Amish Love!

Amish Love...

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here (http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1) about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now!!

What will they say?

Still reading in Acts, chapter 4 today, when Peter and John were arrested after healing the lame man. The priests were gathered together after hearing them out, trying to decide what to do. They wanted to arrest them, but truly had no real grounds.

Vs. 13 (emphasis mine)

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

Whoa.

These uppity priests could tell that Peter and John had once walked with Jesus. They could sense the Lord's presence on them, near them, around them. It was obvious, even to those who didn't believe.

I want my faith to be obvious like that. Not so subtle that people wonder what I believe. I want them to feel it, see it, hear it, practically taste it in the air around me. THAT's faith.

What about you? How do you make your faith known? Do people see it in you? On you? Around you? What can we do to show it in a way that's strong but inviting, not strong and a turn-off?

I think one way of living that kind of blatant faith is to be different. If we're not doing anything differently than the non believing world around us, how will anyone know? What will they see other than hypocrisy? Peter and John were acting different, to be sure - they healed a lame man! Now usually in today's times God doesn't work through us in that same way - so we can't necessarily go around performing miracles to show our faith =)

But what else did Peter and John do? Let's see. They stood up for themselves despite persecution. They were basically arrested for preaching, and during their trial, they were so bold that they preached again, and in such a clear cut manner the priests were knocked a little off kilter. As an author, how awesome is it to know that your words - the words God inspired within you - had such power? Power to save, to lead, to coax. I want to write like that. I want the words God gives me for my stories to lead others to Him.

Pretty heavy stuff for a Thursday, but what do you think? =)

PS - the priests let Peter and John go with a warning. (wonder how much they heeded that one! ha!)

Sometimes its better not to snap...

Who else struggles with holding their tongue? Sometimes its so hard for me to sit back and not defend myself or a loved one or friend when someone is ranting and raving.

I'm experienced that situation this week, where someone's rant made me get all frothy with indignation, just desperate to bubble over and speak up for those not able to or not willing to.

Yet, I held my tongue - and my fingers. I like to look at Moses. He didn't snap at the Israelites when they complained and moaned and groaned over their circumstances. He persisted, kept on keeping on, kept on praying and trusting God to take care of all involved.

I want to more like that. Silent and faithful. It seems safer that way. Fewer fires to put out later, fewer bridges burned, fewer apologies to make, words to eat. Our natural instinct seems to be to FIGHT back but sometimes, SITTING back and praying is much more effective. I suppose in most cases, going against our fleshly, human instincts is the higher, holier choice. If its not hard, its not usually right, huh? =)

Going back to Moses, he finally snapped one day. Got sick of the complaining, the accusations, the mully-grubbing. He struck the rock with his staff despite God's command not to, and well, look what his frustration and disobedience got him? No promised land. =(

So there's a lot to be said for holding our tongues and not snapping back, even if it is "for a good cause". What are your thoughts on this?

Another winner by Susan May Warren!

Susie Warren is a talented writer, a woman with a heart for Jesus, and a dear friend. Its my honor to help her promote her new, super fantabulous series about PJ Sugar. Check out the details below! =)

PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:

After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that’s become her life, she needs a fresh start.

The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister’s wedding is Boone—her former flame and the reason she left town.

Her best friend’s husband absolutely did not commit the first murder Kellogg , Minnesota , has seen in more than a decade.

What PJ doesn’t know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she’ll uncover much more than she bargained for—a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she’s been longing for.

It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her hometown, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder--who also happens to be PJ's former flame--is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend's husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.

Read the first chapter: http://gotsugar.susanmaywarren.com/

About Susan:

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia , was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia , Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota .

Follow the blog tour here!

Hunt up Trouble!

PJ Sugar's first novel - Nothing But Trouble is popping up all over the country! Go Hunting for Trouble, and let me know where you see the book.

Send me the Name of the Bookstore where you found it (and the city, please), and we'll put your name in a drawing for a preview copy of The Great Christmas Bowl my Christmas Novella, coming out this fall! (Promo coming soon!) And…send me a PHOTO of you and the book in the bookstore, and we'll add your name 5x!

