I'm Getting Back to the Heart of Blogging...

Portrait of Faith

That worships song about "getting back to the heart of Worship" keeps playing through my mind on the first day of this new year! I know my focus on this blog has strayed over the months, mainly because of trying to make it something it's not supposed to be and gain the appoval of man. So with the new year comes new hopes and dreams nicely packaged as resolutions.

I haven't figured them all out yet, but for one, this blog will get back to the heart of what God wants me to write about. Encouraging other writing moms (and dads if you're readers). So there'll be less Memes, less WFMWs, less striving to please.

But there will be more inteviews with writing moms, (Lisa Samson and Susan May Warren top the list in the new year), more about my writing and faith journey, more about family, and more about life as I see it. More truth, more struggles, more failures, more triumphs, more victories in every area of my life. So if you've been with me for any amount of time, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your comments have encouraged me to keep going down the road God has called me.

There'll be a change coming in blog address and design, but the heart and content of this blog will remain the same. I hope you'll follow me, but most important I hope you'll follow Jesus.

I'm getting back to the heart of blogging. What about you?

Thank You!

I'm am totally up lifted and encouraged by the comments on this post! Knowing God's will is hard enough, but stepping out in faith to do what He has called me to do even when it's not very popular is tough.

Several people have really blessed my soul through their kind and generous words, and I am truly thankful. Your comments have reinforced my initial purpose for this blog. To share my journey in an honest and real way.

I must confess, for a while I did get side tracked by seeking praise and glory from man. But I'm trying to get my focus back. Thanks to all who've helped me. Know that you too have blessed someone in the blogosphere by your comments! And thanks to God whose always faithful and patient enough to wait on me, even when my eyes and heart stray.

Christmas To Do List Update

Well it wasn't on my to do list, but I just spent the entire day cooking for a small dinner party. Now I'm too exhausted and too stuffed to do anything else but go to bed! (Though it is kind of early and I can get some good reading time in. )I guess staying up to 3:30am trying to figure out how to export my email address book to my gmail account could have something to do with my exhaustion.

It's almost the new year and I don't feel like I've accomplished half of what I wanted to. Let's check the list and see.

Set up my website www.ginaconroy.com
I'm still struggling with finding the right host for my domain. I started out with Hosting Matters, then switched to A Small Orange, then to Go Daddy and now I'm looking at DotEasy. Does anyone use any of these and if so, what do you think?

Transfer my blogs to my website
Obviously can't do this without first setting up a website!

Put last year's Christmas photos in the Christmas album
Yeah! I also developed this years Christmas photos and plan on spending most of the day and night, Friday and Saturday cropping. I'd also like to put Chris' Narnia photos in his album.

Finish writing my mystery novella Um, still working on this, but hubby said I could lock myself away in a hotel next weekend to do this.

Finish writing my juvenile adventure series with my boys
My boys are too busy playing endless hours of PS2, but I think I'll print out what I have and let Chris read it tomorrow. I'm sure he'll have tons of suggestions!

Figure out curriculum for next semester, especially where Timmy needs to be in Math
This one is probably the most important and the one I've been putting off. It shouldn't take me more than an afternoon. But which afternoon?

Finish reading The Box Car Children to Timmy and Grace
Chris finished reading this book to Timmy!

Read The Sign of the Beaver to Chris and Joey and do the unit study
I'll probably focus on this the first week back to school.

Straighten up my desks
[Looking around at the clutter surrounding me]

One thing I did do that wasn't on my list was to transfer my email and send everyone a new email notification. So I'm crossing it off my list.

I probably should tackle one or two things on this list tomorrow morning, but I'll most likely spend the morning on my elliptical exercise machine and getting all my supplies ready to scrapbook. I'm almost dreading going, knowing how much I have to do, but I will also be relieved when I come home an album full of photos instead of blank pages!

So How was Your Christmas?

Portrait of Faith, Family, Fun

Ours was very quiet, though I still stayed busy doing mom things! Christmas Eve we attended church in the morning and then took our 80 plus year old adopted neighbor grandparents to lunch. We are so blessed to have them! They're like family and our kids have grown up with them and call them grandma and grandpa.

