My great-grandma Dietrich

In my home, I have an early photo of my ancestors, who immigrated from Baden-Baden Germany. I don't know their first names but the family name is Helmuth, a very stern-looking couple. People never smiled much in those early photographs. But perhaps they didn't see life as very cheerful.

We all have a somewhat unrealistic view of the two centuries before ours. People always ask me (since I often write about the past) what period would I like to be transported back to if possible. My answer is always, nothing before 1950. I don't want to live without modern plumbing and antibiotics. Just call me a sissy but life was tough before 1950.

At the beginning of the 20th century, my greatgrandma Louise Fastbinder Dietrich (my maternal grandmother's mother) was left a widow with nine daughters and no means of support. The elders of the local Evangelical Lutheran Church came and asked her if she could run a boarding house if they bought her a furnished house. She said yes and that's what they did. Now that's what I and St. James call true religion.

You would think that a woman with nine daughters would have trouble remarrying, but no, she married again, Mike Dietrich, who was remembered as a loving stepfather by each of his nine stepdaughters. My grandmother was Louise also and I have stories about her too. But I'll save those for later.

March is going to be a busy month for me, so many author friends will be sharing the strong women in their lives and books. Hope February has been a good month for you!

Getting Ready for MEGA MAY, A Celebration of Mothers

This is the Mother's Day Card which is part of my MEGA MAY "A Celebration of Mother's" on this blog.

I will send one to any special woman in your life IF you send me her name and address before April 15th. Drop by my website www.LynCote.net, then click "Meet Lyn" which will bring up the drop down menu with "Contact Lyn."

Click there and send me an email with the information.Of course, I would never give or"sell" anyone's address. I don't like it when that's done to me so feel confident, your information is safe with me. (Unless they put a gun to my head. Then you're on your own!)

The front of the postcard will read

"Happy Mother's Day from Author Lyn Cote, Someone who loves you asked me to send you these loving wishes."
On the back, the message reads "This wish comes to you from _________________."

I will fill your name into the blank and sign the postcard. I have 100 of these for this purpose and would love to send out all 100 of them.

Also during MEGA MAY, a Celebration of Mothers' on this blog, I am
going to feature stories sent to me by readers about the strong women in
their family history and those from other authors.

Already Jane S. has sent me the story of her mother which will be the
first on the blog in May. So send me your story or your mother's, etc.
If you don't want to tell a story, drop by and comment on someone else's
story.

Finally I will be giving away a MEGA basket of goodies and autographed books in a drawing of all of those who have participated during May on my blog.

Don't miss this! I think it's going to deeply meaningful and fun too!

2nd Book Monday-The Desires of Her Heart

Another Book Monday. Usually I will be featuring books by other authors but this year I will let you know four times when one of my new offerings has been released.

First in Lyn Cote's Newest Historical Saga

The Desires of Her Heart. Avon Inspire. (Texas: Star of Destiny, Bk. 1). Feb. 2009. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-06-137341-1. pap. $12.95.

"After gambling away his family's estate, Kilbride decides to pack up and move the family to the new Texas territory, where land is free for the taking. But 25-year-old Dorritt knows her stepfather doesn't have the sense or character to lead them there; instead, she relies on their wagon train's rugged scout to guide them. Dorritt trusts Quinn until she discovers his prior business dealings with Kilbride. Dorritt, who wants to be free of her stepfather so she can live her own dreams, discovers, though, that her dreams may include a man after all. In her new series launch, the RITA Award–winning author (Blessed Assurance, "Women of Ivy Manor" series) demonstrates her skill at creating strong female protagonists in compelling stories that will captivate historical romance readers." Library Journal

I was especially pleased to read the phrase, "...her skill at creating strong female protagonists in compelling stories...." That is what I try to do in all the stories I write.

Please drop by my website: www.LynCote.net to find out more and see the lovely cover art the book received. And as always, my books can be purchased from my website. If you can't afford to buy it yourself, please ask your local librarian or church librarian to get it for you.