And you'll also be eligible to win a cool SUGAR Personal SPA BASKET!!

So go....Hunt up Trouble! All the details here http://susanmaywarren.com/contest.html

A note from Susan May Warren

Sometimes, do you feel like you just don’t fit in? You look around you and if anyone knew how difficult it was just to put yourself together, to smile when you feel completely overwhelmed, to even figure out what you were making for supper, they’d know what a mess you were. Maybe you totally relate to those words in 1 Peter – God’s elect, strangers and aliens in the world. Do you feel like when you look in the rear view mirror, all you see are your mistakes?

Maybe not. But if so, then PJ is your gal. I wanted to write a story about the person in so many of us who just wants to get it right…but can’t seem to stay out of trouble. My friend and I have what we call the “stupid mouth” club…and we report our weekly foibles (usually on Monday, after Sunday church!). PJ is our charter member. She’s the girl that changes her mind, always hopes for the best, is always discovering that she is just a little different than everyone else. PJ is us.

And that’s good news. Because God loves PJ. He loves her messiness, and her impulsiveness, her heart bent toward others, the hope that fuels her actions. And He has a plan for PJ – one that includes her weaknesses as well as her strengths.

Yep, I need to hear that – need to hear that I don’t have to be perfect for God to love me, use me, sing over me. Need to hear that although I don’t fit in, well, I’m not supposed to…in fact, I’m supposed to be a little…alien.

I wrote PJ for everyone who feels just a little messy, just a little like they can’t quite get it right. And who needs to hear that God loves them. Period. Full stop. Hallelujah.

Don't miss this fun new series!

You can visit Susie's website here! And buy the book for yourself on Amazon here!

Proud new owner!

Hubby and I bit the proverbial bullet yesterday and sprung for new phones. Ours were cheap, several years old, cracked, chipped, scratched, and otherwise pretty gimpy. They still worked, technically, but we got zero reception at our house and surrounding streets in the country, and it was just past time. Our window of opportunity to switch networks and/or get upgrades on our phones came this past week, so we followed the crowd (atleast here in our part of north LA) and switched from Alltel to AT&T with the hopes of getting better reception on better phones.

Therefore, I am the proud new owner of a red Blackberry Curve -and I have no idea how to use it. lol But I'll have fun trying!! I'm excited especially about the internet access. Now when I take my laptop to Barnes & Noble or elsewhere to write (which does not have internet access) I can still get online to check email and research things from my Blackberry. Yay!

So far, I've figured out how to lock the full keyboard, which is handy since my phone rides in my purse during the day, and I've figured out how to text, send email, and dial/answer calls. So much more to learn! I did download a ring tone - Dancing Queen by Abba. hahaha! Scoff if you will. It rocks!

So, any tips/advice would be helpful on the workings of the phone - especially on setting up a speed dial!

Remember...

Happy Memorial Day!

Today, as you fire up the grill and enjoy time off from work with family and friends, take a moment to honor and pray for the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Its by their generousity and God's grace that we have an America to celebrate.

You can be a star too!

In honor of the season ending for American Idol, I decided a fun quiz on discovering your inner pop star was in order. Take the shortie quiz HERE to find out your pop star name! =)

Mine is ZOE C.

My hubby's name? SHADOW.

HAHA! How cool are we? =P

Tribute to...the wife?

And the winner is....




It's a miracle. Kris Allen won the 2009 American Idol last night. It's a miracle, not because he isn't talented - the boy can SING - but because I truly didn't think America would vote for a known Christian and worship leader to take the coveted spot. The fact that Kris won out over Adam, who is somewhat more attractive to secular America with his theatrical performances and not-so-hidden homosexual preferences...it truly is a miracle! Yay!

The general idea is that Danny fans, once he was voted off in the third place position, then flocked over to Kris and he won their votes, effectively putting Adam in second place. That would make sense to me. But regardles, God was at work!

