Fresh Tracks in the Snow

I read something tonight that resonated within my heart, and I have to share it. If you’d like to visit Sally Bradley’s blog and read Fresh Territory, you won’t be sorry. But here’s the gist of it:

Sally’s guest blogger, author Cynthia Ruchti, talked about how it felt as a child to make new tracks in a fresh fall of pristine white snow. It was untouched and unexplored, and walking across it, leaving her fresh tracks in the snow, was a special thrill. Cynthia went on to say that she gets that same type of pleasure on an even deeper level now, when she opens a new Bible or comes upon a page in her old one that has no ink marks on it. If she hasn’t written in it, she obviously hasn’t read that page.

“How can I be so sure?” she asks. “Because God speaks to my heart somehow, some way, on every page. If nothing is marked, it’s a tell-tale sign that I haven’t been over that territory.”

I love that! Probably because I know exactly what she’s talking about. I am not comfortable reading my Bible without highlighters in hand and ink pens nearby. When something I read sets my heart aquiver or opens up a window of enlightenment in my soul, I must mark it in some way. It’s so heartwarming to return to that place weeks, months or even years later and remember why I marked it just so, and to relive that special spark between my God and me.

What kind of tracks are in your Bible? Do you allow yourself to write in it – or are you uncomfortable with the idea? If so, why? Are there special ways you mark certain verses? Cynthia draws little musical notes beside verses she knows have been made into worship songs. Someone else uses a triangle beside anything that alludes to the Trinity, and a pitchfork to represent Satan.

What about you? What kind of tracks do you leave on the pages of your Bible?

Interview: Teresa Slack

I know you’ll all remember Teresa Slack's guest blog ("Bearing Fruit") last week. I promised she’d be back for a question-and-answer session, and sure enough ... she's back - both here and at my website blog, Heartsong. (Maybe she likes us!) Grab a cold drink (or a hot one, if you prefer), get comfortable, and enjoy our time with this author.

TMW: Teresa, I’m honored that you stopped in at “The Melody Within” as part of your big blog tour. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you on ShoutLife, and I’m thrilled that your writing career seems to be taking off with both engines blasting!

If I understand the bio posted on your website correctly, the bulk of your literary success has happened within the past few years … correct me if I’m wrong. Tell us the titles of your published books and when they were released.

TS: My first book, Streams of Mercy, was released in 2004. It is the first of the Jenna’s Creek series. A Tender Reed is a stand alone book that came out in 2005. Redemption’s Song is the second in the Jenna’s Creek series and came out in January, ’06. The Ultimate Guide to Darcy Carter is a romance and was released September, ’06.

TMW: How long did it take you to write each book? Do you have a favorite, and if so … what makes it your favorite?

TS: If I really focus on my work and fasten my rear to my chair, I can finish two books a year. My latest one is usually my favorite. I suppose I am always so excited to finish a book and then see the finished product that I love it the most. At least until the next one.

TMW: On to Evidence of Grace! Here’s a brief synopsis for the benefit of our readers:

A phone call from a potential eyewitness leads Noel Wyatt to believe Sally Blake’s real killer got away with murder. He enlists the help of a young attorney and his old friend, retired prosecutor and judge David Davis, to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Was someone else involved in the events of that fateful night? Since the convicted killer is already serving time for the murder, is it too late for justice to be served?

What is the message, if any, that you hope your readers will take away after reading this book?

TS: My hope is that readers will understand that God is on the throne, regardless of our circumstances. Sometimes we think we’ve done everything right, yet our life is still a mess. We sometimes feel like we deserve better. But God is still God. His grace is sufficient to see us through our journey, no matter what we’ve done or failed to do.

TMW: Was it difficult to write a book dealing with law enforcement and legal matters – or have you worked in that field?

TS: I have never worked in the field. I have a friend who is a police officer and another who is a court recorder. I also talk to a retired judge a lot. Most of my friends and family are blue-collar workers. I tell my husband that if I’m going to keep writing, we need to get a better class of friends.

