My guest today is a longtime friend, Anna Schmidt who writes for Love Inspired, both contemporary and historical. Today she has something great to tell us about! Here’s Anna:

Hi all! I’m delighted to be guesting on Lyn’s blog. Two things come to mind as we approach the holidays: Number 1- For several years I’ve supported women struggling to survive through an organization called Women for Women International (www.womenforwomen.org). My current sisters include a woman in Kosovo and another in Iraq. Through my sponsorship they receive education and training in skills ranging from making a living to raising a family. In return I receive these fabulous letters telling me of the progress they have made and introducing me to their families. Let me know if you want more info!

Like Miss Nola (the heroine of AN UNEXPECTED SUITOR) these women have often taken on sole responsibility for making sure their family members are cared for and like Miss Nola they sometimes have to learn that caring for themselves may be the first step to achieving that goal! Number 2 is a far less noble holiday note — I hope you’ll stop by my website and check out my ‘cranberry recipe/memory contest!!! Off to make a deadline that’s looming. Will check back later! Anna