Author Archive

Posted on May 6, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Simple Living 101

Stress is a part of life. While some of our stress is inflicted upon us with deadlines or difficult situations, a great deal of our stress is self-induced. We choose to live on a 24-7 treadmill, stuffing our lives with activities, information, and things.

In the next two weeks, the Inkspirational Messagers will be sharing ways they’ve found to simplify their lives. Hopefully, these things will help you as well.

Personally, I feel almost like a hypocrite talking about this during this month. Between the release of The Ride of Her Life, a new book due at the end of the month, slide shows to get ready for the senior honors night, and my daughter’s graduation, my like feels like a whirlwind.
I work well under pressure, but I couldn’t live at this pace for long.  Also, I can only survive these more difficult times because we’ve discovered a few things that make our lives easier.

Limit information. A while ago, my husband and I were discussing the constant input of information has on us. He was listening to talk radio while he was driving, watching more news at home, and reading the newspaper. He realized the information overload was making him worry about things beyond his control and made him forget God is in control. He cut that time more than in half.

Whether its texting, Tweeting, Pinterest, Facebook, or National Public Radio, the constant influx of information is draining. I try to set limits on what time I give to all media.

Family dinner. We have always tried to have dinner together, but as the kids have grown it’s become more difficult. We still try to eat as a family several nights a week. We each talk about our day, discuss what is coming up next, and laugh together. While our dinners this month may come from a box more than I prefer, we’ll still spend time together, and that’s what is really important.

Synchronize our calendars. Everyone in my home is busy. Like many families, we are all going different directions and have different responsibilities. On Sunday nights, we often synchronize our calendars. My husband and both take out our calendars (otherwise known as our “external brains”) and go over the upcoming events. It really helps for both of us to be on the same page. We encourage the kids to share their important dates as well.

Rest. We really try to make Sunday a day of rest both physically and spiritually.  I need time every day to rejuvenate through prayer and Bible study. I also need some down time doing something I enjoy. For me, that’s often watching a favorite
television show like “Castle” or reading a book. Good stories feed my soul.

In the same vein, I know I am more productive and less stressed if I go to bed on time. The other day, Dr. Oz said that we should all aim for a 10 o’clock bedtime because it fits in line with our circadian rhythms. If we stay up past that, you can get a second wind, and it’s harder to get to sleep. Because I can often write well at night when everyone is asleep, I have to make myself go to bed on time. Sorry Dr. Oz, I’m usually proud of myself if I’m in bed by eleven.

Every time you leave a comment this week, your name will be entered for a chance to win a copy of The Ride of Her Life. It’s my way of reminding you to get off the rollercoaster the world says makes us good wives, mothers, workers, and friends and let God help us set our boundaries.

Posted on April 22, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

3 Things in My Survival Kit

Man survives 4th floor leap

Nevada man survives 10 days in the desert

Man survives shooting four-inch nail gun into his heart

Swedish man survives two months inside snow-covered car

Man survives skydiving fall

It’s hard to ignore these kinds of headlines. Surviving catches our attention. We want to know how the person made it through despite the odds against him and we shake our heads in amazement.

But while the survival of these people seems to be almost miraculous, our day to day survival is not nearly so newsworthy. We have to make plans to survive difficult times. Have you put together an emergency kit for your car? Do you know first aid? Do you have everything the experts suggest if you’re in a tornado warning?

If you answered no to all of those things, relax. This blog is not about that kind of survival–even if maybe it should be. For our next round, the Inkspirational Messagers are going to be discussing what every writer needs to survive. We want to take you beyond the keyboard into what it takes to put words on paper, day in, day out.

And if you’re not a writer, please join us anyway. The things we will be sharing apply to anything you are intentionally pursuing in your life, whether it’s a closer walk with God, being a better mother, or a new career.

Since I get to start, besides a Bible and chocolate, which are givens, here are three things, I’d put in the survival kit of any passionate person.

A rubber ball. This ball would remind you to bounce back and to have a teachable spirit. No matter where you are in your craft, there’s always more to learn. Being open and willing to humbly listen is vital. Even when it’s hard to hear, you can learn a great deal if your heart is open. There will also be things that happen that hurt or are beyond your control. How well you bounce back may determine a great deal.

 

 

 

Duct tape. Yep, you read that write. It can fix everything, right? If you want to do something you’re passionate about, you have to stick to it. You have set aside time for it (and maybe even tape yourself in your chair).

