Leave it to Tracey!

Welcome 2011

2010-12-31T15:25:00.000-06:00

Boy am I ready for it! 2010 was supposed to be the year I finally ran my half marathon, finally lost the last 50lbs (gained 20), finally get on the best seller list again. LOL not so much.

But it hasn't been bad. I think at the beginning of 2010 when everyone was talking about change this and God is saying change that, I heard God saying, "Stay the course" for me personally, and so I once again went against the flow and stayed the course. I know I need to change. :) The above mentioned 20lb weight gain is evidence, but with Rusty gone in Kuwait all year and my daughter spreading her wings, my son getting his license, other son playing sports, other son embarking upon a career in fitness, I needed to stay steady in my own walk. There were too many changes in my world. And so as much as I love the comfort of status quo, I stayed home, wrote, read, cleaned house, cooked and tried very hard to just keep things together.

So CHANGE....I think this year is looking like it's gearing up to be a year of change. Rusty came home to no job. That's different. :) Financially, the book biz isn't doing so well for midlisters like me. So that's another change. I don't know where we'll be this time next year. But times they are a changing (thank you very much Bob Dylan) I better start swimming or I'll sink like a stone!!

Good things are coming this year. Another book under the pen name Tracey Cross: Love Finds you in Dodge City, Kansas. Fun historical romances. Another paranormal book coming from Waterbrook. A "ghost story" tentatively titled "Are You There?"

I've also deactivated my facebook account for now. I have no control over my FB impulses, so my 1500 friends will have to do without my quippy updates about the kids, excessive whining, occasional inspiration and of course delicious cooking updates (which would have to go anyway if I'm to lose the 50lbs plus the new 20 :) ).

So I'll leave you here. Hoping to blog more regularly since facebook updates have to go and I truly do need to be connected to readers.

God Bless you in 2011.

Introducing....Tracey Cross

2010-05-30T01:04:00.000-05:00

guess this is as good a day as any to start blogging again. The ease of facebook has sucked all the blog right out of me. At least on facebook you know that there is potential for 1300 people to skim my post. Blogs---not so much.

I've been playing solo-mom for the last few months as my husband is in Kuwait serving in whatever they're calling it these days--it was Iraqi Freedom. I think Enduring Freedom is what we call it now--in any case, here at home we are calling it Enduring Dad's Deployment.

Anyway, something exciting is happening this summer. I am writing historicals under a pen name. So why announce a pen name? I'm so glad you asked...because everyone knows anyway and I want to show you all my fabulous new cover from Summerside Press. So here is the official announcement of the new me and my new book written under a family name, Tracey Cross

Product Description
Jane Albright's life is shattered. The Nebraska homesteader is newly widowed, with one child to care for and another on the way. When she learns that she is at risk of losing the family home and freighting business to a greedy moneylender named Franklin Lloyd, she has no choice but to brandish a bullwhip and haul freight all the way to Deadwood, South Dakota. Franklin agrees to give Jane three months to pay the note, and she is determined to secure her children's future. But Deadwood is a rough place for a woman, and Jane is soon over her head. Franklin longs to help her - but will she let him?
About the Author
TRACEY CROSS, also published as Tracey Bateman, is the award-winning author of more than thirty titles and has nearly a million books in print. She lives in Missouri's Ozarks with her husband and four children.

Recapping 2009 and What's coming in 2010

2010-02-03T12:49:00.000-06:00

Hey all!
It's been a long time since I've blogged. But It seemed like a good time to get back to it.
2009 zipped by so fast I can't believe it's already 2010.
And just for the record I'm in the "two-thousand ten" camp, rather than "twenty-ten" I just think it sounds better.

The best fiction book I read in 2009 was The Help. Excellent debut novel by Kathryn Stockett. This is a secular book, so if you buy it on my recommendation, please be aware that it may contain language and subject matter you may or may not find objectionable.

Best non-fiction. I haven't read many, to be perfectly honest. But John Eldredge has caught my attention this past year. His book "Walking With God", came to me at a time when, quite frankly, I was questioning everything in my life: writing, church affiliation, calling, marriage. His open-faced vulnerability and willingness to share his real self to further God's agenda really spoke to me even though I can't say I'm in total agreement with every thought he wrote out. He sort of reminds me of Keith Green. Right now I'm reading his book "Desire". So far, so good.

Be looking for "Tandem" my second vampire novel for the Christian market. This will release in October and I'm very excited! "Thirsty" released this past October and is doing well. Look for it in Target!

2010 is shaping up to be another busy year. Besides Tandem, I'll be releasing a book under a pen name for Summerside Press. Look for Love Finds you in Deadwood by Tracey Cross. August 2010.

My husband is deploying again in a few days and we're so proud of him. Please keep him in your prayers.

God Bless you as you Live for Him!
Peace~
Tracey

Gearing up for 2009

2008-12-28T00:00:00.003-06:00

I'm soooo grateful for the things God has taught and still is teaching me in 2008. Three more days until we turn the calendar. As I've prayed for a "new word" for 2009, I keep coming back to "stay the course". God's word for me is to keep pressing in. Keep doing what I'm doing and let Him take me where my path should lead. So many times we want the new year to bring some magical NEW thing. But for me, I want to keep on the same trajectory. Keep going to church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Keep nurturing relationships with fellow Christians, keep serving as my pastor requests. Keep building that trust that will allow me to serve from one degree to the next.
So friends, seek God for your year, stay planted in God's house, develop friendships from the household of faith and watch yourself flourish spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Happy New Year. God Bless

Relationships with other Christians

2008-12-17T12:45:00.003-06:00

Okay, God is still teaching me about being in relationship with others, so I'm still talking about it.
It starts with relationship with Him. I can't be a good wife, mom, friend, daughter, if I am not first having my roots planted and nourished by relationship with God. (Col. 2:7).

But at some point, this whole walk has to be about more than just ME. My walk, my relationships, my blessings, my issues. Rusty and I had a great talk today about how I have grown close to a few of the women in church and how I found something I didn't know was missing. I didn't know I wanted friends until I started having them. Even so, it's not enough that it just be me. Our marriage will be stronger if we move into friendships together.

I've always kept our walks separate because I never wanted to be one of those wives whose husbands tag along under protest. It's demeaning to both partners and I've always felt if I manipulate him to do what I want when he'd rather not, it shows that I care more about me than him. Actually it was more amatter of principle, which is pride, but I let myself think I was being noble (there's my daily confession). Still, as a matter of course, Rusty does what he wants, and he answers to God, not me (as long as he doesn't do something against our marriage--you know what I mean). I don't tell him to go to church, or shame him if he stays home. He decides his own walk with God. But today we discussed how our indvidual walks do affect our marriage. We talked about needing to expand our circle to include common friendships. Luckily, my friends have amazing men that we'd enjoy hanging with. So our next project, and Rusty agrees is to involve ourselves in the group get-togethers and start making "couple" friends. :)

I'm looking forward to taking this next step and seeing the changes God is going to make in me. I feel the selfishness melting away as I step outside my comfort zone, my own issues, and share myself with others. I'm still fighting the tendency to wall myself as a defense against rejection. But Jesus is a good cushion if I get knocked on my butt. So I continually force myself to peek over the wall. Put one leg over, lift my body, swing the other leg, and hop onto the ground with the rest of God's people who are just as desperate to be loved and accepted.

Thank You God for these lessons.

No more a hermit!

2008-12-06T13:35:00.004-06:00

I have a confession to make...I have a tendency to be a hermit. But recently God has been deaing with me about how people who keep themselves away from others do it out of selfishness. And gee whiz, I don't want to be selfish. I honestly never felt like it mattered to anyone whether I was THERE or not. Okay, so I have major self-esteem issues too. Which isn't pretty. But lately I have been moving into an area where I'm forced to hang out with people and guess what? I'm making friends, learning who likes me and who honestly would rather not hang with me (and that's okay--sniff). I'm rejoining the human race and learning that giving my time and effort to get to know people is all about God and He is into friendships. PLUS, and get this...I'm actually getting more out of this than I'm giving. I'm learning that people are creative, funny, insightful, smart, talented, godly, not-so-godly (and I'm okay with that), friendly, and willing to be my friend. I'm laughing more, loving more, praying more for my new friends and church family, appreciating my leaders more and truly growing in grace and favor and in my relationship with God.
Who knew all I had to do was walk out my door and give my heart?
Merry Christmas!

Praying for the Christian publishing industry

2008-12-04T10:50:00.002-06:00

In response to Michael Hyatt's very gracious and humble post from December 2
http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/2008/12/the-recession-h.html#more

It seems like the economy is on everyone's mind. I've turned off the news lately because although I am IN this world, I am not of it. And I believe God is going to supply my needs even if he has to pull gold out of a fish's mouth. Still, I have been seeking God about my role in the economy. Too much debt, not enough giving, not putting back savings and investing when I could. Honestly? I still don't know the answers, but I do know that God is faitful. I hope we as a Christian society will humble ouselves, seek God's face, turn from wickedness and truly give ourselves to changing our ways during this time.
I more than anyone I have a lot of areas where change is not only warrented, but mandatory. God is not playing around with my stubborness, lack of commitment and selfishness any longer. I have a job to do, and I must be about my Father's business. I know that sounds trite and cliche. But let me say, from someone who has lived for my own pleasure for about 10 years, I'm very humbled by the dealings of God. I'm humbled that He notices me enough to correct me. I Pray I continue to take my correction, change my ways, give God the glory and become a vessel of honor, someone He can trust and use.
We have been given an opportunity to go through fire and come out pure.
That's the direction of my heart.
God Bless
Don't be afraid. All is well

2008-09-04T13:43:00.002-05:00

I have to admit that I've neglected my blog quite a bit since I got my facebook acct. I tend to update there instead of here. I'll try to do better.

The really good exciting news is that Dangerous Heart, book three in the WEstward Hearts series just received 4 and a half stars in Romantic Times. This is thrilling to me because I've never ever gotten that high of a rating. I'm thanking God for favor today. Dangerous Heart was one that I wrote and then TOTALLY rewrote because it fell flat. I had a great editor on that book from Avon INspire. As writers, we're always hoping and striving to get better. This high rating excites me because I feel like I'm growing as a writer.

I'm running again...again...joined a new gym and working out with a trainer. It's tough but my trainer is Jillian-like and I really respond well to her methods.

Church is great. Check out the new website www.lebanonfamilychurch.org

peace...

Confessions of a political fence sitter

2008-08-18T08:50:00.003-05:00

I recorded the Saddleback forum moderated by Rick Warren and have slowly been watching it.
I'm not a fence sitter and I don't like the feeling of not being sure. I love the fact that MCCain has served our country wih such honor. As a military wife, this definitely pushes all my patriotic buttons. But there are a lot of heroes I wouldn't want to vote as president. And, yes I believe he's a Christian. He's also a polititian with an agenda: BE PRESIDENT OF THE US, the Most powerful man in the free world!
I honestly believe that Obama is sincere in his desire for a better America. I think he's surrounded by a lot of liberals who don't know Jesus (although I believe Obama does). But he has taken a couple of stands that I can't reconcile by heart to.

So, bottom line...I have a lot of soul-searching and praying to do between now and November.
Jesus, would you please give us wisdom as we go to the polls and let your will be done in America.

Five special little words

2008-08-10T15:48:00.001-05:00

"Honey, have you lost weight?"

Ahhh the sweet sound of those beautiful words...
Need I say more?

My son's birthday

2008-08-09T20:39:00.003-05:00

Today my second child, Michael turned 17. He's growing into a very special young man and I am so amazed by all God has done in his life. He was born really ticked. I don't know why. He came out mad and didn't stop screaming until he was about 2 years old. THe end of screaming was nice, but he still got really mad, really fast. When he was about 3 and a half, I was at the end of my rope, had prayed for wisdom over and over and finally I HAD it. HE was sooo ticked one day and I stopped him, put my finger on my own nose and told him to focus on me. Then I said, "Say, I'm not an angry boy, I'm a happy boy." And in his cute little hoarse (I guess from all the screaming) voice he said "I'm not a angry boy, I'm a happy boy." He broke out in the most beautiful grin and every time he started to throw a fit about something, we'd repeat the routine. Get his attention, make him focus and then repeat the mantra. IT's the only great parenting thing I ever came up with, but man did it work. Instantly.
He's pretty well adjusted these days and makes me laugh on a dime. He's been dating the same girl for almost a year. Today she took him on an all day scavenger hunt. One of the clues was "QUeen Elizabeth is lactose intolerent."
Anyone want to guess where that clue was supposed to lead?
DAIRY QUEEN.

:)

Church tomorrow in our new building. We moved in last week. I'm planning to take my camera so maybe I'll post some pics

Jerusalem Undead

2008-07-31T10:31:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited about Eric Wilson's new series!! I just watched the new trailer today. Check this out

http://www.jerusalemsundead.com/html/trailer.html

I'm as excited about this series as I am the release of the fourth book in Stephanie Meyers vampire series. MORE excited really.

I wonder if Vampire novels are going to become so commonplace that the market becomes saturated and ruins a great thing. Like Amish books and chicklit. There are one or two great authors in each genre...Cindy Woodsmall, Beverly Lewis. Kristin Billerbeck for Chick, Rachel Hauck. Me, of course.

Please, please, guys....let Eric Wilson dominate this genre and I'll float in on his wings and then no more!!! :) Is that just selfish, or what???

Omigosh...Facebook

2008-07-30T19:18:00.003-05:00

Okay,
I've never really taken time to do shoutlife, Shefari, and myspace. No time, and haven't cared. BUT, since I've been taking my summer sabbatical, I've joined facebook and I LOVE it. I mean super duper love it. So I hereby challenge everyone to get a facebook account and add me as your friend. I promise I'll accept.
This is such a great way to branch out in community. Some of my friends like LIanne Lopes and Rachel Hauck are so good at networking. I'm super bad at it. But Facebook is fun and I think easier to understand than the others. :)

Just sayin'....

That's Not Exactly Amore

2008-07-29T12:37:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!
I'm pleased to say I've recently received my copies of That's (not exactly) Amore, the third in the Drama Queens series. It releases August 14th. This one is my favorite of the three!

Product Description
When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.
Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

SUMMER!

2008-06-29T10:46:00.002-05:00

When I decided to take the summer off from writing I envisioned hot days bathing in the sun while reading one book after another from my enormous TBR pile, sipping lemon-flavored tea and listening to 80s rock.

You know what they say about the best laid plans (actually what DO they say about the best laid plans?)Anyway, I haven't done those things. Starting with Cat's graduation, we have been bopping around from one thing to the next. It's still been fun. My sister and her family were in from Louisiana for a few days and took Cat and Michael back with them for two weeks. My son Stevan has a summer job that I've been driving him to and from every day and last Sunday I packed up Stevan and Will and we drove down to Louisiana (11 hours!). We stayed a week and drove back with all four kids Friday and Saturday.

We drove five hours yesterday in pouring rain and thunderstorms. In the Branson area we passed a rescue effort in a low-lying area where some people were camping.
But God was faithful and we made it without too much trouble. I slept all day and all night though and woke up with no clean clothes, so stayed home from church.

Anyway!! The really great news is that I made a new sale so I will have food on the table for the next few months. :) I'm so excited about this new deal that I'm sorely tempted to spill out all the details, but better wait for a little while until everything is in stone.

Well, that's my update for this week. I'm looking forward to getting back to the pregnancy support center. I had to miss last week while I was away and I miss my little community of like-minded friends, other volunteers and those who head up the center. I love the place!

Peace~

Tracey

Young folks serving God

2008-06-14T14:07:00.002-05:00

I've been so excited and impressed lately as the fire of God is touching so many kids including my own. Sin is being burned from their lives, along with attitudes and compromise.
My friend Debbie is gearing up to send her two teenagers to Romania and they could use a little support financially. I'm posting a letter from the kids and hoping for tons of support. Large or small!

Tracey

Attempt great things for God…expect great things from God. – William Carey, missionary

June 5, 2008

Dear Friends and Family,

A big hello from the Love family! This summer, we will have a special opportunity to go on mission to Romania and attempt great things for God. We’re so excited that God has included us within a team of passionate students, led by Nathan Taitt, who used to lead trips for Liberty University The trip is hosted by Life Fellowship in Burlington, NC. While in Romania, we will partner with a group of local churches who are hungry to hear from God’s Word, and expand His kingdom. We will participate in evangelizing, discipling, and loving Romanian children and youth so they too can feel the love of Jesus and experience His power in a personal, transforming way.

One of the greatest aspects of missions is partnership. The only way we can be effective in Romania is to have a dedicated team of supporters. We hope that you will be as excited about this opportunity as we are and that you will choose to be a part of our support team. The cost of the trip for both of us is $4,400, which includes expenses for two weeks and airline tickets. We are doing several fundraising activities, but we need help from partners who will pray and give. We pray that you give freely and that your heart is filled with joy.

When we arrive in Romania, we want to bring freedom to those who are shackled by the strongholds of fear, insecurity, sickness, unforgiveness, anger, and so many more. We want to see joyous Romanian faces worshipping the Lord because they have been transformed by the power of His love. To see this happen, we must have a powerful team of prayer warriors who are willing to sacrifice their time to pray for the advance of God’s Kingdom. Three days before we leave for Romania, we will meet in North Carolina for a time of intense training and discipleship. We pray that many of our friends and family will desire to cover us in prayer as we go.