It was certainly an interesting season, and I'm always sad to see the show end for another year! (though I really won't miss the cheesy winner's song, this year written by judge Kara. Kris did sing it much more confidently last night than he did the first time though, bless his heart.)

Which brings me to the real reason for my post. Not just to say kudos, Kris, but to pay a tribute to his wifey, Katy Allen. I've been incredibly drawn to her over the course of this season and I think its because I can so easily put myself in her shoes. How in the world would I feel if I were in my early 20's, and my new husband of only months - a humble, boy-next-door, worship leader - suddenly became ridiculously famous, almost overnight? I think I'd be two parts proud, one part scared to death. Sure, the money and new Ford truck is great, as is the coming record deals and the tours and the traveling and getting to meet other famous people, etc. But think of the insecurity a new young wife would feel, knowing her husband was drooled over by thousands if not millions of other girls!! Commited or not, that's a tough one for any couple.

Aren't they such a cute couple! Katy is so adorable!




I'm seriously going to commit to pray for them. I hope their marriage can survive this sudden fame. I didn't cry last night until I saw the very ending shot - Katy wrestling through the crowd to hug Kris, and him just burying his face in her shoulder and crying. I BAWLED. So very sweet. They just seem so real, so personable, like someone you could just walk up and talk to or see at church every Sunday.

I pray God will see them through this roller coaster. I pray that the fame, success and money will be used to His glory, and that it will be a true blessing for them and their future family. I pray that Kris doesn't give in to the pressures and temptations of the world, but will use this win, which was obviously given to him by God, for God. Amen!

Missing Link? Or Missing Brains?

It's amazing to me the garbage presented as news these days. Take for instance, today's headliner in many areas - "MISSING LINK FOUND".

The first line of the article?

Feast your eyes on what a group of scientists call the Holy Grail of human evolution.

Notice how they tie in what they think is a religious reference to "proof" of evolution. That was on purpose, I am certain. The beauty of literary contradicting terms. It makes the headline mysterious, alluring, romantic - apparently trying to distract you from the fact that all they found is a really old fossil they can't accurately date.

It's shocking to me how people would rather believe in a concept like evolution than the Bible. Seriously, if you had the choice, would you prefer to believe a loving, all-knowing God created you for a purpose...or that we evolved over millions of years from a MONKEY?

If your answer is the second one, please quit reading my blog and go bang your head against the computer desk, stat, until your brain catches up to reason.

While any discovery of a "new" old species or bone or fossil is pretty neat, and certainly deserves its musuem-time and a celebratory drink between the scientists, its pathetic to claim this proves evolution. Nothing can prove evolution because EVOLUTION ISN'T TRUTH.


What do you guys all think of this new "discovery"?

Luke - one detailed dude

I was reading Acts yesterday and today. Acts has always been one of my favorite books to read in the Bible over and over, and to be honest, I never realized until recently that Luke was the author. Pretty neat, since Luke is one of my favorites of the Gospels. How's that for building a fan base? haha.

Anyways, I've discovered that Luke is pretty generous with details. Take Chapter 27, for example. If anyone out there is writing a historical set on the sea, dig no further for sailing descriptions! Luke tells it all. =)

This is a passage from CH 27, on Paul's journey to Rome.

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure. When the men had hoisted it aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

Look at all that! I bolded the lines that were especially descriptive. As a detailed woman myself, I can appreciate the efforts Luke took to really paint the picture. He could have said something like "The storm was rough, the boat rocked around and the sailors did their thing to try to fight back" but he basically gave us a description of "a day in the life of a sailor".

One thing I'm curious about is why Luke added the phrase "with their own hands" when telling of throwing the ship's tackle overboard. In the lines before, when they threw the cargo overboard, did they use machinery instead? Slaves? What was the difference? Very interesting. I hope one day when we get to Heaven we'll get to find out all these little details that really don't matter, but intrigue the mind.

Whoops. I just realized that passage left off a little depressing, so here's how the story ends. Skipping down the chapter a bit...

When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety.

