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Meeting Mr. Majors

Susan — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:30:59 +0000

St. Joe, Mo., is a fascinating historic place where the Old West comes to life.
Recently, I got to meet Alexander Majors, the founder of the Pony Express. Considering he is 199 years old, this was quite impressive.
Gary Hicks did a wonderful job portraying Mr. Majors, who he described as living “a life of historic proportion.” In addition to founding the major freighter business of the mid-19th century, Mr. Majors was present at the driving of the golden spike, established the National Cattlemen’s Association and gave Buffalo Bill Cody his start.
“You look back on 200 years of reflection and realize you were in the right place at the right time,” Mr. Majors said while visiting the Pony Express Museum located in the stables where the mail route began in 1860.
Mr. Majors was the brains and muscle of the Russel, Majors and Waddell firm that launched the Pony Express.
He was devout in his faith, giving each of his workers a Bible. Even though not all of the men could read, it would have meant a lot to them to have a copy of the Word. They also signed an oath not to fight, drinking liquor or swear while working for him.
Mr. Majors insisted that Sunday was a day of rest. The oxen rested from freighting and the men attended church services.
“My faith was very important in my life and who I became as a man.”
He was an instrumental figure in settling the American West – and he happens to make an appearance in my novel I am currently writing.

Book Review: Love In The Balance

Susan — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:17:35 +0000

Love In The Balance is an entertaining love story set in historic Texas.

This is the second book by author Regina Jennings. It’s not necessary to read the books in order, but some characters from “Sixty Acres and A Bride” are in this book. I think I’ll go back and read that book now.

Molly Lovelace lives in Lockhart, Texas, during the week working in the land office at the County Courthouse. On weekends, she travels home to stay with her parents.

The book opens with a hilarious scene in which her beau, Bailey Garner “confesses” to sins that make Molly blush. With her father’s orders to find a more suitable match, Molly becomes taken with a wealthy traveler passing through Texas. She discovers that her heart doesn’t always follow the sensible path and that Bailey may have more to offer than it first appears.

The writing in this book was delightful. A certain turn of phrase could make an ordinary passage come to life. It had a Texas flavor and some unexpected turns to make it surprising to the very end. The story line at times seemed to jump around and it took awhile to determine what exactly was happening. Overall, a solid four stars.

I received this book as part of Bethany House’s book review program in exchange for an honest review.

Put that on a motivational poster

Susan — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:45:52 +0000

Pet Peeves are the theme this week.

I’ve got a list a mile long of things that bug me. One, however, has really gotten under my skin lately.

I’m tired of inspirational plaques.

It’s impossible to walk into a decorating store or craft display at the local festival and not be bombarded with a thousand motivational sayings. Facebook is even worse. I can’t figure out what my friends are up to because of all the advice dished out in eight-word poems. Unwrap a piece of chocolate and it tries to tell you how to live life. I bought some cough drops this winter and they promised, “a pep talk in every drop.” Sure enough, each little wrapper was stamped with motivational thoughts. There’s only one thing I ask from a cough drop and it’s not advice.

I confess to have fallen under the influence. Here are sayings displayed on plaques in my home:

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.

Saddle up and follow your dreams.

Life is good.

A face without freckles is like a sky without stars.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, think on these things.

Amazing grace.

Friends are the family you choose.

Love hopes.

As Christians, we are some of the worst offenders. The gaudiest picture, with a few words of scripture penciled on it, suddenly becomes sanctified.

Why does this trend bother me?

Life is too rich and complex to always be summed up in a cute saying. There are situations where simple wisdom does apply, but much of the time, there are no easy answers and it’s a mistake to always insist on one.
It dulls me to the Bible. The living word of God starts to sound trite when it is stamped on every mug and coaster I own. Is it possible to have too much scripture? Maybe? I know it’s a pitfall for me to emphasis only certain verses and ignore others or to try to apply a verse to a situation where it doesn’t fit.

I probably need a plaque in my living room with this verse from James: ”Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.” I haven’t found that one at the store yet, but I also haven’t really looked.

Have I turned into a curmudgeon or is anyone else tired of all the motivation?

Or maybe I just have a case of the Mondays.

Sounds like music in my ear

Susan — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 01:21:41 +0000

I was on assignment at the Women’s Missions Celebration this weekend to cover the event for the newspaper.

The opening session started with worship. The style was contemporary, but the words were old. Five hundred women raised their voices and sang:

There is a name I love to hear.
I love to sing its worth.
It sounds like music in my ear
The sweetest name on earth.

Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus!
Oh how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.

These familiar words took me back. To my very first Sunday school room with Becky McLarnon and Mary Shoesmith. Two humble women who probably didn’t matter much in the world’s eyes. But they loved Jesus and they loved me and hundreds of little snot-nosed kids who passed through their classroom.