A Heritage of Strength for Terri Kraus

Today, a new author Terri Kraus will tell the story of one of the strong women in her family's history.

Terri:

The woman whose story I’d like to share is my maternal grandmother—a true survivor, my Nonna.

One of the joys of my life was visiting that little northern Italian village, nestled among olive groves high up in the Apennine Mountains, where my maternal grandparents were born, grew up, and married before immigrating to America. A short lane connects their two families’ farmhouses. In between them stands a small, now empty house of ancient, mellowed stone where my grandparents lived as newlyweds. How full my heart felt as I walked over that threshold! I pictured them as a young couple in the first blush of matrimony, with all their hopes and dreams…before their brave journey (separately) across a wide ocean to a strange land where all was unknown. Within those aged walls, did they speak of their fears as they prepared to leave their homeland, certain they’d never see their parents and siblings again? What kind of courage did that require? What words did they use to comfort and reassure one another? I wondered. I could see, in my mind’s eye, my grandmother stirring a pot of pasta as my grandfather stoked the fire. I could even hear the crackling of the firewood, smell the slight wood smoke…

But life for my grandmother would be much different than that idyllic picture.

In 1923, she would make her way to the Chicago area, joining her husband and settling in among extended family. A mother of three daughters she found life during the Great Depression difficult. She was invited to a prayer meeting in the home of a friend, where she was introduced to a new spiritual reality, a new life she’d never thought possible, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of the Lord she knew would come at a great price—being continually ostracized by her family of a different faith. Her prayer time was done behind the locked bathroom door, her study of God’s word threatened when her Bible was burned repeatedly, her church attendance in clandestine fashion. A medical mistake meant she suffered physically for the rest of her life. Yet—yet—she knew the inexplicable peace of God, and remained faithful to the Lord, a bold witness, a shining example of a godly woman who clung to her faith despite great adversity.

When widowed, she lived with us until her death when I was 8 years old, tenderly cared for by my mother—another godly woman after her mother’s heart. My memories of my grandmother include hearing her fervent prayers during her daily devotion time—always in Italian, always out loud—and her singing worship choruses in that beautiful language. These auditory memories remain with me, along with a few rustic artifacts, which I was delighted to be able to take back to America with me from my visits to that little stone house on the family farm in Italy. Now I treasure and display them in my own home, because they connect me with that place and time and remind me of my rich spiritual heritage. My grandmother’s life inspires me as I endeavor to live in faithfulness to God through the struggles of my life. Amen. May it be so, Lord.

Thank you, Nonna.

TERRI KRAUS

"Passionately Inspirational Fiction"

www.terrikraus.com

Now available in stores and online:

The Project Restoration Series

Book 1: "The Renovation" Book 2: "The Renewal"

Prey or Pray! A Story from Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is an acquaintance whom I hope to get to know better. After you read her story of finding strength in prayers, you'll want to get to know her better too.

Here's Susan:

"Prey!

My husband Andrew and I served as missionaries in Russia for eight years with our four children. After eight years, Russia had begun to feel like home. I understood the language, and culture, I dressed like a Russian, ate Russian food, vacationed with my Russian friends, and felt at home in my adopted country.

But see, it's when things are most comfortable that God asks us to step in faith. Because He wants us to need Him.

And on March 1, 2002, at 1:15pm, in the middle of Far East Russia, I did.

Probably I should have paid attention to the warning signs. About two days before, my husband, Andrew was outside walking the dog when an elderly man stumbled up to him. Smelling like a brewery, but with remarkably clear eyes, he said, "I don't want anything from you. I'm not going to ask for money or anything. I just want to know one thing."

Andrew stopped, his curiosity pricked, keeping a careful distance.

"Why are you here?" the man asked. "I mean, don't you know it is dangerous? There are people here who hunt foreigners. You're like prey."

