Tracie's Journal

WINNERS FROM BOOK BANTER

2012-03-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a list of those who won a free copy of CHASING THE SUN on our Book Banter last night. Please email Noelle Buss at Bethany House with your address and we'll be getting a book off to you soon. Noelle's email is: noelle.buss@bethanyhouse.com

CONGRATULATIONS
Beth Gillihan

Kandi Turner

Stephanie Landsem

Carla Olson Gade

Shondra Weatherton Brown

Jenny Albrittain

Christy Matson Marro

Mary Oxford Koester

Cynthia McCord

Heather Groening

Thanks for making our book banter so much fun!

Join Me For Book Banter - Wednesday March 7th

2012-03-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Bethany House's Book Banter from noon to 8 pm tomorrow March 7th talking books and writing and just about anything else that come up. I hope you'll join me there with your questions and comments. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/events/106569149466766/

Interesting Recipes

2012-02-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Since Tammy and Judy often share the yummy foods, I thought I’d share some interesting recipes for other things.

In historic research I’m always coming across fun facts and since my sister bloggers write historical fiction and the blog readers seem to love it as well – I thought you might like to see what I found in the Home Cooking book – recipes compiled by the Waseca Co. Historical Society in Waseca, MN. If you want to purchase a copy – their phone number is 1-507-835-7700. It does mention that some of these recipes aren’t recommended for today’s use.

Panada (for Invalid’s Tray)
Place a cracker, fresh and dry, in a saucer. Fill with hot water and slightly salt. Let it stand in a warm place like the back of the stove or the hearth. The cracker will absorb water so add more and eventually the cracker will become clear and of the consistency of jelly. Drain any remaining water, add butter or cream, sugar if preferred. (From Miss Canfield, submitted by the Congregational Church Cookbook – 1899)
I know if I were sick I would definitely want this. NOT!

Cough Syrup
10 cents Lenkrich, 10 cents Tincture of Lobelea, and 10 cents Annis oil
Soak Lenkrich in 3 cups of water. Next morning add 2 cups of sugar and cook to a syrup. Let cool and add Lobelea and Annis Oil. (From Grandmother Friday submitted by Dianne Peterson)

Mom’s Homemade Salve
¼ lb. bees wax, ¼ lb. rosin and 1 lb. unsalted butter. Stir together and boil until it is dissolved. Pour in jars to harden. (from Marlys Keane)

Remedy for Ivy Poisoning
1 ounce tincture of iron mixed with 2 ounces of glycerine, applied a few times locally will cure the severest cases in 24 hours. (from Dianne Peterson – no relation to me)

And last but not least a much needed element for any household.

Linament
2 tbsp. mustard, 2 tbsp. turpentine, 2 pts. Vinegar. Shake well before using. Good for man or beast. (From Carol Hagen)

It’s hard sometimes to imagine not just being able to run down to the store for medicine and over the counter cures (although they had plenty of those in the 1800’s too). Most folks made and kept handy recipes like I’ve listed, however, because it was so much cheaper than buying someone else’s bottled remedy.

Besides, who knew better than grandma (or in this case my great, great,grandma Amanda Shane)how to cure the common cold?
Blessings to you

New Texas Series and Bethany House Book Banter

2012-02-10T02:39:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to let you know about my new series.
Land of the Lonestar is debuting with book #1 CHASING THE SUN. Should soon be available everywhere.

Chasing the Sun is set in Civil War Texas and shows some of the conflicts Texans dealt with while the Civil War raged. There were those who were staunch Confederates and this story deals with some of those, as well as those who supported the Union. Mostly, however, my experience has been that Texans supported Texas.

Book 2 will be out this June and is titled TOUCHING THE SKY. This story deals with different characters - strong Union supporters and the immediate aftermath of the Civil War in Corpus Christi, Texas. There will be a guest appearance of characters from book 1.

Book 3 will be out in September this year and is titled TAMING THE WIND. This story will tie books 1 and 2 together and deals with the reconstruction period and cattle drives as Texas recovers from the war. This is just a mockup of the cover - but I LOVE IT!!

I hope you get a chance to join me for all three.

And on February 29th - I'll be doing the Bethany House Book Banter and hope you'll join me for that as well. I'll put in additional reminders as well as directions for getting there.

God Bless You!

Happy February 2012

2012-02-03T01:53:00.001-07:00

February is an awesome month. When I was a girl it was one of my favorites because there were so many holidays.
You had Ground Hog’s Day and Valentine’s Day, Lincoln’s birthday on the 12th and Washington’s on the 22nd.
There was Mardi Gras and Lent for those who celebrated and my grandmother tried to get peas planted around the same time.

Not only that but every once in a while the silly month had an extra day - like this year. I remember a girl in our school whose birthday was on the 29th of February. We thought it was a real rip off that she only got to officially celebrate every four years and actually thought about starting a petition that demanded February have 29 days every year.

But there are some February Holidays that you might not know about and I know you won’t want to miss out on. For example:

February 1st was Spunky Old Broad’s Day (but I missed celebrating it)
February 3rd is Bubble Gum Day – so chew up all you can today!
February 5th is Dump Your Significant Jerk Day, but also World Nutella Day.

February 7th is Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbor Day
February 8th is Laugh and Get Rich Day
February 11th is White Shirt Day
February 18th is Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

February 22nd is not only George Washington’s birthday, but it’s also Inconvenience Yourself Day.

February 23rd is Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day as well as National Chili Day

February 25th is International Sword Swallowers Day

February 26th is For Pete’s Sake Day and Levi Strauss Day
And February 29th is Inspirational Underlings Day.
And that’s not even all of the special days February hosts.

I hope you’ll celebrate all month long and enjoy the fun of Nutella, waving, getting rich and maybe even milking a cow while flying in an airplane (that sounds like something Judy Miller would do while researching a book).
God Bless You and Happy February 2012 (Remember – this is the only one we get so live it up!)

Learning to Tat

2012-01-27T01:14:00.001-07:00

I've decided that I didn't have enough to do so I've been learning to tat. Tatting is an ancient art and one that many fear will disappear. So I thought as a person who loves history, it was up to me to help save this wonderful artform.

Tatting has a varied history. Many people think it relates back to fishing nets. In the Victorian age it was considered unlady-like to sit idle. Ladies often occupied themselves with tatting or some other form of needlework. Tatting was easy to carry with them to visits and resulted in beautiful pieces of lace.

There are all sorts of styles and every country seems to call it by a different name. The German word for tatting is Schiffchenarbeit meaning 'the work of the little boat'. Since the shuttles used in tatting are boat shaped this makes sense to me. The Italians call it occhi meaning 'eyes',
referring to the rings which make up the lace; the Turkish say
makouk which is their word for shuttle; the French call it frivolite
and the Swedish word is similar - frivolitet.

But no matter what you call it - tatting is a wonderful craft to learn. I have an incredible teacher I meet with from time to time. Her name is Pru and she is one super smart lady. She has a passion for keeping tatting alive and I have great admiration for her.

Tatting requires a shuttle,
thread and a lot of patience. There are special ways to hold your hands and position your shuttle and thread, and of course there are specific patterns to follow and stitches to learn.

The result can be all sorts of projects from bookmarks to lace trim to clothing and

handbag decoration.

and today antique tatting is highly sought by collectors. Who knows maybe 100 years from now - collectors will be fighting to buy my tatting--but at this early stage of learning - I kind of doubt it.
God Bless You

How are you doing?

2012-01-20T02:22:00.001-07:00

I've been getting asked that a lot in the last few days so I thought I would give everyone an update. It's been 3 wks since my lapband surgery and I'm doing awesome. The incisions are healed and my body is adjusting to a new way of doing business where food is related.

Some folks have asked for a before pitture and then a progress report picture so I thought I would throw a couple out there.

This photo was taken in September
and then in October I started to check out the lapband process and started the protein rich, low carb/fat diet on the 18th. Since then I've lost about 35 lbs.

35 lbs. doesn't show a whole lot when you are this overweight, but I feel great and have more energy. I think it really is helping where the MS is concerned as the energy level that was sapped due to the MS is improved by the loss of the weight.

So keep the prayers coming and I'll try to update you from time to time.

Speaking of prayers - thanks so much for the many you've said on my behave. I feel so blessed and cared for. The Lord has given such amazing peace to me despite the complications of life.

God Bless You!

A cup of coffee and thou

2011-12-23T05:39:00.001-07:00

This week was a bad one and amidst all the frustrations and sorrows and negative vibes being sent out from a variety of sources, I thought I might well give up and stay in bed for the rest of the week.

Then lo and behold, a gift came in the mail.

A present from a dear friend who wanted to cheer me up.

I won't name names, but this dear woman is not without problems and sorrows of her own and yet she took out the time to think of me. And boy - did she think of me!!!

What was in the box?

My very own Keurig Coffeemaker. Wahoo!! I've wanted one for a long, long time and if you have one you'll know what I mean.

Now I have a reason to get up. :D Just kidding, although making coffee with my new machine is great fun.

Oh and since I love to share information with you - let me share this little gem of knowledge.

Most Americans pronounce the company name as “cure-ig” However, Keurig is a Dutch word which means "neat" or "arranged". The Keurig coffee company was founded in 1992 by Olaf Keurig, a Dutchman. The proper Dutch pronunciation actually sounds more like “keer-ech”.

Isn't that neat?

Now I'm off to make a cup of coffee and to think of how blessed I am to have good friends like you and like the elf who sent my Keurig.

Merriest of Christmases to all of you and may God bless you in the year to come. Next week and for about 3 weeks total - Steph Whitson will be filling in for me - while I am busy...making coffee. :)

PS - the painting above is from Victor Gabriel Gilbert and titled A Cup of Coffee Painting

Ice Harvesting

2011-12-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

I've been doing research again for a new book. This time the setting is Minnesota and ice harvesting is a part of my storyline. I love when God sends me wonderful gems from the past, and I just have to share this one with you.

If you have time, I want to encourage you to watch this wonderful movie that was made in 1919 and shows ice harvesting. It's wonderful - not only the actual work on the ice, but they show the men taking the ice for storage and how they utilized horsepower to create an elevator to lift the ice into the icehouse. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

If nothing else, this video makes me very happy that it's much easier to get ice today.

God Bless You!

The Way We Do It In Montana

2011-12-09T04:16:00.001-07:00

Do what? Keep warm.
We all have our ways of keeping warm over the winter, but I thought I'd share a few of the ones we have here in Montana.

First of all - I know you've probably heard of the "3 Dog Night" when it's necessary to have at least 3 dogs surrounding you to keep you warm. Well, this is a "1 Cat Day".

We are also heavy into thermal products.
I have thermal curtains at the windows, thermal underwear for really cold outside days, thermal gloves and hats, thermal sleeping bags and comforters and of course thermal dog wear - including boots.

We love our fireplaces and heating stoves. We love to crowd around them and keep warm.

We have chemical packets for warming hands and feet. We have car survival kits
with all sorts of items to keep you from freezing to death if you are trapped up in the mountains - say when you go searching for your Christmas tree.

We get active and have all sorts of cold weather sports.

Probably the best way to keep warm during the winter is the company of good friends. No, not so we can huddle together, but when we get together all that hot air we have going in conversation keeps us pretty toasty. No, not toasted, although I understand Judy and Tammy have great eggnog and hot buttered rum recipes. At least I suppose they do - since they always seem to have a recipe for something outrageously delicious that I can't afford the calories of and yet really really want to try.

So if you are cold - I'm sending you warm thoughts and suggesting you find someone to hug. If you're in a warmer place or even one that's still hot - well, you don't need to worry about such things so you can probably just skip this blog and wait for Judy or Tammy to post a recipe for something delicious and cold.

God Bless You!

Starting a New Tradition

2011-12-02T02:27:00.001-07:00

As I was thinking about how I wanted to decorate for Christmas the other day, I was actually wondering if I could postpone until maybe next May. With all the issues of illness and complications to life, I really haven't been in a Christmassy mood. Despite the fact that Montana is definitely looking a lot like Christmas.

Then as I started thinking about the things that I like to do as tradition, I realized that some of these have gone out the door because the kids are no longer small children.

We used to go together and get a Christmas tree and then we'd set aside a night to decorate it. We'd have hot cocoa and music and laughter and sometimes arguments (not always perfect moments I guess), but it was a tradition I loved. Then as the children left home, it didn't seem the same.

We used to take long drives and look at Christmas lights or the snowy countryside.

Another tradition I liked was baking with my kids. We didn't get to do this every year as they got older, but I tried hard to keep it yearly when the girls were little. Especially to make sugar cookies and decorate them.

We had years when we went caroling at nursing homes and sledding as a family. All wonderful memories.

Did we have a perfect "Leave it to Beaver" "Ozzie and Harriet", "Walton's Mountain" family? No. We were never even a close contender. Our family was attacked by sickness and discouragement, financial woes and sinful mistakes. We had a great many problems and I could choose to dwell on that, but I'm not going to. It's easy to focus on the bad. The bad has a way of demanding to be recognized, while the good stands quietly to the side and waits to be acknowledged.

So this year, I'm starting a new tradition. It came to me as I was thinking about how I wanted to spend Christmas this year. I knew I wouldn't get to be surrounded by family, but then I rethought it. I can be surrounded by family in prayer for them.

So I decided to have a Prayer Tree.

On the center of our dining room table where we will see it day in and day out, I placed a little bright purple (just for Kim) metallic tree as a centerpiece. Next I bought ribboned tags that have wonderful words on them like - PEACE - JOY - CHEERY - GREETINGS - LOVE and as a name of a loved one comes to mind, we will write it on one of the tags and decorate the tree. Then when we see the tags, and the names, we will pray for those loved ones. Everyday we can add new folks as problems and praises arise, we can even add additional notes to the tags. I hope this tradition will take off across the country. We need to be a nation of prayer - a mighty praying people who stand in the gap for one another.

God Bless You!

Contest Fun and Thankful

2011-11-25T05:46:00.001-07:00

Man do I have some great fun for you. My publishing house teamed up with my website people and together we came up with a super cool contest to promote my HOUSE OF SECRET release. The book is selling well and I've already seen some fantastic fan letters, so this is a great way to give back.

Check it out at my website - traciepeterson.com and click on CONTESTS and follow the directions.

Here's a look at the prize.

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a $400 Pike Place Market prize package, featuring:

• Market Spice Tea Sampler Trio – 3 Flavor Variety
• Sleepless in Seattle 5-Pack Coffee Gift Set
• Seattle Space Needle Relax Du Mocha Cocoa 6 oz
• Washington Artisan Handwarmer Mug – Mossy Creek design
• Pacific Northwest Lemon Honey Creme – 11.8 oz
• Pacific Northwest Artisan Crackers – Parmesan Cayenne 5 oz
• Seattle-Made Garlic Obsession Dip 1 oz
• Washington Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon – 2 oz
• ‘Celebrate the Market’ Pike Place Kitchen Towel & Mitt Set
• Emerald City DVD (visual tour of everything from the Space Needle to the Pike Place Market)
• A personalized (you select the name) marble plaque, featuring Isaiah 43:18-19, Bailee’s favorite verse in House of Secrets
• A copy of Gems of Wisdom, written and signed by author Angie Breidenbach, a close friend of Tracie’s and the woman to whom House of Secrets is dedicated
• A signed copy of Eyes of the Heart, a devotional stories book by Tracie Peterson
• A hardbound copy of House of Secrets, signed by Tracie Peterson

The contest closes soon, so spread the word and go sign up.

And, with Thanksgiving this year, I just want to say how blessed I am to be able to share God's love with my readers. So many people are suffering throughout the world and all because of their Christian faith. We are a blessed people despite the complications of the economy, health issues, political scandals, and all manner of disasters. God has been so faithful to His people and I want to encourage you to spend some time thinking about all the ways God has proven Himself faithful this year and share it with us here.

God Bless You!

Prayers please

2011-11-18T06:47:00.002-07:00

I'm taking the day off to have a root canal, so would appreciate prayers.

One thing about heaven - we won't need dental work done! Yay!

God Bless You!
Tracie

Thank you Veterans!

2011-11-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Paul in World War II

Today I want to thank our veterans living and dead for the sacrifice they made to give me freedom. Throughout the ages we have been a truly blessed nation to have men and women who volunteer to serve our country and its citizens. We owe them our freedom and in many ways our very lives.

I thank the families too who have soldiers serving - who daily sacrifice a whole family under one roof to allow their loved ones to serve us.

And I thank God for a nation that though flawed and at odds, steeped in controversy and sin, is still my country and I love it.

