EVERYTHING'S COMING UP......

BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FIRST SHIPMENT OF BOOK THREE, "THE CALL FROM A DISTANT FIELD" ARRIVED TODAY!


CROCUSES!!!!!!!!! MANY CROCUSES ARE OUT AND BLOOMING WITH OTHER FLOWERS FOLLOWING CLOSE BEHIND!

I've never seen anything like it! The warm weather is making things in the garden flourish. I hope we do not have a late frost to complicate everything!

As for the books, the mat in front of my front door where the box arrived today kind of says it all--WELCOME! I am so glad to have this book finally in print. It seemed like it was taking forever for all the finalities to come together, but in the last stages I had less trouble than with either of the first two books. It is really something to praise the Lord for! I hope your week has been one in which you can find much to praise God for! Blessings, LORI

THOUGHTS FROM A FORMER PASTOR'S WIFE--PART 2

THOUGHT NUMBER TWO--The Leap Of Faith

When we made the decision to leave our pastorate, we were sure that we had done the right thing. I still believe we did though there have been some challenging days since. But, for the most part, this move was a leap of faith that increased our faith and tremendous, unexpected blessings seemed to follow. We have had some of the greatest victories of our lives in the economic realm since resigning, while at the same time having some of the biggest uncertainties face us as far as earning money goes.

Even after seven months my little part time job is the ONLY income we can count on in a "natural" or "normal" sense--by that I mean that I usually know how often I will work. But all the jobs Clint does (he has at least four part time jobs) are "on call" type jobs. You never know when or IF you will be needed. He barely worked during the month of June and then had more income the first few days of July than all of June combined. There is absolutely no way to project our monthly income until the month is over!

Our already limited monthly income has been reduced by about half most months. We had been working under a sizeable pay cut for the 18 months previous to our resignation. We had offered to take the cut, so please don't think our church was purposely trying to limit our income! But that meant that most savings were already dwindling. Still, I have been amazed that Clint may work only a few days to my 12+ days per/month and he always brings in more money than me. I am very happy with my pay by the way--so that's not a concern! I believe the "anointing" for earning an income is on him as head of the family so that even in these circumstances, he never fails to provide. This fact alone increases my faith.

Some people would call us fools for taking such a risky step this late in our lives. as I've said before, I wouldn't recommend doing such a thing lightly. Our past experience walking through the Christian life helped us recognize the proper timing and how to trust for provision.


Stay tuned for my next post on "Thoughts From a Former Pastor's Wife."

Meanwhile, on other fronts....I'm moving forward on publication of "The Cry From a Distant Field." Hooray! Also we are experiencing a very serious heat wave here in Michigan. Thankfully, we have air conditioning in our house! Today I spoke at a tri-county ladies' prayer luncheon quite a distance from my home. The meeting went so well! Their usual meeting room is not air conditioned so we met in an adjoining room. It was pleasant, and the ladies were so sweet to turn out in such weather, but it did get a little warm before the event was over. We had a great time together and I continue to marvel at how the Lord seems to use stories from our lives in our evangelistic and church-encouraging efforts. Today my topic was about how God spoke to my heart while I was in Africa in 2004! There was a lot of interest in my books and I was thrilled for that!

Stay cool, and BLESSINGS, Lori

A FEW LAST PICTURES OF OUR COLORADO TRIP

HERE ARE A FEW OF THE LAST PICTURES OF OUR TRIP! I AM READING TO EMMA FOR THE LAST TIME FOR A WHILE. THIS WAS KIND OF SAD. IT WAS A TEARFUL GOODBYE BEFORE THE NIGHT WAS OVER.


ALSO AMONG THE PHOTOS ARE A SCENE FROM "GARDEN OF THE GODS," A BEAUTIFUL ATTRACTION RISING OUT OF THE EARTH IN THE MIDDLE OF COLORADO SPRINGS! IT'S AMAZING AND VERY PRETTY.


I ALSO HOPE YOU ENJOY THESE OUTDOOR SCENES TAKEN DURING OUR TRIP TO THE STATE PARK UP IN THE MOUNTAINS.

SORRY THE LAST PICTURE IS BLURRY. THIS IS EMMA IN HER "BOB THE TOMATO" HAT THAT AUNT RHI FOUND AT HER VISIT TO FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, ALSO IN COLORADO SPRINGS. I DIDN'T HAVE A GOOD PICTURE OF SOPHIE ON OUR LAST EVENING TOGETHER.

THANKS FOR SHARING OUR TRIP WITH US THESE LAST FEW WEEKS. THOUGH WE'RE HOME NOW, AND IT'S QUIETER IN ONE SENSE, IT SEEMS WE'VE BEEN ON THE RUN EVERY WAKING MOMENT SINCE RETURNING. I THINK THAT HAS HELPED US FILL THE TIME WITHOUT THE GRANDBABIES. GOD IS GIVING THE GRACE I PRAYED FOR.