After lunch we relaxed at home. Then around 4pm I started cooking and the boys watched White Christmas. Nothing elaborate, but I did stick with the traditional Italian cuisine. Fish and pasta. De-veining the shrimp took a while, so I sent the kids Christmas Caroling with hubby. The day before we delivered cookies and carols to several of our neighbors. One lady was so blessed, tears came to her eyes. After the last house, Timmy wanted to sing more carols, bue we had plans to go bowling and eat dinner. We told him we'd do more caroling tomorrow (Christmas Eve) but he was so upset that he sulked for a good 30 minutes.

When the family got back from caroling on Christmas Eve, they told me stories of this one house where the black lady was so excited and gave them each $2. She said, "You kids just made my day. You're coming back next year, aren't you?" I'm so glad we've carried on this caroling tradition and my kids liked it as much as I did when I was little. The only thing missing was snow.

We had our traditional candlelight dinner and afterwards we played the "Minister's Cat." Then we gathered in the livingroom for hot chocolate and cookies in front of the fire. We took down our stockings and read the letters we wrote to Jesus each year since the kids were two. The kids really got a kick out of reading what they wrote and were thankful for. Chris couldn't believe he thanked Jesus for Joey one year, and Joey laughed at how he spelled "Juses."

We finished the last of our Christmas countdown prayer chain, read "The Crippled Lamb" and did some adornments. Then it was time for bed.

That night hubby and I hid the presents for a new tradition. Chris was the first one up at 6:20am. Okay, I did say they could wake us up anytime AFTER 6am, but I didn't think they'd actually wake up that early. We told him to come back at 7am. Funny how the one kid who sleeps until 10 am on a school day can get up at 6am Christmas morning.

At 7am, the kids came downstairs and we re-enacted the Christmas Story. Grace was Mary, Timmy was Joseph, Joey was a shepherd (who really got into his part) and Chris was a wise man.

Then we hunted for presents like the wise man looked for the King of the Jews. I haven't asked how they like hunting for their presents, but they sure looked like they had fun.

After I cooked a pancake puff for breakfast, *See recipe below, I cleaned up and vowed NOT to cook until the new year. The morning was quiet. Both hubby and I were exhausted and I was physically sore from using my early Christmas present (an elliptical exercise machine) and cooking all afternoon. Later I tried to take a nap, but only squeezed out an hour of shut eye.

The rest of the afternoon and evening was the spent the way I love to spend Christmas, doing nothing. The only thing that I didn't get a chance to do was spend quiet time with the birthday boy. Though at dinner we did have a cake and sing happy birthday to Jesus.

Even though it was a restful day, it didn't feel like Christmas. I guess when I mean "feel like Christmas" I'm remembering the magical Christmas of my youth, filled with extended family, food and fun. Nowadays Christmas is a lot more work than fun. Making the holiday memorable for the kids is exhausting and I couldn't wait for some down time.

I got some down time today and spent it at a scrapbook store, putting last year's Christmas photos in an album. Then I met the family for dinner. Then we all went home and the big kids watched It's a Wonderful Life with hubby and I while the little ones played PS2. We stopped the movie half way through at 9:30pm.

I'm hoping to get some more quiet time this week and finally be able to spend some time with the reason for the season. But right now I need to help hubby put the kids to bed!

Who is Jesus?

Portrait of Faith, Letting Go

If you spend any amount of time browsing or reading this blog you know this question is not referring to my fundamental belief that Jesus is the Son of God.

So who is Jesus, to you?

Is He still a tiny baby in a manger who you think about once or twice a year? Someone you pray to only when you want something, and when your life isn't going as planned?

Is He a friend in time of need, someone who sticks closer than a brother? Someone who's there for you when everyone else seems not to care?

Is He your Savior? Someone who knows the ugliness of your sin, and loves you enough to take on your sin so you could be reconciled with God?

Is He your Lord? Someone you've surrendered your life to? Someone you not only love, but strive to be like and serve?

Jesus has been all these to me at different stages in my life, but right now I need Him to be Lord over my life.