So today - I encourage you - call a vet or their family member and say thank you - take a veteran to lunch - take them a gift - give them a hug.

Here's my personal shout out to my friends and family members who have served.
Uncle John - who gave his life in World War II
Uncle Paul who served in the Army Aircorp World War II
Dad - who served in the Navy
Mark - who served in the Navy
Tim - who served with the Navy
Don - who served in the Air Force

To Judy and her family for Jim's sacrifice and to Kim and her hubs for theirs and anyone else represented here.

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I love you all so much! May God keep you in His care!

Interesting Trees

2011-11-03T22:33:00.000-06:00

In keeping with our tree theme this week, I thought I’d share something wondrous. We see a great many types of evergreens in Montana. We even have the Ponderosa Pine for our state tree. But recently on a trip to Spokane, Washington, I was quite worried about the state of some of our forests. We have dealt with the pine beetle up our way so I thought I was looking a forest gone bad from invasion of those little bugs. Instead, I was delighted to learn that these trees weren’t in a state of death and dying, they were Larix laricina – Tamarack.

I thought I was pretty familiar with the trees in our neck of the woods, but the Tamarack or American Larch took me by surprise. This species of tree is found in Canada, but also in some of the northern states of the US, and even as far south as West Virginia.

The name Tamarack is from the Algonquian meaning “wood used for snowshoes.”
The Tamarack wood is tough and durable, but also flexible. Tamarack was used in corduroy roads in Alaska and Canada because of their resistance to rot. But the most amazing thing to me is that every fall the Tamarack turns yellow and loses its needles just like other trees lose their leaves. And we’re not just talking a blah yellow. These trees turn a glorious, intense yellow that definitely grabs your attention.

Tamaracks aren’t true evergreens, but rather deciduous coniferous (not carnivorous Cathy - at least I don’t think they eat meat)tree. This means they shed their needles in the fall. They reach heights of 33-66 ft. And can survive in temperatures down to −85 °F – in fact, they love the cold.

Tamarack are known to have a gummy sap that has a great flavor when chewed and is every bit as sweet as maple sugar. The native peoples have long made a tea from the bark that can be used as a laxative, diuretic and help for rheumatism. Poultices can be made from the inner bark and used on wounds and burns and it’s also supposed to be great for headaches. It’s really an amazing tree, and hopefully I will be able to lay my hands on some to plant in my yard.

So there’s my contribution to this week’s tree theme.
God Bless You!

Exciting Teen Writing Workshop in Missoula Montana

2011-11-01T19:49:00.000-06:00

CALLING ALL TEEN WRITERS!
We want YOU to attend a
Teen Writing Workshop
hosted by
MT PAGES
An official chapter of ACFW
(American Christian Fiction Writers)

Who: Writers ages 13 to Adult
When: November 12, 2011
12:00-2:00 pm
Where: Atonement Lutheran Church
2205 34th St. SW
Missoula, MT

Come meet other young writers in your area!
Learn tips from published authors!

Topics covered include:
* “Plotting” your course & Layering
*Writing Words that Change the World
*Helpful Tips for the Writers Journey

Whether you’ve just started writing or have piles of story-filled notebooks,
This event is for you!

Parents are welcome to stay, but please no little ones for this fast-paced workshop.
Bring your own beverage- we will provide a snack for the afternoon.

IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING, PLEASE RSVP
Call Angela @ 406.251.4106

We are looking forward to a time of fun & creativity!

Free Kindle book

2011-10-26T10:19:00.000-06:00

Right now - EMBERS OF LOVE, book one in the Striking a Match series is free at amazon.com for the Kindle.

Hope you get a chance to download this for your collection.

He's In The Details

2011-10-22T21:29:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I'm absolutely amazed at the way God ties things together. We have been joining friends for a home fellowship on Thursday nights and of late my hubby Jim has been teaching. We've been talking about the history of Christianity and of Israel and the Jews. It's amazing to look through history and see the parallels of our faiths.

Throughout the ages you see where the Jewish people are despised and persecuted, and now we see how Christians are being treated much the same. I even heard someone say the other day that they would be glad when the time came that Christians had to meet in secret in the USA. Believe me - those days are coming.

The neatest part of all, however, is the way God has so intricately used the evil for good - just like Joseph speaks of in Gen. 50:20. When you look at America becoming a nation, you can see where God had plans for us to come alongside the Jewish people to encourage and support a homeland. Sometimes it's hard for us to remember that for hundreds and hundreds of years - there was no Israel. Napoleon comes along and in order to build and promote his cause he finds purpose for the Jews where others had condemned and tormented them. Of course he didn't care about them, but they served his evil purposes. You have Hitler who does the worst possible things to the Jewish people, and God uses that to rally and draw His people together. Then in 1948 America comes alongside Britain to encourage and promote the formation of a Jewish homeland. Gives you the shivers when you really study it out.

Don't ever doubt that God is in the details of your meager existence. He has the hairs on your head numbered. Believe me - He's in the details.

God Bless You

Getting Back in the Swing

2011-10-14T00:15:00.002-06:00

So I've been home for two weeks now and I'm finally getting back in the swing of things. And no - this isn't a current photo - rather it was taken last year around the same time - so I'm enjoying the delay of snow this year. We're having a beautiful fall in fact and I'm getting back into writing my current book.

The book I'm working on is 3rd in another Texas series. Book one CHASING THE SUN debuts in March 2012 and then book 2 June 2012 and the book I'm currently writing is slated to release a year from now - in October 2012. The series has been a great deal of fun. Set in Texas 1863-1868, I wanted to show the contrasts of mindsets. There were strong Union supporters in Texas, as well as strong Confederate supporters, but mostly there were those who stood in support of Texas.

While I was researching and enjoying being home after a wild and crazy traveling schedule since last May, I found the lyrics of this song from 1854 and thought it summed up my heart.

"My old House my dear happy Home" (1854)
[Words--anonymous]
Composed by
Frederick Buckley

1. There’s a spot that I love, there’s a home that I prize
Far better than any on earth,
It is bound to my heart by the holiest ties,
And I prize oh how fondly its worth;
’Tis no beauty nor splendor endears it to me,
Ah no for its grandeur hath flown,
But ’tis fondest affection that binds me to thee,
My Old House, my dear happy Home.

2. O home! what dear magic is in that sweet sound,
How closely it speaks to the heart,
What a word of deep tenderness in thee is found,
Oh who from such treasure could part;
Could barter the joys of a sweet home of love,
For a path in the wide world unknown,
Could seek for vain pleasures and heartlessly rove,
If they knew the true value of home.

3. Some sigh to be wealthy, some seek to be great,
Some envy what others can do,
But oh I’m in my lowly estate,
For the hearts all around me are true.
And ties that are nearer and dearer to me,
And hearts that are truly mine own,
With fondest affection now binds me to thee,
My Old House, my dear happy Home.

Isn't that fun. I thought it really fit how I felt now that we're home.

Oh and one other fun thing that's happened this week - I got a delivery of a new cd. If you like blues-jazz I have to say this is great. It's LET THEM TALK by Englishman Huge Laurie - yes the actor on HOUSE and from earlier years of BERTIE AND JEEVES. He's an incredible musician and I've totally fallen in love with his music. My only disappointment was that the cd didn't include 27 Ginger Headed Sailors which he once sang on BERTIE AND JEEVES. Actually I suppose it really wouldn't fit the blues feel.

Blessings to you all!

Did you miss me?

2011-10-05T18:36:00.000-06:00

Hello wonderful blog readers. Did you miss me? I sure missed you!

Back in July our granddaughter Rainy fell ill. It became so serious we feared we would be having a funeral.
We headed to Kansas City and sat at her bedside and she gradually improved. We said it was the healing power of Grandparent Love. Here she is with her momma after recovery started. The looks are day and night differentand proof that prayer works. Thanks so much to those of you who prayed.

We hurried back home then and I went to be with the women of my church. We had a retreat in the mountains with Angie Breidenbach as our speaker. If you haven't checked Angie out - you really must. She has some amazing jewlery that supports African orphans and she's written several books. Also she is a super amazing speaker and if you need someone for your women's groups - I highly recommend her. Check her out at www.angiebreidenbach.com

After that it was back to Kansas where I worked with Judy Miller on the 3rd installment of our Bridal Veil Island series. Judy is always a lot of fun to work with and I got to enjoy her new office. Made me start thinking about my own.

Then we moved on to St. Louis where I was the keynote speaker for the American Christian Fiction Writers conference. Oh that was tons of fun. I got to see a lot of my writer friends and as Tammy posted - we snapped a photo of us bloggers sans Cathy and Robin. I was completely blessed by the conference as I know many writers were. The ACFW awarded me a Lifetime Achievement Award and a bouquet of roses. This came as a total shock. I've teased my publisher that this means I can now retire. Here I am with Kayla Woodhouse. She's 14 and has already co-authored 2 books with her mom Kim Woodhouse. I recommend you get a copy of their first book (the only one out so far) titled NO SAFE HAVEN.

Speaking of the publisher - after St. Louis Jim and I moseyed up to Minnesota to do research and to meet with the Bethany House folks. I love and adore that gang. They are like family to me and it's always so nice to get together with them and talk about the industry and the ministry aspects of what we do.

Amidst all of this, I was dealing with a shocking diagnosis that came to me on the 8th of September. The doctor told me I have Multiple Scelosis. MS is a nerve disorder where your own white cells attack the myelin (sheath around nerves) and destroys it. This can cause pain, blindness, cripple you and so much more. Not exactly a fun diagnosis. I started daily injectables which was also not to my liking, but now I find they aren't quite so bad. It's an interesting twist in my journey here on earth, but I'm trying to keep my eyes and ears open to what God will teach me on the way. I definitely would appreciate your continued prayers.

Oh and a super neat highlight. On our way home, we picked up a new baby. Actually a 6wk old collie pup. We're calling him Mack - short for The McGreggor which will probably be his official name. He's soooooo sweet and fluffy. Just a bunch of fur with a nose.

It's great to be back!

FREE KINDLE DOWNLOAD

2011-09-01T14:55:00.001-06:00

Yes, you read that right. Tell your friends. Tell your family. Tell everybody.

A DAUGHTER'S INHERITANCE is currently a free download Kindle. I don't know how long this will be the case, but you'd probably better hurry.

God Bless
Tracie Peterson

Cattle Drives

2011-08-11T23:59:00.002-06:00

Yes, you read that right - I'm researching cattle drives this week. In particular - the cattle drives from Texas to Kansas.

After the Civil War the country was hankering for steak - primarily because the war had made it almost impossible to ship cattle east and especially not south.

A man named McCoy (maybe he's related to Judith McCoy Miller our dear writing sister??) set up a rail town called Abilene in Kansas. He knew that if he could get the drovers to bring in the cattle, the town would boom. All that was really needed was a railroad and the Kansas Pacific was good to oblige.

Cattle drives are very interesting things. I've been talking to local ranch folk and listening to information about drives, as well as reading diary accounts. I have a neat little book that details a cattle drive in 1868 from the perspective of one of the drovers and it's fascinating.

A common size herd was around 2000-3000 head of cattle - usually fattened steers. They moved them only about 10-12 miles a day and this size herd would stretch out about 2 miles long. The cattle would graze as they went, so you didn't move them too fast and walk all the fat off of them. At night they were usually so tuckered, they didn't wander off and could usually be tended by one or two mounted riders.

During the day, however, you had about 15 men for a herd of about 2500. You also had a wrangler who kept the horses. Each mounted drover (or cowboy as we call them now-although that term was quite negative back then)needed anywhere from 5-8 horses so that he could trade out and not ride the same one everyday. The wrangle kept this herd of horses called a remuda and tended their medical needs and shoeing. The wrangler had to be a sort of veterinarian, farrier, jack-of-all-trades.

Of course you had your trail boss and your Cookie.
The chuckwagon was mighty important because you burned a lot of calories riding from dawn to dusk and dealing with everything from stampedes to Indian encounters. The latter was especially critical as the trails from Texas to Abilene, KS went right through Indian Territory and though most of the Oklahoma villages were peaceful, there were always problems with which to contend.

I got a little tickled with some of the descriptive terms for cattle drive needs. A "hoodlum" wagon carried the bedrolls. "Chuckwagon chicken" was bacon, "Pecos strawberries were beans, "sourdough bullets" were biscuits and cowboy coffee was said to only be strong enough if a horseshoe could actually float in it. Isn't that fun?

Oh and in Montana - there are still cattle drives.

Interesting times to be sure. On another note - my granddaughter Rainy is still desperately ill and the entire family continues to need your prayers. Thanks for thinking of them.
Tracie

Update on Rainy

2011-08-04T23:13:00.000-06:00

I apologize for how brief this blog is, but I know you'll understand.

My granddaughter Rainy is having surgery tomorrow and that is holding my focus right now. The doctors have been perplexed by her situation and plan an exploratory surgery.

I would definitely appreciate prayers for the doctors and for the family.

But most of all, I ask for prayers for Rainy. This will be something like the 30th surgery for Rainy in just 9 years. She has been through so much and when I talked to her today she was so depressed and sad. My daughter is afraid Rainy has given up, and who can blame her?

God is definitely our stronghold these days. We know He has all of this under control.

God Bless You!

Where is God?

2011-07-29T03:02:00.009-06:00

Where is God when bad things happen?

So many tragedies have gone on around me, and I'm sure in your own life, over the last few weeks, and so often I've heard people comment about where is God when these things happen? Or why does God allow this in the life of His children - the very ones who have given their hearts to Jesus and trust in Him for salvation?

It's so hard sometimes. Especially when we are taken off guard. I read so many accounts of children dying over the last few days. A little girl was killed in a car accident - no doubt only one of many. Another family of children were murdered. Soldier sons died overseas. A friend lost her youngest son to an unexpected heart attack. Where was God in all of this?

Then you have the horror of what happened in Norway. More earthquakes for so many places around the world. Every time I turned on the news there was something horrific and full of sorrow. It was enough to leave me longing for the day when Jesus would return and set things right. And that got me to thinking about where God was in all of this and why bad things have to happen.

Jesus told us there would be problems. He said in John, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I've overcome the world." He also said that He would be with us always, and in the night before being led to face His own death - Jesus prayed for us. After praying for His disciples, Jesus said,

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

How precious to think that Jesus prayed for us before we were even born. He knew there would be hard times and that the world would be against us. He knew we'd face sorrow and trials of every sort. He knew we'd feel unloved, lonely and overwhelmed at times, so He prayed for us. Just imagine it. This was the first prayer ever prayed for you, and it came from Jesus Himself.

Sometimes God seems distance in times of trial, and sometimes He seems quite near. The truth is, He is always there, even when we cannot "feel" or "see". That's where faith comes in. We can be assured in faith that God will never leave us. Sometimes it's hard to rest in that, but I want to encourage you to do just that. I also want to remind you again of what Jesus said when He prayed for us.

22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

You are loved and you are never alone. We are one in the Lord.

Back for a little while

2011-07-21T22:45:00.002-06:00

Hello from sunny, but not too hot, Montana.

I took a couple of weeks off to tend to homefires, but now I'm back. At least for a little while.

Montana is enjoying warm weather, but low humidity, unlike most of the rest of the country. I've decided to invite you all to come up and enjoy our wonderful summer. First I will take you to a lovely view of the Gallatin River where you can rest your feet in the cool water. This was actually taken during spring melt a few weeks ago so the waters aren't the crystal blue they are now.

Then we'll watch some of the wildlife

and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Maybe we'll camp out and have a campfire and enjoy the chill of 50 degree mountain air. You'll need a jacket! Me and some friends from church went camping last week in the mountains. This is my friend Dineen trying to stay warm.

Tomorrow we can enjoy a mountain drive.

We can even head down to a rodeo or two. Here's my friend Merrill getting ready to sell cotton candy at one of the biggest rodeos in Montana on 4th of July weekend. I helped for two nights at the rodeo in Three Forks last week and we had so much fun.

I wish I could just have you all over for a nice break from the heat and humidity. My husband Jim and I grew up in Kansas and we know very well how bad it can be. Jim always says, "If you live a good life in Kansas, God rewards you with Montana." I think he may be right.

God Bless You!

Battles to be Fought

2011-07-01T00:21:00.002-06:00

This morning I awoke from a dream in which the Lord was saying to me, "Stop trying to fight battles that have already been won."

Talk about something to chew on all day.