Every Sunday morning, we sat in white wooden chairs at Laura Street Baptist Church and sang songs and read the Bible and looked at pictures of Jesus. I knew I better pay attention because Mom would ask me on the way home what my Sunday school lesson was about. Since she was next door in the nursery, she’d know if I was telling the truth. She firmly believed that even a three-year-old should study the Bible and that the truth could change their life.

Thirty-five years later, as these memories remain so vivid, I am well aware she was right. And I am so, so thankful for Mom and Becky and Mary who were faithful. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.

Quilt Chronicles final book releases today

Susan — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 01:15:56 +0000

Happy April Fool’s Day! It is a special day – the final book in The Quilt Chronicles releases today.

Me, Stephanie Grace Whitson, and Susan Hollaway at last year’s Called To Write Conference

As an author, she really delves into women’s hearts and explores complex emotions. This series is set in historic Lincoln, Neb. The first two books are selling for just $2.99 on Kindle right now.

The first book, The Key on the Quilt is set inside a women’s prison facility, tracing how lives intersect in unexpected ways. In The Shadow on the Quilt which I just finished, Juliana Sutton faces terrible pain when her husband dies in a fire at a brothel. She and her husband’s two maiden aunts find healing together. The story had an element of romance with a most lovable hero, but I found Juliana’s story complete in itself.

I’m really looking forward to the last installment The Message on the Quilt. The books are independent stories in the series, so it doesn’t matter which one you read first.

It’s not easy being… pure

Susan — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:54:48 +0000

Kermit the Frog sang, “It’s not easy being green.” This week, the bloggers on Pages From Stages are giving a glimpse into the things that each of us deal with that are not easy, even though we may wish they were.

As a single woman, I just want to share that it’s not easy being pure.

I realize this isn’t news to anyone. Our society is saturated with sexual imagery and innuendo. Walking according to God’s directions can make a person feel like a freak. Taking a stand for what is right is like painting a target on your back.

It’s hard to be pure even in Christian circles. I’m not talking about “staying pure” which is where emphasis is usually placed. But in living everyday as a single adult in a world filled with couples, families and sex. Being made whole by God’s grace when you feel incomplete.

I believe as the Body of Christ, we do an excellent job celebrating life. We rejoice at weddings and celebrate anniversaries. There is an eight-week marriage seminar going on at my church this spring. Churches host baby showers, teach parenting skills and collect diapers for the crisis pregnancy center.

A season of singleness, on the other hand, is viewed more like something to endure. I’m discovering it’s also cause to celebrate; to share in the sufferings of Christ.

I’ve often prayed and told the Lord that I should not be single because it’s not natural. How can you live in denial of the deepest longings of your heart? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“True Love Waits” is good advice when you’re 15. But what about when it feels like true love took the last bus out of town and you’re left standing on the curb choking on the exhaust?

A friend and I were talking recently and agreed that being single in our 30s is a whole different ballgame than it was in our 20s. I imagine in much the same way losing intimacy after being in a loving marriage is different than my situation. How are we encouraging the divorced to walk in purity? I’m also under no illusions that there is an age when this suddenly does get easy. Widows and widowers need help to cope with the loneliness.

Why am I writing this?

Certainly from no desire to draw attention to myself. I do want to highlight the love of God – which is reflected in marriage, yes, and also in the sacrificial life of chastity.

For those who are single: Purity is a battle that, by it’s nature, is waged all alone. You’re not the only one in the arena. Even through our struggles, we can cheer each other on.

For those who are married: Please think about encouraging someone who is committed to purity. Maybe a teenager figuring out their place in this world. A college student watching their friends either getting married or “hooking up.” A single parent. A widower. It would be a huge boost if just one sermon or Sunday school illustration, instead of being about a spouse and children, was about a single person. Instead of “family activities,” there may be a place for all of us just to be people together.

It’s not easy being pure. But I do feel a little stronger for having said it.

“God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.” I Thessalonians 4:7

Pearl Snap Shirts

Susan — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:37:15 +0000

My dad wears pearl snap shirts, Ely brand.

As a teenager, I was convinced this was the ultimate in farmer geek wear. The look is accented with $10-a-pair Rustler jeans and a seed cap. Yellow chore gloves in back pocket optional.

Who’d have thought my dad’s going to town duds would one day be paid tribute in a country song?

This week, I’m getting ready for a big shindig. The Agri-Business Expo Center where I work is hosting cowboy poet Baxter Black in a benefit performance. It feels kind of like having 400 people over for dinner.

And for a female, this requires a new outfit. Where else would I go but the iconic St. Joe Boot? Opening the door, the intoxicating scent of leather took me right back to the summer of 1992. My mom and sister went with me to the store where I bought a pair of slip on burgandy Roper boots so I could start college in style.

This time, I found the perfect cowgirl top.
Complete with pearl snaps.

Get your boots on – we’re going out in style!

