Here is a quote from their website:  https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/:

“World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.” You can click further on their website for more information, but the organization’s main purpose is to educate able-bodied people about Downs Syndrome.

Why is it celebrated every year on March 21st? The formal name for Down Syndrome is Trisomy 21, which means people with Downs have an extra 21st chromosome. March is the third month of the year, and so the United Nations chose the 21st day of the month to make it easy for people to relate to the date.

What’s Up with the “Assume That I Can” Campaign?

I’m so glad you asked! If you know much about me or my family, you know that my husband and I have two adult children with Down Syndrome. Our son is now thirty-four and our daughter is thirty-one years old. We don’t parade them around like badges of honour but we are proud of our success in raising them to be productive people with full lives. Lives with meaningful work and activities and lots of love and friendships.

However, I am particularly upset with this year’s video put out by the National Down Syndrome Society called “Assume That I Can So Maybe I Will”. Here it is:

I’ll sit here and sip on my coffee while you watch it – it’s only 1:30 long. Go ahead – I’ll wait.

Finished? All right…what did we see that was positive?

• Learning how to read Shakespeare,
• punching a weight bag,
• and living on her own – although notice there were two other girls sitting on the couch with her.

Those seem like admirable goals, right? Who doesn’t want that for their child?

Although having taken Shakespeare myself, it hasn’t particularly enhanced my adult life, beyond learning literary themes and some memorable characters. I learned to punch a weight bag when I was a police officer and I lived on my own for many years before getting married.

But do I have Down Syndrome? No, I do not.

What really disturbs me about this video (and I will share these in a letter to the NDSS) are these things:

• we see a beautiful, young Down Syndrome woman being encouraged to drink alcohol
• we see her “partying”, presumably in a bar; a place so many able-bodied young women are subject to predatory behaviour and often sexually assaulted through being drugged in their alcoholic drinks
• we see a blurred couple of frames where she’s supposedly having sex
• and then she’s swearing and using the F-Bomb, like it’s some badge of honour

In a world where the addiction rate of alcohol and drugs is sky high, why would the NDSS try to promote “normalcy” to our Downs people by showing the so-called advantages of drinking alcohol? Drinking in bars is the gateway to many other things, like drugs, sex with near strangers or strangers, and the above predatory behaviour.

Before anyone goes all high-moral roads on me, I was a police officer, remember? I spent a lot of time taking drunks out of bars, rescuing young women from dire situations they never thought they’d find themselves in, and arresting impaired drivers. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and self-control.

Why would we want our Downs people made vulnerable to other people who are drunk or high, because now we’ve let them think it’s “normal” for them to want to drink too? What parent of a young Downs woman seriously wants her daughter going out for a couple of margaritas with her “friends” to dance the night away? The thought is terrifying to me.

There likely are some Downs people who are “high-functioning” enough that they might have a loving and sexual relationship with another Downs person or someone else with an intellectual disability. I’ve read articles about married couples who have Downs. I once dreamed of that for my two kids as well. However, they both reached a plateau where we realized that won’t be in their future.

As for Downs people living on their own? That is a blatant lie being promoted in this video. It’s also promoted by social agencies strapped for government cash, and by the very governments who should take care of these precious people. I do not know of a single Downs person who can live ON THEIR OWN. They are too vulnerable to abuse from able-bodied people. They will give anyone the shirt off their back – and their pay cheque. They will let anyone come into their room, apartment, or house, if they think the person is a “friend”.

They are VULNERABLE and need to be allowed to be independent under supervision. As parents, it’s our duty to give them the best opportunities, life skills, and love we can. As a society, it’s our duty to make sure we take care of them because as human beings they deserve dignity, respect, and quality of life.

It is NOT helpful to Downs people to be told through media like this that they not only have Downs, they’re missing out on drinking, partying, having sex with whoever they come across, and swearing like a soldier. 

Can we not dream bigger for them? Are the goals of a healthy life, with some solid, loving relationships/marriage, and enjoying living semi-independently in a community not enough of a challenge? Why would we tell them that  the life of a college frat-boy is something to aspire to?

