DEVOTION: Finding Peace in a Chaotic World (Lisa & Ermalee)

KNOWING GOD 

On Monday, January 9, 1956, five women huddled together at Shell Mera, Ecuador, waiting to hear news from their husbands. These five men, each with a passion for sharing Christ’s love, had spent months making contact with the Auca tribe, one of the most hostile and murderous Indian tribes in all of South America, in an attempt to share with them the gospel of Christ. And now they were missing.

Two days later, four bodies were recovered from the river, some with wood spears still sticking through their clothing. Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian, Nate Saint, and Ed McCully, whose body had apparently been washed away, died as Christian martyrs in the hands of the very people they longed to reach for Christ.

Knowing the numerous obstacles against them, why did these men still decide to go ahead with this mission? Why did they persevere after being strongly cautioned regarding the extreme danger in working with these people? The answer is that these men had their foundations anchored in Christ, and they were ready to die for the salvation of the Auca. They believed not only that God had called them to Ecuador, but that He went before them as their divine leader. These couples believed that no matter what happened, God was still in control.

In our own lives, in order to trust God, we have to know Him, and the Bible is our guide to finding out who God is.
*What He is like: “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” Psalm 145:13

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

*What He expects from us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

*How deeply He cares about us: “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

If we are to persevere in our Christian walk through both the good times and bad times, it is essential for us to
know God and to set our foundation firmly on Him. Only then will we be able to trust Him no matter what is happening in the world around us.

DIGGING DEEPER: The Bible gives us many names for both God and Jesus. Names like the I AM, Alpha and Omega, and Almighty give us a greater insight into who He is. Write down as many names for God as you can think of and what those names tell you about God.

PRAYER: Lord, may we truly come to the point in our lives when our foundation and our identity is firmly set only on you.

“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” I Timothy 6:19

Be blessed today,

Lisa and Ermalee
(Lisa Harris and her mother, Ermalee)

Scriptures taken from the NIV

How Do You Do It? Kara Isaac

As I sit here, typing this, it's 7.29pm and I'm sitting at my desk at work. I've been home, cooked dinner, turned around and come back for another set of meetings that will finish around 10pm.

I'm tired. And overwhelmed.

And I know that I shouldn't be because my life isn't exactly a hardship. In fact, for me of you out there (starting with any one who has a child or more than one!), my life is easy.

And I'm not even sure why I am, because I used to be that girl. I was that girl who crammed a three year degree into two and a half years, while working two jobs, while training for a marathon. And somewhere along the way I've lost her.

And in a way it's a good thing because that girl was manic and needed to learn how to take a breather. But in another way it's not so good because I have so many things that I want to try and fit in but seem to have lost the ability to do it.

So my question today is a very simple one.

How do you do it?

Yes, you. You know who you are.

You, who work, and have a family, churn out a manuscript a year and train for half marathons in your spare time.

You, who have five kids, and serve at a soup kitchen, and write award winning novels with one hand whilst doing the ironing with the other.

You who have a job, and a family, and babysit your grandkids and cook meals from scratch and teach Sunday School, and exercise, and maintain friendships and a marriage, and still make every soccer game and school production.

How do you do it?

GORLS is GIRLS by Rita Stella Galieh

Grafitti seen on a wall. "I like gorls." Someone saw it, crossed it out and wrote, "I like girls". Another came along and wrote, "What about gorls? They want to be liked too."

I guess we've all felt like the odd one out at times. And after writing several novels, I've discovered that my heroes and heroines often feel this way. Maybe that works well in a story by adding some inner conflict and perhaps some argumentative dialogue.

Authors study their protagonists as they need to know how they'll react in given situations. Writers who plan ahead with a plot structure laid out know this before they write. Others, known as "seat-of-the-pantsers" -of whom I am one- tend to discover how their main characters react while they're writing. Yes, characters can take on a will of their own and the novelist soon finds he or she is not true to the way their leading lady/man would perform. And they buck or sulk, depending on who they are. I can't tell you how many times I've had to revise and rewrite until my characters cooperate! I truly like this, though, as it adds some spice when they don't do the obvious. After all, you want to be surprised when you're reading, otherwise the story would be humdrum.

