TSMS - I Bowed on My Knees

This song speaks for itself.



More songs can be found at Amy's!

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Christy Award Finalist Interview & Giveaway

When I was at the Christian Book Expo in March, I happened upon a flurry of hugs and congratulations being bestowed upon author Mary Connealy. She had just received news that Calico Canyon had been nominated for a Christy Award in the category Historical Romance. I was tickled pink to hear that because I adore both her books and Mary herself.

I have literally laughed out loud at some of the antics in her trilogy which began with Petticoat Ranch, continued with Calico Canyon, and concluded with the release of Gingham Mountain. And Mary is as much fun as her books! It took me about 60 seconds to pretend I was her BFF feel like I had known her forever. After we compared notes on shoe woes, aching feet, and other mundane miscellany, I asked her a few questions about her writing:

How do you come up with your stories?

I think of Petticoat Ranch as my husband and my children. We have 4 daughters and my husband is from a family of 7 sons. And the way he reacts to the girls – there’s comedy in that. They just talk, talk, talk, all the time and he says “Why won't they stop talking? Make them stop talking!” And I tell him "They're girls! They don't stop talking!" And he never grew up tormenting a sister, and so some things, like when I humiliated my sister in front of her boyfriend, just aren't funny to him. So it's fun to watch the girls with their dad. He absolutely adores them and is kind of at a loss at the same time. But that's the story of Petticoat Ranch - this mountain man who gets dropped into this all-girl family.

Now a lot of Calico Canyon is my husband’s family. My husband's mom is one of my favorite people in the whole world. She had 7 sons and oh, my! She can tell stories that can curl your hair – I mean, near-death experiences almost daily with these 7 little boys. She is just a great, tough, sweet woman. I think she had 3 or 4 kids before they had electricity. My husband's the baby of that family. So I thought, we did the whole girl thing; now let's drop some poor woman into this family of all boys.

Then I thought: well, let’s mix it up a little and we'll just see if I can do it. I've been going so far overstating all the girl things and all the boy things; let's find a little balance. And Gingham Mountain, that’s my family. My mom had 8 kids in 11 years - 5 daughters and 3 sons - and we lived in a house, until my 6th little brother was born, with 2 bedrooms; then they built on and we had 3 bedrooms. So in Gingham Mountain, all those people crammed in this little house – that was us. I know people can live all crowded together and that’s just the way it was. You didn’t have your own bedroom – but I had my own drawer!

How do you come up with these hilarious conversations?

I don’t know; it’s not very normal, is it?! I'll tell you something: when I have a busy scene with lots of dialogue and motion and comedy, those are a tremendous amount of work. I almost dread them because it's hard. You write it and then fix it and fix it and fix it. It's tricky, because usually they’re misunderstanding each other, but the reader has to understand that they’re misunderstanding each other. So it's very complex, and action scenes are the same way. They're very hard work.

What’s coming up next?

A new 3 book series, called Montana Marriages, and it's more of the same: cowboys and comedy. I’m really having a lot of fun! It’s coming out in July. Another 3 books will follow that with the daughters of Petticoat Ranch grown up. And I also have a Christmas book, Cowboy Christmas, coming out.



Listening to this interview just made me smile all over again. Mary is a bundle of fun and as dear as they come! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for her Saturday night. Be sure to stop by her blog to learn more about her and her books. Tell her I sent you!

I have TWO autographed copies of Calico Canyon to give away as well as an autographed copy of Gingham Mountain. To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling me how many of the nominated books you have read (even if it's zero! That still counts!). Comments must be received by 9:00 p.m. CDT Saturday night (7/11). Continental US Residents only please.


Happy Reading!

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And the Nominees Are. . . .

Saturday night in Denver the 2009 Christy Awards will be presented. Established in 1988 and named in honor of Catherine Marshall's novel and of her contribution to growth of the fiction Christians love to read, the Christy Award is designed to:

• Nurture and encourage creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview.
  
• Bring a new awareness of the breadth and depth of fiction choices available, helping to broaden the readership.
  
