An Unusual Gift

I got a cool gift last weekend.

A friend and I were in a grocery store, walking by the magazine aisle, when she stopped and pointed. "Hey, isn't that the Susie magazine?"

"What?" I stopped and scanned the rack. There it was, set apart from the rest. Not my issue--that won't come out until spring. But this was the first time I'd seen the magazine in stores. For those of you unfamiliar with the mag, you might not be realize its editor, Susie Shellenberger, was the editor for Focus on the Family's Brio, a magazine for teen girls. I always dreamed of for writing for it, and in 2005, the magazine purchased one of my pieces. It was never published and in February of this year, the magazine released its last issue. Thanks to the economy, we lost one of the greatest resources for teenagers across the world. But that didn't stop Susie. Not long after, she launched her own magazine with a vision to create an global sisterhood for teen girls. How cool is that?



Needless to say, I bought the magazine, even though it wasn't my issue. The check out lady saw the mag and said, "Isn't it refreshing to see something else beside Tiger Woods in the media?"

"Yes," I agreed, handing her my money. "I write for this magazine. My article will appear in the spring."

"That's so neat!" She finished ringing me up. "Congratulations. I wish you well!"

So, that was really cool. I didn't see that coming. It was the first time I've been able to tell a stranger like that. Most people in my real life don't know about those articles or even much about my writing (they will one day, but I'm remaining in the closet for as long as possible in order to protect my own sanity). What an awesome moment! Not as great as I imagine picking up my own book will be, but still one of the coolest gifts I could have received. It came at a great time.

So did the reason for this week's celebration.

Between Malachi and Matthew, there were four hundred years of silence--four centuries where the Israelites had to wait without word from God about the coming of His Son. It's called the "Intertestamental Period". Some of the more vigilant were still watching, waiting for the prophecies to be fulfilled. But just imagine it--no one alive knew anyone who'd heard anything new from God. Not even their great grandparents did. During those four hundred years, Israel was in exile some of the time, either taken as slaves or their country was occupied. Heroes like Judas Macabbees helped rescue them for a time. So that's what Israel was looking for: a military, conquering King. What they got was a baby in a manger.

But that was okay. Just give Him time. He'd grow into that Heroic King.

But instead of military prowess and tens of thousands to slain by the jawbone of a donkey, their King ate with tax collectors, let prostitutes wash His feet in public, and healed people on the Sabbath. He died a criminal's death by hanging on a cross.

Then there was that little issue about coming back to life. Now that was heroic, except that the Israelites were still under Roman rule. And now the King's followers were in danger of persecution and death at the hands of both Israel and the Roman Empire.

Definitely not what the people expected. What an unusual gift.

What a perfect gift.

I am so thankful for Christmas and will spend this week savoring every moment that I can. I pray the same for all of you. This will be the last post for the week, so I'll see y'all on Monday! Have a wonderful, beautiful, Merry Christmas. Or as they say in Swaziland, uKhisimusi muhle!

Have Your Tastes Changed?

Hey, Friends! Happy Christmas week! Or as the sweet orphans say in India, "Happy Marry Christmas" (complete with the unique spelling)!

They say our taste buds change every seven years. I definitely believe that. I'm such a picky eater and my stomach problems don't help the situation at all. This isn't a good combination for a missionary, because you're expected to eat whatever is put before you, from chicken intestines (oh yes I did!) to turtle (YUM!). Needless to say, my taste buds have changed a lot! The first time I came home and told my mom I liked onions, she was speechless. When I got excited about chili, she looked at me like I'd grown nine heads. I have so many new treasures--avocadoes, certain kinds of soup (never was a fan of food I couldn't chew--and I have this thing about mixing food), omeletes (same with the mixing). It makes me very happy and keeps my mom wondering if I'm actually the daughter she gave birth to or a really good extraterrestrial replacement.

Other tastes have changed over the years as well. I never was a big fan of Christmas music until I spent a Christmas season in Africa. Even then, I didn't want to hear it because all my team wanted to play were songs about snow. It was ninety degrees outside. But when I came back to the States three days before Christmas, I couldn't get enough of it. The next year, the same. This year, I've played Christmas music every day since December rolled around (never before--never, never, never!). I've even purchased some for my ipod. GASP! Unthinkable!

Have your tastes changed over the years? Have your characters' tastes?



