The “Weeping” Prophet
Would anyone want to be the Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah? I’ve recently been studying his life and it’s certainly not one of prestige, fame and popularity. No talk shows, book contracts or guest preaching gigs for him. Instead, Jeremiah, from a young man in…
God Can Use You After Fifty
Ladies: Fifty is not the end of your ministry. It very well may be the beginnings of something new. Why would I say that? The world tells us that we need to go silently into those later years. Suddenly you hear whispers in your…
Guest Blog ~ Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose
by Tina Yeager On a prayerful walk through a park with the Lord, I felt concerned about the woundedness and disconnection ravaging our world. Online work and social connections have replaced in-person fellowship as the new normal. We’ve grown so comfortable living through our…
Change and Confidence
I remember the awful feeling of not fitting in on the first day of eighth grade. There I was, wearing a pleated wool plaid skirt and short gray socks. As I had been previously living in Mexico for six months (as an exchange student)…
Christmas in July Reader Giveaway
Happy Christmas in July! Welcome to the 8th blog in this Christmas in July Reader Giveaway, which runs July 12-23, 2021. At the bottom of each author’s blog post, you will find the secret words. Write them all down and provide the provide the…
Interview with the Authors for “Always a Wedding Planner” Romance Collection
When I think of summer, I think of ice tea, a screened-in porch and an entertaining book in hand.And what better reading material to kick back and read on a lazy afternoon than a collection of sweet romances. I’m excited to introduce the Always…
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A Virtual Barn Raising
Do you remember the movie, “Witness?” It’s the story of Samuel, an Amish boy who witnesses a murder in a Philadelphia train station while he and his mother are headed to visit relatives. Then through a chain of circumstances, the investigative cop, John Book,…
This Girl’s Just Gotta Have Fun
As my word for 2020 is “rest,” I am taking that quite literally. Rest doesn’t always mean napping, twiddling my thumbs and sitting on the couch. Let me suggest recreation as the best form of “rest.” When we create, we feed our imagination and…
Finding Rest in a City Pasture
Do you have a word you’d like to highlight this new year? Even though it’s February, it’s not too late. Lots of my friends adopt a defining word for 2020 and it seems to be a better idea than New Year’s resolutions. There’s a…
Bedford Falls or Pottersville, it’s our Choice.
I’m so proud to have my husband John write my Christmas blog this year. He has a unique view of a favorite Christmas movie and I know it will bless you. Every year at this time Americans can view multiple airings of “It’s a…
View From The Alzheimer’s Floor
She still loves a hearty meal and has never been known to turn down ice cream. Her eyes light up when she sees her children and loves to visit with anyone around her. She may not know your name but she knows you are…
Life Imitates Art
They say art imitates life. I beg to differ. In my experience, life imitates art. Let me explain. Several Thanksgivings ago my driveway was filled to capacity, reminding me of the large house-party I’d created. Ahh, Thanksgiving, with its frantic Wednesday night last minute…
God in the Midst of Terror: What we can learn from 9/11
Below is my first published piece. I was in church after 9/11 when part of the essay came to me and I was compelled to write it down. Three days later I carried it to our local paper’s editor What can you say about…
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And I’m back.