If you would partner with us to bring the Gospel to Romania, mail your tax deductible gift payable to “Life Fellowship” to our home address: 30776 Hwy JJ, Lebanon, MO 65536. Half of our payment is due on June 15th so any support is greatly appreciated. We can't wait to send you a praise report when we return!

We know that in attempting great things for God, we can together expect great things from God – Hallelujah! May God richly bless you out of His infinite abundance.

Passionate for Jesus,

Nick and Samantha Love

Wow long time since update!

2008-06-02T13:52:00.005-05:00

And here I promised a picture of me with Natalie Grant!
The concert was awesome and she was lovely! i was a lot more impressed with her than she was me.

One of the major things that came from the concert for me was the chance to partner with World Vision International to stop Human Trafficking. I'll be talking more about that as the summer progresses and I get a logo link to their website etc.

More news! My daughter Cat graduated highschool as member of the National Honor Society
and my son Stevan graduated eight grade as an honor student. Last night he also receive the baptism of the Holy spirit which I know many of you will understand and rejoice with us over!! His whole countenance is changed today. It was a time of family devotions where we just talked about what God is doing in each one of us. THe sweet presence of God filled our living room and we started to pray softly and Rusty laid hands on him and there it was. Awesome time with the family. God is good.

My sister is coming this week, so it'll be busy and fun-filled.
Love you all
Tracey

Natalie Grant Concert!

2008-05-15T22:53:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow night is the Natalie Grant concert and I am soooo excited. Here's the thing. I don't care if she's the female vocalist of the year. Well, I care for HER sake. I mean which of the writers among us doesn't want to win a Christy?
Anyway, so I wrote the last three books to her Awaken CD. Even if she were as obscure in the singing world as I am in the writing world, I would be over the top excited that she's coming to my town.

I remember in December I was a stoplight and her CD (of course) was playing and AWAKEN came on.

"Awaken the Passion to live for you Lord.
Open my eyes so I can see your presence dwelling inside
wake me up, 'cause I can't live another minute if I'm not shining your light..."

I had been listening for a YEAR to this CD, obsessively. It was the only CD I could listen to and still write. But in that moment, I finally GOT it. I wept. Horns were honking. People were staring and I was trying to drive. But I didn't really give a rip, you guys. When God shows up, it's just too much.

God meets us where we are and in that moment I needed to wake up.

Tomorrow night I'm going to work the product table, I may or may not get to see her up close. If I do, I'll take a pic and put it here. Even if I don't...Jesus used her gifts in my life and He brought her to Lebanon (of all places) because He loves me. And I don't care who says anything else...Jesus and me...we know why she's here: Jesus loves me this I know. :)

I'll fill you in on Saturday...but not early. It's the 5K for the Pregnancy Support Center and I have to be there at 7:30 to help out with registration. I started volunteering a few weeks ago and I LOVE it. I fit right in with these precious folks. The lady in charge of most of the hands on stuff is a KICK and a half. She's an ex-hippie and is so cool I could just listen to her all day. She has a TON of Jesus that just sings from her when opens her mouth. I am so honored to work with her. I MIGHT get to start teaching one-on-one next week. Oh back to the 5K. Turns out I'm not ready to run it, but I can walk. I'm working on it. I'm still determined to run my marathon. God said I could. So I will.

It's late. Gotta go. I wish the rest of the world started their day at 10am. I hate going to bed early and getting up early. Getting up at 6:30 is a bummer.

God's smile

2008-05-05T18:23:00.002-05:00

There's an Eric Liddle quote that I love to meditate on and use during my talks with women about dreams and potential.
He was a Scottish runner who ran in the Olympics during the games right after WW2 (remember Chariots of Fire?)
He said. “I believe God made me for purpose. But he also made me fast. When I run. I feel his pleasure.”

Wow, what confidence in God and His plans. We don't have to stand behind a pulpit or sing like an angel for God to find pleasure in his purpose for us.

I was thinking about that today and I thought, When I write, do I feel your pleasure? There are days when I have been so tired and so needing to rest that I didn't feel anything but self-pity. :) But as I take time to rest and allow God to reveal His plans to me, I'm feeling His pleasure as I create new characters, story-lines, as I go back and rewrite and rewrite and fix holes in plotlines and take time to really say what I want to say in my writing instead of rushing to completion, that I feel his absolute approval and blessing and yes, His pleasure.

I want to feel His pleasure in the things I feel like He's called me to do. Running is one of those, although I'll never be Olympic fast or even fast enough to outrun my mother, most likely, but when I finish a workout and I'm tired and sweaty and sore...I smile. Because I feel His pleasure
Peace~

May Day

2008-05-01T13:04:00.002-05:00

May 1, 2008- May Day

Exactly how I feel today MAYDAY MAYDAY. Lord, help me! What have I gotten myself into? I’ve told everyone that I’m training for a marathon, that I’m going the distance, that I’m journaling my experiences and will write a book about faithfulness. Everyone is waiting to see… They believe I can do it. In my heart I hear them saying, “You CAN but WILL you?"

I can do anything through Christ who gives me strength and He’s the one who gave me this dream. Dreams don’t sit around on your heart for 24 years without a reason.

I did intervals of running and walking. I'm doing a specific training program. The structure will help me not move ahead too quickly and hurt my knees again.

peace~

Impossible things

2008-04-30T09:41:00.003-05:00

I woke up sick today. Went to bed sick last night. Fever, bodyaches, sore throat. My god daughter has strep. We had them to dinner last week, so two and two...

My son has gotten into a "situation". ("Situation" is mom-talk for big fat, I'd-knock-his-block-off-if-I-didn't-love-him-so-much-trouble), SO I'm having to drive him every day and pick him up from school. For those of you who do this as part of your daily routine, you're probably not impressed, but i hate not having one day at home where I don't have to leave my house. I don't, it's a Tracey thing. So along with the fuzzy, fever-glazed brain, I had to drive while semi-conscious. So all the way home (we live out of town), I was praying and singing songs to God to try to stay on his good side, should the brain fuzz get the better of me at the same time a big truck came barreling around any one of about a million curves on my road, marking the end of my charmed life. It never hurts to be prayed up and ready to face him.

I kept singing to God about ideas and following through and obeying him and trusting him. Ten minutes after I got home I got an impossible idea. Impossible because I can't possibly accomplish this thing. I'm not committed enough, not strong enough, not even 100% willing to try. Why do I know it's God's idea and not mine. Because it's impossible, I'm not committed enough, not srong enough and not 100% willing to try. That's the way it is with God. He plants these things in me...in us...and he makes the idea of succeeding very tasty. But success only comes with a lot of hard work, committment and trust. Oh and obedience. The pay off is oh-so-sweet. And he loves to give these goals to people like me. The typical Alice in Wonderland who has a lot of doubts and not a lot of follow-through. If the door is too tall, I cry and got gives me magic cake. If its too small, he gives me drink to make me smaller. He has everything I need in His hand. But I HAVE to reach out and take the hand.

What can God do with an Alice?

"There is no use trying." said ALice; "One can't believe impossible things."
"I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." -Lewis Carroll

Master Yoda said it like this. "Do or do not. There is no try."

Jesus said it best. "With man this is impossible. But with God all things are possible."

What impossible thing can you believe today?

Natalie Grant!!

2008-04-20T21:44:00.003-05:00

Okay, so all of you who know me are aware of my love for Natalie Grant. Just found out this week that she is coming to Lebanon for a concert next month. I'm so excited. I meet a lot of big name authors, but never ever a favorite singer. So I'm stoked! Who would have thought she'd come to Lebanon of all places! I think God did it for me, because I am highly blessed and favored. :) That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'm going to try really hard to get a photograph taken with her and if it works out, I'll post it.

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to speak at a ladies group called Common Ground. Ladies from all denominations get together to worship Jesus.
I spoke about destiny and I think what popped out the most was discussing Saul and his disobedience. Samuel said to him, "If you had only obeyed God would have established your kingdom forever." His disobedience had eternal consequences that involved not only himself, but his entire line. Jonathon missed out on the throne and on and on. Whether or not we choose to obey God and live out our own destinies will have a huge affect on our kids.
Something to think about....

Peace...

A tagline

2008-04-12T22:20:00.002-05:00

Hi all,
I've been reading a lot about mission statements. EVERYONE has a mission statement. I have always been a little envious of people who knew exactly what they wanted to write and what their writing was about. I guess I've always been one to learn by mistakes.
For the last few weeks, I've been pondering, praying, musing about what I truly want to write. And basically I realized that almost all of my books whether historical or comedy have things in common. My characters have real problems, my issues are current and relevant. Even my last historical had addiction in it. And the answer is always Jesus. I believe God gave me my tagline this week. Finally, after 40 books on the market, over 900K copies sold, I finally have a concrete mission statement or tagline...

To Mirror the Human Heart
To Reveal the Human Condition
To Offer the Only Answer

This will be my criteria from now on when I sit down to write.

A writing day

2008-04-08T20:44:00.002-05:00

I've finally gotten a taste of what life is meant to be in terms of time. The last few days I've been working a set number of hours, spending time with my family, my time with God, cooking cleaning (some), and not being so worn out I can't think straight every second. I actually slept 8 hours without waking up last night. I don't think I've done that since I started writing.

WHEW. I like not being on a crunch all the time. Perpetually behind and exhausted to the point of tears. It's not worth it.
Church is a joy, the kids are a joy (except I won't tell you about my 16 yo son's report card. OY did he ever get it from me).

I am nearing the completion of a massive proposal effort for a genre I've never tackled--I let everyone in on it if it does sell. It's a scary project for me. There is a lot of potential to fail.
But if I succeed, it will be a HUGE success. Only God knows. And He's being mum, so I guess I just press on and wait.

Been listening a lot to podcasts by Erwin McMannus, pastor of Mosaic in California and the writer of one of my favorite books THe Barbarian Way. I'm focusing more on Chasing Daylight right now, another of his books. He talks about seizing every moment. Taking risks. And I have to say...I have fought this new book I'm writing since the day the project idea was presented to me by an editor I'd love to work with for the rest of my career. This editor really gets me. Gets who I am as a person and believes in me as a writer--much more than I believe in myself, but I'm starting to believe a little--which might be scary. But still, after my first few minutes of excitement over the possibilities, I fought this idea in my heart. Fought it hard because it is so outside of my element. But honestly? I don't have peace to stop on it. So I keep writing. And the thing really is, I know as a writer, it's probably some of the best actual craft writing I've ever done. So even if it's not the one for me to completely write (in other words if it doesn't sell!) I'm happy with the effort I've put in. And I truly feel like I've offered this to God in a way I've never done with my writing. It's not even that overtly Christian in content, but its themes and symbolism are so rife with God that I can feel His fingerprints all over it. Anyway, I guess it's not so great to talk about your own work this way. Sheesh. I've never done that before. But this time off has energized me.
Oh, and by the way, I consider working on proposals as time off. LOL No pressure. Working for pleasure and possibility.

Peace~

Love and Holiness

2008-04-06T16:41:00.003-05:00

Rusty was on drill (National Guard) this weekend so I decided to visit a different church. I was planning to go to our church's first service and THEN go to the other one, but I sort of stayed up working until 3:30am (I get obsessed with new projects and this one is particularly challenging, so even though I KNEW I should go to bed, I didn't.)

So anyway, it is a great church. The pastor and his wife are Jamaican and just lovely, lovely folks. The first thing I noticed was the psalmist anointing of the praise and worship. You know how some worship is exciting and fun and makes you want to jump. This wasn't that. :) It was very Davidish. I wish the worship guy had been up there alone with his guitar, I think the anointing might have been even stronger but still, it was so very good and I felt all squishy in love with Jesus by the time the song service was over. Then the pastor preached on Holiness, which is always a great message to hear over and over since we fall so short of it. Me anyway. He said something that really struck a chord in me.

Don't focus on God's holiness so much that you mistreat His Love
and don't focus on God's Love so much that you mistreat his holiness.

It struck me again how quickly I can become legalistic and judgmental if I am not allowing the love of God to change me and make me holy. Only God can make those changes in us. It has nothing to do with striving.

Obedience to his voice, yes, striving in my own power: nope. :)
Good God day. He definitely had me in the right place.

Authority

2008-04-02T10:55:00.002-05:00

I've had a week of correction, here. The issue of authority is hard for me. Not taking authority, but submitting to it. Especially in the church. Too much baggage.

Anyone else watching John Bevere on Joyce Meyer this week?
The neatest thing I learned (and should have already known) is the difference between obedience and submission.

Obedience--the willful action
Submission--attitude of the heart

It's the classic, "be willing and obedient" issue that we read about in the old testament.

How many times do our kids obey because they are forced to, but their crappy attitude while they obey says it all? How much better would we like it if they smiled and said, "Dear mother, of course I would love to do the dishes, because I love you so much and I know you're worn out from taking care of my needs every second of the day. It's my privledge and honor to obey you in this matter and here, let me also take out the garbage while I'm at it. And would you like a cup of tea?"

BACK TO REALITY. God is forever watching me be obedient with a frown and a heart of resentment. I'm praying today for peace and grace to be obedient and willing. And boy is this a hard prayer. I'm in servanthood 101. Last week I was scrubbing a bathtub for someone who is having trouble getting around due to injury. Honestly, I was ticked. Not at the lady, but at her son whom I felt should be doing this work for her. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, "Be a servant of ALL" OUCH. We don't get to choose how we serve God. We just get to choose if we do it or not.

So there's my lesson for the week.
Oh I wish I were more faithful to this Lord I love so much.

My great weekend in Hardy, Ar.

2008-03-19T12:57:00.003-05:00

So, for those of you who follow Rachel Hauck's blog and Susan Downs, you probably already know that we, along with Christine Lynxwiler and Susan Warren all met at a B and B in Hardy, Arkansas for a long weekend retreat and booksigning.

Thursday I picked Susie Warren up from Springfield, Mo. and we drove the two and a half hours down to Hardy where Chris lives. Susan Downs and Rachel Hauck flew into Memphis and Chris drove down there to pick them up.

We hung out at Afterwords while waiting for Chris to get there with the other two. Afterwords is a fabulous coffeeshop, owned by Greg Bess who treated us like royalty all weekend. He also owns the B and B where we stayed for our retreat. That evening, one of Chris's friends sent over some fabulous southern chicken salad that was so good we looked like a pride of lions standing over a gazelle as we dug in. Thanks to Melinda for the amazing meal. We loved it so much, we saved the leftovers and ate them for lunch the next day so we didn't have to leave the house during our brainstorm session. But Thursday night, Susie Warren taught us all a new lesson she's working on. It was so good, I begged her to give me her notes. She referenced the movies Live Free, Die Hard, and Cellular (which coincidentally was on TBS last night, so I DVRed it to use as a lesson for myself next week as I begin a new proposal). Susie is just so good. She has a teacher's gift that I have rarely seen. Those of you going to ACFW conference, be sure to attend at least one of her classes. Also you might consider joining her community called VOICES to join go to www.mybooktherapy.com and sign up for VOICES. In my humble opinion, it's the best writing site that I've seen. And that's not just because Suz and Rachel are my friends. Seriously.

Okay, back to our weekend.
The next morning we did an hour long Q and A session for those who came early for the booksigning. There were several ladies there. We had a great time. Suz shared her five secrets of writing a great book and we all expounded. Plus we took our turns answering the questions. Then the booksigning. Went great.
Greg pulled out all the stops and got us on the radio (Waving to Beth, who gives great interviews!)

Saturday evening we did more brainstorming and hung out. Sunday we prayed with Greg before we left and spoke destiny to his heart. Greg is a great builder. God gives him big ideas and hooks him up with the people who can come along side him and run with the dream.

We were all touched by the love and warmth from the town of Hardy. I met beautiful, precious women who want to fulfill the dream God's given them to write. Chris and I announced a seminar that we are planning for May, in Hardy. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with some of the women we met this weekend and hopefully more.

Since I've been back, I've been finishing up my new book. I was afraid I didn't have enough story for the minimum wordcount, now I'm concerned I'll have too much. So I'm in that mode where I am making every word count!
Off I go!

taking a blog from Rachel

2008-02-27T12:33:00.003-06:00

I was reading through Rachel's blog today and found this. I'm posting with her permission because it's SOOO good!God has been speaking to Rusty and myself lately that we are the prophets of our own lives. What we say today affects tomorrow. This was such a neat comfirmation that I wanted to share it.

The tongue and the word
Last night, I joined Tony and his crew for the down town ministry. Until now, I've only been going up to the coffee shop at 9:00 for the Dream Team.

I didn't want to participate in the down town ministry. No particular reason other than. . . I didn't want to be bothered.

One day as I prayed, I realized God was not limiting me, I limited myself. I cannot grow in love without extending beyond my comfort zone.

The down town ministry was birthed out of Tony's self-extension, realizing he needed to get out of the four walls of the church. For over a year, he met with a team down at the beach to witness of Christ, cold, to passers-by.

