Happy 4th a day early

I'm so blessed to live in America! I know we have our problems, but I do love this country. I love that we were founded on Christian values--that we are a blend of so many cultures and heritages--that we are free.

So often people are afraid to take a stand for freedom. They are afraid of the price--afraid of the consequences. Sometimes we stand back and say nothing, even when we know the problems that will ensue if the situation goes unaltered.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Being free requires us to take a stand in both our country's heritage and our spiritual walk. Freedom, as they say isn't free at all. Jesus paid the price for us spiritually, and many men and women have gone before us to lay down their lives physically so that we can celebrate our liberty.

Cherish your freedom! Take a stand for what is right!

Small Town Surprises

Last week I had the privilege of hosting three of my crit partners for a week of packing boxes (what a huge help they were in getting me ready for my upcoming move!), brainstorming stories, working on synopses, and visiting local sites. One place I wanted to take them was to the museum in the little town of Inman, Kansas. My parents live in Inman, and Daddy has spent a considerable amount of time, elbow grease, and heart creating an 1880 village for people to "step back in time." Below are a few pictures...

PICTURE 1: The sign on the railroad station welcomes new arrivals to Inman. This is the original Rock Island station. Inman was a "railroad" town, built around the station.

PICTURE 2: Inside view of the station master's office--notice the checkerboard ready for two folks to have a seat and play a game!

PICTURE 3: Inside view of the shipping room--Daddy has collected Rock Island memoribilia for several years to make the station as realistic as possible.

PICTURE 4: The original telephone company--the little building was in complete disrepair when it was moved to this site. When it was nearly refurbished, a windstorm flattened it. But, not to be daunted, workers put it back together again. It hosts an old-time switchboard, collection of vintage telephones, photographs of telephone operators who served Inman over the years, and a room where the operator could catch a little sleep between buzzes.

PICTURE 5: This 1880 recreated schoolroom is built from vintage wood and windows from a delapidated 1800s farmhouse and contains antique desks, a water bucket and dipper, and even a pull rope that rings the bell (which rings LOUDLY).

PICTURE 6: After the blacksmith shop was recreated on this spot, Dad found out he'd placed it directly over its original location. Some of the blacksmith's original tools are included in the displays, as well as a wagon he built for his oldest son's wedding gift.

PICTURE 7: The very first Mennonite church in Kansas was built outside of Inman. Sadly, it was torn down a decade ago so the land could be farmed, but Dad was able to salvage enough of the Mennonite-fired mud bricks to build this facade. They even used a combination of mud and manure for the mortar, just like the original builders!

PICTURES 8 & 9: In the warehouse side of the museum, there are various farming implements, vintage automobiles, and household items (such as a large variety of iron stoves that make me grateful for today's conveniences!).

Of course, I've shared a very small portion of what's on display. Most people would drive right on past a small town like Inman, presuming there's nothing of interest. But sometimes there are wonderful surprises lurking in unexpected places.

Are you familiar with a man named Job from the Bible? He penned the following (Job 5:8 MSG): "If I were in your shoes, I'd go straight to God... After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts; there's no end to his surprises. He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, sends water to irrigate the fields. He raises up the down-and-out, gives firm footing to those sinking in grief. He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks, so that none of their plots come to term. He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies— all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash! Suddenly they're disoriented, plunged into darkness; they can't see to put one foot in front of the other. But the downtrodden are saved by God, saved from the murderous plots, saved from the iron fist. And so the poor continue to hope, while injustice is bound and gagged." I love the line, "there's no end to His surprises." One never knows what is waiting around the bend! A delightful sunset, a touch of comforting peace, justice where it seemed impossible...

After a tour of the museum, we went to the cafe and ate a German supper of verenike. (Well, Connie and Margie ate verenike; Eileen stuck to good old American fare. ) But I think I can safely say we all thoroughly enjoyed our time in Inman, and I encourage you to spend a leisurely half hour or so there if you're ever "in the neighborhood."

My friends have gone home now, and...wow...is it ever quiet over here. But we grabbed a group picture in front of my new house before they left. I hope they'll come back next summer, when we'll be living in the new house. And who knows what surprises will await us for our next visit? (Um, I know Who knows. *smile*)

May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim

A Meaty Subject

Despite the heat, we went to the town of Paxico, Kansas, Saturday morning. I’d read in the paper they were hosting the First Annual Meatloaf Festival. Now I ask you, where else but the Midwest would folks decide to celebrate meatloaf with its own festival? I wanted my hubby to stop on the highway so I could take a picture of the billboard, but he thought it might prove a little dangerous. I disagreed since there wasn’t any big line of traffic trying to make their way to the meatloaf festival. I didn’t win that argument. Thankfully, the meatloaf organizers had a sign in town posted on a big truck—I took a picture so you wouldn’t think I'd dreamed up this idea. We had a good time and talked to a lady who raises alpacas, a young girl and her mother squeezing homemade lemonade, and listened to a wonderful band playing some great music out in all that high humidity and heat.

