Take your best shot

There was a time in my life when many people were infinitely glad I neither owned a firearm nor could shoot one.

But that has all changed. Thanks to some good friends in Mississippi who taught me to shoot and pointed me in the right direction. ;-)

We went to Mississippi recently for some book research and it was some of the most fun research I've ever done. Second only to my week in DC, which I loved!

Now I know what my characters have felt when they've used their weapons. And I know without a doubt I can handle a weapon well, shoot respectably, and stop anyone who thinks about harming my family. Add to that my beloved Louisville Cardinals are in the Sweet Sixteen and on there way to the Final Four, and you have a super amazing weekend!

Here's a list of the super cool weapons I was actually allowed to handle. And.... for those who are still afraid at the thought of me with a weapon... my instructors said I did better than my hubby and better than a lot of hunters they knew. Honest!

We shot a Colt M4~ that thing had some major kick. I totally took out the dirt hill I fired into... on purpose.

Ruger Mark III~ super easy to shoot and looks pretty cool.

Glock 22~ this is my FBI guys' weapon of choice, so I was surprised I didn't like it. Too much kick for my liking which made it harder to keep focused on the targets.

Springfield XD~ now this one was more my speed. I did much better with accuracy, even though my hubby out-shot me.



Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun~ this was my favorite of all. I totally out-shot my hubby and shocked the instructor. Can you guess why? This is the weapon I imagine when I've thought of someone breaking into my house to hurt my family. Now I know how to use it and had a 100% headshot accuracy.

DPMS Panther~ this one was a little too heavy for me to enjoy, but I nailed the target anyway.



Remington 700~ my second favorite weapon. I shot 100% headshots at 300 meters (three football fields). My hubby only shot 300 once, so I'm happy to say I beat him there too. We're not at all competitive. LOL

Anyway... all that to say research is sometimes a totally life-changing thing. And it's fun too. Especially when I graduate best in class. :-)

Interview with Christa Banister

Half the fun of reading a book is getting to know the author behind the tales. So I asked Christa Banister a few quirky questions and had to smile while reading the answers. Hope you do to...

Care to share any real-life matchmaker stories?

You know, I wish I could. I've been even less successful than Sydney in the whole matchmaking department. I always try to be really thoughtful about who I set up, but it still always backfires somehow. Once I set up two friends who I thought would really click for a casual getting-to-know you dinner with my hubby and I and another friend, and he ignored the potential love of his life all night. I mean, he didn't speak to her—AT ALL. When I asked him later on whether he was interested in my friend (as if his ignoring her completely wasn't indication enough), he said "there wasn't any chemistry." Perhaps, if he'd actually talked to her...

Oh well, I tried, right?

How much of Sydney is there in Christa?

Sydney and Christa are definitely simpatico in many ways—their spiritual gift of sarcasm, their need for an IV of Diet Cokes and caramel macchiatos, a shared faith and their quirky turns of phrase. But I will say this: Sydney dresses far, far better than I do. She's a regular fashion plate, while I usually opt for something way more casual.

What's the biggest challenge in writing contemporary fiction?

Like many authors (I'm guessing anyway), it's definitely having enough hours in the day to dedicate to it. To get everything just right requires a lot of time and effort, and there's always a million distractions, not to mention that pesky freelance writing day job (ha ha).

Share a little about your life's passion and how you live it out.

When I was a 10-year-old kid reading Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge, I knew that if Judy Blume could get paid for making up stories, that's exactly what I wanted to do. So from a young age, I started cultivating my love of writing by learning as much as I could about the craft and working at it.

Along the way, I had some great teachers and mentors who encouraged me in my pursuit, and once I hit college, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life—become a music journalist for CCM Magazine, and eventually, write novels. So I packed up my hideous Buick Century with anything that would fit and moved to Nashville, Tenn., right after college graduation. After a year and a half of slaving at odd jobs, (and odd, they were!), my dream finally came true back in 2000.

Then after working in various capacities there for 5 1/2 years, I ventured out on my own and started freelancing full-time, which I still do today. I took the novel writing plunge back in 2006, (thanks to the encouragement of several friends), signed with NavPress, and my first novel, Around the World in 80 Dates released in 2007. After having my second novel hit store shelves last August, I'm avidly promoting both books while working on my third novel. It's definitely not an occupation for the faint of heart, but I enjoy spending many, many, many hours with my MacBook, writing until I can't anymore.

Do you have any author quirks? (come on, be honest here ;-)

I'm a really, really talented procrastinator. I also write everything in order and edit as I go, which isn't really a quirk, but definitely not the recommended course of action. I've been told countless times to "just get it down," but I can't move on until it's exactly how I want it. Maybe it's more of a Type A quality than quirky, but there you have it.