TMW: Evidence of Grace is the third in your Jenna’s Creek series. What/where is Jenna’s Creek?

TS: Years ago before I ever started the book, I passed a road sign that read, "Isaac’s Creek." I thought that would make a great name for a town. I changed the name to Jenna, and the setting for my book was born. I grew up in Hillsboro, Ohio and spent a lot of time with my grandparents in nearby Peebles. My memories of both towns helped create Jenna’s Creek.

TMW: You’ve peopled this fictional town with such a complete and believable cast of characters. Who are they? Were they all completely born in your mind, or are they based on people you know?

TS: Most of the characters came out of my head, with a little input from stories or conversations I’ve overheard. I always tell people if they don’t want something to turn up in a book someday, don’t talk about it in front of me. One recurring character in the series came from a line in an old Don Williams song. Another was created one day when I was trapped on a windy Ohio road behind a semi. I liked the name on the semi’s mud flaps, and I didn’t have anything else to do on my way to town, so I made up a character based on the information on those mud flaps. Someday when I’m rich and famous, I’ll hunt down that truck driver and thank him.

TMW: How many more Jenna’s Creek books are planned?

TS: It depends on how the fine people of Jenna’s Creek like me intruding on their lives. At this point, I plan on five. That sounds like a nice round number.

TMW: Are you working on your next book yet? If so, can you tell us anything about it, or is that classified information?

TS: I haven’t started Book 4 yet. All I know is it will take place during the Blizzard of ’78. Anyone who lived in the eastern U.S. back then remembers that storm and probably has a story about it. You can’t set a book in 1970’s Ohio and not mention that blizzard.

TMW: Where do you live, Teresa? Is it a place like Jenna’s Creek?

TS: When people say nothing ever happens in a small town, they are just not paying attention. Every small town is chock full of characters and scandals, just begging for an enterprising writer to come in and exploit it. Of course, I don’t need to explain this to someone from Weedpatch. I’ve spent my whole life less than 100 miles from the southern Ohio town where I was born, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

TMW: I know you love God, and obviously you’ve chosen to write in the inspirational genre. Do you write solely for the inspirational market? Why or why not?

TS: All of my adult fiction has been for the inspirational market, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I love to share my faith with readers through the stories on my heart. I have written a middle grade fiction story that I would like to sell to the mainstream market, simply because a spiritual element did not work its way naturally into the story. It will make a great series, and I look forward to when I have more time to pursue it.

TMW: What about family – do you have a husband … children … grandchildren? Four-legged family?

TS: My lifestyle is much more conducive to a writing career now that it is just my husband and me at home. We have a blended family of three kids and three grandkids. We share our home with two spoiled rescue dogs. If I had the space and money for dog food and vet care, I’d have 20 more.

TMW: What do you like to do when you’re not dreaming up fictional people and places?

TS: Like all writers, I love to read. I’d do it for a living if anyone would pay me for it. I love to crochet and have tried to teach myself how to knit, to no avail. My granddaughter is 7 and we are best pals. She comes over a lot and plays “Office” while I’m writing. We have a great time, even if she does staple piles of my good copy paper together.

TMW: In what way has your life changed most since you became a published author?

TS: My life is much more exciting now. The other day I was recognized in the grocery store. I have met so many fun and interesting people from all over the country. Writing is what I always wanted to do, so now it feels great to finally be living my dream.

TMW: What is your favorite verse of scripture? Why do you think, of all the thousands of verses in the Bible, you love that one best?

TS: That is probably the toughest question I’ve ever been asked. There are so many, but I do have a story I am particularly fond of. In the 8th chapter of Matthew, a centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. In Luke’s account, the centurion doesn’t even consider himself worthy of coming to Jesus and sends other servants instead. In verse 8 the centurion says, “I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but speak the word only and my servant will be healed.”