I'm hoping to re-establish Jesus' lordship over my life this next year. I've fallen into some laziness and bad habits in certain areas of my life which have kept me from experiencing the fullness that God has for me. I believe if Jesus regains control of these areas in my life than I will be back on the path He has for me.

So who is Jesus?

If you don't know, now might be a good time to figure it out.

A Gift From Above

(c) Gina Conroy
October 25, 1990

While asking the Lord what I should write for this Sunday, He reminded me of a Chritmas song I wrote over 15 years ago. Though you won't be able to hear the tune over the internet, may the words reach down deep into your soul!

A Gift From Above

Little eyes full of compassion
Little hands that would grow strong
Little heart full of love and tenderness
that would right all of man's wrong.

Who would have guessed such a little baby
could be a great gift from above.
How generous was the giver?
How great was His love?

What was it like to leave your mighty throne?
To come down to a desolate land and walk alone?
What were you thinking, how great was your love?
To leave your Heavenly home above?

Eyes full of forgiveness.
Hands stretched upon the cross.
A heart carrying all our sin
and paying the final cost.

Who would have guessed that the Lord
would give his life for me.
And what greater gift was there to give
then his blood upon that tree.

What was it like to leave your mighty throne?
To come down to a desolate land and walk alone?
What were you thinking, how great was your love?
I'm glad you left your home above!

May the true spirit of Christmas reign in your heart today and always!

Blogger or Writer?

Portrait of Writing, Letting Go



I have a confession to make. Okay, well it's not actually a NEW confession because I've stated it here at Portrait of a Writer many times.

There's a HUGE little part of me that needs daily comments validation from you people, and I could probably delve into my dysfunctional past to tell you all the reasons why, but I won't.

But whenever I visit the popular blogs and see their loads of comments every so often the little voice in my head whispers, "only three comments on your post, you can do better then that. Go leave a bunch of comments and maybe they'll come over to your side."

Then there's the urge to keep up my blogging relationships. To stop in and comment because it's been a while, and if I don't they might not be my blogging friend any more. I know that no one else has felt that way, right?

Well, while driving the other day I think I've finally been freed of my competitive bloggingness, or at least the chains have been loosened a little.

I had a revelation amidst the backseat chatter and bickering.

I'm not really a blogger.

I'm a writer who blogs.

Taking the mundane and spinning it into a funny tale is not my forte. I usually tell it like it is without all the bells and whistles, straight up without the sugar coating found on many of the entertaining blogs.

Most of my creative energy is spewed on the pages of my novel, so when it comes time to my blog, I relax a little and let down my hair. (Yeah, I know this post is full of cliches, but that's what I love about blogging, I can write without having to follow a bunch of rules.)

If you want plot twists and interesting characters (at least I think so) then I can do that. My blog stories may never make you laugh, but you can be sure they'll be full of truth and honesty.

I also realized that I really don't fit into any blogging niche. That's why I started Writer...Interrupted. A blog/webring for writers who are interrupted in their craft by daily living. I guess I'm slowly realizing that God didn't call me to fit in, and I may never get the comments I crave, but that's okay. I'm where God wants me to be.

I'm a writer who blogs, not a blogger who writes and that suits me just fine!

But please leave me a comment, just in case! :) !

For more writers who blog, or bloggers who write visit the Carnival of Christian Writers.

Christmas Version of First Cornithians 13

Portrait of Christmas, Faith
Not sure who the writer of this is, but wanted to pass it along.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas!!

Charlotte's Web

I've read the book recently and own the cartoon version which I love, but big screen version of Charlotte's Web left me asking "what's missing and why didn't I love it?"

If you want a rave review of the movie go here. If you want my honest opinion, stick around.

I took my four kids to see it thinking it would appeal more to the younger kids. My 12 year old son almost fell asleep, and my four year old girl who sits through LONG movies, was a bit squirmy. It's definitely not an action packed fast moving movie.

I hate to admit it, but I was a bit bored myself. The scenery was beautiful, the animals whimsical and funny, and Fern was...well, Dakota Fanning. What more can I say? It was hard getting used to Julia Roberts as Charlotte when I was very used to the cartoon version of a gentler, prettier Charlotte. Wilbur was adorable and warmed my heart!

