Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Remember the Wonders

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As another week of quarantine begins, I’ve noticed a new worry taking root in my heart. Finances. With the stock market on a roller-coaster ride, I’m growing concerned about what my husband and I will live on in the future if our retirement fund vanishes. Our senior friends and family members face the same worry. Many of my friends make their living through conferences and retreats and … [Read more...]

Battling Fear by Counting Blessings

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I live in Michigan. And although Michigan is currently the state with the third highest number of coronavirus cases, my small community of Midland in the center of the state has only fifteen cases (as of the Friday of posting this). While we are relatively safe and sheltering at home, like everyone else we have to go out for groceries and necessities from time to time. One of my daughters is a … [Read more...]

Peace in Transition

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I'll be the first to admit that I'm not overly fond of change. Routine is comfortable. Unpredictability is unsettling. Once I cross the divide into new territory and set up shop, I adjust and establish new routines. But while I'm on that narrow bridge between the old and the new, I'm hanging on for dear life and being ultra-vigilant for loose boards, fraying rope, and anything else that could send … [Read more...]

If not now, when?

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We’ve all said it at one time or another: I’d love to _______, if I could just find the time. With suddenly cleared calendars, most of us have a bit more time to do with as we like. (Maybe not a ton if you have kids at home but still some—you aren’t going to practices or school events or any other number of activities!) But I noticed something recently. I found I was squandering the very … [Read more...]

A Mom’s Humorous “Shelter in Place” Prayer

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Hello, everyone! Our college girl came home from California and will be finishing her semester via online classes. So all five of us are sheltering in place at our home in Dallas, Texas. I fully comprehend the gravity of the current situation gripping our world and I'm praying for God to display His might, His protectiveness, and His grace in these days. That said, I've found it … [Read more...]

Shelter in Place Book Recommendations

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Physical distancing is hard for this extrovert. Still I’m hunkered down with my family for the foreseeable future to help protect others. There are a few things I’m doing to help keep us in a good place. Light a few candles so your space smells good. Choose music to play in the background that puts you in a good headspace. Limit social media and news content…all of us have a threshold where it … [Read more...]

Finding Joy in the Little Things

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Hi friends,  I pray you are well, healthy and safe during this time of crisis. Our governor has done an amazing job and we are learning to adapt to our restrictions. Thankfully for this coffee girl who goes a bit stir crazy after a couple of days, Starbucks drive-thru is still open. What was once viewed as a regular treat is now viewed as a bit of a luxury. It gives us someplace to get … [Read more...]

Some Much-Needed Fun…and Prizes!

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During these serious times, I'm thankful for fun friends like Erica Vetsch, who dreamed up a creative promotion and invited me and Michelle Griep to participate with her. All three of us have written Regency-era novels and we all live in Minnesota. Getting together to film the video segments was so much fun! I hope you enjoy watching them (and I hope the three of us will be able to get together … [Read more...]

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