Hopefully not with a vengeance. That can get a little annoying. I’ve been pretty laid back the last year because of a shoulder injury. Rotator cuff repair is not for the faint of heart as it takes a year to heal. I thought long…
Two Miracles
I’ve had a few miracles noted in my life —walking away from a flipped car was one that I won’t forget. And if you’re like me, you never get tired of watching God insert himself into our daily lives with loving actions that supersede…
The Increase of Joy
Today my daughter, Erica Key, share her story of overcoming fear. I’m proud of how she sought God to overcome her own fears after her sister lost a child. Here’s her story. ————————————— I loved having a sister. My sister Caitlin, five years younger…
Ah, Country Life
I pulled up to our new place and yanked my suitcase out of the back of the car. And as I grabbed the suitcase’s handle, I felt a thud on the top of my sandaled foot as a cast iron frying pan flew out…
The News Came on Facebook
Romans 12:5 “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” The news came on Facebook: Muriel Cook had passed. Funny how we receive news nowadays. An electronic message blurted out that one of my life mentors had passed. A week ago,…
It’s All About The Babies
In deference to those who had had an abortion: My heart goes out to you. You were fooled into thinking that your pregnancy was a blob of tissue. And because of fear you made your decision. But this post is about the babies. Let’s…
Alzhimer’s: The Thief That Came to Stay
She couldn’t recall how to get to the bedroom. I girded up my patience and told her for the tenth time she’d be staying right down the hall in the same bed right she was in last night… and the night before… and the…
Serving Your Spouse Outside of Your Sweet Spot
“And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” Mark 10:44-45 Serve one another in love, even when it’s uncomfortable, in season or not. When talking about…
10 Simple Ways to Overcome Selfishness
Dear readers, I met Ginger at the final class on the final day of Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. I immediately was drawn to her her spunky, fun personality and knew she had a book in her that connected women to God.…
Guest Blog – Dena Talmage
It’s a lot of fun to introduce my friend Dena Talmage today. Dena and I met while we were teacher’s aides in an autistic classroom in Grandville, Michigan, (the class which inspired me to write Lake Surrender). She was a lot of fun to…
Looking at Life Through a Child’s Eyes
“Hey Gammi, I know why you married Papa,” my five-year old twin grandson had that look on his face, like he had just discovered some amazing universal truth. I looked up from the book I was reading. “Really?” I was ready for a sweet…
Music, a Balm for Your Soul
I’m not a crier. As a teenager I spent a heavenly week at a Young Life camp in Malibu, Canada. At the end of our session, my cabin mates and I exchanged phone numbers and address. The rest of them also exchanged tears. I…
Carol Heilman – Let Your Humor Show
Fellow author Carol Heilman has written a sequel to her first book (Agnes Hopper Shakes up SweetBriar) titled, Agnes Hopper Bets on Murder. Modeled after her own mother, protagonist Agnes , a seasoned citizen, is an amateur sleuth who has a nose for crime.…
Billy Graham 1918 – 2018
A great tree fell and the earth trembled. One of, if not the greatest evangelist of all time has died. I feel fortunate to have once attended one of his crusades. It was in May, 1980 that I was able to hear Billy Graham…
One big, loud, messy family.
Ten pounds of meatballs, two packages of spaghetti, a mammoth bowl of salad and I was ready for the big shindig at our house… three birthdays at once. Four hours later all that is left is a pile of dirty dishes and snatches of…
A Prayer at Christmas for the Disconnected
Christmas hits the newcomer hard when roots are shallow and short, and the new community we’ve been plopped down in, is cold. If only my family was here, you say to yourself, then I could enter into the holidays with joy. I remember the sadness when…
Camp Hawkeye
I love to hear stories of organizations who make camp a reality for special needs kids. Camp Hawkeye, is one of them. I’m highlighting one unique camp that opened their arms to a boy from Canada. I hope you are encouraged as to how…
The Only Voice – 9/11 Anniversary 2017
What can you say about the cruelest tragedy ever to overtake this great country? Who can a person even begin to make sense of the aeronautic bomb rammed into the Twin Towers, workers fleeing Manhattan like third world refugees, family and friends begging the…
Marriage: Make it or Break it.
Andrea Merrell is one of my favorite editors at Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and a dear friend. When I heard she had a new book out I jumped at the chance to share it with my readers. I hope you enjoy her story…
Jane Jenkins Herlong – Guest Interview
Rhinestones on my Flip Flops As I do from time to time, I interview some of my favorite authors Jane Jenkins Herlong is one of those delightful writers whose ministry is to encourage using humor. She is a former Miss America contestant, best-selling author…
A Heart Set Free – by Janet Grunst
I am so excited to have Janet on my blog today. She is a remarkable person who never gave up her writing dream, even after 31 years. Best still, she recently won a Selah award for her book. A fun note- after meeting Janet…
World’s Worst Baker
Growing up in a family of six people, my mother worked hard to stretch the food budget. She majored in home economics and always made sure our meals were wholesome. But she was also a big proponent of having dessert with the evening meal.…
The Mean ’Ol Big Sister
Do you have a mean ’ol big brother or sister? They’re sometimes crummy to live with. Well, I need to confess that I have been that mean big sister. Confessing my story will insure readers will probably stop reading my blog. But, I have…
Drain The Swamp
I pray for a clean heart, God. “Drain the swamp,” is a national cry that was directed towards the corrupt politicians in Washington D.C. during our last national election. Both parties seem to be up to a lot of mischief as they freely spend…
The Golden Egg
Some weeks a guy just needs that golden egg. My grandson, one of the three Musketeers, had that kind of a week and on Easter he found that shiny metallic object while on an egg hunt with his cousins and siblings. It gleamed with…
Dead Calm, Dry Bones
I’m so happy to spotlight the latest adventure book by Eddie Jones. Jones is the publisher of Lighthouse Publishing and a fantastic YA and middle grade author in his own right. He has a passion to reach boys and help them become readers. I…
Writing is not glamorous except in the movies.