Prey. That word took on new meaning the afternoon in March. My youngest children, Peter, age seven and Noah, age five had just left to walk the dog just outside our flat. During the time they were outside, three men snuck into our home. Five minutes later, the boys and the dog returned. I locked the door, turned around…and the bandits attacked.

With the intent to frighten more than injure, one used force to push me into my office. Meanwhile, another black-hooded thug grabbed a knife and rounded up my four children in a bedroom, threatening them to keep them quiet.

Good Christian kids that they are, they huddled and prayed.
The thieves demanded our money, my jewelry and began assembling our electronics for removal.

I closed my eyes and I prayed.

In Russia, with break-in occurring more often, it isn't unheard of to find the victims slaughtered, the thieves reluctant to leave behind eyewitnesses. My only hope of defense was Heavenly.

Suddenly, as if shocked by some supernatural electrical force, the thieves jumped up, shouted…and ran out, leaving their weapon and our electronics behind.

I followed them, slammed the door behind them, my heart in my throat and ran for the children. We collapsed into a crying, grateful huddle.

The overwhelming theme of this event is that prayer matters. Without a doubt, God intervened and kept us alive.

Our mission board immediately sent our traumatized family to a counseling center in Taiwan. Our children were shaken, afraid to sleep at night, afraid to let us out of their sight. They clung to us at odd times. Instead of running stateside, however, our mission board wanted to see if we could stay, at least through the summer if not for another term.

God drew us close while we were in Taiwan, comforting and reminding us of His love. We spent much time in prayer, asking God for direction. He didn't erase our nightmares, but assured us that we could hold on, tight, to His promises to carry us through the flames of fear, suffering and hardship.

We returned to Russia in the beginning of April, eyes fixed on the summer projects. We made adjustments – installed a security system, changed our dog-walking procedures. Most of all we strove to keep our eyes on the LORD Who had shown Himself sufficient, again and again in our lives.

Prey may be a term used for foreigners, but as we headed into out the last months of our ministry, our key word was – Pray.

Because prayer became my lifeline. My children refused to leave my side for four months, and every time we left our apartment (read: every day, since someone had to go buy food), we huddled at the door. The attackers hadn't been caught. But we couldn't stay prisoners. So, we prayed. We prayed our way out of the door, and down the stairs, and all the way to the market. We prayed through market, and all the way back home into our flat. No, maybe we didn't actually breathe the words aloud every step of the way, but my heart was ever reaching for the sufficiency of the Lord.

We prayed our way through that summer. And into the furlough year, and even now, as I write novels for the glory of God. Because when I reach out to God, I discover that He's already there, arms around me. Holding me up. If I'm to be known by one word, I'd like it not be Prey….but rather, the woman who Prays."



Susan May Warren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 24 books. She and her family make their home on the north shore of Lake Superior. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com

New "Book Monday" begins with Terri Blackstock

Book Monday is a new day of blogging here. I will be featuring a book by a friend who happens to be an author. Over the past decade, Terri Blackstock and I have prayed for each other's children and that is a strong bond. Terri is the kind of person anyone would want for a friend, honest, cheerful, helpful, definitely a strong woman. It is my pleasure to begin "Book Monday" here with her latest release.

DOUBLE MINDS

A Stand-Alone Novel by Terri Blackstock

Were the bullets intended for her?

As talented singer/songwriter Parker James struggles to make her mark on the Nashville music scene, she finds the competition can be fierce – even deadly. When a young woman is murdered at the recording studio where Parker works, Parker is drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems. Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith. Does stardom even matter anymore?

“Blackstock’s superior writing will keep readers turning pages late into the night to discover the identity of the culprit in this amazing mystery. The unique setting and peek into the Nashville music scene are fascinating. Suspense lovers are in for a delightful treat.” Romantic Times, February 2009.

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Known for her “Up All Night Fiction,” Terri has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.

See the Video Trailer for Double Minds at www.terriblackstock.com

Available now at http://www.amazon.com/Double-Minds-Novel-Terri-Blackstock/dp/0310250633/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234798664&sr=1-1, or

www.christianbook.com, www.bn.com, and your favorite bookstores everywhere.

