March 19, 2012 · 6:00 am

The Promise When Words Aren’t Enough

We hope for what we don’t have yet. So we are patient as we wait for it. In the same way, the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak. We don’t know what we should pray for. But the Spirit himself prays for us. He prays with groans too deep for words. Romans 8:25-26 (NIrV)

As writers, we love words.

We love what they mean, how they sound, what they convey, how they flow in combination, the feelings they provoke, the stories they tell.

But there are times when words just aren’t enough.

There are times when words, no matter the combination or the intention or the meaning, cannot do justice to the depth of the emotion within.

There are times when even we, the ones who manipulate words for a living, can’t find the right ones to express the innermost thoughts and desires of our soul.

So we bask in the promise that the Holy Spirit, the one who dwells within us and sanctifies us, knows how to convey even our sighs and groans (AMP Bible) as prayers to the Holy one.

Praying over this verse brings peace in times of heartache, but also in times of joy, when our hearts are too full to describe what we’re feeling.

What a comfort it is to know that one so much more powerful than I, one who IS God, knows me well enough to convey the prayers I can’t even think of.

It’s beautiful. It’s overwhelming. It’s calming. It’s a promise.

And it makes it a whole lot easier to wait patiently in hope for what we do not have yet.

Share with me: What verses or promises has God been giving you lately?

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March 16, 2012 · 6:00 am

Nostalgic Notes- Which Songs Take You Back?

I’m feeling a little nostalgic this week. Anyone else?

Encyclopedia Britannica is closing the presses. Wow. My kids will never know the joy of flipping through a brand new encyclopedia for a school project. Yes, I said joy. I was/am/always will be a nerd at heart.

My hubby and oldest son are coming up on birthdays, with our youngest son not far behind. Didn’t we just celebrate Christmas like, a few days ago? Sheesh, 2012.

Our family, both immediate and extended, is dealing with some changes– changes that were unexpected, undesired, and for the most part, difficult on everyone.

My grandmother is moving ever closer to meeting Jesus face-to-face. Oh, the joy that will come in that moment–when she’s healed and whole and reunited with my grandfather! This is not a sad thing for me, but more of a moment of treasured rejoicing. I’ll certainly miss her, but she’s been suffering from Alzheimer’s for a very long time, and my grandfather went to heaven a little over a year ago. She’s going to be in the arms of Jesus soon. That gives me goosebumps.

My baby brought home his graduation pictures— cap and gown photos that signify his completion of Kindergarten. I had a flash forward to the future–he’s going to be graduating high school all too soon.

So I’ve been feeling nostalgic. I did what I usually do when I’m in that sort of a mood–I turned to some tunes to rock out.

Thanks to the incredible invention that is Pandora (where have you been all my life?), I created a station for myself that would take me back to some of the days of yesteryear.

I created a station called N’SYNC Radio.

Do not judge me.

N’SYNC, The Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Shakira, Mark Anthony, Ricky Martin, Enrique Eglesias– I was just in the mood for some up-beat music. It takes me back to the end of high school, beginning of college years. (And yes, I think there’s even a little Britney Spears sprinkled in this mix. Eek!)

I like songs that transport me to happy memories. Who doesn’t?

Anything by Dave Matthews Band or any song off of Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill put me right back in the room or car of my best friend from high school, circa 1997.

Garth Brooks or Diamond Rio– takes me back to living with my family in California when I was in middle school– I was in a big country music phase then.

Pearl Jam– Any song reminds me of the early “just dating” days with my hubby. He’s still a huge Pearl Jam fan, but I used to kid him about it– I don’t think Eddie Vedder can sing at all. In fact, he’s awful and sounds kind of like a dying cat.

Sandi Patty- my parent’s living room when I was a kid. I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse of heaven the first time I heard her do “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” with Larnell Harris.

The Gaither Vocal Band, the Cathedrals, JD Sumner and the Stamps, any of the old gospel quartets– remind me of sitting in my grandparents’ living room, watching the Gaither VHS tapes with them.

Disney Soundtracks, specifically Pocahontas– remind me of my sister. Hanging out in her room when we were both younger, belting it out to see who’d make the better Disney princess. “What I like most about rivers is, you can’t step in the same river twice…”

I Could Not Ask For More by Edwin McCain- that’s “our” song. 🙂 C’mon. Let me hear a collective “awwwww……”

I love music. And I love the memories music evokes in me.

Perhaps I’m just trying to justify the fact that I was in the mood to listen to boy bands & the leaders of the Latin explosion of the early 2000s. Whatever. Don’t judge.