I started thinking about this heavily the other night. You've Got Mail was on and it's probably one of the only Christmas movies I will watch aside from Narnia (I don't know why, I just never liked Christmas movies. And I'm not a huge chick flick fan). But I love this movie for the writing/book aspect. And I pretty much like anything Tom Hanks is in. His characters are awesome. (By the way, I consider it a Christmas movie because it's always on that time of year and a huge portion of the movie is set during that season, but I'm not altogether sure if it's classified as such).

So, I'm watching this movie, half in the the story and half out, thinking how dated it is. I mean, look at the technology, Meg Ryan's clothes/hair, the lighting, etc. And does anyone talk on IM anymore? I use skype, but that's it. But it struck me that the conflict in the story is still going on today. Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) owned a book store called "Around the Corner". It was in business for forty-two years and was as much a part of her as it was her heritage. Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) built a book superstore nearby that sold the same books at a cheaper price, and she began to lose business.

At first, Kathleen couldn't believe that anyone would go to Fox Books. She had a relationship with her customers. They'd known each other--and her mother--for years. Books weren't just a way of making money to her. They were friends too--and her customers viewed them the same way. But their tastes changed, or their pocketbooks protested really loudly, and Kathleen had to close.

We don't have many speciality book stores in my area. All we have are the major ones scattered across the US. But we have something now some of us probably didn't see coming: E-books and of course, the new movement in self-publishing. Neither of these were around in Kathleen Kelly's time, which was barely a decade ago. If you'd told her or Joe Fox what was coming, they probably would have laughed.

But our culture has changed. And with it, so have our tastes.

It'll be interesting to see what rises to the top.

Right now, I can't imagine ever choosing an e-book over a "real" one. I can see myself buying an e-book as a supplement to the "real" one, so that I have it with me when I travel overseas, but not as the top choice. Then again, that's paying twice for one book--even more money. A digital reader is just something else to steal overseas, another thing you have to pray you'll find electricty for just to charge it. But maybe when the technology gets a bit better, the prices plummet, and other stars align--who knows? Maybe my tastes will change.

After all, I never thought I'd eat onions, let alone intestines.

What do you think?

See y'all Wednesday!

Choices of Reason

Hey, Friends!

This week we've talked about choices and how they impact our lives and reflect values. In example given this week (my apartment options, "community view" versus "parking lot", and your choice to re-read any book for the first time again, your answers revealed your heart. What about the reasons we make these choices? Is it possible to have a good reason and it still be wrong? Can it be wrong for one person and right for another?

The characters in my novel have a lot of choices in front of them. Big choices. Choices that not only determine the trajectory of the future but hold the potential to really hurt people close to the characters' hearts. My antagonist is so wrong, but her reasons for her decisions are the depth of her love for two people in her life and her fear. Fear skews her decision and provides the major conflict in the novel. Her decisions set that proverbial domino effect in motion.

But there's another major decision in the novel, one of sacrifice. A primary character chooses to see the antagonist and understand her heart. Her choice brings healing, because the reason behind it is pure love without fear.

Both characters make decisions based on love for the other. The difference is the absence of fear.

When I make decisions, I ask God for peace. Usually I try to "wear" the choices, meaning that I've spent this week mentally trying to imagine my furniture in all three of those apartments and playing images of myself coming home after a long day of work. As I write this, I haven't made a decision. But I know the one I choose will be the one that brings peace.

Peace is something I've been learning a lot about lately. God started with faith, moved on to surrender, and now is connecting it to peace.

Which leads me to a personal decision I made earlier this month. You see, this is the most prolific time of year for me. But other than blogging, I haven't really been writing. When I write, I lock myself in my room, which means my poodle, who loves to come by but doesn't hang out in my room, is not with me. Right now, I'd rather spend time with her. Because in a month or so... I don't even want to think about that. Though I have ideas now that I'd love to run with, I just can't bring myself to leave her. And if I sit with a notebook or a computer in my lap, she pushes it aside. So I'm using that time to read instead. The only deadline I'm on right now is my own, so I decided I value cuddle time over writing.

What choices have you had to make this Christmas season? Your characters?

Have a great weekend! See y'all Monday!

Word Choice

Hey, Friends! Thanks for all of your reponses on Monday! I really enjoyed your perspectives. I'll definitely let y'all know what I decide. Right now I need to wait for other things to fall into place before I can sign a lease. This whole process is so circular and to tell you the truth, I'm kind of tired of it! Hopefully I'll know something soon.

Today we're going to talk literary choices. First topic--word choice.

Words build a novel. They are the soul of a story, what makes it come alive on the pages or over soundwaves. Word choice can make or break a novel. It's such a great feeling to find just the right phrase, that image that is so real you can't believe you created it. Sometimes the search for it can be difficult but when it fits, it just feels perfect.

