Disney Birthday Bash with Catherine West!

In a few days my family and I will be headed to Disneyland to celebrate my sister's 8th grade graduation and my 20th birthday, which both occur on the same day! In honor of our upcoming vacation, I decided to do a Disney-themed bash this week, and our first guest is Catherine West!

Catherine is the author of Yesterday's Tomorrow, a poignant and powerful love story set during the Vietnam War. Read on to find out more about this great author and to learn how you can win a copy of this great book!

Amber: Thank you so much for joining us today! Since this week’s theme is “Disney,” could you share with us your favorite Disney movie and why it’s your favorite?

Catherine: That’s hard because there are so many great ones! I think I’ll have to say Beauty and the Beast. It was probably the first Disney movie that came out just as my daughter was getting to the age where she’d sit through a movie and understand it – I remember watching it with her and seeing how intent on it she was – and of course I’m a sucker for a great love story!

Amber: Such a wonderful movie! Have you ever been to Disneyland or Disney World? If so, do you have a fun memory you could share with us about one of the rides/attractions?

Catherine: My husband is a Disney Fanatic! Kind of makes sense considering he’s a pediatrician! We’ve been to Disneyworld five times! There is nothing like taking little kids to Disney – the first year we went, my son was three and my daughter five – I think that was the best trip ever. My favorite memory from that trip was eating breakfast in Cinderella’s Castle, and having Cinderella come talk to my daughter and tell her that she looked just like her!! I don’t think Sarah stopped smiling the whole trip! We thought my son might be a little young at the time, but it was amazing to see how much he really did enjoy it, once he got over the initial fear of the characters, he started following them all around! It truly is a magical place!

Amber: That is so sweet! Sounds like you've had some memorable experiences at Disney World. =) Which Disney character from any of the Disney movies do you most identify with?

Catherine: I’ve always loved Ariel from The Little Mermaid. She had a dream and she wasn’t afraid to go after it, risking everything for it. I think that as a writer, I really get that. And of course it all turned out well in the end for her!!

Amber: That seems to be a prominent (and inspiring) theme in Disney movies--following your dreams! Have any of the Disney movies inspired your writing (ie: characters, plot, etc.) in any way?

Catherine: I am a die-hard romantic and I absolutely love happy endings, so I always appreciate the final scenes where we see our beautiful heroine in her wedding dress, snagging her handsome prince! I mean, come on, it doesn’t get any better than that! I can’t say off hand that any particular movie has inspired a book for me, but I love the concept of good overcoming evil. That’s important to me in my writing.

Amber: *Sigh* I think the happy endings are great, too! What do you love the most about Disney movies?

Catherine: I actually prefer the real people movies to cartoon characters, but I’m always amazed at how the cartoons manage to tug my heartstrings as well! I love that there is humor, a good moral premise and that they are made for all audiences. Of course over the years, Disney has come out with some not so great movies and some scary scenes that I wasn’t sure were entirely appropriate for my children, but on the whole I don’t think you can go wrong with a Disney movie. I do have to say that my very favorite watch over and over again Disney movie of late is Enchanted. They hit it out of the park in my opinion with that one. I love the music, the color, the story – everything!! So is it just me, or does everyone else want to know what’s up with the whole mother thing and Disney? Missing mothers, dead mothers, evil step-mothers…weird, huh? :0) Oh well, we love Disney anyway!

Amber: Hahaha, I'm sure you're not the only one who's noted that! ;) Thanks so much for visiting with us today, and for sharing those adorable pictures from your past!

Readers, if you would like a chance to win a copy of Yesterday's Tomorrow, just leave a comment for Catherine along with your e-mail address! A winner will be announced on Friday, June 3rd.

And if you would like to learn more about Catherine and her work, check out her website and her blog.

Honoring Our Wounded Warriors

On Memorial Day we honor our fallen heroes--those men and women who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This morning I will be at a local Memorial Day service, listening to my grandpa give a speech on the Merchant Marines. After his speech, my sister will be reading a poem written by a mariner who recently passed away, and I'll be singing "This is My Son" (by the bluegrass band, Cherryholmes). We are privileged to have a part in honoring the military this day.