• Provide opportunity to recognize novelists whose work may not have reached bestseller status

Here are the categories and nominees for this year's Awards. (Books I have reviewed are linked to those reviews.)

Contemporary Romance

• Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky
  (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
  
• Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
  (Tyndale House Publishers)
  
• Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black and Whiteby Claudia Mair Burney
  (David C. Cook)

Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas

• Sisterchicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn
  (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
  
• Summer Snow by Nicole Baart
  (Tyndale House Publisher)
  
• You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman
  (FaithWords)

Contemporary Standalone

• Dogwood by Chris Fabry
  (Tyndale House Publishers)
  
• Embrace Me by Lisa Samson
  (Thomas Nelson)
  
• Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas
  (Moody Publishers)

First Novel

• Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake
  (David C. Cook)
  
• Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler
  (Bethany House Publishers)
  
• Safe at Home by Richard Doster
  (David C. Cook)

Historical

• Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley
  (B&H Publishing Group)
  
• Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin
  (Bethany House Publishers)
  
• Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser
  (Bethany House Publishers)

Historical Romance

• Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy
  (Barbour Publishers)
  
• From a Distance by Tamera Alexander
  (Bethany House Publishers)
  
• The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen
  (B&H Publishing Group)

Suspense

• By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer
  (Tyndale House Publishers)
  
• The Rook by Steven James
  (Revell)
  
• Winter Haven by Athol Dickson
  (Bethany House Publishers)

Visionary

• The Battle for Vast Dominion by George Bryan Polivka
  (Harvest House Publishers)
  
• Shade by John B. Olson
  (B&H Publishing Group)
  
• Vanish by Tom Pawlik
  (Tyndale House Publishers)

Young Adult

• The Fruit of My Lipstick by Shelley Adina
  (FaithWords)
  
• I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke
  (Moody Publishers)
  
• On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
  (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Stop back tomorrow for an author chat and giveaway of one of these nominated books!

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Grab Bag Fiction Winners

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
8
Timestamp: 2009-07-08 19:11:03 UTC

Winner of The Veil by Diane Noble: windycindy

* * * * *

Here are your random numbers:
3
Timestamp: 2009-07-08 19:12:46 UTC

Winner of A Gathering of Finches by Jane Kirkpatrick: Latte With Me

Congrats, ladies! Send me your addresses and I'll get the books in the mail to you.

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A Spellbinding Book

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Fatal Illusions
Kregel Publications (March 5, 2009)
by
Adam Blumer


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Adam Blumer lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Laura and Julia.

He works full-time as a freelance writer and editor. A print journalism graduate of Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC), he served in editorial roles for fourteen years at Northland Baptist Bible College (Dunbar, WI) and Awana Clubs International Headquarters (Streamwood, IL).

He has published numerous short stories and articles. Fatal Illusions released by Kregel Publications (Grand Rapids, MI) is his first novel.

You can learn more at the general website for his editing services, his Meaningful Suspense author's website, and his blog, where he "documents [his] publishing adventure and introduces new Christian novels" as a fellow CFBA blogger.

ABOUT THE BOOK

An amateur magician, an unassuming family . . . a fatal illusion Haydon Owens wants to be the next Houdini. He has been practicing his craft and has already made four women disappear. All it took was a bit of rope and his two bare hands.

The Thayer family has come to the north woods of Newberry, Michigan, looking for refuge, a peaceful sanctuary from a shattered past. But they are not alone. Little do they know that they are about to become part of Haydon's next act. Time is running out and already the killer has spotted his next victim. Who will escape alive?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fatal Illusions, go HERE

“Fatal Illusions is an engaging, fast-paced read with a captivating storyline that grabs you from page one and doesn't let go. Highly recommended!”--Mark Mynheir, homicide detective and author of The Night Watchman

“An awesome ride!”--Rosey Dow, Christy Award winning author of Reaping the Whirlwind

“Adam Blumer tells a fast-paced story that weaves together a serial killer, a physically wounded pastor and his spiritually wounded wife. The twists and turns will keep readers guessing.”--Rick Acker, author of Blood Brothers