Yay for happy endings! Thanks for the interesting morning read, Luke. We appreciate your details, God-inspired as they are. =)

The Best Cure

As I sit here, yawning and drinking Diet Coke (I plan on it being my first of probably 5 or 6 today!) I realize, as my head droops over my keyboard, that the best cure to get over a selfish issue like exhaustion, is to simply focus on someone else.

So, despite the fact that my Little Miss was up for two hours in the middle of the night, very restless and wanting to keep sitting up/standing in her crib (but unable to lay back down on her own), I want to help others. My problem is not big. I'm sleepy, yes, and a little concerned last night might turn into a phase instead of a one-night issue, but its an inconvenience. I'm still incredibly blessed. And I want to pass the blessings on to others.

Earlier I was riding in the elevator up to work and wondered what was going on behind the some bleary, some happy, some sleepy, some distraught faces of my fellow passengers. Were some hung over from a partying weekend? Were some caught in the despair of a divorce or family illness or loss of loved one? Were some up with their babies during the night too? I tried to make an extra effort, with my droopy grin and gritty eyes, to smile and wish them a good day as they disembarked on their floor to work and mentally deal with who-knows-what.

I hope to keep making efforts investing in others as the day progresses and keep realizing that my sleepiness, while a sort of big deal to me right now, is about a negative 4 on a scale of 1-10 (ten being world's end kind of bad) because truly, its the best cure to get over yourself.

Well that, and large amounts of caffeine. =)

PS...

Erynn Mangum, the adorable, creative writer of the Lauren Holbrook series, interviewed me on her blog today! Check it out HERE! (and check out Erynn's books - they are SO fun!)

Denver or Bust!

I offiically registered yesterday for the AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS CONFERENCE. I can't wait! My first conference was in Nashville in 2005. I hit up the Dallas conference two years in a row from 2006-2007. I thought I'd never miss a conference. But in 2008 I skipped out because of having a newborn at home. (the ONLY thing that would have kept me away!)

But now its 2009 and I'm heading to Denver in just a few months! I hope to see my friends there, learn a lot of new stuff, and bonus - I get to participate in the book signing for the first time! How fun!

There is however, one downside. I drove to Nashville and Dallas. I can't drive to Denver.

My first plane ride is imminent, and I'm already freaking out.

I'm still not sure how I managed to get to 25 years old and never stepped foot inside a plane, but here I am. Shaky, nervous, and nauseous. Any advice for first time flyers? (or any hard liquor to pass this way? haha. Just kidding. Mostly.)

They're HERE!!!

I'm so excited to announce that my author copies of RETURN TO LOVE, my first novel with Steeple Hill Love Inspired, arrived yesterday in all their glossy glory! These are copies I'm supposed to do promotional events with - blog tours, contest giveaways, etc. Very exciting and fun stuff!

Here's some pics of the big debut...

Opening the box

Posing

Checking it out!

Little Miss decided to help celebrate by getting everyone a snack. LOL!

Look for RETURN TO LOVE in stores July 1st, or head on over to Amazon or Christian Book Distributing or Barnes & Nobles websites to pre-order and have it arrive on your doorstep a day early.

Caffeinated Miracles

Monday was my first day back at work after vacation, and I knew it'd be tough leaving Little Miss. I tried to get a white chocolate mocha on my way to work to make up for the injustice of it all, but failed miserably. (long story, boiling down to a new Starbucks location in a busy downtown area, too many gates, and no legal place to park!)

This morning, however, I had to take Little Miss to her Nana's house, so I was able to swing by my usual Starbucks location afterward. I've been looking forward to it since last night when I realized I could go. I decided after leaving Little Miss at Nana's that I would spring, for the first time ever, for the Grande size instead of the cheaper Tall size.

I wove through the drive through, ordered, got to the window after waiting behind several cars, and the barista at the window asked what I had again. I repeated my order (grande, non-fat, white chocolate mocha, no whip) and she rolls her eyes. "That's what I told the girl in front of you, but she insisted that was hers. I'm so sorry, I gave away your drink. I'll get another one started right away."