I'd really like to write about an eccentric who does and says nothing you'd expect, but can you imagine trying to explain that in a book proposal to a skeptical publisher? Maybe Dickens wrote his share of strange folk, but I wonder how it would go down today? Anyone read anything lately about an odd character as a main protagonist? Ooh yes, mythic, heroic, strong, virile...yet odd. Hmm, that's food for thought.

www.ritastellagalieh.com & Facebook

Book review: They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti

They Almost Always Come Home
Cynthia Ruchti
Abingdon Press, 2010
Reviewed by Ruth Ann Dell

Cynthia Ruchti's debut novel tells the story of Libby’s journey through two wildernesses.

On the surface, it's all about Libby’s quest to find Greg, her husband. She needs to know if he has deceived and left her, or if he is lost in Canada, perhaps injured or even dead. The book opens with Libby planning his funeral when he fails to arrive home from his first solo expedition in the Quetico wilderness. After the police declare Greg to be "a missing person", Libby, her best friend and her father-in-law set off to retrace his journey.  They canoe and portage through the wilderness, which becomes a vibrant character in its own right as we see it through Libby's eyes.

Libby blames Greg for the death of their twelve-year-old daughter, Lacey. Grief blindfolds her and she stumbles daily through another wilderness—an unseen one of sorrow, fragmented relationships and missed opportunities. She has no faith in God and cannot see that Greg, unable to cope with his grief and her withdrawal, is also unhappy and hurting. Libby decides to leave him, but there is a problem—first she has to find him. How dare he leave her when she's decided to leave him?

As I travelled through these wildernesses with Libby, I sympathised with her as she left her home comforts and learnt to rough it outdoors. I rejoiced with her as bit by bit she allowed God back into her life. I agonized with her as she sought Greg and her hopes of finding him alive were raised, only to be dashed time and time again.  Would she find him? Would she leave him if she did? I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find the answers.

Although it contains painful subject matter, this book is not depressing, in fact, quite the contrary. Although you  cry at times, you also chuckle and laugh out loud at others.

I highly recommend this well-crafted book which is permeated with powerful imagery. Not only is it an enthralling read which brings the rugged beauty of the Quetico wilderness to life, but it challenges readers to examine, appreciate and enrich their relationships with God, family and friends.

What about you? Have you ever had a wilderness experience? If so, please tell readers about it in the comments section.

Please return to this blog on 9th August to read an interview with Cynthia Ruchti by Valerie Cromer.

Cynthia Ruchti is the current president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), which she’s served in various volunteer capacities since shortly after she became a member in 2002. In her role as president of ACFW, Cynthia writes a monthly “From the President” column for ACFW’s Afictionado ezine. For two years she was one of four humor columnists for Afictionado’s “Let There Be Lite.” In 2007, she was the recipient of the ACFW Member Service Award. In 2008, Cynthia won second place for Women’s Fiction in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Contest.

SUNDAY EDITION

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Ruth Ann Dell: Book Review - They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti

Tuesday

Rita Galieh

Wednesday

Kara Isaac

Thursday

Lee Franklin

Friday Devotion

Lisa & Ermalee: Finding Peace in a Chaotic World

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Contest Giveaway Winners

karenk is the winner of Carla Capshaw's book, The Protector (from Narelle's post, July 14). karenk, can you please contact me at narelle [at] narelleatkins [dot] com. Thank you!

Congratulations karenk!

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New Book Release

Legendary Space Pilgrims by Grace Bridges

If Pilgrim's Progress happened in space, this is what it might look like...