Then, God put on his heart to go door-to-door in one of the worst neighborhoods - an old apartment complex - and ask people if he and our friend Ted could pray for them.

Two years later, a team of people meet in down town house churches and prayer walk the area.

Subtly, God spoke to me about going. You know, one of those ways where I could've said no as easily as saying yes.

I decided to say yes. So, last night, sitting in a hot apartment with interesting smells, I studied the book of James with men and women who were down but not out.

I instantly loved them, felt their pain, and wondered at what point they made the decision that brought them to the life they now led - out of work, fighting drugs or alcohol, apart from their families.

And I learned from James. For over a decade now, I've been on a word diet, watching what I say and how. God seriously impressed on me the power of my words and how I cannot tear down those He wants to build up.

So, look at what James writes in chapter three.

"Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire."

A horse is our individual destinies we set with our tongue - good or evil. A ship represents the destiny of many. Our tongue can hurt others as much as hurting ourselves.

Sticks and stones can break our bones, but words can destroy us and those around us - friends, family, co-workers.

So, with my new friends, I was reminded of the power of my speech and to guard my tongue. Speak life and hope, not death and despair.

I remember when I first signed with Thomas Nelson. I was so excited. Then hit with panic. "I can't write for them," I said. "I'm not good enough."

The Lord gently tapped me on the shoulder. "Hey, keep prophesying that to yourself and don't be surprised when bad happens."

Oops. I repented and began to declare good things. I was the "little writer that could" and I said it over and over.

Besides, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Don't agree with the negative feelings and circumstances. While they may be real and need confrontation, don't agree with every bad or negative thought and feeling. It will get you nowhere!

Figure out what God says about you and declare it over yourself.

Okay, more later on Sweet Caroline behind the scenes. I know I promised to write it and never did!

Peace, peace!

Consistency

2008-02-26T14:11:00.002-06:00

I hate trying to be consistent. Seriously. I'm working really hard on diet and exercise. Day Five...(for the hundredth time). Daily word count. Regular church attendance. Family devotions/prayer time. Family dinners.
I've boiled it down to something so simple...You're going to like this...discipline.

We live in a society where there are very few boundaries and tend to buy into the lie that we can do what feels right. But God's way says "crucify the deeds of the flesh". So that's my hard lesson this week. I wake up every day wanting to pig out and be lazy. And every day I have to remind myself that this isn't about will power. It's about obedience. Becoming the person I want to be. The person I want to be is fit and healthy, wise and faithful. A deadline meeter and someone to be counted on.
It won't happen with the sweep of a magic wand. It will take discipline and prayer.

My friend Susie is so faithful at those things. She inspires me.

Here we Go!

2008-02-20T08:34:00.001-06:00

New day! New Blog entry.

So...a new season of American Idol and Survivor is upon us. I'm so excited I can't stand it. Loved the boys last night! Especially the kid with the dreds. So sweet. The girls sing tonight. We'll see if they can bring it like the guys did.

I'm announcing a new contest. Scroll down and sign my guestbook and I'll enter you in a drawing to win either Distant Heart--Book two in the Westward Hearts trilogy, or You Had Me at Goodbye-- Book Two in the Drama Queens series.

I'll do the drawing March 1, 2008.

God Bless All!

Heaven

2007-10-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

This has been a long year of friends and loved ones going to be with Jesus. In a way, my life seems to have spiraled into some real depressing moments, hours, days, months. It's been heartbreaking for me. Hard to break through.

This is what Ted Dekker says in The Slumber of Christianity (which is a call for Christians to return to the joy of this hope of Heaven): "We should obsess after Christ and the power of his resurrection. We should preoccupy our minds with our inheritance. Otherwise our pain will rage unchecked and will bear a fruit of bitterness and hopelessness."

I remember a phrase that the Christians used to say. those who weren't ready to surrender every cell and emotion to God, they would say, "Don't be so heavenly minded you're no earthly good."
Okay, don't be a lunatic and carry signs, but we SHOULD be heavenly minded. Heaven minded.

Can you imagine the disciples who ate, slept, and fellowshiped with Jesus? After his death, I can only imagine that every single day they woke up with a pain in their stomachs, praying that today be the day Jesus returned or they go be with him. I long to see him face to face. To reunite with those who have gone before me.

Trisha went to be with Jesus this morning. She was in her twenties. A young wife. And a former youth member of mine and Rusty's when we were youth pastors a few years ago. I've known her since she was a little girl and I was good friends with her mom. Trish was a beautiful singer, a talented writer, and strong in principle.
Jesus was waiting for her this morning and she walked into his arms. No more tears, no more pain. Joy unspeakable full of glory....

Come quickly Lord Jesus.

Football and Pizza

2007-10-07T07:07:00.000-05:00

Will's team won 24 to 8 last night!! My little linebacker did a GREAT job. Got a tackle and blocked to the best of his ability. This has been a crazy couple of weeks. I've felt hammered by fellow christians. I was thinking how we need to be linebackers for eachother. Intercession. Blocking enemy access to our brothers and sisters. When we gossip and judge it's like just standing there and letting the enemy run right through our defenses and win. But it's not just them. I have to see my own heart too. Am I truly loving even when they hurt me? Am I blocking access to the enemy from my brothers and sisters? The word says we're a peculiar people. I think part of that is because we bless those who curse us. We pray for those who despise us. We take the high road and love even when people don't love us back. Jesus loves me, this I know. I love him and my neighbor as myself.

Mom went with us last night. We had a great time sitting in the cool evening air watching the game, talking... then went for pizza. Had a great server who saved us $10 by pointing out that we ordered everything on a family special deal, only we ordered it separately. Gave her a good tip. I like walking in favor. It surrounds me like a shield.

Today I woke up before 6 am. Couldn't sleep. Had a lot on my mind. I decided to get up and work out. So here it is 7:12. Just finished. I'm going to have coffee with Rusty, shower, and get Stevan to church before 9 so he can help his team in Kid's church. He's a teenager now and has always wanted to help in ministry.
I'm proud of him. God is truly blessing my kids. Thanks, Lord.

Peace

Big Thanks!

2007-10-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

To my friends and writing community. The internet brings so much into the life of a person who works from home. I praise God for the day I met Lynn Coleman and she invited me into her online community of Christians with the same passions I have. To serve God through writing. For the past 10 years or so, I've been honored and blessed to know some amazing incredible people and have made lifelong friends, prayer partners, and bible study pals. A solid group of friends who listen to God and give me correction when they see me headed off in the wrong direction, but give me a pat on the back when they see me doing right. It's hard to constantly be criticized. It's heart rending and not in a good way. That's why the Bible tells fathers not to be too harsh with their kids because it can cause them to lose hope. I think writers more than anyone else understand that. We can definitely take correction. We have to if we're going to be any good at what God has called us to do. But we also know if we have an overly critical editor who never gives a thumbs up, it beats us down and makes us feel worthless. (this isn't the case with me. I tough, but tender editors).

So...thank you, thank you, thank you. You who speak the truth in love, but never, ever belittle me!! I pray that I have given you the same blessing over the last 10 years.

Last night I was so bummed. Feeling like a failure, like I can't do or say anything right. I was praying, "Please, Lord. Show me my heart, but do it with kindness so I'm not destroyed inside." You see. I WANT to be pure and holy before God. But I've seen so much church abuse and experienced it in the past that it's hard for me to trust church "leaders". I've missed out on a lot because of my distrust. But I've also avoided some pitfalls. I'm seeking God to help me find the balance.

Anyway, I got an email from a lady I don't know. A minister who has read the Claire series and thanked me for "listening to God" and ministering to her and her sister who is also a ministry wife of a senior pastor. Wow, healing balm. And so needed, especially from someone who is currently serving in ministry. I cried, thanked God for confirmation that I'm not a complete screw up, and went to bed seeking him about a couple of situations in my life. So...back to the calling at hand. No more guilt trips, no more twisted thinking or bitterness. God is good, all the time.
Hey, we're barbarians, right? Barbarians do what they have to do but don't get distracted by anything other than the mission!

OH sidenote...
Will, my nine-year-old was player of the night on his team during practice last night.
I've been speaking favor over him for awhile because he has such low self esteem. He's so quiet, that he tends to be overlooked by teachers at school and church. It's funny how people just assume about some kids and don't take time...I think it would surprise a lot of people to know that Will is a straight A student with so much intelligence that it's almost mind boggling. He has been opening up a lot lately and I'm floored by so many of his insights.

We've been spending a lot of time together, reading every night. Talking about issues that are important to him. God gave me some clear direction a few months ago about how He needs me to raise Will and I've been careful to be consistent in most of them. (We've discussed poor church attendance, so no need to go there! That's my issue. :) ).

Well, enough. I feel like taking a deep, cleansing breath and getting to work for the day.

Love and Peace. God truly is FOR you. His favor surrounds you like a shield.

It's really Fall!!

2007-10-04T11:05:00.001-05:00

Can you guys believe it's October already??? Some Christians hate this month because of Halloween. But I don't. I mean, it gets a little spooky and we do have to plead the blood of Jesus. But I spent too many years living in paranoia and fear and I'm done with all that. If you don't want to trick or treat, then don't. It's probably not the best choice in today's world. But if you do choose to, make sure it's okay between you and God. Someone mentioned the other day that it saddens them to see the seduction of Christians this time of year.

I tell you, i don't feel seduced at all. I don't have trick or treat aged kids, I take them to the church party and we don't dress up, but I have to shake my head at the mentality that if you don't agree with me, you're somehow being lied to and seduced by the devil. As though one Christian is more spiritual because they choose not to acknowledge the holiday. The same people, however who DO partake in "harvest" parties that happen to be held on the same night. I don't know....I'm just sick of the idea that you must believe and speak my way or it's the wrong way.

Well, I wrote today with happy thoughts and it just went downhill pretty fast. LOL SOO on to the really cool news!

Remember I told you a few months ago that I wasn't moving on a proposal until I got real direction? Well, I finally got it and I'm moving forward with a proposal.
The thing is, I have to get my sales numbers together to put in a good pitch, so I've been going through royalty statements and adding figures to last year's figures and I was astonished to find my sales are over 900K sold. I look back over the last eight years and I have to praise God and give him all the glory for everything he's done for me.

To God be all the glory---I truly mean that. I know I'm nothing without Him.

Happy October!!
Tracey

Leadership

2007-09-29T13:18:00.001-05:00

It seems like everywhere I turn this past week I'm confronted with the issue of leadership. I'm a leader this, and I'm a leader that. See...the thing is, I don't want to be a leader. My entire teen years and young adult years were spent preparing for leadership roles. I wanted it so badly. For God to make my life count for something and take me to this place of leadership. But then I got there. :) OUCH it's HARD to be a leader. To take the hits, the stress, the accountability. Once we left the church where I was worship leader, I tried a couple of times to participate in different areas at the new church because I truly did want to serve, but I wasn't ready at all. There were too many wounded areas that needed healing. So I threw myself into writing. And I felt like it was okay with God for me to sit back and rest awhile. I mean, I did lead ACFW for a couple of years and before that was Vice President and stuff. So I served where I felt I should. But I'm talking in the church and in general. The last few years everytime there's been a leadership training class I've conveniently passed on attending. I mean, come on, we know what it takes to be a leader, don't we?
1.) A solid walk with God
2.) Faithful church attendance
3.) humility
4.) a stable home life
5.) faithful church attendance
6.) faithful church attendance
7.) Faithful church attendance
OH and last but not least
8,) Faithful church attendance

Guess which one I have trouble with. I got really really burned out on church. I mean organized, this is how it's done, gossip fest, mean people suck, you're not doing this right, church, so it became really hard for me to lock in, even at this FANTASTIC church we attend now (and have for the past 8 years or so). My attendance is sporadic at best. My personal walk with God remains strong and I listen to the podcasts of my pastor's sermons and hook in with the prayer team every day through an email loop, and we pay our tithe, but when it comes to really pressing in and putting my butt in the chair at church itself on a weekly basis, I struggle. And I know I'm not alone.

Anyway, I've been sick with the flu and down in bed almost all week and God has been dealing with me about his purpose for me and my role as a leader and all the things I'm missing because I refuse to obey in this one area of my life.
I got a tough love message from one of the pastors at church last week. It was "BE THERE. I don't want any excuses." MAN what a great message. Guess what? I was there. I'm not sure his motives were all about me, but that's not what I need to be concerned with(we're all human, right? It's okay to be frustrated when someone--ie me--is letting us down). God used him, whatever his motives, to deal with me. All week, God has sort of been saying the same thing in my spirit. No more excuses. BE THERE. Be the leader you are called to be.

I have a ways to go and I still don't really think I'm leadership material, and my emotions are screaming against walking back into the fray, but God is God and I love Him more than anything. Obedience is better than sacrifice, although right now I feel like it's all about the sacrifice. :)

What about you? You ready to dip a toe in and let God use you?

Reality TV

2007-09-20T18:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, the time has come... Survivor starts tonight, Survivor starts tonight, hiho the dario, survivor starts tonight. YAY!!!!

This has been a fabulous week so far! I received and returned my content edit for That's (Not Exactly) Amore, the third Drama Queens book. I am working intensively on a new proposal. Finally some direction. And I'm working on the third Westward Hearts book. Working hard but on a forgiving schedule. Determined that from now on, I will not overload myself. I discovered on this last book, that it's better to take more time, really get to know my characters and spend some time plotting. The book is so much better and more developed. If you are a writer, RUN and buy PLOT and STRUCTURE by James Scott Bell. it is a FABULOUS book and rejuvenated my writing.

I'm feeling more focused to work at this craft and be serious about it as a job. A job I love, but one nonetheless. I needed my own space away from the "family" areas. For ten years I've been writing in living room, bedroom, even the kitchen for a time. And I told Rusty. It's enough. I need a space I can call my office! SO to that end, we moved my desk into my own little corner of the garage. I lift my gaze above my monitor and I have a shelf with my beautiful Williamsburg series by Elswyth Thane. And my beloved Love Comes softly series by (who else?) Janette Oke--the reason I became a writer. To my left is a lovely clock base with a pen holder that Igot from the advisory board when I was president of ACFW. And to my right...All the seasons of Smallville on DVD so far. :) Also on my left is a painting my daughter did for me of a lion standing majestically on rocks looking out over a valley. She's so gifted.

Anyway, ours is a finished garage where we have our treadmill and elliptical and all the weights and stuff. Plus a TV of course, because who can run without TV these days? Speaking of which, I got my tshirt from the last one--the one we didn't run. I guess if you pay you still get the tshirt. :) There is a 5K race in Springfield in November and we've decided to head for that one. I WILL run one of those doggone thigns. I took a few weeks off running so I've had to start back at a really light workout, but I'm getting there again.

I guess that's it for this time.
Peace

Catching up

2007-09-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

Well, my vaca is about over and time to get back to work. I'm looking forward to hitting the desk every day and finish up this year with grace and peace. My schedule is much slower paced now until the end of the year. And still haven't sent out proposals so it's REALLY looking slow for next year. :) Still in the planning stages as far as that goes. I find that I'm at peace. And not stressing. God has promised to supply my needs as long as He gets first place. And that's where we are!

I've found a new worship CD! Rusty and I have started dialogue with a church in a new state where we are feeling led to move after Cat graduates next year.
The pastor sent his daughter's myspace page where there are some samples of her music. Beautiful worship leader. Her voice is very similar to Crystal Lewis and the anointing is strong. Have a listen and buy a CD if you feel led.
I got mine today and I'm listening to it. It's wonderful!
www.myspace.com/writtenbycynthia

Well, Rusty and I just got home after a day and a half away. We had a great time. Today Will has his first football game--two actually. So we're about to head back out to do that!

Hugs

T

reviews....come laugh with me....

2007-09-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

I got three very different Reviews today from three different sources....
Check these out. I'm not sure what two spoons means in the last one. But the site had cereal all over it, so I'm assuming this might be a young mom that feeds her kids a lot of cereal and reviews on the side? I'm not sure and didn't have time to stick around and find out. My friend Rachel mentioned one day that she thinks all reviewers are just nice. UH. NOPE... some are honest with a kind spirit and some are honest (and we want them to be) but not kind spirited at all. Very snarky. I usually get great reviews. But not always. Every once in awhile my style and characters just don't mesh. But without naming sites of these reviews, I wanted to show you how subjective it is from reader to reader. Not everyone is going to like me. That doesn't lessen the fact that I have a calling to write the books God has given me to write to the best of my ability. Believe me, no one is harder on me and my books than I am. (smile)
ENJOY THESE----I did.

OKAY Here they are
Review #1

Defiant Heart is the first in the Avon Inspire line – and if Defiant Heart is any indication, it will be a great line up! Ms. Bateman is a talented author, and in this first book in the Westward Hearts series, she grabbed my interest on page one and held it through out.

Fannie is a realistic heroine, kind and caring, in spite of her circumstances. She’s also quick to defend those less fortunate than herself, and willing to go to any length to care for those she loves. Blake is a true heroine, strong, wise, and caring, even if he is a stickler for the rules. I found myself cheering for Fannie and hoped she’d keep her siblings alive on the difficult and dangerous trip.