What word of encouragement would you share with singles and newly-weds?

No matter what place you are in life, enjoy the journey. When you're single, it's so easy to put your life on hold by focusing on finding "The One" and being married. And once you're married, it'll be like two seconds later, and people will start asking you when you'll settle down and have kids already. So really, it's a never-ending cycle. While it's definitely not a bad thing to look forward to the future, living in the present allows you to fully enjoy the moment and all the joys and life lessons that come with it, knowing that God really does have everything in control. After all, as I've discovered again and again, His clock and my clock aren't always necessarily in sync. But yet, His time is the perfect, even if you may not see it that way at the time.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Readers can check out all things Christa Banister-related at my personal Website (www.christabanister.com). Not only can you sign up for my newsletter there, but you can click on links to my personal blog, Facebook page and other random goodness.

Blessed Are the Meddlers

Today feels like spring in my neck of the woods and I celebrated by changing the decorations in my dining room and kitchen. Pink, purple and green abound, along with some Irish nick-knacks from my Gram.

And since I can't share the spring sun or my table decorations with you, I thought I'd share another thing that makes me feel like spring... a funny book.

I'm also doing it a bit differently this time. First, you'll find the author's take on her newest novel. Then, Christa will be back to visit and answer some questions so you all can get to know her better.

Here's Christa...

Faith, Hope and Why I Wrote Blessed Are the Meddlers
By Christa A. Banister

What if a couple of months after that fateful meeting in the park with slobbery ol’ Brinkley by their side, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s characters in You’ve Got Mail ultimately decided their relationship was way better in cyberspace and eventually broke up?

For those of us who love our happy-ever-after endings that the bulk of romantic comedies reliably serve up, that’s a possibility we’re often okay with leaving unexplored.

After all, it just feels better to assume that everyone is happy—no questions asked.

But what does happen after the couple we’ve been rooting for actually gets together? It’s something I’ve always wondered about and something I finally had a chance to explore in my second novel, Blessed Are the Meddlers.

Since Sydney and Gavin are really, truly enjoying their new wedded bliss, I wasn’t shy about it. And I think seeing a couple happily adjusting to newlywed life is a refreshing change of pace, especially when marriage is portrayed in such a bad light in so many TV shows and movies. I mean, once the wedding is over and married life seems about as appealing as the requisite root canal, it’s not surprising that so many people get the wrong idea about God’s amazing gift.

At the same time, however, I didn’t want to abandon some of the singles-specific themes of the first book, which is why the always-helpful Sydney makes it her life’s mission to ensure that her friends and family are as happy as she is—whether they want her help or not (doesn’t every single know someone like that?). But as anyone who has ever played matchmaker knows, meddling in someone’s love life can have some serious complications, something Sydney learns all too quickly, especially when she transforms into love advice guru, Lucy for the Lovelorn.

While I had so much fun writing Sydney per usual, I also loved the journey that Sydney’s sister Samantha was on. Once she finally (!!!) starts dating the oh-so-dashing Eli, it doesn’t seem to make sense that Samantha wouldn’t be happy as a clam. I mean, c’mon, she’s dating the cutest, sweetest guy, and yet she’s still holding a torch for an old flame that’s about as promising as anyone’s chance of guessing all the right Powerball numbers. And while Samantha eventually made some choices that garnered a few groans from readers, I loved how she refused to settle—something I hoped would resonate deeply with anyone who’s been tempted to do just that.

Continuing the trend of the “most unlikely person” getting married from my first book, Around the World in 80 Dates, Sydney’s boss Lucinda is also embarking on an eye-opening journey of her own as she realizes what’s really important not only in a guy, but in life. Sure, she’s still got a pithy one-liner for everything, but she really is growing, a process that everyone can relate to.

And I feel that I grew a little in the writing process, too. Not only did I have the newfound confidence of an author who’s been through the process once before, but I really felt God’s inspiration during the long, long weeks and months it took to come together. When I was short on ideas and so tired I could hardly see straight, I was forced to trust Him for the strength, creativity and energy I needed to complete the work in a way I could be proud of. And relying on Him, rather than my own strength, is something I’m always having to learn—again and again. It’s so easy to rely on your own resources, your own talents, and yet God calls us to rely solely on Him. So I was thankful to be His student yet again as I penned Blessed Are the Meddlers.

Here's more about Christa...

Short Bio:
Christa Banister is a full-time freelancer writer, specializing in music, movies and books-related reviews and interviews and is the author of two novels, Around the World in 80 Dates and Blessed Are the Meddlers. Based in St. Paul, Minn., she also weighs in on various aspects of pop culture on her personal blog at http://christabanister.typepad.com/heythereitschrista/.