On a planet that has never seen the sun, a harvester hears a Voice from beyond. It's time to leave the oatfield. Mario and Caitlin escape the mind control of Planet Monday, following the Voice to unknown worlds where wonders and challenges await. Have you got what it takes...to be a legend?
http://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Space-Pilgrims-Grace-Bridges/dp/098645172X/

Also available at a discount direct from the publisher: www.splashdownbooks.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Book Releases

Kathi Macias' historical set in Rome, Valeria’s Cross, will be released in September 2010 by Abingdon Press.

Amidst lost love, torn loyalties, and a dangerous faith, Princess Valeria discovers that all the riches of Rome can’t protect her from the evil that encroaches at every turn…

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in China, Red Ink will be released in October 2010 by New Hope Publishers.

They took her child, her family, and her freedom…but not her faith.

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Recent Book Releases

Lisa Harris' thriller set in Africa, Blood Ransom, is an April 2010 release from Zondervan.

Harry Kraus' book, The Six-Liter Club, is an April 2010 release from Howard Books.

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in Mexico, More than Conquerors, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Will Pastor Hector Rodriguez continue to take Bibles into the dangerous Mayan area surrounding San Juan Chamula, even after his mother disappears and his little congregation is threatened by unimaginable violence?

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in South Africa, No Greater Love, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Chioma discovers forbidden love amidst the hatred and violence of Apartheid—and then must decide exactly what it is she’s willing to die for…

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Contest News

Jeanette Windle's book, Veiled Freedom (Tyndale) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee and a 2010 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist - congratulations Jeanette!

Tom Davis' book, Scared (David C. Cook) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee - congratulations Tom!

Harry Kraus' book, Salty Like Blood (Howard), is a finalist in the suspense/thriller category of the ACFW 2010 Carol Awards and the romantic suspense category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest - congratulations Harry!

Christine Lindsay is a finalist in the historical category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Touched By Love Contest - congratulations Christine!

DEVOTION: Every Walk Has Its Steps (C.L.Dyck)

     I didn't come from a religious home. Even in small-town Canada, out on the prairies, I managed to get myself into plenty enough hurt before I became a Christian. My culture is very secular, and the values I learned pretty much excluded any serious consideration of Christianity.
     As a gritty Christian, I’ve heard it said a few times–"Well, I don’t really have much to tell. I was saved as a kid, and nothing bad ever happened to me. I’m ‘just’ a Christian."
     Do you know what a huge accomplishment that is in today’s world? If nothing bad ever happened, that’s rare indeed, and not ‘just’ anything. Take a quick look around the globe, and the phenomenon of “I have no real complaints” becomes nothing short of miraculous. To be able to say that about one’s life is truly special.
We have a notion that in order to express Christ, we must have a gritty contrast to reveal the grace. Otherwise, we have nothing to talk about.
     But the reason this makes a testimony is not because Christ operates primarily in the depths of sin and sorrow, but at the end of self. And for most of us, we have to mess up big in order to get to the end of self.
Living sinfully is not necessary to the deep experience of Christ. It would not exactly make for a holy God, if life-damaging pain were the measure of experiencing Him. He is certainly there in the worst pain, and I can assure you, He's there more than anywhere. But what it takes to meet Him is the end of self. Anyone can do that, regardless of experience.
     Anyone can open their Bible and dance with God.
     I used to wonder, why insulate oneself from worldliness, if it’s of no value against fleshly indulgence? (Col. 2:20-23) And there’s a truth there on one side of the coin. I should go out and face the world for what it is. But there’s also a truth on the other, which says, “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father … to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) I can go out and face the world for what I am -- a child of God.
     Even if I remove the world’s intrusions and conquer the devil’s temptations, there is still the flesh -- the me that I wrestle with daily. I could be a hermit on a hilltop and still need God. Because when all the external weight is removed, I must still deal with myself.
     And that’s when I truly begin to see God for who He is–in contrast to my incomplete, internally gritty self. Knowing that, I am learning to say what Paul said:

     I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

     I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. ~Phil. 4:12-13

     There is a lot to conquer in order to come face to face with Christ–to end the separation due to unlikeness of nature. It doesn’t matter where a person’s at, whatever the obstacles, there will be some. So tackle ‘em and never apologize. There is no such thing as ‘just’ a Christian.
     Do you feel like you can "dance with God"? 
     Do you ever wonder what your spiritual message is? 
     Do you wrestle with what it "should" be?

