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Last Tribute, Poem “Mama Was” by Virginia Archer

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 24, 2014

This is the last blog post this year honoring mothers and daughters in May. Virginia Archer occasionally sends me poems and I asked her to send me a few honoring her mother. I chose, “Mama Was.”

Mama Was

Mama was a country girl

…living most of her life on the farm.

She tried to live in such a way

to never caused anyone harm.

Mama was a private person

but you couldn’t ask for a better friend.

She never turned away anyone in need

…no matter what it cost in the end.

Mama was a good provider

…making sure we had plenty to eat.

Even though we had very little money

she often gave is special treats.

Mama was a loving mother,

and it was seen in the way she lived.

Not one to give out hugs and kisses,

but we felt the love she would give.

Mama was a faithful Christian,

…serving God in her quiet way…

showing more by her actions

than by what she had to say.

Mama was sorely missed,

and has been since she passed away.

Her Father called her home in ’76,

on a Saturday before Mother’s Day.

Virginia Archer

05-11

Thank you for sharing this, Virginia. If you enjoyed this, leave a comment for Virginia.–Lyn

What is Your Most Treasured Memory of Your Children or Mother?

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 22, 2014

One More Chance to Reminisce

This is the last week of May, the month that I honor mothers and daughters on my “Strong Women, Brave Stories” blog. Today I want to share my most treasured memory of my children, in fact, I’ll share two.

I’d love it if you would share a treasured memory of your children too. If you haven’t been a mom, please share a treasured memory of your mother.

My treasured memory

takes place when we lived in Iowa. It was December and my son (around 7) and my daughter (around 4) had been invited across the street to a birthday party. Thirty years ago, everyone “dressed” for a party so I duded my kids in their Sunday best and winter coats and sent them off. In parting, I told my son to watch over his sister and bring her home safe.

Well, as mothers do, I got busy taking care of chores while they were gone. Finally it felt like time for them to be home. I looked out the window and was surprised to see that an unexpected snowstorm had started while I’d been busy.

Another glance out the window provided me with an image I’ll never forget. My son was walking backwards into the wind. His back was plastered with snow that was pelting him almost horizontally.

He had both arms outstretched around his sister who was huddled within them, facing him. They were inching their way home. The image of my son protecting his little sister (who was usually his rival) touched my heart. I will never forget it.

The second memory is just a glimpse in time.

Again it was winter and I woke in the night and as always went to check my children. My daughter (around 7) of course had lost her blankets. As I covered her back up, she said, “Thank you, Sweet Mama.”

Oh, my heart still stirs at that unexpected endearment.

Your Turn

Would you like to share a sweet memory of your children or mother. Here’s your chance. Take your turn.–Lyn

Lyn Interviews Best-Selling Author Debbie Macomber

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 18, 2014

I’m pleased to have a chance to interview best-selling author Debbie Macomber today. I was privileged to hear her speak at a writing conference in Hawaii in 1995. Her words in her keynote address touched me as her books, especially the Cedar Cove series have. Here’s Debbie Macomber:

1-Share one fun or interesting fact about your life or books.

Many of you may or may not know that I grew up with a wicked brother. Surprisingly he turned into a decent adult but from the time he was born he was a constant thorn in my side. Still, I have to thank him for one small evil deed that headed me in the right direction early in my pre-teen years. My brother was responsible for my very first sale. It’s true. Terry, with two accomplices–my cousins Doug and David–made copies of my diary and sold it to the boys in my class. It was a best seller.

And you let him and your cousins live to adulthood? Amazing.

2-Why do you write?

I am happiest when I am at my desk writing. When the story is strong inside of me, I live, breathe and sleep with those characters rummaging around inside of my head. Over the years I’ve made an astonishing discovery. Whatever I am feeling, whatever emotion comes over me as I create a scene, is transmitted to the reader. If I laugh out loud, I know the reader will laugh as well. The same is true with other emotions as well. If the scene is heart wrenching and sad and I cry, I strongly suspect my reader will pull out a few tissues along with me. When I put my heart out on the page, it links with that of my reader. It’s this feeling of reaching out and touching someone else with my words that compels me to write. And when I receive feedback from readers who say they laughed or cried along with my books, it encourages me to keep writing.

