Hey, everyone. This is Cara, and I’m delighted to join you here on Inspired by Life and Fiction. I love the group of ladies who write for this blog and I can’t wait to get to know as many of you as possible.
I know many of you don’t know me, so wanted to take a minute to share a bit.
My friends have dubbed me the Do-It-All mom, Wonder Woman (a nickname I would gladly accept if it came with an invisible plane!), but my most important roles are Daughter of the King, wife to Eric, and mom to Abigail, Jonathan, Rebecca and Daniel. Into that mix you can throw other titles like author, attorney, Big Ten university lecturer, active in my church and more. I also long to be a good friend and one who constantly shines Jesus to the world around me.
Sometimes life is crazy busy. It makes it hard to connect in a community with people like me. Moms. Homeschoolers. Career women. Authors. Jesus-chasers. I treasure those rare moments when life stops and connection happens. Where I can step away and experience the joy of journey in a community. That’s why I’m delighted to join you on this blog. Together we can explore the complexity of life and faith. All with heapings of joy mixed in. And I can’t imagine a better group of women to write with…women I’ve admired since the moment I knew it was time to start writing. So pull up a chair, a mug of your favorite hot drink, and let’s connect. I can’t wait!
I’d love to learn more about you. Would you mind sharing a bit about yourselves in the comments? Even a sentence or phrase would be wonderful as we begin walking through life together.
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Hi Cara, I am a Christian wife and homeschooling mother of 5. I am involved in my children’s 4-H club and help with the children’s ministry at our church. I love to read, write book reviews, and sing. In my spare time I am brushing off the rustiness to play my guitar, and once I can get my flute repaired or replaced I want to start to play it again, too. It has been far too long since I’ve been able to enjoy playing music.
Blessings,
~Tammi
Tammi, It’s great to meet you! I understand all too well life getting so busy that it pushes out some of the activities we enjoy. Praying for you!
Welcome Cara!
I am a “Senior Citizen”, retired from Church Admin. and spend lots of time reading Christian fiction since we moved to the country 5 yrs. ago. THIS is one of my favorite blogs; the authors here are my faves!
I read Stars in the Night in 2010 and loved it…….so I have some catching up to do on your books and hope to learn more about them and you on this blog!
I live in NE Georgia. DH and I both have health issues at this time.
Blessings~~~
It’s great to meet you! I was actually born in western Georgia a long time ago. I’m so glad you enjoyed Stars in the Night. I love that book! Audra was a great heroine and I loved the glamour and glitz of WWII Hollywood.
Hi,
I’m a wife, mom, and grandma. Have taught Sunday school a long time, teach in the children’s program of our Community Bible Study day class, and girl scout leader. My paid employment is staffing a small branch library, and subbing in other branches in our county. I also occasionally help out at the Christian bookstore I worked at for 18 years before our daughter was born. I love to read.
MaryAnn, you are one busy woman! Thank you for what you do with your library! And working at a Christian bookstore? Both are dream jobs for a book lover!
Hi Cara! I am no where near as busy as you! I am a stay-at-home mom of an almost eleven-month-old, and he keeps me on my toes! My husband works two jobs so that I can stay home with our son, and it gets lonely sometimes, especially since we do not live close to family. I am definitely enjoying this new blog and the books by these lovely authors. Reading gives me a little escape during the snippets of time I can grab during the day, when life mainly revolves around diaper changes and nap schedules, or in my case, trying desperately to get my son to even take a nap! I am a former high school literature teacher, and I just can’t imagine life without a good book by my side! Thank you to all the authors on this blog for the gift of your pens!
Courtney, I well remember those days with our first. What a blessing that you get to stay home. I know there are many who wish they could. Have you found a MOPS group? It’s a great way to get to know other mothers of young kids. I always enjoyed my days in those groups! Thanks for reading our books. I’m about to hop on the treadmill with a good book myself.
Cara is right. It is a blessing to raise your child at home. I didn’t have that option. And it eats me up to this day! Cara, how can you read on your treadmill? I tried. I really did. 🙂
Anna, I slowly trained myself…increased the pace over time. Now I can still read at 6.3 miles an hour. Not saying I enjoy it, but it helps pass the time. 🙂
What a warm and welcoming post, Cara! So glad you’re here. And you do shine Jesus wherever you go–I can attest to that, having met you and worshipped with you at an ACFW conference. Hope to repeat that pleasure one day soon!
Thanks, Julie. I can say the same about you. So excited to be part of this group since I respect and admire each of you. Love your books and your sweet spirit.