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Cathi-Lyn Dyck is a freelance writer and editor living on the Canadian prairies. She has been eclectically published in the realms of homeschooling, Christian speculative fiction and gardening humor. A former atheist and feminist who came to Christ in 1995, she runs a weekday blog on Christian thinking, life and culture at ScitaScienda.com.

Launching That Book

When my first book was released, it never entered my mind to have a book launch. Sure, the following year for the second book I did have a book signing at a local shop owned by a Rotarian friend. Seventeen titles later over the next ten years or so, I still never gave a thought to having a “Book Launch” for any of them. In fact, I had never been present at any other writer’s book launch either.

Then we moved to Tasmania and I became a member of the Society Women Writers Tasmania. One of our writers who met with us each month announced the launch of her book and so I attended my first book launch ever. When my eighteenth title, Return to Baragula was published in 2008, there was amazement when I confessed I’d never officially launched a book. So, with the encouragement and help of my SWWT friends, Mary had her first book launch, followed a year later by one for her second book in the series, Outback From Baragula.

I have been to other launches since then and in the last couple of months there have been two. The one last June was for a beautiful children’s book, Potato Music, by a local award winning author, Christina Booth. If you are interested in the fascinating story how this book came to be written, I did share about that on my own blog. Here I would like to tell you about the launch I went to a couple of evenings ago.

The author, Marilyn Quirk (url) had taken three years to research and write her non-fiction book, Tasmania. . .an island far away. She spent many, many hours searching for information, interviewing descendants to write the true stories of migrants of many different nationalities. At least these stories have been recorded for their descendants, for generations to come, but the difficulty she had in tracing public and personal historical records of all kinds and in all places was a wake-up call that these precious memories are so quickly being lost. It is an invaluable reminder to all Tasmanians, in fact all Australians, what caused men, women and children to leave their homelands. Both good and bad experiences in their own countries brought them here. Both good and bad things happened in this country while they tried to become part of a different culture with often a different language.

Right now, immigration and asylum seekers are hot topics here in Australia. With a Federal election now only four weeks away, it has become even more controversial as increasing numbers of smugglers try to reach our shores with boatloads of people hoping to find refuge and a new life here. Whereas in the past, migrants have come mainly from Europe and Asia, more recent refugees to Tasmania have come from Africa. Even though modern communication links us around the world so rapidly compared to centuries ago, this is still a new “Island Far Away” from all that was familiar – whether hated or loved. We need to all remember that with “strangers.”

Every book launch I have been privileged to attend here in Tasmania has been different – including my own – and I am wondering what other writers as well as readers think about book launches. Two launches, including my first one were held outdoors as part of a National Trust properties annual Fair. I’ve heard of one organised by a well known local doctor, farmer and then state politician who hired a hall, had about 500 people present, an orchestra etc, etc. The one this week had many descendants of migrants present, including the local city Mayor who launched the book. His own family had migrated from Holland after World War II.

From my own two launches, I realise it is important to plan one that will be particularly of interest to targeted readers of a particular kind of book. Mine are aimed at the Christian fiction market, so the last one as part of a local church’s Fair was far more successful!

I would love to hear from writers and especially readers about book launches they have been to or heard about. What worked? What didn’t?

And hopefully in days to come, I too will be able to put some of your hints into practice at another book launch!

TITHING THE GIFT OF WRITING

Does God care about the stories on our hearts?

Like many who read this blog, I’ve been seriously writing for ten years. Although some of my writing has been published in places that has blessed others spiritually, I’m still waiting for that contract with a traditional house that will actually pay me in cold, hard cash. Will the day ever come when I experience the thrill of seeing the glossy cover of my first novel in print? Steady on, oh beating heart.