I’m really not poking fun at the town—I think anything folks can do to keep small farming communities up and running is a great thing. And if you’re ever traveling through eastern Kansas and have a love of antiques, Paxico is the place to stop. There isn’t much else on main street—we didn’t even find a convenience store or gasoline station, but if we had wanted an antique or collectible, Paxico was the right place. The grand prize for the best meatloaf was $50. We didn’t stick around for the announcement of the grand prize winner and I’m disappointed to say that I haven’t seen it announced in the Topeka newspaper, either. However, they were selling meatloaf dinners at the General Store that also serves as the local diner.

All in all it was a meaty day. One that reminded me of Paul when he spoke to the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 3:12) and told them they were being fed milk rather than meat because they were still infants in Christ. I’ve been working through the Beth Moore study of Daniel and she mentions several times that she’s assigning difficult weekly lessons. And she’s right. It has taken some effort to chew my way through some of the homework, but it has also drawn me closer to the Lord. If we are to grow in our faith and be used to our fullest potential, we need to take in, chew on, and make the meat of the word part of our daily lives.

May you find fulfillment chewing on God’s word. ~Judy

Every step changes the view

Last night, Mom and I watched the sunset from her hospital room and commented on how different the same scene can look depending on the time of day. That thought stayed with me through the night as the sweet nurse, Beth, came in at 3AM and started giving Mom a blood transfusion to help strengthen her in preparation for a radiology procedure they'll do today.

View from mom's hospital room about 9PM last night

(Click picture to enlarge)

It doesn't take a huge mental leap to weave the threads of that same thought into how different a particular situation can look in our lives depending upon our perspective, our faith, and to what degree we're willing to trust the Creator of this beautiful sunset.

View at 9:05PM

Mom's doing much better since she was admitted to the hospital on the 22nd shortly following her third round of chemo. As it turns out, it wasn't the chemo alone that caused her dehydration and other complications. Her resected liver simply couldn't keep up with her body's demands and there was a massive back up of bile (sorry if this is too graphic). They inserted an external drain into her liver on Friday, and it's amazing how much she's improved in recent days. Today they're replacing the external drain with an internal catheter that should help even more as the bile--gunky and gross as it may be--does aid with the digestion and absorption of fat. Everything has its purpose, even the icky stuff.

View at 9:11PM

Amid the pain and endless tests and all else Mom's endured, she and I have managed to laugh a ton in recent days, enjoying this time together. We watched The Closer last night (love that show!), and watched Chevy Chase's European Vacation a couple of nights ago. We're also listening to Elizabeth Edward's Resilience. What an encouraging book!

View at 9:16 PM

We're asking and fully trusting that God will heal Mom of her cancer and that she'll be with us for years to come. We're also trusting in the promise of an eternal home bought with the life-giving blood of Christ and in God's ability to lead us there in the way He knows is best.

View at 6:45AM this morning, shortly after sunrise

Watching the sunrise this morning, I thought of this verse in Lamentations 3:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,

"therefore I will hope in him."

As Mom's resting, getting a second unit of blood even now, I'm thanking God not only for His mercies that are new every morning but also for the person who donated this life-giving blood for this precious woman in my life. And thank you to all you nurses out there! Your skills and sweet encouraging spirits are a tremendous blessing to your patients and their families.

Now to get ready and to do something with this hospital hair, then grab some breakfast in the cafeteria. Blessings on your week and thanks for your continued prayers!

Hoping in Him,

Tammy

A worshiper of God

One of the novelists email groups I take part in has been discussing worship and praise music today. It's been interesting to learn how different people feel about different songs that we sing in church on Sundays. A song that one person finds meaningful another doesn't want to sing because they feel it doesn't treat God with the proper respect.

One of my favorite worship songs is Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman:

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

There is more but those are the first verses. This song helped carry me through a time of intense grief and helped me focus on the blessed name of the Lord, even in the desert place.

This morning, I was reading in Acts 16 and came across this verse:

16:14 A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

In the margin, I've written: If we worship God and listen, He will open our hearts to respond.

It's so true. When I live in a state of worship of God Almighty and pay attention to what He says to me, He will open my heart in so many ways. I want my life to be like a love song to Him. I can think of no better way to live.

~robin

The End

Today's the day that I type THE END on my manuscript. Finishing a project always feels good when I know I've done everything the way I was supposed to--given it my all--trusted God's direction. Finishing a book, a day of work, a race--it leaves us with a sense of achievement and completion. Finishing our time on earth should give us the same sense of accomplishment.