Today, amidst finishing the final touches on my latest manuscript and getting it turned into the publisher; I thought long and hard about what the Lord was telling me. What battles was He talking about? My children's ups and downs? Finances and booksales? Weight loss and health? My grandchildren's needs? The women at my church? My friends and their problems? Maybe all the above?

Weeks ago, Jim and I visited Gettysburg National Park and marveled at the beauty of the landscape. We stood as the sun was setting and imagined the great battles that took place there. The loss of life was staggering and I thought of the blood that watered those now peaceful fields.

This is very nearly the anniversary of that battle in 1863. If you've not seen the movie Gettysburg, I highly recommend it. They seemed to have done a very good job with the history and the accuracy of the time period, emotions and characters.

Perhaps the most pivotal moment of this battle came at the Battle of Little Roundtop. In a moment of desperation Colonel Chamberlain led his men in a bayonet charge that saved the day. He did the seemingly impossible fueled by pure guts and the knowledge that if his men failed--the war might well be lost.

I stood looking down at the grounds where the Confederates charged the Union soldiers over and over, and where Chamberlain's men finally turned the tide with their attack and had tears in my eyes. So many good men died and others endured wounds in order to fight that battle.

Today, thinking about what I felt God was telling me, I imagined someone saying that the Battle of Little Roundtop needed to be fought again--that the original battle while successful, was somehow inadequate to accomplish the needed victory. After all, that's pretty much what I've been doing with some of my battles. Battles already won by having been nailed to the cross. Battles that were fought in times of spiritual warfare where the Sword of the Spirit (God's Word) and the Shield of Faith were all that were available. Battles where I knew there was no possible way I could win, but still knew I must.

I love the way God uses such simple things to set my prospective back to rights. I need to remember that my battles were won at Calvary--they don't need to be refought. The victory was complete. Now it's time to rest.

Lifes Ups and Ups

2011-06-24T01:41:00.001-06:00

My grandkids are a constant reminder to me that there are reasons to be in this world and to continue the good fight.

In May we nearly lost Rainy - yes again. She's had another surgery and another birthday (her 9th) and we celebrate and praise God for her.

Fox is doing well and going strong. He's an amazing kid. I love to talk to him on the phone and hear him tell me about his day. He's so smart.

Max is a darling who just celebrated his 5th birthday. He love zebras so of course we had to send him some for his big day.

As I said, they always remind me that no matter how bleak things might be - God is still in control. This last month there have been some huge ups and downs - problems that I can't begin to tell you about. It seemed with each of the good things a dozen bad things followed. I felt a little overwhelmed at times, but God remained faithful, and just when I needed it most - He gave me a glimpse of heaven in the eyes of my grandkids.

I'm truly blessed and no matter whether life dishes out the good, the bad or the ugly, I know God will be there and that I don't need to be overwhelmed.

Home Again

2011-06-17T00:38:00.000-06:00

It's so good to be home again and back to the routine. Before I close out my book tour related blogs, however, I wanted to share just a few interesting moments.

I know I mentioned how the storms seemed to follow me. There were tornadoes in states that rarely ever have tornadoes. There was also flooding and the threat of flooding.

Our trip started out with the flood waters of North Dakota and Minnesota.

We managed travel throughout the problem areas, however, and we met all those wonderful folks I told you about in the previous posts.

Tornadic storms were evident in Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and even poor Wyoming.

My husband captured some amazing shots and here are a few I thought I'd share.

On our final night in Pierre, South Dakota we were rather nervous. Here's the reason why. Everywhere we went - including our hotel - we found evidence of the flooding Missouri. Here's our sandbagged hotel.

and the flooded Missouri River

Now we're safely back to Montana where the weather has been rainy and our own little Gallatin River is threatening to flood due to snow melt and rain. Ah well, such is life.

God Bless You!

Wrapping Up

2011-06-09T22:14:00.000-06:00

So we're on our final week of the booktour and we've had a great time.

I've met some of the neatest folks. Here are a few photos from our days on the road.

This is Erika and she was so sweet. She came rushing in at the close of the signing having just gotten off work.

And this is our Montana neighbor's sister Wanda and niece Amanda. They live in Pennsylvania. It truly is a small world.

This is an incredible young woman name Emmalyne. I had the best time talking to her about writing. I also got to meet her friends Andrea and Kayla, but didn't get a photo.

And these are some dear new friends at the Lincolnway Villa Living Assistance Home in Iowa. These are some super great folks and I had so much fun getting to spend time with them.

We have a dear friend in Belgrade, MT named Charity Kaufman and this gal's name is also Charity Kauffmann. She is the daughter of the folks who run the Friendship Bookstore in Burnham, PA.

So soon we will be headed home and I can hardly wait. It's been a great time of seeing folks and talking about my writing ministry. The only strange part has been the way the tornadoes have followed me across the country and back. While in Cedar Rapids, IA we even had to take cover. Well, hopefully the tornadoes won't follow me back to Montana.

God Bless

Week 3 and Graduation

2011-06-03T06:47:00.001-06:00

So we've had a nice time in Boston. This is a wonderful town in which to do research. I'm trying to learn all I can as I search for story ideas. The history here is so rich and the old buildings quite enticing.

We have toured the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoyed not only the great old pieces, but some new ones as well. Here are some of the Chihuly glass art exhibits. This is amazing work.

We enjoyed Renoir

and Van Gogh

Also enjoyed some great old furniture on exhibit, as well as old musical instruments.

Jen graduated with honors from Harvard on Thursday the 26th. It was so neat to see her reach her goal. She is bound for the master's program at Boston University come fall.

We had hoped to start the booktour this week,but we're having car trouble and have had to cancel a couple of stops. I really hate doing that, but I'm stranded in Woburn, MA and awaiting a car part from GM. Please pray for us to have the car fixed quickly and be back on the road soon. God Bless You

Week 3 Book Tour

2011-05-27T04:05:00.002-06:00

Well we're heading into our 3rd week on the book tour! This week we get to spend time with our daughter Jen and see her graduate from Harvard and hopefully I'll have some photos next week.

This last week we finished up with Minneapolis - thankfully before the tornadoes hit, but we have been praying big time for all the storm hit locations. I had a signing in St. Joseph, Michigan where the fog was quite thick. Here we are with Lindsay and her mom Lori. They run a small store in Monticello, MN. They were such fun!

We saw a couple of really neat old school houses. This one was in Northwest Minnesota.

And this one is an active museum called West Riverside Museum School near Cambridge, MN.

Then Jim and I had a wonderful dinner in Grand Rapids with Dwight and Tammy Baker (Dwight's at the head of the table and Tammy is to his right in green). Dwight heads up Baker Publishing. Also in attendance were a variety of fun folks. Chris Jager (dark shirt), the Baker Book House fiction buyer, Sue and Mike (behind me on the right)from the Baker Book store and Ray and Ann Byle (in the front), a freelancer for the Grand Rapids Press. The Bakers fixed a delicious meal and we very much enjoyed the fellowship and laughter.

I spoke that night at the Baker Book Store and had a great group in attendance. We had a great time laughing and enjoying the night.

The next day I was in Defiance and Lima, Ohio before moving on the New York. The drive to Johnson City was incredibly beautiful. We stopped at Lake Chautauqua and enjoyed the scenery.

I spoke and signed books in Johnson City at Arrowhead Christian Bookstore. Those folks know how to make an author feel welcomed - they had a chocolate fountain.

Now, as I mentioned we're off to Boston to see Jen graduate.

God Bless You!

Week Two on our Trip Across America

2011-05-19T21:41:00.002-06:00

I'm having a great time on the booktour. I've met so many wonderful people and have very much enjoyed getting to share with them why I write and how much I love the Lord.

We battled the waterlogged areas of eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. I hope you'll continue to pray for those folks. They are quite desperate to get crops planted in soggy fields and to see life return to normal. There's some mighty beautiful farm country in Northern Minnesota!

We have spent all week in Minnesota and enjoyed learning a little of the history. We were on the banks of Muskeg Bay at Warroad and learned that the area long ago had a fort and was considered the western capital of the French empire in the Northwest.

I did an event in Hallock and met the wonderful Peggy Pearson who runs the library in Hallock, Minnesota.

I did an event in Greenbush, MN.

"Sha Ach Wah", which means spruce tree or green bush in Chippewa, the local Indian language, was the inspiration for the name of the city of Greenbush. Angie Peterson (no relation that I know of) was the one who encouraged my coming to Minnesota for the various libraries of the Northwest. It was definitely a great idea.

We spent several nights in Thief River Falls, Minnesota - so called because - The name of the river is a loose translation of the Ojibwe phrase, Gimood-akiwi ziibi, literally, the "Stolen-land river" or "Thieving Land river," which originated when a band of Dakota Indians occupied a secret encampment along the river, hence "stealing" the land, before being discovered and routed by the neighboring Ojibwe.

We've got to see crop dusters

and neat cemeteries. Jim managed to snap pictures of gravemarkers - this one with the 23rd Psalm in Swedish at the cemetery in Upsala, MN.

The travel definitely keeps us busy, but I am so blessed. Jim and I have spent time talking to so many of the readers and praying with them. It's been a great way to spend my "summer vacation."

God Bless You!

Chateau de Mores Medora ND

2011-05-13T16:52:00.001-06:00

For the next month my husband and I are traveling on booktour. For the details of where I'll be and when - go to my website www.traciepeterson.com and click on EVENTS.

Anyway, I wanted to share some of the wonderful things we'll be doing. Today we plan to tour the Chateau De Mores and I thought you might like to come along.

The Marquis De Mores - a dashing Frenchman

built this house as a summer house where he could bring his family and escape the bustle of New York. The Marquis hosted many famous people included Teddy Roosevelt. The nearby town of Medora was named for his wife.

The 26 room house was dubbed The Chateau by the locals, but to the family it was a summer getaway and hunting lodge. I've put in the following video that shows a little about the chateau and the family. It runs about nine minutes long, but is definitely interesting. I hope you enjoy it.

God Bless You!

Changing Pastures

2011-05-06T02:29:00.003-06:00

We all have those things we want to try our hand at - one of mine was driving a stagecoach. So on the 23rd of April, my dream came true. :) The hardest part was climbing up into the driver's seat.

You can see in this photo that the wagon wheel was nearly as tall as me. I'm standing there contemplating the wheel while another gal comes to help me. The horses, Pat and Peg (gorgeous 1/2 Belgian - 1/2 Quarterhorse were quite anxious to get going and decided to start up while I was climbing. I did a sort of loggers roll off the wheel and had to start all over in my climb up. Now I know why overweight, middle-aged women were NOT stagecoach drivers.

Finally, however, I got my seat -

and my instructions and I was given the reins to Pat and Peg. Let me tell you - the arm muscle required to hold a team like that in check is something else. I cannot imagine driving for hours upon hours. My hands felt cramped after 15 minutes.

It was amazing fun and gave me a big appreciation for my historical novel characters - both those riding the stage and driving it. Later that same day, we were able to view the yearly event that I call the "Running of the Horses".

Every year we go down to Three Forks, Montana where one Montana family moves their horses from winter pasture to the mountain pastures for summer. They run the horses right down Main Street and folks turn out from all over the country to see the sight. Some even pay to ride at the back of the herd in order to participate.

We always have a good time, eat BBQ and later that night there's even a country dance, but I've never stayed for it. I never really learned to dance and it's not on my list of things I have to do, so I'll stick with driving horses.

Next week I'm off on a Tour Across America - speaking and signing books from May 14-June 11th. Check out my website www.traciepeterson.com and Click EVENTS for the list of all the locations. I might just be in a place near you and I'd love to see you.

God Bless You!

Guest Blogger - Angie Breidenbach

2011-05-02T07:57:00.001-06:00

This week I'm happy to introduce a guest blogger. Angie and I met a while back and she has helped me with research on a book coming out in the fall. I hope you enjoy getting to know Angie Breidenbach and her new book Gems of Wisdom. Take it away, Angie!!

So How Do You Pray Anyway?

I used to think prayer had to be very formal. You know, the folded hands and bowed head. Could God hear me if I didn't follow all the rules? Why did He want to listen to me anyway?

Do you ever feel like that? Like God's just too big way up there in the sky to listen to little me?

Then He did something really spectacular. He answered a whisper. And He caught my attention.

I started trying different ways of praying. Sometimes they were a few words, a song, or even a laugh full of gusto. But the more I started to mentally direct my thoughts into a prayerful attitude, the more I began to see the answers.
The answers were not a surprise to God, but they sure were to me. I wanted to learn how to recognize when God was answering my prayers so I started to journal them on one side of a page and then when I knew I had an answer, I wrote it on the opposite side. I kept this notebook for several years. In fact, I found it under some other books recently and started looking through the unanswered prayers. Do you know what happened? I began filling in blank after blank after blank. God had been faithfully answering me. He surprised me again. I decided He's totally in the job of surprise.

Now I pray in any way that's appropriate for the moment. Sometimes that even includes getting down on the floor, allowing the tears to come, and letting the Holy Spirit take my silent prayers up to the ear of God. I felt like all the ashes in my heart were snuffing out my sense of purpose, people I needed to forgive, and the dreams I thought I should chase. When I let the Holy Spirit swirl through all those ashes, I saw Him pulling them all up into the throne room of God. I felt like He'd cleaned out all that old dead stuff and relit my flame of joy.

I wrote about allowing His Spirit to swirl through me in Chapter 6 instead of giving into the pirates of martyrdom, anger, and unforgiveness:

Are you willing to let go and let God take it from here?
Hold your hands up to Him. Open your palms and blow your worries, fears, and pain away. Toss God the blackened pieces of wooden unforgiveness.
Watch Him catch it all.
Watch a slow smile spread across His features.
Hear Him say, “I can take it from here. It is in my power. It is in my plan. I love you.”
Did you know?
God is smiling on you!

What are all the gems and what do they mean in the book? http://www.mygemofwisdom.com/jewelry/

Matching line of Gems of Wisdom jewelry that helps support the Sanctuary of Hope Orphan Homes.

http://www.mygemofwisdom.com/products-page/

Buy the book here:

http://www.amazon.com/Gems-Wisdom-Treasure-Filled-Angela-Breidenbach/dp/1936438046/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

You're invited to the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life official book launch party

May 7th 11am-2pm, Garden of Read'n, Missoula, MT.

About the book:

In Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life you'll embark on a treasure hunt for God's unique gems of wisdom. Be empowered, learn to influence through your own life lessons, and preserve important relationships. Gems of Wisdom invites the reader on a treasure hunt to find important life concepts represented by the beautiful stones God created. Excellent for Bible study and book clubs as well as individual study.
About the author:

Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life from Journey Press, the Creative Cooking Series including the new release of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance and the new Kindle release, Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in courageous confidence, personal growth, and powerful living. She’s certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and life coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She volunteered as the American Christian Fiction Writer's publicity officer for two years. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom's brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she’s also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital. Angela is married with a combined family of six grown children and two grand children. Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life releases May 2011 from Journey Press, a Sheaf House imprint.
Appreciatively,
Angela Breidenbach, Speaker/Author

Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance

Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-filled Life, Journey Press
http://www.angelabreidenbach.com/ website

http://www.godusesbrokenvessels.com/ blog

http://www.christianspeakersservices.com/angela-breidenbach-christian-speaker-author.html

Hope you enjoyed getting to meet Angie. God Bless You!
Oh and be sure and check the EVENTS link to see my upcoming booktour across America.

2011-04-22T01:10:00.001-06:00

Good Friday (which some believe was originally called God Friday) is a day that we are given to reflect on Jesus and His death on the cross. Some folks think this is gruesome and depressing. After all, Jesus was hideously beaten and abused, betrayed and cruelly ridiculed, and put to an ugly death for sins He did not commit. It's not a pretty picture or a lovely thing to think on.

Unless of course, you look at it in a little different light. The light of Jesus. The heart of a Savior who loved us so much that giving His life to bring us into right accord with the Father was worth the pain - the lies told about Him - the ridicule and shame.

Today, you have an opportunity to spend a little time in relection on the love Jesus showed us on the cross. Some folks fast and pray, others meditate on the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) - in particular the seven last statements of Jesus on the cross.

The First Word Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing.

The Second Word I assure you, today you will be with me in Paradise.

The Third Word Dear woman, here is your son.

The Fourth Word My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

The Fifth Word I am thirsty.

The Sixth Word It is finished.

The Seventh Word Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

I hope you'll take the opportunity to get away to a quiet place and spend a little time with God. Remember what was done for you - years and years before you were ever born. Cherish what is yet to come - the empty tomb - the resurrected Lord - the end of suffereing and pain. Rest in the reconcilation that Jesus made possible.