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Review #2
I enjoyed the way Tracey Bateman used several different perspectives to tell this story. Sometimes you heard from Fannie, sometimes from Blake (the wagon master) and sometimes from Sam, the wagon master’s ‘half-breed’ guide and partner. It gave the book a well-rounded and broad base to build the story on.

I also enjoyed the imagery of “Defiant Heart.” The author described things in such a way that you felt like you were traveling with the wagoners, facing the challenges right along with them. When the wagon train was struck by a tornado, I could feel the power of the wind around me.

I must admit that as much as I enjoyed “Defiant Heart” there were a few things that could have been improved. That biggest issue for me was that a few of the characters in this novel were a little bit stereotypical; most particularly the villains. They villains seemed to lack the depth that the heroes had, and that pulled the overall quality down just a notch.

Conclusion

While “Defiant Heart” does have a few imperfections, it’s a very enjoyable story. I feel bad that I waited so long to read it, since it took me only a few short hours to read once I finally picked it up this morning. I guess an engaging tale will do that to you.

I think that most fans of Christian fiction will enjoy “Defiant Heart,” particularly those who share my affinity for historical novels. ****************************************************
REVIEW #3
This novel kicks off the start of a new series entitled Westward Hearts. And in truth it does feel like a beginning. Set during the time of westward expansion, the novel focuses on orphans Fannie Caldwell and her two young siblings who were sold into servanthood by their stepfather. When a wagon train pulls into town, Fannie puts her plan to escape from her cruel master into action. Fannie is strong willed, determined and, oh yes, cliche though it may be, she is beautiful.(SIDENOTE FROM TRACEY: She actually ISN'T BEAUTIFUL. BUT FROM THE HERO'S POV SHE IS) She meets her match in the handsome and equally headstrong wagon master Blake Tanner. Life on the trail is a series of trials that is exacerbated when the Caldwell clan joins in on the journey. Through the perils they face, Fannie and Blake slowly recognize their love for one another. And that folks is where it ends. It really is just the beginning of a story. I have to wonder if a fuller novel was written and then split into two parts to begin the development of this series. I enjoyed the story as I have all the other historical inspiration fiction I have read but if you are looking for a grat book set in the wild west, I would recommend Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers or Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy.

I'm giving Defiant Heart 2 spoonfuls of cereal because it did keep me turning the pages but it just felt so underdeveloped and there are some other great choices in the same genre that I would recommend instead of this title.

OUCH!!!!!!!!!
LOL
Tracey

Everyone's Busier than I am!

2007-09-06T17:07:00.001-05:00

Hey Rach and Janelle. Thanks for writing a response on yesterday's blog. It was a TOUGH day! Sometimes I think I put too much of me out there. But I can't seem to stop myself. LOL

Okay, how great is this?
Today I unplugged my computer (well, I mean I plugged it back in--obviously). We woke up to ginormous storms, so I took that as a sign that I was to unplug. Totally.
As soon as the kids text messaged me that they got to school safely (cheesy mama grin), I turned off my blackberry, plopped my pillows on the couch, covered up with my HUGE throw that has a picture Jesus on it. Symbolic of course of being wrapped in Jesus--which I needed today. I was watching a show about hurricanes, then turned it over to a Black and White flick with Margaret O'brien and the next thing I know it's 12:30. Again, woke up with that heart pounding feeling that I needed to get to work.
Got up and did end up working a couple of hours, but that was okay. I actually feel energized.
Tonight, My daughter is going to a financial class she's attending through the church, two sons have ball practices, my neice who lives with us, is goign to see her brother, and my other son has a million pages of homework so I don't expect him to come up for air before bedtime.
SO!!!! For once, guess who's actually off tonight??? And guess who's watching Big Brother 8? That's right...me!

Day of Rest?

2007-09-05T17:53:00.000-05:00

I woke up today in a panic that I'd slept so late (7:03). What am I supposed to be doing? I have words to write! Oh, that's right. I turned it in to the powers that be. But then I couldn't sleep anyway so I got up and watched Bill Clinton on the Today show. Boy is he ever a great orator. LOL Most Liars----I mean---Lawyers are.

So I actually did have a half a day of almost rest before another crisis occured. LOL Life...then heaven-- If I'm lucky and all you Baptists are right about eternal security (from your lips to God's ears)!

Seriously, I think God is stripping my confidence for a reason. Maybe I'm prideful? I didn't think I was, but you know, our vices are seldom known until they're revealed. And pride does go before a fall. Right now I feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Falling...falling...falling. All I have to say is there better be some great, funky characters coming out of this experience. Because if there is no lesson to the last year of my life, I'm probably in big, big trouble. :)
But God is still good right?
What was it the Hebrew children said when face with the fiery furnace. "If God wants to, he can deliver, but even if he doesn't, I won't bow to your idol."
Gotta love that kind of faith. Spunky...dare I say it, Barbarian.

Love lots
T

My Son and the latte

2007-09-02T16:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I said when I had something relevant to say I would...
Today is Sunday, I'm on a writing marathon to finish up my current book and turn it in on Tuesday.
If you've never spent three days in a chair typing, you can imagine how much pain you feel in all of your muscles. Every muscle aches.
But that's not what's relevant today. I choose this life and i LOVE it and let's face it if I didn't push deadline so much and could suddenly develop a more even personality I wouldn't have to deal with thse crazy marathons. however... Rome wasn't built in a day, and to be honest, Probably still wouldn't be built if I'd been the one that had to do it.

So I'm writing away, loving my story, to be honest but starting to feel a little sorry for myself when my son knocks on my door. My sweet sixteen year old son brought me a small vanilla latte from Starbucks, hugged me, and left me alone so I could go back to work.

Okay, I don't want to say it's because he's grounded from his phone and wants it back. I prefer to believe (and I have no reason not to) that his love for me prompted this wonderful kind act on his part.

I'm just saying....

Breathe...

2007-08-31T14:17:00.000-05:00

Working toward a deadline again. Almost ready to turn it in before beginning the next.

I still haven't gotten clear direction about my next proposal. It's so weird to see the end of the year looming and know I have nothing to do after the first of December. I've had a couple of opportunities come up, but they didn't really stick. Sometimes that happens. You can't get your hopes up and count on possibilities. That's why it's so important to get God's view on things. Still not positive I made the right choice with one of them. But probably did.

Well, the 5K is off. I have to stay home and work and it's a two hour drive to and from Branson. Too much time off. That sucks. But I WILL do those 3.1 miles on my treadmill. Not the same though. And a collosal waste of admission money. Sometimes, though you just have to choose what's right. I need to get this deadline turned in. My editor is counting on it. And I'm counting on getting it off my plate!

I'm rambling. really bad. Oh, well. Better I ramble for you than my book and have to rewrite the thing.

Have a great day. Maybe something profound will enter my brain soon and I'll have a relevant blog.
OH. The funniest shirt......"Shut up, stupid brain, or I'll poke you with a Q-tip"

Peace

Choices

2007-08-27T18:22:00.000-05:00

Boy, it's been awhile since I blogged. And I was doing so great! That's the thing about commitment. I'm not so good at it. A writer's loop I'm on has been talking about that very topic and many have made public commitments to do this or that in regards to their writing. But I shudder at resolutions, be they January 1 or August whatever. I don't say that flippantly. I doggone wish I weren't so weak. I miss out on a lot of good because I'm so bad so much of the time. (Sound like a four year old, don't I?) But really, I can't seem to get past the do what feels good mentality. I would have been a FABULOUS flower child in the sixties. I hope I would have been a Jesus Freak, but might have been on the other side of the coin. I know for sure I would NOT have worn a bra. But that's beside the point.

The real topic of my life the last couple of weeks has been about choice. Doing the right thing when the flesh screams out to do the wrong thing. Every time I make the right choice, I KNOW it's best, but I still mourn what might have been. Do you? Honestly. Or am I the only person in the world who is Obedient, but not necessarily willing from time to time? I know we are to be willing AND obedient, but most of the time all I can muster is obedience. Sometimes it's the small choices, like passing on the next bite or not driving so fast (because I tend to like to get where I'm going a little faster than the state of Missouri wants me to get there). But sometimes the issues are bigger and potentially fatal to my spiritual life. Those are the hardest choices. But once made, God can start working on the heart.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a right spirit within me....

All I can say is "thank God for grace".

Peace out. Make the right choice. It's worth it.

Resisting unto blood

2007-08-12T16:11:00.001-05:00

Have you ever struggled against sin in your life, fought it so hard that you actually bled?
Jesus did. He fought against the struggle inside of him as he prayed in the garden the night he was betrayed. Fought so hard, that he actually sweat out great drops of blood, the bible says.

A few years ago when God required me to stop smoking, he gave me Heb 12 as my scripture for that first week. I had to keep saying, "I have not yet resisted unto blood. I can do this. Jesus resisted unto blood."
You see. We are way too easy on ourselves. I love Pastor Rick, our youth pastor. he speaks my language so clearly. This morning the church building was really hot and he said, "I don't feel sorry for you, I played a softball tournament in 100 degrees yesterday. It's only about 80 in here." LOL Rick's a barbarian too. He is NOT a nuturer. but he was right. We couldn't spend ten more minutes so that a man could be born again? A person gave his life to Jesus in our 80 degree hot church today.

God is dealing with me. Time to toughen up.
I'm a warrior princess. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

In order for me to stop sinning in my stomach, I had to have gastric bypass and cut it down to the size of a thumb. And don't go all spiritual on me, Jesus himself said if your right hand offends you, cut it off. It's better to go to heaven maimed than to go to hell. Right? Well, if I spent 30 years trying to get victory over gluttony and couldn't, then I had to take a drastic approach. God gave me the solution. I took it and now I have to walk in obedience in my eating, but I was required to be careful with eating. So I learned to eat a new way.

One more thing that goes along with what I've been saying so far...
Today my past came back to confront me. Someone who absolutely terrorized me years ago stepped across my path. I wanted to run out of the church. I did sort of run to the other SIDE of the church for a little while, trembling. But as we began to sing At the Cross (Hillsongs) "At the cross I bow my knee where your blood was shed for me. There's no greater love than this. You have overcome the grave. Your glory fills the highest place. What can separate me now?"
I remembered that jesus was treated so much worse than I was. He forgave. I went to a new place in Jesus today.
He set me free.
Aleluia

It's official--I'm running a race

2007-08-08T18:33:00.000-05:00

A metaphorical race, yes. Racing toward the goal to obtain the prize in Christ. BUT I'm also running an actual physical race. In three and a half weeks, I'm running a 5K race. I sent off the forms and entry fee today.
Does this make me a runner? I really know there's no way I would win. I will come out somewhere in the middle, probably. Oh, I will NOT be last. I guarantee you that. If I have to trip someone, I won't be last. JK!

There's something very earthy and real about dripping with sweat, your hair wringing wet, your socks damp when you finish. It's about pushing your body to limits you don't think you can go. Yes, all of that sweat, all that limit-pushing in 3.2 miles at a slow jog. But hey, one man's marathon is another girl's 5K. I'm just sayin'...

I have years of obesity melting off my body with every mile I run. THe 100 lbs is gone from my body. But not from my mind. Mindsets, body image, the tendency to look away when beautiful people--male and female--walk toward me. God is using running to reshape how I think about me. He thinks I'm awesome. I know that. It's just hard to convince myself of the same thing.

About the 5K race. God put this on my heart. Used my friend, a chiropractor, Kevin Lynxwiler to inspire me.
Thanks, Kevin. You're an awesome man of God. I love how you care for your family--those beautiful amazing girls in your life, whom I love so much. I admire how you take care of the temple God has entrusted to you. Your comittment and endurance has made me determined! You allow God to heal through your hands and I find that the most inspiring of all. I know you'll be cheering me on from afar, while I run.

Faith

2007-07-31T20:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was hard. It was one of those days where I felt like a failure. I cried and wrote in my journal, "Lord, how can I speak to your precious women about trusting and surrender and your ability to make them into the writer you've called them to be, when I so clearly haven't fully surrendered my own plans?"

I got discouraging news yesterday. News that made me feel like I'm not good enough. Like someone whose respect I truly want, just doesn't respect me at all. Ouch. That hurts. I had a day of asking the Lord to please take my hurt. please allow me the grace to keep moving if the answer from Him is "no" to the dream that I truly thought was His idea.

It's easy to be a Barbarian in theory. But when push comes to shove, do I lay down my weapon and give up, or do I hold up my leather shield against the onslaught of arrows coming at me and say, "NO if I fail, I fail trying."

It took all day for me to summon the strength to raise my shield, to flick off the arrows that had been stinging me all day. By the time I was ready to stop feeling sorry for myself, God spoke to my heart and once again assured me that He will complete that which He began in me. I dream so big, that there are going to be disappointments on the way up. There will be setbacks, there will be sore muscles, there will be flesh wounds. But only I decide if the wounds are unto death or annoyances that just make me more determined to stay in and continue to fight for the Heart of my King.

I choose to fight for His glory. I choose to complete my current assignments from him and make them truly something for his Honor.

Today, I wrote and wrote and laughed and enjoyed every word. I thanked the Lord for each word and we created a new character. Together, Jesus and I. A great character that I love. One I'd love to write an entire story around.

Tonight I can shut down my computer knowing I've blessed his heart. I obeyed and wrote toward the completion of another book he's so kindly blessed me with the opportunity to write. I worshipped him with the words today. They were His. I can watch a movie with my husband and go run on my treadmill knowing I've done what He asked of me today--it was a LOT of words--close to 5K.

Thanks for today, Lord. Days like this make days like yesterday worth it.
I'll follow you, Lord. I don't ask for special privileges, or that you'd make things easy, but rather that you make me tough enough to get through the hard times and tender enough to melt my heart to yours when you ask for worship in whatever form that worship takes.

So that's my confession and my praise report.
Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it mightily as unto the Lord.

Fight for the Heart of Your King

2007-07-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

I've talked about the book The Barbarian Way before. But I'm reading it again, so it deserves another mention.

The author Erwin Raphael McManus opens the book by talking about Robert the Bruce. The jerk in Braveheart who totally betrayed Mel Gibson. But whatever..(worth a mention, but not the point).

We know that after William Wallace died, Robert the Bruce led the Scots to freedom, but legend tells us (according to McManus--I'm getting all of this from his book, so don't sue me if HE got it wrong. :) )that when the Bruce was dying he asked for a worthy knight to carry his heart into battle. A man surnamed Douglas took up the cause and carried the embalmed heart of the Bruce in a jar around his neck. During a fight he was fatally wounded, but before he died he tossed the jar into the midst of the enemy shouting, "Fight for the heart of your King"

The allegory of course is that we must fight for the heart of OUR King. Jesus.

This book hits me in a core place that just craves barbarism. Don't you ever just want to sit at a rough-hewn wooden table with a half-cooked roasted chicken in front of you, yank off a whole leg quarter and tear at it with your teeth, then drink down a whole pint of ale and burp without saying excuse me? (If you don't and it disturbs you that I do, then you're not a barbarian....yet!)

I'm not very civilized anyway which makes it difficult to feel like I fit in when I go to places where authors, editors, and agents schmooze and talk about smart things that I totally don't get. I just want to live for Jesus. I want to live hard, play hard, and fight hard. It's the Irish peasant in me, I guess. I'm not one to give up. I hang on to what's important to me. And I refuse to shrink away with a cry of "I'm unworthy to be in mere man's presence". Because I know I'm called to carry the Heart of Jesus into battle. He's positioned me for His cause, whatever form my position takes, and I can't shrink back in fear or accept rejection or stop the fight for any reason. I WILL Follow where HE leads even if no one else thinks I should go there. I Know the voice of my King. And I don't give a flip what people expect of me. I'm following Him, if I fail, I fail Him, if I succeed, I succeed for His glory! Man doesn't impress me and I stopped trying to gain approval a long time ago--because most leaders don't like me no matter what I do or how hard I try--I either want to do too much, or I do too little. :)

But Jesus...He's WILD about me. He LOVES that I want to fight for Him. He knows me in this gritty, down to earth place that "man" doesn't get about me. But he sees this potential and keeps letting me carry His heart into battle. He amazes me. I know I'm not fit to carry his heart, but He allows me to anyway.

Jesus...I'm fighting for Your Heart today. Your glory, the prize of seeing you face to face. I don't want to get comfortable and soft, so if that means it's time to step up the game, run harder, figure out a new strategy, pump more iron (metaphoriclly speaking) then you lead and I'll follow your heart. You see, folks, it's not about that next contract, a bigger check, or position of honor. It's just not. Who cares about all that garbage? That's immaterial in the grand scheme of things. It's all about this man who was violently murdered on a cross after hours of torture. This man whose life and death and life again are the very core of that which I base my life and you should too. This man, whose life is my life and whose death is my death and whose Heaven is my gain. It's not about me. It's not about my kids or my husband or my mom or my church. It's all about Him. Yesterday, today, and forever.