We’re so thrilled to have you join us here, Cara. Your positive energy is such a blessing, and even though I only see you once a year at conference, that gorgeous smile of yours lingers in my mind and encourages my spirit. I don’t homeschool like you and Jody do (probably a good thing for the sanity of both me and my kids, LOL), but I do know how crazy life can get juggling a day job and a writing career with kids and all their activities, a husband, and church responsibilities. If I make it through a day with all my hair still attached, I count it a success! 🙂
Oh, I can relate, Karen! There are days I’m amazed I have any hair left 🙂
Hey Cara! I am a former speech pathologist who is now a stay at home mom for our 10 week old son, Connor. Just ask Tammy or PJ, he is the CUTEST baby ever! I am the wife to my husband of 4 1/2 years, Erik and Meowmy to two cats, Imoen (Immy) and Zara. Not much else to report at this point except of the natural sleep deprivation all new moms go through! God bless!!
Congratulations on your son! That is such a precious (and exhausting!) time. Hang in there. All children eventually sleep. So glad you’re joining us here 🙂
Thank you, Cara! He is actually down for a nap right now! He’s going through a Wonder Week so he’s been even fussier than normal. And as the ladies from WoP can attest to, we’ve had a rough start. It looks like he’s been diagnosed with milk protein colitis, which I believe means his body isn’t breaking down and digesting the milk protein correctly. Means yet another formula change…BUT Lord-willing, a happier baby! We are ready for a happier baby! He has wonderful moments and as of yesterday, started batting at toys with intent! And he’s been refusing naps the last few days unless I am holding him (all part of the leap/Wonder Week), so the fact he is in his crib and not crying yet is AMAZING!!
Oh, Praying you find answers. Nothing feels more helpless than a baby crying and you don’t know why!
Cara, your post blessed me this morning and made me feel a little bit like a slacker. (LOL) I am also a practicing attorney. I have been practicing in the areas of domestic relations, probate and criminal defense, until 2 years ago, when I decided to return to law school for my LLM and change my practice area. Once I graduate, I will have a practice focused on estate planning, probate and taxation.
I am in awe that you can teach, practice law, which I know is time consuming, write, and still have time to home school your children. The first 3 vocations would wear me down, let alone adding the education of my children into the mix. God has truly blessed you.
I look forward to reading your future posts and being introduced to your writing.
Dora, Good for you! I’ve often thought about a LLM but am getting a MBA instead. I laugh that I had an extra 15 minutes a day and now I have extra bags under my eyes. I have to admit I practice law but only a few hours a week most weeks. Enough to keep my fingers in and do what I love (adoptions, etc.).
Welcome, Cara. I’m so glad you’ll be blogging here with us. I can’t wait to get to know you better. It sounds like you have a wonderfully busy life. My kids are grown but I miss those hectic days. I know you hear it all the time, but enjoy them while you can!
Lynn, I can’t tell you how often I remind myself to enjoy this time. Some days I’m better at it than others. With a 13 year old, I’m aware of how fleeting this time is. Surely it was only yesterday she was a newborn.
I’ve already connected with you on Facebook and I enjoy reading your posts. I’ve reviewed your latest book on several sites and really loved it. I’m a grandmother of a soon to be 4 year old girl and soon to be 2 year old boy. They live right across the street and my husband and I keep them them during the week. I also work part time as a hospital receptionist and I help take care of my aging mom and my husband does the same with his dad. We stay quite busy for seniors, well, I turn 60 soon and he will be on Medicare starting in June! In our “spare time” my husband and I love to go camping in our class C RV.
Gail, thanks for your kind words about Shadowed by Grace. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sharing the word about it. I love the story and the trip through Italy! I bet you love the chance to be so involved with your grandchildren. That will be very special for them. Love all the meaningful things you are doing!
Hi Cara! I’m happy to see you here. I remember you from ACFW Conference a few years back. You’re super busy. I don’t know how you’re doing it. I should have nothing to complain about.
Where did you take this wonderful photo? I love mountains and can’t wait to get away this year. Last year, I didn’t go to Rockies. 🙁 And I can only hope to travel this year.
Well, I’m trying to finish at least one story. I started a few and can’t get to the end.
From the photograph I’m seeing you have a wonderful family! You can all pose for magazines. 🙂 Now, about my family–I’m married to a great guy and have two wonderful boys. I would love to be a stay home mom like most writers who are scribbling away. But I’m a memorialist by day. I guide families to choose the right memorial for their family member or a friend who passed away. So I see a lot of famielies grieving. I might look solemn on occasion then busy at home. With all of it going on, I hit the gym at least three times a week to keep my senses. I play with my boys and my German shepherd.