I shrugged. "Okay." No biggie. Life happens. I was just still excited to get a mocha at all today. She then says as I hand over my debit card - "It's on the house. We're sorry for the trouble."

I beam. "Thanks!" I replace the debit card in my wallet.

She disappears inside the window again and comes back with a grimace. "Whoops. Yours is actually coming up next. Turns out the girl in front of you really did order the same exact drink."

I shrug again. "Okay." And hand back over the debit card. No biggie. Life happens.

She hesitates, then smiles and pushes it away. "It's okay. It's still on the house."

Now I'm really excited, and she hands me my drink with a wink. "I think a miracle just happened here."

I heartily agree as I drive away, happily sipping my large, FREE white chocolate mocha.

It's the little things in life, isn't it? I think its just so neat that the ONE day I decide to spring for the more expensive size, despite probably not needing to, God gives it to me for free. I feel like I've been handed my morning drink by the Lord Himself. It makes me even more thankful for the free gifts He gives me daily - laughs with my family, sugars from my babygirl, hugs from my husband, health and food and shelter...and of course, the ultimate gift of salvation.

Please stop and look for God's handouts today. You might find a miracle of your own - be it caffeinated or not!

Now if only that barista could have miracled-away the calories... =)

Picture time!

Beach Trip 2009!

(just maybe 1/8 of the pictures I took! haha)

My view from the beach chair

Me & Little Miss at a fun restaurant with live music

Playing with a sandy shell

My parents - Nana & Papa to Little Miss!

"I don't WANNA go in the sand, Nana!"

Naptime at the outlet mall on a rainy day


Stopping for a break in Mississippi

The girls!

Family shot - one of my favs!

Cheesin' on the balcony

Hi there!

Watching the waves with Daddy

Sitting in her high chair at another fun restaurant

Crabbin' with Daddy

Tired but having a great time shopping

Balcony time with Daddy

Golden highlights

Well, we're back and unpacked!!

After making a very necessary trip to the grocery store later tonight, we'll be as if vacation never happened - except for the lingering tan and the precious memories. =)

Here are the golden highlights of my first beach vacation with my new family:


1. Little Miss' face when she picked up her first shell.

2. Hubby's face when he stepped on a stingray - yes, a stingray, but no, he wasn't hurt. Thank God!


3. Napping in the warm sun on a lounge chair with sand between my toes!

4. Little Miss being dubbed the "10th Floor Bandit" as every time we got in an elevator with her, she had to press the number 10 button. HILARIOUS. We even made up a song about it =P


5. Date night with Hubby one evening while my parents watched Audrey - dinner, a movie, a boardwalk stroll...very nice!


6. Teasing Hubby about being a crab magnet - seriously, the sand crabs flocked to him. He couldn't go anywhere without finding 2 or 3 at one time. They'd pop out of the sand at his feet. Yet no one else on the beach had any trouble with them. lol We timed him once, and he caught 10 crabs in less than 45 seconds. He is now the Crab Whisperer. I'm not sure if he's proud of that or not...

7. The look on Little Miss' face when she touched sand the first time.

8. Chasing Little Miss down the beach as Daddy ran and splashed with her through the waves. She giggled soooo hard!

9. Watching Little Miss point and wave and clap at every seagull she saw, all week long. Sometimes she would hear them squawk first and point, getting her finger ready, before she even saw them!

10. Napping with Little Miss on the big bed in the guest room, both of us all gritty and smelling like suntan lotion. Priceless.

11. Playing in the pool with Little Miss and Hubby. She loved her pool floatie. She was the diva of the beach! =)

There were many more favorite moments, but as all mommies know, vacation with a baby is not really a vacation in regards to rest. lol I'm still a little sleep deprived but very proud of my Little Miss for doing SO well!! She adjusted into her new routine and new bed at the beach very easily, and even handled the 8+ hour car ride like a champ both times. Took naps like clockwork, and had fun as we went out and about and shopped and ate seafood. She's the best!

