BEEyond the Hive: Autumn's Splendor

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in."

~George Washington Carver~

As an annual tradition, my family and I embarked on a day-long road trip this last weekend through Colorado's mountains. This year, we decided to take a different route than in year's past. We ventured into the mountain's in northwest Colorado near where I grew up. Our journey took us through Silverthorne, Kremmling, Steamboat Springs, Oak Creek, and Vail. The brilliant changing colors on the aspens and foliage dazzled us! Here's a sampling of the photographs I took on my trip. I hope you enjoy them! :0)

Gore Range near Silverthorne, Colorado


Gore Range near Silverthorne, Colorado


Oh, what exquisite cloud formations God painted in the sky!


View from the road between Silverthorne and Kremmling.


A corral between Silverthorne and Kremmling.


A field of hay bales on our way to Kremmling.


Gorgeous foliage on Rabbit Ears Pass.


Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat Springs, Colorado


Rabbit Ears Pass


Rabbit Ears Pass


Grove of aspens on Rabbit Ears Pass


Rabbit Ears Pass


I love the beauty of barren tree branches.


Rabbit Ears Pass


View of Lake Catamount from Rabbit Ears Pass

Aspens in Vail, Colorado

BEElievin' God's Word: Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see.

~Hebrews 11:1~

This Scripture has encouraged me to stand firm in my hope and faith in God as my family and I have faced difficulties and sorrow this year. It's been my faith in God and His promises of who He is and what He's capable of doing that have carried me through these trials.

FAITH breathes HOPE into us.

Here's a song from Kutless that reminds us of how beautiful and powerful faith can be in our lives.

BEEtween the Pages: The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

The end of the only life I've known, thought Mariah Aubrey, looking back through the carriage window at the shrinking figures of her mother and sister. Nineteen-year-old Julia stood in the foreground, shoulders heaving as she wept. The sight seared Mariah's heart. Their mother stood behind, hand on Julia's arm, in consolation, in empathy--perhaps even in restraint. And there came their father, down the steps of Attwood Park. He had not come out to bid her farewell. He would not, he insisted, "sanction vice, nor seek to lessen its disgrace."

~Opening lines in Julie Klassen's
The Girl in the Gatehouse~

Set in England during the Regency era, Julie Klassen's latest novel, The Girl in the Gatehouse, tells the story of Mariah Aubrey, a young woman banished from the only home she's ever known to live in a secluded gatehouse on a relative's estate. With her faithful servant, Miss Dixon, Mariah begins a new life at the gatehouse, befriending other servants on the estate and residents at the neighboring poorhouse and supporting herself and Miss Dixon by writing novels in secret. Mariah resigns herself to a solitary life with no hopes of ever marrying. But soon she meets the estate's new tenant, the handsome Captain Matthew Bryant, and in the months that follows, an attraction forms between the them. Will Captain Bryant uncover Mariah's identity and secretive past? And how will he treat her once he learns of her impropriety?

This is the second novel written by Julie Klassen that I've read, and I must say that Klassen is becoming a favorite author for me. Not only does she skillfully paint a vivid picture of life in England during the Regency era, but she also crafts a diverse and interesting cast of characters and keeps the reader curious by the mystery she weaves throughout her stories.

I recommend The Girl in the Gatehouse to ladies who enjoy Regency era stories.

For more information about The Girl in the Gatehouse, please visit Bethany House's website.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

BEEtween the Pages: Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson

"Worship-based prayer seeks the face of God before the hand of God. God's face is the essence of who He is. God's hand is the blessing of what He does. God's face represents His person and presence. God's hand expresses His provision for needs in our lives. I have learned that if all we ever do is seek God's hand, we may miss His face; but if we seek His face, He will be glad to open His hands and satisfy the deepest desires of our heart."

~Daniel Henderson in Transforming Prayer~

In his new book entitled Transforming Prayer, Daniel Henderson shares with readers the transformation that can happen when they seek God's face before His hands during worship-based prayer. In the first part of this book, Henderson describes how worship-based prayer differs from request-based prayer and how this type of prayer sets us up for an intimate encounter with God.

In the second part of the book, Henderson explores best practices for praying. While he recognizes some of the benefits of prayer lists, he encourages believers to rethink how they are using their "lists" during prayer. "Lists are simply tools," he writes. "It is important to keep in mind that, in any arena of Christian life, tools are meant to be used for a greater purpose, not cherished as the greater purpose."