MY THOUGHTS:
Be forewarned that if you start reading this book, you will be compelled to finish it as quickly as possible. I was absolutely spellbound and several times as I read, I realized my heart was pounding and I needed to close my mouth! Adam Blumer has woven a great tale of a marriage neglected by grief and busyness, a woman obsessed with stalking the man she is convinced secretly loves her, a deranged killer fixated on his own obsession, and a retired detective determined to find the murderer before he strikes again. Issues of God's sovereignty, church politics, interpersonal boundaries, and trust flow throughout the story, lending painful authenticity to the trials that the Thayers experience. Set on the upper Michigan peninsula, this is a thoroughly engrossing and satisfying read. I highly recommend it!

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Grab Bag Fiction Giveaway!

Value Fiction Brings Readers Summer Relief

Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this summer with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s eight full-length, historical novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, June 2, 2009). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “getaways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.

Full-length historical novels offered include the following; I had the opportunity to randomly review two of them.

The Captain’s Bride
(ISBN-13: 978-0-307-45806-3)
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Book One in Northern Lights series.
Experience an epic saga of perseverance and passion, faith and fidelity in a sea adventure from the gentle hills of Bergen, Norway, to the rocky coast of Camden, Maine.




Tommorrow’s Treasure
(ISBN-13: 978-0-307-45808-7)
by Linda Lee Chaikin,
Book One in East of the Sun series.
Family secrets and a passion for a man of a higher social class draw Evy Varley into a dangerous mystery and disturbing questions about her past.





The Silver Sword
(ISBN-13: 978-0-307-45809-4)
by Angela Elwell Hunt,
Book One in The Heirs of Cahira O’ Connor series.
The auburn-haired O’Conner women push against social limits. Their tale is one of peril, courage, vengeance, love and sacrifice.




The Veil
(ISBN-13: 978-0-307-45807-0)
by Diane Noble.
Hannah McClary dares to question the truth behind the shroud of secrecy that cloaks a nineteenth-century sect known as the Saints. Soon she and Lucas Knight, the young man she loves, find themselves fighting for their lives.

MY THOUGHTS: This was a riveting book as I was not familiar with this history of the Mormon settlers. This was a fascinating account of those "Saints" who followed their leaders unquestioningly, the dictatorship and duplicity of those leaders, and the other individuals who allowed the Holy Spirit to move in their hearts and draw them to Christ, at great peril. And although it is a work of fiction, at the end of the book Diane Noble provides much supporting documentation of the actual historical events.

Under the Distant Sky
(ISBN-13: 978-1-60142-245-3)
by Al and Joanna Lacy,
Book One in Hannah of Fort Bridger.
Join Hannah and Solomon Cooper as they journey by wagon train to a new life on the frontier. Will they overcome tragedy and great opposition as they strive to live their dream?



A Promise for Breanna
(ISBN-13: 978-1-60142-244-6)
by Al & Joanna Lacy,
Book One in Angel of Mercy series.
Suspense, danger, romance and spiritual truth each play a part in this heroine’s life as she faces the man who once broke her heart and led her to mistrust men.





Maire
(ISBN-13: 978-1-60142-256-0)
by Linda Windsor,
Book One in Fires of Gleannmara.
Maire, Warrior Queen of Gleannmara, finds her fierce heart gentled by a reformed mercenary, a Christian, who’s taken hostage during a raid.





A Gathering of Finches
(ISBN-13: 978-1-60142-247-7)
by Jane Kirkpatrick.
A turn-of-the-century Oregon coastal couples’ life is seen through the eyes of the wife, her sister, and her Indian maid who discover reasons why money and possessions can’t buy happiness or forgiveness, or relieve consequences of choices.

MY THOUGHTS: This is another work of fiction about real folks. Jane Kirkpatrick is a masterful writer who captures the emotions and angst of her characters. So much so, in fact, that this book actually made me very sad as I was reading it and watching Cassie make her choices and search to fill the void in her life. Whether she ultimately made the best final choice, I will leave for you to find out.