For more information, including her upcoming book signings and sample chapters of her novels, check out her website at http://www.christabanister.com/

Date Nights

I've read and heard a ton about having date nights with your spouse, but not so much on having a date night with your kids. It's just as valuable a time investment.

We have three kiddos and while it's sometimes hard to juggle everything to make those one-on-one times happen, it's given back in spades just to see the smiles on my daughters' faces.

And before anyone says they don't have the time or money... here are some things we've done to save the pocketbook and not crash the clock.

We've spent an hour at Starbucks talking about nothing and everything. My daughters felt pampered going to a grown up place and having hot chocolate, and I got to hear their hearts and left with mine filled. (cost: $5 and an hour; benefit: good memories and full hearts)

We've gone to a local park and fed the ducks and played on the playground. (cost: $0 and as little as 30 minutes to an hour or more if you can keep up with the kiddo; benefit: lots of giggles and some good exercise)

A favorite place for my reader family is the bookstore. We've spent an hour or so browsing, sometimes me reading to them and other times them reading to me. (cost: $0 and an hour; benefit: developing a love of reading and books and learning together)

Close to our house is an amazing ceramic store where I've taken each of my girls to paint a small item of their choosing. Since my kids are crafty, this has been a blast for them and an exercise in self control for me in not "fixing" anything. They are in charge of the paint choices and technique which gives them a sense of responsibility and pride in a job well done. (cost: $5-10 and about and hour and a half; benefits: great keepsakes, sense of accomplishment for both of us and more good memories)

Every few months, either my husband or I do a special dinner date and take one child at a time out to eat. This costs a bit more and takes a little more time, but the benefits grow exponentially with deeper conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.

There's a start to an idea list for mommy/daddy and child dates. What about you all? Let's pool our ideas and find more fun things to strengthen family ties.

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court

I'm happy to be part of a family of voracious readers. Two of those readers are young. My oldest reads 400+ page novels in a day and can retell all the main points, themes, and her favorite characters.

As a mom, I'm often stumped for books to recommend or purchase for her. I want something that stirs the imagination, entertains, and at the same time encourages her to love God more.

Given her ability to read far faster than I could dream about doing, I can't keep up. So I depend on recommendations from others.


And because I've benefited so much from great recommendations, I wanted to share some information about Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court, a novel by Chuck Black for ages 9-12, which released February 17th. First you'll find a book summary and some reviews. Then a bonus review from another voracious reader in the Wallace home. Enjoy!

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court

Book summary:

This second installment in Chuck Black’s Knights of Arrethtrae series tells the tale of Sir Bentley, an honorable knight who abandons all to seek the truth of the Prince. Eirwyn, a mysterious young woman who brings food to the poor, teaches Bentley the power of compassion to overcome evil. Together, they save the people of Holbrook from poverty and despair.

Sir Bentley’s quest for the truth of the Prince finds him battling Shadow Warriors, a powerful lord, and a terrifying creature. Will greed destroy Holbrook? Or can Bentley and the mysterious Eirwyn restore prosperity to the kingdom through the compassion of the Prince?

Intended for family read-alouds and Christian teens, this fantastic story will entertain and edify parents and kids alike.

Reviews:

“With sanctified imagination, Chuck Black transports readers back to the days of chivalry and valor, clashing steel, and noble conflict–but ultimately he transports readers to the eternal triumph of the King who reigns!”
– Douglas Bond, author of HOLD FAST In a Broken World, and Guns of the Lion

“Chuck Black is a word crafter who is able to weave Kingdom principles into the fabric of one’s moral imagination. The characters he has created and the passions they exude, will motivate readers to follow their examples, which have now been etched into their awakened conscience.”
-Mark Hamby, Founder and President of Cornerstone Family Ministries and Lamplighter Publishing

“My son, Nathan, loved the first book in this series and he said the second was even better. In my son's own words, ‘Mom, it was exciting and full of mystery. It compelled me to read more. I couldn't put it down.’ As a mom and an author, I give Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court two thumbs up!”
– Tricia Goyer, homeschooling mom and author of eighteen books, including Generation NeXt Parenting

Author Bio:

Chuck Black, a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical communications engineer, is the author of eight novels, including the popular Kingdom series. He has received praise from parents across the country for his unique approach to telling biblical truths. His passion in life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to love his wife, Andrea, and their six children. He lives with his family in North Dakota.

Bonus review from David Wallace (homeschool dad, amazing reader, and married to an author)

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court, book two in The Knights of Arrethtrae series, is an exciting tale of a knight on a quest of a lifetime. As Sir Bentley forsakes the tradition of his family, and all the privileges that come with it, he sets out to serve the true King. Author Chuck Black takes his readers into battles, captivity, and to the brink of death as his hero looks for answers to his many questions regarding faith in the true Prince and the King.