Our son and daughter both paint pictures that are good enough to frame and hang on a wall. They work in a store, and volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Humane Society. They have friends and sing karaoke and think birthday parties and Christmas are the best things in life. They enjoy going to the movies, bowling, and church. They look forward to each day and have taught us more about pure love than we’d ever have learned on our own.

The National Down Syndrome Society needs to take a step back and figure out how to advocate for healthy goals for Downs people. They missed the mark with this video. They missed it by MILES. They should be ashamed of portraying Downs people as only being able to aspire to a negative lifestyle.

Let’s ASSUME THAT THEY CAN hold jobs, volunteer, have fun with sports, play games, have friends, maybe have a boyfriend/girlfriend, and grow old with dignity. And let’s NOT project onto them the worst habits of society which would endanger them, abuse them, and break their beautiful and gentle spirits.

What did YOU think of the video? Hit me up in the comments and let’s discuss it!

The post Assume That I Can – World Down Syndrome Day appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

*The Scavenger Hunt does not start until August 30 at noon EST. We are testing the links to make sure we are ready for you tomorrow.*

Welcome to the inaugural Back to School Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt. We hope that throughout this hunt you discover some new books and get to know a little more about us.

A few things before you begin:

This hunt is a blog hop. Collect the “clues” (pieces to the longer phrase) at each stop. Enter the individual giveaways along the way, then click on the link to the next stop and repeat until you reach #28, where you will input the full phrase as your entry to the grand prize drawing.

The hunt begins August 30, 2023, at noon EST and ends September 4, 2023, so you have plenty of time to visit each stop. If you need to step away and come back later, make a note of the last stop you visited, and go to this post with the list of all stops on the hunt.

If you are having trouble viewing the posts, you may need to switch browsers. Chrome and Firefox sometimes work better than Microsoft Explorer or Edge.

Welcome to my blog! I hope you’ve enjoyed collecting all the clues so far on our Blog Hunt!

Today, I want to talk about a subject that isn’t always top-of-mind when we think of “back to school”.

Back to school memories are bittersweet for me. I’m old enough to remember when school yard bullies stole your lunch money and gave you black eyes. And going to the principal’s office for “fighting” got you a phone call to your parent’s office and then a meeting with the principal.

In middle school, I was a skinny-minny kid and prone to being bullied. I was in the “accelerated” class, which means I was a grade ahead of my age, and some older kids who were a lot bigger than I was took exception to it. I spent a couple of years getting “beat up” on my way home from school. My parents expected me to stand up for myself and fight back. I was furious with them because I thought they didn’t care about my bruises and scrapes. Eventually, I learned to physically fight back. No more scratches or stolen lunches.

That’s an unheard of proposition these days. When my own children were in grade school, people thought that bullies had disappeared by magic, fighting wasn’t allowed, and everyone had to get along. There was (ha-ha) zero tolerance for bullying, even though any kid with a brain knew bullies lurked outside at recess.

My children have Down Syndrome so were supposed to be in a different part of the school yard under supervision. However, I had always told them that if any kid hit them, they were to hit back. One day at lunch hour, a “regular” boy decked my son. My son, who was about 9 yrs. old, got up and hit him back, except the other boy ran away. The teacher couldn’t catch him, so only my son was dragged into the principal’s office. I was called to the school and asked to explain my stance on allowing “bullying” behavior.

When the principal said he might have to suspend my son for a day, I shrugged my shoulders and said I’d take him home right then, along with his sister. I had already stated that if someone hit my kids first, they would hit back and explained why I thought it was beneficial for special needs children to know how to defend themselves. I suggested he might want to question the teacher about her lack of supervising skills, and he backed down on the one-day suspension.

I’m grateful that despite how scared I was of the bullies who terrorized me in middle school, my parents taught me how to stand up to them, and to stand up for myself. However, bullying has taken a much darker turn nowadays than simply stealing lunch money or your backpack.