But over all the story dragged. I guess owning the cartoon version spoiled us all because there weren't any songs to keep the movie moving. I wanted to break out singing "Chin up, Chin up...", "A fair is a vertual smorgasborg" and "Zuckerman's Famous Pig..."

On the positive side I found that this Wilbur was not as whinny as the cartoon version and the book (which I was glad) ,but the lack of whine made Wilbur's threat of death not as imminent. I really didn't feel the danger. I think they could have played Wilbur's fear up a bit, but instead he seemed to simply trust Charolette to save his life. Though I do admit I was a little distracted at times by Gracie bouncing on my lap.

The ending didn't disappoint though. I was touched by Charlotte's words as she was dying, how Wilbur made an ordinary spider into something beautiful. It was one theme I hadn't felt in the book or cartoon version. The fact that Wilbur really did make Charlotte's life brighter. And I must confess, my 12 year old and I both cried when Charolette died, but don't tell him I told you.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably rent the movie and skip the theatre so my little one wouldn't have to be confined to her seat or my lap. But if you just love the book and have to see it on the big screen, then go for it. But I suggest paying the matinee price. I was glad I only paid $2.50 a person!

Fall Into Reading Wrap Up

Portrait of Books

Wow! What an awesome challenge! I'm a competitive person so this challenge really helped me focus on the books I said I would read. When it came time to pick up another fiction book, I heard that little voice (don't know if it was Katrina's or not) but it said, "Your non-ficiton book list has barely been touched." That's when I picked up a non-fiction book and FINISHED it.

I'm not sure if I actually read more books because of the challenge because part of my goal as a writer is to read lots of diffferent books, but the challenge did keep me more focused and I was driven to finish the books I chose faster than I normally would.

The challenge did push me to finish up my non-fiction books as well as my read-a-loud with the kids. I actually started two read-a-louds last week because I wanted to be able to say I was reading them when it came time to post my results!

Though I didn't make it through all my books (I do plan to finish many of them over the Christmas break) I did put a good dent in my TBR (to be read) pile.

Thanks Katrina for this great challenge.

Non-fiction:

The Mom I Want to be by Suzie Eller
Heartfelt Discipline by Clay Clarkson

Fiction:

My goal for fiction is to read what I'm hoping to write and also some of the books by the new author friends I met at ACFW.

Abduction by Wanda Dyson
Distant Echoes by Colleen Coble
Invitation to Murder by Elizabeth Bright Book I could have lived without
My Life as a Doormat by Rene Gutteridge
Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary E. DeMuth Definitely a must read
Wishing on Dandelions by Mary E. DeMuth
The Wedding Caper by Janice A. Thompson...I confess I switched out this book for Hazardous Duty because I promised to review it and thought the other book could wait.

My top pick for my ficiton list would be Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary E. DeMuth. I'm a very picky reader and don't rave about many books, but this one I couldnm't put down. Nine year old Mara captured my hear with her unique poetic voice and kept me reading to the very end. It's definitely a must read!

Bible study:

I'm currently working on this one and hope to finish it before Christmas.

Expereincing Christ Within by Dwight Edwards...another confession, I hardly touched this series. I think because it's such a deep and contemplative read, I want to be assured I have uninterrupted time to read it, which hasn't happened much this fall.

Read-alouds: This will encompass different people(mom, dad, babysitter, big kids) reading aloud to different kids.

Little Pilgrims's Progress by Helen Taylor
The Sign of the Beaver Unit Study by Elizabeth George Speare ...I'm reading this with my 9 and 12 year old and we're on chapter four and plan to finsih it over Christmas break.

Stink the Amazing Shrinking Kid
The Boxcar Children #1 ...I'm reading this to Timmy (6) and Grace (4) when she listens. We're a couple of chapters from the end and it's the first chapter book Timmy can really follow.

So, what do you think? I think I did pretty good for a busy, stressed out, homeschooling mom of four!!

To see all the participants and to visit their Fall Into Reading Challenge lists, click HERE.