But each time I think—the pursuit of a writing career isn’t meant for me. I should just hang up my proverbial ‘writing’ skates—the Lord does something to say, “No way, kiddo, I never said stop writing.”

Last November, events triangulated in my life so that I felt financially I could afford to take a year off from the dratted day job. I gleefully rubbed my hands, pumped to work solely on that oh-so-marketable novel that was going to BREAK IN.

Then…gasp…I felt the Lord say, I want you to put aside that fictional work that means so much to you, and write a story that is on my heart. And then His still small voice said, “Will you trust me enough, child?”

A very worthy but young Christian organization needed someone to write their story, but did not have the funds to pay for it. Would I trust the Lord enough to provide for my household’s need’s while I completed this assignment non-gratis? In other words, would I trust God to pay my wages? But perhaps deeper in the sinews of my heart I felt the yank—would I trust God with the desire of my writer’s heart?

The tug of this ministry’s story was too strong to ignore. How could any writer resist the adventures of modern-day missionaries, the testing of God’s power, fulfilling feats of faith? I sure couldn’t. I threw my financial needs into the lap of my heavenly father and set hard to work. Besides, what’s more important than helping people preach the gospel of Christ to the world? Life is too short to worry about building greater metaphorical barns and houses for myself…or even writing the Great American Christian Novel.

Seven months later, I’m 2/3rd’s of the way through this non-fictional work. Oh there are days I chomp at the bit to get back to my fictional world that glimmers on the horizon. My writer’s hunger gnaws when I see my peers signing a publishing contract. I massage those aching twinges of jealousy when another peer receives an award. I fight back that jealousy, and with God’s love clap my hands loudly, and yell out—online of course—“Author, Author”.

But as I tithe my writing gift by prioritizing this non-fictional work, God has taken my breath way with His provision. Someone once said you can never out-give God.

And folks, I do not share this with pride but humility, because I know many of you tithe your writing gift too. But from one writer to another, I’m wearing my heart of my sleeve to encourage that someone that may fret now and then—should I give up.

It doesn’t make any logical sense that while I’m not bringing in a ‘proper’ wage, that God in these last few months has eliminated ALL my household debt, lowered my monthly household expenses by the intricate transaction of our house sale. And from the office window in my new house, I look out on rolling pastures, mountains, and trees that couldn’t be more conducive to a writer’s imagination. I sit in my new office and sense the Lord has placed me in a setting so that I can fulfill the desires of my heart.

I took great care last November to not make any bargains with God as I committed to this task. I’ve been through enough life to know the Lord doesn’t barter for our faithfulness. He asks, and waits for our obedience. All I knew at the time was that He would provide what I needed...if I trusted.

Only thing is, He is such a wonderful father, and has given me more than I ever dreamed. How can I not continue to trust Him with the desires of my writer’s heart?

To read more about my writing journey, and the non-fictional book I'm currently writing, drop by and visit me at www.christinelindsay.com

Interview with Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Narelle here. I'm delighted to welcome Jennifer Hudson Taylor to our blog today.

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is the author of historical and contemporary Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas. Her fiction has won awards in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Contest. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, was released in May 2010. Other works have appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Everton’s Genealogical Publishers, and The Military Trader. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, genealogy, and reading. She resides with her husband and daughter in the Charlotte area of NC. Jennifer's fiction is represented by Literary Agent, Terry Burns with Hartline Literary Agency.

Highland Blessings

Scotland, 1473

released May 2010

Highland warrior Bryce MacPhearson kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. When he forces Akira to wed him, hoping to end a half-century feud between their clans, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment. . .Yet her strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce. But there is a traitor in their midst . . . and murder is the ultimate weapon.

Narelle: In Highland Blessings, Bryce and Akira are from different Scottish clans who have been at war for half a century. What unique struggles and challenges did Bryce and Akira face as newlyweds in Highland Blessings?