Bullying now includes cyber-stalking/bullying/extortion. It’s not true that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”.

If your own child, regardless of age because high school is a dangerous place for bullies to lurk about, shows signs of anxiety, withdrawal, unexplained headaches, injuries they can’t explain, etc. please speak to them about being bullied.

Don’t let the symptoms go by or shrug them off. Cyber-bullying can lead to self-harm and suicides. Let them know that they can tell you *anything*, even if they’ve been conned into sending compromising photos of themselves to someone via their cell phones.

Here are some resources to read and share with your child/teen:

https://www.stompoutbullying.org/helpchat

https://www.cyberbullying.ca

https://www.cybertip.ca

https://www.crisistextline.org/topic/bullying

I hope these are helpful for your school year.

Here is my book, NORTHERN DECEPTION (Heroes of the Tundra Book 1) which is part of the Grand Prize package:

Reunions can be deadly.

After a savage attack in university, Kira Summers fled to the safety of northern Canada and her work as a polar bear scientist. But when her whistleblower brother dies in a mysterious car crash, she must return home to bury him and pack his belongings. Unaware she’s carrying explosive evidence someone’s willing to kill for, she has no choice but to rely on the one person she never thought she’d see again.

Lukas Tanner, a widowed single father of a special needs toddler, moved to Churchill five years ago. As the proud owner of Guiding Star Enterprises, a wilderness tour company, he and his daughter lead a simple life. But when Kira comes crashing back into his world, he realizes God has other plans. Now, Lukas and Kira must confront a merciless killer as their past and present collide in a deadly race – a race they must win if they have any hope of a future together.

If you can’t wait to see if you win, you can buy it here: https://amzn.to/3Iq6EsT

NORTHERN HEARTS (Heroes of the Tundra Book 2) is here: https://amzn.to/33CFJeE

NORTHERN PROTECTOR (Heroes of the Tundra Book 3) is here: https://amzn.to/32qDKK4

AND the next book in the series, NORTHERN REDEMPTION (Heroes of the Tundra Book 4) is coming out October 10, 2023! Here is the blurb:

Runaway bride Lise Dumont has escaped back to Churchill, Manitoba to reclaim her job as a Conservation Officer. She’d rather face down polar bears than marry her abusive ex-fiancé. Once she’s back home in the small town, the peace of the tundra soothes her spirit.

Northern Lights Helicopter Tour owner, Rory Gallagher, isn’t looking for any relationship deeper than the one he has with his pet cat. He enjoys being single and footloose, despite his family’s desire for him to settle down and produce grandchildren. Scarred by memories of not being able to save his father from drowning seven years ago, Rory’s fine with being alone.

Until Lise blazes back into town and helps talk him down from a helicopter crash. When two hardened escaped convicts take them hostage just as a blizzard closes in, it forces the two to rely on each other to survive. They each must face their past before they can have a future.

Can a relationship born out of life and death stakes be enough to last for a lifetime?

I have a Canadiana Gift Giveaway especially for you! Here is a photo of your Prize Package, available only from me.** This is open to US and Canadian readers:

INCLUDES:

Polar Bear Unisex Socks (because all of my books have a polar bear in them!)

Canvas Book Tote Bag, 14.5″ high, 12.5″ wide

Book Journal for those of you who love to record your book reading! 8.5″ x 11″ soft cover

Genuine Canadian Tim Horton’s Maple Flavoured Coffee 300 gm bag

A print copy of NORTHERN DECEPTION

**Book cover may be the original green cover.

Please fill out the Rafflecopter at: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/38979fb2342/

Thank you SO much for being here today!

Here is your next clue: SOMEONE ELSE,

Next stop: 

https://tabithabouldinauthor.home.blog/2023/08/29/back-to-school-christian-fiction-scavenger-hunt/

The post BACK TO SCHOOL CHRISTIAN FICTION SCAVENGER HUNT appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Happy Saturday! Are you looking for a great summer read for the cottage or back deck? 