My Chrsitmas Break To Do List

In no particular order

Set up my website www.ginaconroy.com

Transfer my blogs to my website

Put last year's Christmas photos in the Christmas album

Finish writing my mystery novella

Finish writing my juvenile adventure series with my boys

Figure out curriculum for next semester, especially where Timmy needs to be in Math

Finish reading The Box Car Children to Timmy and Grace

Read The Sign of the Beaver to Chris and Joey and do the unit study

Straighten up my desks

So needless to say, while I'm doing all this my blogging and blog reading will be limited. If you don't see me aroung blogville everyday, don't worry, I'll be catching up in the new year with a great new look, hopefully!

So what do you have planned over the holiday break!!!

It was supposed to be a quiet evening...

No gymnastics. No play practice. Just a quiet evening at home doing some Christmasy stuff.

Then Grace pulls the "I'm afraid of monsters card" like she does every other night. Hubby puts Grace to bed because Grace clings to me like a baby chimp and won't let go if I put her to bed.

Joey and Chris are still awake, waiting for hubby to take them Christmas shopping? Whose bright idea was it to go Christmas shopping on a school night when the boys have been sleeping in until ten every morning.

Joey throws a fit when daddy says it's too late to go because it's 8:30 pm.

I'm exhausted, nursing a stuffy nose, itchy eye, occassional sneezing fit, allergy head (funny thing, didn't know I had allergies) trying to enjoy a cup of 99% caffiene free cocoa that's been sitting in my cabinet for years. (BTW, it tasted great!)

My nine-year-old is still whinning, throwing around words like "you promised", which hubby didn't, and "you need to be true to your word."

Joey's my perfectionist who goes into irrational mode when things aren't right. So how do you talk logic to an emotional basket case? How do you explain to him things come up, plans change, life happens! (Right this minute, he's out of his bed whinning and retrying his case and my patience. We're trying not to engage him in an arguement, but he's standing firm literally, and refusing to budge.)

So all you parenting experts, what would you do in a situation like this? My husband just escorted him into the other room. We'll see if that does the trick.

Enter Grace. "I want you. I was waiting for you. And I'm sick of it when I'm waiting." (Gee, hear myself in that last statement!)

"I'll be up in a minute..." So much for a quiet evening.

In Due Time

Portrait of Faith, Trials

I received this devotional in my inbox from the daily Tozer devotionals from Literature Ministries International. It came at just the right time for me. Maybe it's also a good time for you!

Trials and Pain: Not Yet "Due Time"

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come
forth as gold. --Job 23:10

God has said He will exalt you in due time, but remember, He is
referring to His time and not yours!

Some of you are actually in a fiery furnace right now. You are in a
special kind of spiritual testing. The pastor may not know it and
others may not know it, but you have been praying and asking the
Lord: "Why don't you get me out of this?"

In God's plan it is not yet "due time." When you have come through
the fire, God will get you out and there will not be any smell of
smoke on your garment and you will not have been harmed.

The only harm that can come will be from your insistence that God
must get you out sooner than He plans.

The Lord has promised to exalt you in due time and He has always
kept His promises to His people.

As children, we can always afford to wait. A saint of God does not
have to be concerned about time when he is in the will of God.
I Call It Heresy! pp. 116-117

"Lord, I pray this morning for anyone who is 'actually in a fiery
furnace right now.' Give great grace to endure until the 'due time'
when You bring release and exaltation. Amen."

For more information about LMI: http://lmi.gospelcom.net/

Tina Ann Forkner

Introducing a wonderful mom, writer and friend. Tina and I got to know each other through email, both of us writing against a deadline and asking for prayer. Then I got to meet her at ACFW and heard her testimony for the first time, and was immediately taken to her sweet and honest spirit. Her writing, mothering thoughts have greatly inspired and challenged me and I know they'll bless you!

Welcome Tina Forkner!

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

I think the politically correct term to call us is still “Blended.” If you’ve heard of Sandy Patti’s book, Life in the Blender, that’s us, but we only have three kids. As for my call to write, I’ve felt it since I was a little kid.

Tell me a about your recent contracts and up coming releases.

I recently signed my first two-book contract with Waterbrook Press, a division of Random House. The first book, Ruby Among Us, is a contemporary women’s fiction novel dealing with intergenerational relationships between mothers and daughters and is tentatively due out next year. I’m excited about this book, which explores the dual nature of God’s permissiveness and providence in the lives of its characters.