The book is written for teens, but is a fascinating story for adults as well. Any teen who is interested in tales of knights and fair maidens will quickly take to this book, as well as the entire series. I would encourage parents to read the book along with your teen (if you can get it away from them long enough). I was almost as impressed with the carefully crafted discussion questions at the end of the book as I was with the story itself. The author’s heart to take this deeper than just an entertaining story and actually challenge his readers to serve their true King is obvious.

If you want some background on the fascinating land and people of Arrethtrae, I highly recommend The Kingdom Series, the predecessor of The Knights of Arrethtrae. These books are equally as captivating and thought provoking. And as you read them and discuss them with your teen…you might just slay some dragons of your own.

We Didn't Start the Fire

Call my crazy, but I have an idea for homeschool that just might jump start all of us with some needed excitement...

It includes an iPod, Billy Joel, and a recap of American History.

You see, since Christmas (and my new iPod) I've been introducing my kiddos to the world of amazing music that I grew up with. Some folks might decry such a practice and sometimes the explanations of song lyrics are a little difficult, but it's given us a connecting point and some good exercise. :-)

And now it's going to provide a great history lesson.

I'm a big history buff, not so much for a specific time period but to learn from those who have gone before us. Right now we're studying the life of Teddy Roosevelt and my kids are learning from this great man like they've recently learned tons about Abraham Lincoln.

I love that these men were huge readers and no one thought they'd amount to much but yet they took their God-given abilities and used them to the fullest extent.

I pray my children will do the same.

Anyway, today I was folding laundry (such a glamorous activity) and listening to my iPod when Billy Joel's song "We Didn't Start the Fire" came on. I love the humanity in Billy Joel's songs and how he captures emotions and real life poetically.

Back to my idea...I'm listening to the song's litany of modern American history and cataloging what we haven't covered and what we're going to cover. Then it dawned on me that every one of the events in the song shaped history.

Add to that how much my kids love music like their mom, and voila, we have a fun time to look forward to. Not only will we be reviewing a whole year of study and adding some cultural icons, we'll be discussing ideas and ideals and how they can use that knowledge to shape their present and future.

That's my kind of school.

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Gift

Here's a little something to say HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I wrote this article years ago, but it's still a message I try to share every time I speak. And it's a great subject to ponder on Valentine's Day because it's about something we all too often forget...

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Gift

While Valentine’s Day typically evokes images of candy hearts, roses, cupids, and­­—of course—chocolate-style gifts, I’d like to talk about the one person most of us forget to give a Valentine to.

Ourselves.

Funny thought? Maybe. But if we look at the two greatest commands in the Bible we read, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:30-31)

Right there in the pages of Scripture we’re instructed by God to love ourselves. So how do we do that?

In Mark 12, the Word shares four ways we’re to love God: with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. They’re also ways to love ourselves. Here are some ideas to get you started:

In your emotions (heart): Get information from your feelings instead of ignoring them, listen to your heart. Then talk about what you hear with God. Ask Him what He says. He has so much good to say about you.

In your spirit (soul): Hang out with God and listen to His words of love about you. Get outside and enjoy nature. Listen to praise music, a child praying, or a mountain stream.

In your mind: Feed it with healthy things. Turn off the TV and computer. Read a good book. Play a board game. Share a giggle with a child.

And in your body (strength): Rest. Yes, really, a good 8 hours of sleep will do your body wonders. Exercise. Eat well.

This list is just for starters. Think about the things that relax you, that make your heart smile. Then this Valentine’s Day, I hope you’ll add yourself to your gift list and make time to do something that fills you up.

A wise counselor once told me that taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to others. And to God.

Daddy,

You are love and You have given Your perfect love to us. Help us experience You and share Your love with others as we love ourselves. Make us lie down in green pastures to rest, lead us to listen beside quiet waters, restore our souls. Guide us in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. May we glorify You by enjoying you forever. We love you, Daddy. Thank You for first loving us. Amen.

Early Valentine's gift for you

For you fiction lovers, fans of the Defenders of Hope books, or friends who love me anyway... here's a treat I just had to share:

My hubby (special thanks to you, oh amazing webmaster!) added a very cool book-like reader to my website where you can be among the first to step into Hanna Kessler's world and read the first TWO chapters of Enduring Justice.

Don't forget to spend some time browsing around the new Dark Chocolate Suspense website too...it's a great place to hang out and get in the mood for Valentine's Day.

Hope you and your loved ones enjoy a sweet holiday! Happy Valentine's Day!

Enduring Justice

A painful past

Hanna Kessler’s childhood secret has remained buried for over two decades. But when the dark shadows of her past threaten to destroy those she loves, Hanna must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her memories.

A racially-motivated killer

As a Crimes Against Children FBI Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. Difficult cases and broken relationships have plagued his entire year. But when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else.