 

 

 

A Slinky. When you are passionate about something, you often have an idea of how you’d like things to go. Things seldom turn out like you plan. The Slinky is there to remind you to be flexible. I’m on deadline right now, but one day last week, one important interruption after another occurred. If I didn’t pull out my hidden Slinky powers, I’d have been pulling out my hair by the time I went to bed.

Now, it’s your turn. Which of the above do you need most to put in your survival kit and why?

Posted on April 8, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Drop Everything!

How often do you drop everything and just enjoy what you love doing? Once a year? Once a month? Once a week?

This weekend, our son Parker, a college sophomore, was in a production on his campus called Songfest. In it, all of the social clubs compete against one another with a ten minute musical production. So, we dropped everything and went to the campus for the day. (Bear with me. I promise to get to this week’s topic.)

Although his club didn’t take home top honors (Dawn’s son’s club did), we couldn’t have been prouder of him. The photo at the left is of Parker. His club’s theme was “Taking Care of Business.”

 

The photo below is Dawn’s son Dylan in front with the green hat. Their club’s theme was “Paparazzi.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both young men were also in the school’s children’s theater, which performed “The Wizard of Oz” earlier in the day. This twelve member cast will do the show in approximately 30 elementary schools before they are done. We had a blast watching him as flying monkey and Emerald City guard and Dawn’s son as the Wizard.

In between the theater production at 11 a.m. and Songfest that evening, the concert choir performed. So, we were able to see both Parker and Dylan on stage yet again. Needless to say, they were exhausted by the end of the day.

(The video below is of a previous performance at our home congregation. The soloist in it, Eric Loper, is amazing).

Dropping everything to be there on Saturday was an easy call as parents, but sometimes it’s harder to justify forgetting all of life’s responsibilities to do something we enjoy. Thank goodness, the great calendar powers recognized this. Thus, National Drop Everything and Read Day was created. In honor of that D.E.A.R. day on April 12, we will be sharing some of our favorite reading spots, book suggestions, ways to read make reading with your children a priority, and some ideas how you, can make every day Drop Everything and Read Day.

Information about D.E.A.R Day from dropeverythingandread.com

What is National D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read. National D.E.A.R. Day is a special reading celebration to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority.

Can I celebrate D.E.A.R. Day on another date?
Yes, of course. Every day is a great day to Drop Everything and Read! The goal is to make reading a regular part of your routine. So, go ahead and read today, tomorrow, and every day!

Who is leading the National D.E.A.R. Day Celebration?

The National Education Association (NEA); Parent Teacher Association (PTA); the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association; Reading Rockets; The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC); the Newspaper Association of America Foundation (NAA); First Book; HarperCollins Children’s Books; Read Kiddo Read; Walden Media and Ramona Quimby.

When is National D.E.A.R. Day?
The birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary is the official event date, April 12th. Ramona Quimby, the program’s official spokesperson, is responsible for spreading the word and the love of reading.

Why is National D.E.A.R. Day celebrated on Beverly Cleary’s birthday?
Beverly Cleary receives thousands of letters a year from young readers, many who have participated in D.E.A.R. at school. Their interest in and enthusiasm for this special reading activity inspired Mrs. Cleary to give the same experience to Ramona Quimby, who gets to enjoy D.E.A.R. time with the rest of her class in Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

How can I participate?
Schools, libraries, bookstores and other organizations are being asked to host Drop Everything and Read events on April 12th. You can attend an event in your community or participate right in your own home by reading for 30 minutes!
“Thirty minutes!” you say. “Is that all?” I hear you, but there’s no whining allowed at Inkspirational Messages. Think about it. Someone just gave you a reason to drop everything and read. You should be jumping for joy.

P.S. Since The Ride of Her Life may hit some store shelves early, maybe you can spend your 30 minutes reading it. I’m collecting “Where I read The Ride” photos. Please send me a picture of you reading the book, so I can post it on website and/or FB page. (www.lornaseilstad.com)

Posted on March 25, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Names of God: Elohim

Do you know what your name means? Lorna means a “crown of laurel leaves” according to some sources and the male version of Charles in others. I prefer the former to the latter. Wouldn’t you?