There will be many more pics later, but haven't had time to load them all yet. =)

PS - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMMIES OUT THERE! I had a fantastic day with Little Miss. I got a homemade card - too cute, as Hubby went to a lot of trouble to make it look as if Little Miss had truly made it herself (will post pics of it later!) and a Sunday afternoon nap. How great is that?? =)

Seagull Love

My Little Miss has a new favorite in her life - seagulls. She can hear their squawk before I can sometimes, and as soon as she sights them, she points her finger and squeals. Its SO precious! Sometimes she'll hear their cry and wave her finger around, all ready to point, before she even sees them. Then she'll grin and wave and shriek. I wish you guys could see it =)

We're having a great time, still. Relaxing and nice. Vacation is definitely different with a baby than when it was just me and Hubby to worry about, but its still fun.

Hubby and I had a date night last night while my parents took Little Miss to get a hamburger. We had a great time - Dip N Dots, a movie, dinner, shopping. All in one amazing shopping center - with a Ferris Wheel! I took pics of that too, even though it was WAY too windy to consider riding the thing.

Hope everyone is doing well and I'll be back blogging regularly next week. I will try to do more short posts between now and then =)

Miss everyone!

Sandy Greetings

Greetings from the beach!

As I type this, Little Miss is sound asleep for her morning nap (those late morning walks wear her out, and she's not even the one doing the walking!) and if I turn my head a few inches, I have a gorgeous view off the balcony at the roaring ocean. The waves are high today, and Hubby is down there now with a netted scooper, scavaging for unique shells. =)

We're having a great time. I hated to leave my blog unattended while we're gone, so I'll be doing short posts.

Thanks for the prayers for my father - he's feeling great and we're all having a lovely time together. Going to hit the stores today since the weather is overcast. Yesterday was definitely a sunny, windy beach day, though, and Little Miss had a blast in the pool and in her new floatie raft. I'll be posting pics later, of course =P Was there any doubt????

Here's some excess sand (its everywhere!!) to sprinkle between your toes so you can pretend you are on the beach too. I highly recommend it! ;)

::: TOSS::::

..............................................................................................

Sand Traps

Life is like a box of chocolate? Or a beach? =)

You know, you're moving right along, building sandcastles, playing in the sandbox, scooping shells with shovels and pails...and then you stumble upon that little patch of quick sand that changes everything.

We hit a sand trap this week in my family, but PRAISE GOD, it's all resolved now and our beach is once more a happy place.

It's been planned for literally a year and a 1/2 for my family to go to the beach this upcoming week. My parents, my husband, and my daughter and I. I've been looking forward to this since before getting pregnant, as we usually do the trip every May but had to skip last year because of having a baby and moving.

Everything was going great. Clothes were washing, suitcases were coming out of the closets, new swimsuits and beach towels were purchased...

and three days before we were to leave, my father lands in the hospital.

He's going home today, with the doctor's full permission to attend vacation as planned. But it was iffy for a while! Apparently he had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic he was on for a no-big-deal issue, and when coupling that reaction to his long-term diabetes, well - it turned into a very-big-deal.

Thankfully, he's feeling much better, energy is back, etc. Still waiting on his blood sugar to lower a bit more but he's doing fantastic now compared to the night they took him to the ER! The antibiotic is working out of his system so those symptoms will be gone soon, and he's ready to hit the waves!

Weeks like this make me cherish life. My dad was never, to my knowledge, in that kind of severe danger, but diabetes is always a challenge when things go wrong and complicates matters. It's a little nervewracking, for any daughter to see her daddy in the hospital. (though he LOVED the get well card I had my daughter make with finger paints) =)

I'm just soooooo glad they won't have to miss the trip that my dad has been looking forward to for over a year. Thank you, Jesus, for your healing power and touch!

If you're struggling with a sand trap of your own this week, remember God still works miracles. God still has a plan for you and your family. God still has everything in His perfect timing and control. We can rest easy on the Lord's Beach. So fan out that towel, tilt your face to the sun, and crack open a soda of your choice. Relax in the Lord today, and listen to those reassuring waves of His grace.