A life-altering choice

A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. The dividing line between the two is the choice to heal. But when the attack turns personal, is justice enough?

Sharing the Love

It's amazing to me how God used a donkey, a story, and suffering in Scripture to draw people to Him. I've never heard a donkey talk, but He has used the other two examples to get my attention.


Sure wish I listened better, regularly!


This past week, God used another thing to speak, and this is one item (actually two) I'm thrilled for Him to use.

Books. I love it when He does that. :-)



The two books are right in time for Valentine's Day and are all about love. The first is a devotional, Love as a Way of Life Devotional, by best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman.


Here's an official blurb first: Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.


Now here's a favorite quote that really jumped out at me from page 7-8 of the book: "Knowing the reality of our weaknesses, we can find great freedom in realizing that the key to becoming a loving person lies not with us but with God."


To an all too often control freak, these words were freedom.


I'm still sorting out the lessons in this book. Too many times I go into analyzing mode and think about how the words are good and I how I understand them and should apply them to my life.


But I'm not yet at the experiencing point, the place where the words are alive and I find myself living them without the analyzing. And that's where I want to be.


Another fascinating book that came at the right time for me is I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs.


I feel a bit like a voyeur, peeking into the details of this couples real-life story. At the same time, I'm blown away by their honesty, and it's helping me understand a little more of the communication struggles in my own marriage.


Another thing I've enjoyed about this book is how not alone I felt after reading Cheryl's struggle to listen and obey God's voice. There's something powerful about knowing you're not the only one to struggle and to see someone triumph even when it took a while to get there.


Here's the official blurb: I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.”


A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.


So wherever you are on your relationship journey, these are two excellent books for turning your thoughts to the Lord and the real meaning of love this Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Now it’s your turn…what books would you recommend to a young couple? How about a single or someone like me, who’s been married a while?

Let’s share the love and the learning as we grow in Him.

A Word Fitly Spoken

There have been many times in my life where I've wondered if God was listening. And even when I knew that I knew He was, I still wondered if He'd answer.

I don't like those times of doubt and wrestling with God. I don't like knowing I should rest and be at peace and still finding it impossible to do.

I'm so very glad God remembers how frail I really am.

It's a pretty fair guess that any time I'm not blogging for a long stretch, I'm wrestling something out with God.

January is a case in point.

Readjusting to post-holiday life was hard. Homeschooling was hard. And waiting for direction for my writing career was hardest of all.

I was praying. I just didn't realize I was wrestling too.

And the funny thing is I don't have any huge answers yet. But I do have peace. And it came from a rejection letter.

God spoke through a donkey, so I guess He can use a rejection letter too.

I'd spent some time the week before this letter came with a dear friend who listened to me moan, told me some stories about other's journeys, and then told me to keep praying. Just being around her and having her stay in our home left a fragrance of God's peace everywhere.

I want to grow up and be like that someday.

Anyway, had I not had that time with my friend, I'm sure the rejection would have hurt far worse than in did. But all I could think of when I read the closed-door words was that God heard and answered.

And then, a few days later, He filled my inbox with loads of emails talking about how God has used my books to touch lives. Some even said He used my blog too. Talk about a wonderful encouragement.

In every line, I read God's love and experienced His peace.

He's not done with me. And He used some precious folks, many I've never met, to drive that point home in a loving, uplifting, made-me-smile-big sort of way.

You just never know how God is going to use your simple words of encouragement, words fitly spoken at just the right time, to do amazing things.

Your words are gifts. Your life is a treasure. Thank you for sharing with me and being living and beautiful reminders that God is near...listening and smiling.

Blessed Be Your Name

Have you ever tried hard to do something (or not do something) but God had other plans?

That's been the start of my 2009. For example: every time I've set out to write or do anything on the computer, God seems to have other plans. I sat down to work on a devotional for a dear friend of mine, wanting to write about peace (my word for 2009) or fear (something I've seen God do amazing things in setting folks free) or just about anything but what I ended up writing.

But I needed the reminder. So I thought I'd share, in case you needed it too...

Blessed Be Your Name

Those words are found in Job 1:21 and in a popular song by Matt Redman. We sing these words at our church. But sometimes they're too painful to even whisper.

So painful that many times all I can offer are tears.

One Sunday, over ten years ago, I sat in my Sunday school class excitedly waiting my chance to share the happy announcement of my first pregnancy. Everyone celebrated and congratulated. Then a friend sitting to my right quietly shared about their recent miscarriage.

The silence in the room stole my breath and heartbeat. But the husband turned to me, looked me straight in the eyes, and said these words from Job 1: "The Lord gives and takes away. Blessed be His Name."