But let us also remember our military men and women who are still serving our country today, as well as those who have come home wounded.

With that in mind, today's guest is KC Frantzen! KC was here in April to ask for our support of the Wounded Warrior Getaway, and now she is back to share with us how the latest WWG went. I think you'll be blessed by her report:

Spring Wounded Warrior Getaway – Boerne, TX
April 28 – May 1, 2011

This year's theme: 2 Corinthians 3:17

"…Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Absolutely right!

This Wounded Warrior Getaway (WWG) was at once the most intense and the most peaceful, from my perspective. Prior to everyone's arrival, there seemed to be a variety of attacks and "fiery darts" trying to derail the event in some form or fashion.

But we started on time and the folks who were supposed to be there, came. Thirty-six volunteers from all over the country arrived to help – California to Florida, Illinois to Texas - and my husband and me from Tennessee.

This was our third time to be blessed working in ministry side by side with these warriors and their families. As he says, "It's the highlight of our year."

About 35 warrior families came, several with as many as five children!!

Inspiring Speakers

Our keynote speakers were Clebe and Deanna McClary. (I had the privilege of meeting them last August, when a friend and I helped with the MARSOC Getaway in Myrtle Beach, SC.) They are one amazing couple with a phenomenal story and ministry, Clebe having won both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. If you want to know more, check out their books. Great reads!

How thankful we are that people like the McClarys put others first, showing their concern not only for physical healing but especially for spiritual healing. They truly exhibit the love of Christ, having been there, done that with Clebe's 30+ major surgeries and countless weeks of rehab after his severe injuries in Vietnam. Please remember them in prayer.

Because God used them in such a powerful way, 4 people came to faith in Christ before Sunday morning, and 3 more during the Sunday service. Who knows since then, how many have thought about the eternal truths of God's perfect love that the McClarys shared?

Warriors and the Wild West

MANY thanks to those who sent thank you notes. (I was hoping there would be more because they are so meaningful. Maybe next time?! HINT HINT!!!) Books were sent, along with gift cards and some prizes for the BBQ and Saturday night event too.

We fill welcome bags with these donated items to make the family's stay more enjoyable. Of course, there are also items for them to take back to their apartments or places they stay while their warrior is still in recovery.

** Think about this. It was the third time we saw some of the same families, which means their beloved warrior is still in treatment. This wears on relationships and the WWG serves as a time of refreshment for those who are weary.

We had a western theme, which meant a lot of fun for all. Not only did we have a petting zoo (with pig, lamb, baby chicks and a statuesque Holstein with saddle for photo-taking), but we had a chuck wagon making biscuits and peach cobbler over the fire *YUM!*, a trick roping demonstration and a wonderful evening with Dr. Gene Howard, a dead-ringer for John Wayne.

Things ran smoothly as we ministered to the families. Many had heard what a great weekend it is and were ready to get away from endless appointments and packed schedules so they could be a family for awhile.

Stories of Healing

And oh the stories. One lady warrior thanked us repeatedly for making her middle child feel special. Six recommitted their lives to Christ. One senior was ready to go to her first ever prom Saturday evening. There was talk amongst the volunteers about who was good with hair and makeup. Deanna McClary (former pageant winner) to the rescue! We found some hot rollers and Ellen, our volunteer who always hosts the spa time, had lots of Mary Kay cosmetics and skin care for the pretty teen to enjoy. She started to bloom… By the time Cinderella left, she was stunning. The next morning she teared up and told us she never thought she could look so beautiful.

Being a dog person, I had to meet Bosley. On the first occasion I sat on the floor enjoying his company and looked up at his master, a lady warrior.

A chill ran through me as I recognized her from two previous WWG's. She has terrible PTSD, nightmares and she sleep-walks.

When I said her name, she smiled broadly. Truly, I did not recognize her, she looked so fantastic! She shared how Bosley had changed her life. Her awesome dog has made all the difference. She is one of the people who came to faith in Christ this time.

Your prayers are so important. Thank you!