In the third part, Henderson provides examples of how to adopt worship-based prayer during your daily devotional time. He emphasizes the importance of reading Scripture during your prayer time and meditating on the Scripture to: (1) learn about who God is, (2) give Him reverence, (3) seek how you are to respond to the passage, (4) articulate your requests to God, and (5) ponder on "the mission of your life and the warfare you can anticipate."

This book gave me a fresh perspective on how to pray. Since finishing it a week ago, I've tried some of the suggestions included in it. I can already see a transformation in my prayer life, and I'm encouraged and excited about further adopting worship-based prayer in my daily devotional time.

I highly recommend this book. For more information about it, please visit Bethany House's website.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

BEEtween the Pages: The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

"... the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story...It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is the missing piece in a puzzle--the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture."

~Excerpt from The Jesus Storybook Bible:
Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones~

A few days before Christmas, a friend and I chatted about ways we could share our love for and faith in Jesus with our young children. My friend mentioned a children's Bible she found valuable in imparting her faith to her sons. After our meeting, I hurried to a nearby bookstore and purchased this book--The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.

Since Christmas, my son and I have been reading the stories in this Bible as part of our bedtime ritual. We've both been richly blessed with the stories and their messages. Over the years, I've purchased several different children's Bibles for my son, and this one ranks at the top as my favorite. With content targeted for children ages four to seven and colorful illustrations on each page, my son is eager each night to read a story from this Bible. And as a mom, I'm thrilled that this book not only teaches him about the different characters and stories in the Bible, but it also whispers Jesus' name in each story, just as the subtitle promises. This book shows children that from the beginning God had a beautiful and marvelous plan to send a Rescuer to save us.

I highly recommend The Jesus Storybook Bible for families with children ages four to seven.

BEE Fulfilled: My Heart's Desire for 2011

"No matter where you live and what your days look like, you have a choice each day to depend on yourself, to live safely, and to try to control your life. Or you can live as you were created to live--as a temple of the Holy Spirit of God, as a person dependent on Him, desperate for God the Spirit to show up and make a difference."

~Francis Chan in Forgotten God:
Reversing Our Neglect of the Holy Spirit~

Like many, I've spent the last couple of weeks contemplating what resolutions I might set for this new year. In doing this, I reflected on what I learned in 2010 and how I could carry those lessons forward to 2011. Last year was a year rich in learning--learning about God and the Bible, about my family and friends and their needs, about the craft of writing, and about myself.

As I reflected on 2010, the lessons I learned from one of the Bible studies I participated in stood out. During the last three months of 2010, I completed a study of Francis Chan's Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit with some dear friends from my running group. This study challenged me to reexamine some of my longstanding beliefs about the Holy Spirit and my motives for wanting the Spirit's presence in my life. It also challenged me to seek the Spirit and follow Him in all areas of my life, which is a day-by-day journey. I marvel at the growth, wisdom, and understanding each lady in the group gained during the study. Friendships deepened and God transformed hearts. I love how God does that!

So for 2011, instead of jotting down a long list of resolutions, I only have one desire for this year: to follow the Holy Spirit to wherever He wants me to go. That's it. No small feat, I know. But I can't think of anything else I want more in my life. I yearn to be more dependent on God and to be obedient to what He calls me to do each day.

Chris Tomlin's song "I Will Follow" encapsulates my heart's desire for 2011, which you can listen to below. May this song and desire touch your heart as it has mine. :0)

BEEsy in the Kitchen: Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage, Peppers, & Onions Panini

As Hayden and I prepared for a trip to the zoo this morning, I searched my fridge and pantry for something to pack for our brown bag lunch. Sandwiches sounded good, but I didn't have any deli meats and I wasn't craving PB&J today. I'd just picked up a package of sweet Italian turkey sausage the day before, and I still had some tomato basil bread leftover from a recent visit to Panera. Hmmm . . . Add some sauteed bell pepper and onion slices, a little bit of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few sprinkles of grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of pizza sauce. Voila! A new sandwich favorite. And the best part . . . It's healthier than similar versions I've ordered at sandwich shops. I hope you enjoy this recipe! :0)

A few notes about this recipe: Use your panini press if you have one or toast the sandwiches in a skillet or under the broiler in your oven. You can adjust the amount of olive oil used to saute the veggies and the amount of cheese according to your preferences and dietary needs.

Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage, Peppers, & Onions Panini
Serves 4

4 sweet Italian turkey sausage links, cooked
2 tsp olive oil
1 large sweet bell pepper, sliced thinly
1 small red or yellow onion, sliced thinly
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cup pizza sauce (to drizzle on sandwich and for dipping)
8 slices of your favorite bread
Butter or margarine to spread on bread or cooking/butter spray for bread

Instructions:

(1) Preheat panini press at medium heat or broiler, if using.

(2) Thinly slice each cooked turkey sausage lengthwise. Set aside.

(3) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion slices and saute until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.

(4) Spread butter or margarine on one side of each bread slice. (As an alternative, you can spray one side of each slice with cooking spray or butter spray).

(5) Stack the following ingredients in the order listed on the unbuttered side of one bread slice: turkey sausage slices from one link, 1/4 of the pepper and onion mixture, 1 TBSP pizza sauce, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1 TBSP grated Parmesan. Place the unbuttered side of another bread slice on top of the sandwich filling. Repeat for 3 more sandwiches.

(6) If using skillet to toast sandwiches, heat skillet on medium-high heat. Depending on your toasting method, place prepared sandwiches on the panini press, in the skillet, or under the broiler. Cook until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve remaining pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.

BEE Fulfilled: The Mountain Peaks Belong to Him

For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.

~Psalm 95:3-4 (NIV)~

Each autumn, my family and I set out for a day trip to view the fall colors in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. One of our favorite drives is over Fremont and Independence Passes. This last Saturday, we embarked on a 375-mile scenic drive over these two passes. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for our trek as we marveled at a classic Colorado blue sky, the reddened tundra along the mountainsides, and golden aspen leaves fluttering from gentle breezes. Atop the summit of Independence Pass, I stood in awe at the magnificence and exquisiteness of God's creations. What an imagination our Heavenly Father had when he created the mountains! I'd like to share some of the photos I took on Saturday along with some psalms that sing praises to our Almighty Creator. May they be a blessing to you! :0)


Psalm 95:1-7

¹ Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

² Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

³ For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.

⁴ In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.

⁵ The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

⁶ Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

⁷ for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Psalm 65:5-13

⁵ You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness,
O God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,

⁶ who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,

⁷ who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.

⁸ Those living far away fear your wonders;
where morning dawns and evening fades
you call forth songs of joy.

⁹ You care for the land and water it;
you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water
to provide the people with grain,
for so you have ordained it.

¹⁰ You drench its furrows
and level its ridges;
you soften it with showers
and bless its crops.

¹¹ You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.

¹² The grasslands of the desert overflow;
the hills are clothed with gladness.

¹³ The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain;
they shout for joy and sing.

Psalm 36:5-7

⁵ Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the skies.

⁶ Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.

O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

⁷ How priceless is your unfailing love!

Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 148

¹ Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.

² Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

³ Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.

⁴ Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

⁵ Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

⁶ He set them in place for ever and ever;

he gave a decree that will never pass away.

⁷ Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

⁸ lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

⁹ you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

¹⁰ wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

¹¹ kings of the earth and all nations,

you princes and all rulers on earth,

¹² young men and maidens,
old men and children.

¹³ Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

¹⁴ He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.

Psalm 100

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 8

¹ O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

² From the lips of children and infants

you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

³ When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

⁴what is man that

you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?

⁵ You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

⁶ You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

⁷ all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

⁸ the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

⁹ O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

BEEing A Mom: Oh, What a Mess!

Some rocks, sticks, mud, and water: all the ingredients needed for a boy to embark on a playtime adventure.

As I peeked out my kitchen window earlier this afternoon, I knew this beautiful September day could not be wasted indoors. So I rounded up my crew--my little guy, Hayden, and our golden retriever, Bogie--and off we headed for some playtime at our neighborhood lake.

When we arrived at the lake's southern beach, I realized this trek probably would not end without paws and shoes laden in mud and fur and clothes drenched. I cringed at the gloppy mud bordering the lake's shoreline. I must confess I didn't want to release Bogie from his leash or allow Hayden to veer near the mud and water. Oh, to think of the mess they would make.

But as we strolled along the beach, Hayden inched closer and closer to the shoreline. Just on the edge of the muddy patch, Hayden bent over and gathered rocks, throwing them into the water. A few more steps and he plopped his Buzz Lightyear shoes into the muck. Bogie ran back and forth, begging me with whimpers to allow him to plunge into the lake. I sighed as I knelt to release Bogie from his leash. He dashed for the water, splashing Hayden along the way.

