Petunias, Maze Work, and Masks

So, with all the talk about masks, and what kinds are best, and how you should make them, and where you're required to wear them, and how to get out of wearing them, I decided to just go with this mask!

Okay, so I didn't actually leave the house with this!!! I was just having some fun. :)

When Miriam and I go for walks, we often pass this sign with the faded heart, and I always get the urge to bring a red marker, and grammatically correct it. 

Like this . . . Only don't panic, I haven't actually done it!

Miriam and I have been doing some odd jobs around the maze, including sanding these pews down and painting them for benches.

And it's petunia season again! With a mile and a half of plowed dirt, two semi-trailers of flowers, and a great crew, we were happy to get them in the ground.

And, of course, I've been working on several books. I just talked with two of my editors yesterday, so I've got some updating to do on my PK Detective book, The Clue in the Pulpit.

15 Favorite Tween Books

  Recently, I've had several people ask me about books for 11-13 year-old readers. What books do I recommend? So, I've put together a list of books that either I loved as a tween, (and still do love), or books that my nieces love.
 
Now, I have to say, I'm super conservative and picky about books. I don't like books where the kids are brats, and I don't like books that delve into fantasy. So, if you're looking for fantasy or sci-fi, you probably won't find any on this list.
   
   I don't have any specific order to these, so I'm going to just start naming them.

1. Sherlock Jones Series, by Ed Dunlop 

2. Peabody Adventures, by Jeri Massi

3. Arby Jenkins, by Sharon Hambrick 

4. The Adventures of Arty Anderson Series, by Mark Redmond

5. The Accidental Detectives, by Sigmund Brouwer

6. The Young Refugee Triology, by Ed Dunlop 

7. Gatlin Fields series, by Sandra Waggoner

8. Freedom Seekers, by Lois Walfrid Johnson 

9. The Northwoods Adventures, by Lois Walfrid Johnson 

10. The Wall Series, by Robert Elmer

11. Adventures Down Under, by Robert Elmer

12. The Jed Cartwright series, by Ed Dunlop

13. The Missionary Adventures of Bob and Arty, by Jeff Barth

14. The Ivan books, by Myrna Grant

15. The Scripture Sleuth, by Mat Halverson


And then, I have a few books that I've written for those ages.

The Mystery in the Corn Maze

The Ty Carson Series

The Adventures of Amy

I hope these books will be a blessing to you and your young readers!

The 24-hour Book

   Is it possible to write a book in 24 hours? I might have said no . . . until I did it. Okay, so when I was 18, Mom suggested that I write a book for the corn maze. At first, I didn't really like the idea, but as she kept bringing it up, it grew on me, and eventually, I sat down to give it a try.
I wrote several rough drafts, and finally I completed one that I was semi happy with, but when I let my sister read it, she said it was way too melodramatic and sad for a kid's book. I was about to give up on the idea, but Mom encouraged me to give it one more try.
     I sat down, that evening, and started writing, and when I went to bed that night, (or early the next morning as the case may be,) I was over half-done with a book that I thought would work. I got up the next morning and kept at it, and right after lunch, I finished the rough draft to the current Mystery at the Corn Maze book.
      No, I don't think I could do it again. At least not on any book longer than that one, but thankfully, The Mystery at the Corn Maze is an earlier reading book and not as long. It's geared for 8-12 year-olds and has several real stories mixed into the fiction.
Stories from the corn maze. Like the time vandals ran a four-wheeler through the field, or the time someone hung our scarecrow from the fort walls.
If you're an entrepreneur, and you're super familiar with the corn maze world, you may recognize a few other hidden references in the book as well. ;)

Bagels

I usually always have a bagel for Sunday morning breakfast, so this week, I decided to try making them myself. It was harder than I thought, and I think it’ll take a little while to get the feel of making them, but for a first attempt I think it went well! 

I found a recipe for French toast bagels online, and they actually tasted just like the store bought ones, but better! 

On another note, I ordered the proof copies for the first PK detective book. But don't get your hopes up! It's still going to be a looong time before it's ready, and I may end up actually publishing another one first. We'll see. :) 

Reminders

   I started writing my first book when I was thirteen. It was a school project, and when I was seventeen, I published it, along with the next two books in the series.
    I have mixed feelings about The Adventures of Amy series. Part of me looks at it as my beginning, and I don't ever want to forget where I started. Another part of me is embarrassed.
    When I flip through the books now, I can tell they were written by a thirteen-year-old with a wild imagination. They're not perfectly written, or edited, and some of the scenes are . . . yeah. Very amateur.
      I've spoken with other authors who have quit selling their first books, because they don't want people to read them, and judge the rest of their writing by their beginning. I've thought about doing that with the Amy books. I've thought about re-writing them. Who knows, maybe I will someday, but for now, I'm going to continue carrying them as a reminder. A reminder to never despise meager beginnings. As a reminder that there is always room for growth, and as a reminder of all the things God taught me while I was writing them.
    So, yes, I know that they're not the most well-written books in the world, but I'm so thankful that God led me on this journey, and while I'm not where I'd like to be in my writing, I'm thankful that I'm not where I used to be.