The grace he gave with tear-filled eyes and a heart tuned to God allowed us all to celebrate and grieve, as well as praise the Lord in both. That moment in time will stay with me forever.

Over the years, I've had a turn in my friend's shoes. And his quiet words challenged me. It took a long time for me to offer the words of Job 1:21 as a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Many more years before I would see God use that pain for good and turn it into a memorial stone.

He started that process through my writing Healing Promises, which required me to revisit that painful time and Job 1:21. Then God put me on a TV program to talk about Healing Promises. Before the show began, one of the production guys got me set up with a microphone. Something about the man was so familiar, but I couldn't place it.

Then I went on air and started talking about Job 1:21. On the way home it hit me. The man who helped me with my microphone was the same guy in my Sunday school class who first showed me how to live Job 1:21.

Long story short, I was able to get in touch with the man and we talked about that Sunday school class, the verse in Job, and how God worked through him to prepare me for things well beyond my understanding.

And so now Job 1:21 is a memorial stone~ a place where I return and remember the faithfulness of God, how He prepared me, sustained me, and in time turned my tears into rejoicing.

How about you? What verses serve as memorial stones in your life?

I pray you'll keep your heart open to where the Lord will use you to share those verses. And in sharing, may the Lord use you to shine a light along the path for someone else to be drawn closer to Him.

How do I love you...let's see...

For starters, dear hubby, I love you TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!!

What began as a silly joke between David and me is now a family catch phrase that always brings smiles. And after fourteen years~ today!~ we have a lot of those family jokes and silly memories.

They are one of the many reasons I love you, David, even more today than on our wedding day.

Most of those memorable moments didn't come in the "big" celebrations or with expensive price tags.

They are the result of family dinners, shared dreams, and time together.

What stands out most in the midst of fourteen years of marriage are the little moments that have filled my heart to overflowing...

Laughing over goofy jokes till our sides hurt

Staring at a rainbow together

Evening walks

Board games (even Photo Trek because we love all our princesses even if we don't like their favorite games)

Silly notes and phone calls just to say hello and I love you

Praying together

Reading stories as a family like Junie B. Jones and Holding Heaven and laughing or crying, or sometimes both

Christmas mornings

Car trips with James Taylor and Alabama

Watching Zoom for the hundredth time

Dancing together

The priceless gift of forgiveness

All these and more are the snapshots lovingly stored in my heart and mind.

Thank you, David, for making them possible. You're a wonderful provider. A very present and involved daddy who is adored by his daughters. An incredibly good-looking and adventurous husband. A tender and trust-worthy best friend. A man after God's heart.

I love you, honey, and look forward to what's ahead because we'll face it together with God.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

What's in a Word?

For a few years now I’ve joined my dear friend and writing mentor, Mary Griffith, seeking the Lord for a word that summarizes what He has in store for the coming year. It’s become an exercise of prayer and faith.

And like all exercises, I sometimes would rather do anything but the work. I like the results... but the work? Not so much.

But God keeps bringing me back to this tradition every December, and I start reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the new one. Then I start talking to Him about what He wants to do in me during the next year.

Often, one word or a group of words stands out.

As has been par for the course, the word or words God brings to mind define an area He presses on during the year.

Instead of this word boxing God in to only one thing, each year the word He gives focuses my prayers and sharpens my spiritual sight to pay attention to where He's at work.

Before I share a word that surprised me for 2009, travel back with me a few years and trace the scarlet thread of God's grace...

In 2006 I looked forward to the word God whispered to my spirit~ ENJOY.

But I learned early in 2006, ENJOY didn't mean live it up and party. For twelve long months it meant learning to ENJOY God when there was little in life that would traditionally lead to experiencing joy.

Years later, I can look back at that painful flip of calendar pages and what stands out is that God was there, holding me when I couldn't stand and strengthening me as I bowed to His will being done and not mine.

The word for 2007 was REST. And let me tell you, God had a lot to teach me about how wrong my ideas on rest really were.

2007 was another challenging year, one full of hard fought battles, tear filled circumstances and quiet times of refreshing. God was there in the midst of every moment.

And now I see that without the painful times of both 2006 and 2007, I wouldn't have had eyes to see His rescue or the work He did in my heart. Nor would I have been ready for what 2008 had in store.

Last year’s word was EXPECTANT HOPE, and a verse God brought to mind was in Psalm 52. Verse nine says, “I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.”

Beyond the other words God has given me, this phrase was the hardest. I’ve spent most of my life afraid to hope. Afraid to live in a state of expectancy because all too often my hopes were dashed on harsh reality.

But along with these two powerful words came a reminder: My HOPE is in God. My EXPECTANCY is toward Him.

This lesson is one in which I'm still a gangly teen, taking a few steps forward in confidence and a few more awkward stumbles backward. But as in all years past, God is there.