When I named my daughter Emma, I wasn’t thinking “universal.” Someone with the name Emma is supposed to be well-rounded, musical, and wise. In all honesty, I named her Emma after Jane Austin’s Emma. My daughter Caroline might be strong and a song of happiness, but I don’t consider that wasn’t our first consideration when choosing her name. She was named after my husband’s great aunt. As a Norwegian, there were several names in his family tree (Inga and Mina) we didn’t want to use, but that name was one we both loved.

In modern times, a name is little more than a label. However, in Biblical times names held more significance than simple identification.  In Bible times, names provided personal information. When situations warranted it, God changed the names of individuals. Abram (exalted father) was changed  to Abraham (father of a mulitude) in Gen. 17:4,5, and Jacob (cheat) beame Israel (prince with God) Gen. 35:9,10.

This shows us the value God put on names. The names we read in our English Bibles for God, such as God and Lord, do little to reveal His character.  One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know the names and titles that He has given to Himself in the scriptures.

During the next two weeks, the Inkspirational Messagers are going to share ten different names of God used in the Old Testament. We hope you will join us on this journey of discovery as we explore the Hebrew meanings behind the names and what these names reveal about the character of God.

There are many names given to the On True God in the Bible. YHWH, usually pronounced Yahweh, is used 6,800 times. Elohim, 2,600 times, Adonai, 439, and El 238. Most of the other names for God are combinations of these names like El Shaddai.

The video below is a beautiful introduction into this topic.

The first name in the Bible that refers to God is Elohim. In Gen. 1:1, “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth.”

Elohim has a plural ending (-im), which goes with “let US make man in OUR image.” From the beginning, the mystery of the Trinity is revealed.  The preface im is masculine in gender, as well.

“El” which is the base form of the name refers to God’s strength, might, or power. It means God is our hero. You can see “El” in Elohim which means “the Mighty Creator.” While other names for God suggest the personal relationship He has with us, Elohim expresses His greatness and glory as an omnipotent, powerful creator.

 

If you find yourself fascinated by this study, consider taking a look at The Names of God Bible, edited by Ann Spanger. At the American Christian Fiction conference last year, those of us who write for Revell were treated to a special dinner. Our publishers blessed us with this Bible as a wonderful gift.

 

I don’t think there’s a better way to start a Monday during this unseasonably warm spring that to think about our Might Creator. What part of Elohim’s creation has left you in awe lately?

 

As for me, this saucer magnolia tree, otherwise known as a tulip tree, is outside our bedroom window. Usually, we don’t see the blooms until much later in the spring, but this year we’re enjoying it already. It has a sweet scent, and with the windows open, its fragrance blesses me every time I enter the room.

 

Posted on March 12, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Quintessential Covers

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Perhaps that’s true, but if the cover doesn’t get a reader’s attention, then they’ll pass over it without a second thought.

Perusing book shelves is becoming harder and harder with the numerical decline of bookstores. My to my great sadness, my own local Barnes and Noble closed just before Christmas. For me, there is nothing like picking up a book that catches my eye and reading its back cover copy.

Book shopping today has changed in many ways. Many of us do more shopping online. We may catch site of a new release on a blog or follow a bestseller list. No matter what, at some point, you see a cover and decide if you want to make that commitment to purchase the book.

What gives you that  I’ve-got-to-have-that-the-minute-it’s-released feeling? Do certain book styles always get your attention? Are there too many similar book cover styles in the CBA?

In the next two weeks, the Inkspirational Messagers will be discussing the importance of a good book cover, the elements that go into a good book cover, and sharing some of personal favorites from various genres and upcoming releases.

Now, sit back and let me parade a few books in front of you for your browsing consideration. As a Revell author, I decided it was time to take a look at their upcoming releases. I love their covers and I marvel at how well they’ve nailed the “feeling” of their books.

 

Words Spoken True by Ann Gabhart (Feb. 2012)

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father’s newspaper offices. With ink in her veins, she can’t imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855.

When Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over a competing newspaper, the battle for readers gets fierce. After Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune‘s future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story–and the girl.

I have loved this cover since I first saw it. When I look at it, I am instantly transported back in time. The model is not only beautiful, but looks strong. I think the textures in this cover–from the dress, to the hat to the lamp post, to the stones, to the branches dangling overhead—all make a reader want to reach and experience it for themselves.

 

The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad (May 2012)

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws’ home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger–who designs roller coasters, of all things–intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

The Ride of Her Life? How did that get in here? Okay, with the release of my book only about six weeks away, I couldn’t resist.