I have just the book for you! I recently read this lovely Highlander romance from Harlequin Historicals. It’s been a while since I’ve read one and this story totally enamoured me. Here’s what you need to know…

When Royce wakes with no memories and suddenly blind, his situation seems dire. The only thing he remembers is being attacked by shadowy figures…but not the beautiful woman who came to his rescue. Now Iona MacKenzie’s every touch drives Royce wild. But when news of a manhunt for him reaches them, Royce must uncover his past if he has any chance of saving himself—and the woman he’s falling for…

Here’s my Review:

The post A Book Review of “A Laird Without A Past” by Historical Romance Author Jeanine Englert appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

An Uncommon Time

Part II

Thanks to Caesar Augustus’s demand for a census, which Mary didn’t mind, since it rescued her from Nazareth, Mary and Joseph trod the same crowded road Mary had six months ago.

The donkey plodded along, and she recalled arranging her clothing to mask her expanding abdomen when she’d walked back into Nazareth after her visit with Elizabeth.

Mary planned to circle around Joseph’s house, but as she was about to, there he stood. Smiling.

“You know that angel?”

“Um hm.”

“I met him in a dream. He told me this incredible story’s true. The hundreds of years we’ve waited for our Messiah have ended. Right here, in Nazareth. And just so you know, it doesn’t surprise me one jot that Yahweh picked you. I’m so sorry I didn’t believe you before. Forgive me?”

“Oh, Joseph.” She’d run into his arms.

She’d begged to go with Joseph, though a wife could stay at home if she wanted. Only, she couldn’t stand the staring eyes and wagging tongues of Nazareth, or her parents’ shame, one more moment. Now the sun set as Joseph led their donkey into Bethlehem.

Ouch! What was that? Wait, was it the beginning of birth pains? They grew stronger as the couple came to each door, where another innkeeper rebuffed Joseph.

Finally, an innkeeper who also claimed no rooms, seeing her endure a strong contraction, pointed to a stable behind his inn. “You can take her there.”

The Son of the Most High would be born in a stable? Not a palace? Not even a house? Yahweh, what are You doing?

You are rich in something more than gold and silver, Mary. I draw attention to what matters by where you birth My Son.

Joseph piled up clean straw for her, and when she’d accomplished Jesus’s birth, she gazed down into His eyes–His deep eyes held eternity, and love. God had done what He said He would do. Joseph took Him from her and laid Him in a manger where he’d arranged more clean straw. How could she mother God’s Son? How can I, Lord?

I will guide you. But you will make mistakes because you are human, and I am prepared for that.

Rough shepherds appeared and lingered at the entrance. “May we come in? An angel told us while we were keeping the temple sheep that our Savior is here in a manger.” They looked over at Jesus sleeping in His swaddling cloths.

Mary wondered again. No kings, prophets, priests, or warriors–just shepherds? Common people, like her and Joseph. Father, are You telling us that faith is more important than the power, education, or wealth our world approves?

Exactly

“Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

May the amazing birth of our Savior lead us all to ponder.

Jane Carlile Baker met Jesus fifty-five years ago. She serves children and is on the tech team in her church. Jane’s written three biographies, one nonfiction study of the Bible’s take on living in our times, and two novels. She’s at work on the third, Rogue Irishman, set in her beloved Ireland. Jane edits both fiction and nonfiction. She and her husband live in Central California with a dog and three alpacas. They have three children, five grandsons, and two great-grandchildren.

Jane hopes “A Common Girl, An Uncommon Time” warmed your Christmas. She’d love to send you free short stories once a month if you’ll sign up with your email at janecarlilebaker.com.

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Back Jane Carlile Baker appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

The Nativity

Mary, mother of Jesus. My heart can barely grasp what an extraordinary woman she must have been to be chosen the mother of the world’s Savior. I imagine her perfect, without sin. Though this is unlikely, God blessed her above all women. Yet His path for Mary wasn’t easy. To avoid disgrace as an unwed mother, God instructed her fiancée to marry her and to travel together from Nazareth to safety in Bethlehem.