What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has?

Pray desperately. Really! My husband is also a huge encouragement to me. He nudges me out of bed every morning on time because he knows that once kids are around, I won’t be able to concentrate.

If I really need a break from writing, I will take the kids to breakfast or talk my husband into being lazy and drinking morning coffee with me. It’s a good way to get him to goof off. Those left-brainers are too serious sometimes.

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, working full time, and keeping in shape?

Absolutely. I really do. Except for the keeping in shape part.

I think it’s a matter of priorities and making sure our families comes first, and then having the confidence to filter out all the garbage we hear that makes us feel guilty.

How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?

You would have to ask my husband and kids, but I pray a lot. I also try to stay organized, but am not very good at it. Here’s a tip to share with moms. Recently I came up with a plan for dinners. I made up several meals and froze them for later in the month. Now my mom is getting into it and sending me all kinds of four step recipes that are fast, as well as ideas about what freezes well. At least I feel more prepared this month. And last week when I was asked to provide a meal for a family in need, I was able to pull it out of the freezer and take it over. That was fun, because normally I would say no to something like that due to time constraints. Does anyone else have good links or tips to share with all of us about bulk or simple cooking?

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?

I’m not really the kind of person who sits around listening for the voice, but I try to be in tune with Him in everything I do. It’s so easy for me to get caught up doing everything my way, so I have to check in often and make sure I’m not taking the whole world on my shoulders when I don’t have to. Sometimes it helps to just take a walk and get away from everything.

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?

Cry. It really helps for awhile. But then I start cutting things out. My husband is very good about setting priorities, so he encourages me to say no often and I take his advice! I can take on short-term commitments with the kids’ school, church, etc., but everything else I say no to. I have to because writing is a job, even if it’s a fun one.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

Yes, temporarily. That would have been when I was a single mom. That probably explains it all. But even when I wasn’t writing, I was always thinking about it.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

No, never. But I have felt that I have “missed” God inside of my writing. It’s been hard to figure out how to write about faith. In more recent years, my personal faith journey has really started to show up in my work.

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?

Typically my husband nudges me out of bed at 5am and I’m in my office by 5:30 (most mornings). I write until 7:30am when it’s time to do the mom thing. After the morning school drop off, I have a little over an hour to write more before I go to work outside of my home. I devote evenings to family and rarely write at night, but yes I sometimes feel like I’m neglecting my children by working, whether writing or outside of the home. But logically, I know I am not.

It’s very hard to find a supportive system sometimes, but there are many folks out there who support us moms who have other “work” to do in addition to raising our children. Writing can be especially difficult because it’s so creative and requires lots of emotional stamina. This site, Mom Interrupted, is a great place to find encouragement, as is the site www.momsatwork.org. There is a great article at the Moms @ Work site about a gal named Cheri Kaufman. She isn’t a writer, but the way she manages her time is really inspiring (she also sort of looks like me. LOL).


How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I’ll assume you mean day to day. I don’t answer my phone and I am learning to keep the internet off while I’m writing. But when the kids knock on the door, I see to their needs because if not, they’ll just keep coming back.

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

Sometimes the time is gone and I just shut everything down. Sometimes I read a book because after all, it is work! The most effective way is to have my husband run interference while I sit back down and start pecking at the keys.

Tell me about how you got your first “writing break.”

Well, it was obviously what they call a “God thang.” I got in contact with my agent through a relative and the day he called and asked if he could represent me was an exciting day. He did all the work and when the initial call about my book contract came, I was at work. I borrowed the Executive Conference room, hoping my boss (the CEO!) wouldn’t walk in at that moment. I was supposed to be answering his phone! The call was surreal and I tried to play it cool, but inside I was turning cartwheels. There were a few more big calls before things were official. The moment I put pen to paper I was at home with my husband. That is when we both knew it was real.

What do you write and why this genre?