I love how fun this cover is, and I think the red is very eye-catching. People often ask me if I have any say in the cover, and I tell Revell works hard to get their author’s input. They send out a questionnaire and ask me questions about the story, my ideas, who I’d ask to play the role of the main characters if it were made into a movie, etc. I send them any photos I might have used for inspiration of characters and dress, along with any ideas I might have. On this cover, they let me pick her blouse, hat, and skirt through e-mailed pictures.

SHAMELESS PLUG: If you haven’t pre-ordered The Ride of Her Life, the pre-order prices are terrific right now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbook.com.

 

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport (May 2012)

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago’s rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work–and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World’s Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family’s expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

 

I love the colors in this cover. It’s very pretty and feminine. You get a feel for the time period, too, which is extremely important for historicals. I love how prominent they put Olivia’s name. It’s the perfect romance writer’s name, too.

 

 

Mary Magdalene by Diana Taylor (June 2012)

Long maligned as a prostitute or a woman of questionable reputation, Mary Magdalene’s murky story seems lost to the sands of time. Now a portrait of this enigmatic woman comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor’s Mary is a woman devastated by circumstances beyond her control and plagued with terrifying dreams–until she has a life-changing confrontation with the Savior.

To me, this cover is very beguiling. The model’s express and dark eyes draw you in, and I love the color and typeface used for the word “Mary.”

 

 

 

Waiting for Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson (June 2012)

Life sometimes gets the best of us. For some it’s the daily pressures, for others it’s the shadows of the past. For Patsy Milstrap, it’s both. When she travels to beautiful Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast in search of healing, she never dreams her past will be waiting for her there.

This is one of those covers that elicits an emotion from  the reader. I can almost feel the breeze off the ocean. The colors on this cover work beautifully, and I think it’s the details like the word “for” and the dotted accent line, that make this such an inviting cover.

 

 

 

 

Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz (Sept. 2012)

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?

Don’t you just love this cover? What makes it work? For me, it’s the colors. From the model’s hair to the details on the dress, the colors are so rich. The placement of sunset near the title draws you toward it, and the river acts like and arrow pointing the reader to Laura’s name.

 

 

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Lt. Mellie Blake is a nurse serving in the 802nd Medical Squadron, Air Evacuation, Transport. As part of a morale building program, she reluctantly enters into an anonymous correspondence with Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer in the 908th Engineer Aviation Battalion in North Africa. As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face to face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage to their past? And can they learn to trust God and embrace the gift of love he offers them?

Again, the Revell artists have nailed it with this cover. I was so pleased to see that they captured the era of Sarah’s books in a whole new way. The uniform, which the photographer had to work very hard to get accurate, ties this series into the last, but the “look” of this cover leaves no doubt that this is brand new series.

So, what do you think if these Revell covers? Does one grab your attention more than the others? Are there any you can’t wait to read after glimpsing the cover? Curious minds want to know.

P.S.  Click on any title for a link to purchase the book.

 

 

Posted on February 26, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

National Muddle Through the Middle Day?

In this day and age, special holidays pop up all the time. Some you may have heard of and some you may not.  Let’s take a look at what’s coming up this March.

The second week of March is National Bubble Week and also National Crochet Week.

March has special days as well. Will you be celebrating any of these?

1 National Pig Day

1 Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day

2 Old Stuff Day

3 If Pets Had Thumbs Day

4 Holy Experiment Day

5 Multiple Personality Day

6 Dentist’s Day

6 National Frozen Food Day

7 National Crown Roast of Pork Day

8 Be Nasty Day

8 Popcorn Lover’s Day
9 Panic Day

10 Middle Name Pride Day

11 Worship of Tools Day – guys, you can relate

13 Ear Muff Day

14 Learn about Butterflies Day

14 National Potato Chip Day

14 National Pi Day- Why today? Because today is 3.14, the value of Pi.

15 Everything You Think is Wrong Day

15 Incredible Kid Day

15 Dumbstruck Day

16 Everything You Do is Right Day

17 Submarine Day - the hero sandwich or the boat??

20 Extraterrestrial Abductions Day

20 Proposal Day

21 Fragrance Day

22 National Goof Off Day

23 National Chip and Dip Day

23 Near Miss Day

24 National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

25 Waffle Day

26 Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

27 National “Joe” Day

29 Smoke and Mirrors Day

30 I am in Control Day

30 Take a Walk in the Park Day

31 Bunsen Burner Day

I’m pretty sure most of us can celebrate Panic Day on the 9^th and National Goof Off Day on the 11^th. I doubt if Chip and Dip Day and Popcorn Day have a lot of trouble finding supporters, either. But Extraterrestrial Abduction Day? If Pets Had Thumbs Day? Multiple Personality Day? Really?