And now for 2009...

The word that stands out for 2009 is PEACE.

Given the times, I sort of hiccupped when I sensed this was the word for 2009. Really, God? Am I hearing You right?

But then when I recounted a few big reasons to be unsettled next year—situations where fear would be a natural response—this word fit.

Here’s the short list:

This is the first time since I started writing that I have no signed contract.

My husband plans to start grad school and we’re still trying to dig out from under some large medical debts incurred in 2008.

The economy is bad.

We’re praying about changes in our school situation.

But instead letting my mind walk the trail of fear, God whispered a word that echoes through time. PEACE.

In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Again, in John 16:33 Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Because we know Who holds every breath we'll take in 2009 and every circumstance we'll live through, we can have peace in Him. His peace.

I pray as we head into 2009, that you’ll join me in looking back to see what God has done. And then look ahead to what 2009 holds.

May you step into the future wrapped in His love and resting in His peace. No matter what’s ahead, God is already there. And your heavenly Daddy is holding you every step of the way.

Happy New Year!

Celebrating Christmas

Christmas at the Wallace home was full of both old and new traditions, lots of fun, and a few tears.

The old...

Ice skating on Christmas Eve

The new...

Two Wallaces getting injured ice skating. But no ER run, so all is good.

The old...

Making a gingerbread house

The new...

David eating the icing

The old...

Celebrating with family and friends and exchanging gifts

The new...

Getting to see my best friend and her family

Another new was gluten, dairy, and egg-free holiday eating. Let's just say it was an adventure. But another one of my bestest friends made me a very cool gift basket with yummy cookies I could eat and some hot chocolate. Talk about a thoughtful gift!

We also received a very cool Australian gift from a dear friend Down Under. I'm forever in awe at the thoughtfulness of the people I hold dear.

The old...

Spending Christmas morning in PJs and taking all morning to enjoy the Advent wreath, a special breakfast casserole with whipped cream, and then exchanging gifts with each other. One of my favorite memories is the look on each of my daughters' faces as they open gifts and their eyes light and their mouths drop. Then they crash into David and me with hugs.

My middle princess summed it up in a prayer that day. She thanked God for the thoughtful gifts of her family that remind her of how much Jesus gave us when he came as a baby, died on a cross and rose again.

The new...

Baking a birthday cake for Jesus and singing to Him. This was a new addition to our Christmas day thanks to our middle daughter who at eight is still kid enough to enjoy this but wise enough to realize it's a fun way to remember it's not about the gifts we give, it's about Jesus and the gift He gave.

The old...

The day after Christmas has always been a down sort of day. It's as if we touched heaven with all the joys and celebration the singing and sharing of December but then we crash back to earth when it's all over.

The new...

Something clicked for me when David and I talked on Friday and looked back over the holidays. I realized that no matter how hard we try to make things "perfect" and no matter how close we get to it, this is not the end of the story.

One day there will be no more day after Christmases.

And until then, we're looking forward to a new tradition and praying about how to carry it out. We'd love your help in that.

We've talked a lot in years past about how to give to others who can't repay us. Operation Christmas Child, singing in nursing homes, Angel Tree and others are awesome ways to do that.

But we'd like to do something a little closer to home and something our children can participate in more directly.

The problem is, I honestly have no idea how or what to do. And I'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts about this. Maybe together we can come up with ways we can give love to others at Christmas and all throughout the new year.

Need a Christmas reminder?

As Christmas day draws closer, my tendency is to get caught up in two things:

Getting it "right" for Christmas morning

Thoughts about having to pack up all the Christmas decorations

Both of these things stress me out, make me sad, and don't aid my focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

So earlier today at church, I was praying during the music and asking God for a reminder. I had no idea what form that would take. But as God is so good and gracious, he answered.

We came home early after service and had some time to just hang out by the tree. My kiddos played games and my husband and I dove into books.

I picked up a new-to-me book entitled Holding Heaven. And cried through the entire first half of the story.

Not in a long time has a story so gripped my heart and made me feel.

It was the perfect reminder of Christmas as the story focused on Joseph and his retelling the Christmas story to an infant Jesus.

Tears streamed as I pictured the baby Jesus, not in a manger but in humanity. Crying. Hungry. Cared for by two inadequate humans who beheld and held the Holy One.

Words are inadequate to relate the wonder of that reality. Divinity wrapped in humanity. A baby held by human hands He created.

Immanuel. God with us.

There's something awe-some about that.

As Christmas rushes nearer, I pray you'll join me by a tree or under a star-lit sky and picture Christmas through heaven's eyes.

A baby.

Humanity holding heaven so we could see Him too.

Behold Him. And hold Him. He is near.