My life seems hectic at times. I want to control all of it, and you know how it goes. We can’t.
Anna, it’s great to see you here! What an important job — being there for those who are in the midst of grief. I’d have to spend time at the gym just to process all of that emotion. It’s one reason I don’t do family law anymore. It’s so hard for me to separate myself from other people’s emotions. And the picture was taken in the Smokies near Highlands, North Carolina. We love to escape there ever few years. Friends have a cabin, so it makes the vacation perfect.
Hi Cara,
You are such a busy lady. I love your enthusiasm and love for Jesus. I’m enjoying my retirement years and have a much slower pace. I’ve had a wonderful life, so far, and I feel blessed for each new day that God gives me, though my heart yearns to be in heaven. My favorite pastime is reading Christian fiction. I resolved that when I retired, I would spend as much time reading as I desired, so I’m working on that goal each day–LOL! As a retired teacher, I keep up those skills by helping 3 of my grandchildren (middle school age) with their homework and studying each afternoon. Another favorite activity is reading the Bible and studying God’s word. Currently, I’m working through the Bible in chronological order. I’m in Titus right now. It has been a fun study. Although I’ve read the Bible through many times, I think I’ve enjoy this time the most, because I’m going slower and studying, not just reading. I started in December 2012. Blessings to you. I look forward to reading your blog posts.
Sounds like you are loving retirement! I love your goal of reading as much as you want!
I do love being retired. It’s a blessing!
Hi Cara, I can’t imagine doing all that you do. I am a senior (very old lady) and I spend a good part of each week taking care of my great grandchildren while their mom works. They are 6 and 17 month old twins. I also have dogs & cats to keep me company. I really enjoy reading and find your books very interesting. God Bless you and the other authors for giving us good books to inspire and entertain us.
Oh my goodness, Maureen! You must be a blessing to your family. How wonderful that you can help with your great-grandchildren. I hope you enjoy my books if you get a chance to try them!
Hi Cara!
I’m not sure what to say about myself. I always tell people that the most important thing to know about me is that I’m a Christian. Jesus is my everything and I strive every day to emulate Him. I fail more than I like, but I get up each morning and try again. 🙂
I’m also an optimist. Which means for me, that I will try to find the bright side in everything, even when it is completely loony and makes me sound crazier than usual.
I’m a book addict who has no problem with that. I’m rarely seen without a book within reach.
I’m a student, for now. I’m so excited to be graduating this year! Then I’m not sure what I’ll do. I’m just listening and waiting right now, praying God will show me what His will is for my life.
Well, that’s the basics about me and since I don’t know what else to add, I will sign off now.
Hope you have a great weekend!
~Sarah
We’re a family of book addicts, too. My theory is there are a LOT worse things to be in love with. And, Sarah, I hope this encourages you. Up until a couple weeks after graduation, I still wasn’t sure what I would be doing. God quickly opened the right doors, and I’ve been working (for the greater part) in jobs I’ve loved. Praying God will lead you!
Hello Cara! Welcome. I am the homeschool mom to 7 (15 to 2 ) . I also review end of the year homeschool portfolios for families. Our oldest son has Autism and that keeps all of us busy.
Becky
Becky! I’m amazed you can homeschool seven. I know lots of families who do, but I’m struggling to figure out how to integrate the two little ones while still being as involved with the older two as I want to be. Fortunately, they’re still young enough that everything is gravy, but that’ll change soon!
It is tricky. I have worked on the older ones being more independent. That has helped. Holding little ones while you work with older ones etc. We love the HS lifestyle.
Hi, Cara!
I enjoyed your introductory comments, especially “one who constantly shines Jesus to the world around me.” And your part-time involvement at a Big Ten university also catches my eye.
I’ve been married for almost 34 years, and I am a mom of 3: ages 30, 26, and 25. I’ve taught school part-time for years, and then I felt God calling me to give myself to the church. So, now I’m an ordained minister.
My husband and I resigned from a wonderful church in Ohio where we pastored for 23 years. Why? God called us to make an impact for Jesus in American University District Villages. We want to serve, build relationships with the adults who work/live at the universities, and share the love of Jesus. We also want to train others who have a passion for the university culture to do the same thing on other campuses. We’re hoping to be able to start this fall… BIG change for us.