I think that you’ve said it well. If I don’t make myself cry or laugh while I’m writing, I can’t expect my readers to. And the emotional connection between readers and writers is true and strong, special.

3-In what ways does your heroine show strength? And where does she draw this strength?

To purchase, click here. Blossom Street Brides: A Blossom Street Novel

In my current book, BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES, Bethanne Scranton is newly married to Max. They are crazy in love and grateful to have found a second chance at love, but Max has a business that needs his close attention in California and Betheanne’s business and family are in Washington state. While they struggle to find time to be together, Bethanne’s ex-husband is creating an atmosphere of distrust in hopes of getting Bethanne back. It is their love for each other, with the support of family and friends, that gives Bethanne and Max the strength to make difficult decisions to create a new life together.”–Debbie
******************************************

Debbie, thanks for being my guest today. And keep writing those wonderful books (oh and knitting too. :-)–Lyn

For more about Debbie on the web:
Website: www.DebbieMacomber.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieMacomberWorld
Twitter: @debbiemacomber

Check out my new free read, Lady Sarah, an American Regency–above.

Wisconsin Poet R. Genie McKenzie & Mother and Daughter Poems

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 17, 2014

I have the pleasure today of hosting a local friend from my church, Wisconsin Poet R Genie McKenzie and two of her poems I thought were especially appropriate for this month when we celebrate mothers and daughters. Enjoy!

Daughter

Little Blossom,

Spring from roots of love,

Returns to us

Her nectar.

Alissa, My Flower

Alissa, my flower,

So fragrance and sweet,

Dear father, I lay her

At your blessed feet.

Bathe her in Son-light

From her precious Lord

Feed her with wisdom

From your holy word.

Help her to blossom

Through joy and through woe,

To show your sweet fragrance

With all that she may know.

Let her remember,

Whatever life gives,

My love will be with her

As long as she lives.

Genie is a dear woman who loves my books! 🙂 Hope her tender poems gave you a lift!–Lyn

Author Sheila Lipsey & The Dream I’m Living Today

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 18, 2014

My guest today is author Sheila Lipsey. She is offering a book giveaway so look for the QUESTION at the end. I hope you find her words encouraging. I did. Here’s Sheila:

Remembering What Shaped Me

When I think about my life and my career, I can’t help but remember those things that shaped me and pushed me toward the dream I am living today. Life for me was quite challenging, to say the least. Coming to grips with the fact that I had a permanent physical disability since the age of two, was quite difficult for me. Nevertheless, through faith, through the love and encouragement of friends and the blessings in the form of my sons, I learned that my life was rich and rewarding. I also discovered that I had a vivid imagination. I believe it stemmed from the fact that as a child, I spend many days, weeks and sometimes months in a hospital, isolated from my family and loved ones. I often share that it was during these times as a young child that my imagination took root and carried me on adventures near and far in an effort to escape the physical pain of polio and the emotional pain of being separated from my family.

Much like me,

the protagonists in the line of Christian fiction stories I write, often find themselves dealing with the difficulties of life, love, and relationships. They battle with themselves and sometimes, like me, question their own faith and belief systems. That’s one of the reasons I love that God has called me to be a writer. Being a writer allows me to delve deep into the mindsets of my characters. I can reveal their flaws and all. I can even sprinkle dabs of ‘me’ inside them. They can look like you or they can remind you of someone you know. Overall, they experience real life situations and face real life celebrations and calamities.

Strength to Conquer

I find through my writing strength to conquer my fears. Writing has opened doors for me because it allows me to do something, which I love. Regardless of my physical limitations, writing poses no limitations because my mind is set free and my ability to think, imagine, and then translate my thoughts on paper is nothing short of favor bestowed on me by God himself.

I think because I write what I call ‘perfect stories about imperfect people’ that it is the catalyst that enables my readers to connect with the characters and story lines in such a real manner. The characters come alive for them.

To purchase, click here. My Wife My Baby…And Him (My Son’s Wife)

My latest novel, My Wife My Baby…And Him is book five of the “My Son’s Wife” series. It continues with the story of the Graham family, particularly the senior pastor of Holy Rock, Stiles Graham and his conniving, cunning, and deceitful wife, First Lady Detria Graham.