"Jesus, I'll follow you to the end, no guarantees asked except you'll be at the end of the road to meet me when I get there. And I will know I have lived my life in truth. Whatever you bring into my life, "Yes" to it."
Ann Keimel I'm Running to Win

A day minus Will

2007-07-24T18:16:00.000-05:00

This has been a terrible day! Seriously. Will is at camp. And I keep imagining mean little boys making fun of him. I'm praying for favor and good friends for him. I pick him up at noon tomorrow. Right now I can't imagine driving because my head is spinning. I have the flu. I mean body aching, wheezing, leave me alone honey I'm sick, flu. UPDATE: 10:23 pm!!! WILL just called!!!! From his teacher's cell phone. I'm so happy. My little man is having fun. He talked about canoeing, swimming, hiking, some pirate skit thing about a guy threatening to cut out Kevin's liver (hmmm) And worship. He seems to be having the time of his life. Although, he did disclose some info about a kid who pushed his little brother down the steps. But let me just say...as long as the kid didn't push WILL down the steps, I'll let another mom deal with that child. :) Know what I mean? I'm counting down...11 and a half hours and my boy will come home. I think I'll fix him a great meal to reinforce that east or west, home is best. END OF UPDATE...now back to your regularly scheduled, irrelavent blog....
And my little Chloe just isn't acting like herself since she got that haircut. I don't know...maybe they really did give me the wrong dog. Without a DNA test I can't prove it one way or another.

Finished THE PENNY last night while in a hot bath trying to soak away my aches. I'm a huge fan of Deborah Bedford's and of course I love Joyce Meyer's ministry as well. A good book. Anyone who has followed Joyce Meyer's ministry will see her in the book. I think it was a great collaboration.

I really do love DEAL WITH IT by Paula White. It's usually really hard for me to read an entire nonfiction book written by ministers. I'd rather just watch them preach on TV. HOWEVER, this one I keep picking up and every day I'm actually getting ministered to. I mean every time I pick it up. I'm almost finished. So good...

Rusty's bringing home taco bell for me and pizza for the kids. I don't know what he's eating.
I'm going to shoot for another three hundred words before I crash again.

Peace Out
T

Divine Appointments

2007-07-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

We were in IHOP the other morning with the kids. Had a great breakfast. As we were about to leave I noticed two women walking through to a table. One, an elderly woman carried a book I recognized from the print on the cover. It was an old book that I knew as a Lloyd C Douglas book. I have two very similar. The RObe or The Big Fisherman. On my way to the bathroom, I stealthily (like a cat if I do say so myself) glanced at the cover of the book and lo and behold the woman had brought THe Big Fisherman. I casually stopped and mentioned that I recognized the book. She started telling me a story about the author....
He lived in a three story apartment building on the third floor. Every morning he walked down to get his paper and spoke with a composer who lived on the first floor because he was confined to a wheelchair. The man would tap his walking stick on the floor every day and tell Lloyd C Douglas, "That's Middle C" Lloyd would say, "Yes, I know. You told me yesterday and the day before."
The composer said, "What do you think it will be tomorrow."
Lloyd would smile and say, "Middle C"
The composer would nod and say, "Just like God. He's the same yesterday, today, and will be the same tomorrow."

I needed that reminder. I said my goodbyes, thanked her for telling me the story and moved on. I felt like God had spoken to me in that story. I needed the reminder that He never changes. I might change, but God is not moved by my needs, my failures, my successes. He is who he is and he will accomplish whatever He has said He will do.
Isn't that awesome? You know already that I'm without contract at the end of the year and I've been seeking God as to my next project. He reminded me in that encounter to keep my focus on Him and His purposes for me. He will accomplish that which he began in me. I don't have to seek a project. All I have to seek is Him.

I got two reviews today. One fabulous. One not the greatest. Love me/hate me. God will not fall off His throne if one person in 1000 doesn't like my book. It's a good reminder to keep striving to improve with each book.

Had a great interview with Fred at Spirit FM promoting Defiant Heart. I love Fred. His wife is my assistant and he has two beautiful children. I mean unusually beautiful. They are a neat family that I feel blessed to know.

Chloe got shaved today. I think she might be mad at me. I didn't recognize her and couldn't have picked her out of a line up. Ha! Who knows if the groomer gave me the right dog? She's a sweetie though.

And now...my last piece of news...Will went to camp. He's never been away from home other than spending the night with Grandparents. My heart is broken....He didn't cry and beg me not to leave him. I may not recover.

Deb Raney!!! I can't believe you tagged me!!

2007-07-19T09:46:00.000-05:00

I've Been Tagged!
Thanks, Deb! This is fun!
1. What's the one book or writing project you haven't yet written but still hope to?
Wow, there really are so many. I want to write Gone With the Wind. I keep getting “close” but so far, no cigars. I don’t know what the deal is.  I don’t think I’m really experienced enough yet to answer this one with any degree of accuracy. I just want to write the next thing God puts on my plate. I’m grateful for each opportunity.

2. If you had one entire day in which to do nothing but read, what book would you start with?Gone With the Wind.
But BESIDES that… my TBR pile is overflowing. I’m dying to read The Living End. I think it’s the last book by Lisa Samson that I still have to read (did I mention I MET her at ICRS this year??) I just read a book by JSB Presumed Innocent or Guilty? Can’t remember which. But OMGosh, it was fabulous!!! So I would read ALL of his backlist in that genre. And if Deb Raney really does write the sequel to After the Rains, that will miraculously tiptoe ahead of the other books in my pile and will definitely be read.
3. What was your first writing "instrument" (besides pen and paper)?My brother (who is blind) had a typewriter. I stared my epic sequel to Gone With the Wind on this amazing machine—when I was about 12.
4. What's your best guess as to how many books you read in a month?NOT enough. And truly if it doesn’t grab me and hold me, it inevitably slips away. This month I’ve been lucky to have been grabbed by James Scott Bell. NO not literally. The aforementioned Book!AND Debbie Bedford's THe PENNY that she's writing with Joyce Meyer. Next up is probably THE ELEVATOR by Angela Hunt
5. What's your favorite writing "machine" you've ever owned?
My Alpha Smart 3000. Bought it used and it’s a great little machine for me because it’s too tempting to google myself and my friends if I’m using a real computer to write. That’s such a fun waste of precious writing time.

6. Think historical fiction: what's your favorite time period in which to read?Civil War. Need you ask?

7. What's the one book you remember most clearly from your youth (childhood or teens)? Gone with the Wind. But BESIDES that obvious answer. Tisha is one of my all time favorite books OH and The Believers by Janice Holt Giles. Oh my goodness. Great book.

Thanks, Deb for the chance to do this. I tag Kathleen Y’Barbo, Cathy Hake, and Susan May Warren. Don’t let me down, girls!!!

Sunburns and new stories

2007-07-17T12:59:00.001-05:00

I am enjoying the Drama Queens book. Odd how I'm on the last book when the first one was just released.
We got a new Walmart pop-up pool. 18 feet X 4 feet. decent size. it took us three days to get it ready to swim in because it kept tipping over and losing half the water. Long story....not worth telling.
So yesterday I enjoyed the silence while I worked. Then I realized. DARN the boys have been in the pool all day. Now in my defense....we DID use some heavy duty sunscreen. But after five hours... let's just say I was on double duty applying after burn aloe vera.

Today they are quite red.
So I was browning meat for dinner and I hear one say to the other, "You're the rudolph on the nose of life" (follow me here, will you?)
The other one says, "In that case, you're the Santa on the cheeks of life"

So now you know how badly these poor kids are sunburnt. So today I'm allowing video games without limit (time) and movies galore. I have on headphones so I can still work.
Guilt...quite lucrative as far as they're concerned. KNow what I mean?

Peace and sunscreen
T

Stinky dogs and boys that lose ladles

2007-07-15T18:03:00.000-05:00

Okay... so I'm home after being gone almost a full month. First to finish my deadine in Arkansas and then Atlanta for ICRS. When it's all about you for a month you forget that when you get home, it's all about them. It's a nice way of coming down to earth and remembering what true ministry is all about. If I could, I would add to the scriptures, a parenting verse how not to kill your kids when they lose ladles.

Yesterday I ran from shop to shop, trying to find a clear ladle for the punch bowl because my niece was getting married at 6pm and I was aunt of the bride and all around go-fer. Which is a role I cherish. In all honesty.

So I finally find the LAST ladle in the tri-state area, it seems. And I give my 16 year old son a mission. Hold the ladle while I go grab a shirt, because I had spilled coffee on the current one, and buy me a polish sausage at the stand at the mini mall where we were.

So he does great. Gets my polish sausage in record time, brings it to me and we are on our merry way after I change in the mall bathroom. Get to the church reception area where I unload all of the punch stuff I had bought then I look at him. "Okay, where's the ladle"
"What's a ladle?"
"That thing I told you to hold."
"UH--I'll go look in the SUV."
"Good idea."
INSERT FEELING OF IMPENDING DOOM
He comes back ultra fast.
Wouldn't it be in the VF bag?'
"No, son. That was the bag I put my coffee-stained shirt in after I changed."
"Oh." Pause.
FEELING OF IMPENDING DOOM MIXING WITH FEELING OF WANTING TO SMACK LONG_HAIRED TEEN SON
He says, "I am 99% sure I dropped it somewhere."
Who can hang onto the desire to smack the boy when he gives me THAT grin?
SIGH> Well, at least he DID get the polish sausage. And my friend came through with finding a ladle from one of her aunts. But GEE WHIZ. Everyone's a star at ICRS. NOT SO MUCH when one gets home. :) Still, I'd rather be home
My puppy missed me. She is so big now, my little Chloe. And like a rowdy four year old boy. Into everything and for now, her hair is long and she stinks. I'm getting her shaved this week and want to put a bow in her hair to see if she'll act a little more ladylike.
Am reading Deal with it, by Paula White and THE PENNY by Deborah Bedford and Joyce Meyer
I highly recommend both books.
I'm writing That's "Not Exactly" Amore, the third Drama QUeens book.

God is good. I am content. I have no complaints.
"Lord I'll follow you to the end. NO guarantees asked except that you'll be at the end of the road to meet me when I get there and I will know that I have lived my life in truth. Whatever you bring "yes to it" To anything you bring in my life."
Ann Keimel

Peace out

If God doesn't go with me I'm not moving!!

2007-07-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

Had a really good talk with a friend yesterday morning about whether to move forward with an opportunity that may or may not be a divine appointment. By move forward I mean, pursuing the opportunity or letting it go and seeing what happens. :) Often God wants us to step out in pursuit, sword weilded and ready to fight for what He has laid on our hearts. Other times we get to hear a sweet whisper of wait...don't move...let Me work. Just trust.

I have always been one to go on the offense, to do everything I can to make things happen and then leave the results to God. He has a way of closing doors if it's not His will. But I seem to have entered into a new rest. This week at ICRS, way too many doors opened for me to walk through them all. And I know from experience that my pushing has gotten me overworked and overcomitted and, quite frankly, overwhelmed in the past. I'm finally caught up and breathing and loving on my kids and not ready to push, prod, and poke my way into bearing an Ishmael.

SO new resolution....
No more pursuit of dreams, money, prestige or that ONE publisher I'm dying to write for...from now on my pursuit is focused on one heart and that's the Heart of God.
I'm waiting on Isaac. My promise, my dream, the thing that will bring most glory to God and will begin the fulfillment of HIS plans for this daughter of His.

I don't have a new contract after December. I'm usually booked up two years ahead, so this makes me a little nervous (I guess not too-too nervous, I haven't sent out proposals). But as I told my friend yesterday, If God doesn't give me clear direction, I'm simply not going to step. I have been walking on water for four years now. Jumping out by faith and God has ALWAYS honored those steps. But right now I'm working on my next deadline, will faithfully turn in a manuscript to the best of my ability, on time, and I'm also writing a book of my heart without a contract. YES writer friends (I heard that horrified gasp). No contract. I may not even ever sell this work. I'm honestly writing it as an act of worship between God and myself. It's my quiet time, my worship time, my intimacy with God. But Many years ago I fell in love with the story of God's faithful love for a faithless bride. And I have it on my heart to write a Hosea, Gomer allegory in contemporary times. I may be the only one ever to read it. But I need to do this as my own worship to God. My own thanks for His relentless pursuit and love for this faithless daughter and drawing me into an intimacy that gives me eyes for only Him.

And you know what? God will meet all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. So if I enter into January 2008 with nothing on the docket...that's okay. Because if God isn't going with me, I'm simply not going. I have to know that my feet are on Daddy's feet and He's leading the dance.

And guess what? That's a safe place to be.
This life I live is for His glory, not mine. I sort of forgot that for just a little while.

Peace out

I'm Going Home---eventually...

2007-07-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

Today I woke up and had breakfast with a couple of friends, then went to THe Margaret Mitchell house with another friend and took the tour. For those of you living under a rock, Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone with the Wind. Did you know they;ve released it again with a new cover? So of course, the four copies I have were not enough. Anyhoo. Got some gifts to bring home (mostly for myself but one thing for my mom--can't say what it was because she'll read this blog before I get out of the Atlanta airport.)-----WHICH brings me to the reason for the subject line...

Storm delays....was supposed to leave 4:30 eastern. Instead now they're saying 5:40. I'm ready to go home. Might should have done an earlier flight, which I really usually do anyway. But darn it, I really wanted to go to the Margaret Mitchell House. Kathleen Y'Barbo and I rubbed the lion's head that Margarte Mitchell used to rub every day for luck. As random as publishing success is, I figured it couldn't hurt.

I miss Chris, Suz, Rachel, Even Steve Laube. :)
I miss everyone. But so glad to be going home. This is going to be my last trip until I do a short two day thing in AUgust teaching at the TUlsa ACFW group. Then Joyce Meyer conference in Sept. FUN! Oh BTW, Rhonda. Email me.

Battery is going. Doggone it.
Hugs and kisses from the Atlanta airport.
T

2007-07-09T15:56:00.000-05:00

I'm at ICRS this week. Got in yesterday about noon and got to my hotel around 2.
Then caught up with buds Rachel and Suzie and went to the convention floor to get our badges (saves time to do it the night before). Suz and Rachel both had dinners so I hooked up with publicist extraordinaire, Jeane Wynn and had dinner with her and her great husband Tyson. Later, joined BACK up with Rach and Suz for a time. I am seeing SOOO many familiar faces. Chip and Camy Tang, Cindy Woodsmall, Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock!
But remember how obsessed I am with Lisa Samson? On the way in to get our badges, Suz said, Oh look there's Lisa. I actually started shaking. Lisa? Lisa who. Wait is that....?
They looked at me like I'm not quite all there, and said, Samson. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I have to meet her. Someone introduce us.....NOW! :)
And they did, and she is AWESOME.....her family is amazing and I'm in love (in a non-weirdo way).

Today Was a GREAT day...woke up planning to go to THe MArgaret Mitchell house, but felt like the Lord told me go to the convention. So I obeyed. And I'm so glad I did. My best friend Chris Lynxwiler (of the Arkansas retreat of a few weeks ago), walked the floor with me. I got Terri Blackstock's new book. Angela Hunts new book, Camy Tang!!!!!! Her new book is out.

I had a TV interview (YES TV. I about died)at 3pm for Faith TV, on Sky Angel. We discussed Catch a Rising Star and the Drama Queens series. FUN!! It was THE best TV interview I've ever had. And she gave me a fabulous interview. So thank you RANDI if you read this.

Tomorrow is the launch party for Avon Inspire. I'm so honored to be sitting next to Linda Windsor as the fellow launch author for this incredible new venture for the line. We will be on display to sign and smile. (:) ) I'm looking forward to it. Linda had lunch with Chris and me today and it was so awesome to sit there with her. I was a big fan of hers before I ever thought about writing a book, so to be a fellow launch author of a whole new series is one of the most exciting things ever to happen to me.

Tonight is dinner with the Harper Collins folks (including Linda, I believe--so twice in a day!). And tomorrow is my big booksigning day with Harper and Faithwords.

Well, my sweet husband, Rusty just called and I took a break from writing this blog to talk to him. He was praying for me while I had the interview. What a great man God has blessed me with.

Until next time....

Home and loving it

2007-07-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Well, I am caught up on all deadlines for the first time since December and let me tell you, it feels good!

I got home Monday afternoon after three weeks away from my kids and Rusty. It was horrible being away from them, but I knew God's hand was on us all and that I was doing what was necessary to be able to get back on a deadline schedule that glorifies God (in other words, MEETING DEADLINES) and pleases the editors God has given me to help me in my career--not to mention my agent who blames all of his stress and eventual need for therapy on me.

Next week I fly to Atlanta. Actually this Sunday. I'm signing for Avon Inspire and Hachette and doing a TV interview while I'm there. Also visiting friends and catching up!! I'm excited to go, but dreading it just the same. Home six days and off again. The kids are NOT thrilled. But we're having a great time this week and even though I'm having to work some, it's not all consuming because I'm caught up (have I mentioned that I'm caught up!).

Hugs to all. thanks for the prayers and support!
Tracey

Things I've missed while in Arkansas

2007-06-23T23:26:00.000-05:00

Rusty, Cat, Mike, Stevan, and Will OH SO MUCH!!!!! I ache to be with them.

Chloe, Cricket, Ralphie, Joe, and Jack (in that order. Our dogs).