I love that. “Speak the WORD only.” It’s all about the WORD and the centurion recognized that. He wasn’t even raised in the Jewish faith, but he knew all Jesus had to do was “Speak the WORD.” Jesus told those who followed he had not seen such great faith in Israel. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear our Savior say such a thing about us!

TMW: Wonderful indeed! I always love learning which verses of scripture particularly resonate with different people. We know that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” It’s great that He gives us so much inspiration to choose from!

Teresa, I know I speak on behalf of all of my readers when I say we have enjoyed your visits – last week as a guest blogger and again this week to answer all of our curious questions. You’re welcome back to “The Melody Within” any time!

To all of my TMC readers: Don’t forget to mark your calendars for June 15! That’s when Evidence of Grace will be released, and you’ll want to run right down to the nearest bookstore (or log onto Amazon.com) and get your own copy. Then be sure to send Teresa a message and tell her how much you love it – because you will!

Evidence of Grace will be available "everywhere online" (meaning all online booksellers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc.), and in bookstores and libraries across the country. For autographed copies, e-mail Teresa. Remember, you can also visit her at her blog or website.

I Survived the Speaking Engagement

All of you who were praying for me as I shook in my shoes (see my earlier blog, "Scared Speechless") ... ya done GOOD!

The speaking engagement went very well - at least, for me it did. (I guess the only indication you can really have as to how well it went for others is their comments, and you always have to wonder if they're just being polite! ) The important thing is that I "delivered my soul." Now I just pray that some seeds fell on fertile ground, that what I had to say was a blessing and an encouragement to someone.

I think it was in God's plan that they asked me to sing first, because God used that to relax me. Singing I'm perfectly comfortable with - been doing that all my life. I love it, 'cause you get to just memorize the words! It's the ad lib stuff that gives me nightmares ...Actually, I felt at home from the moment I stepped into the church. And there were even a couple of familiar faces I didn't know would be there. Plus, my sister-in-law/best friend/staunch supporter (add in anything else wonderful and it will fit), Elaine went along with me to help man the book table. She was such a huge help - it was amazing! She set up the table beforehand while I was doing a sound check and taking care of arranging the podium/stage/props. Afterward, she made change and kept the ladies talking while I spoke with each person in line as I autographed their books. Literally ALL I had to do was sign books, smile and visit. Wow. Elaine, if you happen to read this, please realize ... you are a Godsend to me!

Again, thanks to all who were interested and concerned, who prayed and encouraged and lifted me up before the Lord. You are wonderful!

Bearing Fruit

Hello all and welcome to The Melody Within, the blog of my friend and fellow writer, Delia Latham. Let me start off by thanking Delia for inviting me to be a guest on her blog. In case you don't know me, I am the author of five novels, all published for the Christian market. I strive to combine mystery, humor, and of course romance in each of my books, though some can only be classified as mysteries or romance.

I dreamed of seeing my name on a book spine since I was a kid, but knew few people actually made a living writing novels. Regardless of the unlikelihood of fame and forture, I quit my job in 1999 to stay home to focus full-time on my writing. Seeing my name on a book spine was still a few years and a lot of rejection in coming.

During the years of working and honing my craft--and of course waiting for that elusive email or acceptance letter every writer dreams of--I came to appreciate the rise in popularity of Christian fiction. It allows writers like me to share the stories on our hearts without compromising our beliefs and values. Even though I still thrill at the sight of my name on a book spine, I want nothing more than to share my faith with readers.

In the 15th chapter of the book of John, Jesus tells his disciples that he is the vine and we are the branches. Every branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off and taken away, and every branch that bears fruit will be purged so it will produce more fruit. I don't know if I want to be purged and gleaned so I can bear more fruit. That sounds painful. Why can't I just bear fruit, enjoy any awards, accolades, and financial blessings from my writing, and someday receive my reward in heaven?

Jesus goes on to say that if a person abides in Him, he will bear much fruit, for without Jesus he can do nothing. If a person keeps His commandments in the same way Jesus kept His Father's commandments, that person can ask what he will and it will be done for him. This is how the Father is glorified, when we bear much fruit.