I’m really, really glad that no one could see me “break it down” to Bye Bye Bye (N’SYNC) in the middle of my living room.

Share with me: What’s your favorite “take me back”/nostalgia song?

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March 14, 2012 · 6:00 am

An Interview In An Author’s Mind- Rosa from Sixty Acres and a Bride

Need a great book recommendation? Then keep reading this super-fun post.

Today I have the distinct pleasure of a very special interview with Rosa Garner, Mexican immigrant, sheep wrangler, seamstress extraordinaire, musician, and woman with a heart for God. Rosa isn’t afraid to take a leap of faith, even if that means crossing borders into Reconstruction Era Texas after facing loss and hardship, and conquering her own fears to follow God’s prompting.

Rosa’s character is so beautiful that I just had to know more about her. With a little help from author Regina Jennings, Rosa was willing to answer a few questions for me.

Me: First off, your English is wonderful, Rosa. Since you grew up in a small village in Mexico, how did you first learn to speak it?

Rosa: When the Garner family came to our village, my parents sent me to welcome them and help them learn our ways. I learned quickly from working with Louise every day, but if I pretended I couldn’t understand, they spoke more freely. In this I knew that their God was different than the ones I’d been taught. Even when they thought no one was listening, their words were still filled with kindness.

Me: What did you find most curious about the Americanos?

Rosa: I had heard about the norte-americanos, but had no idea they were so different from us until Mack rode into my village on that burro. That summer I watched as his skin turned red, flaked off like a snake’s, and then turned brown. I wondered if my own skin would have been as white as his if I’d stayed in the shade. I guess I’ll never know.

Me:  I know too well about the curse of fair skin in the sun. Let me ask you a question now that I think will reveal a lot about you to the readers. What is your favorite scripture?

Rosa: Zephaniah 3:17 –“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”  Sometimes when I’m worried I go where it is quiet and I listen for God’s singing. He isn’t afraid for me. He isn’t worried. He is rejoicing and I listen until I can rejoice with Him.

Me: I’m not surprised that a verse that mentions God’s music is your favorite, since you are a musician yourself. How did you learn to play the flute?

Rosa: Mi abuela (my mother’s mother) taught me. She always called me her little bird and taught me how to mimic their music. I used to hide and make bird sounds until the iguanas came looking for me. Then my brother would club one and we’d eat it for dinner. Delicioso!

Me: Iguana sounds like it might be an acquired taste. Do you have a favorite food from your native Mexico that is not considered by some Americanos to be a house-pet?

Rosa: Tamales with warm drink made of corn meal called atole.

Me: Now that you’ve come to America, if you have the opportunity to further your education, what would you most like to study?

Rosa: Me? I don’t read English well and I want to. Even children are better than me, so I don’t read in front of people. I’m afraid they would laugh at me.

Me: You came to Texas with your mother-in-law, both of you facing terrible loss and an even more hardship in your future. What quality do you most admire in your mother-in-law?

Rosa: Louise is never afraid of tomorrow. She trusts God. Me, I fear too much. It is hard for me to rest.

Me: I think readers will be surprised at how much bravery you do have, Rosa. Now, just for fun, let’s as one last easy question. What one quality do you find most attractive in a man?

Rosa: A man should be honest. How could one be attracted to what is false? I look first at his character and then at his broad shoulders.

Here’s a little taste of Rosa’s journey:

She’s Finally Found a Place to Call Home… How Far Will She Go to Save It?

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can’t help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.

Here are some reasons you should read this book:

– You love history.
– You love romance.
– You love a story that is uplifting and gives glory to the only One who deserves it.
– You love a combination of the three things mentioned above.
– You enjoy a strong female character.
– You like to be transported into a story that captivates.
– Because Regina Jennings is honestly one of the nicest, kindest women I’ve ever met, and her genuineness, sense of humor, and beauty shine in her debut novel.
– Because Sixty Acres and a Bride has one of the most gorgeous covers of any novel I’ve seen in a long, long time. If for no other reason, pick up a copy of this book to display on your shelf. Seriously–gorgeous.

You can connect with the author of Sixty Acres and a Bride, Regina, at her website, catch up with her on Twitter or follow her on Facebook.

Seriously? How beautiful is she?? Always smiling, this one. 🙂

How would you like to WIN a copy of Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings? That’s right– a copy of your very own!

How to win: Leave a comment on this post. If we reach 20 (or more) comments, one of those commenters will be chosen at random to win a copy of this novel! The contest is open until 9 pm EST on Sunday, March 18th, and the winner will be announced in my post on Monday, March 19th, 2012! Good luck!!

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