One young couple have been married three years. Not long after they married, he went to Iraq, survived a blast, and is now in a wheelchair. They've been having a very tough time, but after hearing the McClarys, they met with Deanna privately and told her they wanted what she and Clebe have. This couple both accepted the gift of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone Saturday evening. Watching them "dance" at the Saturday night event was one of the most memorable scenes for me.

An older warrior made a point to see each volunteer and gave us a special commemorative coin from Iraq. He said the WWG had changed his life. That he was going to be a much better husband and father from now on, as he puts Christ back into the center of his home.

How YOU Can Help

These are random thoughts, but I trust it gives you a glimpse into this outstanding Grace ministry. As always, volunteers pay our own way.

Joni and Friends takes donations to cover the cost of the Warrior families who attend, as they are not charged for the long weekend. Please send to:

Joni And Friends San Antonio
1370 Pantheon Way, # 165
San Antonio, TX 78232

I hope you will consider volunteering yourself, and getting your own group involved. There is a tremendous need with so, so many young men and women returning wounded – which in turn has a devastating impact on the family. They've done their duty. It is our duty to be faithful and take care of them in recovery.

Please PRAY: For the Joni and Friends San Antonio staff, who do things with love and excellence, for the volunteers, and especially for the warriors and their families. And DO join us next time with your support, and hopefully your presence(!), as we minister to our heroic American Warrior families.

Revell Blog Tour: My Review of A Great Catch

Here's a description of the book from Revell:

"She wants to change the world.

He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters."

My Rating: Summer

My Review:

Once again Seilstad has swept me away to the sunny shores of Lake Manawa for a delicious summer treat! Following up the delightful Making Waves, this book offers another inning of fun and faith while sharing a unique and engaging story.

The characters are both humorous and convicting as they stumble both literally and figuratively through the joys and trials of new love. Carter and Emily are simply adorable, but at the same time there is a depth to their story that causes the reader to pause and consider her own use or misuse of her time. There's a lot that demands our attention in this life, but there are consequences for every choice we make. It's a powerful lesson that's woven well throughout this sweet book.

A Great Catch has a thoroughly enjoyable setting and a wonderful story--just right for the beginning of the summer season or anytime you're longing for some summer fun!

*With thanks to Revell Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

“Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

My Review of When All My Dreams Come True

Here's a description of the book from Harvest House Publishers:

"Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. The friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side, but ranch life keeps getting in the way.

Ranch owner Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he’s surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, can Jace trust God, even if it may mean giving up on his dreams?

An adventurous novel of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West."

My Rating: Spring

My Review:

With lots of action and a sweet romance, When All My Dreams Come True kept me from having many dreams as I stayed up very late in order to finish the book all in one night! From the opening chase scene to the various attempts on Jace's and Bobbie's lives, it was easy to speed through this book with all the stamina of a wild horse.

Although the premise of this story, with a female wrangler hounded by danger and caught by love, is not as original nowadays, Mowery still manages a fresh take on this Western romance through great secondary characters and an action-packed plot. And the theme of trusting God with one's heart and dreams keeps the book unified and makes it an encouraging read.

*With thanks to Kav for my copy of the book, which I won on her blog Best Reads (2010-2011).*

My Review of Pompeii: City on Fire

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"A city on the eve of destruction
A politician escaping his destiny
And a Jewish slave girl trained to die

None of them will survive unscathed.

Pleasure-seeking Romans find the seaside town of Pompeii the perfect getaway, and when the rich patrician Cato escapes Rome, intent on a life of leisure, he is unprepared for the hostility he encounters.

For Ariella, disguised as a young boy and sold into a gladiator troupe, survival is her only ambition.

But evil creeps through the streets of Pompeii and neither Ariella’s secret nor Cato’s evasion are safe. Political corruption, religious persecution and family peril threaten to destroy them, even before the mountain spews its fire.

As Vesuvius churns with deadly intent, the two must bridge their differences to save the lives of those they love, before the fiery ash buries Pompeii, and leaves the city lost to the world."

My Rating: Spring/Summer

My Review:

Like Vesuvius, this book is powerful and should not be underestimated! The tension builds steadily, with short sections from the volcano's point of view that remind the reader that below the surface of political upheaval and emotional drama stirs a dangerous depth that will drastically shift priorities once it explodes upon the scene. When that explosion happens, everything changes.