I write fiction about women. I choose to write in this genre because I’m interested in interactions and relationships between women, especially intergenerational.
My mom has four sisters, plus all her sisters-in-law, so maybe growing up around all that
estrogen is what shaped my genre.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

Oh goodness. I don’t know. I think that if someone reads one of my novels and realizes they are still ok, or that they can still be accepted by God, I would be happy. I hope people can identify with my characters, even if it’s on a deeper level they won’t ever admit. If someone reads one of my books and decides not to be condemning of women in difficult circumstances, I would be even happier.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are where you were six months ago?

Normally I don’t have advice, but as moms we’ve all been there haven’t we? Sharing is what helps. I would say put your family first no matter what. Nothing is more important than family, not even writing if it’s your heart’s desire. I know it doesn’t always work out exactly how we want it to, but for me what happened was when my husband saw me making sacrifices of myself and not of my family, he started to respect my work ethic and jumped on board to support me.

For me, because I also work outside of the home, I feel called to sacrifice sleep instead of time with my family. Now, it’s not uncommon for my husband and family to offer me extra time to write. My husband uses that time to bond with the kids, but I’ll probably be getting up early for a long time yet.

For other moms, it might be staying up late or writing while their kids are asleep. I have honestly written while nursing or while my baby slept in her front carrier on my chest. That might be considered desperate, but you do what you have to do. Get rid of the guilt by putting the kids first and then you have nothing to feel guilty about. Find extra time. It has to be there. And if it isn’t then maybe it’s one of those tough times when God is asking you to simplify and writing might have to go, but only for a season.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Only that I like your site very much and I am honored you invited me for an interview! Hang in there writing moms. As you already know, there is nothing more important than your callings as Moms. Whether you are home schooling moms, stay-at-work moms,
Stay-at-home moms, step-moms, grand moms, it doesn’t matter. Being a mom is number one and writing comes after that. If you keep at it, God will reward your efforts.

Oh, and if you get a chance, please take a peek at my interview over at www.noveljourney.blogspot.com. I’m also playing around with my own blog. It’s www.tinaannforkner.blogspot.com

Happy Writing!!

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and wisdom with me. May God bless you as you write, raise your children and pursue His calling in your life.

Decking Those Halls, Again!

Well, I'm really not doing any more decorating, just thought I'd download a few more photos for your viewing pleasure and my families documentation. It's been a couple of years since I put our Christmas photos in the Christmas album. But I plan on doing that sometime over Christmas break!

So if you haven't clicked the link above yet, thanks for staying to the end of my schpiel and go here now!

I'm Dreaming of a FRIGHT Christmas?

Our family has been having interesting dreams lately?

Last night I dreamt it was Chrsitmas Eve and I forgot to get wrap Grace's presents were still in the attic.

Two nights ago Chris dreamt they added a new scene to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and he was freaking out on stage.

And several days ago Grace dreamt about monsters. Yes, she's still afraid of them, and we still have to tie up her closet door with shoelaces. But in this dream she said, "the monsters just stood there and I said, 'Merry Christmas.'"

Objectional Content?

Imagine my surprise when I checked my referral links and found this...

Notify Blogger about objectionable content. What does this mean? ... has been a ceramic sculpture of Santa Claus kneeling down worshiping the baby Jesus. ...



My blog? Objectional content? I think someone is referring to this post. Am I missing something here? So what's the consensus. Objectional content or not?

Decking My Halls Boo Mama Style

Welcome to our humble home where Jesus is the reason, and not just for the season. I spent the whole day cleaning Merry Maids recently cleaned and I baked for hours my babysitter made some cookies though not the ones shown, they were picked up from a bakery and it's a good thing because you probably don't want my baking! So grab yourself a warm drink and make yourself at home.



There are traces of Christmas in rooms throughout our home, but our formal living room holds the bulk of our Christmas cheer.

Here's my favorite Christmas decoration!
But my kids prefer the dancing Santa that sings Jingle Bell Rock and shakes his booty!


Their second favorite decoration is this set(s) of tic tac toe.

Here's how we countdown to Christmas along with my kids nativity made from Pringles cans! Snowman and Santa are really trying to get into the Word!

We collect Christmas books each year, but they're usually piled on the end table in our livingroom. Then I got the idea to display them around our end table. What do you think?

My mother made me a stocking when I was a little girl, and I continued the tradition by making most of the stockings. Can you tell which two I didn't make, but hope to embellish one day?

