As many of you know, I broke my ankle at the end of June. Surgery was on July 10th (a plate and 8 screws), which means I’ve spent three months sitting around with my foot elevated. Let me tell you, that kind of inactivity does not do great things for your figure. I have gained (gulp!) almost 20 pounds. Unacceptable. …
He Sees
I write this from my room at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. If I glance out the window I see the air traffic control tower looming above the hotel, windows facing every direction so the controllers can watch on everything that happens all over this huge airport. And I am reminded of the One who watches over me. The American …
Writing Historical Stories
(Note: This article first appeared on Romance at Random.) Writing books with historical settings is not for wimps – especially research wimps. Add an entirely unfamiliar culture, like the Amish, and the task could become downright intimidating. But when your publisher gently suggests that such a book might be a good idea…well, you roll up your sleeves and dive in. …
Sexual Habits of the Amish, and Other Things I’ve Learned
(This blog first appeared on Fresh Fiction Blog.) I knew that title would grab your attention! Before you read further, let me assure you that I do not intend to describe intimate details of the Amish or any other people group in this article. I’m going to talk about some of the interesting practices and beliefs I discovered while researching …
A Strong Woman in My Life
(This blog first appeared on Lyn Cote’s “Stories of Strong Women” blog. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share it with you.) “Being faithful in the smallest things is the way to gain, maintain, and demonstrate the strength needed to accomplish something great.” – Alex Harris I was browsing through some material the other day (okay, I was surfing …
Caution for Parents
Do you remember Gilda Radner, of Saturday Night Live fame? One of the funniest women who ever appeared on that show, in my opinion. In the Bible study I’m currently doing (Breaking Free by Beth Moore) I was tickled to come across an excerpt from her book, It’s Always Something. When I was little, my nurse Dibby’s cousin had a …
Pride, and Being on the Receiving End
Since breaking my ankle at the end of June, I’ve been dependent on my husband for … well, for pretty much everything. He brings me coffee and water and meals on a tray. He does ALL the laundry, ALL the dishes, ALL the meal cleanup. He takes me wherever I need to go, helps me navigate safely on crutches, pushes …
Concerning Idols
I asked the Lord, “What is an idol in my life? Show me what is in my right hand, the thing I worship more than you.” Then I looked, and in my hand was a trophy. I was standing on a stage in front of an applauding audience, holding an award for a book I’d written. I was horrified, and …
2012 Carol Award Finalist List
Please join me in congratulating the finalists of the 2012 Carol Awards. Winners will be announced Saturday, September 22, 2012, at the ACFW Awards Gala. If you’re looking for a summer reading list, look no further. There are some absolutely fantastic books on this list – the best that Christian fiction has to offer this year! I’m honored beyond belief …
Considering Humpty Dumpty
Sitting around waiting for your foot to heal results in a lot of time on your hands. My mind has begun to wander as I’ve contemplated the great mysteries of the world. Such as this one: Why is Humpty Dumpty always depicted as an egg? Think about it. Nothing in the original rhyme says he was an egg, or even …