FOR THOSE WHO CARE--THE SOCKS ARE NOT YET COMPLETELY 'EVOLVED.'

WE ALSO CAME HOME TO A CRASHED COMPUTER AND THOUGHT I HAD LOST MY LATEST BOOK AND ALL OUR OTHER FILES WHICH INCLUDED BOOK 4 AND 5 WHICH WERE ONLY PARTIALLY WRITTEN. IT NOW APPEARS THAT OUR COMPUTER GUY (A COUSIN) WAS ABLE TO SAVE EVERYTHING! PRAISE GOD! I HAD A FEELING I NEEDED TO TAKE TIME TO PRINT OUT BOOK 4 WHICH WAS READY TO GO TO THE PROOFREADER RIGHT BEFORE WE LEFT. IT WAS ONE OF THE LAST THINGS WE DID. IT WAS AS IF THE LORD WAS WATCHING OVER ALL THESE SMALL DETAILS. THE BOOK IS SO CLOSE TO PUBLICATION AND FOR 24HOURS I WOULD HAVE BEEN UNSURE IF IT SURVIVED HAD WE NOT TAKEN THE TIME TO RUN IT OFF ON PAPER RIGHT BEFORE LEAVING. I'M SO THANKFUL TO GOD THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TO SWEAT IT OUT EVEN FOR THAT LONG! BLESSINGS, LORI

DESTINED TO BE ROYAL

I just wanted to share birthday pictures with you! Emma turned two yesterday! Today Sophie turned two months!

Last night we all celebrated at a princess birthday party in Emma's honor. Her daddy prayed to open the party, thanking God for two wonderful years with Emma. Then we all enjoyed some food, among which were the princess' favorites--macaroni and cheese (more popularly known as "ronies,") and black olives! Emma received many lovely gifts that she opened very nicely and neatly (she really did!) and enjoyed each one in turn. She received a new plate and bowl and promptly turned around and went to the food table and began filling it with the sliced tomatoes that were there for sandwiches! The pop-up princess castle with attached tunnel was from Granny and Papa. It was a popular item. We didn't know the party was a 'princess' theme when we bought it. She's very mature for two and really growing up fast. We adore her and love our little princess!

Now, just for the ladies: isn't it the dream of every girls' heart to be a princess? Or at least to be treated like one? I have read a lot in the past few years about this phenomenon. The first woman, Eve, was destined to be the "princess" of the first earthly kingdom, Eden, alongside her husband, Adam. Sin disrupted this perfect plan and the enemy of our souls stepped in to ruin her life's role and to thrust upon her daughters forever more consequences that are anything but "royal."

Thankfully our Saviour bought back our royal rights through His death and resurrection, once again bestowing upon us a kingdom and a royal priesthood. In His eyes all His daughters are "princesses," women of great value and worth deserving of royal treatment.

Sadly, many girls and women today do not know that they are loved by a Saviour who wants to restore their royalty. Maybe they had a father that didn't value them, a husband or series of men in their lives who did not see their true worth. May we as Christians be all about the business of restoration in this world, the ministry of reconciliation. Christians moms and dads, value your daughters as the princesses that they are. Let them experience your love and respect for their womanhood. Because of the books I write, I have a lot of interest in things that respect womanhood. Courtship is just one of the seemingly minor issues that really promote the value of Christian womanhood. Modesty is another. We all need to take an assessment of some of our cultural practices that really do nothing but teach women and girls that they are not respected. As Christians, we are the bearers of truth--better techniques for life. Teach your daughters their worth (Proverbs 31). Every little girl should know she is a princess. Every woman should grow up with the attitude that she is the daughter of a King. Blessings, LORI

A SURPRISE ITEM AND MORE MODESTY THOUGHTS

I want to tell you that I have a little surprise coming to my house in a week or so. If you care to, go ahead and make a guess as to what it might be. I'll give a clue every day. First clue: It's not my new granddaughter--she's not due until the end of December at the earliest.

This particular "thing" is something that I've waited for for a long time--years and years, in fact.
I am very excited about it!

I got to go to town today and shopped pretty much all afternoon. I tried a few things on, but brought nothing home from the clothing line except three pair of bargain socks! I got some really nice socks for 50cents per pair. It was the usual shopping trip, me trying on stuff and finding nothing that fit right. I mentioned this dilemma in the modesty discussions last week. I did notice today though that there are a few items in the fall clothing line that are modest and it might be a good idea to take advantage of that. The new long, blousy plaid shirts are pretty modest since they cover the hips if you wear them with jeans. I wanted to mention last week that I've noticed that when the fashion trends change, often there will mercifully be one or two items in a new year that will be modest and can be used easily.