God bless you on this Good Friday.

Incredible!

2011-04-15T05:15:00.001-06:00

Last week I was at the Women of Faith event in Billings, Montana. It was, as I expected, incredible!

Patsy Claremont was an absolute delight. She had us laughing so hard most of the time that we couldn't help but feel the joy of the Lord.

Andy Andrews also spoke and he was fantastic. He had so many tidbits of wisdom to share and one in particular really touched a nerve.

He said, "Our choices need to reflect what we say our priorities are."

I think a lot of time it's easy to say that God or family or health or "fill-in-the-blank" is our priority and yet our choices often show something else. I know I've been guilty of that and it really caused me to take a hard look at what I say are priorities in my life.

Mandissa's singing was sooooo encouraging and inspiring. She had everyone, even those over 70, on their feet rockin' to the beat. The worship team was fantastic and offered such a wonderful time of praise. Selah gave an exceptional performance and really blessed us offering a mix of the new and old.

Last but not least, Sandi Patty sang for us and encouraged us to sing with her, so now I can say that Sandi Patty and I sang together. When she sang WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM there wasn't a dry eye in the place. I encourage you to take a listen.

To me, it's always amazing that you can find such intimacy with God in an arena of thousands, but that's exactly what we had in Billings last week. I hope you get a chance to attend a Women of Faith conference soon.

Off and Running

2011-04-08T01:22:00.003-06:00

By the time you read this, I will be in Billings, Montana attending my fourth or is it fifth? Women of Faith Conference. I love these things. I always enjoying attending with the gals from my church, and I love being in an arena full of women who are seeking to be closer to God. You can check out Women of Faith events at www.womenoffaith.com

This year's line up includes: Patsy Clairmont

Marilyn Meberg,

Lisa Whelchel

and Sandi Patty,

and music from Mandisa and Selah.

There have been some amazing things that have happened to me at Women of Faith. The very first one I attended, was the very first Women of Faith Conference. Surprisingly enough it came to Topeka, KS. Because our church was heavily involved and because I was already writing, I was appointed to be the assistant to Gloria Gaither's trio of friends - one of whom included Sue Buchanan. Sue and I became friends from this setting and over the years I've laughed and cried at the wonderful stories she tells of how God met her in difficult or amusing times.

I attended one Women of Faith conference in Lincoln, NE and from that had an experience that really deepened my walk with God and helped me to get deeper into the Word.

I've attended several in Billings, MT and among those was one that led me to attend a NEW LIFE MINISTRIES weekend in Denver. What a blessing that turned out to be. I was so blessed by listening to Steven Arterburn and highly recommend this retreat if you want to get away and work on personal issues.

At another one of these conferences, I found a real key to problems in my past and it sparked a study that helped me to overcome some painful wounds.

So, when you read this, I know God and I will be working hard together. I'm excited to see what He wants to show me this time. In fact - I can hardly wait!

Books and Movies

2011-04-01T04:14:00.001-06:00

I've been reading and watching a bunch of different books and movies of late. A few I wanted to recommend.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL is a book by Todd Burpo

and deals with a 4 year old's experience with a near death experience. It's a quick read that offers a picture of heaven. During the book they mention a wonderful artist Akiane Kramarik. Her portrait of Jesus was painted at the age of eight. I couldn't help but include it here. It absolutely blows my mind that this was painted by an eight year old.

Another great read is Liz Curtis Higgs', MINE IS THE NIGHT.

Set in Scotland, Liz offers a wonderful story of love and faith. Her research in Scotish history is phenomenal and I loved the way she used what she learned to flavor the story. This is a companion book to HERE BURNS MY CANDLE and I highly recommend both.

On the movie front I saw a 2009 movie called AGORA.

This movie is set in 391 A.D. Alexandria and shows some of the interesting conflict between Romans and Greeks, Christians and Jews. It was well done with some gore and a couple of brief nudity shots but nothing too heavy-duty. The movie caused me to take a deeper look at the early church and world history at the time. The historic details seem quite well done and the computer graphics showing ancient Alexandia are amazing.

Lastly, I've started writing a new book and would appreciate prayers. I feel strongly that God has his hand on this project and know that it's important to have the support of prayer warriors.

God Bless You!

Spring is Here!

2011-03-25T09:05:00.004-06:00

In Montana you can gauge the seasons by the animals. The other day I went for a drive with my hubby and we saw probably some 200 deer in a variety of fields just grazing and enjoying the fading light of evening.

Then of course there's the craziness of our weather. Do you know how you can tell it's spring in Montana? The snow feels warmer.

Although I'm not sure my kitty Safari agrees.

Another sure sign that it's spring - the grizzly bears have been spotted coming out of hibernation. Of course that goes hand in hand with seeing the geese flying back into town, seeing bluebirds and robins, and of course...gophers.

We have these little gopher guys all over the place.

A pasttime for the kids up here is gopher shooting. They are a pest and a destructive terror at times, but when you see them after a long winter - you know it's spring.

Yesterday, I hit my first gopher of the season with the car. It was like a formal announcement. SPRING IS HERE!

So from my home to yours, here is a blessing for spring.

May the Lord bless and keep you in His care.

May your days be rosey and fair.

May your road be easy no matter how far,

and May the gophers watch out for your car.

God Bless You!

Another Life Lesson

2011-03-18T17:18:00.001-06:00

I've been battling Shingles for the last couple of weeks. For those who aren't familiar - it's a pretty frustrating disease. First of all - if you've had chicken pox then you can get shingles. If you get shingles - you can give other folks the chicken pox. It's a vicious cycle.

Shingles is a herpes virus that lies dormant in your body until something like stress or weakened physical condition urges it to life. There are several stages and problems - pain, numbness, tingling, flu like symptoms, exhaustion, rash. The list goes on, but suffice it to say - it's no fun.

I was under a lot of stress both physically and emotionally and I figure that's problem what triggered this. However, it also brought to mind another life lesson that focuses on the spiritual.

Satan so often uses something from the past to slip us up or cause us pain. Like shingles - it can be something lying dormant in your life for years upon years and then without warning something happens to stir it to life.

The symptoms are identical - pain - numbness - nausea - exhaustion. All the things that make us less effective for God.

As I was lying in bed resting (as this is what seems most helpful) I couldn't help but think how ironic my situation. The stress had been brought on by something from the past that had been dealt with - it was like an episode of chicken pox. It had been a problem, had made me quite ill, had even left its scars. But I thought I was done dealing with it and that it wouldn't be an issue. Just like I thought I was completely done dealing with chicken pox.

The neat thing is, that God really helped me to see the situation for what it was - an attack. There was nothing positive to be gained by allowing the past problem to come to light again. It truly had been dealt with and there was no reason to try to resurrect it. There was nothing glorifying to God in breathing life into that mass of decay and rot.

I don't think there's anything very positive about shingles either, but my case has been far less severe because we caught it early and I was given anti-viral meds and have heeded the doctor's advice. I know that many of you have prayed for me as well, and believe me, those prayers are definitely felt and I thank you.

So, I've learned another life lesson thanks to shingles, or better still - thanks to God. He always has a way of helping me to see things with different eyes - just when I need it most.

Tracie

Victorian Etiquette

2011-03-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

While researching I came across some rules of Victorian etiquette and thought to myself how happy I am to live in this day and age. Of course we have our own rules of etiquette. First in line seems to be - "There are no rules." But that aside, I wanted to share a few rules our Victorian ancestors had to deal with.

When you went visitng and found no one to be at home, the following was the rule:

"In leaving cards, you must distribute them; one for the lady of the house, others for her daughters, a note for the master of the house, but you must never leave more than 3 cards at a house, at a time."

Ladies if you want to go for a walk or to shop, you must heed the following:

"Ladies may walk unattended in the street, being careful to neither walk with a hurried step, do not stand in front of shop windows and stare in, do not look backward, nor acknowledge strangers who venture to address you. Be sure that you get home before dark and do not be out even after dusk."

Or how about this:

"A lady should neither remove her shawl nor bonnet, even if politely asked, unless they are in the presence of a particularly special friend, and then only with the help of the lady of the house."

And important to consider for conversations:

"Avoid talking of the opera in the presence of those who do not frequent it. Never ask anyone who is conversing with you to repeat his words. Always refrain from explaining any expression or word you may use. At all cost shun the vulgar habit of joking at the expense of women. To use phrases with double meanings is positively insulting. Never ask a lady a question about anything."

Of course single men and women had to be very careful regarding their encounters:

"Upon your arrival, if Miss Jones is home, but Mrs. Jones is not at home, you should leave a card, because young ladies do not receive calls from gentlemen, unless they are very intimate with them."

And last but certainly not least:

"Don't lean your head against the wall. You will either ruin the paper or you'll get lime in your hair."

Hmmm lime in your hair doesn't sound like any fun to me. Makes me glad I haven't any wallpaper. In fact, I'm glad that most of these rules have gone by the wayside. Of course there are a few I think we'd be better off keeping - rules that encourage modesty, purity, safety and polite interaction would definitely be worth giving additional consideration.

So I'll leave this as my calling card and pray that you have a wonderful week.

Texas Goodbye

2011-03-04T05:31:00.001-07:00

Well, the Texas book tour is done, the retreat over and the research completed. I had such a great time and God blessed me in so many ways. One of the things I really enjoyed was time to get a feel for the history of Texas.

I learned some pretty fascinating tidbits related to Texas.

Texas is the only state that has the right to become its own country and believe me they talk about it all the time.

In Texas, it's illegal to put graffiti on someone else's cow, but apparently you can decorate your own beeves.

In Houston it is illegal to sell Limburger cheese on Sunday, but you can buy Cakeballs.

The World’s largest parking lot is located at DFW Airport, but I think I shared the Interstate with most of those drivers when driving around the state.

The best thing about Texas, however, are its people. Texans are friendly, out-going and generous. I very much enjoyed getting to meet the people there at the events, booksignings, retreat and research spots. I'm so blessed to have had the time there and happily blessed to be home once again. I left Texas and upper 70 degree weather with sunshine and clear blue skies and came home to overcast, 27 degrees and snow.

Even so - it's good to be home.

That sigh you heard, was me.

Retreats

2011-02-25T04:58:00.001-07:00

I love that Jesus encouraged us to go to lonely places and get quiet with our Heavenly Father. The last couple of weeks have been intense with bookstores, speaking events and signing and meeting all sorts of new folks. It was its own kind of blessing, but so too is being called apart to get quiet with God.

Although - when you put 18-20 authors together there is very little quiet.

Even so, we definitely took time to be quiet with the Lord and enjoy just listening to His voice. So what did God say?

He reminded me during the booktour as well as the retreat - that He loves me. That even while I was still wretchedly separated from Him - Christ died for me. I'm blessed and His love is at the core of that blessing. It creates the foundation of who I am and how I look at life.

God also showed me that there are a lot of hurting people. People who love God, but are barely hanging on by a thread. People who long for relationship with God the Father, but also with other Christians. We need to be Jesus with skin on for those who are hurting. It isn't always easy. Sometimes we're tired and weary ourselves. Sometimes we are hurt and bleeding. Sometimes we're just having one of those "bad attitude" days.

However, we are called to encourage and bear one another's burdens. Sometimes that means stopping what we're doing to pray with someone. Sometimes that means dealing with uncomfortable people. The walk of a Christian doesn't always look like what we think it will - sometimes it's about washing feet, sometimes it's about mopping up blood and sometimes - probably more often than we realize - it's about getting alone with God.

If you haven't taken a few minutes or hours - maybe days - to get alone with God, I encourage you to do so. The experience is transforming and eye opening.

Blessings to you!

Our Little Texas Trip

2011-02-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Oh we are having great fun in Texas. We have been speaking at numerous libraries and enjoying ourselves enormously.

I think I've driven about 9 million miles, but it hasn't been too difficult and God has really been watching over us. Thanks for the prayers.

Cathy and I have known each other long enough to be able to chatter away and include the audience. We like to keep things casual and fun. Folks seem to like that too. We always get asked some neat questions like, "Why did you pick this setting?" or "How can you be so funny?" The latter one is mainly for Cathy.

I was really touched to hear that a couple of the readers drove from quite far away to come to the signings. You readers are really incredible! Here's a picture of Leslee who came from Oklahoma City to escape the cold and see us in Dallas.

So here are a few pictures of the events.

We wish that we could travel with all of our writing sisters. We have so much fun when we're all together. We wish we could meet up with all of you too. Maybe one of these days we'll all cross roads. If not here - then definitely in heaven.

For now - we'll set a place for you at the dinner table and think of you.

Keep those prayers coming.

Off and Running

2011-02-11T04:38:00.001-07:00

Well, we're off and running on our Texas Booktour.

Cathy Hake and I met up with Noelle Buss, our fearless publicity gal from Bethany House and hit the road this morning.

Because of bad weather, our first stop cancelled, so we had to suffer by stopping in Spring, TX and enjoy their historic district. We walked around for a while and explored antique shops and stores. I was fascinated by this sign announcing

"cake balls", so of course I had to try them.

Aren't they pretty?

They are made by taking baked cake and mushing it up with frosting and rolling it into balls and dipping in chocolate. These are wedding cake flavored and they were very yummy.

Next we drove on up to Diboll, Texas for our evening at the Temple Memorial Library. We had a great time and I very much enjoyed getting to revisit our friends from the Diboll Historical Center. These folks were so very helpful to me in my research on east Texas. This is a shot of us together. Left to right are Lewis, Emily, yours truly and Jonathan Gerland, Director.

Brenda handles the Temple Memorial Library and she posed here with Cathy and me to show off their very large inspirational section. There were several shelves in three rows. I noticed books by everyone on this blogsite.

Cathy and I shared about our writing and personal life experiences and afterwards we signed books. It was a great evening.

Here's one of my fans. Jane and her daughter came because Jane has read most all of my books. It was so much fun to get to meet them.

Well, now I need to repack for tomorrow. We ask for your continued prayers.

TEXAS BOOK TOUR!

2011-02-04T04:50:00.001-07:00

Yes, I'm going on a book tour and my dear friend Cathy Marie Hake is coming with me. She says she does this because someone has to keep me in line. I've done book tours in the past with our own Judy Miller and Kim Sawyer, as well. We always have great fun - and they always have to keep me in line.

We're going to tour around parts of the gigantic state of Texas and speak and sign books and just enjoy the wonderful hospitality. One of our marketing people from Bethany House is coming with us, and we're hoping to initiate her in grand order since this will be her first book tour. Watch out, Noelle - we have plans for you!

The schedule is kind of lengthy, but you can get information at my website under events. I hope if you're in Texas and close by - that you'll come and at least say hi. We love to meet the readers and other writers who live in the area. Here's that link: http://traciepeterson.com/events.html

One of the things I enjoy about book tour is a chance to share my spiritual journey and how God brought me into writing. Writing for me is a mission field meant to entertain, educate and encourage. I call it my Three-eees.

I'm so blessed to be able to do this job, and I want never to take it for granted.

Hopefully, while we're on the road in February, we'll be able to send you some photos and updates about the trip - at least that's my plan.

If you think about - please pray for us. Pray that God will bring the right people into our lives, that we will be healthy and safe from harm, and that we will ultimately be a positive witness for Him.

Thanks and God Bless!

Hope

2011-01-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday we had a guest pastor since our regular pastor is in Israel learning all sorts of neat things to teach us. Anyway, the pastor spoke on Romans 15:13 and the hope we have in God. He said that the translation for that word HOPE could be correctly explained as "confident expectation".

I was so blessed by that.
We can have confident expectation in God's love and promises.

We can have confident expectation that God will watch over us and keep us in His care, even when we are surrounded by the threat of harm. We can have confident expectation that no matter the circumstances that play out before us - God is control.
The world continues in turmoil. There are governments facing destruction and people killing each other over issues of religion, politics, and a hundred other things. Christians speak of end times and others speak of the world ending in 2012 because the Mayans said so. Personally, I think they probably just ran out of paper, but that's a whole other story.

We have natural disasters and political disasters. We have issues all around us regarding economic meltdowns and unemployment. But ultimately we have hope.

No, not the hope of a politician.

Not hope in the all important, almighty dollar. Not even hope in the good nature of people to come through when the rubber meets the road.

We have confident expectation in God alone!

He can be trusted. He can be counted on. We can believe and expect confidently that God has not forsaken us. I don't know about you, but that excites me and gives me energy to face tomorrow.

May God bless you in HOPE.

