Fall Friday

Childhood memories of fall . . . trips to the pumpkin patch, wandering through a corn maze, and going on hayrides. There's something delightful about seeing the bright orange and white pumpkins dotting the greenery. There's something heart-warming about sitting on poky hay bales and laughing in the slight fall breeze. There's something beautiful about enjoying the harvest with loved ones. And these are some of the main reasons I love fall!

Last year was difficult for me. For someone who loves fall and spending time with family, it was hard being away at school, missing out on all of our wonderful traditions back at home.

But my parents and my sister came to visit me in the middle of the season last year, and we created a new tradition. We decided to go to the HarvestFest at E.Z. Orchards here in Salem--and we had a lovely time! It wasn't exactly the same as our experiences at home, but it was something new that I thoroughly enjoyed. One of my favorite parts (besides the overall atmosphere) was listening to the bluegrass band while sitting on hay bales. (Bluegrass music is so beautiful to me, and I'm so excited to be celebrating it later this month with a couple of wonderful and talented guests!)

Now, I'm away from home for another fall. But my parents are coming up to visit me this weekend, and we're planning on heading back to E.Z. Orchards and making more fall traditions and memories together. The love of family doesn't change, no matter where you are, and the season of fall can be delightful even while away from home. I'm so thankful for God's blessings of people to love and His creation to enjoy!

This would be a great note to end this post on, but I thought it would also be good to talk once again about autumn in the seasons of humility--because that's what season I'm in right now. This week has been fraught with emotional turmoil for me. I've cried about so many different things, and I've been having such a poor attitude.

And then Wednesday it really hit me--almost all of the things I've been upset about are due to my own lack of humility. I haven't been trusting in God about my future . . . I haven't wanted to hear criticism or obey my parents . . . I've worried more about how grades would make me look than about what I've been learning. I'm at the very beginning of my poem once again, looking at my broken dreams littered on the ground like dead leaves. I keep wanting my own way, rather than God's way.

It hurts. It's not easy to let go and to trust God. But I've seen the fruits of my pride and my selfishness, and I long for a proper perspective again--an eternal perspective. I need to reorder my priorities, putting God first and seeking His will, because He truly does know what is best. He can see what I can't, and while it's hard, following Him is always rewarding in ways that I could never begin to imagine and are far better than any of my own dreams.

So I encourage you to turn to your Friend and realize that He truly loves you and has a purpose for you. We must trust in His timing and in His plan--something I'm learning the hard way right now, but something I'm very glad to be learning, as well.

In that regard, I'll probably be posting less often for the foreseeable future, posting only on the scheduled days (in the "Normal Weekly Schedule" in the sidebar) except for reviews or special events ("Sightseeing by the Seasons" off and on and the "Bluegrass Festival Weekend," for example). I have been rather obsessive about my blog recently, and I need to remember to seek God first and use the time and blessings He has given me wisely (which includes taking full advantage of the great education I am getting). I appreciate your understanding, and I'm so thankful for all of you!

Well, I'm off this three-day weekend (Friday is "Study Day" for our school, so no classes!) to make more fall memories with my parents and to take time to think and re-order my priorities. May the Lord bless you as you walk with Him! I'll leave you with this thought, something that wise Solomon discovered and something I need so desperately to remember:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
~ Ecclesiastes 12:13

I've Been Interviewed!

Julia over at Dark Glass Ponderings has interviewed several writers and bloggers for "The Ministry of Writing & Blogging Week," and I am absolutely honored to say that one of those bloggers is me!

If you have a few minutes, you can read the interview HERE.

And be sure to check out all the other marvelous bloggers and writers Julia is hosting this week! For those of you who are bloggers, Julia is doing a giveaway for a custom-made/personalized blog header, so don't miss out!

Have a wonderful day!

Of Lost Crowns and Missing Mondays

This week is going to be rather hectic for me! I apologize in advance if I'm not around as much. This past weekend was quite unproductive for me in terms of schoolwork, so the next few days will be filled with homework, especially since I want to be free this next weekend to spend time with my parents who are coming up to visit me! =)

That being said, I simply had to share a fun story with you from my experience at Awana last night! As I've said before, I'm working with the "Sparks" (Kindergarten through second grade) age group at the Awana club at a local church. Last night the game time took place outside . . . in the dark! The kids had a lot of fun running around and playing dodge ball and such.