I will give one of these books to two of you. Just leave a comment on this post by Wednesday (7/8) at 12:00 noon CDT and I will draw 2 names. If you prefer one book over the other, indicate that in your comment; otherwise I will just randomly choose. Continental US residents only please. Be sure you include a way for me to contact you if you don't have a blog!

Look for these books where Christian books are sold. I saw them on a special display at Wal-mart last week.

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Just Popping In. . . .

People are fascinating. My man paraphrases the well-known saying as "It doesn't take all kinds, but there certainly are all kinds!" Friday I encountered several of these.

Ran into a local store to grab a couple of things. The cashier, who is at least as old as I am and has worked there for quite some time, rang up my items and said "That will be $17.76" I laughed and commented, "That's an appropriate total for July 3!" She didn't say anything for a moment as she took my money and then said "Oh, is that the date of independence of something? I don't even know." I almost fell over. Especially because of her age. I figured that anyone who was at least 10 years old in 1976 when the US celebrated its Bicentennial would forever remember the date 1776, even if they didn't remember it from school.

Later that day, I took my boy to take his test for his driving permit. There were quite a few people there, as usual, and as we took our seat with our number, #54, he glanced up at the electronic display showing the number currently being helped, #31, he sighed and said "This is going to take forever. Later as the man sitting in front of us was waiting for his teenage daughter to finish up at the counter after her test, we chatted a few minutes. He and his family are from India, and as they were about to leave he commented "This wasn't too bad. It only took about an hour." After they left, I pointed out to my boy the difference perspective makes: we are so impatient as Americans, but in most other countries of the world, getting any sort of license or permit takes hours and hours, if not days.

Speaking of the driving permit, are your schools as lax about teaching cursive as ours are? They briefly teach it in third grade, but it isn't emphasized and kids aren't required to use it. I have taught my kids that "signing your name" means writing it in cursive. When he signed his name the first time for the worker at the license office, she commented that he was the first student she had ever seen actually sign his full name in cursive. "Probably the last 100 kids I've processed, when I tell them to sign their name, they print it -- and usually just their first name." Heaven help our society that is so focused on standardized tests that we aren't teaching kids basic life skills.

Blogging may be sorta spotty over the next few days - I drove 7 hours yesterday to bring my girl to an orchestra camp clear across the state. We're staying with my brother and SIL, and internet use isn't quite as accessible. Plus last night they taught us to play a fun new game, Marbles and Jokers, and it is a tad addicting!

But I have preposted a giveaway for Monday! So be sure to watch for that!

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TSMSS - Reminders From Our Founding Fathers

A tribute to our Founding Fathers and the personal price they paid to birth this nation:

All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?
Benjamin Franklin
To Colleagues at the Constitutional Convention
* * * * *
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty.
Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel.
Patrick Henry - June, 1788

This Arrangement Gives Me Chills!

It is when people forget God
that tyrants forge their chains.
Patrick Henry, March, 1775
* * * * *
How many observe Christ's birth-day!
How few, his precepts!
O! 'tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.
Benjamin Franklin
Poor Richard's Almanack, 1743

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD
Psalm 33:12

Have a great 4th of July! Stop by Amy's for more songs to bless your weekend!

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Celebrating Early

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Finally!

Nineteen days.

One. Nine.

That's how long I have been without a washing machine. Since the night of June 13.

This is not to say we did not purchase a washer (and dryer since mine was as old as the washer and not long for this world). That was done on Day 2. Delivery scheduled for Day 7.

