Author Terri Reed & The Difference between Strong & Foolhardy

My guest today is Love Inspired Author Terri Reed and a story about a friend who found out that sometimes it's good to seek help.

There are many strong women in my life; it's hard to pick just one to talk about. I firmly believe that God has called me into friendships with the women in my life because each brings a unique perspective that has helped me to become the woman I am. For most of my life I've felt alone. I didn't form close friendships with very many kids while in school. And during my adolescent years, though I had friends I didn't have a best friend. It wasn't until college that I formed a bond with a woman, who to this day, some twenty-odd years later, I consider to be my dearest friend. Anne and I grew close when we worked at the same department store and then took some college classes together. We were there for each through our weddings and our children's births. Whenever we get together it feels like no time has passed since the last time, even though we live thousands of miles apart now.

Several years ago my friend caught a cold that turned into pneumonia. Being a strong woman, wife and mother, she thought she could beat the sickness on her own, she could tough it out. She didn't go to the doctor right away. By the time she did, her body started to shut down. She fell into a coma and for five months the doctors didn't think she'd make it. But Anne's spirit was strong. With the aid of experimental drugs, she slowly began to recover. When she finally awoke from her coma, she could barely speak, couldn't walk or really move. But she was alive. And for the next couple of years, she worked hard to recover not only physically but emotionally as well. Her marriage faltered but she wouldn't give up. Through her ordeal I prayed continually for her and her family. As I have witnessed her will to live, and live fully, I am reminded what a precious gift life is.

This past April I caught a cold that started with a sore throat, then a cough. I most likely would have let it run its course if not for the lesson that Anne's illness taught me. By day five, I decided I'd see a doctor, even though I was convinced he'd tell me it was a cold virus and to rest. I was sure I was wasting his time and my money. However, the doctor was pleased I had come in, because I had pneumonia. Thankfully, we caught it in the early stages. The illness still knocked me flat for another fourteen days.

Thank God for the lessons we learn along the way in this crazy thing called life. I hope you too will head this lesson. Go to the doctor if you feel sick. Don't try to tough it out. Sometimes we need to be weak in order to be strong. Asking for help, relying on others isn't a sign of weakness, but of wisdom.

This was one of the lessons my heroine in Covert Pursuit needed to learn. She was a tough cop who wanted to prove herself and uncover the truth, but she couldn't do it alone. Seeking help grated but in the end she discovered not only the truth but love, a most precious gift, indeed.

to learn more about Author Terri Reed, drop by

http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/

www.loveinspiredauthors.com

http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Terri-Lyn

Author Terri Reed & Her Mother-in-Law

My guest today is Terri Reed, another Love Inspired Author. Here's Terri:

"When I think of strong women I think of my mother-in-law. I met her twenty eight years ago. She’s a petite spit fire who raised three kids on her own by working three jobs and doing the best she could to provide for her children. She welcomed me into the family with open arms and taught me how to be strong. Through the years, she’s been the one I turn to when I have questions about kids, health or most anything. She’s lived a hard life, an adventurous life and now an enjoyable life in retirement. She’s the glue that holds her children’s lives together, even though they are adults now. She’s been the best grandmother to her grandchildren and a good friend to me.

As I write this she is undergoing surgery to replace her knee for the second time. The first time was eighteen years ago. Her doctors say she’s strong physically enough at over seventy to come through the procedure well. I’m praying so.

When my mother-in-law found out I wanted to be a writer, she took my husband out and made him buy me a word processor (this was way back before computers) and then when they gave it to me she said, “Now write.”

I started and haven’t looked back. I thank God every day that He brought my husband and my mother-in-law into my life."--Terri

Terri, what a wonderful woman! You have been blessed. Now here's the scoop on Terri's latest Love Inspired Suspense.






NOW YOU SEE THEM, NOW YOU DON’T

When senior citizens start disappearing from a

Boston retirement home at Christmas time, heiress Kristina Worthington is suspicious.

Especially when she fears her beloved grandmother is next. Without

solid evidence, she’s forced to turn to the one police officer who might

listen—her former love, Gabe Burke. Now a seasoned cop, Gabe still

sees her as the rich girl whose family thought he wasn’t good enough.

And though he takes the case, Gabe seems convinced he’s chasing shadows.

Until they start dodging threats, bullets...and their own rekindled feelings.

Terri Reed

http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/

www.loveinspiredauthors.com

http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!--Lyn

Author Terri Reed & Northwest Children’s Outreach

Today my guest is Love Inspired Romance Author Terri Reed. She has a special charity that she wants to tell about. Here's Terri:

"Northwest Children’s Outreach: Standing in the Gap for Children in Need

Our Mission

"We stand in the gap between poverty and caring agencies
with resources to help children."

This mission statement was inspired by Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV):

"...I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land..."

http://www.northwestchildrensoutreach.org/index.php

Several years ago I met a woman at church, a mom with four children of her own, who co-founded a ministry to help supply children in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area with basic needs. I immediately wanted to learn more.

Founded in 2001, this organization collects donated gently used and new items such as Diapers, Clothing-newborn to teen, Formula, New Cribs, New Car Seas, Hygiene Products, Toys and any other items children need, to be given to poverty stricken children through care giving agency. Volunteers sort and stock the shelves at the four warehouses, pack orders specific for a child depending on the child’s age and needs. Then the care giving agency retrieves the bag of items to give directly to the child’s family.

Many schools and churches in the Portland/Vancouver area have also come alongside Northwest Children’s Outreach.

Not only do I believe this non-profit organization to be a worthwhile endeavor, but my children gladly donate the clothes they’ve out grown and the toys they no longer play with. We also go shopping to purchase other items of need and as a family go to the centers to help bag orders.--Terri"

Terri's Latest Love Inspired Suspense Novel

MISSING MOTHER FOUND!

The mysterious man at her door swears he recognizes her. She’s Leah Farley. Mother, wife—and suspected murderer. But her amnesia has wiped away memories of her former life. When a shower of bullets follows the man’s claims, Leah is forced to accept the truth. She’s in danger. And unless she can make herself remember, there’s no way to stay safe. With bounty hunter Roman Black’s help, she must uncover her lost memories—before the killer succeeds in keeping Leah’s past and future buried forever.

Without a Trace:Will a young mother’s disappearance bring a bayou town together...or tear it apart?

To read more about Terri Reed and her books, drop by
http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
www.loveinspiredauthors.com
http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Terri. That sounds like a wonderful charity.--Lyn