My mom (who actually comes before the dogs)
Angie (my best friend, who ALSO comes before the dogs)

TV shows: Stargate SG-1 the last two episodes of the entire series! But they're TIVOed at home so I'll be watching them in a few days. Atlantis, the last two episodes of the season.
Kathy Griffins Life on the D list (also Tivoed,) the last two episodes of Celebrity Fit club. (Am I the only one who is sorely disappointed in Screech and seriously freaked out by Marsha Brady's weirdness?)

Things that I've gained. Finished one book and almost done with edits of another book AND the one I turned in less than a week ago (quick editor). If I can get both edits back before Wednesday, I'm going home! YAY!!!
Peace of mind about a lot of things. Sometimes you just have to get away for long enough to really get your head together. I've had brief glimpses of getting it together and then went right back into the fray of deadline mania and heartache with my mil's death. This time I stayed on the potter's wheel long enough for real change and I believe God has been doing a real work in me.
I love Arkansas and this time has been soul healing for me. But in the immortal words of first Glenda, the good witch and then Dorothy "There's no place like Home."

The last few days I've been getting the neatest emails from readers who love the Claire books and Defiant Heart! These messages are music to my ears and balm for my heart. Thank you to all of you who take time to drop little messages on my guestbook or my email address. I appreciate each one so much.

God Bless. Hopefully, I'll write on Thursday. FROM HOME.
Love lots
T

still in Arkansas

2007-06-19T11:26:00.001-05:00

Chipping away at these deadlines and actually making great progress! Thank you Lord!
Having a good time with the best of friends Chris Lynxwiler (also a writer, check out her books www.christinelyxnwiler.com )

It's funny, we're IMing and calling as much as we did when I was a few hundred miles away at my house. I'm upstairs in her writing apartment. we've both been working our heads off so we haven't gotten to play much, but we did take a little time out last night to see Ocean's Thirteen. Andy Garcia ooh la la.

Anyway, so I'm totally rewriting my second Drama Queens, per my smart Editor's six page letter of suggestions. It's amazing how after all these books, I still need someone to look at what I think is perfect and point out the things that will make it so much better. I'm yanking apart this book. And guess what? My book is NOT my baby. It's my BOOK. It's actually God's book. I forgot that for awhile. My editor reminded me of that and I think when the open heart surgery (as my assistant, Julie called it) is complete, God will have a book He can use for his purposes and His glory.

Book one in this series comes out in July and I'm anxious to see what God has planned for it. It was a fun, challenging book to write.

I'm going to the local coffeeshop to work today.
Love it and love you too!
Tracey

Update

2007-06-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Hello all.
It's been a long couple of weeks, months really, but definitely since my mother-in-law passed away. We were in Chicago for several days for the funeral. She had an Orthodox service (she was Serbian Orthodox). Very beautiful service.

This week I'm in Arkansas in a secluded location finishing up deadlines and regrouping. Not sure how long I'll be here. For sure until I catch up! CBA is in a few weeks. I feel like it snuck up on me. This summer is already flying by!

Love Lots
Tracey

Life in General

2007-05-29T10:55:00.000-05:00

Time to update.
Thanks for all the prayers going out on behalf of my mother-in-law. She battled cancer and won heaven. What a trade off. I'm happy for her. But I'll miss her so very much. After almost twenty years, she's as much a part of my life as any other member of my family--blood or not.

Prayers for travel would be appreciated. Her funeral will take place in Chicago some time this weekend.Until then, we're taking care of arrangements for the funeral, her affairs and our own place while we're away for several days. I'm also trying to find time to write between laundry, phone calls, and cooking for the family.

Hug your mothers in law!!!!
Tracey

words of life

2007-05-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today has been emotional for me. Visited my mother-in-law in the hospital on the way home from Branson. We were there for a few hours. She's weak. It's difficult to experience and yet, she needs our strength to help her with the smallest tasks and to show her our worry or angst isn't good. although she knows her condition is very serious, she doesn't need to see it on our faces.

Today I've been writing. (duh) I was tempted to throw down the easiest sentences, the ones that come naturally, without effort and without much feeling because I'm in such a rush. But I felt God's gentle nudge inside and He reminded me of Jesus' words to satan "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth from the mouth of God."
There are no insignificant words. Words are healing or hurting. Positive or negative. And quite frankly, right or wrong. I want to write the words that God speaks to my soul. even if the concept He gives me makes the wording difficult in a fiction novel. Sometimes I think He should have just let me be a nonfiction writer, In fiction I detest preachy, overbearing, obvious messages, but in nonfiction...well, that's sort of the point, right?
Anyway, Words of Life. I'm praying for those for today....I might be writing a prairie romance, but guess what? This is what God has placed before me. I'm honored to do so. And I pray, I pray, I pray, that He will use it to touch lives, bring laughter, bring tears, and point hearts to His heart.

Last Day from Branson

2007-05-22T12:34:00.000-05:00

I'm a fan of Crystal Cove Bed and Breakfast. I can't even tell you how the owners have gone the extra mile to make my stay here comfortable and productive. I am leaving in a few hours to go home and finish my work from there, but I will look forward to coming here for an actual two or three day mini vaca soon. In a few weeks, hopefully.

TOday it's raining...the owners showed up at my door with a fat, homemade waffle covered with whipped cream, berries, and three slices of bacon on the side. Oh, and warm syrup. I didn't expect it. They are truly angels in disguise. OH I have a story about their son... He's about five years old and got a fishing pole for his pre-school graduation (By the way, he's trying to figure out a way to skip the next twelve years of school and go straight to college--after all, he DID graduate with a cap and gown. SNICKER). Anyway, I walked past him outside yesterday and he had his pole. So I asked, "Are you going to fish in the pond?" (It's a shallow pond stocked with enormous gold fish for ambiance) He said, "No, I was trying to catch a spider, but I lost my bait--I had a worm but it's gone." HOW cute is that???He was totally serious. They're going to have lots of fun with that kid.

The Bachelor....
I caved and watched it last night while I typed. He picked the one I wanted him to pick from the beginning. Tessa. :) Hope they make it. I truly do. I liked this Andy guy. He seemed to be the real deal.

A gripe--
I'm so sick of not being able to watch TV without being barraged with those stupid male enhancement pills commercials. Regardless of whether or not size counts, these commercials are sickening (okay the Bob ones are sort of funny), but enough already. My kids watch the scifi reruns on these channels!! When I was a kid tampon commercials caused embarassed silence in mixed company. I think of the shows my mom would force me to turn off and I wonder how far I've come in my moral thinking--or the lack thereof. The world DOES affect our outlook. I think I should go without TV for a month and only read Christian books and the Bible and see what happens. hmmmm. Maybe I'll challenge myself to that.
I'll let you know...

Pray for me, please. Deadline is looming. I'm tired, worried about my sweet Mother-in-law, and missing my kids horribly. That's the problem with going away to work. The first three days are great. After that I'm pretty worthless. Yesterday my eight year old called me after school. He was ALONE. One son was at my mom's, one had decided to go work out after school and didn't tell anyone and my daughter had to make up a couple of tests after school. OY VEY. I aged ten years in the ten minutes it took for me to get someone to the house. I told him not to get any snacks he had to cut or cook. :) And not to go outside.

Well, back to work for a couple more hours before Rusty gets here.
Peace

From Branson take two

2007-05-20T18:14:00.000-05:00

If you ever get chance to got to Branson on vacation. DO IT. And if you do, stay at a little bed and breakfast called Crystal Cove. The website is Crystalcovebranson.com
Folks. These people are wonderful. Kind. and full of God. They never said they were Christians. They didn't have to. They just are. This morning, Jenny brought me a plate of amazing french toast to put IHop to shame with three link sausages. She brought it to my room because she was afraid I had missed breakfast because I didn't know they served at eight am on sunday so they could get to church. Don't you just love people who ooze Jesus? Truthfully, I stayed up working late, so I wasn't going to even attempt waking up early enough for breakfast, but I actually woke up at about 9am and when she knocked on my door, I was watching Kenneth Copeland and starting to read over last night's magic. :)
In two days I have written more than I usually write in ten days of writing. And let me just say...it's good. :) Okay, it's going to need polishing, but the story has jumped into my soul and God has whispered themes for several of my characters. It's amazing to write a westward expansion book in a log cabin (they call it a luxury cabin) and it Is!!!! I fell asleep at dusk in the porch swing. I just napped a little. still, it was pretty amazing.
well, off to work some more. Seriously, this is the life....
I do miss my kids though. Oooh, I shouldn't have said that. Now I'm really going to miss them...
Three more days...

From Beautiful Branson

2007-05-18T21:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, Can I just be totally honest here? I have lived in Missouri, less than two hours away from Branson, for the last twenty three years (gulp) and guess what? Today was the FIRST day I saw Branson first hand. Isn't that CRAZY?
Let me tell you about Branson. It's beautiful. The Ozark mountains are breathtaking and the B and B I'm staying in is really sort of amazing. I have a view of a lake with woods in between me and hte lake. I've already gotten tons of work done. The people who run the place are so great. They fix a sit down breakfast every day as part of the experience. We had breakfast today at a long table with other vacationers one couple was from Tulsa). It's so quiet in my little section. I have a LONG deck all to myself with a view of the lake and woods. It's definitely God's country up here. ANd my imagination is going CRAZY.
I'm SOOO glad I'm a writer. Coming to a place like this makes me realize just what God has called me to do. It's great!!!!
Well, Pizza just got here, so you know what that means. Dinner time!!!
Tracey

Traveling

2007-05-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Just got back a couple of days ago from a week long trip, first to Louisiana for my nephew's wedding (if TSA hadn't ripped off my $400 camera at the Denver airport, I'd post some). And then to Colorado for a writer's retreat (again....if not for TSA....)

I came back refreshed even though I worked while I was gone. Just something about the change of scenery helped. While I was gone I was given a great book called How to become a famous writer Before you Die. :) Not sure it'll do the trick, but it has inspired me and I actually haven't read as great a writing book since Stephen King's On Writing.
So if you don't mind a few colorful Idioms, check it out. If you do....run away.

Thursday night I'm headed to a Bed and Breakfast in Branson, Mo to finish up my two pending deadlines. The second Westward Hearts and the revisions for the Second Drama Queens--You Had me at Goodbye. I was thinking how great it would be to go away for fun instead of work sometimes. LOL But I won't complain...God has blessed me and allowed me to do what I love...I'm just sayin'...

I actually will look forward to a little R and R eventually. had to cancel my vacation the first week of June, since my deadlines were late this year. We had a family medical crisis involving my daughter and I lost weeks of work. PTL it's worked out, but I'm still playing catch up until mid August.

Speaking of medical crises....My mother in law has been in the hospital for the last two weeks with liver failure. they discovered cancer. Scary stuff. Prayers would definitely be appreciated. I don't feel we're ready to lose her at all, and she's always been so vibrant and energetic, that it's hard to see her so weak. I know she is frustrated and resigned.

Love to all,
Hopefully I'll have a few minutes to write from Branson this weekend.
I'm sorry for all the trouble people are having signing my blog. It's frustrating me too and I don't know what to do about it. I love hearing from my readers. I promise to look into it very, very soon.

Interview With Rachel Hauck

2007-05-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hey folks!
My good friend Rachel Hauck has a book releasing the very same day as Defiant Heart!! How awesome is that?
Rachel is featuring my book and I'm featuring hers. Check this out!!! There will be a drawing for two free books. So get your name in there to win Diva NashVegas!

I'm completely inept at all things website, and I can't get the photograph to work. So visit www.rachelhauck.com to see her pretty face. :)
__________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Tell us about Diva NashVegas.

A: Diva NashVegas is the story of country superstar, Aubrey James. The daughter of Gospel Music pioneers, she rockets to fame in the shadow of their tragic death in a car accident. Aubrey is a very real, imperfect heroine who realizes after a decade of reigning the country charts, she’s a long way from the faith of her childhood. This book is about her honest and sometimes humorous journey back to the Father.

Writing a superstar heroine was hard at times. A writer friend asked me, “So, how’s the story coming?”

I said, “Tough, I’ve never been a country diva.”

But with the help of Music Row professionals, and a lot of true superstar biographies, I was able to create Aubrey’s larger-than-life persona. At the end of the book, I loved her as a character and as a friend.

Readers will also meet quirky, funny, sincere Scott Vaughn, the man who interviews Aubrey for her first ever exclusive interview.

Diva NashVegas will touch you, make you laugh out loud, and on occasion, tear up.

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?

A: I love to write. Inspiration is easy, really. Look around. The world is full of inspiration. For example, I was watching a PBS special on Elvis Presley one night. As I watched him perform and interact with the crowd, I thought, “What if there was a young woman at one of Elvis’s concerts who received one of his coveted scarves. What is she doing now, thirty-five years later? And a story idea was born. The hard part is sitting down and writing it out, working the story through, developing the characters.
Q: What do you want readers to take away from Diva NashVegas?

A: God is a God of second, third, fourth, fifth chances. If we don’t give up, neither will He. Aubrey made some bad decision in her life, but when she realized she didn’t want a life with out God, she returned to her faith and found her Father waiting for her.

I’d like readers to take away hope. I’d like them to understand sometimes the key to our future is by healing and forgiving our past.

And, as always, I’d love for readers to end the book feeling like they’ve made a friend along the way.

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

A: Age ten. [smile] The standard writer answer, I think. I wrote an impressive poem in fourth grade and my father saw something in it or me that told him I was a writer. For years, it’s what he communicated to me. He spoke destiny into my life by telling me I was a writer. Along the way I had others do the same – published novelists and professors.

Note from Rachel:

Hi all,

Thanks for stopping by Tracey’s site. Hope over to www.rachelhauck.com and read about Tracey and Defiant Heart!

Then go over to Amazon.com and make a couple of great book buys!

Leave a comment on my site and you’ll be eligible to win a $25 gift card to Starbucks or $25 to Barnes & Noble

Blessings! Rachel

Leaving on a Jet plane

2007-05-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

Or more likely a puddle jumper from the Springfield Branson airport.
I am going to Louisiana tomorrow for my nephew's wedding, back Sunday night, will be on a live morning news show (5:30 in the morning! Who watches that early????) And then back out on Tuesday morning for a writers meeting. I swear I'm tired just thinking about it. But excited to be going. I finagled my brother's laptop so I can work. Mine is GINORMOUS!! and kills me lugging it around the airport.

Pray for the kids. :) Rusty makes spaghetti and pancakes. But he DOES order a mean Taco Bell. He's a charm. Truly he is. :)

Peace

Tracey

Ambiance and a change of scenery

2007-04-30T15:56:00.000-05:00

Today I've decided to come to the coffeeshop to work. I used to hate getting out. I'm a recluse and prefer to spend time in my dark house and write in solitude. Only...That has been changing for awhile...for one thing, with kids it's almost impossible to keep the dadgum door closed and trying just gets my nerves in an uproar and then who can think to write when they're ticked off, right? So rather than holler at the kids, I've decided to go with the flow this spring and summer and just let the light in and the cool air out. Big deal!

So lately I've been really enjoying getting out of the house. Yesterday after church, my husband and I went on what was supposed to be a two and a half mile hike at the local state park just down the road from our house. There are several hiking trails...adn guess what? we took a wrong turn and ended up going FOUR and a half miles instead. I got to a kid's church meeting an hour late and missed out on the pizza. I was sooo not happy with the man in my life who got us lost (he says we weren't lost, we just weren't on the right trail...WHATEVER!) He was completely outside my circle of trust for about three hours, then I forgave him and allowed him back. Even though he didn't apologize or admit to getting us lost...which he did.

I'm sore today. all the way from my calves to my butt. I guess that's a good sign. Means I'm tightening things up...
THe Bachelor is on tonight. :)

Back to work!
Peace
Tracey

Defiant Heart!!!!!!!

2007-04-27T18:44:00.000-05:00

Today I received my box of author copies (the copies my publisher sends me free of charge). I was SOOOO psyched to get these. No matter how many books I publish, each time I receive a new book, I'm in total awe all over again. Awe that God would entrust this gift to me and allow me to share it in book form. In this case, Avon Inspire has pulled out all the stops to give me the best editor (HI CINDY!!) the best marketing, the best COVER designers. I'm very, very blessed.

Only about 10 more days until my book releases. God is GOOD!!! You can click on the book cover above to order a copy from Amazon.
I'm writing Distant Heart right now. The sequel to Defiant Heart and so much a book of my heart. Toni Rodden, the heroine is much like I once was...wounded, disappointed, distrustful. God is teaching her as I write. And He's teaching me too. :) Writers are an odd breed of people. These characters are real to me as I write.

Okay, I'm going back to work. I have to know what happens next
Thanks and All glory to God for the fruition of this series.

Peace
Tracey

Heartstopping moment

2007-04-26T08:26:00.000-05:00

Okay....Anyone else freak when they said Chris was safe and left Jordin there to THINK she had been voted out?????? I was like....NO WAY!!!! I KNEW I should have voted.

When she sang Walk on Tuesday night, I swear I was moved to tears, it never even crossed my mind that she would leave. BUT remember Ryan said "In no particular order" So he was just messing with my emotions. Jordin is not in the bottom two.
I think she'll ultimately either win or come in second. Definitely she'll be in the top three with Blake and Melinda, and personally, I think Jordin should win.