• Day 5 - they called to reschedule. The dryer had arrived at the warehouse damaged in transit. They will call when the new one arrives. And no, they won't deliver the washer by itself. (In hindsight, a good thing!)
• Day 10 - I call since I haven't heard anything. It just arrived at the warehouse. They will deliver on day 12, between 12:00 and 4:00 pm.
• Day 12, 4:40 p.m. Truck finally arrives. They remove old washer and dryer. Take new dryer off truck (it has to go in first). Take out of box. Discover it is broken from manufacturer - bolts are not in the right place. Assure my man someone will call him "first thing tomorrow." (I'm in Houston)
• Day 13 - Of course no one calls, in spite of my man waiting at home for two hours. He finally goes to work and calls from there. They assure him they will be able to deliver it on Day 17 (this past Tuesday).
• Day 16 - Verification call received - delivery scheduled between 8:00 and 12:00 noon Tuesday.
• Day 17 - Rainy morning. I give them extra time. Finally at 1:30 I call. "I don't know why they scheduled that - I'm showing no dryers are available until July 11." I ask for the supervisor, who is at GE, not the warehouse. "Yes, they are now back-ordered until July 11, but yours should have arrived at the warehouse yesterday." Puts me on hold. "Well, it didn't get there yesterday, but it just arrived today. They are booked for tomorrow but they can deliver it Thursday. They'll call to let you know what time." EXCUSE ME?!?! There have been THREE botched attempts to deliver my order, and you're just putting me back in the regular line? (I'm thinking, why is the supervisor not borrowing a truck and personally driving it to my house?!) "Once you have the items, you can call me back and we'll discuss compensation for your trouble." (I can predict how that will go!) So I thanked her, hung up, went to the store and canceled the order and got my money back. It took a little time and another phone call from the store to the warehouse (mostly because they were confused why my old appliances had been taken without new ones left) but the supervisor in the store was understanding and helpful.
• After dinner we went to Sears and bought a Whirlpool. "We can deliver them this Thursday. We'll give you a 2-hour window." YES!!
• Last night the automated call came and the washer and dryer are to be delivered between 8:30 and 10:30 this morning.
• 10:10 a.m. The Sears truck pulled up to my driveway. A pristine, working washer and dryer were installed and tested in a mere 20 minutes. The delivery guys were efficient and cordial.

Conclusions:

• Customer Service is a foreign concept to many folks today.
• Don't buy anything that requires delivery from the big box store with "Depot" in the name. I have subsequently seen online reviews where other folks all across the country have had horrific experiences with them.
• Sears still is king of appliances in my book. They did what they said, when they said they would.
• I have never been so excited about a day of doing laundry as I am today!

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CFBA Tour - Exposure by Brandilyn Collins - Reviewed

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Exposure
Zondervan (June 1, 2009)
by
Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world. You can learn more about her at her website, become a member of her Big Honkin' Chickens Club, or enjoy her writing on a regular basis at her blog.



ABOUT THE BOOK
When your worst fear comes true.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror, twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.


To read the first chapter, go HERE.

“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailers

“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakk

“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com

MY THOUGHTS:
Mercy, I don't know how Brandilyn Collins sleeps at night! There is a reason her tagline is "Don't forget to b r e a t h e. . ."! This book captivated me right from the beginning, and the masterful way she weaves the suspense made me catch my breath. I could feel Kaycee's anxiety as each nerve-wracking scene is stretched just tautly enough without being overly dramatic. The book alternates between the various characters, giving just a glimpse into their situations but never quite enough to figure out exactly how they are interconnected - or if/when their paths might cross. And as usual, the ending was unpredictable yet exactly what it needed to be. This is not a book to read a few chapters casually and then set aside for a week. You will be compelled to finish it as quickly as possible!

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Today's Forecast: Missing My Dad

My dad loved the weather. Growing up in a poor sharecropper family, keeping an eye on the weather was crucial. But his interest went far beyond that. After he died in 1996, we unearthed a 5-year diary he had kept during his days as a WWII Navy Seabee and the surrounding years. Each day probably had 4-6 sentences about what happened that day.

Every single day he recorded the weather for that day.

He was the first of his family to go to college, a privilege only made possible by the Navy. As a Seabee, it makes sense that he became a mechanical engineer, but I always wondered if he secretly wished to be a meteorologist.

Each year he cut the Hurricane Tracking Chart out of the paper and plotted whatever storms threatened or came into the Gulf. One of his all-time favorite gifts was the cross-stitched tracking chart I made and framed for him.

