Rich and spoiled, Lottie can think of nothing worse than marrying an American socialite in order to improve her family’s fortune. She dreams of a life of romance and adventure. So, why not switch places with her maid Dora? She can search of the life she desires on the streets of New York while Dora charms and marries the great Conrad Tremaine. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned…

Nancy Moser devises a magnificent plot in her novel Masquerade, but the characters, their lives, and the friendship they are supposed to have fall flat. While Lottie makes many wonderful discoveries of life for immigrants in New York while Dora discovers the splendor of the New York’s great Four Hundred; neither girl ever truly seems concerned about what happens to the other. The changes in their own lives and thoughts just happen with a nod at the One who directs our paths. And, truly, what is our life is God is not the center of it?

http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&AudId=205F4A61B07648D98551934CA40DE116&tier=2

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for review purposes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Truly, this Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for. Namely: everything. Good, bad, easy, difficult...I don't understand why people want to be "29-forever". For being 30 has been grand. Of course, I still have a few months to go, but they'll be okay - whatever they hold. My God will see to that.

Thanksgiving in Indiana has been great!!!! My parents, my sisters, and my baby brother. Only one sibling is missing, but I pray one day that will not be the case. Someday we will all be together again. But until then, I have enjoyed my days and hours in the frigid cold of the Indiana corn fields. Racquetball, a refrigerator full of Chick-fil-a food (since three siblings work there), seeing the movie "Tangled" today, old traditions and new. And dozens of pictures to remember it all by:

Old Tradition: The family message board. Everything that needs to be done gets listed here and you put your initial by the one you want to do - it's a good thing our parents gave us names with different initials, even if it wasn't intentional.

Old Tradition: Food, food and more food.

Old Tradition: Too full to move, lay around and watch a movie…only to fall asleep.

New Tradition: Set up my Christmas village, so I can enjoy it more than just one week.

Old Tradition: Play lots of games.

New/Old Tradition: Play the wii – this is Abby flying like a chicken.

Old "Tradition": Don't forget the dogs! This is Keats and Salem with their beloved Grace.

New Tradition: Compare your biceps…I think Caleb beats Abby and Katey. (He also showed us his six-pack, but I chose not to take a picture of that.)
Old Tradition: Spill the decorating balls. A tradition passed down from Katey to Jenny.

Old Tradition: Bake and decorate gingerbread cookies the day after Thanksgiving. Here we all are with our favorites: Caleb, Grace, Abby, Katey, Jenny, Sally and me.

Texas Thankfulness #9

I debated about doing yet another blog on things I am thankful about in Texas, as this week is Thanksgiving and there truly is so much to be thankful for both where I reside at present and wherever my paths shall lead. But last night was the Thanksgiving service at church, and I was reminded of one more thing Texas has given me, especially over the past month…

Change. Okay, so I’ll be honest. I am never 100% happy with changes in my life. I find comfort in routine and schedules. Especially after I have been in Texas for fifteen months and have my weekly schedule etched in stone. But last night one of the deacons stood up and said, “I am thankful for growth. Godly growth. I’m not the man I was a year ago. Or two years ago. God has changed me. He’s taught me more of Himself. And even though it isn’t always easy, it’s good.”

And it is. The changes I’ve suffered since my move down here haven’t been easy. Some came naturally. Others I fought until they became a part of my life. Many days (especially when I could enjoy a dip in a cool pool in late November), I want to go back where I came from. But like the man above, the changes have given me growth. I am still far from who I want to be as God’s child, but I can see advances.

Some change comes slowly. You just wake up one morning and realize, “When did I start doing this? Or thinking that?” It just happened, and God be praised for His gentleness towards us. But other times, change hits you upside the head. Even though you might have a suspicion that it’s in the air, when it happens you don’t what to do…or say…or think. And even though it can be completely terrifying, there is a peace in the midst of it. God is working. Who knows how…or why…or where it’s going, but there is always much to be learned. I just pray I will learn, trust my God, and let whatever happens happen…and hope it doesn’t hurt too much.

Over the past several years, God has reiterated to me over and over that He never changes. My life changes. And I wouldn’t wish a lot of those changes on my worst enemy. They hurt then – they ache now. But I wouldn’t exchange them for the lessons God has taught me – and continues to teach me – through them. And with a history like that, there is no reason to fear the changes of today – or the surprises of tomorrow.

I am so thankful that God never leaves me where I am. He pushes me to grow. He makes me more like Himself. And if I learn nothing else from the changes of today, I pray I will learn to love Him more.