Ok that's really all today...
Have a blessed day. It's raining in Southern Missouri. That's spring in Missouri. I like rain. :)

Bachelor update plus other stuff

2007-04-24T09:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know, I KNOW, Fred (my buddy who gave me crap last week after he saw the mud wrestling segment of the Bachelor)....the guy is making out all over the place, BUT he wasn't making out before he started having feelings for the six or so women left . And you notice, he didn't make out with anyone he sent home last night. I like that about him. He's so sweet!! I hope this guy finds true love. I'm still pulling for Tess!! GO TESS.

Do you think they really gave him (what IS his name??? I can't remember) that car and yaght (how the heck do you spell big boat?) for during the show? Or was he yanking Tina's chain? I'm torn. I know army pay isn't great in this day's economy. But he IS an officer and a doctor. Still, a million dollar car...he'd probably have to come from money to afford that. Oh well, who cares? He's the real deal.

On to more imporant issues...
Defiant Heart is two days closer to release date. Need to go check out the ticker to find out exactly. Wish I could get that thing on here!! Maybe I'll beg Misty (my fabulous web lady) to see if she can put it on. That would be fun.

Yesterday I received a super duper Jesus-breathed surprise. A really, really good review in PW for my upcoming chicklit novel with Faithwords. It's the first in the Drama Queens series. Catch a Rising Star! I'll put the review up at the beginning of June. :) The book releases in July, so I want to give Defiant Heart it's day in the sun before this one moves in on it. :) I'll be signing both books at CBA this year in Atlanta. OH OH speaking of ATLANTA. I'm already making plans to go visit the Margaret Mitchell House. I CAN'T WAIT. This has been my dream forever!! I've had a ton of coffee today....can you tell? :)

back to work. But that's a good thing. This second book in the Westward Hearts series is really a book of my heart. When that happens the book practically writes itself.

Love lots
Tracey

Getting Excited!

2007-04-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

Harper Collins has this ticker on my author page that shows how many days until Defiant Heart comes out. I tried to get it to show up here, but all I get is this: (Y)

Yeah, I don't know why. But it's awesome. Check it out. 16 days to go!!

http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061246333/Defiant_Heart_Westward_Hearts/index.aspx

You might have to copy and paste.

All glory to God for this series coming to life. I love those God moments where doors open and it's just a big YES.

Peace.
Tracey

Running and weight

2007-04-17T23:29:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I updated on my exercise and weight loss.
Exercise was going awesome until about two weeks ago when I hit a deadline hard and fast and the world went away. I lost ground. Was jogging three of five miles on the treadmill. I finally got back on it tonight and was down to one and a half of three miles, so not terrible, but definitely a setback. But I had to do it.
Diet has been going okay. Haven't lost any real weight in about five months, since I started on a medicine for PMS. (apologies to any boys among us). Anyway, I recently decided I'd rather have PMS and less weight so went off it about three weeks ago and lo and behold have lost 5 lbs. Go figure. My family isn't sure what they prefer.... pray for them over the next week or so. SMILE

So there you have it, all updated and still a size 12
Tracey

I wouldn't let my kid play that!!

2007-04-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

I've been writing the second Westward Hearts book, Defiant Heart, and the hero is half Indian, so I've been doing a fair amount of research into Indians...Today I found a game the young boys used to play. They lined up face to face into two teams and, at the onset of the game, yelled at each other "I'm going to knee you in the face until you bleed." This was the goal of the game...to run and gang up on the least protected of your opponents and knee him in the face until he bled. Hmm. I'd have been running over there in my buckskin dress, braids flying and pulling all those bullies off my boy. :)I wouldn't have made a very good Indian mom, I don't think.

Sort of reminds me of how the Word announces the devil's intention to steal, kill, and destroy and we still open ourselves up to getting kneed in the face by disobedience, not tithing, blatant sin. etc

Crazy...but we all do it, don't we?
Peace out.
Back to research and writing...

Defiant Heart

2007-04-13T15:58:00.000-05:00

So, what do you all think of the cover for the Launch book for AVON Inspire? The book releases May 8th and is already available for preorders. YOu can click on the cover above if you want to order it.
I'm sooo excited about this series.
God is good!!

Peace Out

FREE BOOK PEOPLE

2007-04-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,
We need addresses for these people

Jenny
Linda M
Megan H

So if you want your book, write to me at tvbateman@aol.com within 24 hours and let us know address, abd book preference between Oregon Brides, Freedom of the Soul, and I love Claire

Tracey

The new Bachelor!!!

2007-04-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

Anyone else think he is THE best Bachelor ever? I love his gentleness and genuine niceness. I love that he's picking some plainer girls because he likes their minds. How perfect is he? And he's a doctor and a navy man. Be still my (married) heart.
THe girl I was rooting for got booted this week (she was a moral virgin, 'nuff said). So now I'm rooting for Tess. Although I think the short, dark headed girl that won the run will be the one.

Okay, now that I have THAT out of my system

Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog or emailed me you're all getting a book! How's that for an Oprah moment?

Want a free book?

2007-04-06T09:23:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of Easter...and because I'm on deadline and feeling particularly vulnerable and need the affirmation.
First five people who will say something nice about my writing, I'll give you a free book...your choice. Freedom of the Soul, I Love Claire, or Oregon Brides.

My web lady will be posting the new stuff to the website next week and we'll get to see the cover for Defiant Heart, book one in the Westward Hearts series and my great review in Romantic Times.

Love you
Tracey

coming up for a little air

2007-04-05T17:03:00.000-05:00

The thing about a deadline is that you have to come up for air sometimes. I was reading on Rachel Hauck's blog today (an older post) about how consuming it is on deadline. It's not about time crunch. It's a life crunch. All consuming. You eat, sleep, and breathe your current story. That's where I am right now. I'm a woman obsessed with the lives of my characters.

Anyway, so I'm coming up for air for the next three hours. Rusty and I fix a special meal on Thursdays and we have candlelight and the kids are always on their best behavior. So he's bbqing tonight so ribeye steaks I got half price. Now don't run from "reduced for quick sale" meat. My grannie used to work in a meat market and she always said the aged meat (not rotten) was the best. And I agree!!! As long as you cook it right away.

Yum. So steaks, salad, greenbeans and mushrooms, and baked potatoes.
That's what's on th agenda for tonight. We're building memories with these candlelight dinners. The kids love them. We love them and I know when they're grown, they'll bring them up from time to time. I look forward to it. But I don't it to happen too soon!!

Peace

UPDATE

2007-04-02T13:48:00.000-05:00

Isn't it weird how time gets away from you? It's been two weeks or so since I blogged. Only reminders from my darling Publicist keeps me reminded that I have things to talk about and update.

My new Westward Hearts book DISTANT HEART will be out May 8th. I'm so excited I recieved a 4 star review in Romantic Times. Will be posting the review and the jacket cover later today or tomorrow.

We've had a trying few months. My daughter has been plagued with panic attacks, dizziness and headaches. after tons of missed school days, tons of tests, and different specialists, she was finally diagnosed with migraines, which was my original thought anyway. We're glad for the diagnosis (as opposed to a tumor or something), but so far we haven't found the medicine to help too much. She had to leave school today, the first day about after spring break. Please pray for her.

we've got two new dogs. Shorty, the new little husky pup was hit by a car. The next day a stray showed up. Sweet and BIG and annoying. So we kept him. We started off calling him MUd Butt, because...well...he had mud on his butt, but once we decided to keep him we changed his name to Joe. When we were looking for Shorty we stopped by the pound and saw a cute Shepherd/husky mix that we fell in love with. We named him Jack. So we now are the proud owners of five dogs. Three inside (little ones except the obese Beagle--be looking for this dog in my new Drama Queens book YOU HAD ME AT GOODBYE--it won't be out until February 2008, but you can get the first one CATCH A RISING STAR in July!)Anyway and the other two are outside and bark and howl all night.

Now, today I read an article in the online Today's Christian woman by Siri Mitchell, about Easter in Japan. The Japanese Christians wear red on easter to commemorate Jesus' blood. Isn't that awesome? I've decided to do that next Sunday.

He is RISEN!!
T

Snakes in the Pulpit?

2007-03-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

I got a funny phone call today...
Apparently a local library is considering pulling my books because I dedicated one of them to Lebanon family Church (Actually I've dedicated three to either pastor or the church or a group in the church). Rumor has it, our pastor brought snakes to church (ie snake handling). Now, the guy likes his manly stuff...bball, football, things like that, but I'm pretty sure he'd cry like a baby if someone stuck a snake in his face.

This whole thing begs the question, why are people so quick to believe awful things about other Christians? I mean, we have wonderful, beautiful music, a relevant message from God through the (non-Snake boy) pastor and various other awesome things. This church is making a difference in our region and to hear that someone is gullible enough to actually believe 500 people would stand for a pastor bringing a snake to the pulpit and asking for volunteers of faith, OY VEY.

Anyway....Snakes....I can't even picture it.

Good friends and music

2007-03-10T18:01:00.000-06:00

Last night our good friends Eddie and Arlena came to dinner. They used to be our pastors at the church where I led worship for a year and a half before we started attending Lebanon Family Church (the one I love so much!).
I'd forgotten how sweet home fellowship can be. Was raised on hospitality, but never incorporated it much into my own life. After dinner my daughter, Cat, brought her guitar into the living room and Eddie played some worship songs and Cat played a few. It was very sweet. God was here.
Next Friday Eddie and Arlena will be back along with another friend who is a worship leader. I'm looking foward to soaking in the presence of God and worshiping with likeminded Christians.

Peace

The Velveteen Writer

2007-03-09T08:56:00.000-06:00

I've been on a Velveteen Rabbit kick this week and it sparked my newest speaking topic. The Velveteen Writer...how do you know when you're a REAL writer. :)

That's all I'm giving. But I'm going to start working on it and I think it's going to be good. I love to encourage new writers, but I've gotten so busy with my own deadlines, promotion and life in general that I don't have time to do much one-on-one. So I'm praying that God will open up some realistic areas for me to continue to mentor.

On to other things. Yesterday I did an interview with Fred Young at Spirit FM in Camdenton, Mo. I love Fred. He does everything just right. He's one of those incredible men of God who has the ability/gift to make whoever is around feel like they're the best. :) This was my all timey favorite interview. Not sure I was that great. But I had the most fun. Thanks, Fred!

Today I'm heading into town to work at a little coffee shop I love so much. They play Jazz music from long ago and I love listening to the swanky swells of trendy places laughing and talking and doing business over fatty, sugar-filled so-called coffee. And yes, I eavesdrop...I call it research. It's not like I'm planning to reveal state secrets or out FBI agents. It's just funny to put on headphones and pretend I'm listening to music when really... I should be a spy. I'm SOOO Sydney Bristow. (Alias).

Anyway...Those of you who have read the CLAIRE books...this is her coffee shop. Churchill. If you're ever in Lebanon, Mo on a Saturday night, they play live music. Very cool place...

Off to do what I do...
God Bless
T

Weekend Update

2007-03-04T16:04:00.000-06:00

So I haven't talked about the exercise/weight loss in awhile. As far as weight loss in lbs, I'm staying within five pounds over the last three months. I'm frustrated, but I know I'm getting in shape and I'm smaller even if the actual scale doesn't show it yet.

Up to jogging 2 miles without quitting now. Then on to the elliptical for a total of one hour a day of exercise. I love it. Truly. It's the icing on my cake at the end of the day.

I'm amazed at God's goodness. A year ago, jogging was a dream. walking faster than 2.5 mph was a dream. A lot has changed in my body in a year. I still want to lose about 30 lbs. But I'm so happy where I am.

Rusty bought me another Shih tzuh puppy for our anniversary last month. Chloe bateman is a sweetie. I still miss Zoe, though. Chloe is funny. She goes after Cat's husky puppy--think a fight between an ape and a mouse. Guess who wins? :) The puppy has no fear.

that's all. :)
Tracey

MY Mom Thinks I'm going crazy

2007-03-03T12:06:00.001-06:00

Saturday, March 03, 2007
My mom things I'm going crazy
A couple of weeks ago I started telling her how there are things stirring in me that I don't understand. It started when Kelly at Harvest TV asked me what do you do for social justice and all I could do was stammer and tell her I'm raising my kids right now.... BLAH BLAH BLAH....

I cry when I watch bloated African babies on TV. Does that count?
I don't vote for pro choice candidates. Does that count?
I watched Oprah's special about the girls school and I prayed that God would give me the opportunity to make a difference somewhere. Does that count?

I came home and put on a dog suit for children's church because I had to do SOMETHING to make a difference. Unfortunately, my bark was rather rooster-like in sound and I'm not sure I was very good. It was fun, but I have to stop trying to soothe my guilt by taking the easy way out. There is more to be done. And I know I'm supposed to do it. Some people can write checks and go their way and that's all God expects. But not this kid. It's never that easy with me.

SIGH

Then I started reading Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson and I AM Heather. I read. I cry. I want to hit walls. I live in a town where I've never seen a homeless person. Do we even have any? I'm calling city hall next week to find out. Do we have programs to help teenagers who are kicked out of their homes? I don't know. But I'm going to find out. What about a shelter for abused women? Not a clue....

So, these are the steps God has given me to get me here. I don't know what's going on. Truly. But I think it's time to stop talking about it and start putting some legwork to my convictions.

I don't know what HEather is going to do, By the way. I'm only half way through the book.... Write on, Lisa Samson. You are amazingingly right on. :)

Stranger than Fiction

2007-02-28T17:23:00.000-06:00

Took out some time to watch that movie today while I took a nap. I love it so much. But you know with an imagination like mine I kept thinking...what if Dancy, (the character in my current WIP) hears all the narrative? I mean, I don't want to embarass her by having her need her legs shaved or something.

Lordy I'm odd.

Can I just say how sick of spam I am? I mean on my guestbook! I'm trying to decide whether or not to just delete my guestbook. But I so love to read notes from people who read my books and it just irks me that these jerks can get away with spamming. I mean one of them even had the audacity to cuss on my guestbook! Little old ladies come here folks! Show some respect.

Anyway, I'm reading Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson. Again I'm floored and awed by the message and the writing. The only problem is that I can't read for very long at a time these days as I'm on deadline and must write during my brain functional hours. So I get a few minutes while trying to wind down enough to sleep. Then I can't sleep because it's so good. I wish there was a pill to take to write that good. I'd definitely take it. Even if it were illegal. Blackmarket Lisa pills. Yep. If you're a dealer get back to me. :)

Peace out

Good days/bad days

2007-02-19T18:11:00.002-06:00

So, it's been awhile since I blogged. Been working like mad on a manuscript. Kids have been sick, ice has kept us bound at home, different reasons. We're all better now, the ice is melted, but I'm still working like mad on my ms.
Last night God got my attention as I was reading Ecclesiastes. 7:14 Message bible translation:
On a good day, enjoy yourself. On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kids of days so that we won't take anything for granted.

I was floored. I'm a woman of faith, raised up in the faith movement. Are you telling me GOD gives bad days???? No way. I wanted to yell, I wanted to scream, I wanted to kick a cabinet (Brandilyn style), I wanted to confess something quickly so I didn't curse myself with the faithless thoughts crossing my mind.

I stopped and read it to my husband and I said, "You know, I always want to do something to make myself feel better when i have those days. Usually it involves spending money or whining until he takes me to dinner and a movie (blush). But what if God just wants me to think about what's going on in my heart? What if I don't always have to be happy to have the joy of the Lord working in me? Weighty stuff for someone who hasn't blogged in awhile, eh?

I love what karen Ball said at the ACFW conference a couple of years ago. She said, what if marriage isn't about making me happy, what if it's about making me holy?"

So, ladies and gentleman, maybe our day to day walk isn't necessarily about happiness, but holiness. Maybe we need crappy days to make us run to the cross and find out if our hearts have strayed.

:)

I just found out one of my friends has written 65K words since Feb 1. Shall we all just kill her? Or maybe congratulate her. :) Yeah, and you know who you are... You go girl!!!

I'm a jogger!!

2007-02-03T20:14:00.000-06:00

So, I've been on this fitness kick lately. Well, not so much with food. I like my junk. But I've been religious about my supplements, vitamins etc plus exercise. Well, today I was going for ten consecutive minutes at a jog and lo and behold I went 15!!! Over a mile. It was a slow jog. But we all gotta start somewhere and I haven't jogged a mile in over 15 years. Yay Me!!!

I had a heart failure few hours today. I lost my jump drive. For those of you who don't know, a jump drive is a handy dandy little gadget that plugs into a USB drive and saves files. On mine I have my entire new book I'm writing for Faithwords. Book two in the drama queens series. A funny book that I'm totally loving as I write day by day. Which is unusual for me, as you know, at this phase of storytelling. Anyway, I found it in a bag I had stored under my bed right before my trip to Indiana. I had planned to take the bag and changed my mind and then when I unpacked it, I guess I forgot about the jumpdrive. Talk about thanking God and the ministering angels for help! So I'm ready to finish up the new book. Exciting. Anyway, note to me: Don't forget to save the manuscript to more than one storage device!