I recently talked to a doctor who was intrigued that I had written a couple of books. “Where do you write,” he asked? He told me he’s fascinating with where a novel is created. He cited one famous author who writes on trains and…
Does God Sing To Us?
I was half asleep when I heard the music. In my semi-awake state, I lay in bed, tried to recognize if it was a chorus of people singing or an ensemble of low pitched brass instruments. As someone who has had experience singing in…
How to Survive Parenting
As a parent, God gives us tools to cope. No, I’m not referring to Margaritas or binge watching your favorite Netflix series… I’m talking humor. Raising four kids… three who were teenagers at one time. I can remember a cryptic comment whispered in my…
We All Need a Cane
The ying and yang, the dark and light, the hot and cold, and yes, the old and the young. Life is made up of contrasts. It’s those opposite extremes that causes us to reflect on different seasons. While I was recently out in my…
Stretching the Budget Supernaturally
Some times the budget just doesn’t stretch far enough. It reaches to the weekly food bills, groans to accommodate insurance, gas, and whimpers to spit out enough for an occasional dinner out or haircut. But I have discovered that one way God provides in…
A Prayer at Christmas for the Disconnected
Christmas hits the newcomer hard when roots are shallow and short, and the new community we’ve been plopped down in, is cold. If only my family was here, you say to yourself, then I could enter into the holidays with joy. I remember the…
Everyone Needs An Aunt Joan
Well, she really isn’t our aunt, but growing up no one could explain to us four kids that she is one of those far-fetched cousins, so we just called her Aunt Joan. In my childhood she was the closest thing to a cool relative…
An ADD Woman’s Prayer
“Dear Lord, Thank you today for all my blessings- My husband and children, a warm house and the money to purchase a new sweater.” Dang that sweater. The label is digging into my neck and driving me crazy. I’ll run to the desk to…
The Lost Art of Harkening
Not a lot of talk about harkening. Haven’t read the word on anyone’s blog or heard a television anchorman slip it in during a news segment. When I hear the word, I picture it written in gold script, hidden in an obscure book that’s…
Gotta work hard for that candy!
Years and years ago when I was a kid, Halloween amounted to the pinnacle of ecstasy for any child… actually any child with a sweet tooth, which covers most. It was the one time of year when my siblings and I had all the…
Plan Our Life Backwards
If you and I live to be 90-years old, what would we like to have accomplished? What will people remember us for? Try backing up from the grave. What would we see as we looked at our past? Would we have been happy to…
Check out my visit to Life Lessons radio
I will be on Life Lessons Blog talk radio on Monday the 24 of October at 2:00 EST. Should be fun talking with host Rick Tocquigny. Listen in if you’re free. http://tunein.com/radio/Life-Lessons-p513506/
God’s people have never been perfect.