I can't remember the first time I heard that memorizing Scripture is the best deterrent to temptation, but I have heard it often. I was recently reading a book that reminded me of this fact. The author pointed out, however, that memorizing "Jesus wept" would probably not keep you from giving into the temptation of, say, stealing. Her point was that a lot of Scripture must be memorized in order to truly combat the wiles of our enemy and the deceits of our own heart. I completely agree with that and have often wished my 30-year-old mind was as pliable and attentive as my 2-year-old mind was. For verses my dad taught me 28 years ago are still with me. The one I memorized this morning? Let me think...

And yet I stopped when I read that and realized that while "Jesus wept" might not keep me from stealing a coke at the local convenient store, it is an amazing verse. For it tells us so much about our Savior: His compassion, love, truth and how He is "touched with feeling of our infirmities".

When Jesus wept, it was at the tomb of His beloved friend Lazarus. Now Jesus knew when He received the message from Lazarus's sisters Mary and Martha days ago that Lazarus was sick unto death, but He did not hasten to their home in Bethany to heal the sick man. Because Jesus also knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead. He stood outside that tomb and wept, knowing all along that in a few moments, Lazarus would be as alive and well as Himself. Yet that did not stop His tears. That did not keep Him from entering into the sorrow of Mary and Martha. Nor, do I think, He mourned simply because they mourned. Lazarus was His friend. He sincerely felt the loss - even for a moment.

One of my favorite passages of the New Testament is the resurrection of Lazarus because it shows me so much about my loving Savior. I never fail to marvel that He did not go when Mary and Martha sent the message or His disciples beseeched Him to answer it. It seems callous, but it was the very best thing He could do for them. The compassion He shows to the sisters is wondrous - full of truth in the midst of His deep love for them. And then He weeps. The tenderness He shows reminds me of how much I am loved.

Of course, the conclusion of the story is Lazarus's amazing return to life. It confounded the witnesses and angered the religious leaders so much, the plot to take His life reached earnestness. Very shortly, He would die. And He would rise again. And all His glory and might would be shown for generations. So that His love might be given to me - and to all of His children.

And that is the wonder of two little words: "Jesus wept".

Texas Thankfulness #8

Some of you might not know, but about six weeks ago I moved in with a friend. Long story about the how I met this friend long ago, the house and all that stuff. But suffice to say, I have been very happy in the large house that includes a kitchen to die for, plenty of room for us and about a dozen other people, lots of land and a very nice fire place where we can tap into our pyro-maniac side. All of this makes me very grateful for...

Haley. She's my housemate. We've known each other since she was 13 and I sixteen. We've never been super close, but we've always been good friends and kept up with each other here and there. And now, we live together. Funny the paths the Lord takes us on.

There are many things I love about Haley, but the best is the way she just takes life as it comes and knows how to relax when work is over. Me? When my week is over and I sit down to watch a movie, I usually have my laptop propped up in front of me and I'm busy doing odd things on it. I am forever piddling around with this or that, simply because I haven't time the rest of the week to do. But when Haley is done with her work, she plops down in the chair, turns on a DVD and just sits. Hmm...novel idea.

Haley loves people. She goes out of her way to be there for them. She is a good friend to so many, hard working, and sees life with a touch of joy in everything - even the difficult times. She helped me move in and then she helped me move into larger rooms. This weekend she taught me how to build a proper fire. She lets me borrow books, watches movies with me, brings me home hot chocolate, and we share buy-one-get-one coupons (which, we agree, are very hard to use when you're single). And yesterday she proved what a good, supportive and protective friend she is when I was telling her about something and she said, "Well, I'll come with you and check that out."

It's great to have a place to live. And it's even better to live with someone you love.

Okay, I have been thinking most of the week about what to blog about today. I had several thoughts. For one, yesterday was Veteran's Day. And a BIG thank-you to all our veterans. What would America be without you?

Then I found a new hero. President Franklin Pierce. I haven't read a great deal about him, but a sketch I read raised him to the top of my favorite people list. If you don't know anything about him, well, he was the only President (so far) from New Hampshire. He held office from 1853 to 1857. Before that, he was a lawyer, politician in New Hampshire and a general during the Mexican War. But best of all, he was a Southerner in heart - for his sympathy and politics supported the Confederacy. Need to go finds some biographies about this guy...

Next I thought I could offer my readers a sketch of moving from a bedroom in the house in which I live to the back "staff quarters" which includes a huge bath, living area, bedroom and two closets (one which is practically a small office). For it was quite amusing. My few belongings were simple enough to move, one arm full at a time with the help of my housemate Haley and friend Jenny. But then came the moving of the bed. This took Jenny and I at least forty-five minutes as we went one way, then another, searched for tools, turned it around...and finally got it into the room. With all that, we decided to wait for Haley to return for the great move of the sofa. This went much smoother thanks to lessons learned from the bed. And Haley learned that many sofas have feet which come off so they can be moved. (One of those many tidbits of knowledge I have from now...let's see, 14 moves.)