Off to soak away my aches in a nice milk bubble bath. (This stuff is fabulous, I buy it at Walmart in the bath and body section.)

Peace.

GO BEARS!!!!!!!

I made it!!

2007-02-02T16:29:00.000-06:00

Okay, South Bend, Indiana is COLD and SNOWY!! But what a fabulous town. The people were awesome from the shuttle drivers, hotel personel, cabbie, Just everyone. And the Harvest Show people went straight into my heart. The hosts treated me so wonderfully, and then I got a grand tour of the studio. It's huge!

So I got to the hotel and found out that Notre Dame...THE Notre Dame, with the fighting Irish, is across the street from my hotel. I didn't even know the college was THERE. I'm so dumb sometimes. I was so excited. I thought I'd go take a little tour, then I got to the room and lo and behold....there was a jacuzzi tub. So, I went no farther than the gym for 50 minutes on the treadmill so I wouldn't feel guilty for spending the rest of the evening vegging in my room with the tub.

Got my galleys for Westward Hearts #1 last week and I have to say it's a great book. I'm looking forward to getting feedback on this one. When I first turned it in I was disappointed, but then I always am. I'm just too close to it at that point. SO everyone look forward to Defiant Heart, book one of Westward Hearts. It comes in May!! And anyone who loves historical romance will love it!

In other news, Freedom of the Soul is out now! I got my copies today. How great that it coincides with Black History month. I didn't even realize that until yesterday on the show they were talking about it. Isn't that cool? It's like God just led the way for me to be on for that specific reason, to talk about the book and how God hates bigotry.

Tonight is family night. Rusty has been out of town all week and I've been gone a couple of days, so we're looking forward to laughing, hugging, and EATING!!!

Peace

Happy news

2007-01-29T19:54:00.000-06:00

Seriously happy news. I am the proud user of DSL. For those of you on Dial up, you will understand the frustration. Where I live, DSL was not available until recently. And today....my internet has been speedy! Loving it!

NEWS: Wednesday morning I fly out of Springfield/Branson airport for a quick overnight trip to South Bend, Indiana where I will be appearing on The Harvest Show Thursday morning. Yes, folks, I'm going to be a guest on a talk show. Too bad the camera adds pounds. I don't have any to spare. I've worked too hard to look 10 lbs heavier. Oh well. I guess that's not the important thing, is it?

Anyway, would appreciate prayers. I had a dream that my pilot was popping pain killers and crashed the plane. No one was hurt, but still...I don't need the aggravation.

So... I'm off to a new experience Live TV interview. Lord help that poor interviewer! :)

Until next time...Peace out

Interesting day

2007-01-24T21:32:00.000-06:00

Today was the first time in two weeks I've had a day alone. The kids went back to school yesterday after the honkin' ice storm, but I had one home with an ear infection and rusty was home also. SOO today I just stayed in my PJs in bed wiht my laptop and tv.

First of all, I watched the feedback on the TODAY show from last night's State of the Union address. Don't even want to talk about that except to say that sometimes the right people do stupid things just to finish what their parents started. I support our troops and pray for our president. But enough already.

Next, I watched Rosie and the rest on the view. I had a freak out moment when Barbara told Rosie to move on and Rosie told her off!! LOL She was like: Move on? This is a show where we're supposed to give our View, where do you want to go?" LOL I'm thinking this is not going to last long. Rosie is going to spontaneously combust. I think she's hilarious. I love her when she's entertaining, but I don't want to hear her opinions about the president and if I here Kelly called her "wife" one more time I just might scream....and still I watch.

I've hired an assistant who will be starting next week. I'm so disorganized with my fan mail, website, records etc. i'm looking forward to not feeling guilty over all these undone chores. :)

Watched a great movie last night with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher called THE GUARDIAN. Very good movie. And moreso because we watched it as a family. That doesn't happen a lot anymore.

And so I have nothing relevant to say other than next week I will be on the Harvest Show on the LEsea network. THey'll be interviewing me about my upcoming release THE FREEDOM OF THE SOUL. I'll try to remember to post the times. Apparently it's a live show. LOL I can only imagine what I'll say...

Ice Storm!

2007-01-16T17:27:00.000-06:00

Guess What? Little House on the Prairie days are wayyyyy overrated! We've been in the throes of a horrid ice storm. I'm sure everyone has been reading about it. We've been without power for a couple of days. And gee whiz, it's dark without lightbulbs. But we do have wood heat as well as a kerosene heater and a camp stove. We were excited for the first couple of hours because it was fun....until I wanted to watch Smallville. I bought all five seasons because I am one of the few people who have never watched the show. So now I'm half way through season three and TOTALLY hooked.

Anyway, the power just came back on about three hours ago. So now the house is too hot. :) I'm going to take a picture of my poor iceladen trees tomorrow when it's light and upload it here.

HAPPY NEWS. I've been using dialup for years because DSL wasn't an option in my rural area. Well, I've just learned that it's available now! So I ordered that bad boy and will have DSL Thursday night. YAY!

Stay warm. Peace out!

American Idol starts tonight. :) YAY!!!!

Starting the New year

2007-01-04T10:12:00.000-06:00

I love new beginnings, but something about the whole new year's resolution thing always makes me feel like a failure. I guess it's because I always fail. :)

This year, though, I have some very specific goals that I feel like God put on my heart. (I am not even going to mention the obvious, bible reading prayer, regular church attendance etc)

1.) Take my daughter out for a "date" once a week. Movie, coffee, shopping....She's going to be 18 this year and I feel like I haven't seen her much in years.

2.) Lose my last 24 lbs. (plus the five I actually put on over the holiday)

3.) Meet every deadline. In order to do this, I have to stay out of the hospital. Last year sucked eggs, although I don't regret having gastric bypass at all! It changed my life.

4.) Visit my mom more.

I don't know...I'm sure there are more. I don't consider the obvious as goals but I do want to help more people, give of myself, spend more time playing with my sons. Etc.

Peace.... and Happy New Year

I can do paragraphs!

2006-12-30T19:54:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Rachel Hauck for reading my blog and teaching me how to use HTML coding to set new paragraphs! I'm so excited

See how I did that???

Tracey

Hello hello hello!

2006-12-30T10:59:00.000-06:00

I have GOT to figure out why I can't do separate paragraphs on this blog. It makes no sense. It's like return doesn't work. Oh well....bear with me. Back to work part time for me. Work gives me such a sense of well-being. Like there's a point. I'd love to be inside the heads of people who aren't workaholics and find out where they get their good vibes. I don't think one is better than the other, just different. On Tuesday the kids are back to school and I'm back to a full schedule. yippee. We went to see Night at the Museum last night. Took my four kids, Rusty and me of course and one girlfriend (15 yo boy's) and one sorta boyfriend (17 yo daughter's). Fun night. FUN MOVIE. Go see it. Ate too much popcorn though. I could never work in a theatre. I've been reading Calm, Cool, and adjusted by Kristin Billerbeck. The best of the Spa Girls IMO. Although I sort of hate when people tell me This is the BEST one....when talking about my books. It's all so subjective. Anyway, today it's raining outside. Perfect day to kick back, finish Kristin's book and gear up for a busy day tomorrow. HAPPY NEW YEAR all. 2007....I thought sure the apocalypse would have happened by now. 2010? :)

From a girl on Vacation...

2006-12-22T12:17:00.000-06:00

Finished Straight Up yesterday. Man, Lisa Samson delivered HUGELY in the end. I'm serious. I know I'm a little scary in my love for this woman's writing. But please believe me. She's the best writer out there. And I know TONS of writers who are really good. Lisa is better than good. She's truly one of the greats and I want to see her on the NYTimes best seller list so I can say..."Whad I tell ya? Was I right, or what?" Right now I'm reading Calm, Cool, and Adjusted by Kristin Billerbeck, another of my favorite writers--definitely my favorite chicklit writer comparable to Sophie Kinsella, but also a good friend, so I feel a little fraudulant to sing her praises the way I can someone like Lisa, who I barely know. But let's just say, Poppy is my favorite of the Spa Girls so I'm totally loving the book. Kristin has a real in your face honesty that I respect and love. Whether I'm reading a post from her over a writer's loop or reading it in her books. You just have to love someone who isn't afraid to be real. I'm rethinking my decision to read The Kite Runner, though. It's a little too much for me right now. PLUS guess what I found that I've had for over a year that got lost in my moving shuffle? WOMEN'S INTUITION by ta-da Lisa Samson. So I'm stoked. But first i have to go shopping. Although I'm thinking about waiting until after 11pm when folks are winding down. Thank God for a 24 hour walmart in a town of 20 thousand people. Most of us are hicks who rise and retire according to the sun and roosters. Well, not me. I rise at 11am and go to bed at 4am. But I AM a writer and when else amd I supposed to write? Well, off to do other things. I LOVE vacation. I should have done this years ago. :) OH except I started working out with a trainer this week, so I'm pretty grumpy about the pain, but it'll get better. PEACE.

Straight Up

2006-12-19T08:35:00.000-06:00

Here's the thing that bugs me... I've said it before, but there are just some writers who don't get their due. Lisa Samson is one of those writers. Highly respected and envied among her peers, so why isn't she a household name? I don't know... But there are very few writers that keep me awake, prying my eyes open, so desperate to keep reading that I wake up with the book cuddled in my arms, bookmark in a page I don't recognize because I turned pages in my sleep. This is what happened. I bought STraight Up because I saw it last week at the beginning of deadline rush where I sat alone in a hotel all week. Boo hoo for me. Anyway, there were only three copies on the shelf, so of course I panicked, worried that all the copies of this book that I desperately wanted to read would be gone if I waited until my deadline was over. I know. I worry about things like that...what if the store burns down and the internet suddenly goes totally off or we have an electrical surge in space and go back to the dark ages and no one is buying and selling books. I mean, at least I'd have a candle and a Lisa Samson book, right? So my reward this week for getting my deadline in. Straight Up, by Lisa. Calm Cool and adjusted by Kristin Billerbeck, and the Kite Runner because everyone else is reading it and I'm a big fat follower. So last night I turn in my book at 9:30pm, watch all the missed Survivor shows including the finale where I felt totally ripped off. Wanted Ozzie to bring it home. at 1:30 am, I really tried to go to sleep because, well, it was 1:30 am. But all I could think of was, "I have to read that book." What if I wake up in the morning and I suddenly don't know how to read anymore? Or I can't find my glasses, OR contacts or my other pair of glasses, or the ones I had three years ago and didn't throw away. I mean, what if books are suddenly outlawed? I would live with regret for the rest of my life.... So of course I HAD to get up and start reading. But then I couldn't stop. So I stayed awake until 4 am. Where does she get her words? Her writing is magical and truly an artform. If you haven't read this woman's work and you are a booklover, you truly are missing a rich experience. I highly recommend Straight Up. Tiger Lillie, Songbird, The Church Ladies. She's tough, I'll tell you this. Lisa doesn't skirt issues. So her books are not for the faint of heart. Read, read, read. This has been a non-paid advertisement for Lisa Samson. Now back to your regularly scheduled program....

Catching up

2006-12-04T09:04:00.000-06:00

Hi all! Coming up for a minute to breathe. Deadline for my first Westward Hearts book is looming on the horizon. December 15....can she do it??? This book might be my best... For the last month we've had a beautiful family of six living with us. It's been noisy and fun and stressful and tearful. A time of blessing where we knew God was in charge and directing. Also discovered that God isn't necessarily about our convenience, but more about what needs to be done. On Thursday, during an ice storm, they moved out. I'm excited for them. Excited for us, but missing the kids. Our kids have been having a minivacation since Thursday. Icy roads and inches of snow that put us in mind of A Christmas Story. I've done a lot of online shopping this year. Don't get me wrong. With four kids and umpteen nieces and nephews I've definitely done my share of legwork in walmart and the mall, but online shopping is fantastic! Sears, walmart, Hollister, New York and Co (oh, that wasn't christmas shopping. That was for me. :) ) Anyway, Be watching for the launch of my new newsletter, new pictures, and new contests coming up in January along with the final books in two of my series: I Love Claire will cap the Claire Everett series, coming early in January. And Freedom of the Soul has now been pushed back to the end of January and will finish up my Penbrook Diaries series with Barbour. I look forward to a full, new year. New Beginnings. Fresh starts, second chances and continued love and friendship. Until next time...God bless and keep you.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-20T21:20:00.000-06:00

I love this time of year. I'm thankful by nature, but this time of year it's even easier to set aside disappointments and focus on the things I'm especially thankful for. Here are just a few.... Rusty and the kids. 2.) my mom, Sandy, and Bill--who add to my life in such rich ways without taking more love from me than they shower back 3.) my church, Lebanon family Church and in particular my pastors, youth pastor, pre-youth pastor, Kevin Ranfeld and--for so many reasons--Linda Flanders. 4.) my job including my gift from the Lord--Steve Laube, my agent who is guiding my career with a skilled and God-inspired hand. 5.) Friends--new and old Angie, Chris, Susie, Susan Rachel, Crystal, Brandy--the list goes on, but these are my circle for now. 6.) Books and the people who write the ones I love--Lisa Samson, Francine Rivers, Angie Hunt, Kristin Billerbeck, and again, the list goes on.... 7.) Baby grins 8.) Dish network (okay starting to reach here). I could do this all night. What are you thankful for?

RACHEL HAUCK BLOGS

2006-11-15T18:14:00.000-06:00

I'm so thrilled to have Rachel Hauck as a friend. She is one of the most incredible people I've ever known and I appreciate that she is gracing my blog with one of her insightful and led-by-God posts. RACHEL: Thanks Tracey for letting me stop by your place for the Lost In NashVegas blog tour. For those of you who don't know, Tracey and I have been friends for awhile, served on the ACFW Board together and genuinely cheer each other on in the biz of writing. She's a treasure to know, really.

But let's talk about walking on water. I've blogged bits about this before here and there, but I have several blogging venues so perhaps I can get away with a repeat.

We're all familiar with the story of Peter walking on the water, right? He's out fishing with his friends and co-disciples of Jesus when they Jesus walking toward them.

Peter, being a wholehearted, devoted kind of guy, and for the moment a man of faith, hollers out, "Lord call me out on the water to meet you."

Hit the pause button. Peter, dude, amazing faith. I like it. Half the time in today's Christiandom we're cowering in the back whispering, "Don't call on me Jesus, don't call on me. I'm allergic to Zimbabwe."

Hit play. Jesus beckons Peter to come out of the boat.

Hit pause again. Here's an amazing lesson. Jesus did what Peter asked. First of all, this speaks of Peter's confidence and friendship with Jesus. A confidence and friendship we should all have. It didn't matter to Peter that maybe he'd cussed a blue streak over a torn net fifteen minutes before. When he saw Jesus, his heart responded.

Second lesson for us humanoids is to remember we don't have to wait for Jesus to bid us come. We can go to Him with an idea or a plan and go, "Will you call me out? Can I do it?"

Hit Play. Peter hops out of the boat and is cruising across the water. His eyes are fixed on Jesus until ... I don't know if he got cocky or what, but he started looking around and immediately his faith moved from Jesus to the situation. The waves were crashing, the clouds were thundering and Pete probably thought, "Oh *bleep* what am I doing out here?"

Pause again. How many times do we do this? We step out in faith with our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus, our hearts resonnating with joy and hope and the first sign of trouble, we move our faith from Him to the circumstance.

My friends, there is going to be trouble! Especially if you are stepping out in faith for Jesus. Do Not look at the circumstances. Keep looking at Him.

Play button, please. Pete starts to sink. He calls out, "Lord save me." Jesus, being the overwhelmed with love kind of God He is, reaches down and pulls Pete out of the water.

Most preachers preach how create it was Pete called out to Jesus in his time of need, in his weakness. And well, they have a point. But listen to what Jesus said to him, "Bro, where's your faith?"

He rebuked him and the poor man almost drowned.

Hit pause. Two lessons here. When we screw up and call on Jesus, He's faithful to answer. But the main lesson is keep your eyes on Jesus. I honestly believe if Peter had fixed his eyes on Jesus again, and let his heart believe like he did in the beginning, he would've risen from the water without Jesus having to physically rescue him.

If you're starting to sink, fix your heart and mind on Jesus and believe in your heart you will rise above the circumstances. Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world!

My book, Lost In NashVegas, delves into this topic. Robin Rae McAfee heads to Nashville to become a songwriter, but life in Music City is more difficult than it seems. And while she's learning about how to make it on Music Row, she's learning secrets of her families past.

Fear threatens to drown Robin, but she fixes her heart on Jesus, not on her circumstances. She messes up, but rises to the top again.

What do you think? Ready to do a little walking on water? I am!

BIO

Rachel Hauck is a multi-published author who lives in central Florida with her husband and two ornery pets. She started writing ten years ago, but actively pursued the craft in 2000. Rachel loves sports, especially Ohio State football and asks for a moment of silence for this Saturday's Ohio State vs Michigan game.

Here's a link to Lost In NashVegas on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lost-NashVegas-Rachel-Hauck/dp/159554190X/sr=11-1/qid=1163629848/ref=sr_11_1/103-5749559-0821461

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