 

Now, look back to the 26^th. Did you miss that one? It’s very important. Because the Inkspirational Messagers are celebrating “Make Up Your Own Holiday Day” for the next two weeks. We figure if pigs, raisins, potato chips, and Bunsen burners can have a day, why shouldn’t we? We might even make up a few week or month long celebrations. Tell me, why couldn’t every Monday be Don’t Mess with the Writer Day?

So, for the next two weeks join us as we share the holidays we’d make to celebrate books and those who write them. Our hope is that you’ll not only get a glimpse into some of the special and some if the annoying parts of being a writer.

I get to go first, and the day I’d like to ordain is “National Muddle Through the Middle Day.” On this holiday, all writers facing the middle or near middle of their book would get a 24 hour reprieve at the spa of their choice and a case of Haagen Daz ice cream.
Writing the middle of the book is hard for a lot of writers for different reasons. Sometimes, the middle sags, often because the writer lacks direction at that point. Other times, the middle seems to drag because it’s time for something big to happen to shake things up a bit. But for me, it’s the speed of my writing that slows. It’s the point I have to make sure all the pieces are in place, so I think and rethink things and that slows down my writing progress.

But why did I pick a spa day and ice cream to celebrate National Muddle Through the Middle Day? Stepping away from your work in progress at this point is often the best way to get moving again. It’s hard not to worry about if the story is going to come together or you’re going to meet your deadline. A day at the spa would help the writer relax and the Haagen Daz? Well, I think that we should celebrate all our special writer’s days with decadent ice cream. Don’t you agree?

So, let’s talk. Which March holiday will you be celebrating? Do you have a holiday you’d like to make up?

As a book reader, do you find some books sag in the middle? As a writer, do you ever feel like you’re muddling through the middle?

Posted on February 14, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Top Picks in Romantic Flicks

Movies seem to go with Valentine’s Day . On one site, I discovered a list of the 50 Most Romantic Movies of All Time according to Time Out New York. Their list surprised  me. (See it here.) Edward Scissorhands would probably not make be on my top 10 romantic movie list no matter how cute Johnny Depp is.

So, Dawn and I created our own list. Do you need a little extra romance this Valentine’s Day? Consider curling up with a tub of popcorn (significant other optional) to watch one of these heart grabbing favorites. With so many great romantic movies out there, this list is far from inclusive. Instead, it offers a little something for everyone. Here they are—in o particular order.

1. Somewhere in Time
2. Sense and Sensibility
3. Ever After
4. 50 First Dates
5. The Princess Bride
6. Chocolat
7. Titanic
8. The Lake House
9. Sweet Home Alabama
10. 16 Candles or Pretty in Pink
11. The Notebook
12. Ghost
13. Notting Hill
14. Bridgette Jones Diary
15. Gone with the Wind
16. Any Cary Grant  movie you choose
17. North and South
18. Sleepless in Seattle
19. While You Were Sleeping
20. Pride and Prejudice

Did your favorite make our list?  Do you have another romantic movie to
recommend? Let us know. We may need to make a stop at Redbox.

 

P.S. If you haven’t watched North and South, run –don’t walk– to Netflix. Although the title makes many  Americans think it is a Civil War story, this BBC miniseries is set in England. It is a marvelous, romantic story that you do NOT want to miss.

Posted on February 12, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Rolling Out the Red Carpet

With the Oscars only two weeks away, we’re rolling out the red carpet and opening up the vault to discuss our favorite movies, past and present. Join us during our next round of posts to talk about movies that have made their indelible mark on society and become part of the story of our lives.

This year, my husband and I have been trying to watch all the movies which are nominated for best picture before the Oscars. So far we’ve seen three of the eight nominated and all three have been excellent. It made me think of all the great movies that didn’t win the Best Picture nod. Did you realize that Star Wars, Dead Poet Society, The Lord of the Rings, and Ghost were all nominated, but not selected?

Even if a film doesn’t go home with the top honors, they still find a place in our lives. We love to be swept away for a few hours and watching a flick with a tub of buttery popcorn is one of the most perfect ways to do that.