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-01-21T04:59:00.002-07:00

It's great to be back. Thanks to Tammy and the others who helped me out and filled in while I was sick. I'm happy to say I'm pretty much back to normal. We had a lovely ice fog the other day and snapped a few photos I thought you might enjoy. I was hoping to find the spider frozen in the web, but I think he's the one that was crawling around my bedroom ceiling. My hero hubby killed him last night.

I have to say, however, I was a little frustrated to get both the flu and pneumonia after having had shots for both. I really hate getting injections anyway, but when they don't have magical powers to keep you from getting sick, I really resent that. When it ruins your New Year's Eve and your birthday and your anniversary, then I resent it even more.

But such is life. I spent a lot of time in prayer for all of you - especially those flood victims down under and those dealing with the shootings in Arizona. The loss of life is devastating. The world groans in anticipation of God's return, and the pains we're enduring are numerous.
My heart breaks at the negative news everyday. The killings and threats of war, the loss of innocence in the lives of our children, and the overwhelming fears that come in a fallen world.

But I am encouraged that God is not asleep. He hasn't been taken by surprise. He is faithful and will continue to lift us up above this and the sorrows of this world.

Psalm 43:5 says, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Thank you for all your prayers, and the love you've shown me.

God Bless You!

Christmas Anytime

2010-12-24T04:03:00.000-07:00

We went to Kansas a couple of weeks back so I could work with Judy Miller on our next book. We also got to be with the grandkids and kids to celebrate Christmas. I grew up in Topeka, Kansas and lived there most of my first 40 some years. I enjoyed a couple of years in the Dallas area and the last 9 - almost 10 now in Montana. There's always something interesting about seeing where you grew up after being away for a while.

Anyway, we got to have some special time with the grandkids and give them their gifts early. Max is going through a zebra stage, so our having found a rocking zebra turned out to be just the thing. Dad might question our sanity since it required - some assembly.

Fox likes transformers and again Dad came to the rescue to help put the toy together.

I remember Jim and I putting a swingset together under cover of darkness with Jim's dad. Talk about a nightmare.

Rainy is very much a girly girl and enjoyed her presents. There were pretty things for her hair and a princess comforter for her bed, as well as other things. Here she is with Mr. McNibbles the family teacup Yorkie.

All in all we enjoyed ourselves greatly and even managed to get this family photo minus a few much loved members who were elsewhere.

So from our house to yours, I wish you the best of Christmases. I pray that you will draw closer to each other and to the Lord--that you will celebrate His wondrous gift throughout the year, and that 2011 will be a year of incredible blessing to you and yours.

Merry Christmas

Desperately Seeking Black Walnuts

2010-12-17T05:22:00.002-07:00

Christmas is a time of year when I really miss black walnuts. Having grown up in Kansas, we were blessed to have a huge black walnut tree in my grandmother's front yard. Later we bought her house and it became our tree.
From the time I was able to walk, I learned about the walnut stomp. If it happened to be a year for the walnuts to bear, we would see crazy looking green balls growing on the tree.

By fall these would drop off and the walnut stomp began.

Now for the walnut stomp you needed old grubby shoes and gloves (unless you wanted stained hands for weeks on end), old clothes that you didn't mind getting stained, and good balance. The green husks had to be taken off the walnut itself, so we would stomp and roll and mush and wrestle with those husks until we were left with little black balls instead of green ones.
Of course, that wasn't the end of it. Black walnuts have to dry and so my grandmother had a perpetual supply that went from year to year drying in her old-fashioned, dirt floor basement. We'd pick up the previous batch and put them aside for cracking and lay down the new year's supply for drying.

With that done, we went to work cracking dried black walnuts. Walnut shells are not for the faint of heart. You won't find very many people who can crack these black beauties with their hands. I always relied on a hammer. In fact, we usually cracked a whole bunch, put them in a pan or bag and then spent cold evenings getting the meats out of the shell in a warm house.

So having spent years upon years counting on black walnuts to be available for pumpkin and banana nut bread, fudge and other candies, etc. moving to Montana proved to be a nightmare. It's almost impossible to get a black walnut up here. In fact, I've run across folks who didn't even know there were different kinds of walnuts!
But what can I expect? They don't grow here. They are an eastern US tree and Montana is clearly in the wild west.

So yes, I'm jealous of the fact that Judy Miller, Kim Sawyer and Tamara Alexander can easily get black walnuts and I can't.

However, I want to make black walnut bark.

No - not the tree kind, but the white and dark chocolate, peppermint kind.

I want black walnut chocolate chip, oatmeal cookies. I just want to snack on black walnuts.

So I managed to find some on-line.

Thank the Lord for online shopping. My black walnuts are slated to arrive tomorrow and I couldn't be happier. They are my Merry Christmas to me presents. The bread and fudge will be Christmas for everyone else.

God Bless

Blessed Assurance

2010-12-10T04:10:00.001-07:00

Remember that old hymn?

Written in the 1870's by Frances "Fanny" Crosby - that awesome woman who wrote over 8,000 hymns and poems to declare her faith in Jesus. She was blind from infancy, not born that way, but blinded due to a botched medical procedure for an inflammation in her eyes. Her father died when she was a year old and her mother and grandmother raised her. At 15 she attended a school for the blind and learned to play piano and guitar. She eventually joined the staff at the school, later lobbied in Washington D.C. for the blind and eventually married a fellow blind musician. They had one daughter who died in infancy. And still - in spite of all these obstacles, trials and sorrows, Fanny gave us so many great works of praise.

This week has been full of ups and downs, but over and over this song keeps coming to mind.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels, descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blessed,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

What a testimony! How amazing that such wonderful praises of God's glory should be so perfectly witnessed and shared by a woman who might have been physical blind, but whose spiritual vision was better than 20/20.

Rest in Him this week. Rest in God's blessed assurance and know that perfect peace.

It's Beginning to Look

2010-12-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

to look a lot like Christmas.

This week we got our tree up and my snow village out, and the nativity set unboxed and it's indeed starting to look like Christmas in the Peterson house.

My son Erik decorated the tree and even set up my village. It seemed important to him, so I let him have complete freedom. He did a nice job - especially on the village.

We're not doing much in the exchange of gifts this year. We all pretty much have what we want or need, so our real gift to each other is a trip to see the grandkids for just a few days. I'm definitely looking forward to that.

There are still plenty of things to get done before the end of the year. Appointments and shopping and even a few parties. But for the most part, I'm just as happy to stay inside and enjoy the blessings of home and family.

In fact, with the temperatures down in the teens and lower, and losing the light earlier and earlier, staying in at night suits me just fine. A nice cozy fire, cup of hot chocolate, a good book or a laptop to write a book - and I'm quite content.

So as we flash right into the Christmas season and close out another year, I wish for you all the beauty of the season, and all of the joy. I pray you will find yourself closer to God at the close of the year than you did at the beginning, and that this Christmas will bless you in a very special way.
Counting my blessings in Montana.

Life At Its Best

2010-11-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

Life at its best for me is one that is heavily dosed with family and friends. I'm so blessed to have a good share of both and there's nothing like the holiday season for reminding me of how precious they are to me.

Thanksgiving always brings me thoughts of what it means to be truly thankful for the people in my life. I think I've come to the conclusion that when you can endure each other's flaws and painful realities and still find yourself grateful at the end of the day to call that person family or friend--then you are truly blessed in a way that money could never buy.

I'm very grateful for my blog sisters here - Robin, Tammy, Kim, Judy and Cathy. These women have become dear friends over the years, and while I know some better than others and have to repent of various envies I have of each of them, I am so thankful God brought them into my life. I have learned so much from them and they have blessed me in ways that they'll probably never know. So thank you, my sisters.

I'm very thankful for my church family. I have an incredible women's ministry team who work with me to put together programs for our women. They are devoted to sharing the love of Jesus with each other and with the community. We are a tiny church, but this year we put together over 70 Christmas boxes for Samaritan's Purse and had such a great time doing it.

There are also incredible men who attend our church and they have been a blessing I'm thankful for as they have ministered to my husband and me on so many occasions. Topping the list - our pastor and his wife are a huge blessing. I'm thankful we live in a country where we are allowed to worship freely and I know that God has given me a precious gift in this church body.

There are of course so many friends in my life that I'm very grateful for. Far too many to name here, but they know who they are. There are those who have been with me since childhood and those who have walked through the very worst life could dish out. There are those who have come later in my life, but who also have encouraged me through tough times. Together they make up a special part of who I am and why I'm here. I thank God for them and their patience with me.

Lastly, my family - both close and extended. How precious you are to me. I'm so thankful God made us a family--that despite the problems of life--we have each other. I have such great family in my aunts and uncle, cousins, niece and nephew and this year my new grand-niece.

My children Jen, Julie and Erik were the completion of my life. My son-in-law Geoff and three grandkids were icing on that completion. My mother and sister Karen

are faithful to encourage and when you add my sis's husband Pete we have a terrific game of dominoes.

I'm grateful for my African son John Pierre and his wife Albine and my 6 granddaughters - Merville, Christa Bella, Ruth, Tracie, Fiorintina, and Ayolina.

My husband Jim and I have been married nearly 31 years and the ride resembles a roller coaster with highs and lows--but I'm so blessed to be here at this time and place and realize what a gift we have in our relationship.

And best of all - the legacy of my parents, and their parents and theirs and theirs etc. was steeped in a faith in Jesus Christ. How blessed I am, and how very thankful I am for His gift.
So this week--this season--I'm very thankful for my family and friends and the love that they have shown me throughout my life. You are a lifeline to me and Jesus with skin on. Thank you.

I'm even thankful for snowblowers! Here I'm layered with 4 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 pairs of gloves, a muffler, a fur-lined hat, woolen socks and snowboots for my -20 degree winter wonderland.

The Babies at My House

2010-11-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not giving my hubby or mother a hard time. They aren't the babies at our house. The babies I'm talking about are our kitties. Since I'm traveling this week, I thought I'd just share a short and simple look at our house.
With our beloved collie gone, we have put off getting another dog until spring and the kitties are more than happy about this.
My husband Jim calls them his "cat team" or more officially his "Rocky Mountain Feline Response Team". Someone once challenged this title saying that they were cats and really couldn't respond, but as Jim put it - any response of any kind from them would indeed be a Feline Response, and hence the title stays.

We're down to two cats at present, but at times have had three. For a couple of years we took care of our grandkitty Simon (our daughter Jen's cat).

He's now living with his Meowme and happily enjoys being the focus of her life.

That leaves just

Cal or Calvin J Whiskers as he is formally called,

and

Safari who we worry might very well be demon possessed. Of course it could just be that she's 1/2 Siamese.

These two give us plenty of entertainment and hours and hours of love. They are good nappers too, and have definitely encouraged more naps at our house.

Come spring we hope to get a new puppy - possibly another collie, but for now the kitties rule and that's A-ok. They have earned a rest.

God Bless

Thanks you Veterans

2010-11-12T01:31:00.000-07:00

I just want to take this day to thank Veterans for what they've done for us. In fact, I want to give a special shout out to my uncle Paul who served on a B-17 during World War II. You can see his picture below. Veterans Day was yesterday, but frankly I think we need to doff our caps to Veterans everyday. Their sacrifice over the years has kept this country free.

That's Uncle Paul in the center of the front row!

The wars are different, but the faces are much the same. The needs and longings of the soldiers and their families continue down through the years.

Our soldiers are men and women, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers, and dear friends.

They give above and beyond all that anyone should ever have to give.

Marine Staff Sgt John Jones by Timothy Greenfield Sanders

Freedom comes at a high cost. May we never take it for granted or dismiss the value of our veterans' efforts. God Bless each and every soldier and their families. May you live in protection and encouragement - as we live in the freedom and safety you have provided.

Thanking you today and everyday.

Never Say Never

2010-10-29T04:04:00.002-06:00

You know how they say you should "Never say never?" Well...generally I would agree with that, but there are some things that I think I can say, "I will never...."

For instance: Gold Lame'

I can pretty confidently say I will never buy gold lame' clothing - at least not willingly.

And how about a boar's head. Nope - not springing for one of those. I can pretty honestly say that I never intend for a boar's head to grace my walls.

Oh, and I will never buy a book on "How To Look Great In A Bikini" Yeah, that's not happening, because I can promise you I will never wear a bikini.

But there are other things I'll say "never" to - and they are more positive "nevers".

I will never stop loving my children or grandkids. No matter what - no matter if they grow up to do terrible things - I will love them always and forever.

(Yikes - Rainy is starting to look like her Nana Tracie)

I will never like/love liver

- except the one inside my body. And yes, that is a positive, because it makes me very happy to say so, and

I will never stop praising and loving God for all that He's done. God has blessed me in so many ways and although life has had it's ups and downs this year and all the years before--I am so very blessed to know Him. What a priviledge to be His.

Today may seem filled with nevers for you. I'll never get the job I want. I'll never be the mom/dad I should be. I'll never find true love. I'll never be out of debt. Whatever the "nevers" I have one that you should "NEVER" forget.

God said in Deuteronomy: "Never will I leave you nor forsake you." That's the most awesome "never" I know, and because of that - I think I will say "never" and say it will great confidence.

Keeping Up

2010-10-22T04:03:00.001-06:00

Sorry for missing my blog last week. I was swamped and totally forgot until it was well into the day. Hopefully, that won't happen again.

I had a great time at the Women's Event at the 1st Alliance Church in Great Falls, MT and wanted to share a little bit with you. There were about 80 people in attendance.

The church advertised it as a "Novel Luncheon with Tracie Peterson" and they put on a wonderfully catered lunch with a trio of singers who were so phenomenal. By the time I got up to speak, I already felt that I was in the company of good friends.

My focus was on Letting go of the Past. I used the verses from Isaiah 43:18 & 19.

"Forget the Former Things; Do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland."

One of the things that God keeps bringing me back to is how we drag around the past and it weighs us down and makes the journey much less fun. It's like taking a trip somewhere you've always wanted to go, but packing 3 really heavy suitcases of stuff to take along. You spend all your time worrying about that stuff, checking on it--pulling it out to use--putting it away to keep safe. You bear the burden of all that extra weight--and in the process the trip is no longer as much fun as it might otherwise have been.

My husband and I have gone to England several times - sometimes for as much as two weeks at a time.

We've learned to pack light. In fact - we can do 2 wks abroad with nothing more than a back pack each. However, one year we went and took large suitcases. We were concerned for some reason about having enough stuff and packing room for presents. We were miserable.

Dragging around extra weight whether physical or emotional is never any fun. It serves one major purpose and that is to exhaust you. Oh sure, with more luggage we had more choices of clothes, didn't have to wash anything out, and brought back more presents. But by discarding the extra burdens we were freed up to move quickly, get into places that we might not have gone with large bags, and truly had more energy. The same is true for emotional baggage from the past. It is so difficult to move forward when you're dragging the past along with you and I think that was one of the big reasons God gave us these verses.

So today, I'm encouraging you to dump the baggage. "Forget the former things." Do not be exhausted by dragging around a bunch of unnecessary stuff. "Do not dwell on the past."

Let God do a new thing and watch streams pop up in the wastelands of your life.

New Series - New Book

2010-10-08T01:47:00.001-06:00

Yes, EMBERS OF LOVE is finally available. This new book in the STRIKING A MATCH series is #1 of three books that will come out over the next year.

I had such a great time researching this series. Set in the late 1800's East Texas, this series deals with the yellow pine logging industry. While in Texas we did research at The History Center in DiBoll, TX. The director Jonathan Gerland and his tremendous crew there were all so helpful. We also visited the Forestry Museum in Lufkin. Everyone was super to help us.

While there we learned about the "company towns" set up Angelina County to support the various sawmills and logging camps. Towns sprang up and disappeared as the wood was cut away and the forests destroyed. Company towns focused on keeping the people buying and selling in their particular town so that control of commerce was pretty much regulated by the owners. Workers were often paid in tokens and script rather than cash. Although I did read that it was often popular for the sawmill owners to pay in cash as a treat for Christmas and sometimes Texas Independence Day.

Here you can see some of the types of money created for the workers.