Okay, let me get this straight. God is glorified by the fruit I bear.

I am supposed to be pruned and grafted and purged so I may bear much fruit. Not so I can make a lot of money so my husband can retire early and we can buy a new car and fancy jewels, or so people will recognize me and clamor for my autograph. You mean all this bearing fruit business is to glorify the Father?

I think I get it. I do have physical needs and desires. I live in a physical body and occupy my space in a physical world, so it's natural I suppose that I will need and want certain things for my survival, and yes, even for my comfort. But my first concern--my first and foremost desire--should be that God is glorified through my writing. All that other stuff will be added to me if it pleases the Father to do so.

So how do I glorify God through my writing? That's where Christian fiction comes in. God has been setting these wheels in motions long before the term was even coined. Jesus used stories or parables to reach His listeners where they were. Christian fiction does the same thing. The only difference in Christian fiction and secular fiction is the way characters react to the situations in which they find themselves. The character should grow and learn something through the course of the story; something that will bring them closer to their Heavenly Father. Ideally, this will also happen to the reader.

I don't understand why the wicked of this world often seem the most blessed or why success comes so easily for others. But God has a purpose for everything under heaven. He can use anyone or any situation for His glory. Every talent or gift we have is used to either glorify ourselves or glorify God.

By bearing fruit, I am glorifying my Father in heaven. I praise God each and every day that I am able to reach others for the Kingdom by doing something I love. The Christian fiction market is expanding everyday with something for every taste. Mysteries, suspense, sci-fi, legal thrillers, and romance, you will find something you enjoy. You may even find your calling within those pages.

I hope you'll come back next Monday where I will be sharing more with Delia about my latest book, Evidence of Grace and writing in general. Hope to see you then. As always, feel free to check out my website or email me with any burning questions you don't see answered in my interview.

Teresa Slack

Meet Teresa Slack!

A few months back, I discovered ShoutLife. Those of you who might be getting tired of the suggestive messages and unwelcome invitations on certain other web communities, I urge you to check it out. It's an awesome Christian web community, and It was there that I found a wonderful friend in another Christian author, Teresa Slack. (That’s Teresa in the beautiful photo shown here.) My brain cells are dying quickly (hehe!), and I don’t remember exactly how I came to know her on ShoutLife, but … I wound up designing a bookmark for her new book, Evidence of Grace, which will release June 15 through Tsaba House. This is Book Three in the exciting Jenna's Creek Series, and the book cover is gorgeous! (The bookmarks turned out equally so – if I do say so myself). :0)

But this is not about me.

Teresa is currently on tour to promote Evidence of Grace. She’ll be in your area, and I don’t want you to miss the opportunity to meet her and learn more about her newest novel – better yet, get your hands on a copy! I know she’ll be in your area, because Teresa’s tour is taking place online, through the participation of several different blogs – one of which, I’m proud to say, is this one. Some bloggers will interview her. Some will run reviews of Evidence of Grace. Who knows what others might come up with?

What I've come up with is ... (drumroll, please!) ...

Next Monday, May 21, Teresa Slack will be a guest blogger at “The Melody Within”! She will share something from her heart with all of you – right here on this blog site.

But that's not all. She's coming back!

Teresa will be back for an interview with “The Melody Within” on Monday, May 28. Be here – it WILL be worth the visit. This is your chance to learn more about this wonderful Christian author ... don’t miss it!

Why not take a moment right now to look in on this author in her own space? Visit her website or blog.