I started thinking about that this week when one representative at the complexes told me certain patios had community views. I thought that meant I'd have to share a deck with someone. It turns out that a "community view" is a fancy way of saying, "parking lot". Big difference, huh?

What other interesting terms (or words) have you discovered recently? I still get a kick out of "previously owned". When I worked at the dealership I had to bite my tongue a lot. "Pre-published" is one I've claimed for current state of being. It's kind of funny too!

Second, while staring at my bookshelves and thinking about all the hassle it's going to be moving said books (and shelves) to my new apartment, I started thinking about arranging the shelves. I file books by feeling. I'm not really sure how someone as organized as I am doesn't care if her books are in alphabetical order, but mine aren't. I have a "favorites" shelf. Other books just find their own placement. I can't explain it. Women's fiction is next to suspense which is next to historical fiction... the only shelf "alone" is fantasy. Every book on the shelves has been read (I never file an unread book) and I keep multiple books by the same authors together. But there's no system for organization other than feeling. So, I really wanted to ask y'all: Am I the only weird one in this? How do you "file" your books? Are your shelves alphabetical, by genre, in the order you bought the books, what? I'd love to find out the secret of your shelves!

Finally, last week on ABC's Castle,

I heard an amazing question that inspired me. I knew I had to ask y'all. On the show, Castle (the author) and Beckett (the detective) worked with a man with amnesia. As they looked through his apartment, the amnesiac remarked that he'd have to re-read all of the books all over again because he didn't remember them. To which Castle replied, "What I wouldn't give to be able to read "The Cask of Amontillado" for the first time again".

First of all--great reference! And I love that he dressed up as Poe for Halloween. But I digress...

What a great statement! I had to ask y'all--what book would you love to read for the first time--again?

Hmm... For me, I don't know. So many to choose! But on my short list: Charles Martin's When Crickets Cry, Narnia, books 4-7 of the Harry Potter series (reading them straight through), and The Lord of the Rings.

Have a great day! See y'all Friday!

Decisions, Decisions

Hey, Friends! Happy week before Christmas!

Our topic this week is going to be about choices. Does anyone else have trouble making decisions? No? Just me? Lucky!

Okay, so I'm in the middle of a big life change at the moment. In January I am moving an hour and a half away and will work full time with Adventures in Missions. I'm pretty excited about this and scared to death at the same time. Most importantly, I'm not looking forward to leaving my poodle. She's my best friend, my sidekick, but she can't come with me. So Kristen and Mitsi Gail Boodylicious are going to be very sad in January. Okay, not going to think about that right now.

So, last week I went up to future hometown and toured apartments. My mind is all swirly right now with all the choices before me. I found three possibilities. Since I'm on support, budget is going to be a huge determining factor. But let's just pretend--we'll call it fiction--and say that I could live in any of these places. Which would you choose for me? All are 1 bdrm and 1 bath because I will not have a roommate.

The dream place (a bit more expensive but great value) with the biggest closets and a little writing nook?

The place with the best prices but not quite as nice, the smallest closets, the best fitness center, and a side entrance within running distance of the lake?

Or the place with almost the best prices, second-nicest apartments, mirrors on the kitchen wall between the cabinets and the counters (seriously--why?), almost the biggest closet, a garden tub, the most privacy, and a wooded view?

All three complexes are safe. They all have pools and fitness centers (really small gyms), and business centers. All are in a similiar location.

Poodle's no help. I asked her I should do and she told me not to move. I just really want to love where I live. I want it to feel like home, like my place. I want to feel creative there, safe, and not like a sardine.

You can learn a lot about people based on their choices. Characters, too--whether they fly off the handle, what makes them act out, and what their motivations are. Decisions reflect values. Because while I'm not the biggest fan of the mirrors in the kitchen in apartment #3, it appeals to me as an introvert. And I really value garden tubs. Both #2 and #3 appeal to my love of nature. #1 is just an awesome apartment. A lot more space, plus the writing nook. It's probably closer to work and my friends than the others. So, what do I value more? Hmm...

What about you? What do your choices say about you? What about your characters?

And most importantly, where should I live?

See y'all Wednesday!

You See, I Read this Book... (Part 3)

It's Feature Friday!

Okay, hopefully you all are excited about the great unveiling today. I am--because I hope that a lot of people buy this book and support this author. She's amazing!

Here it is!



My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay.