Provisions in the area were few and far between at times, and life was quite simply lived. A kitchen like this was an extra nice accommodation and often cooking and laundry was done outside year round. Makes me extra glad to have all the nice emenities I have in my house.
I hope you'll enjoy the new series and for the fun of it, we included a couple of neat recipes at the end of the book. Here's another just for the fall season. These are cookies mentioned in the storyline and it's a fun idea to serve them if your bookclub is reading EMBERS OF LOVE.
OATMEAL PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES
1 cup brown sugar – packed
½ cup softened butter
1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 cup oatmeal
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup pecans
(Optional add ins – 1 cup of raisins – 1 cup of coconut – add both for a really great treat)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Very lightly grease cookie sheet(too much will cause cookie bottoms to burn)
Cream butter and brown sugar, add pumpkin, egg and vanilla and mix by hand thoroughly
Add in dry ingredients and mix by hand.
Drop onto cookie sheets in tablespoonfuls. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
Makes 3-4 dozen cookies
Frosting – optional
These go well with an orange zest frosting or white frosting with hint of almond.
God Bless

All In The Family

2010-10-01T04:48:00.002-06:00

No, not the television show. I came across some family notes as I was cleaning out a desk drawer the other day. My cousin keeps a genealogy and while I've never had too much time for such things, I cherish the information given me by others.

You see, my situation is kind of strange. I have information about my mother's side of the family. I even have wonderful pictures of great-great-grandmothers and other relatives like those below.

My father's side, however, is a mystery. He was adopted. Not only was he adopted - I've been told when I set out to research the matter that the adoption was illegally done. Documents were falsified. Details were omitted. No telling where he came from. No telling who his people were.

Oh, there were plenty of stories about his origins. All were intriguing and vexing at the same time. One old friend of the adopting family told me he was related to a prominent family in town, but was abandoned in the trash because the mother had had an affair and he was the result. Folks at the courthouse in one county suggested he could have been one of the children of the Jewish "save the children" years of World War II. Another suggested that because of the location of the adoption - he might have been a child of part Native American ancestry. Back in the 1930's this wasn't too smiled upon unfortunately.

Wendy Lawton, writer, agent and sculptor of amazing dolls once looked at me at a conference and said, "You're Irish aren't you?" I told her I knew there was a very tiny bit way back on my mother's side, but on my father's side I had no idea. She told me very emphatically - "Oh, you're Irish alright. I can see it in your face." Probably the red hair and freckles didn't hurt either.

For a while, this inability to know my ancestry really bothered me. Who were my people? Where had I come from? It was driving me crazy, but at every turn I was denied information.

But then God began to very gently deal with me. The past became less and less important. My earthly bloodline was put aside for focus on my heavenly one. My earthly father--a man I barely knew as he and my mother had divorced when I was quite young, was set aside for a stronger relationship with my Heavenly Father. I slowly came to realize that all of our earthly life will pass away, but only the things that are of God will last.

Our genealogy here on earth is fun and interesting to be sure, but I want to encourage you today to be sure and do some work on your Heavenly genealogy.

Get to know your ancestors in the Hebrews 11 hall of faith. Dig in an acquaint yourself with your Heavenly Father and be amazed to learn who your people are--who you really are.

PS: Lena Dooley is posting an interview with me and book giveaway at her blogsite http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Be sure to check it out. AND

If you are in the Great Falls, MT area - I'll be speaking at the 1st Alliance Church on October 9th. This is a catered luncheon from 12-1:30 p.m. and if you want to attend contact Cheryl Jones 406-231-1823 for details.

Busy Busy

2010-09-24T08:58:00.004-06:00

Sorry to have been absent, but I've been busy!

Last week I had book signings in Columbus and Greenwood, IN and then Jim (my hubby of nearly 31 years) and I taught basic writing at a conference in Indianapolis at the national American Christian Fiction Writers conference.

We had such a great time. Above, I am at one of the booksignings with a really great lady named Militine. Isn't that an awesome name? It's a compromise of Millicient and Christine.
We met a lot of wonderful people and in Columbus got surprised by my mother's cousin Anna Ruth and her daughter Denise and son-in-law Jim.

On our last night in Indianapolis,
Jim and I dined in the revolving restaurant
at the top of the Hyatt and enjoyed this view of the Capitol Building.

All in all, it was an incredible trip and God was so very present. We met wonderful new friends and had great reunions with longtime friends. I imagine heaven will be much the same way.

Olympic National Park

2010-09-03T04:25:00.001-06:00

I love national parks and Olympic National Park was no exception. We have been blessed to have wise forefathers who set aside land for national parks. If you get a chance to visit the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state, I highly recommend it. With Judy Miller, Cathy Hake and our dear friend Merrill DeGroot in tow, I found myself so very blessed by the beauty of Washington.

We didn't get a chance to travel all over the park on this trip, but we made a brief trip to Hurricane Ridge in the northern part of the park.

While there we were amazed by the flowers.

Indian Paintbrush and Fireweed dotted the sides of the road and the glorious variety of evergreens were everywhere.

We enjoyed the visit of a mother deer and her very photogenic fawn.

The company of good friends was such a blessing. I looked out at the landscape and my friends and felt that God had blessed me above and beyond all that I could ask or imagine. I wish I could have taken all of you with me.

Later that night we enjoyed beautiful views of Mount Rainier across Puget Sound.

When the moon rose in all its fullness, I couldn't resist capturing this picture of the ferry we would soon take back to Seattle.

It was an incredible trip and God blessed me in so many ways. Next week I'll share a wonderful little spot Merrill and I ran across on our way back to Montana.

Sitka Revisited

2010-08-27T05:54:00.001-06:00

One of the biggest blessings I have as an author is in visiting the places where I set the books. Sitka is one of those places I would gladly go on writing about, if I found the right stories to tell.

Jim and I taught a mini writer's conference while there and the turn out was so great. The people who attended were a blend of young and older, men and women, native and transplants, but all had a passion for writing.

As Jim and I shared with each other after the conference, we realized once more how God works through us even in little "chance" encounters. We were blessed to meet new people and hear their stories, know their thoughts and see tiny pictures of their dreams. Some will no doubt go on to see their dreams born, while others will give up somewhere along the way.

Sometimes I feel like giving up. The goal seems too big. The road too long. It's easy to look at the big picture and say, "There's no way I can endure this or overcome that."

But God never leaves us to bear it alone. I'm one of those who firmly believes that God's puts in our hearts the desires and dreams that He has for us. Sometimes we corrupt those dreams. Sometimes we ignore them, but when we are seeking the Lord and striving to do His will--it's amazing how those desires and dreams come together to bring Him glory.

Have a blessed day in Him.

End of the Road

2010-08-20T22:01:00.002-06:00

So in Sitka, AK there aren't that many roads, but the main north-south road has about 7 miles of road each way and 500 ft. before the end of said road - you get the above sign.

Didn't mean to skip my blog today - in fact, I had fully intended to share additional Sitka stuff. However, I hit the road with a friend and spent the day driving to Seattle. So please forgive the lack of information, but now I'm at the end of the road and thought I'd at least tell you why I was absent.

So I'll leave you with a couple of Sitka shots and hopefully will share some Seattle/Bremerton shots next week.

Sitka Fun

2010-08-12T23:24:00.000-06:00

Oh we're having a wonderful time in Sitka, AK. The weather has been a variety of misty and overcast, rainy and moody, and sunny. We've been so blessed by the setting and the people.

It's the height of tourist season for Sitka and so most days there are one or more cruise ships in the harbor. It's been fun to play native and watch the visitors scurrying around trying to beat the clock.

I spoke on the radio last Saturday and met Sarah. She is the director of the Kettleson Library here in Sitka. She's an awesome lady to be sure. Sunday night, Sarah had me speak at the Library. It is such a beautiful library and as you can see the scenery thru the window is incredible.

The audience was comprised of some wonderful women readers who chatted with me and bought books. We had a very nice time.

Tonight Jim and I will be teaching new writers. Tomorrow we'll wrap it up with a few more workshops and hopefully answer all their questions. There's a nice number signed up to attend, so we should have a lot of fun. Jim and I definitely have a passion for new authors.

Tonight they tell us we may see the Northern Lights! I sure hope so. I've seen them before, but something that great is worth seeing over and over.

We'll be here until Sunday and then head home. Thanks for all the prayers.

Alaska Bound

2010-08-06T02:17:00.001-06:00

We're on our way to Sitka, AK today. I'm very excited about this trip. I'm doing a radio program tomorrow, then Sunday I'm speaking in the evening at the library in Sitka.

My Song of Alaska series is set in Sitka, so the place is near and dear to my heart. I've very much enjoyed setting a series in this location. The three book series spans the time period between 1870 and 1906 - a time that was so amazing and interesting in Alaska's history.

The native influences of the Tlingit (pronounced Kling-ket)people contributes rich cultural flavoring even today. The town name is derived from the Tlingit word "Shee Atika" in Tlingit meaning "people on the outside of Shee. "Shee" was the Tlingit name of Baranof Island. It was named for Alexander Baranov and that brings us to the Russian influence.

The Russians had a large settlement here. Alexander Baranov came as the chief manager for the Russian American Co and built Fort Redoubt St. Michael. Later as the town was deemed the capitol and administrative headquarters for Russian America the name of the town was changed to New Archangel and eventually back to the Americanized Sitka.

Of course, today the influences blend with those of Americans and the little town bustles with tourists every summer as various cruise ships stop in the harbor for visits. My first venture to Sitka was on one of those very ships, and since then we've made numerous trips back to collect research. It's an amazing island and makes for a nice get-away. Flying up from Seattle is fairly painless and often nonstop, so I encourage you to consider a little trip north.

Of course, it is a small town - not that flashy, but so very rich in history. The local history museum offers some wonderful exhibits and the Sheldon Jackson collection at the Sheldon Jackson museum is not to be missed.

I'd appreciate traveling prayers. We will be in Sitka until the 15th - in fact, Jim and I are teaching a mini writer's retreat in Sitka on the 13th and 14th. Should be great fun.

Time Flies

2010-07-30T01:30:00.002-06:00

My daughter sent me photos of the grandkids and it only served to remind me how time flies. I'm so blessed to have this wonderful family, but man those kids are growing up way too fast.

It seems just yesterday the doctors were telling us that Rainy probably wouldn't live to see 5 years of age and now she's 8. And what a gal.

Then there's Fox. He's 6 going on 56. Such a serious young man at times, but oh so smart - and ornery.

Max rounds out the group and he's such a little darling at 4. Seems just yesterday I was holding him in my arms.

Time flies when you're having fun. It can also sneak in to steal and destroy either through loss or wear and tear. But with God - life is eternal and time cannot touch us. The Bible says in James 4:14, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." That verse always gives me a sense of urgency. Our time is short. It's only what we do for God that lasts.

Don't waste today!

New Book

2010-07-22T22:05:00.000-06:00

This week I'm celebrating a new book. Book 3 in the Song of Alaska series has finally arrived. TWILIGHT'S SERENADE is the conclusion of this series set in Sitka, Alaska.

And, it's debut is just in time. August 6th I leave for Sitka where I'll be speaking - but more of that next week.

Debuting a new book is always like welcoming a new baby. You're in awe of the arrival and the wonder of it all. You can scarce believe you had anything to do with its creation, and you wonder what people will think of it. You hope that this child will be well received and loved, but know that there will always be those who have no interest.

In this case, I also had a little sorrow. The series is complete and I must say goodbye to the characters, but not to my love of Alaska. Who knows where the future will take me where that state is concerned. Alaska is full of wonder, possibilities, and so many stories. There very well may be additional books to celebrate the beauty and grandeur God has created there.

Until then, however, I'm moving on to Texas and a brand new family. I'll see you there.

Rough Week

2010-07-16T02:44:00.001-06:00

This has been a tough week. It has had its blessings to be sure, but also its sadness.

My collie died.

We aren't sure why - the vet thinks maybe when the neighbors sprayed their fence line he got into it somehow. However, my mom's beagle didn't get sick and the neighborhood dogs who roam at will didn't get sick, so I don't know. Still it has been hard for us.

My mother-in-law had to go into the hospital, but she's doing much better and hopefully will go home this week.

And the good with the bad - My grandkids and daughters came home for a visit.

Julie Geoff - friend Karen and all my grandchildren were here for 4th of July. Jennifer came here on the 1st and helped take care of me so it was great to spend time with all of them. My son Erik (pictured above with our collie) put on an amazing fireworks display and we very much enjoyed the 4th. Then Cathy Hake came to visit and cleaned my refrigerator while I recovered from my surgery. Everyone should have someone like Cathy who just roams the earth cleaning fridges. I figured Robin could probably use her next. :D

God always sends the comfort with the sorrow. I know these last couple of weeks have been far more difficult for my dear friends Robin and Judy with their losses. A pet can never equal the loss of a mother or husband - not that it was a competition, however sorrow is sorrow and God sees it all. I was reminded of Tamera's post a few weeks back that talked about God seeing when the sparrows so much a set foot on the earth. I like that idea very much.

I know many of you out there reading this have endured sorrow this week as well, and I hope you will find comfort in God's loving faithfulness and the camaraderie here that bonds us together. We know that death isn't the end, but rather a door - or like was mentioned here - a ship that sails into a new harbor.

We grieve our loss and celebrate their gain. No more sorrow - no more pain. God holds each of us in His hand and we can trust that He will soothe our weary hearts and give us the strength to endure. We can trust that He will never fail and in Him we can accomplish all that He has set out for us.

The End

2010-06-25T08:46:00.002-06:00

I always like it when I can tack, THE END, onto a book and it's all the more special when it comes to the end of a series. This week I finished writing the third book in a series that debuts this fall. It's always such a blessing when you feel the hand of God in a project and this one was definitely influenced by His touch.

Throughout great amounts of turmoil over the last few months, it seemed that life was conspiring against me in getting this book written. I have asked various friends to pray for me as I write, and always have a team of folks praying for individual books. In this series I wrote a family saga that dealt with social issues, spiritual conflicts and dealing with life when it doesn't look like you thought it would.

So often I am brought back to this last lesson. I get in my mind how I think a thing should look or feel, and when it doesn't then I'm troubled, frustrated and question God as to why life has suddenly gotten beyond His control. Of course it hasn't really, but that's how it feels.

My dear friends here on the post are good examples of my feeling that way. I can't help but wonder what God is up to? Why the death - the sickness - the injury. What good can possibly come out of all of this?

But God is so faithful. Like a Father to a little child, He reminds me that I cannot possibly know why things happen as they do, but that my job is to trust Him. I love Catherine Marshall's book A CLOSER WALK. In it she shares the story about

Abraham and Isaac going up the mountain where Abraham would sacrifice his son in obedience to God. My favorite part, and the thing that always comes to mind at times like this is this. While Abraham and Isaac were going up one side of the mountain - the ram was coming up the other side.

Life often looks so very different than we thought it would. Situations and circumstances make little or no since and we find ourself crying out - asking God - Where are you? We are so feeble and weak, but thankfully He is our strength and that is sufficient. He is our hope and we can rest in knowing that He has already made provision for anything this fallen world or the enemy can throw at us.

If you haven't spent some prayer time lately in thanksgiving - I highly recommend you do so now. It's amazing how it lifts the spirits and refreshes the heart. I'll start you off - Thank you, Father, that we can rest in your arms.

Life in a Small Town

2010-06-18T07:25:00.002-06:00

Belgrade, Montana isn't that big. We're maybe six or seven thousand people. The entire Gallatin County - which includes Bozeman, West Yellowstone, as well as a few other smaller towns - is probably only about 60,000. It's an incredible place to live, and I love it!

One of our best entertainments is the local Police Report in the daily paper. I LOVE that this is the worst of our crime. For example - let's pour over today's reports.

1. A man was warned for criminal mischief after grabbing a caution cone from the street and using it as a hat.

I have a great visual on that one. Cathy Hake in the LA area of California is probably hysterical over the thought that this even rates notation.

2. A very (yes, they really did write VERY in order to distinguish from the just sort-of drunk man)drunk man on Rouse Ave. was warned not to ring the bell at the fire station asking for a ride home.

3. A man thought a wolf was in a horse corral. It turned out to be a Siberian husky.

Husky

Wolves

4. A woman said her son was being unruly and feared he was "strung out" on a video game. She said he hadn't slept for 48 hours.
I love that our paper constantly puts things in "quotations."
5. A woman called dispatch to report her son was missing, then discovered he was hiding from her in order to jump out and and say, "Boo!"
Yes, I swear that is truly in our police report. Why do I get the feeling it wasn't a small child - but rather someone's 23 year old. Hmmmm.
6. A woman locked herself out of her house while a burner was on inside.
7. Someone reported a plane had crashed, then said it was still flying but kept "dive bombing." It was a crop duster.

8. A man was bitten by a bat, which he then captured. A Montana State University lab said he could drop the animal off for testing Monday morning.

Okay - now I'll bet we're gonna have vampires in the neighborhood. Wonder what the limit is on checking for rabies.
9. A mountain lion "challenged" a biker near Bozeman.
To a game of chess? To tennis?