I have also found tremendous joy

in venturing into writing books for young adults. My first young adult novel, House of Cars, has been receiving rave reviews as it candidly addresses the issue of homelessness among our children, cyberbullying and in school bullying. It is book one in the “Fairley High” series. I am presently working on book 2 in the series, which is titled The Secret Life of Payne.

To purchase, click here. House Of Cars (Fairley High Series)

I feel divinely blessed and highly favored because each day that I am allowed to wake up, I have the opportunity to live my dreams now! I have the opportunity to do something that touches the lives of people, hopefully in a positive manner. I have the opportunity to reach thousands of people and leave my mark and an eternal legacy to my family and the world, all because of the words I write that are then turned into book form for endless numbers of people to read. What an amazing gift and a blessing that I do not take for granted.

Live Your Dreams

As I come to a close, I encourage you to live your dreams. You do not have to chase after them, run to them, or pursue them because the dream already resides within you. You have seeds of greatness already planted inside of you. You do not have to chase the blessing down because the blessing will chase you down and overtake you so stop running.

To date I have fourteen titles to my credit and two stories in anthologies. I invite you to read one or more (or all) of my books.

Please reach out to me via Facebook social media

at http://www.facebook.com/SheliaELipseyReaders.

You can find me on twitter and Instagram under shelialipsey.

Contact me via email at books@shelialipsey.com and visit my website www.shelialipsey.com

If you would like to be a guest on my blog, The Word According to Shelia, please send me an email (books@shelialipsey.com).

And definitely when you visit my website, sign up as one of my followers and receive updates and blog posts.

Lyn, thank you again for this opportunity. Be strong, stay encouraged, and never ever ever ever give up on living your dreams now!”–Sheila

For Sheila’s giveaway, she says:

Visit my website, sign up to become one of my followers, and leave a comment that you read my post on Lyn Cote’s blog. You will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of my novel, What’s Blood Got To Do With It?

Thanks for being my guest, Sheila. You are an inspiration. QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS? ARE YOU LIVING THEM?–Lyn

Amish Author Vannetta Chapman & This Imperfect Life

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 9, 2014

Today my guest is Amish Author Vannetta Chapman. She takes a different approach to women and what is demanded of us in this life. Here’s Vannetta:

Women and the Imperfect Life

My latest release, Murder Simply Brewed, is set in Middlebury Indiana. The story revolves around the life of two women—Amber Wright and Hannah Troyer. Hannah is young and has nothing but optimism about the future. Amber, on the other hand, is a bit older. She’s not sure that the “perfect life” she believed in as a young woman will ever be hers. She’s not sure that is God’s plan, though she had once strongly believed it was.

Though happy in her job,

Amber has no personal life to speak of. She’s short on friends—after all, everyone is either busy or paired up! As far as romance, that doesn’t seem to be in her future either. Then one of her employees has a heart attack on the Village property where she is manager. Or was he killed? As the investigation grows more mysterious and the stakes grow more personal, Amber learns to rely on her faith, her friends (new ones that she never would have envisioned as her friends), and her neighbor (Tate Bowman, who is certainly not a love interest).

Quite a bit of biographical details

I’ll admit as I wrote this story I included quite a bit of biographical details. At 34, I was a single mom and my life was far from perfect. Like Amber, I had a good job but few friends and no love interests. I wasn’t sure about God’s plan for me.

But God’s plans are often different than our plans,

and He can bring victory out of the most dire of consequences. By the time I was 36, I had met and married Bob. We’ve been married 15 years now, and we’re both good friends and soul mates. I could never have envisioned that at 34. The last 15 years have been fraught with both good times (college graduations, promotions, and special family trips) and bad times (dread diseases, financial issues and family hardships).

So what of this imperfect life?

What’s a girl – ummm, woman – to do? If I could speak to that 34 year old I used to be, I’d tell her a few things.

Hold on to your faith.

Trust in God’s provision.

Believe in a Holy providence.

Sometimes as women, we convince ourselves

that we have to go it alone, that we need to be strong enough to do things all by ourselves. And sometimes that might be true. But more often, there are friends just waiting to be found and a path, that God has ordained, right around the corner.

That was certainly true for Amber Wright, and it was true for me as well.”–Vannetta

For more about Vannetta:
http://vannettachapman.com
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

I’m always so suprised and pleased with what my authors share here. QUESTION: What do you think of her idea of this imperfect life?–Lyn

Also if you missed it, I reviewed Vannetta’s book, The Christmas Quilt.