We have old 8mm home movies of the early stages of Hurricane Carla moving into Galveston in September 1961. I was barely a month old, but he drove with the rest of the kids the hour to Galveston to watch it. He was so utterly cautious and conservative in every other aspect of his life that it still amazes me that he did that.

And last September, I joked that he was on the front row of heaven (and probably asked God to time it as such) when my mom died the morning Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast!

(The first Thanksgiving and Christmas after he died didn't bother me too much. The first hurricane season? Caught me totally off-guard and blew me away! Pun intended!)

And while I'm not as avid as my dad, I do like weather. The extremes are fascinating, and it's an incredible display of God's power.

So of course I had to document the last half of this scorching, sweltering, searing month that is finally coming to a close.

Austin High Temperatures, June 2009

June 13 - 100
June 14 - 100
June 15 - 101
June 16 - 101
June 17 - 100
June 18 - 100
June 19 - 97
June 20 - 102
June 21 - 101
June 22 - 101
June 23 - 103
June 24 - 105
June 25 - 106
June 26 - 105
June 27 - 105
June 28 - 103
June 29 - 106

I don't know what caused the "cold front" on the 19th; it's not like we got a single drop of rain the entire month! Although I do hear some rumbles off in the distance this morning. One can only hope. I better check the radar.

I am my daddy's girl!

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A Must-Read! She Still Calls Me Daddy

She Still Calls Me Daddy
Building a New Relationship with Your Daughter
After You Walk Her Down the Aisle
by
Robert Wolgemuth
(Thomas Nelson)

Dads and daughters. Daddy's girl. The phrases bring to mind sweet images of one of the most precious relationships. Even men who long for a bevy of little boys find themselves unexpectedly smitten from the moment the tiny pink bundle is placed in their arms in the delivery room. Much as been written about the impact that a daughter's relationship with her dad has on her future relationship with her husband. Healthy father/daughter relationships beget stronger marriages.

But how should the relationship between Dad & his girl change once he walks her down the aisle? A wonderful "engagement" gift for the father of the bride, She Still Calls Me Daddy addresses this very issue. With the wisdom, counsel, and experience attained from his own years spent raising and relinquishing his two daughters, Robert Wolgemuth offers practical advice to dads on navigating this unfamiliar - and uncomfortable - territory. He gently yet firmly reminds fathers of the Biblical admonition for couples to "leave and cleave" and provides advice on how to support this process, coupled with examples of things he learned the hard way.

After years spent building a relationship, it's time for a little remodeling. This book provides the tools dads need to do the job correctly and ensure that the end result is beautiful and helps to preserve the new addition. I highly recommend this book - it should be required reading for all future in-laws!

Grab a copy of this book for your daughter's dad and a couple more for gifts. You can get it directly from the publisher or here.




BOOK DESCRIPTION
A guidebook for fathers to help them create a new adventure with their married daughters.

Standing at the altar giving their little girl away begins a new day and the need for a new way for fathers to relate to their daughters. Robert Wolgemuth, author of the best-selling She Calls Me Daddy, reminds fathers of the important role they still play while offering insight as to how it must change in the next chapter of their girls' lives. Topics cover seven relational issues:

* Protection
* Conversation
* Affection
* Discipline
* Laughter
* Faith
* Conduct

Includes thoughts on an ongoing relationship as well as on becoming a granddaddy. Discussion questions provide a great opportunity for personal or group study.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Wolgemuth is known as a champion for biblical truth, a biblical worldview, the family, effective communication, leadership, listening skills, relationship building, and traditional values. He is a bestselling author whose titles include She Calls Me Daddy, the notes to the Devotional Bible for Dads, and The Most Important Place on Earth. Five of his books have received Silver Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

A 1969 graduate of Taylor University from which he received an honorary doctorate-Doctor of Humane Letters, Dr. Wolgemuth is the father of two grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He and Bobbie, his wife of over 35 years, live in Central Florida. He enjoys golf, versa-climbing, reading, teaching, and The Home Depot.

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TSMSS - One Life to Love

I posted yesterday that this week has been a reminder that popularity and prosperity don't make one immune to death. In the wake (no pun intended) of this week's celebrity deaths, particularly that of MJ, the world seems at a loss to explain how so successful a life could end up in such ruin; it apparently hasn't figured out that you can "have it all" and still have nothing.