Once we came back inside, one of the girls in my group told me that she had lost her "crown" pin, which is a pin shaped like a crown that holds the jewels she had earned for saying memory verses and completing parts of her workbook(s) in the past. She said she had lost it outside. So I told her I would go look for it. In the dark.

A couple of the other leaders who help with game time were still outside, so I told them what I was looking for. One of them let me borrow his phone (or iPhone or whatever it was!) that had a rather bright light. So I searched for the pin, shining the light around the places they had been playing. No luck.

I gave the phone back and expressed my disappointment. It wasn't the worst thing that could happen, and it probably could be replaced. But it still was sad that we couldn't find it. As soon as I gave the phone back, I headed for the side door so I could go back inside. Just then I kicked something in the grass with my foot as I was walking. I bent down, saw the bronze pin with its jewels in the light of the open door, and proclaimed that I had found it! The lost crown was lost no more!

I don't think the girl was quite as excited as I was about the story, but it certainly put a smile on my face. =)

Anyway, as for the "Missing Mondays" part of the title of this post, I just wanted to address the fact that I have missed yet another "Mondays for the Military." I suppose I could have written something about the military today, but I'm still rather eager to start profiling different military men and women whom we can encourage and thank. So this feature is simply on hold until I get the first interview back (which should hopefully happen before next Monday!). Thank you for your patience!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I'll probably still be posting/commenting off and on when I can! Talk to you soon!

Sunday by the Sea

"He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. . . . As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he many carry away in his hand." ~ Ecclesiastes 5:10, 15.

I need desperately to be reminded of this. How complicated life becomes with greed! I have indulged myself so much lately, from food to books. I'm not satisfied with the piece of cake I had at dinner--I also want some of that candy I let myself buy for my pumpkin candy container. I'm not satisfied with the wonderful deal I got on a book online--I also have to buy the "Love Inspired Suspense" book I let myself look at in the store.

So much is about attitude. We are aware of our limits, but we test them until we are overcome with the desire to cross them. Oh, I need help! How many times have I talked about my desire to stop buying so much, to stop being so greedy? I'm so sorry to you, my readers, for being so hypocritical. I go through spurts where I let myself go. I just let myself get whatever I want, and in so doing, I lose sight of what is truly valuable.

What does this have to do with the sea? Well, the picture above is of me probably a couple of years ago or so (back when I had bangs!). I was with a good friend, my mom, and my sister. The four of us were on a little beach, collecting shells. What wonderful gifts memories are! What wonderful gifts family and friends are! What a wonderful gift the beauty of God's creation is!

When I get caught up with material possessions, it is as if I'm sitting on the beach, hoarding bits of shells and grains of sand in one little space--alone. I'm missing out on the opportunities for memories with others having fun on the beach. I'm missing out on the feel of the wind on my face and the sun shining warm around me. I'm missing out on the spectacular view of the ocean meeting the horizon.

In the same way, I've been squandering money and collecting little bits and pieces, missing out on something special and wonderful when I lose my eternal perspective. I need to look up from my pile of sand and stand in awe of the wide ocean of God's purposes and the destiny He has for me.

May I use the gifts God has given me wisely. May I hold some shells in my hand and smile at the blessings God gives, seeing their beauty as a reminder to look to the everlasting beauty of the Lord who created them.

May I not lose sight of the ocean for the fragile fragments I hold for now.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
~ Matthew 6:21

Snail Mail Sunshine and a Blog Award

Many of you know what I mean when I say that snail mail is like afternoon sunshine spilled over a grassy hillside after a gray, dreary morning. We all get so busy with everyday life--going to classes, going to work, chauffeuring the kids, doing sports, helping at AWANA, doing homework, etc.--but having a piece of mail in your mailbox causes you to pause. Your heart warms as you see the return address of a loved one on an envelope, or a slip of paper that lets you know that you have a package.

I have been blessed with a lot of snail mail lately. Yes, a lot of packages I've received are books that need to be reviewed--but they're a treat nonetheless! It doesn't matter that you know it's coming. The sun starts to peek through the clouds, and you look for that inevitable splash of sun that will warm the earth and brighten the path.