If you care to follow Teresa's blog tour, which is already in full swing, here's her schedule:

May 14 - Molly Noble Bull www.shoutlife.com/mollynoblebull
May 15 - Karen Phillips www.sky-highview.blogspot.com
May 16 - Miralee Ferrell www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com
May 17 - Makasha Dorsey www.dorseypublications.com
May 19 - Toni V. Lee www.tonivlee.blogspot.com
May 21 - Guest Blogger at Delia Latham's http://www.themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
May 22 - Tammy Barley www.shoutlife.com/TammyBarley
May 25 - Paul E. Dawn Jr. www.hillcountrythoughts.com
May 28 - Delia Latham http://www.themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
May 30 - Sally Bradley www.sallybradley.com
May 31 - Bonnie Winters www.inkitblog.blogspot.com
Todd Michael Greene www.anewnovelistsjourney.blogspot.com
June 4 - Suzanne Woods Fisher www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com
June 6 - Margaret Daley http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
June 8 - Angela Benson www.shoutlife.com/AngelaBenson
June 11 - Tori Close www.toriclose.com
June 14 - Teresa Dickhover www.gracenotes-gracenotes.blogspot.com
June 15 - Official release date Roz Humphreys www.rozcorner.blogspot.com

I've Been Tagged ... Again!

Sally Bradley caught me not looking .... I ask you, is that fair? Anyway, I've been tagged - yet again, since I've already done this on ShoutLife - so here goes. (My contract says I'll only do this again if everyone reads not only this blog entry, but the one just under it. Don't want it to get overlooked. After all, I just posted it today, and it's very, very important!) LOL

First, the rules:

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and asking them to read your blog.

EIGHT RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I am not, not, NOT a morning person. In fact, I vote we start having our Day Planners start at, say ... about noon?

2. My computer keyboard tells the story of ME. Most of the letters are worn off the buttons, many of the buttons have grooves in them, and three buttons (the a, s and e) actually have holes in them. (Anybody care to guess where I spend too much time?) This keyboard is less than 4 years old.

3. I used to sing in a country western band. (Dear me, where's that little "I'm-so-embarrassed" icon when you need it?) When the band disbursed, one of the other band members and I bought up a bunch of accompaniment tapes (not CDs ... does that tell you it's been awhile?) and started doing Karaoke-type performances. Then I started singing only gospel. Whatever was I to do with all those tapes? Well, I found the ones that didn't have background vocals and wrote gospel songs to those same tunes. Hey, if God can use a donkey ...!

4. I like scary movies. Not bloody or gory (I'm far too squeamish for that), but edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding, choking-back-a-scream suspense ... I love it! But I don't write it. Hmmm ... wonder what that says about me? Something? Anything?

5. When I was a kid, my friend and I used to raid the garbage bin behind the local grocery store in our tiny community. We'd take the outdated food items and sell them door-to-door. For instance, one day we found several boxes of canned biscuits - perfectly good biscuits, friends - and still cold! Fresh out of the refrigerated section. We sold those babies for 10 cents a can and had ourselves a sugar fest. Wonder if the folks we called on really needed biscuits, or if they thought we were starving orphans?

6. Maybe Random Fact #5 can be better understood if Random Fact #6 tells you ... I grew up in a place called Weedpatch. See there. Now you understand so much more than you did one minute ago.

7. My husband is the cook in my house. I didn't ask him to do this, folks. I cooked during all the years our kids were growing up, and there were never any complaints. I can cook! But then, little by little, he started taking over. And little by little, I let him. The man loves to cook! I don't. So ... is there any reason I should deny him this pleasure?

8. My mother told all eight of us kids the same thing: "Stay out of the water 'til you learn how to swim." I did. 'Nuff said.

If your name is below, you have been tagged!

Linda Lee Horton
Miralee Ferrell
Patsy Culp Hull
Bonnie Winters (Yes, Bonnie, I know - I did it to you twice. But this is really hard. Just look at my links - I don't know that many bloggers!)
Shelley
Carlotta
Gina Conroy
Mimi Pearson

I Need a Miracle!

I'm going to attempt to steal a miracle, friends! (See my earlier blog, "Stolen Miracle.")