Double Minds

ISBN #978-0-310-31842-2

Terri Blackstock, www.terriblackstock.com

Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=655045822&ref=profile

Thanks, Terri, and best wishes on this new release. It sounds like a winner!

When I am weak; I am strong

Renee Ryan is another of the special ladies who write for Love Inspired. I was delighted when she agreed to guest blog today. When I read her posting, it made me think of 2 Corinthians 12 where Paul speaks about how God used weakness to make Paul stronger.

But here's what Renee has to say!

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

When Lyn invited me to blog here today I started thinking about godly strength and what it means to be strong as Christ was strong. I started wondering (and worrying) if I’ve ever displayed the kind of strength he meant when he said, “Blessed are the meek.” I started digging deep into my past to see if I had ever been strong in a situation that could have easily turned ugly with a harsh word or inappropriate reaction.

And then I thought of my early days as a high school teacher. I had a female ninth grade student who decided on day one that she hated me. We’ll call this student, Hope. Now, when I say Hope hated me, I mean she really hated me. I had taken over for another teacher midyear, a teacher Hope had adored. In Hope’s mind, that made me the bad guy. I could do nothing right. She didn’t even like the way I buttoned my coat.

Like many teenage girls, Hope was brilliant at insulting me without actually insulting me. You know the kind. She was a master at the passive/aggressive barb. She pushed me to the very edge of my limit, yet she always stopped one step short of doing anything I could actually discipline her for. After all, if I wrote a referral for every teenage eye roll and dirty look my hand would have fallen off my first day on the job. Miss Hope was smart enough to know this.

No matter how many conversations I had with this girl, she refused to change her mind about me. The school year finally drew to a close and I thought I had seen the last of her. Then my principal handed me my roster for the next year. Guess what name I saw on the roll for my very first class of the day?

I couldn’t believe I was going to have to spend another year with Hope and her eye rolls and thinly veiled insults. I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t do it. Unfortunately, I had no choice. I was the only teacher teaching that particular subject. I was stuck!

For weeks prior to school starting, I dreamed up all sorts of way to make this kid’s life as miserable as she’d made mine the year before. But I knew I wouldn’t follow through. I was the adult, she was the child. I finally decided to try Christ’s way. At this point, I had nothing to lose.

So there I was, standing outside my classroom, greeting my new students on the first day of school. Here comes Hope strolling down the hallway, staring right at me with a smirk on her face and an ugly gleam in her eye. It was a look that said, “Lady, here I come, your worst nightmare.”

But instead of sneering in return, which I really wanted to do, I smiled at her instead. And I mean, I gave her a genuine smile. No faking was allowed. She’d see through it anyway. Then I said, “Hope, I’m really glad to see you this morning. You of all people know that I’m still really new at this teaching thing. Would you sit in the front row so I’ll have at least one familiar face to look at today?” I meant every word. I just prayed she’d live up to my new expectations of her.

I guess my speech took her off guard. She stopped dead in her tracks, cocked her head and simply stared at me for a full minute. And then, something wonderful happened. She returned my smile and said, “Absolutely. You can count on me.”

From that day forward, Hope became one of my biggest fans. She is and will probably always be one of the best students I’ve ever had.

My heroine in THE MARSHAL TAKES A BRIDE, my current release, is a school teacher as well. Although the set-up is far different from mine, Katherine also deals with people who decide they hate her on sight. I can honestly say, when writing this particular heroine, I drew on my own experiences. J So tell me, do you have a similar story you’d like to share?

Thank you, Lyn, for having me here today. I consider it an honor to share my thoughts on “strong women, brave stories.”

Renee Ryan writes for the Steeple Hill line Love Inspired Historical line. Her fabulous editor is Melissa Endlich. Her first book in the Charity House series, The Marshall Takes a Bride is a February 2009 release. Her next book in the series, Hannah’s Beau hits the shelves July 2009. For further information check out www.reneeryan.com