Hayden found a stick and pretended it was a fishing pole. I watched as clumps of mud clung to his shoes. Bogie ran to me and shook his damp fur, splattering drops of mud on my legs and clothes. At this point, keeping clean was a lost cause. So I shrugged when Hayden sat in the mud to empty his water-filled shoes, gathered handfuls of mud in the water, and skated in the mud.

Oh, what a mess it was! But oh, I'd do it again just to hear Hayden giggle and say "wee" every few steps and to watch Bogie act like the frisky puppy he once was many years ago.

BEEtween the Pages: Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

"Here's a salute to a long life: goodness that outlives the grave, love that outlasts the final breath. May you live in such a way that your death is just the beginning of your life."

~Excerpt from Max Lucado's Outlive Your Life~

What if we as Christians were to follow in the footsteps of those in the early Christian church described in the first twelve chapters of Acts? What if we "rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life?" In Max Lucado's newest book, Outlive Your Life, he challenges Christians to do just this. The great works carried out by those in the early church were not intended to occur only once in history but rather to extend over the centuries and generations to follow. Lucado prays: Do it again, Jesus. Do it again.

In the first chapter of this book, Lucado gives readers a snapshot of the heartbreaking problems and issues many face in our world today. He writes:

These are devastating times: 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, 1 billion hungry, millions are trafficked in slavery, and pandemic diseases are gouging entire nations. Each year nearly 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade and in the five minutes it took you to read these pages, almost ninety children died of preventable diseases. More than half of all Africans do not have access to modern health facilities. As a result, 10 million of them die each year from diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, malaria, and measles. Many of those deaths could be prevented by one shot.

Lucado recognizes the complexities involved in solving these global issues, but he believes that "God has given this generation, our generation, everything we need to alter the course of human suffering." In the chapters to follow, Lucado gives examples of believers throughout history--from those in the early Christian church to those today--who have outlived their lives. He also provides readers with practical ways they, too, can outlive their lives, including opening your door and your heart to others, doing good quietly, standing up for the have-nots, remembering who holds you, not writing anyone off, and praying first and most.

This book ranks toward the top of my list of the best books I've read this year. It stirred within me a deep yearning to seek God's direction on how I, too, can outlive my life. As I read this book, I pondered on how many times I have allowed fear, complacency, and busyness to keep me in my clamshell and prevent me from reaching out to those in need. The believers in the early Christian church showed us how to "let God unshell" us and use us to love and help others. Do it again, Jesus. Do it again.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. It will change your life. :0)

For more information about this book, please visit Thomas Nelson's website.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

BEEtween the Pages: The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

What would it be like to be hungry all the time? Norman wondered as he looked at the endless rows of corn. There has to be a way this corn can feed the hungry people, he thought.

Right then and there, Norman decided to change the world.

~Excerpt from Andy Andrew's
The Boy Who Changed the World~

In his recent children's book, The Boy Who Changed the World, Andy Andrews tells the story of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug and his yearning as a child in Iowa to one day feed the hungry. As an adult, Norman accomplishes his dream. But he couldn't have achieved it without the help of Vice President Henry Wallace and the decisions and actions of two men of earlier generations.

This intriguing story focuses on how our decisions today, no matter how small they seem at the time, can profoundly affect future generations. As the mom of a four-year-old, I cherish stories like this one that teaches my son the value of making a difference in the world, of genuinely caring about the well-being of others, and of not being afraid to pursue mammoth-sized goals. With its beautiful illustrations by Phillip Hurst and its timeless story, this book will find a special spot on our bookshelf and in our bedtime reading ritual.

I highly recommend this book to all parents. For more information about this book, please visit Thomas Nelson's website.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

BEEtween the Pages: Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

"Sometimes, Ruth thought, emotions were like a horsefly. Just when you thought you'd banish it from the kitchen, here it came buzzing back. If only there was a flyswatter that could kill stubborn, stupid, illogical . . . hope."

~From Stephanie Grace Whitson's Sixteen Brides~

If I were to use one word to describe Stephanie Grace Whitson's newest novel, Sixteen Brides, it would be hope. This theme is gracefully woven throughout the pages of this delightful book about a group of widows who journey to the prairies of Nebraska with a dream of owning land.