When Rhiannon and I were in England a year and a half ago, the style of dresses over leggings was already popular there. If the dresses are sufficiently long and loose, I think this is one of the nicest modest styles to come along in a while. It gives women the luxury of slacks, combined with the more dressy look of a dress. I bought a dress like that immediately when I got home. A friend of mine bought one too and we were the first to wear that style to church. She felt so self-conscious that she and I determined to wear ours on the same day so we'd not feel like we stuck out in the crowd too much (does that sound like junior high?)! Anyway, today's modesty tip is to search hard for the few modest things that are on the market in any given year and then take advantage of them for when the "drought" of modest clothing comes along!

You may wonder why modesty is an issue with me. Well, as I said, we were all taught as little girls to dress quite differently than you see nowadays. I can literally remember when the high school had "slacks day" during Winterfest so the girls could wear slacks once during the school year! I was in elementary at that time (late 60's) and so it didn't apply to me. We little girls were allowed to wear slacks any time. As well as being ingrained in me, I have already mentioned several scriptures that apply. Because I have written the courtship books, there is also a connection. Most people that will willingly participate in courtship instead of the casual dating of our society are individuals that are looking seriously at all aspects of the Christian life, including the witness they leave with the way they dress. That's another reason to be modest. For the single girls--if you're hoping to marry, what kind of man do you want to attract? If you believe you have to dress very seductively to attract a man, then you will get a man that probably doesn't have your best interests at heart. It's just that simple. Dress modestly and you will be attractive to men who appreciate a woman for her true self.

I'll keep you posted on the "surprise" item each time I write this week! Blessings, LORI

MORE HINTS AND EVEN A RECIPE SUGGESTION!

The continuing discussion on modest clothing. There's a bit of a joke around our house that if there were such a thing as the "modesty police," that would be Mom's (Lori's) dream job! Well, I do wish I could somehow help folks understand that modesty is a GOOD thing, not a drudgery.

The true and lasting qualities of beauty are best discovered by first getting to know a person on the level of their self, not their body. This is one of the reasons that covering your body appropriately is just plain, wise, living. Because of the themes of my books, "courtship," modesty goes right along with the subject. In a courtship, the couple is supposed to be praying about each other and getting to know one another based on lots of important spiritual and character qualities and not focusing on physical attraction alone. I tried to bring that out in "The Fields of May."

I hope to someday be able to direct readers to a place where they can purchase dresses that are designed to look like Carrie's clothes from the book. I purposely described Carrie, the main character, as a young woman who makes very careful efforts to dress modestly and beautifully. I have actually been talking to various folks about the possibility of getting a few of Carrie's dresses on the market. It's a dream that I hope one day comes true!

So how can women dress modestly in an immodest culture? If you sew, you have an advantage because you can make your own items. However, I find that I barely have enough time anymore to make all the clothes necessary to outfit myself. Plus it's getting harder to find good fabrics and patterns since many sewing stores are going out of business. I do what I can and make alot of my more dressy clothes, but even modest everyday stuff is getting hard to find anymore. I find that layering is a good option. If you find a blouse, but the sleeves are cut too deeply or the neckline a bit wide; a blouse, shirt, or sweater worn over it can solve the problem. The longer, fuller skirts like I have on in the cowboy boot picture (yesterday's post) are also a staple in my wardrobe. I find they are very cheap and quite popular right now. They can be dressed up or down by the tops you wear with them.

Another good indicator of whether your outfits are appropriate is to ask you husband or your father (if he is a Christian). A few times Clint has suggested to me that I needed to wear something under a certain blouse. He will honestly tell me if something is just a bit on the edge and doesn't look like it should. Sometimes it's hard to see how an outfit looks on you from all angles, but another person can help you.

Pray before you shop. I once had a friend that prayed before going clothes shopping for the simple reason that she needed to find bargains that fit her budget. She testified that the Lord helped her find what she needed!

And please---do not fall into the trap of looking frumpy in the name of modesty. Improper and ill-fitting clothing that isn't pretty does nothing for your Christian witness and certainly draws a different kind of negative attention to yourself. While neatness, cleanliness, and modesty are tops on the list; beauty should not be sacrificed. Just read the detailed descriptions of the tabernacle furnishings and realize the importance God put on the items surrounding and adorning His dwelling. Our God loves beauty. The people who worked on the tabernacle were skilled artisans, many were workers in fabrics and dyes, emboiderers and weavers. The priests' clothes were carefully and skillfully made and described in detail. Offer your best to the Lord in everything you do, whether it is your service, your appearance, your time, or your money.

