Sunday, May 27, 2007

Life...Interrupted

So often we think we have things under control. Life is going along fine. Then it happens, that one thing you never expected. Or, you saw it coming, but the magnitude far outreaches what you imagined.

Is God there? What is He thinking? How can I get through this?

Read the rest at Writer...Interrupted.

*Photo by Penny Mathews

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Is It Friday?

I guess I'm easily amused these days. But this is just too funny to me. Be sure to come back and click here on Saturday as well. The answer changes...I promise.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

MANNA REIGN FINALS!!!

My manuscript Manna Reign finaled in the 2007 ACFW Genesis Writers contest! I'm so thrilled. Now it's off to the second round of judging. Winners will be announced at the conference in September. Below is a list of all the winners. I'm honored to be counted in their midst.

Contemporary Romance (includes romantic comedy)
Jennifer Lynn Cary
Audra Harders
Catherine Hershberger
Roxanne Sherwood
Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Historical Romance
Linda Fulkerson
Audra Harders
Pam Hillman (double finalist in Historical Romance)
Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Romantic Suspense
Sally Bradley
Marci J. Burke
Dineen Miller
Dani Pettrey
Suzan Robertson

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory
Sally A. Apokedak
Valerie Comer
Rebecca Grabill
Shannon McNear
Chris Mikesell

Historical Fiction (not romance)
Yvonne Anderson
Marcia Gruver
Tina Helmuth
Carla Stewart
Erica Vetsch

Young Adult
Sally Apokedak
Leigh DeLozier
Linda Fulkerson
Charlene Glatkowski
Rachael Phillips

Contemporary Fiction
Michael Ehret
Jennifer Griffith
Kathy Harriss
Myra Johnson
Angie Poole

Women's Fiction
Lynne Gentry
Ane Mulligan
Kristine Pratt
Kathleen Sprout
Ginger Vaughan

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Martha Pope Gorris
Gina Holmes (double finalist in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller)
Janet Robertson
Janet Rubin

Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit
Georgiana Daniels
Annalisa Daughety
Sabrina Fox-Butcher
Carrie Padgett
Jenness Walker and Tracy Bowen

Congratulations to all the 2007 Genesis finalists!

Friday, May 18, 2007

Crashing Waves

Sometimes I feel like I’m sitting on the beach at the water’s edge. The waves keep coming either washing over me in a soft surge or bowling me over with a giant push. As the waters recede, I barely have time to recover. Water drips from my face, my matted hair, and stings my eyes.

In the distance I see another wave coming, building in its ferocity. Will it be a small one, or will it be the one to truly do me in? The wave swells, eating the water in front of it like a ravenous beast. I dig my fingers into the sand, but the previous waves have loosened the grains to watery mush. I can find nothing to cling to.

Then you’re there, holding out your hand. Your palm is warm and chases away the chills quaking through my body. I meet your gaze and find peace and calmness, but I can hear the roar of the approaching wave. I look away and fear consumes me again. My fingers slip from yours as I try to warn you of the threat.

Very softly, you call my name. “Dineen.”

I can barely hear your voice above the building rumble of water.

“Dineen.”

Reluctantly I look away from the growing threat, so close now I feel the first tremble of its spray. You’re still there, offering your peace, comfort and reassurance. I see it all in your face, and I feel your strength like a jolt of confidence surging through my bones, strengthening my resolve.

I reach for your hands—both this time. You pull me to my feet. I look down at the sand, careful to keep my hands in yours. The wave hits and crashes around our ankles. I feel the fury of the water, but I am not shaken. The wave, which had seemed so overwhelming, now recedes, diminished and broken.

I look again at you. Awe fills me. The tender smile on your face tells me you don’t judge me for my fear. I’m safe now—chosen, accepted, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed.

Loved.

The words tumble in my mind, but I know they’re from you. I don’t know what to say. How do I believe?

Your eyes soften. You pull me into a hug that chases away any remaining fears and doubts.

One word—you speak one word. “Mine.”

I snuggle closer. Tears of joy spring to my eyes. I speak the only thing I can. “Yours.”


*Awesome photos by Joe Glasgow of the UK.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

8 Random Things
(You've got to be kidding...)

Okay chick-a-dees. Gina Holmes, Camy Tang, Michelle Sutton, and Amy Wallace have all tagged me for this one.

Here are 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 to read your blog.


8 random facts/habits about me...
1. I started washing my own clothes at 7. Towels at 8...because I didn't like the way my mother folded them. :-P

2. I'm most content when I'm creating, whether it's design work, writing, or something artsy.

3. I have five cats: Suzy, Katy, Mitty, Cuppy, and Little Bit (in the picture). All have birthdays on holidays. That's the only way we can keep track of their ages. :-)

4. I didn't care much for rock music as a teenage. Now all I listen to is Christian alternative. The more alternative, the better. Hee hee...

5. My idea of an idyllic day: Raining or snowing outside. Me inside by a fire, reading a good book.

6. This September, my husband and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage. Technically, we've been together for over 23 years. (Don't you dare ask how old I am!)

7. I am NOT a morning person.

8. My absolute favorite time of the year is fall. I celebrate the very first day of autumn by hanging a special wreath on my door and putting my favorite fall-colored table cloth out with pretty candles in the middle.

Most of my buds have been tagged but here goes. I tag Pammer, Cheryl, Ronie, Robin, Trish, Betsy, Heather (she is so gonna kill me but I'm desperate!), and, if you're reading this list and aren't listed, I tag YOU!!! Mwah ha ha ha...

Saturday, May 05, 2007

The Spoils of Victory

I'm posted this weekend over at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.
"In the Old Testament, the Israelites often went into battle and won a bounty. Whether it was gold and silver, freedom, or God’s blessing, they claimed the spoils of victory."
Click here to read more...

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Winner!

The winner of Ransomed Dreams is Heidi! Thank you all for stopping by and posting. Feel free to leave suggestions for future blog posts. I have one idea about a series on perfectionism. I'm a recovering one myself... :-) How about you?