Their adventure begins in the spring of 1871 when they board a train in St. Louis bound for Nebraska. As an organizer of the Ladies Emigration Society, Hamilton Drake promises each of the ladies one hundred and sixty acres of land free and clear if they stay for five years. But during their stop in Plum Grove, Nebraska--just shy of Cayote, their final destination--the ladies discover that Mr. Drake has not been honest and forthcoming about his reasons for luring them out to Nebraska's prairies. Some of the ladies refuse to continue on the journey and decide to stay in Plum Grove. Soon, seven of them--each with different backgrounds and different reasons for journeying to Nebraska--form a partnership and plan that will have the locals talking and the ladies clinging to hope once again.

I found this book very enjoyable and entertaining to read, particularly its theme, humor, historical setting, and cast of characters. From the first to last page, Whitson masterfully weaves the theme of hope, with each character holding on to it in one way or another. And she had me giggling often at the humorous comparisons and sayings riddled throughout the story. The historical facts and landscape also intrigued me, especially the descriptions of homesteading on the prairies in the late 1800s. But most memorable to me were the characters. Each of the main characters possesses a distinct voice and style and you cannot help but to like them all.

I highly recommend this book to women who enjoy historical and romance novels.

For more information about this book, please visit Bethany House's website.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

BEE Fulfilled: An Unfailing Love

"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

~Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)~

The more I spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, the deeper my love grows for Him. What grips my heart and soul is God's compassion and unfailing love for us. He loves you and me more than our minds can comprehend. Think about the person you love the most. God loves you so much more than that. And that love remains the same, even in our failings. Mind boggling, isn't it?! Yet, it's so comforting and encouraging to know God's love never fades.

I'd like to share with you a prayer I wrote this morning from three Scriptures in the Bible. For the past several weeks, I've participated in a Bible study at my church using Beth Moore's Living Free book. As part of the study, Beth Moore introduces the practice of praying God's Word. She describes praying God's Word as "speaking His language. It means talking to Him using His words." My assignment for this morning's study on experiencing God's peace involved choosing from a list of Scriptures and spending time praying God's Word using those Scriptures.

May the truths in this prayer be a comfort and encouragement to you today. :-)

Heavenly Father, I call on You, for I know You will answer me. Give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonder of Your great love. You save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. Lord, keep me in the apple of Your eye. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. (Psalms 17: 6-8)

Father, show me Your ways and teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God, my Savior. My hope is in You all day long. Remember Your mercy and love, for You say in Your Word they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways. According to your love, remember me, for You are good, O Lord. (Psalms 25:4-7)

Lord, You say in Your Word that though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, your unfailing love for me will not be shaken nor will Your covenant of peace be removed. Thank you, Lord, for Your unfailing love and the peace You give. (Isaiah 54:10) I love you, Father! In Your glorious and precious name . . . Amen.

BEEsy Writer: The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell

"Sun Tzu wrote: 'He wins a battle by making no mistakes.' My hope is that this manual will help you avoid the mistakes and write stronger books and win the battle to get and stay published."

~James Scott Bell in The Art of War for Writers~

In his most recent book on writing, James Scott Bell shares with writers what he has learned in his 20 plus years as a fiction writer. The Art of War for Writers consists of 77 short chapters organized under the following three sections:

Part I:Reconnaissance focuses on the mental game of writing.

Part II: Tactics offers tactics and techniques on the craft that help "you go deeper, to do things that will set you apart from the vanilla slush that's poured into the offices of tired editors and agents."

Part III: Strategy includes advice on the publishing business.

This compact red book surprised me with the abundance of wise and practical advice it offers to writers. I particularly found the "Reconnaissance" section helpful as it addresses many of the mental battles we writers face on our journeys. Some of the chapters included in this section include:

• The writer must understand the essentials of success for a long-term writing career, and count the cost accordingly.
• A foundation in discipline is always the first step toward victory.
• "Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain."
• Status, worry, and comparisons are the ways to madness, not victory.
  
• Stay hungry so your determination will not flag.
• Finish your novel, because you learn more that way than any other.

I highly recommend this book to all writers, especially beginning writers. I've placed this book near my computer and plan to refer to it often as I continue on my journey as a writer.

BEEtween the Pages: The Dragon and the Turtle by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark

Padraig landed on a branch and popped a bug into his mouth. He grinned as he chewed. The bug was crunchy on the outside and squishy on the inside, and it tasted like nuts and sweet oranges.