Jennifer: His clan didn’t want to accept her and neither Bryce nor Akira felt they could trust each other. Some clan members remembered family who had been killed by the other clan in times of war and it was hard for them to let those actions go without trying to avenge them.

Narelle: What do you find most fascinating about 15th Century Scotland?

Jennifer: How they could build these elaborate castles with so little technology and tools like we have today.

Narelle: Please share with us a few of your research tips. Have you visited the Scottish Highlands?

Jennifer: Actually, I have not visited the Scottish Highlands, but that is one of my goals. It’s also a lifetime dream. I enjoyed taking lots of virtual tours of Scotland and medieval castles. I’ve read lots of Scottish history books, and I belong to several Scottish clans for mine and my husband’s ancestral surnames.

Narelle: Do many real life historical figures play a role in Highland Blessings?

Jennifer: None on purpose, but I’ve had several people who know me well, say that Akira reminds them of me. She does have my Scots-Irish temper. We have lots of red hair in my family, but I only have reddish highlights.

Narelle: Did the church influence the faith and lives of your characters in Highland Blessings?

Jennifer: Yes, in 1473 very few people owned a Bible. Only a few monks had handwritten copies of texts that had been passed down from generation to generation. As a result, the first Bibles were written in Latin, even though the original texts were in Greek and Arabic. In Highland Blessings, the MacKenzies’ vicar had a copy, but the MacPhearsons’ vicar did not. Therefore, Akira was more familiar with what the Bible said than was Bryce. They went to chapel inside the castle or the village kirk, which is another word for church.

Narelle: Highland Blessings is the first book in your Blessings Series. Please tell us about your upcoming releases.

Jennifer: My next release in the Blessings Series is Highland Sanctuary.

Highland Sanctuary

Scotland, 1477

Releases October 2011

Gavin MacKenzie is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh. He discovers a hidden village of outcasts that have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and comely lass who captures Gavin’s heart. The villagers have an intriguing secret, while Serena harbors a deadly past that could destroy her future. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. I’m looking forward to reading Highland Blessings. Christine Lindsay posted a review of Highland Blessings on June 14. You can read Christine’s review here.

To learn more about Jennifer Hudson Taylor and her books, please visit her website.

Narelle Atkins writes contemporary inspirational romance. She resides in Canberra, Australia with her husband and children. To learn more about Narelle, please visit her website.

Just Cruising Along

My husband and I used our upcoming thirtieth wedding anniversary for an excuse to take a long-anticipated Alaskan cruise. Jim spent most of his school years living near Prince Rupert, BC, just south of the Alaskan panhandle, so this served as an opportunity for him to show me some places that had been special to him.

We're a day's drive from Seattle, Washington, so we drove down on Friday, June 18, and boarded the Norwegian Star on Saturday around noon.



We've enjoyed several vacations on Vancouver Island and the smaller islands between it and mainland BC, so the evening cruise through this area was a fun experience. All day Sunday we chugged north out of sight of land, encased in fog, and when we woke up Monday morning, we were already docked in Ketchikan, Alaska. Shopping doesn't hold Jim or I for long, so we explored the town with its boardwalks, a fun little tram to a lookout, and Creek Street (where the creek literally IS the street).



Tuesday morning we spent in Juneau. Well, mostly above Juneau! A tram from the waterfront took us way up Mount Roberts to an alpine meadow with hiking trails. The weather was foggy/misty but it didn't actually pour on us this day. What a gorgeous view!



Later that day we cruised up Endicott Arm to view Dawe Glacier, which comes right down to the ocean. In this fjord we saw whales (not our first ones, but the closest we'd seen to that point) and many dozens of seals on the ice floe at the foot of the glacier. The seals were too far away for my camera, but we could clearly see them with the binoculars, dotting every chunk of ice floating in the bay!