Java Brownies – a perfect balance

Susan — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 02:39:08 +0000

Are you ready for some chocolate?

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here’s one of my favorite chocolate recipes that I sort of came up with myself – java chocolate brownies.

Yes, they are as good as they sound.

Yes, they are very easy.

For some people, cooking not done from scratch is like breaking a commandment. For the rest of us, there’s grace and cake mixes. For this recipe, use a “family size” brownie mix that gives directions to bake in a 9 x 13 pan. But we are going to break that law!

This recipe is a perfect balance of two of my favorite things – chocolate and coffee. As I think about it, it’s also a balance of grace and law

When mixing the batter, replace the water with chocolate syrup. In general, this is a good policy. Think I’ll try it at various times throughout the week. For the coffee, use some you brewed that morning or mix up a little batch with instant crystals.

Java Chocolate Brownies

1 family size brownie mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. chocolate syrup
1/4 c. strong coffee

Ingredients may change based on the mix you use. Mix up the brownies as directed (this is where we follow the law) EXCEPT replace water with chocolate syrup. Add coffee. Pour into square-ish pan. (8×8 or slightly larger. The Pampered Chef square baker is a great size.) Bake according to directions. The chocolate syrup and thicker batter make these very moist, so you don’t have to worry so much about over-baking.

To kick things up another notch, make coffee frosting from Jiffy mix. (Grace and Jiffy mixes, amen.) Instead of hot water, use coffee. While these brownies aren’t religious, they will help you stay awake through the sermon.

If you’re not a coffee fan, just leave it out. Throw in some chocolate chips, nuts, candy pieces. This recipe is all about not being under the law. Speaking of law, former U.S. Attorney General and Missouri Governor John Ashcroft shared the recipe that is the basis for this one.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Enjoy some chocolate or coffee. Or both!

It takes a village to write a novel

Susan — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:59:33 +0000

This weekend involved two special boosts for my writing.

First, Kathy Gronau hosted us at her house for a retreat. We had a wonderful time sharing our stories and where we’re at in the journey. Check out pictures from the weekend on Facebook here.

The other was a gift from Dan and Sue, dear friends from church. Dan is a model train enthusiast and has created some scenes using the same buildings in my Christmas village. These friends have been wonderful supporters of my writing – Dan gave me advice on what type of gun the hero would use – and I mentioned that I was thinking of using my little buildings to recreate some scenes from my novel-in-progress set in historic St. Joseph. Sometimes the hero and heroine need a little help getting together.

While I was driving home from Kathy’s, Dan called and said they were cleaning out and wondered if I wanted some of the village buildings. What a treat! Sue was practically humming as she wrapped up the little houses, grocery stores and churches and grinned as I walked out the door, so I think this was a true win-win situation. My Christmas village nearly doubled in size with a building boom.

This week, we’re sharing about heroes and heroines. It has been fun to write a love story in a historical setting because that time period seems so romantic. It’s also a challenge to figure out how men and women would have had chances to interact while keeping it historically accurate.

One of the treasures in the little village is a Pony Express rider. Here, the pony rider comes galloping in to the post office to deliver the mail. Look at the lovely lady there to meet him. Is romance about to bloom?

But wait! Who is that mysterious stranger lurking in the shadows in front of the carriage house?

This little village promises to be full of big stories!

Thanks to these friends who helped bring it together. I can’t wait to see what happens next…

New year – new notebooks and apps!

Susan — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:59:24 +0000

Let the new year begin

Don’t you love a fresh start?

That’s the theme on Pages From Stages this week. New Year’s is one of my favorite seasons for this very reason.

It means new notebooks and calendars! I have way too much fun picking out paper products to start the new year. I’ve got a train calendar over my desk at home and landscapes at the office. This year’s crop is especially promising and I’m already jotting little notes and long lists.

Some more technologically advanced features were introduced to my New Year’s fresh start in 2013. I’ve been a little slow to the “app” market to load new gizmos on my phone. But I knew I needed to rejuvenate my Bible reading and as they say, “There’s an app for that.”

I downloaded the You Version of the Bible, which actually has many, many translations of the Bible, along with lots of reading plans. I am reading the 35-day Soul Detox plan.

Love it.

Each day, it sends a reminder with the daily Scripture, which I usually read out of my own Bible, but sometimes I read it on the screen to try a different translation.

Another app I’m playing with is the Daily Audio Bible. Listening to God’s word being spoken is quite different than silently reading it off the page and I’ve really enjoyed it. You can listen through the whole Bible in a year or like me, listen to a Psalms and Proverb each day.

My word this year is “inside;” I’ve been paying more attention to what I put “inside” both my heart and my body. An app called Lose It helps me track what I eat each day. It has made me more aware of what (and how much of it!) I eat. I had forgotten that snacks count – and they add up!

Using these apps, I hope to have more of God’s word in my heart, and less of me on the scale. And I can write about it in my notebooks.