~Opening lines of The Dragon and the Turtle
by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark~

Released in bookstores today, The Dragon and the Turtle by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark tells a sweet story about prioritizing the needs of a new friend over your own. After embarking on a pirate adventure, a young turtle named Roger cannot find his home and seeks help from his newfound friend, Padraig the dragon. Padraig flies high in the sky in search of a home that looks, sounds, smells, feels, and tastes like the one described by Roger. Padraig is hungry for crunchy, squishy, nutty bugs, but he sets asides his needs to help his friend find his home.

My four-year-old son, Hayden, and I have read this book many times since we received a copy from the authors a month ago. This delightful and entertaining story, which is beautifully illustrated by Vincent Nguyen, tugs at the heartstrings of boys with its description of Padraig's favorite food (crunchy, squishy, nutty bugs) and Roger's love for playing pirates. Parents will especially find helpful the guide at the end of the book, which gives parents ideas on how they can teach their children the valuable lessons about friendship conveyed in the book. And with a recipe included at the back of the book, parents and children alike can indulge in making the Chocolate Chip Snappers that Roger's mama makes for the young turtle and his dragon friend.

For more information about this book and the authors, please visit The Dragon and the Turtle website.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it.

BEEtween the Pages: Thicker than Blood by C.J. Darlington

"Christy Williams didn't see the cop until his red lights flashed in her rearview mirror. By then it was too late. He was tailing her, and she had no choice but to ease her Honda Accord onto the snowy shoulder of the freeway and let the cruiser slide in behind."

~Opening lines in C.J. Darlington's
Thicker than Blood~

May Williams has not seen her older sister, Christy, in fifteen years after Christy ran away following their parents' deaths. May yearns to be reunited with her sister. But ashamed about the path her life has taken, Christy avoids her younger sister, too afraid that May will not accept her. As Christy faces a series of events that threaten her livelihood and life, including an accusation that she stole a first edition Hemingway book, Christy flees her home to the only place she feels she will be safe--May's ranch in Southern Colorado. But the two sisters soon must confront the deep pain and uncertainties each faces in their own lives and in their relationship.

Winner of the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel, Thicker than Blood delivers a heartfelt story about forgiveness, God's grace, and second chances. Blending solid storytelling with an interesting cast of character, this story kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen, especially toward the end of the book with a couple of gripping action scenes. I also found the messages about God's grace to be refreshing and encouraging. I recommend this book to readers and look forward to future books from C.J. Darlington.

For more information about this book, please visit Tyndale Houses Web site.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it.

BEE Mine: Thirteen Years Ago

Thirteen years ago, I awoke to a beautiful summer morning in Western Colorado, knowing the special day ahead would mark the beginning of a new life with my beloved Ryan.

Thirteen years ago, I joined my family and friends for breakfast at the hotel where Ryan and I met each other two and a half years earlier. (We both worked at the front desk of the hotel. But how we met . . . Well, that's a story for another time. :-)

Thirteen years ago, I was a giddy bride, getting all dolled up for the big event.

Thirteen years ago, a friend who I thought was not able to make it to the wedding surprised me by showing up at the church just hours before the ceremony. (She planned the surprise with Ryan months before the wedding. What a wonderful moment that was for me!)

Thirteen years ago, I stood in the lobby of the church with my dad, waiting for the signal to begin our procession down the aisle. Tears filled my eyes when the music began and my dad linked his arm with mine just before we entered the church's sanctuary.

Thirteen years ago, my dad gave me away to Ryan in front of our family and friends, a sweet moment I will cherish always.

Thirteen years ago, I stood next to Ryan at the front of that small church and vowed to love him for my lifetime.

Thirteen years ago, Ryan and I exchanged wedding rings and shared "the kiss," both symbols of the lifelong commitment we made to each other.

Thirteen years ago, my wedding gown swayed back and forth as Ryan and I hurried down the aisle toward the church's lobby, clutching each other's hand and laughing and smiling along the way.

Thirteen years ago, my brother chauffered us to the reception hall in a red convertible. My brother played the role well in his ultra-cool sunglasses and tuxedo.

Thirteen years ago, we danced and laughed and celebrated the glorious event with our friends and family.

Thirteen years ago, I married the man I love deeply and cherish as a friend, so much then and even more now.