Poem “Mother Gone” by Sydney Halet

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Lyn CoteApril 28, 2014

I decided to join a poetry group on Goodreads.com. I was so taken with this poem, “Mother Gone” that I asked the poet, Sydney Halet, for permission to share it here. She graciously agreed. Here’s “MOTHER GONE.”

MOTHER GONE

by Sydney Halet

I hear your voice rippling through
The stilled pools of my past youth;
It echoes in the caverns
Of my half remembered dreams;
It calls me back again
To yesterday’s careless joys
When my world was young and green.

I hear your voice whispering to
My secret heart of hearts,
Urging me to come away
To a time when I was young,
And spring flowered everywhere,
In sunshine and in shade,
For me to wander through.

I hear your voice calling me
In tones of warmth and love,
Singing in my memory
As only a mother can,
And I’ll come to you again
With outstretched arms
When my winter passes by.

I was really touched by so many of Sydney’s word pictures and sensory touches, especially the references to her mother’s voice. I recall so well my mother’s voice and then the image of running to mother with outstretched arms. If you still have your mother, give her a hug. Mothers and daughters, one of the closest relationships in life. Thank you, Sydney, for a beautiful and evocative poem.–Lyn

If you want to read more of Sydney’s poetry, click here, her Goodreads profile.

Lyn Interviews Book Blogger Kav of Best Reads

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 10, 2014

Canadian librarian Kav decided in 2010 to start keeping track of the best books she read and the rest is history–or actually a very interesting blog. Here’s Kav’s interview.

1-Who are your favorite authors?

That’s an impossible question to answer. Perhaps I’m too fickle of a reader, but I adore so many authors that I couldn’t possibly start naming them. I will say that I pretty much only read Christian fiction. That’s definitely my favorite genre.

2-What kind of book is the one you look for in bookstores and online?

Christian fiction – preferably romance. ? I have my go-to authors and publishers but I’m always on the lookout for debut authors I can fall in love with. I will admit that book covers draw me and a great cover may make the sale for me when I’m struggling over which book to buy. I love brick and mortar bookstores and frequent a family owned Christian bookstore in my town. There’s something about being able to breathe in that distinct just-off-the-press smell that sends me into reader euphoria

3-What prompted you to start a book blogging site?

I love books and when I discovered Christian fiction about five years ago I wanted to shout it out to the world! Who knew the depth and breadth and inspiration found in the CBA lineups every year?!

4-Tell us a bit about yourself.

I love to read. Was actually a late reading bloomer but once I figured it out I devoured books and never grew out of my love of reading. I’m a school librarian and love sharing the joy of books with kids. I’m also an aspiring writer. You might say I’m story obsessed.

I enjoy the challenge of upcycling furniture and am pretty proud of the fact that my wee little house is full of nearly new cast offs that have been repurposed. My favorite project is an old card catalogue that I turned into a coffee table on wheels.

I’m an animal lover…dogs, cats, budgies, rats, mice, dwarf bunnies…even raccoons…have shared my home at one time or another. Sadly, I’m dogless for the first time in twenty-five years. My old man sheltie died just before Christmas. I’m anxiously on the search for a new furrever canine friend.”–Kav

Here’s the link to Kav’s blog http://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/

And she actually reviewed one of my books, Heartland Courtship. Here’s that link too.

I hope you’re getting to know some new book bloggers and finding some more good books to read!–Lyn

BTW, Danie won a copy of my book, HER CAPTAIN’S HEART. Congrats, Danie!

Lyn Interview NY Times Author Francine Rivers

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 7, 2014

Francine Rivers is one of those friends that I wished lived closer, but she loves California and I love the northwoods of Wisconsin. I rank Francine’s novel Redeeming Love as a modern classic and her “Mark of the Lion” series helped launch the resurgence of the inspirational romance market in the 1990’s. I’m happy to welcome Francine here to my “Strong Women, Brave Stories” blog. Here’s the interview:

Tell us a little about your writing and your real life?

Writing is like going on an expedition. It could be a swamp with crocodiles, or a desert so hot I see mirages and become lost. Sometimes I’m climbing a mountain without the map that shows the best route to take and I run into stone walls or get swept away by an avalanche. (The manuscript goes into the garbage and I start again.) Usually, I’m not even sure where I’m going, other than I have to keep moving forward, asking for directions from the One who knows the destination and what He wants me to learn from the experience. Writing is never a walk in the park.