The young couple trekked on unpaved trails for four days along flatlands and over hills, possibly in freezing temperatures. When they reached Bethlehem, no doubt weary, they had to settle for a cave—used to house animals—in which to rest where Mary gave birth.

The least desired place for a birthing mother became the most honored and beloved story of all time. The young couple listened to God, trusted, obeyed, and persevered. Hard as it was—which many of us can’t comprehend just how difficult—God provided for them along the way and when they reached their destination.

I wonder if the world silenced to hear the first cry of the King. If an unidentified light glowed in the dim cave, the moment Jesus entered the world. If the waters rested and the winds ceased. Luke 2:13-14 tells us after shepherds in Bethlehem were told of Jesus’ birth, the angels sang. We will never know the full magnificence of all that took place during the nativity.

What an honor it is to have included the nativity in my novel Dress Shop Miracles. It’s one of my favorite scenes as my characters traveled from a hard path to hope, love, and miracles. I hope you love the story of Molly and Ted as much as I did writing it, and guess what?

I’m giving away one e-book copy of Dress Shop Miracles via Amazon Kindle.

To qualify for the drawing simply: 1) subscribe to my website at diannmarieandre.com; 2) then comment below this article (at my website) that you subscribed via Christmas Blog Tour. The winner will be announced December 24, 2022.

You can read the blurb here:

https://www.amazon.com/Dress-Miracles-Dianne-Marie-Andre-ebook/dp/B0BH1CVXYK/ref=sr_1_1?

I hope you’ll take a moment to enjoy a video with my 52-year-old nativity set honoring the birth of Christ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao9h2lbQTgw

Merry Christmas!

Bio:

In addition to writing Christian fiction, Dianne is currently working on a memoir. She is a landscape photographer. Most of her pictures are taken on twenty acres where she lives in California’s Central Valley with her husband, Joe, her adorable rescue dog, Ralphie, occasional steers, hens, sheep, and a bazillion trees. You can connect with her at https://diannemarieandre.com/5039-2/

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Dianne Marie Andre appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Adapted from Luke 1:5-2:19

Journey One

After a long walk from Nazareth with Daniel’s family, finally Elizabeth’s shaky soprano drifted over her wall, her words from a psalm of David Mary recognized. “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” The swish of her broom kept time to her song. She had waited so long, no wonder her joy.

Mary tapped at the gate with one hand. The other caressed the cotton tunic over her stomach. Would her elder cousin understand her confusion? “Elizabeth, it’s me.”

Elizabeth’s singing stopped. She opened the gate. Her silver hair escaped the veil that covered her wrinkled head and belied the obvious bump under her clothing.

“Mary!” Elizabeth’s hand flew to her own womb and her eyes bulged. “Our little John recognizes the mother of our Messiah; the tiny One you carry!” She hugged Mary and kissed her cheek.

“The angel said you’d understand God’s moving among us. I only wanted to marry Joseph and raise a big family with my carpenter. And now…”

“Have you told Joseph?”

“He didn’t call for the elders to stone me. He said, ‘We’ll just call it off.’

“And I couldn’t … I came to you. The angel said I’m favored, but I feel … favored … and not favored, all at once.” She searched Elizabeth’s eyes for understanding.

And got it. “Dear girl, come in. You look pale. Tea and cakes will revive you. Gabriel spoke to Zechariah too, to tell him about John. You must have responded with faith. Zechariah questioned Gabriel and can’t speak now.” Elizabeth smiled, but then shook her head.

Mary accepted tea, and they relaxed in the courtyard. “Yes, suddenly Gabriel stood there in the room with me.

“He’s not a little fellow.

“I could barely accept his assignment. There’s no evidence I should mother the Messiah. Why me, out of all the girls in Nazareth? Anyway, I asked him one question. How? I really am a virgin, Elizabeth.”

“And yet, my womb warmed with life when God moved over me. I know Jesus grows inside me. I know, and yet I am … I don’t know how to do this.”