A couple of years ago I found four matching pajamas, and I had a photographer come out to my house to capture Christmas morning. We got a great photo, though it was after Christmas and I had to wrap empty boxes, Grace kept swiping Santa's cookies, the one photo I really wanted of them sleeping by the fireplace didn't turn out well, and we all felt like the Grinch by the time it was over.

I grew up with a real tree dripping with eclectic ornaments my mom gave us every year, tinsel and charm, but several years ago we made the switch to an artificial tree. We kept the ornament tradition and lost the tinsel (had to appease hubby) Curious as to why I caved in to getting a fake tree? That's another story!

FYI, or ICYC (in case you care) my kids have a really teeny tiny mini Christmas tree in each of their rooms with a baby Jesus underneath. It's only fitting, since He's the best gift we can receive at Christmas.

Here's the nativity my boys played with when they were younger. I just found it mostyly intact (the manger is missing) and now it's in Grace's room.


On top of our borrowed piano that hardly gets played sits the children's first Christmas photos. Chris and Joey with a very Veggie Manger...

And Timmy and Gracie.
Last year I finally figured out a theme for my kitchen. Snowmen! Before that it was a hodge podge of Christmas decor! So here's a homeschooling mom's attempt to Christmasify her kitchen, though on most days the counter and table is clutter with school books. My kitchen has a few other subtle decorations, but trust me, it's not worth spending your tour time on!

Grace made this cute little snowman with her foot print while in preschool a couple of years ago. That's where I got the snowman theme idea! I'll spare you the rest of the snowman bathroom dollar store decor.

If you've made it this far, thanks for stopping by! And Santa Claws is really happy he can get out of his costume now! And if you're still in touring spirit, visit the rest of the participants.

Christmas Caroling

As a child of about ten years old, one of my favorite things about Christmas going Christmas Caroling on Christmas Eve. ALong with the neighbors we'd bundle up in our winter coats and take our candles with tinfoil holders, caroling music sometimes tucked under our arms. Then the five or six us us would trek out while it was still light and start knocking.

When the door opened we burst into an off key tune, singing our Christmas hearts out in hopes of blessing others and getting a little monetary blessing ourselves.

I remember one year standing out in the cold and singing, only to be asked inside to sing to a huge table full of Christmas celebrators. Though extremely nervous, we belted out our song and basked in the glow of applause.

As we went house to house, year after year, we had our fair share of thrills. One year one of our tinfoil candle holder caught on fire! What a finally to our Christmas carols that was and we still ended up getting a little money for our efforts.

I'm sure getting money was part of the motivation to go door to door, but so was bringing joy to others. In fact, one year all of us donated our money (or at least half of it...my memory is fading in this area) to the church.

Over the years I've often wanted to go caroling with my children in our neighborhood, but I'm not sure if we'd be accepted. Have times changed that much? Maybe I have changed and have lost my gene for adventure. Though my kids are almost old enough to start out on their own. I hope one day the idea will catch on and they will pick up the tradition I started almost 30 years ago.

And next time you hear the off key melody of Silent Night pounding through your front door, please open it with a smile and invite the carolers in. Oh, and don't forget to slip them a five and Merry Christmas on the way out!

Christmas Wrapping Made Easy

Portrait of WFWM


In the past I had just wrapped my four kids' presents and put the name tags on them , then I'd seperate them into piles for each child. It made opening presents with four kids less chaotic on Christmas morning.

Then a couple of years ago I started selecting different wrapping paper for each child. No pesky name tags, and I can just throw the presents underneath the tree. The different wrapping paper is easy to find. Of course, it's important to remember which paper goes with which kid so I just keep a sample with their names on it hidden until Christmas morning.

This year I'm trying something different with Christmas morning since we really don't emphasize Santa. I'll be putting the presents under the tree BEFORE Christmas and on Christmas Eve I'm going to hide them all over the room. So we'll start off with the Christmas story and emphasize how the wise men sought after Christ, the greatest gift of all. Then I'll give them their little scrap of wrapping paper and let them go find their presents.

I'm hoping it's gonna work for us! For more great ideas go here.