In real life, I get up around 6 a.m., have coffee and read the One Year Bible and several other devotionals with my husband, Rick. I read the newspaper, eat breakfast, ride my recumbent exercycle (5-7 miles) and walk on the treadmill (1-2 miles now with a goal of 5). I shower and get ready to do whatever needs to be done (errands, house-cleaning, yard work, play with Sarge – our German Shepherd). Tyndale House Publishers releases Bridge to Haven on April 22, so I’m not writing (other than blogs and long emails to friends and family).

I have no deadline, no project in the works. I’m diving into my TBR (to-be-read) pile of books that have accumulated over last eighteen months. I’ve been to the movie theater twice in the last week (“Divergent” and “God is NOT Dead”) with plans to go several more times in the weeks ahead. I’m going out to lunch with friends, playing golf with Rick, watching DVR-ed shows and favorite DVDs until 11 p.m. (Downton Abbey, anyone?) I’m taking an R&R until an idea grips me and characters begin to carry on conversations inside my head again. Then it will be time to get back to work.

Francine, I’m impressed with your physical fitness routine. I just do the treadmill for a half hour every week day. Goodness.

Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger? Please share.

A number of years ago, when I was a fairly new Christian, I attended an RWA Conference and was presented with an award. When I stood at the podium, I knew God was calling me to “come out of the closet” and share my faith. I did so briefly and dedicated the award to all the other Christians who wanted to honor the Lord and asked them to stand. Many did. Many had been told by editors and publishers to “cut the God stuff” from manuscripts. The following day, many others took issue over what I had said and done. They didn’t come to speak to me, but directed their complaints to a close friend who was in leadership. Though I was sorry for the persecution she suffered, we both came away more assured of our faith and what God is calling each of us to do: write for Him.

I remember that incident. I was there. It certainly stirred controversy, but it didn’t stop your writing “sisters” from continuing to keep the “God stuff” in!

What is special to you about your most recent book?

It comes from a scriptural allegory about God’s love for Israel as well as for each individual believer in Jesus. The Lord is at the very center of the story, and it is a romance. In truth, the Bible is a romance and every word is true. It is the story of the heights, lengths and depths that God will go to bring us into an intimate, all-consuming love relationship with Him.

Every character in Bridge to Haven is on a journey to be in that relationship or run from it. The bridge is an important feature in the story and represents the heart of the novel. What is a bridge? Who is the bridge? How do we cross the great divide to reach the love for which we yearn?

That certainly sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing, Francine.

BIO

New York Times best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.

Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Francine’s novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

QUESTION: Is there anything you’d like to ask Francine about her books or her faith? Please feel free. And don’t forget Lady Sarah, an American Regency Romance, free to my enewsletter subscribers. Click New Free Read above.–Lyn

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What’s Your Earliest Memories of Your Mother?

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Lyn CoteMay 5, 2014

Today’s topic:

“What’s Your Earliest Memories of Your Mother?” is part of my sixth annual MEGA MAY celebration of mothers and daughters.

Not all of us have been mothers

but all of us have been daughters. My mother passed away in 2007 but a mother is someone that never really leaves your life IMHO. And I’ve always believed that the mother-daughter relationship is the most complex and complicated of human relationships.

My earliest memory of my mother

takes place in a kind of golden afternoon setting. I’m lying on my stomach on my parent’s bed. I’m only wearing panties. The window by my head is open and I feel the warm breeze. But my back itches terribly. My mother is sitting beside me and stroking my back with something soft and talking to me.

That’s it. Just a glimpse of time.

From telling this to my mother years after, I know that it is a snapshot of my having chicken pox when I was four years old. All diseases are unpredictable and my chicken pox chose to appear only on my back.

Emotionally I remember the tenderness of my mother talking softly to me and gently stroking my back that itched so terribly. A sweet memory.

So What’s Your Earliest Memory of Your Mother? Please share. I will be giving away a copy of

to one commenter. So leave a comment to be entered into the drawing. I’m really interested in your memories and how the memories make you feel Let’s Remember, Mama.–Lyn

PS-Heidi won my copy of Beth White’s THE PELICAN BRIDE. CONGRATS!