Elizabeth waited.

“Will my father disown me? My mother insisted I come to you because of what Gabriel said, but her skeptical look broke my heart. What will the townspeople say? I don’t want to return to Nazareth. I’m glad Gabriel told me about you. But …”

Elizabeth cupped Mary’s arm. “Dear girl, you needn’t know how to do this. I know for certain our God guides us who live in faith. You need only put one foot in front of the other in the direction He leads.”

Tension left Mary in the light of Elizabeth’s words. “Could I stay with you for a while? Could you talk with me about Jesus and John? Please?”

“Of course, for as long as you need. A visit will shorten the time of my waiting.”

Mary stayed three months, gaining courage for what lay ahead and strengthening her faith.

After she kissed Elizabeth goodbye, Mary looked to heaven and said, “The Lord has looked with favor on the humble estate of His servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.”

And yet, in this generation, not everyone thinks me blessed. She took home with her all the wisdom Elizabeth had shared before it was time for her to bring John into the world.

Look for the rest of the story later this week. 

Jane Carlile Baker met Jesus fifty-five years ago. Now she serves children and the tech team in her church. Jane’s written three biographies, one nonfiction study of the Bible’s take on living in our times, and two novels. She’s at work on the third Rogue Irishman set in her beloved Ireland. Jane edits both fiction and nonfiction. She and her husband live in Central California with a dog and three alpacas. They have three children, five grandsons, and two great-grandchildren.

Jane hopes you enjoyed Journey I of “A Common Girl, An Uncommon Time.” She’d love to send you free short stories once a month if you’ll sign up with your email at janecarlilebaker.com.

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Jane Carlile Baker appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Northern Hearts (Heroes of the Tundra Book 2) is my Christmas novella set in the real-life town of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. It’s called the Polar Bear Capitol of the World. I set my entire series there, and my husband and I flew up in 2019 so that I could do proper research on the town and its polar bear research facilities.

I set this story during the Christmas in between Northern Deception (Book 1) and Northern Protector (Book 3). The inspiration for the story came to me out of the blue—I love it when my brain and creativity strikes like that—because I was thinking about family situations and secrets.

I had the vision of a rich young woman with every advantage she could have in her life, but still yearning for more. And her family held a long, dark secret in the past. She’s about to find out about a family member she had never known existed before, and how that person had been following her life from afar.

The hero is the opposite. He’s grown up without a proper family in the foster care system and the unknown family member of the heroine has been a stand-in mother figure for him. When the hero and heroine meet and are forced to work together for thirty days to meet the legal requirements of the family member’s will, they have to examine what their relationships mean to them and learn to work together.

Being a romance, they will fall in love, but I include some real-life festivities that take place in Churchill, and some traditions that I wish I’d done myself over the years. I believe that family traditions keep memories alive and serve the purpose of keeping families intact, especially when children are young and growing up. Once they’re grown up, some traditions need to change to facilitate the changes in the family make-up, for example, adult children marrying and the “family” enlarging.

Like the Sabbath being made for man, not man for the Sabbath, as Jesus taught us, I think that family traditions like every person being present at Christmas dinner when that may not be feasible, need to be looked at in the light of love and common sense. Christmas dinners may need to be done rotationally. Traditions may need to grow and change as the years go by.

That doesn’t mean that our Christmas excitement and celebrations of our one true King shouldn’t take place or be enjoyed. They just may look different from year to year, and that’s all right. The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus is the Light of the World and our Saviour. I wish you all a blessed Christmas!

Here is a quick excerpt from Chapter 1 of NORTHERN HEARTS:

Wild and dangerous and the town has nothing of significance…

With that ringing in her ears, she grabbed her soft-sided hot pink suitcase and hauled it upright beside her. The clock read 9:45 a.m., so she was right on time. Her ride should be here any minute. Gazing around the tiny, one-room airport, she noticed a twelve-foot-high polar bear skin hung spread out in a wooden display case. The sheer height and width of it gave her pause.