What I love about the bible is how the characters are real. Jesus wept. He was real but was perfect. Peter denied Christ. Timothy, the Apostle Paul’s protégé was timid. Rahab had a dark past as a prostitute. Moses had a temper and killed…
Trusting for Our Daily Bread – Manna, Maggots and Lollipops
When you’re five-years old, you love to run around the house in your underwear. It’s so convenient and comfortable. Oh, the freedom. Having only your Paw Patrol cartoon undies on, also makes it easy to hide snacks. The three little Musketeers at my daughter’s…
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Celebrate Lake Surrenders’s Birthday with a Contest
I get a kick out of celebrating moments and milestones in my life… So often we trudge through our everyday schedule, not recognizing all the wonderful blessings we’ve received. I’m in celebration mode. My book, Lake Surrender is two years old! And instead…
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The Pentagon
A woman had just pulled up into the parking lot of the Pentagon. A representative from the Herman Miller Furniture in Zeeland, West Michigan, she was preparing for a presentation as part of a plan to remodel some of the offices in the five…
I Love My Tribe
After a busy summer of selling a condo and welcoming two new grandbaby girls into the world, I am amazed at how fast we’ve reached the end of the season. I see my older grandchildren starting school for the first time and I’m wanting…
Stepping Outside the Box – Guest Blog – Debra Coleman Jeter
Debra Coleman Jeter is a YA (Young Adult) author who isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects. Today she shares her views on why Christian fiction shouldn’t shy away from difficult topics. Thanks Debra for sharing your thoughts and for writing what sounds like gripping…
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The Subtlety of God
Photo courtesy Watch and Pray Blog In previous generations people used to talk about how God speaks to them. You don’t hear about that much anymore. I’ve wondered why. Could it be that we aren’t paying attention? I lean towards that theory. With…
Lisa Lawmaster – Guest Interview
Today’s special guest is Lisa Lawmaster Hess who has written a variety of articles and books, both nonfiction and fiction taken from her experiences as a counselor and teacher. Let’s see what this transplanted Jersey girl who now lives in Pennsylvania has to say…
Kay Moser – Guest Blog
Anyone ever dare you to write a novel? I love hearing some of the unique and even off the wall ways novelist are inspired to write a story. Today I have one of the authors from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas who shares how…
Elegant Living
The following is a true moving horror story. If you have any you’d like to share, feel free to send them to me at contact@changingzipcodes.com. One of my goals of writing is to take the edge off of life’s troubles, especially moving. “Sure I…
Hospitality Counts
When did I lose my desire to be hospitable? I thought about the couple who came over to look at our condominium last Sunday. In the past I would make sure we had enough pop, snacks and water for guests who’d drop by or…
Living Like Lions – J.R. Duren – Guest Interview
I’ve asked J.R. Duren to drop by today. He’s written a book about men- from scientists, artists, presidents and missionaries- who have inspired others, to live boldly like lions. I love reading biographies and hope you will check out his book, Living Like Lions.…
A Dusty Picnic for One
It was the summer between my senior year in high school and freshman year in college. To earn money for college, I took a job as a third cook at a Girl Scout camp, located in the mountains above the Pacific Ocean. On one…
Interview with Character, Ally Cervantes
Ever tried to interview the protagonist of a novel, especially your own character? Here’s my stab at it. Let me introduce you to Ally Cervantes as interviewed by a local paper: A young twenty something young man, Jason Redding, newspaper reporter from The Traverse…
Kathryn Sue Moore – Guest Interview
I’m thrilled to be able to host Michigan author Kathryn Sue Moore today as it’s one of my favorite states. On top of that she writes about NASCAR, very big in North Carolina where I live. Combine that with a romance and you have…
Who’s in Charge of America’s Language?