Sister Time

Sunday afternoons, my sisters and I usually spend a bit of sister-time. Now, it's just Miriam and me, but we still take time Sunday afternoons and do stuff together. Sometimes, we just talk, other times, we watch a movie, or drink coffee, or any number of other things, but we usually spend the afternoon together.
   Now, I don't know where you're at in life, but if you have sisters at home, take time with them. Now, two of my sisters are married, and it's just Miriam and me, and I cherish the memories with my sisters. I'll never regret the Sundays I've spent with them. (Or any other day;)) Time spent with family is well spent time.

PK Detective Excerpt

So, I've been doing some editing on my Preacher Kid Detective book, and decided to share an excerpt. No, it's NOT fully edited yet, but here's a glimpse.

     I eased in the back door of the sanctuary, and cringed. They’d just finished the last song, and Dad was getting up to preach. I had done my best, and failed miserably. The last parent hadn’t picked up their kid till I knew I was going to be late. Really late. I had to walk by Dad’s office to get to the sanctuary, and although Rachael had cleaned it up pretty well, there was still a broken door, the remains of a dead mouse smeared on the floor, and a busted chair leaning against the desk.
        She’d taped paper over the holes in the glass, so hopefully no one would cut themselves on it, but the way I was feeling I was pretty sure I could cut myself on a gummy worm. Being a klutz was bad enough, but being a klutz, and having to walk in late was about the worst thing I could imagine.
         Dad looked straight at me, and raised one eyebrow slightly. He didn’t look mad, but as a pastor, and a retired Navy chaplain, I knew he wasn’t going to blow up in front of his entire congregation.
         “Let’s pray.” Sometimes, his voice sounds quiet and gentle, but this time, it sounded more like a drill sergeant’s command, and I cringed. He waited a moment before bowing his head, but as soon as he did, I headed for my pew. All the way up to the front row. Who ever thought of making the pastor’s family sit in the front row wasn’t thinking straight. Sometimes we have to walk in late because of late parents at Sunday School classes, and walking up the whole aisle to get to your seat is just wrong!
           I hurried up the side aisle, hoping to get to my pew before he finished praying.
         It would have been perfect, if Andy hadn’t been sitting on the outside of the pew. His eyes were closed, like a good kid’s, and he didn’t see me. He stretched out his legs just as I was trying to ease past him into the pew.
          My foot came down hard on his ankle, and I vaguely heard his gasp of pain as I tried to move my foot. He yanked his feet back, and I tried to move forward at the same time. Somehow, I hooked my foot on his ankle, and faceplanted in the carpet with a grunt. My elbow burned from the carpet, and I squeezed my eyes shut.
       “Amen.” Dad’s powerful voice didn’t comfort me.
        I reached up and held my head in my hands. This was the end. I was doomed to die. Would it be by stoning or humiliation? Or would Mrs. Nelson call the cops?
       A foot nudged me in the side. “You okay?” I heard a slight whisper.
       I glanced up. Andy stared at me with a frown. “Are you okay?” he whispered again. Though his lips barely moved.
       I bit down hard to keep back the laugh. Okay? At a time like this? Did I look okay? Did he think I normally sprawled in front of the church like this?
        Mom was sitting on the inside of the pew, near the center aisle, and Dad’s empty seat. I met her gaze and about died. What would she do to me when church was over and everyone was gone? Only last Sunday she had told me that if I got into one more shenanigan, she’d do something drastic to make sure I learned to behave.
         Mom motioned to the pew. “Get up,” she mouthed.
           I cringed. If everyone had their eyes shut when Dad was praying, then they didn’t know I was here. What would they think when I crawled off the floor and sat down in the pew like nothing was wrong?
        Did I look as bad as I felt? My hand flew to my neck. My tie! I’d left it and my suit in the Sunday School room. My rolled-up sleeves had children’s snot and tears on them, and I was sure my hair wasn’t much better.
          Swallowing hard, I turned my face towards the pulpit. If I was going to have to be seen, at least I didn’t have to see the people staring at me.




And on another note, if you haven't tried the Whipped Coffee that's going all over the internet, it really is AMAZING!!!

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter from we sisters!

Having some fun . . .

12 Reasons I'm Encouraged During Covid-19

First off, yes, I know there’s a lot of uncertainty, and grief, and anxiety, and stress. I could make a list equally long of stressful things in life, but let’s focus on the encouraging thing.

1. I’m encouraged with families.
I feel like every day, I’m hearing about families working through school and employment trouble together. I’m SO encouraged by all the families growing closer through this time.

2. I’m encouraged with church.
Yes, I know many church buildings are closed, but THE CHURCH is not closed, and never will be. It’s been so encouraging watching the creative ways people have been coming up with to share Christ’s love during this time. The fellowship is different, but there are so many ways to feel close as a church, and I’ve enjoyed the phone calls, texts, cards, facetime, etc. that has been drawing the church together in encouragement.