I love reading books, especially historical fiction, but I like a variety of genres. My all-time favorite author is C. S. Lewis. I also enjoy movies, basketball, nature walks, and hanging out with people. I love young adults and teens. They have a lot to offer to the older generations.
Kandy! I love hearing your vision and new calling. May God richly bless you in that work!
Hi Cara! SO glad you’ve joined my favorite blog. 🙂 I’m a life-long Georgian, and a middle-aged mom to 3 kiddos (all now in their 20s), 2 sons-in-law I love dearly, and numerous cats. I echo what Lynn Austin said about enjoying these hectic days. I’m afraid I have not handled an “empty nest” well at all (which is why the Lord brought all these cats into my life, I’m convinced). 😉 But there was a time when I was super-busy as you are now, and looking back I have precious memories of those days.
For many years I was a teacher—first-grade, then kindergarten—which I LOVED. 🙂 A few years ago I had to take an early disability retirement due to severe spinal issues (went through 4 surgeries—many of the ladies on this blog prayed for me, and I felt their prayers!). Since then I’ve pursued my life-long dream of writing full-time, and even though I’m unpublished as yet, I am LOVING this writing journey. 🙂 I’ve met sooo many wonderful friends, and enjoy each annual ACFW conference very much (I met you briefly at my first one in 08—you were very kind). Most importantly I’m a follower of Jesus, and am daily awed at how much He blesses and loves me.
Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo (who is also called PJ by several ladies who visit this blog!) 😉
Yeah, PJ. It’s great to see you here. You’re kind to remember me from 2008! I was so frazzled that year with all I was doing. That booksigning at the Mall of America almost killed me –jk, kind of! Keep chasing that dream!
I’m a 62 yr. old widow, Mom of 2 kids, and grandma to 10 sweet grandkids. I love to read Christian fiction. Thanks for sharing!
Debby, thanks for telling us about you. Love having you here.
Hi Cara,
I am an avid Christian fiction reader and love this blog. My reading is taking a back seat for now as I am involved in an on-line bible study which takes a lot of my time. I have been married for 32 years which is hard to believe as it has gone so fast. God Bless!
That online Bible study sounds great, Pam. Who are you doing it through?
Welcome, Cara! I loved the picture of you and your family.
We have the mom, author, wife, daughter of the King parts of our lives in common. My kiddos are currently 13, 10, and (eek!) almost 5. Other than hunching over my computer, I like to play tennis, watch movies, and seize any excuse at all to eat out and/or eat chocolate. So glad to blog with you here at Inspired by Life and Fiction!
Thanks, Becky. It’s great to be with y’all!
I’m married to a pastor, who has retired but still works as an Interim pastor when needed. I’m an RN. I retired in May of last year! We have 2 step grandsons and 1 new baby due in September.
I absolutely love to read. A friend and I started a Book Club in our Community.
Cara, welcome! I’m so excited to have you join this team of awesome women.
Just like you, I’ve got many titles I could go by. Child of God, daughter, sister, tutor, writer. My passions are relationships with God and my family, writing manuscripts and screenplays (though I’ve temporarily set aside my screenplays to focus more on manuscripts, at least for now), seeing movies with friends, collecting movies and books (can we ever have enough?)… The list really could go on forever, I’m sure.
Today I’m bubbling over because I started writing a new manuscript yesterday. I’ve been brainstorming and plotting it out for a couple of months now. The story has been simmering in my mind, and now I get to finally type it up. Does this process get any more fun? If so, I can hardly wait!
Blessings,
Andrea
Proofreader/Writer
writingtoinspire.blogspot.com
Hi Cara,
First let me say that I am fairly new to Inspired by Life and Fiction, but not new to this talented team of authors. You are all amazing and I am so glad that you have used your gifts to glorify the Lord.
I’m Kelly. Redeemed child of God, blessed mother of Alex, former single mom and domestic abuse survivor. I am a conqueror and a prayer warrior. I am also a former night owl and gypsy but now am happily married to my soul mate and gift from the Lord. God works in amazing ways. I work in the front office on week days and as an on-air host on the weekends and a Christian radio station where I strive to encourage others with the love of Jesus.
I divide my reading time between audio books for when I am cleaning the house or working out, ebooks for traveling about (great for when I am waiting in line, on a road trip or lunch break), and at least one paperback. I enjoy fiction and non fiction studies. I too do online Bible studies like Pam. Currently I am reading and studying “Living So That” by Wendy Blight and doing the study through Proverbs 31 Ministries.
In Him,
Kelly Blackwell