“It’s nothing but snow, ice, and polar bears,” her dad had said. She rolled her luggage over to the huge case and checked out the five-inch claws on the paws of the polar bear skin. Its teeth were three inches, at least, bared permanently in a snarl. The entire fur from side to side had to be four feet wide.

She drew in a breath to calm her nerves and turned to read the huge blue and white sign on the wall.

“Welcome to Churchill, Manitoba–Polar Bear Country,” it read.

“NEVER–

Go beyond a polar bear alert warning sign

Approach or feed a bear for any reason

Walk at night after 10 p.m.

“Always be alert and aware of your surroundings,” said a deep voice from behind her left shoulder.

Adrenaline rippled through her veins. Kali gasped and jumped. “Excuse me?”

“Sorry.” The man who’d spoken loomed over her. His fur-lined green parka hood, which he shoved back out of the way, framed his brown hair and beard scruff. His brown, almost black, eyes didn’t look the least bit sorry. His thick, longish hair poked up in an unruly fashion and curled around his ears. He grinned, showing white, even teeth she couldn’t help but stare at for a second. Handsome. Unbelievably handsome.

“Sorry, that’s the next line on the sign—you are reading the sign, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I mean, I was… I just…” Kali stopped. Get a hold of yourself! You’re babbling.

“The most important thing to remember is that bears can be in town at any time of day or night,” he quoted from the sign. “I’m assuming you’re Miss Kali McIntyre?”

She drew herself up to her entire 5’ 1” height. “You can drop the Miss. And yes, I’m Kali McIntyre.” If this guy was her ride, she’d just hit the lottery.

He drew off his enormous fur-trimmed gauntlet and thrust his right-hand forwards to shake her hand. “Excellent. I’m Jake Miller, from The Great Northern Lodge.”

©Laurie Wood 2019

If you visit my website at https://www.lauriewoodauthor.com and sign up for my newsletter, you’ll receive a gift. Thank you for being with me today.

You can buy Northern Hearts here: https://amzn.to/33CFJeE

Northern Redemption (Heroes of the Tundra Book 4) will come out in 2023.

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Hello from Churchill Manitoba Canada appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

After seven years of giving of myself and going above and beyond in serving my residents at the nursing home, I was experiencing extreme burnout and fatigue.

Rev. Edward Hamilton Sears struggled with his own breakdown and melancholy in the 1840s.

He struggled with the dark world, “full of sin and strife” and not “hearing the Christian message.”  This inspired him to write a five-stanza poem, first published in 1849, that he had worked on for over a decade.

They set the lyrics to the tune “Carol” written by Richard Starrs Willis, a student of Felix Mendelssohn. Today we know this carol as “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.”

The song comes from the story of the angels appearing to the shepherds in Luke 2:14. The angels spoke of “Peace on the Earth, good will to men.”

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” is thought to be the first Christmas carol composed in the United States and was published in the same decade as the resounding Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol”.

The song reminds me of the 1984 movie, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, starring Mickey Rooney. Rooney plays a retired cop, who has a heart attack, and dies. However, he’s allowed one week to return to earth and show his grandson the seasonal glories of Christmas.

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the years for many of us. Sometimes we feel as if we’re in survival mode instead of slowing down and savoring the season. For years, this is exactly how I felt. I had so much to do for work that my personal Christmas shopping and plans had to be completed by Thanksgiving in order to stay sane.

During those seven years of serving in the nursing home, I was responsible for planning and implementing Christmas for 120 residents. Fund-raising occurred year round and major planning began around Labor Day. During the Christmas season, there were cookies with Santa, an outing to look at Christmas lights, Santa’s workshop, countdown activities, sing-a-longs, two Christmas parties for residents (we didn’t have enough space for one party) and a party for the staff.

These activities required considerable planning and preparation. Youth groups helped us put up and decorate twenty-five trees (from a 12-foot tree to the three fiber optic trees on each nurse’s station). We purchased and wrapped presents for each resident, and handed out donated blankets and stocking stuffers.