3. I’m encouraged by the good that’s filling my Facebook page.
Never, have I ever seen so much Scripture, so many Bible studies, and sermons filling my newsfeed. I can’t help but think how difficult it would be for an unsaved person to be on Facebook without being exposed to at least a handful of Sunday morning services!

4. I’m encouraged by the community.
Driving through Warroad, and seeing all the hearts in everyone’s windows, and seeing how people have been supporting each other and helping through this time whether it’s making facemasks, or visiting the elderly through windows, it’s neat to see.

5. I’m encouraged by the politics.
I know, that sounds crazy at a time like this! But very few times in my memory do I remember so many people from opposing parties supporting each other. Yes, I know there’s a lot of drama going on too. Yes, I know there are things being handled poorly in some areas, but I’ve also heard good. I’ve heard politicians that are against the current administration, give praise to the way things are being run, and I’m encouraged that some are able to put their differences aside.

6. I’m encouraged because the soldiers at the tomb were wrong.
You ever think about that? They literally told people that while they were asleep the disciples stole the body. Seriously? Try that with the judge sometime. “I was asleep, and so-and-so came in and stole this. Then I woke up and called the police.” Um . . .what?? You saw this when you were asleep!?!?!? And these are soldiers, if they’d have woken up, and seen the disciples leaving, I kind of think they would have stopped them.

7. I’m encouraged because HE lives!!!!
Jesus Christ left an empty tomb!! Yes, this is a difficult time, but Jesus went through hardship too. He endured the torture of death on the cross because He knew that it wasn’t the end, and He had no plans of staying dead. He is alive, and no matter the uncertainties, we can be sure that He is alive.

8. I’m encouraged, because God is in control.
Yes, 2020 is nothing like any of us planned, but it’s not beyond His plans. He is still on His throne, and He is still good!

9. I’m encouraged that God’s Word is still living and breathing!
Things like the Bible Bee are still making it easy for families to use time inside to study God’s Word!

10. I’m encouraged that this isn’t new.
Sure, this is new to us. None of us have ever been quarantined for Covid19 before. But the things we’re experiencing are not new. In just the last century, with the world wars, millions of people had their dreams crushed, their lives ruined, and their future thrown into question. All through history, people have faced hardships similar to this, and have pushed through. We can to.

11. I’m encouraged that the Bible has examples of these circumstances.
Have you ever read Leviticus? How often people had to stay ‘quarantined’ because they had a strange spot? How many times people weren’t allowed into the tabernacle because they were sick?

AND, remember 2 Chronicles chapter 30? The Passover was postponed then too. We’re not in unheard of circumstances!

12. And most of all, I’m encouraged that in the end, everything is going to be made right.
No matter what the trouble, God is in control, and in the last day, all things will be made right.

13 Things to do When Stuck Home As a Single Adult During Covid-19

So, colleges and schools are closed, and all across the world, young people are stuck at home with their families. This was NOT what you planned when you left for college.

After a question from a friend, I decided to put together a list of things YOU can do to make it easier on yourself, and your family.

1. Treat it like a ministry.
God has you home for a reason. Let Him use you there.

2. Do your share of the work.
You’re an adult. Having you in the house should NOT make it harder on your parents. You can do your dishes and pick up after yourself.

3. Fit in with the family schedule as much as possible.
I know you’ve still got college work and stuff to keep you busy. But if the whole family is eating at one time, don’t ignore them, and eat an hour later. Be a part of the family as much as possible. It will make it easier on your parents, and you might find you actually like hanging with your family!

4. Keep up on daily devotions, if you don’t have daily devotions, then start.

5. Get to know your siblings, and make memories.
Especially if you have younger siblings, go out of your way to make memories with them. All the uncertainty isn’t easy on them either, but having an older sibling spend time with them, is going to be special!

6. Be one of the ‘kids’ and respect your parents' calls.
If Mom and Dad say no to a younger sibling, don’t be that person who contradicts them. Help out your parents by supporting their decisions. It is their house.

7. If you don't know anything about cooking or housekeeping, now is the time to learn. Guys, you too. Someday, you’re going to wish you knew how!

8. Get to know your parents. It’s easy as a young adult to lose-touch with your parents. Take this time to have conversations with them. Learn from their wisdom.

9. Be an encouragement to distant friends. You’ve left a lot of friends at college, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about them! Send texts, letters, cards, e-mails, video clips, etc., If you need encouragement, then other people do too, be the one encouraging others!

10. Have a good attitude. No one needs to hear you complain about how difficult this is. Everyone else is having a hard time too. Besides, 1 Thess. 5:18 says that we’re supposed to be thankful all the time!

11. If possible, go for walks every day, and if you have younger siblings, take them with.

12. If you know your Mom has projects that she's been wanting you to do, start them! Help her out. She’s probably having a hard time too.

13. Be understanding. This is all new for your siblings and parents too.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do ALL to the glory of God.”