him, believe in Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life, but God gave us His Spirit.

Paul wrote, "it's the mystery of the ages."

Therefore, God must want to fellowship with us.

Luke 11 is my favorite verse on hearing God.

In the first part, Jesus speaks. "Hey, if you ask of God, He'll give to you. You're evil people and when your son asks for bread, you don't give him a stone, do you? No, neither will your Father in Heaven. He's good. Perfect. Kind and loving. In fact," Jesus says, "ask, seek, knock. You'll find, see and the door will be open."

Our problem is endurance. Patience. Learning to hear the voice of our Beloved.

Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice." Therefore we know it's possible to hear God.

Tomorrow or Monday, ways to learn to hear and testimonies!

Hearing God

Recently some friends were discussing the topic of hearing God. During prayer, how do we know the answer we seek is from God, ourselves or Satan?

Good question!

I know a lot of Jesus-lovers who say they've never heard Him speak to them. My guess is He has, they just don't know it.

But the older we become in our faith, the more we should be able to discern His voice. There are a lot of books written on hearing God. But the best one is the Bible. There are a lot of verses on hearing God.

First, though, we have to believe He wants to speak to us. Too many Christians, even pastors, claim God doesn't speak to them, and why should He? We are lowly, sinful humans and He's God of the Universe. He doesn't owe us anything.

Okay, yeah, good point. But that sort of thinking completely nullifies the Cross. If we are lowly, unworthy, sinful humans, why did Jesus bother to hang on the Cross? Endure the shame? Take the beating and humiliation?

Because He LOVES us and part of the plan is for mankind to be in relationship, fellowship with the Uncreated God. This my, friends, is an amazing, wonderful mystery!

So, let's go back to the premise of God wanting to talk to us.

We have to go no farther than Genesis to see God's heart for His creation, especially man. Genesis tells us God fellowshipped with Adam in the "cool of the day."

Song of Solomon is devoted to the heart of the believer, a picture of God's love for us individually as well as corporately. "Draw me after you and let us run together."

God created man for fellowship with Him. So why would He not want to speak to us? I know every friend I have, speaking is part of the deal. Sharing our hearts, our desires, our wants and needs.

We see Jesus, the God-Man, desiring the fellowship and comfort of His friends in the Garden before His betrayal.

That same God-Man now sits risen from the dead at the right hand of God the Father. Still desiring fellowship with us.

Yes, we are weak. Yes, we sin. But if we desire Him, desire to live Godly, say Yes to obedience, He draws us near.

Amos 3:7 says, "Surely the Lord does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets."

In today's world, that's me and you! Does God need to reveal His secrets? No! But I believe He's looking for hearts who are tender and yielded, believing and longing to stand in His counsel.

Don't know about you, but I want to be His friend, to stand in His counsel.

Tomorrow, part two on hearing God.

"He's not the distant God of a Bette Midler song." 

In Between

I'm in between right now. Waiting. But it's a good place to be. I was reading some of my old blog post and thought, "hey, I used to write pretty good blog."

These days, I'm not so sure. I'm saving my brain power for my next brilliant book.

Just for grins, here's the opening for Love Starts With Elle.

Twilight capped Beaufort, South Carolina, with a winter blue as December red, white, and green reflected in the downtown windowpanes. From the loft of her Bay Street art gallery, Elle Garvey leaned against the waist-high wall, admiring GG Galley's "Art in Christmas_ show. Visitors and patrons - some Beaufort residence, others curious tourists - milled among the displays, speaking in low tones, sipping hot cider.

The mellow voice of Andy Williams serenaded them. It's the most wonderful time of the year . . .

In the middle of downtown Beaufort, GG Gallery occupied an old, boxy hardware space with three thick support beams marching down the middle. Old Man Hamilton used to stock nuts and bolts on one side, household supplies on the other.

When Elle took over, she trimmed the beams in white lights and set up sculptures and other art forms where the nuts and bolts used to live. In place of household supplies, she displayed paintings. The gallery walls were now a rich beige, the cement floor a luscious navy-blue.

Elle loved art, the scene and setting of her gallery.

The subtle fragrance of drying oils, the privilege of helping talent find expression, the thrill of connecting an artist with a patron.

If a picture painted a thousand words, then let the artist speak. Oh, cadmium red, what do you have to say? What story hides beneath the beauty of a blue-green wave crashing against a ship's hull?

Without art, the world was merely arguable shades of black and white, Elle surmised. Definitive rights and wrongs, a series of controlled ideas set forth by men who lacked imagination.

Art challenged the soul.

Elle's younger sister, Julianne, caught Elle hiding and motioned for her to come down.

In a minute.


'Elle, are you the queen, surveying her kingdom?" Arlene Coulter gazed up from the bottom of the loft stairs, her bright red Christmas suit its own fashion work of art.

"Yes, and are you my loyal servant?" Elle started down the stairs.

Arlene curtsied, her bottle-blonde hair falling forward like silky angel hair, the hem of her skirt sliding up her knee. "Yours and yours alone, O you of whom Art News wrote 'one of the lowcountry's finest galleries.'"

"Best hundred-dollar bribe I ever spent." Elle jogged the rest of the way down to the bottom, her brown gypsy-and-godet skirt swirling about her booted legs.

Arlene's laugh floated. "Darling, your artist eye is truly God gifted. Tell me now. . ." The woman linked arms with Elle and led her to the center of the back wall. "Is this the work of the great Alyssa Porter?"

"It is." Elle surveyed Alyssa's work. Her paintings spoke to her differently each time she viewed them. She envied Alyssa and artists like her - the ones who had courage to chase the dream. Elle had lost hers a long time ago.

Arlene squeezed Elle’s arm tighter. "And what do you like about this Alyssa?"

"Her paintings move me.' Elle freed herself from Arlene and moved over to Alyssa's "Rose Garden," convinced it'd be a masterpiece one day. Like all great abstract artists, Alyssa was a master in drawing and understood how to contrasts colors to stir emotion.

"Move you?" Arlene studied one of Alyssa's abstracts through a one-eyed slit, her short, red-tipped fingers squeezing the point of her chin. "I suppose they move me too. I'm just not sure where."

"You're looking for a definite image, Arlene. Don't be so concrete. Let your imagination run . . ." Elle hooked her arm around the woman’s shoulders. "Follow my hand. See how you just moved out of the sunlight into the shade?"

"No, but girl, I really love your bracelets. Where'd you get those?" Arlene grabbed Elle's wrist to study the tri-color bangles.

"You beat all, Arlene." Elle twisted her hand free.

"Well, a good set of bracelets is hard to find." Arlene gazed again at the painting. "So, what should I do about Miss Porter?"

"Buy her. The New York art scene has discovered Alyssa and if you don't purchase something before her first auction, you'll never be able to afford it. Here . . ." Elle walked to the other side of the display. "This one on the bottom right is only two thousand dollars."

Arlene stood an inch way from the bottom painting, tipping her head to one side. The track lighting haloed the back of her head. "The lines shift as I move."

"Moving from light to shadow, and back again."

"I'm afraid if I buy one of these I'll wake up one night with the dang thing hanging over my head whispering, 'I see dead people.'" Arlene bent in half as if she hung upside down, then snapped upright. "What about this artist over here. Coco Nelson. Now this painting I get. Look - a woman's face, with eyes and hair."

***

Last night we had a cook out for the down town home church. It was fun. We had about twenty people there. A good mix of believers and seekers.

My heart is still not tender, but I'm asking God to teach me to love.