Several big name people died this week, along with a great many whose names were not so recognizable. As I saw the television flashing information about some of these folks, I couldn't help but wonder if they completed their life in the way they'd hoped. Had they trusted the Lord? Would they be remembered for things that would last? Would they stand before God and hear, "Well done," or would they spend eternity in regret.



None of us know how much time we have here on earth, so we need to make it count.

The end of a matter is better than its beginning...
Ecclesiastes 7:8a

I know that when my life ends here on earth, I'll be in the presence of the Lord and the end really will be better than the beginning. I pray the same happy ending for you.
Tracie

Of cats, boxes, and laughter

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "Happy is the house that harbors a friend." I have found that to be true...especially this week! Three of my critique partners--Connie from Georgia, Eileen from Texas, and Margie from Colorado--all converged here to do some story brainstorming, visit a few historical museums, and help me pack for my upcoming move. (Wow, have we created a mountain of boxes!)

So...four writers. And four cats. And the cats are convinced everyone is here to see THEM. The kitties have definitely made themselves at home with MY guests.

The cats are also convinced that all these boxes are in place for their entertainment. They've climbed IN the boxes and ON the boxes and hid BEHIND the boxes. Actually, it's entertained the humans in the house quite well. Connie purchased a small laser light, and we've laughed ourselves silly while watching the cats chase the tiny orange dot of light.

While we've visited and worked and laughed together, I've thought of the Proverb (17:22) that says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Moving is a stressful deal. Especially with my husband gone, leaving me to handle all of the details myself, but having my friends here to laugh with has definitely been what the doctor ordered.

I truly hope you have friends who are there when you need them. I certainly appreciate these wonderful ladies who came from afar to lend a helping hand...and minister to my heart with lots and lots of laughter!

May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim

Lingonberries and Lutfisk

A week ago Saturday, we headed out to Cottonwood Falls. This past Saturday, we were off to the annual Midsummer’s Festival held in Lindsborg, Kansas, a Swedish community whose people celebrate their heritage in a big way. Although the forecast called for rain, we decided to take a chance. I was feeling pretty smug about the weather for a while, but when we headed south out of Salina a downpour hit, and I had the windshield wipers flapping like crazy. We briefly considered turning around, but being brave souls and since we were almost there, we ventured onward.

Unfortunately, the rain persisted and a great deal of the festival was in the city park. Fortunately, a portion of the activities were inside Bethany Lutheran Church. We tried some of both. Although we got wet, our time in the park was lots of fun. The organ grinder was a wonderful gentleman. He told us he’d purchased his organ in the Black Forest of Germany and it had been handmade back in 1874. Both he and his ‘monkey’ were inside a small pavilion, and he was pleased to give us a short serenade.

We also made a stop at the basket weaving tent where Janice Tubbs who works in the Art Department at Bethany College was making and displaying her beautiful baskets. If you’re interested in a gorgeous basket, I can furnish you with her email and phone number. I also snapped a picture of these darling Christmas reindeer. I had hoped for instruction in making the decorations, but I guess no one wants to sit in the rain to make a reindeer—snow maybe, but no rain when making reindeer. In the shelter house locals were giving instructions on the preparation of Swedish food—everything from Swedish coffee roasting to preparing Svenska pannkakor (Swedish pancakes).

At the church we listened to Swedish folk music performed by a talented woodwind trio, and we also enjoyed Swedish dances performed by the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers. Afterward, we enjoyed a style show of Swedish folk dress—each outfit unique and beautiful. The various regions of Sweden are represented by different colors and styles of folk dress, so it was fun to see a sampling of most areas.

I’d like to tell you we stayed for the raising of the Maypole that was to take place at seven o’clock, but we were both soaked. Instead of a picture of the Maypole, I hope you’ll settle for a picture of my husband and me in wooden ‘Swedish costume.’ Might have looked just a little better if we had turned to look at one another.

I wasn’t disappointed when the only lutfisk we spotted were beanbags being tossed into a large wooden Viking’s mouth in the children’s section. I wasn’t interested in trying fish where lye is part of the preparation process. My apologies in advance to any Swedish readers who like lutfisk, but it just doesn’t appeal to me.

Instead of lutfisk or fudge, my husband came home with a Swedish tea ring and I came home with a jar of lingonberry jam. We also came home with a deeper appreciation of the Swedes who settled in Kansas and the heritage they share with all who visit their community.

On the way home, I was reminded of the fact that although each of us has our own ethnic background and heritage to celebrate, as Christians we have an even greater heritage. As the adopted children of God through Christ, we have a unified heritage. What a joy when all of us can one day celebrate that heritage with Him!!