Just for fun, I wanted to start things off with a little quiz. Let’s see how many of these iconic Oscar winning movies you can identify on sight. Below, I’ve posted screen shots from thirteen different movies. Grab a sheet of paper and see how many you can identify. The answers are at the bottom.

1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS QUESTION: How much does an Oscar weigh?

Now, before you skip ahead and check your answers, were you surprised at what memories these movie pictures triggered? Could you recall who you went to the movie with or when you first saw it? For me, I often remember the movie’s theme song or the soundtrack.  Okay, I’ve made you wait long enough. Here are the answers.

Answers: 1.Sound of Music  2. Driving Miss Daisy  3.Ben-Hur  4 .A Beautiful Mind  5. Gone With the Wind  6. Rocky   7. Titanic  8. Forrest Gump  9. The Godfather  10. Gandhi  1. Casablanca  12. Out of Africa 13. The King’s Speech

Bonus: An Oscar weighs 8.5 pounds.

According to Purely Unscientific Oscars R Us party planners, here’s what your score means:

11-13 Break out your designer gown and throw an Oscar party on Feb. 25. You’re clearly a first class flick fan.

8-10 Give yourself a tub of popcorn and a pat on  the back. Movies may not be your life, but you’re not living in a jar either.

5-7 Obviously, you know that the book is always better than the movie.

1-4 Bless your heart, you’re probably too young to remember some of the classics.

So, how did you do? Will you be watching the Oscars this year? Care to venture a prediction?

Posted on January 30, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

How patient are you?

What scripture is read at more weddings than any other?  Often referred to as “The Love Chapter”, 1 Cor. 13 has sent myriads of brides and grooms off into wedded blisss.

Or did it?

How many of these young couples too these words and applied them to their lives? When was the last time you read this chapter anc considered what kind of a “lover” you are?

For the next two weeks, the Inkspirational Messagers will be taking a fresh look at 1 Cor. 13 and sharing our thought about “The Love Chapter” just in tiem for Valentines day.

When Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, he wasn’t speaking directly to young couples madly in love. He was talking to you and me. I’ve always found it interesting that he chose to say, “Love is patient” first. Really? Is that what you’d pick first to describe love?

But after some thought, I think I’ve discovered a few reasons why Paul started with “love is patient.”

Paul knows God is love and he’s telling us how God loves us. The Corinthian church was having a lot of problems, and they needed to know that God would be patient with them. In spite of those ugly sin problems, He would be faithful and would continue to love them.

Impatience comes from wanting what we want when we want it. It’s root is selfishness. Selfishness seeks it’s own happiness. Patience wants what’s best for the other person. It’s root is sacrifice.  In a marriage, this kind of love is key. Marriages don’t last long when selfisness reigns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Greek word used for patience in the orignal text is makrothumei . It means to suffer long with people –especially in dealing with a difficult person. It is not referring to being patience with circumstances like poverty or illness. It’s about loving people when they are unlovable.  You know the ones–a co-worker who takes you for granted,  a husband who comes home grumpy night after night, the teenager who cuts you off while driving, or the in-law who treats you like an outlaw. It’s easy to love those who are good and kind to us. It’s hard to suffer long with those who treat us badly.

Sometimes God asks us to be patient and wait for His plans to come to fruition. Abraham was promised a son TWENTY-FIVE years before he receive Isaac. He and Sarah had grown old waiting. God’s timing is not our timing. He loves us enough to not give us what we want in the moment because He knows His plans are infinitely better.

Cars need a lubricant to keep part that rub against other parts from freezing up. In the same way, people need a lubricant to keep them living smoothly together. That lubricant is the virtue of patience.

So, how patient are you? What circumstances which make you more impatient than others?

 

Posted on January 30, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Authorpalooza winners!

During our last two weeks, we’ve had a wonderful opportunity to meet some new authors and their latest releases. To celebrate that, the Inkspirational Messagers have some special giveaway winners to announce. Winners were selected through Random.org.

 

 

 

The winner of Susan Page Davis’ The Lady’s Maid is Pam K.

 

 

 

 

 

The winner of Margaret Daley’s Dawn Comes Early is Pam (daysong).

 

 

 

The winner of a 3 book package is Marianne. She’ll be receiving  Wence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs, The Perfect Match by Janice Hanna, and Love Remains by Kay Dacus.