This week I received copies of Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander and Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater to review. I'm really looking forward to diving into those! I know I have a couple of books for fun coming, too, including a three-in-one hardcover copy of Tamera Alexander's "Fountain Creek Chronicles" series, which I got for a great price at Christianbook.com!

I recently received a letter from my grandparents, which is such a wonderful gift. I love corresponding with my grandparents, and I am so thankful that we can stay close even while I'm gone at school. "I'll be home for Christmas" takes on special meaning for the college student. =)

I also received a package from my sweet mother. Not only did she send me some different helps for my cold (medicine, Vitamin D, nose strips for nighttime breathing, etc.), but she also sent me some fall decorations! It feels a little more festive in my dorm room, and it makes such a difference to have those little connections with my mom, who decorates often for various holidays! And that wasn't all. There were other little things, like a copy of Country magazine and some candy for me and my roommate.

But there was also something very unique in this package. My mom sent me a copy of a book my aunt put together about my great-uncle Robert, who died in WWII and whose funeral I went to this past summer in Washington D.C. There were copies of letters, information about Robert, and pictures of him along with pictures of this past summer. Here's what the cover says:

Robert Lloyd Crane
He Gave His Life for His Country
On May 23, 1944
While Flying Needed Supplies
To Merrill's Marauders in Burma

Buried With Honors at Arlington National Cemetery
66 years later in Washington D.C.
July 15, 2010
In A Funeral Fit For Our Nation's Heroes

I simply looked through it when it came, and I couldn't help but cry . . . for the beautiful tribute to my great-uncle . . . for the beautiful family that I am a part of . . . for the beautiful sacrifice my great-uncle made for the people and the country he loved. This summer was unforgettable.

And it is with this aunt and some of the other members of my dad's side of the family that I get to spend Thanksgiving this year--in Texas! I am overwhelmed by the love of family, from welcoming arms to timely and meaningful packages in the mail.

Before I move on to the blog award I received from a dear blogging friend of mine (Casey), I want to let you know that I also received a package from this same friend a couple of days ago! Why am I telling you this? Because the package I received contained the jewelry I had ordered from Casey's blog Bug's Beads.

See the necklace pictured at left? I indulged and bought a piece of jewelry for myself, and isn't it lovely? Casey is a joy to do business with, and I can't wait to wear this necklace! Plus, her jewelry makes great gifts, so now might be a good time to do some birthday, early Christmas, or surprise gift shopping! (And she has a great earring sale going on RIGHT NOW!)

With that, I am so touched to say that Casey also passed on a blog award to me recently! Thank you so much, Casey! I'm so glad we can be friends! Take a look at this sweet award:

I could pass this on to so many people, because I have been blessed by all of you and your friendship! Here's a few of those people whose friendship brings sunshine into my life:

Ashley at After All, Tomorrow Is Another Day

Hannah at Project Journal

Bluerose at Bluerose's Heart

Cerella at The Cerella Life

Kav at Best Reads (2010)

. . . and Amanda, who as of now does not have her own blog, but whose encouraging, uplifting comments to everyone inspire me and brighten my life!

Thank you to all of you for your friendship! Be sure to check out the great blogs mentioned above.

And if any of you, my dear followers, would like some snail mail, e-mail me at stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net with your snail mail address and I will try my best to get a letter out to you, because I want to share a bit of the sunshine you have brought into my days! Maybe we could become pen pals!

LitFuse Publicity Blog Tour: A Friend in the Storm

Here's a description of the book: "This ninety-six page gift-book combines heartfelt poetry with powerful quotes and Scripture verses to speak to the heart and soul of anyone going through difficult times. The beautiful fabric binding with foil stamping makes this the perfect gift for anyone seeking comfort.

Author Cheryl Ricker reaches into the depths of human suffering from the perspective of Christ speaking to the reader in soothing poetic words.

This elegant gift book will reach the heart and soul of anyone facing difficult circumstances, leading them through their suffering into the arms of a faithful loving God.

Each two-page spread includes a poem, as well as reflections written by Christian leaders, along with healing Scripture verses."

My Review:

As is probably the case with many poetry book/anthologies, not all of the poems are going to be equally meaningful to the reader. I found some of these poems to be very intriguing and encouraging, and I found others to be a bit forced. The hard thing with rhyming in poetry is that sometimes it works wonderfully, and other times it just doesn’t seem to fit. This is what my mom and I discussed when I read her some of the pages from this book.