10. A bear near the Sourdough Trailhead.
Yes, that's exactly how this last one read. I don't know for sure, but I think it might have been code. My husband says that he believes most of these are code. Maybe if you connect all the words in quotations you'll spell out an important message? Who knows.
We did have light snow last Friday morning and Bozeman got 2 inches that melted by eleven or so in the morning. This week it's rain, rain, rain and the road just west of us partially caved in over part of the river. No doubt it's in the police report somewhere. I should have some pictures for you next week.

God Bless You and watch out for wolves posing as huskies, as well as challenging mountain lions.

Short and Sweet

2010-06-11T04:00:00.002-06:00

Yes, that deadline is looming over me to have this latest work into the publisher by the end of the month. Actually, I've given myself a self-imposed deadline of the 20th instead so that the entire manuscript can be edited thoroughly before I send it to my editor. Sort of like cleaning your house before the Merry Maids come to clean.
Anyway, this will be the last of a three book series which debuts this fall. I'm quite excited. The series is set in Texas and should be an interesting change of venue from Alaska. Speaking of which - you'll recall that my current series Song of Alaska is set in Sitka. I'm very excited to announce that I'll be speaking at the library in Sitka, Alaska on

August 8th and then my husband and I plan to teach a 2 day writer's workshop in Sitka August 13th and 14th. It's going to be great fun.

Last but not least - because I know so many of you have wondered about my snow situation. Here is my forecast for Friday (today).

Friday...Rain and snow showers likely in the morning...Then a chance of rain showers...Snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 2 inches. Total snow accumulation 1 to 6 inches.

Hmmm 1 to 6 inches of snow on June 11th. Something doesn't quite sound right about that. Cathy Hake - I have a feeling if you come visit - you'll need more than a sweater. Well, back to work for me. Love to you all.

God is so good!

2010-06-04T05:59:00.002-06:00

This week has been a great display of God's love and mercy. It wasn't without its troubles, but even in the difficulty God was so very evident that you could almost see His fingerprints on each and every situation.

Spring is here.

We shaved our collie

so that he doesn't have to suffer in the heat (whenever it decides to get hot again). We've managed to get our flowers planted and growing, and my mother's garden is coming along quite nicely.
In the midst of this, I'm inundated with work - which is awesome. There's stuff going on at church, galleys coming to me next week, a June 30th deadline for the book I'm writing, and a half-dozen other complications of life in between, but God's faithfulness has been so evident.

Even so, I am terrible about worrying, especially when it deals with loved ones, but God is taking me gently through that as well. I know that God is in control - which is a huge improvement over the first 40+ years of my life when I thought I was or that I should be. It hasn't been easy dealing with my disease of "control-itis", especially since it was accompanied by a severe case of "congestive fix-it-itis". But with heavy doses of prayer and rest, I'm making great progress in my recovery.

I was listening to a Rich Mullins CD yesterday and he has this song WHERE YOU ARE, and he comments about Daniel in the den of the lion, Jonah in the belly of the whale, 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace. He has this one line that I kept thinking about, "Oh, you'll meet Lord in the furnace--long time before you meet Him in the sky."

With the problems of life and the interferences that the devil tries to throw our way, I think that phrase is definitely true. Have you had a few furnace encounters this week? Take heart - the fire can't burn you when God is by your side. Feel like you're in the lion's den? God will close tight the mouths of those that would harm you. Are you in the belly of the whale? Rejoice, because soon you'll get thrown up on the beach. Well, okay, so that one doesn't sound like as much fun, but you know what I mean. Our troubles - the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:17 (New International Version) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Here's to eternal glory!

Be blessed this week and take heart - God is soooooo good!!

Grass is Greener

2010-05-28T06:14:00.001-06:00

No, not on the other side of the fence - but on my side of the fence. The grass is actually green - the flowers are blooming - the trees have leaves and my lilacs are showing buds. I'm so happy. Spring has finally come to Montana.
Of course, that doesn't mean it's all that warm, but I love it here and I'll take 60 degrees in May almost June, instead of snow and 30's.
I'm hard at work finishing up a new series that will debut in the fall, and like Kim I've had a gander at my new cover - and LOVE IT! Bethany House does the most incredible covers and I can't thank them enough for all they do for me. Here's a look at the new cover. This series is set in 1880's Texas.
One of my biggest blessings this week, however, has been the way God is working to heal members of my family and me. My husband is diabetic and had great news at the doctor's office. His blood sugar average was way down and he's doing very well. Next, I am healing from shingles and while I'm tired and somewhat itchy - I'm getting better.

Last of all, but certainly not least - my daughter Julie is undergoing surgery today and I believe God is going to give her a complete healing and recovery--but if you think about it - please pray for her.

Colorado Conference

2010-05-21T15:59:00.002-06:00

First a big thanks to Stephanie Whitson for filling in last week. I'm reading her latest and it's awesome! But last week was also awesome. I was busy with a writer's conference in Colorado and what a fun time!

My hubby and I love to go to Estes Park, Colorado for the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference and this year was no exception. The conference is always a wonderful get-away, as well as a chance to minister and grow spiritually.

We also had - now are you ready for this - hang onto your seats - SNOW.

Yes, snow. I did not escape my weekly snow. It snowed a foot and a half while at the conference. However, it was gorgeous. I thought I'd share some photos of the remarkable YMCA of the Rockies and Rocky Mountain National Park. Here's Jim shoveling snow so that our conferees could make it for our writer's clinic.

Estes has always given me a kind of peace and spiritual restoration. The mountains there were a home away from home during the early years of my marriage. This area has also been where we brought our children for vacations when they were young. It's a beautiful piece of God's creation.

Marlene Bagnull runs the conference here every May, and she always points our focus back to Jesus. What a blessing. I always come away remembering that: Yes, I am a writer. Yes, I am a daughter, mother, sister, friend and wife. But above all - I am His.

As the Bible says, He has called me by name - I am His. What a blessing. What a marvelous thing to remember. For all the hats I wear - and they are many - I am first and foremost - His. Today I'm resting in that and enjoying the blessing of all that He has created. I hope you will find rest as well.

On our way home - Jim captured this photo of the sun in the clouds, and I thought it looked very much like someone holding open his arms (his body is right where the sunburst is) as if blessing the earth - Jesus?

One day we'll see Him face to face! Oh, and what a wonder that will be.

Mother's Day

2010-05-07T03:33:00.001-06:00

Since Mother's Day is just a couple of days from now, I wanted to write a little salute to my mother. My mom has been a mom for over 50 years and during that time we've definitely had some great times. She also taught me some interesting things-- some that I thought would never be useful, but have proven to be life changing.
For example:

She taught me to sit quietly in church, even if I didn't want to listen. She used to give me a piece of paper and a pencil in church and tell me to write a story. Afterwards she told me to tell her my story, so I believe she helped to promote my love of storytelling. She also taught me that God was everything and everywhere--that He really cared about me and that He would listen when I prayed.

She forced me to slave away in the garden - learning silly things like weeding, deadheading, watering and planting. This coupled with the way to tie up greenbeans, hoe a straight row for planting and other gardening tidbits seemed useless, but over the years have come back to be beneficial knowledge.

My mother taught me to play the piano - she introduced me to music and gave me a real love of classical music. Later when I had another piano teacher, I often heard the teacher comment that I was one of her only students to enjoy Beethoven and Bach every bit as much as Boogey Woogey and Beatles.

The is my mom and her little sister - Darlene.

Below is my mom and with my sister Karen.

And, my mother gave me a strong love of family and the history of my ancestors. She used to tell me stories of her childhood and of her mother's childhood. She gave me the experience of visiting my great grandmother's farm and of greatly esteeming those who had given their lives for our country's freedom.
So as Mother's Day approaches, I wanted to say thank you to my mom for forcing me to learn such silly things. You have given me an appreciation for life that I might not otherwise have known. I love you dearly.

Swamped and Snowed In

2010-04-30T05:46:00.001-06:00

This week has been incredibly swamped, so this will be short and sweet. However there were a few things I wanted to share.

1. It's snowing like crazy outside.

2. I did manage to get galleys and contest judging done, and conference materials put together.

3. On this day in 1789 George Washington first took office as President of the USA; I don't know if it was snowing or not, but I found this shot of GW praying in the snow.

4. I just checked and it's still snowing.

5. Happy Birthday to Louisiana - where I'm betting it's not snowing.

6. It's because of days like this that I can't plant Live Oaks or Jacarandas in my yard.

7. And, well the weatherman just said we're in a winter storm warning and can expect it to continue snowing.

With that, I'm going back to work writing my book about a very warm and sunny Texas.

Research in the Northwest

2010-04-23T02:55:00.000-06:00

Last week my husband and I took a research trip to the American Northwest. We drove from Montana and headed west. The weather was gorgeous until we got to Snowquamie Pass as we neared Seattle.

Coming into this ski resort area sent us in a step back to winter, but once we cleared that area, we drove into Seattle spring.

We took a spin through the Olympic National Park and tootled through several port towns. We toured through several museums and the book ideas were everywhere I looked.

The weather was misty and overcast adding to the ambiance of the trip. I made notes regarding the weather--the feeling--the charm.

Throughout the trip I was continuously blessed by the little things. A parking place smack dab in front of the downtown Seattle restaurant where I wanted to eat.

Comfortable beds. The incredible beauty of flowering trees.

Smooth as glass lakes and little waterfalls that peeked out at the most unexpected times.

I felt God's presence in the landscape as well as the people. We met some truly delightful people.

Now I'm back home and it's time to tackle galley proofs on one book and dig into writing the next book.

FUTURE WRITERS

2010-04-16T06:33:00.001-06:00

A friend from church asked my husband and I to come to her classroom and share what we do regarding writing. Considering we had eight inches of snow two days ago, I was somewhat concerned, but as you can see the picture above - it was a gloriously beautiful day and much of the snow was already gone.

This very rural, small town school had a total of nine kids, spread out from 1st through 3rd grade.

The kids were wonderful and so much fun. I started by telling them that I'm a storyteller. We talked about where stories come from and why it's important to tell stories. We quickly progressed into what it takes to get a book into a published form, and Jim rounded it off with visual aids about the research.

The kids had lots of questions and were so smart. One little girl even told us that she already has a story folder at home where she writes and keeps stories. All of them told us they liked to read - that learning to read was their favorite thing in school.

The teacher is a phenomenal Christian woman who has the patience of a saint. She has this wide range of teaching to give, but always seems to be up-beat and positive. She even has her daughter Sydney in the class! I've always respected teachers - my hat's off to all of them whether they are teaching now or plan to teach or have retired.

Knowledge is power and children are incredible sponges who love to soak up information. Who knows - maybe these are our future storytellers and best-sellers.

When we finished every last child came up and assaulted me with hugs and thank yous. It was incredible fun. I find myself praying for them even as I write this blog. If you haven't connected with a child lately - I highly recommend it. You'll be amazed at what the world looks like through their eyes. As one smart little guy told me, "I like stories because they tell me about things I don't know."

April Showers or Snow

2010-04-09T13:26:00.000-06:00

Saturday before Easter Sunday we awoke to 3 inches of snow. Tuesday it snowed again and then melted. The forecast has promised flurries and snows throughout April. I remember the first year we moved to Montana we woke up one day in June to find 6 inches of snow on the ground, so snow in April doesn't even phase us these days. Even so, I'm celebrating spring! Here are some May flowers from Texas last year. I can hardly wait until the fields of Montana are filled with wild flowers.

This Friday and Saturday, I am going to be in Billings, Montana to enjoy a weekend of women and the Lord - at WOMEN OF FAITH. This will be my fifth time to attend Women of Faith's conference. I have to say that I've seen God do amazing things at these events. Women who have come weary and depleted of hope, love and joy leave refreshed and renewed. I always think of Jesus saying, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

It's always great fun to get away from the routine, and we will spend an extra day in Billings just to enjoy ourselves and fellowship, but I know it will be the love of God that pours out through the testimony of our speakers that will bless us most. It will be the generous mercy and grace of God that spills out to each of us as we seek to know Him better that gives us the strength to return to our daily lives.

However, that said, I want to encourage each woman who reads this blog. You don't have to have a conference or convention to fellowship. You don't have to go to a retreat to find rest in God. He is more than willing and able to offer you His refreshing love--His strengthening hope--His gracious mercy no matter where you are or where you go. Matthew 11:28 reminds us as stated above that Jesus offers rest to everyone who comes to Him.

April showers may bring May flowers,and April snow will come and go, but the showers of blessings that flow from God will bring eternal life.

Plugging Into The Power Source

2010-03-26T06:01:00.000-06:00

I've been digging through research from my trip to Georgia with Judy in order to work on the story outline. I continue to be enraptured by the live oaks--hold pleasant memories of the food and people--and can't wait to go back. Now for me - a gal who hates hot weather and humidity - that's saying something.

I recently read a book titled SAVING CEE CEE HONEYCUTT by Beth Hoffman. There was a little language in it, but otherwise I found the story so delightful. And, as a bonus, much of it was set in Savannah. It was great fun to read that book and remember sights and settings from my trip. It made me very mindful of the power authors have over the reader. It also reminded me of the responsibility I have to the reader.

Beth Hoffman caused me to feel a part of life in Savannah. She drew me into this story with strong characters, vivid setting and a tenderness of heart that left me smiling when I closed the book. As an author, I want to reach readers in such a way that they feel not only a part of the plot and setting, but that the hope God has given me--the joy I have in His love is evident at the heart of my story.

I want to share that same joy, hope and love in my daily walk. At church on Wednesday nights we're studying about discipleship, and last night we discussed what discipleship is and what's needed to be successful. One thing that seemed evident was that to disciple another person--you must be passionate about, and invested in what you believe. You need to be plugged into the right source of power. It came to me that sharing with someone in this capacity or in my writing ministry, I'm rather like an extension cord. If I'm plugged into the reader, but not plugged into the source of power--I really have nothing to offer. It isn't until I plug into the power of God, that I can share anything of value with anyone. Without that power, I'm just a dangling extension cord that offers nothing of substance, but can definitely be a hindrance. The opposite is also true--an extension cord plugged into the power source and not connected to anything else is also rather useless.

My challenge to you today is to plug into the power source, then stand ready to plug into someone else--someone who maybe can't quite reach the source on their own--someone who desperately needs the extension of grace and love.

What A Week

2010-03-19T15:08:00.001-06:00

I'm still battling the crud. The doctor says it just has to run its course. I sure wish it would run a little faster. Unfortunately my whole family has it, so we're all being miserable together.

Since I was having a lucid moment I wanted to blog about the wonderful booksigning I had last week in Anthony, Kansas at Higher Grounds and Leather Bounds. The folks there were so amazing. If you happen to be in the area of this little Kansas town, I encourage you to stop by the shop. It's not only charmingly designed, but there's a little coffee cafe and a wonderful place to just sit and enjoy some time away.

While there I got to spend time with some family. My mother's cousin - I guess my first cousin once removed or something like that - anyway her name is Wynalie and what a prayer warrior. She and her husband Clair are great folks and pastor a local church there. There was also time with her extended family - and friends. Her granddaughter Christy is a charmer to be sure and helped hand out candy at the booksigning and speaking event.

I had my mom and husband at the signing, as well as daughter Julie who took photographs for me. She has an awesome touch with the camera. Julie said this little darling was my youngest fan at the signing.

Later we got back to Topeka and I got to spend more time with my daughter Julie, son-in-law Geoff and of course the grandkids.

I'm sure glad that if I had to be sick it was once I got home and not there with them.

Home Again

2010-03-12T15:10:00.001-07:00

I'm home again. The photo is of me at the writer's retreat a couple of weeks ago. The ladies made me a very personalized cowgirl/writer hat.

We drove down to Kansas to see family - do a book signing in Anthony, KS (which went phenomenally well and was so much fun - Thanks again HIGHER GROUNDS AND LEATHER BOUND Bookstore) and see the accountant. On the side, Judy Miller and I got together because we're going to write another series - Yippppppeeeee!

Speaking of Judy - if you're in the Iowa area - particularly Pella or Des Moines - Judy will be signing books this weekend. Here are the particulars.

Saturday, March 13
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Speak and Sign at Wellspring Christian Book Store
10465 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322

2:00 pm
Speak and Sign at Gosselinks’s Christian Book Store
731 Franklin, Pella, IA 50219

This week - well, what's left of it - I'll be getting down to business fleshing out a couple of story outlines and getting over what I call seasonal allergies complicated by my personal health disposition. Which basically means - I'm allergic to Kansas and humidity, which triggered head congestion, which went into my lungs and triggered the asthma, which gave me a horrid cough, which in turn has left me with laryngitis forcing me to cancel a radio interview scheduled for tomorrow. Oh well. At least I can type.