May you always find joy in the heritage our Lord has given you. ~Judy

Guess who came for dinner

Last week I had a fun visitor stop by one evening. Karen Ball, author and editor, is also a dear friend. She was in town for work so she drove down to Franklin to have dinner with me. I actually cooked and everything. Will wonders never cease?

If you know Karen, you know she loves to laugh, and we did lots of that. She also loves animals--especially dogs--and proceeded to take picture after picture of Jack, who seemed to take it all in stride...

We had such a fun evening together, and I was reminded again of how blessed I've been with friends. Writing is a relatively "solitary" profession, mandating long hours alone and, for me anyway, that makes the time I spend with friends and family all that more special.

One of those special times is coming up as I head to Denver on July 7th for a writer's retreat followed by the International Christian Retail Show (looking forward to rooming with you, Robin and Sunni!). I'll not only see oodles of writing buddies while there, but I'm also going back to visit friends in Greeley (where we lived for seventeen years before moving to TN two years ago), and I can hardly wait!

While I love writing, I need my people time to fill me back up--and to give me fodder for more stories, of course. ;)

Please continue to remember my mom. I'm packing today, getting ready to head down to Atlanta. The past couple of days have been hard ones on Mom. She hasn't been able to eat or drink anything and, as often happens with chemo patients, she's ended up very dehydrated and was admitted to the hospital. I can't wait to be by her side. Hopefully she'll be released in a couple of days, then I'll be able to cook for her and hopefully tempt her with some food. That and just plain "love up" on her and Dad.

Me, my daughter Kelsey, and my mom on a recent cruise

(Mom doesn't even look sick, does she?)

She also said she'd love to go out to see a movie (something I'm always game for), so we'll try to do that too if she feels up to it. I so appreciate those prayers for her strength and healing.

Now, to hit the road with iPod in hand. I'm still enjoying all the praise songs you guys have shared with me recently and will be singing all the way to Atlanta.

Much love,

Tammy

Subjective Reading

Writers (as least the ones I know) love to hear words of praise from their readers. Me, too. It's always an encouragement to learn that something I wrote touched a reader's heart, that they found my book entertaining or funny or moving. Back in the "olden days" of my publishing career, contact from readers came via letters in the mail. And 99.9% of the time, readers who took the time to write a letter to an author wrote because they loved the book.

Times have changed. The Internet has made communication easier. And not just when it comes to contacting an author via email versus snail mail. With blogs, review sites, on-line booksellers like ChristianBook.com and Amazon.com, Facebook, and a host of other sources, people can express their opinions freely to the world at large about the books they read.

One thing that is always true is that a book that one reader loves another will react to differently, perhaps with a ho-hum sentiment, perhaps with complete disdain. Reading is subjective. People bring with them a whole set of experiences and emotions that can make them read different things into a story, things the author didn't mean or intend.

When my novel Firstborn was first released, I received a wonderful letter from a woman who had been adopted as a baby and who had, as a young adult, reconnected with her birth mother. She said that Firstborn had captured the emotions of the women in the triad (daughter, adoptive mother, and birth mother) exactly right. She loved the book and was going to recommend it to everyone. Recently, I received an email about Firstborn from another young woman. She'd hated the characters and was angered by the story. Her parents had adopted two children, and they'd never gone through anything like what had been in my novel. It was obvious from her comments that she brought a completely different experience into reading Firstborn than the former woman I mentioned; I think it's safe to say the latter reader won't want to read anymore of my books.

Although my February 2009 release, When Love Blooms, hasn't caused quite so fervent responses, it's had its share of both positive and negative reactions. One blog review said:

"I could not put this book down, which unfortunately meant it is scarred from being carried around to the pool, work, doctor's appointments—wherever! But I would still share it with anyone because I just loved it. The story was captivating and the ending just made me smile."

But someone else (also a blog review) had this reaction:

"I felt the characters were flat and underdeveloped, the story line too entirely predictable, and some of the situations forced upon the characters by the author. This is not Hatcher's best book."

Why was When Love Blooms a great, "unputdownable" read for one person and a mediocre read for another? There is just no answering that question beyond what I said above—reading is subjective. I have a couple of books on my Kindle that others (many others) have raved and raved and raved about, but so far I haven't been able to get into them. They just don't float my boat. Why? Reading is subjective. Plain and simple.

I'm busy writing another book. (The deadline approaches much too quickly.) I hope it will be good. I hope it will entertain and amuse and move readers. At least I'm trying my best to make sure that's the final result. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll write a novel that will please everybody. LOL! I'm not holding my breath.

Whatever novel you're reading right now, I hope you're loving it.

~robin