A few weeks ago, Nicole Baart blogged about this book, the Australian author, and even had a giveaway. As soon as I learned that I didn't win the contest, I bought the book. I started reading on a Sunday afternoon and finished it on a Monday night. I couldn't stop reading, and it only took me that long because I made myself stop reading it just to digest everything. To know more about this book and the author, please check out Nicole's post on the link above. She said it so well I'm not going to say it again.

What I want to talk about is my reaction to this book. You see, it's about a teen who goes on a two month missions trip (two weeks of training and then six weeks in the field) to Indonesia. While she's there, violence breaks loose. The team has to run into the jungle for safety and travel many, many miles in search of a way to get back to the States.

So, you can see why I liked this book. It's about a missionary. But it was more than that.

Definitely, I knew the world Lisa described. I've never been to Indonesia, but I have lived in the jungle and I've spent a lot of time overseas in nations like Indonesia. I understand the missions trip mentality, as I have been on many of these trips and led four of them. I did not go with the same organization, so our experiences differ there. But there is too much similarity to just ignore it.

This book is different because it's not an easy read. I don't mean the writing is unaccessible; in fact, it's the opposite. McKay has incredible talent. The story is not easy. It's not a "beach read", I guess. That's why the book moved me so much. My time overseas hasn't been all happiness, bunnies, and fluffy clouds. There have been incredible times when I've seen miraculous healing or someone come to Christ. There have also been times when I've experienced tremendous loss, violence, and the instinct to flee and find safety. I understand culture shock from both directions and the difficulty of re-entry all too well--especially after a difficult trip. Though my story and Cori's (the main character) are very different, reading hers helped bring healing to me.

Sometimes all you need is someone to say, "It's okay. I understand. I lived it too. I know where you are." Cori did this for me. I will read this book over and over as long as I live. I will pass it on to everyone I think it will help--especially those in ministry (whether overseas or not). The subject matter in this book is not easy. The characters' traumatic story could overwhelm you. But for me, it was what I needed.

Thank you, Lisa McKay! I'm already fascinated by your life, but your book has profoundly impacted me. Thank you for writing it. I put your book on my shelf next to the books by my "favoritest of favorite" authors. And thank you, Nicole Baart, for featuring her on your blog.

Have a great weekend! See y'all Monday!

You See, I Read This Book... (Part 2)

Hey, Friends!

Today's post is building up to a book feature on Friday. I just wanted to show it differently because this novel had such a profound impact on me.

You see, I read this book and it was personal.

A few weeks ago, we talked about authenticity, comparing it to my quest to find great Indian food in Atlanta. An authentic story is definitely personal. But there's something else to it, ya know? Maybe it's the perfect storm of the setting, the plot, and the actual writing style. This book definitely has that. But still I believe there's more.

I loved your comments on Monday about the names God has given you or the reasons why y'all write. When you said certain things, I thought, Oh yes, me too! I know that feeling. It's part of my reason. Your responses really made me think and evaluate my own life--so much that I rewrote the post for today.

You see, I went back to that room and looked in the mirror again (and the almost three years that have passed between that moment and now). I realized that sometimes I forget to live this identity. My characters do that too. Sometimes they forget. Sometimes they even choose to return to the safety and the horror of what they knew before.

Some days it's not so bad. I almost believe it. But then there are the days or areas of my life where I look back into the mirror, see the old name, and believe it instead. There's been a lot of talk in blogdom lately about insecurity. I know that struggle well, especially in writing. Sometimes it's easier to believe the lie, because then it doesn't hurt as much when you try so hard and it doesn't work out. This way you just prepare for the weight of disappointment beforehand and soften the blow.

My pastor has talked a lot about faith lately. The other day, he said something I can't forget: "It doesn't make sense for you to believe God for something He already did, like: I believe God's gonna make the sun rise this morning when it's already noon. That isn't faith. But how many of you have given up believing God can do something? Why do you think He's going to fulfill something now that you don't even believe He can do?"

Ouch.

There are things I have been tempted to give up believing in the past, like dreams of publication. Sometimes even the thought of success is overwhelming, because while failure stinks at least we know it. It's safe. Living the new name isn't safe. That's when we return to the old one.

The thing about the new name is that you can't just see it and walk away. You have to live it. You're accountable to it. That's what makes it personal.

In this book, characters are forced to reckon with things that completely change them and their perspectives on life until the day they die. Their internal struggles are so great as they battle what they knew to be true, what they saw, and where they are now. Isn't that a battle we all face at some time or another?

Have you or your characters turned back to the old name? Why?

How do you fight to live your calling?

See y'all Friday! I promise you'll find out the name of the book then!