Switching gears: I invented a new recipe last night that you might like to try. I dipped chicken breasts in coating (Fryin' Magic) and browned them on both sides. I then placed them in a glass baking dish and covered them with foil. Baked them at 400 til I knew they were done (thermometer). Meanwhile I had boiled about two tablespoons of concentrated orange juice and barbeque sauce together with a few dashes of soy sauce. When the chicken was done I basted it with the sauce mixture and baked a while longer. Really, really good! Kind of a "teriyaki" flavor. Yum, yum. Experiment with sauces and see what flavors you like.

Another tip: tonight I made a casserole of ravioli. I buy the frozen ravioli and then just put it in a glass pan (greased) and cover with a quart of spaghetti sauce. My homemade sauce always seems a bit watery compared to store-bought, but that's absolutely perfect for ravioli since the little pasta pockets need the extra moisture as they bake. I covered this with shredded cheese and baked til crispy and bubbly. Very good and very easy. I buy the day old deli breads as often as I can. The whole grain buns are my favorite. I cut them in half and top with butter, garlic salt, parmesan, and shredded cheese and broil for a few minutes. Great side dish and cheap too! Blessings, LORI

MORE ENCOURAGEMENTS

I need to add a little to one of yesterday's answers. I also remember that my parents got me a diary for my 7th or 8th birthday. I was probably in first grade and just learning to write. Because I had an especially hard time remembering which way the "b's" and "d's" were supposed to face, there are several interesting entries that go along these lines--"fed my bog and went to ded," or things like that! But that diary led to journaling......

I try to recommend as much as possible, to Christian women especially, that you begin to journal during your devotions. Buy some type of writing paper or ready-made journal that you are comfortable with and keep it with your Bible. I often use the cheap school notebook type tablets that can be purchased at many stores this time of year for 15 cents and up (approx.) if you shop around. I stock up on them and keep them handy. When you use a journal to record your thoughts during your Bible reading time, it becomes a record of how the Holy Spirit is prompting you. No one else has to read your entries and that's a great place to practice writing! Before long you will see a "thread" of God's encouragements to you.

My first and second books, "The Fields of May," and "A Sturdy Fence," ( the second one due out in early December) were written in these cheap notebooks. I did a little writing each night before I went to bed and then read, re-read, tweaked, edited, and repeated the whole process for about 10 years! Part of the lengthy delay in publishing was due to the typing that had to be done. I couldn't turn the manuscripts to someone else to type because I was the only one who could decipher 10 years worth of scribbled corrections, arrows, and out of order pages! It shouldn't have to take that long. With the aid of the computer, book three was written over a time period of about 6-8 months. I started book 4 yesterday and it's already about an eighth of the way done--or so---who knows at this point? The whole outline is complete already.

I am learning all the time and my advice to others is 'just start writing', especially in a journal. Your individual style will develop quickly. I see a difference just from my first book to my second to my third, and so on. Yet, my own sort of individuality still shows through. The old-fashioned, flowery, descriptions of places, clothes, furnishings, or courtship proposals are my favorite thing to write! I love the descriptive paragraphs!

I encourage you to develop a time of Bible reading every day. The journaling will be a part of that. That leads to more writing! Blessings, LORI

WRITING

Because I get alot of quesstions about writing, ( and the gardens are pretty quiet right now!) I thought I'd add a little discussion for a few days to my blog concerning how I got started writing and try to answer some of the frequent ??? folks ask.

Question 1: How did you get started writing?

Answer: I always enjoyed creative writing in school and one lesson in particular stands out to me. In sixth grade our English teacher had our "rows" each work on a story. The person at the first desk made the title, the second desk in the row set the time period, the third set the place, the fourth the character, and so on, without consulting each other. We then grouped up and wrote a story from that! It was fun, wildly funny, and VERY memorable! It got me started with loving to work with my imagination.

Question 2: What is your book about?

Answer: So far, all my books are fictional stories about Christian courtship. That's what we discussed for a few weeks on the blog--check all the labels to review that discussion. PS: I finished book three this morning--hooray!

Question 3: How do you go about writing a book?

Answer: With "The Fields of May," I saw one scene (in the middle of the book) in my mind and wrote the whole book around that. The same thing happened with book three and now book four--the outline of which I completed yesterday--hooray again! Usually I write scenes and then fill in the details to connect them. Book three was so far the easiest to write. It's the first I've done directly on the computer. "The Fields of May" and "A Sturdy Fence" were handwritten in journals over a ten year time period and I transcribed them onto the computer just in the last few years. NEVER AGAIN--IT'S ALL ON THE WORD PROCESSOR FROM NOW ON!

I'll answer a few more questions tomorrow. If you have one, please ask me by leaving a comment, I'll try to answer. Blessings, LORI