This question came up a while ago when I was talking to my sister. I asked her if she remembered how when we were growing up, people who died, passed away. They changed places, not here but away, as in going away to one’s…
Showing a House
You want to see a sweet young mom turn into a raving manic? Or, a successful business man be reduced to a puddle of worry? Try listing and selling a house. A darling mama of two can overnight turn into the female version of…
Grits and Grace and God, Author – Martin Wiles Interview
If you like southern writers, you’ll enjoy this interview with Martin Wiles who has written Grits & Grace & God, a devotional offering spiritual truths. Hailing from South Carolina, he’s an associate editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and has a publishing record…
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Different Perspective
I walked into the guest bedroom early that morning only to see the orange quilt limp, without holding a tiny body. Where could a three year old go so quickly? But as I raised my eyes to the window sill I saw the heels…
Blooming Idiots
Today’s special guest is: Timothy Fountain I think you will enjoy Tim’s insights into a writer’s motivation to put pen to paper. He and his wife take care of an autistic son and lessons learned have turned into a book, Blooming Idiots to encourage…
The Woman of a Thousand Handshakes
This story is taken from my book, Changing Zip Codes. Since I love stories about unique people who make the world better, I thought I’d share her story. Pat moved to a new state and a new town, Wayne, Illinois. Hopeful for new friends,…
Storms
I’m introducing Norma Gail who is one of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolina’s popular authors. She shares some thoughts today. Norma Gail has recently lost her voice temporarily and yet her writing voice is loud and clear. She has written a beautiful story that…
Don’t judge me, Pinterest
I’m having a personal feud with Pinterest. Out of nowhere, dear Pinterest sends me a “pin” they thought I’d love to see. For those not initiated with this social media site, Pinterest is like an electronic billboard where people electronically attach pictures and articles…
Choose Worry or Creativity
To kick off Thursday’s writing tips and thoughts, I’m sharing a guest blog I wrote a few months ago. Worry and creative writing… the two don’t mix. It’s impossible. I can’t hold the two in my mind at the same time. It’s like water…
New Beginnings
Don’t you love new starts? I do. My blog really isn’t a new one as I used to blog about moving on Changing Zip Codes.com. My first website is still open for business but now that I am a novelist, I thought it might…
Cushioning Life’s Blows
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”~ Proverbs 18:24 Have you ever spent a night in a cheap motel? You inspect the drinking glasses to see if they are clean, check the tub for cockroaches and look under the bed for…
Trust. Lean. Submit.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) We have trouble in our life don’t we? We…
Juniper at Easter
Has anyone experienced the perfect life? Maybe. Surrounded by an adoring family, never touched by sickness, Juniper Sage, age five months, added an other-worldly serenity to our family. Her little pouty lip was more often than not turned up into a smile as someone…
Prismatic Prospects – Favorite Reads 2015
I am humbled as I have been chosen by Prismatic Prospects Annual Book Awards as one of the “Favorite Reads for 2015.” Over the moon and very grateful for being on the list! Here’s the link: https://prismaticprospects.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/lake-surrender-by-carol-grace-stratton/
The Cup Speaketh
This was first published in Southern Writer’s Magazine’s blog in Dec. 2014. I’m sharing it today to remind us not to take anyone’s opinion too seriously. God can certainly override, and he does. The Cup Speaketh I held a caramel latte in my right…
In remembrance of Juniper.
In celebration of a tiny life. Juniper would have been a year today. “My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8) I slipped out of the office to take a short walk on my lunch hour and stretch my…
Guest blogger – Amy KD Tobik, editor for “Autism Parenting Magazine”
I’m very indebted to Amy KD Tobik, editor for “Autism Parenting Magazine,” who is guest blogger today. She interviewed Temple Grandin, who has autism and is one of the world experts on autism. Her advice is not only for parents who have children on…
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David Stearman – Guest Author
I am hosting one of the new authors for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’. David is a songwriter and recording artist who is writing about the price of fame and how people choose when they are successful “Hot” is doing well and should be…
God’s Strength Keeps Me Going
Isaiah 41:10 I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Most days I groan as I hear the alarm buzz an hour before I think I need to get up. Those stiff muscles remind me I don’t just bounce out of bed…
Andrea Merrell – Guest Blog
I have been looking forward to hosting my friend Andrea as she launches her book on prodigals. A subject near to my heart, when I heard about her book I kept exhorting Andrea to finish it quickly! So many hurting parents need to know…
Guest blogger and author – Carol Heilman
I’m delight to introduce a fellow LPC author. Carol will be launching her book January 22 when readers will meet the feisty seasoned citizen Agnes Hopper who decides to shake up the assisted living facility where she lives and take no prisoners. As many…
The Break of Midnight – Danielle Pasqua
I’m not a poet but I can appreciate the beauty of a good poem. My friend, Danielle Pasqua, has penned a gem to help us reflect the past year and as we thing about dreams that will inspire us for next year. My prayer…
Guest Interview: Sandra Ardoin
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer? A: Writing is something that was in the back of my mind since elementary school, but I was always too afraid to put my imagination on paper for someone else to find. I…
The Money Jar – by Sandra Merville Hart
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 When I was about nine, my…
Guest Interview – Yvonne Lehman
I am thrilled to have Yvonne Lehman as a guest this week on my blog. She is a beloved author and founder of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. Please enjoy reading about her journey as a writer as she encourages us. If…