12 Days of Christmas Wallace style

December is traditionally a month I take off to exhale, but by the middle part I'm starting to get silly and slightly bored.

So to halt this progression, my hubby and I turned songwriter last night. Great way to flex the old creativity muscles. :-)

We started with a traditional carol we'd just seen in lights during the Magical Nights of Lights. I'm sharing it with you now for your laughing pleasure...

If you see fit to discourage me from further songwriting, please pray for more books to write. LOL

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, an iPod under the tree (hint hint again honey)

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three obedient children, two Wii games, and an iPod under the tree

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a year of four-day weekends, three obedient children, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five gold earrings...

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six new table settings,

five gold earrings,

a year of four-day weekends, three obedient children, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven days at the beach, six new table settings,

five gold earrings,

a year of four-day weekends, three obedient children, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight boxes of Godiva chocolate, seven days at the beach, six new table settings,
five gold earrings,
a year of four-day weekends, three obedient children, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine full hours of sleep, eight boxes of Godiva chocolate, seven days at the beach, six new table settings,

five gold earrings,

a year of four-day weekends, three obedient children, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten months of stress-free schooling, nine full hours of sleep, eight boxes of Godiva chocolate, seven days at the beach, six new table settings,
five gold earrings,
a year of four-day weekends, three obedient children, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven new novels, ten months of stress-free schooling, nine full hours of sleep, eight boxes of Godiva chocolate, seven days at the beach, six new table settings,

five gold earrings,

a year of four-day weekends, three obedient children, two Wii games and an iPod under the tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love was beyond broke so he ended with a cool sparkly candle and prayed for world peace

And, honey, just so you know.... an iPod and obedient children will be just fine! :-)

I know there are plenty of creative types out there in blog land... so share your 12 days of Christmas for your home!

Merry Christmas y'all!

A blue Christmas

On the heels of my last post about Robin Jones Gunn's wonderful Christmas book, Engaging Father Christmas, I have a question for you all.

Does this Christmas seem sadder to anyone?

I've heard a few different variations on this theme. I have this sense too. There have been many deaths in our church this past year and many people we know who have lost their jobs this holiday season.

Would you pray with me for these people? That the Spirit of Christmas~ God's Holy Spirit~ would be their joy, even in the tears?

Something else we can do is give a laugh or precious holiday encouragement through simple things like a silly card, a coffee date, or even a great Christmas book like Engaging Father Christmas

Cards and books especially touch the heart, fill it up, and make life hurt a little less because we're reminded we're not alone. We can feel a tangible object in our hands and read and reread the kindnesses given by a friend.

Even if this holiday season seems sadder, let's look for people to encourage. And let's remember we're not helpless or alone now or any other time of the year. Christmas is an incredible time to remind ourselves and others that Truth and Hope and Life are here~ Immanuel, God with us.

Merry Christmas!

Engaging Father Christmas

Engaging Father Christmas is a book to treasure and savor over the Christmas season! I love Robin's writing and these stories (Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas) are beautiful and poignant, with a whimsical and engaging setting and characters to care about.

Give yourself a treat this holiday season~ read Engaging Father Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Engaging Father Christmas
FaithWords (October 30, 2008)
by
Robin Jones Gunn


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin grew up in Orange County, California and has lived in all kinds of interesting places, including Reno and Hawai’i.

She and her husband currently live near Portland, Oregon and have been married for 30 years. They spent their first 22 years of marriage working together in youth ministry, and enjoying life with their son and daughter who are now both grown.

As a frequent speaker at local and international events, one of Robin’s favorite topics is how God is the Relentless Lover and we are His first love. She delights in telling stories of how God uses fiction to change lives.

Robin is the recipient of the Christy Award, the Mt. Hermon Pacesetter Award, the Sherwood E. Wirt Award and is a Gold Medallion Finalist. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International and the Board of Directors for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.

But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.

And yet...maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Engaging Father Christmas, go HERE

Avid reader seeks Christmas tale

I have a Christmas confession. Here goes...

Hi, I'm Amy and I have all my Christmas shopping done. Most of the presents are already under the tree too.

If you haven't thrown anything at your computer screen yet, then maybe you can help me.

Yes, even us over-organized Christmas people need help. ;-)

You see, I'm a few days away from finishing galleys for Enduring Justice and I'm in need (or very serious want) of a great Christmas story.

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to sit and read by tree light. With some candles, the smell of pine and holly, twinkling tree lights and a great book, I'm in total Christmas bliss.

I have the candles, tree lights and even the smells of pine and holly. But I lack the great Christmas book.

So if you'd be so kind, please fill me in on some great Christmas tales.

I do have two suggestions if you're like me and looking for some good holiday reading: Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn. Beautiful stories that will add some sparkle to your holidays.

Now if you have others to share...please do! Thanks!