On Wednesday we climbed on the White Pass Railway for a ride to the Canadian border. The narrow gauge rail climbs nearly 3000 feet in 20 miles! The best part was that due to too many booked tickets, they 'had' to take four trains instead of the usual three or less. They can only get three trains reversed at the border itself, which meant one train (ours!) had to travel an additional 7 miles along the high alpine lake to the next turn-about. Yay! We were back in BC, even though it was unofficial!



On Thursday afternoon we docked in Prince Rupert, BC, our last port. Here a friend of my husband's mom met our group at the pier and took us on a tour of Jim's old haunts before taking us to their home for a salmon dinner. For Jim, this day was the highlight of his trip. He walked the streets, talked to the current owner of the house he grew up in, checked out the (overgrown) path to his old fishing hole, and walked the waterfront. Although bald eagles are frequent sighted where we currently live, they were thick like flies along the harbor.



Friday we cruised south toward again. Though we'd seen whales every single day, this was definitely the big day with spottings of over a dozen humpbacks, gray whales, and orcas.



We finished off the last evening aboard with a special dinner in the Star's finest restaurant to celebrate our anniversary.



As you can see, for us the cruise was all about the natural beauty of the places we visited more than the towns themselves, and more than the cruise ship. But the Star itself was very comfortable, the food excellent, and the crew pleasant and helpful. The Alaskan coast is no different than the BC coast, really, but all of it is full of the majesty of God's handiwork. I hope you've enjoyed taking this little vacation with me!

Valerie Comer lives on a small farm in Western Canada with her husband, an energetic puppy, two curious kittens, two hives of bees, and a herd of Herefords. Now that vacation time is over, she needs to get back to work revising the novel she hopes to pitch at ACFW conference in Indianapolis in September!

SUNDAY EDITION

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Valerie Comer: Just Cruising Along

Tuesday

Narelle Atkins: Interview with Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Wednesday

Christine Lindsay

Thursday

Mary Hawkins

Friday Devotion

C.L. Dyck: Every Walk Has Its Step

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New Book Release

Legendary Space Pilgrims by Grace Bridges

If Pilgrim's Progress happened in space, this is what it might look like...

On a planet that has never seen the sun, a harvester hears a Voice from beyond. It's time to leave the oatfield. Mario and Caitlin escape the mind control of Planet Monday, following the Voice to unknown worlds where wonders and challenges await. Have you got what it takes...to be a legend?
http://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Space-Pilgrims-Grace-Bridges/dp/098645172X/

Also available at a discount direct from the publisher: www.splashdownbooks.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Book Releases

Kathi Macias' historical set in Rome, Valeria’s Cross, will be released in September 2010 by Abingdon Press.

Amidst lost love, torn loyalties, and a dangerous faith, Princess Valeria discovers that all the riches of Rome can’t protect her from the evil that encroaches at every turn…

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in China, Red Ink will be released in October 2010 by New Hope Publishers.

They took her child, her family, and her freedom…but not her faith.

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Recent Book Releases

Lisa Harris' thriller set in Africa, Blood Ransom, is an April 2010 release from Zondervan.

Harry Kraus' book, The Six-Liter Club, is an April 2010 release from Howard Books.

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in Mexico, More than Conquerors, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Will Pastor Hector Rodriguez continue to take Bibles into the dangerous Mayan area surrounding San Juan Chamula, even after his mother disappears and his little congregation is threatened by unimaginable violence?

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in South Africa, No Greater Love, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Chioma discovers forbidden love amidst the hatred and violence of Apartheid—and then must decide exactly what it is she’s willing to die for…

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Contest News

Jeanette Windle's book, Veiled Freedom (Tyndale) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee and a 2010 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist - congratulations Jeanette!

Tom Davis' book, Scared (David C. Cook) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee - congratulations Tom!

Harry Kraus' book, Salty Like Blood (Howard), is a finalist in the romantic suspense category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest - congratulations Harry!

Christine Lindsay is a finalist in the historical category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Touched By Love Contest - congratulations Christine!