The media keep asking, regarding the music icon, "What happened? How did he end up like this?" On Fox News Friday night, Sean Hannity interviewed a prominent reverend who was close to MJ, and Hannity repeatedly tried to open the door to a spiritual conversation. Sadly, Rev. A. S. wouldn't even acknowledge his own beliefs, much less say anything about MJ other than laud his musical genius and dismiss his shortcomings.

But as Proverbs 15:16 puts it, Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

And while there are certainly godly wealthy people, the recent news brings to mind the parable of the Rich Man and the Beggar and the sobering peek into eternity given.

I had this song on my mind all day Friday. What a great reminder this is for all of us.

You only get just one time around,
You only get one shot at this
One chance to find out
The one thing that you don’t wanna miss
One day when it’s all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough
This one ride, one try,
One life to love

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Find more songs for your weekend at Amy's!

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The Great Equalizer

The world's obsession with celebrity and fame has been evident this week as tributes have been paid to three icons of the entertainment industry whose earthly lives have come to an end: Ed McMahon. Farrah Fawcett. Michael Jackson.

Matthew 7 reminds us not to judge them or the condition of their hearts at the time of their deaths, yet the same chapter says that by their fruit you will recognize them.

One thing always strikes me in situations such as this. And that is the fact that for all of the fame, fortune, and frenzy surrounding them, they were incapable of stopping death. They took nothing with them. And if the pleasures of this world were all they lived for, then their life was for naught and their deaths are heartbreaking tragedies far beyond what those who worship our American idols even begin to comprehend.

10 For all can see that wise men die;
the foolish and the senseless alike perish
and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their tombs will remain their houses forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had named lands after themselves.

12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure;
he is like the beasts that perish.

* * * * *

16 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,
when the splendor of his house increases;

17 for he will take nothing with him when he dies,
his splendor will not descend with him.

18 Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—
and men praise you when you prosper-

19 he will join the generation of his fathers,
who will never see the light of life .

20 A man who has riches without understanding
is like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 49:10-12, 16-20

I was not a fan of any of these three icons. Yet I have grieved for them. And I have grieved for our world that blithely states "He/she is in a better place" and "Rest in peace" as their accomplishments are lauded, ignoring the Truth of the Gospel and disregarding the state of the eternal soul.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your Name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your Name's sake. Psalm 79:9

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Giveaway & Melting Away

I've given up on trying to figure out how to repost something so it shows up again in the readers. So I'll just add this new post to say be sure to read this post for a giveaway before noon Friday!

I was desperate to look at these pictures. . .





. . .to remind myself why I don't live in Minnesota. Because right now it's awfully tempting.

Yesterday it was 105 here. Forecast for today is the same. Today will be the 11th day in a row of triple-digit temperatures.

It's only June, people. Can we just skip July and August?

In fact, the paper today says this is the 5th hottest June since 1854. At least we aren't wearing hoop skirts and petticoats. Especially when getting in a van that's been parked for an hour in full sun at 3:30 in the afternoon.

Even a hailstorm sounds appealing.

Makes me feel like I'm in the old song from the Sons of the Pioneers record we had when I was a kid. I was going to post their classic version, but this version cracks me up. The second half made me laugh out loud.


Stay cool!

(And don't forget the giveaway!)

Snow pictures courtesy of Kelly at Love Well.
Sun picture courtesy of stock xchng.

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The Short List - Review & Giveaway! - Extended

FRIDAY UPDATE:
Here are your random numbers:
2
Timestamp: 2009-06-27 00:23:10 UTC
Congrats to Sara! The book will be on its way to you soon, blog friend!

* * * * *
UPDATE: Well, I have such a short list of commenters (as in 0!) for this post, I'm reposting it. That's what happens when I post two at once, I guess! And I'm extending the deadline to noon tomorrow (Friday).