Seeing My Kansas Family

2010-03-05T02:22:00.002-07:00

Well, we're on the road again - this time it's Kansas. Texas was awesome and being with writer friends was awesome. We had some incredible programs on Victorian fashion, customs, servants and medicine, as well as an awesome presentation by Carol Johnson former VP of Bethany House Publishing. So Texas was chilled, damp weather (it actually snowed which amazed the Texans - we Montana's just sort of gave it a nod. Now it's Kansas and tornado season - well, not quite - hopefully.

After a 20+ hour drive down - done in more than one day - my mother, husband and me plan to enjoy the family and friends we left behind when we moved from Kansas.

Of course one of my favorites is daughter Julie, son-in-law Geoff and my grandbabies. Rainy is now 7 1/2 and although
sickness and vision loss, brain damage and epilepsy is stealing a lot of her youth, Rainy is one vivacious princess.

Fox is doing a little better and I thank you all for your prayers. He's a precious, precocious 6 year old and I know God has great things planned for this supersmart boy. Here's a photo of him with his mama - my middle child Julie. Hard to believe she's not his age anymore - seems like just yesterday I was the Mama instead of the Nana.

Max is a lovey, dovey Mama's boy, but I'm working on him becoming a "Nana's Boy" too.

Another fun thing about visiting Kansas are the friends. I plan to make the circle to those dear ones. I also have to visit the accountant for tax planning, and work with Judy as time permits.

So I'm mixing family - writing - taxes - friends - more writing - and copious miles on the new Equinox. After that - I really hope to be home a while.

Enjoying Texas

2010-02-26T03:35:00.002-07:00

This week I'm enjoying a writer's retreat in Round Top, Texas. The Round Top Christian Retreat Center is an incredible setting for rest, writing, and fellowship. When I first came to this place almost a year ago, I was immediately blessed by the owner Euphanel Goad. She is a marvelous lady and has been so much fund to work with. She gave us a tour of the grounds and the various houses available and I was completely sold.

The retreat is full of lovely grounds to walk,

and gorgeous antiques in each of the houses.

As I understand it - this is quite the center of antique shows and festivals. Hmmmm, I might need to shop, but mostly I hope to focus on the Lord and rest in Him.

Having a retreat reminds me of Jesus withdrawing to lonely places. Of course with a total of 17 authors under one roof - it's not at all lonely.

Hopefully next week Cathy or I can post some pictures. Sadly Tammy, Robin, Kim and Judy couldn't be with us - but maybe next year. In the meantime, they can just think of all the fun we're having and plan to join us next year.

Tracie

Rough Places Plain

2010-02-19T03:44:00.002-07:00

I've always been a fan of Handel's Messiah. Even as a child I was enthralled by the sounds of praise and adoration. A couple of my favorites have to be the Hallelujah Chorus and Unto Us a Child is Born. However, I'm also a great fan of the opening:

Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness:-Prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together;for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

I love that this is taken directly from Scripture, and I find it such a blessing when times are rough as they have been this week. There have been far too many troubles and sorrows to list them all, but among them was the death of a beloved uncle, the news that our granddaughter is losing parts of her vision, our six year old grandson is on a suicide watch and our 3 year old grandson has been diagnosed with developmental problems and autism.

Coupled with this was bad news for at least five people I love. The rough places didn't seem plain at all.

However, even in all of this I know that my Redeemer liveth. I know that one day Jesus will return and set everything to rights. I know He will Comfort His people and that His glory will be revealed!

I take hope in God's promise to one day put everything in order, and I covet your prayers.
Tracie

New Sitka Book

2010-02-12T03:55:00.002-07:00

My next Sitka book just came out. Boxes were waiting for me on my front porch when I got home the other day, and boy was I excited. Ladies from my church have been calling to ask when this book would be available, so I was mighty glad to be able to tell them - NOW!!

Morning's Refrain is book 2 in the Song of Alaska series set in beautiful Sitka, Alaska. While in Sitka researching, I met some really great folks and enjoyed the history of the area so much. For so many years, traveling to research stories has been one of the definite perks to my business. Years ago when my youngest was just a little boy, we would take him with us on research trips. He learned so much long the way. In fact, the other day after seeing a movie that was supposedly set in Nome, Alaska he commented on the fact that they had forests of trees in the movie. "There weren't any trees in Nome," he declared. And he was right. The folks in Nome have Christmas trees shipped in for the holidays and then afterward, take them to a particular field and prop them up for the fun of it and pretend they have a temporary forest. Erik remembered that little fact as well.

Here's the treeless Nome area.

The weather in Alaska is also another thing to be experience in person. My trips there have provided such great research material for simple thing like weather, landscape, vegetation and animals, plus the people. Like Robin, I enjoy making up towns on occasion, but when I utilize a real community I definitely want it as accurate as possible.

All of this came rushing to mind as I held my copy of Morning's Refrain. This was a fun series to research and some of the issues that I touch on in the stories were very much problems that I felt God wanted me to share. We should always learn from the past, especially where mistakes were made or successes enjoyed, even while we press on toward the goal God has for us.

I hope you get a chance to enjoy Alaska one day for yourself. My daughter Jen once commented upon viewing some of Alaska's grandeur, "This is incredible, and just think, Mom; this is a fallen world. Just imagine what God has for us in the future." For me - that pretty much summed it all up.
Tracie

Southern Hospitality

2010-02-05T03:37:00.002-07:00

When Judy and I were in Savannah, I heard more than one visitor say something about "southern hospitality". At the airport in Savannah they have rocking chairs--not just in the airport, but at the pick-up location outside. When I saw that I thought it was rather like an old friend welcoming you to sit and stay a while. I found all of Georgia to be like that--here's a scene from Jekyll Island.

Before I even reached my hotel, I was "yes ma'amed" three times. Doors were opened for me - chairs pulled out for me at restaurants (well not at Clary's Cafe but more on that later)

I mainly stayed in the historic district so I was treated to that charming side of Savannah over and over. The grand old houses were like welcoming old aunts who beckoned you to come to tea and hear their stories of days gone by.

The cemeteries were incredible with ancient stones from the Colonial days and Civil War. The memorials there were ghostly reminders of a time that I still can't quite imagine.

Throughout the trip, I found people so very hospitable and interesting - some were quirky too - like the guy at the store that always came to touch people's hair or the guy who yelled up to our tourist bus to ask if anyone had cocaine. Oh well, at least he was polite and said "excuse me" first. At least I think that's what his garbled words were.

Oh, and Clary's Cafe - well that was the down-home cafe they showed John Cusack at in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, but let me tell you it was some of the best food I had in Savannah and the folks there were so sweet. If you go there, ask for Maggie to be your waitress - she was so awesome.

So now I'm back in the cold north devoid of live oaks and pralines. But outside I have the most glorious view of the mountains and the air here is dry. So the south is great for a visit, but I still love Montana.
Tracie

I'm In Love

2010-01-29T03:32:00.002-07:00

After going to Georgia to do research; I'm in love. Not with Georgia - although it was lovely. Not with the fried food and butter - although I suffered through with some of those tasty treats. It wasn't even with the history...well okay I fell in love with that too, but this is different.

I fell in love with the live oaks.

Named "live" because they are very nearly continuously green, the live oak is the Georgia state tree, and with good reason. Many of these trees have been around long before Georgia was a state, normally living hundreds of years. They are huge trees growing as much as 85 ft. tall and spreading out to make an entire yard-full of shade. Their massive trunks and thick branches are perfect for youthful adventures and romantic swings.They are the hardest of North American woods and was once used in naval ships - including the USS Constitution.

I've seen photos of these trees before, but nothing can do them justice like spending some time walking under them. They gave me a feeling of security--of being protected and hidden in the Father's arms.
I envisioned generations of picnics beneath them, barefooted children skittering up the low branches, couples sharing secret kisses, and perhaps a proposal or two under the Spanish moss draped branches. I found myself wishing these trees could talk and tell me all they'd seen.

Now back home, I find my thoughts going back to those grand Southern belles and fervently wishing someone could develop a breed of live oak that could grow in snowy Montana. Until then...alas...I shall love from afar and fondly remember my walks in those lush groves.
Tracie

P.S. Wish Judy Miller Happy Birthday today! She's 29! Sort of.

Some friends of mine

2010-01-22T03:45:00.002-07:00

I'm in Georgia on a research trip, but I had to share with you some friends of mine.

We have 3 cats and all are very different and have decidedly different personalities. Jim, my husband, calls them our Rocky Mountain Feline Response Team. He says this is absolutely accurate because we live in the Rocky Mountains - they are felines and they respond to everything that goes on.

This week they have been on drills. Because of the extremely low temperatures and more time spent indoors - the cats have been a little on the crazed side of life. Jim said they were running Operation Arctic Cat.

The black cat is Safari - we think she might be demon possessed as she always has a bad cattitude. I can walk into the room and say "Meow" and she'll respond so I feel like we have a good communication thing going on. Otherwise she doesn't really talk to anyone except to yawl.

The buff tabby is Cal - short for California. No, we didn't name him. He was a "pre-owned" pet rescue cat. He was so laid back and easy-going that the people at the animal shelter said he was like an old Californian hippy. Cal is in charge of the Rocky Mountain Feline Response Team. He's a wise sage of a cat to be sure.

Last but not least is Simon. Now Simon is really our Grandcat - he belonged to our daughter but when she moved to Boston she couldn't have him. So Simon is living with us until his Meowmy can take him again. Simon is a big baby. He's a lovey dovey and I think he thinks I'm Jen, but can't quite figure out why I'm older and fatter. :D

My mother, who never allowed us to have cats in the house when I was a child, has bonded quite nicely to the cats. She even has a personalize tag on her car that says, "Grameow" and officially calls herself their Grandmother.

So there you have the entire team. They asked for us to get them a bunny for Christmas, but we told them no. They promised they would "take care of it" but I didn't like the way Safari grinned when she said it.

I miss them when I'm on the road.
Tracie

Stepping Outside

2010-01-15T03:31:00.002-07:00

No, I wasn't referencing enjoying the frozen outdoors, rather I was thinking of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

I remember so many times when I was younger that I missed opportunities because I was either afraid or embarrassed to step outside of my comfort zone. There were so many things I wanted to try and didn't for whatever the reason.

I once told a friend that I loved to wear hats, but never do because it's not really the style these days. I also don't have a lot of hats, but I said to her, "I hope that I don't pass from this earth without having worn hats." Sounds silly, I know. And yes, occasionally I do get to wear a nice hat, however, it really struck me that there are other things that I would like to do and hesitate.
Then there are those thing that I feel called to do and balk at--because they make me uncomfortable.

Recently one of those things came to light. God has been after me for some time to step up and take over our ladies ministry at church. I love the women in my church, but just couldn't imagine how I would ever have the time. I love serving God, but couldn't figure out how it would work. But I felt God wanted my obedience and very cautiously I gave it. What a blessing. God did as He always does. He provided. I have a wonderful team of ladies who already knew the ropes and what was needed. God has multiplied the time like He did the loaves and fishes, and we had the most marvelous Ugly Sweater party at my house last Tuesday night. Sometimes trust comes hard.

So now I'm thinking of other things that take me outside of my comfort zone. My mom recently came running into my office and announced she was going across the street to ask the neighbor if he'd give her a snowmobile ride. He was out riding in his yard (around the ice rink) and she had never been on a snowmobile. So at 70, she braved up - or cowgirled up as we say here - and got her first snowmobile ride. I, of course, had to take photos. I'm proud of her for giving it a go. Now she's talking about cross-country sking and that makes me a little nervous, but oh well. Sometimes you just have to do these things.

So if you feel called to something--if God's been whispering in your ear--I want to encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and give it a shot. I'm not sorry I did.

Tracie

The Eyes Have It

2010-01-08T03:36:00.002-07:00

I had an encounter today that I'll not soon forget. My mother invited my husband and I out to breakfast and while we were sitting there I noticed the woman across the aisle from me. She sat alone eating breakfast. I didn't think much of it at the time, but a few minutes later she came clearly into focus.

My husband was putting ketchup on his eggs, and I noticed that there wasn't much in the bottle. Trying to be considerate of him--especially since he's in a sling after rotator cuff surgery--I thought to get him another fuller bottle of ketchup. I got up and went to a table where no one was sitting and took the ketchup bottle back to ours. When I did, I noticed that the woman sitting by herself was crying.

God so clearly told me, "Go to her."

So I went. I walked over and said, "Are you all right?" She began to cry even more, but as she did she scooted over. It was like an unspoken request, "Sit with me." So I did. I put my arm around her and asked her what was wrong. She poured out her heart and told me about her rough morning--about some family problems--about a disguntled co-worker. She mentioned that she'd called her son to come get her because she didn't have her car there.

My husband is such a tender hearted man and saw what was happening so he too came over to the table. We asked the woman if she was a believer in Jesus. She said she was so we asked if we could pray with her. She was very happy to have us pray and so we did. As we prayed for her, I still had my arm around her. I could feel her relax as God's peace washed over her. It was the best moment of my day. I had the priviledge to share God--to encourage a sister--to be used of Jesus.

Later, I thought of Brandon Heath's song GIVE ME YOUR EYES
You can watch his video here
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY)

But I wanted to share the chorus here with you now:
"Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity"

What a scary proposition. To see as God sees. It's not something we should ask lightly. It's a fierce request. A frightening, fearful thing. Imagine all the pain and suffering. I saw one woman crying, but God see millions.

Matthew 6:22 & 23 says, "The eye is the lamp of the body.
If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

My prayer for this year - terrifying as it is - is that God will open my eyes--that I will shine His light--that I will see what He wants me to see and respond. I pray the same thing for you.

Tracie

New Year

2010-01-01T02:28:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year! The old passes away and a new day comes.

This time of year is always seen as a time for reflection. In days long gone by folks would traditionally show up at the White House to shake hands with the President of the United States.
It was actually a tradition that was begun with George Washington prior to the White House's existence and ended with Herbert Hoover in 1932.

New Year's is a time for family traditions and fun. In our family we usually stay up and ring in the new year. We often have friends over to play games and eat food that should probably not be a part of our diet.

At midnight we yell and bang pans, sometimes honk the car horn and act silly. We kiss our sweetheart and then either go back to the games or go to bed for a long winter's nap.

Some folks believe that if your first visitor of the new year is a handsome, dark-haired stranger, you'll have good luck all year. I don't really believe in "luck", but handsome, dark-haired strangers are always welcome. The Dutch believe that because the new year brings the days full circle from the previous year, donuts are good luck to eat. I like how they think. The Dutch love bacon on everything and donuts. Who could ask for anything more? But, if you don't like donuts - then black-eyed peas were considered good luck, as was rice or even cabbage.

No matter what you eat or don't eat, I pray you will have a blessed 2010. There is so much we have to be thankful for. Despite the conflicts and problems endured in this world - and my December was a doozie - we here in America are a very blessed people. Happy 2010, and may God guide your steps throughout the year.

Tracie
P.S. Rainy is out of the hospital and doing well.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T02:06:00.002-07:00

I want to wish all of you out there, a very blessed and merry Christmas. I'm so fortunate to be a part of this blog group and share with my writing sisters and readers some of the things going on in my life.

I've written this post early because our granddaughter Rainy is once again seriously ill and in the hospital. We may well be heading to Kansas City for Christmas in Children's Mercy Hospital. At this point, I thought it might be best to get my blog done early.

Children are such a precious part of Christmas. Our neighbor's across the street are so cool. The father works in construction so during some down time he put in an ice skating rink in their yard. I thought it was so neat that this father of 3 little girls and a baby boy on the way, would take his time to build his kids an ice rink. Here's a shot of one of the kids out there skating. How cool is that.

Another neat part of our Christmas is the snow and mountains. I'm so blessed to live here in Montana. I do enjoy the winters - mainly because I can stay inside and write and watch it snow. :) Here's a shot from my front yard.

Last but not least - we have enjoyed a beautiful scotch pine Christmas tree and holiday village display. I actually let my 20 year old son set up the village and each day he seems to add something new. You'll note in the picture on the left - Batman is visiting the village. In the picture on the right - the church is being attacked by a dragon and a black panther. It's always exciting at our house.

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday with those you love spending time near to you. God Bless You!
Tracie