But today brought the icing on the cake. For those of you who know about traveling home for the holidays, you know about the prices on flights. So, I opted for Christmas and decided to spend Thanksgiving in Texas (even though I didn't know what that would mean as far as who I would spend it with). I was discussing it with Laura, one of the new nurses who just moved down here from Pennsylvania. She's young, and newly married, and this will be her first holiday season away from home. (I found out a couple of weeks ago, she is the oldest of six.) After our chat, I went back to my desk and sat down to write some things on dead charts (the charts of patients who have passed away). My boss was at his desk which is directly across from mine in another office.

"Melissa, where do you fly into when you go home?" he asked.
"Indianapolis," I answered.
"Really..."
I thought the next question might be on geography, or things nearby, or whatever; but then...
"How would you like to go home for Thanksgiving?"
"Really?" (I am not a squealer, but I came close.)
"Sure," Mr. Harris said with a shrug. "These prices aren't bad at all. I'll pay for the flights. How does Monday to Sunday sound?"

And for the second time in my life, I jumped for joy. I wanted to hug someone, and dance, and scream, and shout.

I AM GOING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING!

Texas Thankfulness #7

"One of these days" is a rather common phrase in my life. For there are so many places I want to see, and people I want to visit, and things I want to do. But the biggest "one of these days" on my list is being a real published writer. Unfortunately, working a full time job does not allow for much time to write...so my dream must take a back seat to reality. But meanwhile, Texas does offer me one thing...

A writer's critique group. Every Wednesday night, this group meets at a bookstore in a mall in Grapevine not too far from where I work. So, after a jog through a nearby park and a bite to eat, off I head with my notebook (decorated with pictures Caleb and Violet have colored for me) and a chapter of my latest book to read. Four or five other ladies gather, most writers and one illustrator, to read and discuss our latest works, hopes and dreams. For me, it's a great two hours of insight, encouragement and a boost in confidence.

For, I've yet to consider myself a "writer", no matter how often I get told that if I scribble, then I am a "writer". I am especially so, because I can't stop. Even though I have so little time to do it now, I cannot imagine my life without stories running through my head, characters that are a part of my life, and my laptop full of ramblings. And I have a feeling that even if I had a copy of a book with my name on it in my hand, I still wouldn't be convinced I am a writer...that's just the way I am.

But the ladies in my critique group are convinced I can write. I'm very good with plots, characters, and I have wit. In fact, I've had them laughing at some of the things my last highstrung character did. They've told me many times they're just awaiting my first book. Now if I could only find a publishing company willing to take it...and time to send it to them. Until then, I'll just keep scribbling, dreaming and hoping!

PS - Yes, I changed my blog to suit my love for winter. For since Texas doesn't really have this season, I have to find ways to enjoy it any way I can!

For Libby, Petey and Bennett life has been difficult. Orphaned at young ages for different reasons, they now face adulthood at college. For Libby this means following her dream to become a great writer. Petey seeks the Lord as he studies to become a minister. And Bennett? Well, life is meant to be enjoyed…although the war going on across the ocean sounds very interesting.

As orphans, they are used to difficulties and trials to overcome, but each much learn to face hardships they never dreamed of. Will Petey’s faith stand as he comes face to face with the parents he has never forgiven? How will Libby support her friends and seek her own dreams? And will Bennett ever find a place to belong?

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wonderful book about three young people at the turn of the century as they face the challenges God places in their paths. If you have a rainy Saturday ahead, pick it up and enjoy!

http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&AudId=205F4A61B07648D98551934CA40DE116&tier=2

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for review purposes.

Texas Thankfulness #6

So, yes, Texas has been difficult in a lot of ways. I knew it would be...and so the decision to come wasn't easy, either. But it was made easier by one thing:

Grandpa. I only have one. Well, that's not true really, but I never knew my maternal grandfather who died before I was born. So, Grandpa is it. And I couldn't ask for a better one.

It's funny, but as a little girl your grandfather is just "Grandpa". The little man who makes gingerbread houses with you at Christmas, and sits in his chair with his little dogs, and eats gummy bears. But then you grow up and realize Grandpa was once young. He had a job. And he sure does look like Dad!

Most importantly, Grandpa loves me and wants to help me in my life. So, he let me move in with him when I moved down. I helped him keep up his house, made huge messes in his kitchen as I filled his freezer with all kinds of things to eat, and even helped him plant flowers (even though he knows I can't stand gardening). We'd watch movies together, and chat some evenings, and exchange news about other family members. I got to know my grandfather in ways I never had, and I am so glad for those days in his house.

I am very blessed to have a wonderful grandfather who is interested in my life and his other grandkids, who let me live with him for fourteen months and who I know will be there if I ever need him. He makes Texas just a little bit better.