THE SHORT LIST
by
Bill Butterworth
(Tyndale)
IN A LIFE FULL OF CHOICES,
THERE ARE ONLY FOUR THAT MATTER

Have you ever found yourself doing the important things, the big things to serve God, only to discover you were missing the boat on the things that really make all the difference? As a successful counselor, author, and speaker in demand across the nation, Bill Butterworth was enjoying his life, his calling, and his bank account. Until one night at the dinner table, the youngest of his five children began talking for the first time. And called him Bob. And later, Bill. Not Dad. And he realized he had become a "Flashlight Father," one who only saw his children late at night when they were asleep. Convicted, he realized he must rearrange his priorities and his life, subsequently asking himself "How will my children remember me?"

That was the precise moment I decided I wanted to leave a legacy of lasting significance for my children and everyone who knew me.

I began a personal search for what I considered to be the most important things in life. After all, they were the things I wanted to be remembered for. And in order to be remembered for these things, I needed to actually live them out while I had days left here on earth. (From the Introduction)

Peppered with humorous anecdotes, poignant memories, and scriptures, this book offers a practical and down-to-earth list of the four character qualities that matter most. Qualities that are in all-too-short supply in the world today. And, sadly, in the lives of too many believers as well. One is love. Another is honesty. To find out the other two, you have to read the book! If your to-do list is too long, put The Short List at the top. It just might change the rest of your list!

BOOK SUMMARY:
If you like The Purpose Driven Life or Your Best Life Now, you’ll like The Short List. Endorsed by Lee Strobel and John Townsend, The Short List teaches four lessons (through storytelling and Biblical examples) that will help readers to slow down and focus on what really matters in life. It will inspire readers to leave a legacy of lasting significance. It offers big, life-changing ideas presented in a way that’s relatable and not overwhelming.

When you’re working too hard, seeing your family too little, talking to God almost never . . . you’re living a life that has gotten out of sync with what’s really important. The good news? There are four choices you can make today that will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on you, your loved ones, and the legacy you will leave behind. Popular author and speaker Bill Butterworth uses his trademark blend of humorous stories and Scriptural examples to remind you of God’s plan for you . . . and to challenge you to make the four most important choices of your life.

AUTHOR INFO:
One of the most sought-after communicators in the country today, Bill Butterworth combines a Mark Twain–like knack of storytelling with powerful biblical knowledge. He has inspired such clients as Disney, Microsoft, American Express, Citibank, and Verizon, as well as teams in the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Bill holds graduate degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and Florida Atlantic University. He is the author of nearly two dozen books, including When Life Doesn't Turn Out Like You Planned, The Promise of the Second Wind, On-the-Fly Guide to Balancing Work and Life, and On-the-Fly Guide to Building Successful Teams. In 2004, Bill and his wife, Kathi, launched the Butterworth Communicators Institute. They make their home in Southern California.

GIVEAWAY!
I am giving away a copy of this book to one of you. Just leave a comment on this post by 6:00 p.m. Thursday 12:00 noon CDT Friday (6/26) and I will draw a winner. (Continental US residents only) Be sure to include a way for me to contact you if you don't have a blog.

You may also purchase the book here.

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In Search of . . .

Do you remember this book? A few years back I bought my girl one of the books I had enjoyed as a child, All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor. This award-winning book is the story of 5 Jewish immigrant sisters growing up in New York during World War I. My girl never commented about the book that I recall, but this week as we were sorting through some of her books, she declared that it was one of her very favorites and that she has probably read it at least ten times!

She had no idea that it was part of a series. Until I opened my big mouth! And although she's a tad on the old side (they're for ages 9-12), she is dying for these books! (Insert 13-year-old girl dramatic angst!)

Unfortunately, they are no longer in print and the ones I find online seem to range anywhere from $20-80 per book. Just a bit steep for a chapter book!

So I thought I'd put the word out to my blogger friends to see if any of you have them in your attics. Or if you could keep your eyes peeled for them. We'll certainly reimburse you for them.

The books we are looking for are:

More All-of-a-Kind Family


All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown











All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown




Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family









Thanks! If you find them, you are one-of-a-kind!!

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