I must say that the book itself is lovely—the layout, along with the use of quotes, Bible verses, and poems together. The nature images in the book are both pretty and calming, in a sense.

Reading all the way through the poems is vital to really getting the full effect of the book. I was pleasantly surprised by the “twist” at the end, and the order of the poems took on more significance as I neared the end.

In all, I do think that some of these poems would be a comfort to those who are going through hard times, and many of the poems toward the end of the book are quite hopeful. However, I also feel that some of these poems and their unconventional analogies (which aren’t always a bad thing in poetry in general) might serve to confuse the reader, even if they do help the reader to think a little more deeply about what it is they believe. So, I might recommend reading this book first before giving it to someone else.

*With thanks to the publisher for my free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, to be given during the LitFuse Publicity blog tour.*

About the Author: Cheryl Ricker has a degree in creative writing and has written columns and articles for various magazines and newspapers. She's been writing poetry all her life and her poems have won awards in fine arts and literary magazines. Cheryl lives with her husband and two sons in Rochester, Minnesota.

Please check out Cheryl's amazing website for more information. www.cherylricker.com

The Book Trailer:



To Buy the Book: click HERE

Contest Information: All of the fun contest information can be found HERE!

Blog Tour Schedule: Check out all the other reviews scheduled by clicking HERE and scrolling down.

Q & A with the Author:

Question: What do you love the most about poetry? Do you feel that poetry elicits (and expresses) certain feelings that no other form of literature can elicit?

Answer: I love poetry because of its compact musicality and mystery. Using sound and rhythmic language it plays on our imaginative awareness to evoke the most emotional responses.

Poems are sacred trusts. They’re songs of sorts. We all know how music reaches the heart like nothing else. Poems move people to change. They play with words, sculpting them to help people to see differently.

Other forms of literature lack their quality of creative distillations of truth. Poems are shiny golden nuggets you can repeatedly turn in your mind to catch different angles of light.

Question: Do you have a favorite poem from A Friend in the Storm—one that is especially meaningful to you?

Answer:

Your Advocate

Don’t worry when they judge you;
Only I can judge a heart.
As the Christ who crossed each crisis,
I will barricade each dart.

They misjudged Me for a devil,
peering gravely through pinched eyes,
but I gave beyond the grave
so I could save and make you wise.

Many of my poems connect people’s pain with Christ’s. As someone who has been misjudged in the past, the one helps me remember that not only am I sharing in the sufferings of Christ, but my sufferings also have a redemptive purpose. “All things work together for good to those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”

Question: For those people who are perhaps perplexed/confused by poetry, do you have any thoughts you can share that might spark more appreciation for this writing form?

Answer: I get confused by a lot of poetry myself. When I write poetry I want to make people think, but I don’t want them to give them a headache trying to figure things out.

If you’re perplexed and confused by certain poetry, maybe that’s not the kind for you. As in all writing, there are many different types. Try something that works, but don’t give up so easily.

If you can’t find the kind of poetry you like to read, try writing it yourself. It’ll give you a new appreciation for poetry as a whole. Who knows; you might even start a new style that somebody (like yourself) has been hoping to find.

Take a chance.

Question: Do you have any tips you can give us on the craft of writing poetry?

Answer: I can tell you one of my techniques for writing rhyming poetry.

Jot down a provocative word, then start writing all the words you can think of related to it, and keep branching out. It’s a great brain-storming technique. Then start circling the best of the best key words.

As they’re spot-lighted, you may get an idea what you want to write about. Try to nail down your main point into a single sentence. Look at your circled words and next start brain-storm rhyming from them. Look at it like you’re building and piecing together an intricate puzzle.

Don’t be afraid to radically change things around. I work on paper so I can see what I’m doing. I have lines going in every which way, but they all help me map out my progress.

Stay prayerful, and keep writing until it sings. Read it aloud, and have someone else read it. Ask a teenager if they can understand it. Put it through the ninth degree. That’s what I do. I hope this helps.

Autumn Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations, Sylvia! You are the winner of Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark. I think you're really going to love this book! Be on the lookout for my e-mail.

Thank you to all those who entered the giveaway! I really enjoy reading your comments and seeing your enthusiasm. Happy autumn to everyone!