We have put our home on the market, and are having an open house this weekend. However, as I'm sure many of you are aware, it is officially a "bad time" to put a house up for sale, as it is currently considered a "buyer's market." The real estate agent we have worked with for nearly 20 years point-blank told us our house probably will not sell for a long time, even though it's a very nice house in a nice neighborhood, and we've priced it right. My reply to Betty was, "Well, I guess I need to start praying about that." She said, "And, honey, that's always worked for you, so you go right ahead." LOL

We need to sell, for reasons I won't go into here. It's an absolute must for us to sell. Now I know and you know that God is able to bring us the perfect buyer this weekend. I would love to see that - not only for our sakes, but so that God will be glorified when Betty sees this miracle happen before her very eyes. She's a beautiful lady with a kind and caring heart, and I'd love to see her develop a close relationship with the Lord.

My husband and I walked all the way around our house, praying. We anointed all four corners of the structure, as well as back door and front, while we prayed that God would help our house to find favor with buyers. I'm believing that even people who drive by on the street will be drawn to our home, simply because of God's presence hovering over it. You may think I've gone a bit overboard, but I know my God is able!

I'm asking for your prayers, friends. We serve a God of miracles, and we have not because we ask not.

I'm claiming this miracle for my own!

Garment of Praise

Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
… to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

I love that reference to a garment of praise.

Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word garment is short and sweet: An article of clothing. Can’t get much plainer than that.

It says to me that God wants us to don praise. Put it on. Wrap it around us. He wants us to wear it like a costly garment, spread it over our minds, fit it close to our hearts – and in the doing, we will glory Him … “display His splendor.”

Why do we wear clothing? Well, now. Adam and Eve figured out the first and foremost reason the second they sank their teeth into that forbidden fruit.

Clothing covers our nakedness.

Praise .. to cover the bare ugliness of our sins? To guard the privacy of our innermost beings against the prying eyes and fiery darts of evil?

Clothing also protects against the elements … whether heat and cold, wind and rain, sleet and snow. Firefighters wear flame-retardant clothing to protect them from fire. Eskimos wear heavy parkas and fur to shield them from the freezing cold temperatures in which they live.

Welders. Cowboys. Laboratory workers. Any occupation that places people in harm's way also provides proper gear - yes, that's right ... clothing ... garments - to keep them as safe as possible from the inherent risks of their chosen profession.

Praise … as a protective barrier between us and the harsh, soul-destroying elements of the world? A guard against the enemy we fight on a daily basis?

It is said “the clothes make the man.” Indeed, we tend to place enormous importance on what we wear. Proper clothing is a bolster to confidence … it makes us feel good about ourselves. Wilhela Cushman, 25-year fashion editor for Ladies Home Journal, said, “Just around the corner in every woman's mind is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her.”

Oh, my!

Praise … making new creatures of us? Praise … bolstering our spiritual assurance? Praise … making poised, protected, powerful Christians of us?

Imagine that.

Father, we so love to worship You! You are our Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are great and greatly to be praised ... and we do praise You, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We wrap ourselves in our garment of praise, and we thank You for turning it into a cloak of protection, a cover of righteousness, and in the end, a wedding gown unlike any ever seen by man!

Scared Speechless

(Gulp!)

I have a speaking engagement coming up on the 19th. It's a ladies banquet at a local church, and I just found out they're expecting 120-130 women in attendance. Friends, I'm scared out of my mind!

People think because writers are "good with words," they should have no problem speaking. But I'm here to tell you, it ain't so! When I write, I can rearrange my words to perfection; think about them before I commit them to that paper (or computer screen, in my case). But when I'm speaking, I only get ONE CHANCE to get it right, and I'm absolutely certain I will lose my train of thought, or say something totally ridiculous, trip on my own oversized feet ... or simply pass out cold on stage.

I need the anointing of the Lord on the 19th. I want to edify, encourage AND entertain. I want someone to walk out of that room with new hope in her heart. I want to submit myself into the hands of God, to be His instrument, His voice for that night. I would be so honored to just provide the voice and lips and tongue for God to say whatever He has to say to this group of Christian ladies.

Prayers, please ... !