Until then, different sorts of danger fill the pages--from an evil politician bent on continuing his unjust reign, to fears of inadequacy and failure, to intense gladiator fights. There's a lot to take in as a reader, and some of the events (both past and present) are heartbreaking and disturbing to read about. But through it all is an underlying message of hope and security through the Messiah even in the midst of all the evil and suffering of this life. The glimpses of community, acceptance, and love are very sweet indeed.

The love story between Cato and Ariella is also quite an interesting one! I can't help but compare Ariella (Ari) to the Disney character of Mulan. Escaping from a horrible life satisfying the lust of a perverse man, Ari disguises herself as a man and joins a group of gladiators. She is a fighter through and through, and her spirit and perseverance catch the eye of Cato, who is a prominent, albeit new, citizen of Pompeii with a heart for those under oppression. Their journey is a difficult but necessary one that ultimately demonstrates where real, lasting strength and stamina come from: the Lord.

And no section shows that truth more than the last part of the book, when Vesuvius finally fulfills her role. I admit to being rather fearful of volcanoes, especially since I saw the movie Dante's Peak when I was in middle school. Well, I made it through the conclusion of this book, and it is both gripping and moving! As I read it in the early morning hours, I ended up shedding a few tears.

Pompeii: City on Fire is not a light-hearted read, nor is it an easy one, but it is a powerful one that attests to God's control in all things and the beauty of faith amidst the darkest storm.

*With thanks to the author for providing me with an Advanced Reader Edition of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Note: Since this was an Advanced Reader Edition, some changes might have been made to the final edition which would not be taken into consideration in this review.

Campfire: Winner and Farewell

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable time at Camp Humility! I loved participating in this week's activities with all of you, as well as sitting around the campfire together, eating s'mores and discussing God's provision. It is a real blessing to know each one of you, and I'm glad Camp Humility gave us a chance to "get away" for a week!

Before we say our farewells, I'd like to announce the winner of the $15 Amazon.com gift card, according to the List Randomizer from Random.org:

Michelle (scraphappy71)!

Congratulations, Michelle! Be on the look-out for my e-mail!

To all of my campers, thank you for making this week so much fun and so memorable! As my official farewell, I put together a slide show/video like I did last year, except this one includes pictures from the Bald Hills area and Prarie Creek State Park in Northern California, many of which you'll recognize from earlier this week.

The song is called "Faraway Land" by Ron Block, and I think the word fits so well for this retreat we've been on, focused on humility before our Lord.




If it is the Lord's will, perhaps this will continue to be an annual event. In that case, I hope to see you next year at the Third Annual Camp Humility 2012!

Craft Time!

Today let's gather together in the lodge and spend some time working on crafts! The craft I'm working on right now is top secret: a counted cross-stitch piece for my grandma. She was the one who taught me how to cross-stitch, so I want to surprise her with a project I've made on my own. So, shhhh! It'll be our secret. ;)

Here's what it looks like so far:

I have a tad bit more to finish on the flowers, and then I have to complete the two hummingbirds and do the back-stitch to outline the picture and put it all together.

This is the back of the piece. Not quite as nice looking as the front, but I try to keep it somewhat clean like my grandma taught me!

And this is what it will (hopefully) look like when I'm done! I love these kits, because I would be so lost without step-by-step instructions and the chart!

The chart uses different symbols to color-code the project. (Don't worry--they also include a legend so that you know which symbol is which color!) I like to cross out the stitches I've done as I go so I can keep track of my progress.

I love cross-stitching! Once you learn how to make the stitches, it's really pretty simple (at least for the more basic projects like I make), and it's so neat to see the picture coming together before your eyes! There's something special about counting out the stitches and poking the needle in and out of the fabric to make something beautiful, especially when you know who you're going to give it to!

So, are any of you currently working on a craft?

(And before you leave, I just want to remind you to stop by tonight for the last campfire, where we'll say our farewell to camp and I'll announce the gift card winner!)