This year I’ve transitioned to another position within healthcare and am looking forward to having time to savor the season. To slow down and find some new traditions that can be enjoyed and enjoyed. To have time to reflect on the true meaning of the season—the birth of Jesus Christ. To search for that peace on earth, good will to men.

How do you reflect on the meaning of God coming to earth in the form of a baby?

Please subscribe to my newsletter at DianaLeaghMatthews.com and receive a copy of my short story The Singing Santa.

Bio:

Diana Leagh Matthews shares God’s love through her story from rebel to redeemed. Her day job is as a volunteer coordinator, but at night she writes and hunts genealogy. She gives programs as a speaker, teacher, and vocalist, and also presents historical monologues. Leagh (pronounced Lee) is the author of History Made Real, Fun with Words, 90 Breath Prayers for the Caregiver, and others in the Breath Prayers series. She writes the history behind hymns at DianaLeaghMatthews.com and would love to connect with you https://linktr.ee/dianaleaghmatthews.

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Diana Leagh Matthews appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Embracing Christmas Traditions

Thank you so much for hosting me today!

As a child, each Sunday we could count on roast beef for dinner. If we’d lost all calendars and had no idea what day it was, seeing roast beef on the table would give us a clue it was at least Sunday. Honestly, because it was so predictable, I made fun of it.

Until I moved to a dorm and my family’s Sunday dinner was whatever I found in the dining hall.

It was then I understood the importance of traditions. As a young adult, I no longer complained about a Christmas Eve present, a tradition, and knew it was going to be pajamas. Once I married, we’d add attending Christmas Eve service before opening that present. On Christmas morning, we’d read Luke 2 before opening presents. Christmas dinner would be at my childhood home, where there would be a ham dinner. Once I got pregnant and violently ill thanks to the spiral ham, the tradition forward was turkey.

Fast forward and our two children are young adults. One is married and about to experience his first Christmas away from home and with his new traditions. Both my parents and my in-laws are gone. The moments I reflect on those past Christmas seasons, I realize it is the traditions I hold close.

Some traditions might seem silly, like the one my sister, a teacher, created “reindeer food” outside on Christmas Eve with my kids. When her son came along, we added him to the process. I still remember his glee when he’d go outside and find the glittery concoction had been touched. Even at 23 and 19, last year my kids headed out to help spread the food. It’s a fond memory for both of them.

There are also traditions that probably only our family invested in. My parents worked hard, but like most families in the 70’s and 80’s, from paycheck to paycheck. Mom did a lot of her shopping after Christmas because it was affordable. One gift she stumbled upon was a vendor at the mall who created a “blue ice village.” Each year, I would receive a piece. I was excited to showcase each piece under the tree. To this day, that village goes under my tree. Mom etched each piece with the year she gave it to me. That village means the world to me not for the unique look, but because it came from my mom.

Last year was our first Christmas without a parent. Memories and traditions surrounded our boxes I now see I took for granted. I assumed those things would always be there, just like my parents would. The reality is they are gone, and if I don’t pick up the traditions, they die too.

We kept mom’s traditions but added one. Instead of opening a Christmas Eve present, we chose something with a humorous side to help us through our grief. We drew names among the kids, my sister, and myself, and chose a white elephant gift. Once unwrapped, our tokens included a large glittery rubber duck to a calendar of dogs doing their business. If we keep that game up, it will be a fun tradition that I’ll cherish as one that got us through a rather bleak time.

If you’re facing a Christmas full of traditions that don’t make sense to you, or seem too costly in time or finances, ask God to help you see the interaction as He does. For me, a lot of what I thought was boring and predictable when I was younger was, in reality, tangible moments with my family I’ll never get back. Those traditions became precious memories, and that’s what I’m left with. There’s nothing in a store that could equal the value of those Christmas times.

What are some of your Christmas traditions? What do you think of them?

Bio:

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and —maybe one day—the chocolate. She’s the author of the new contemporary romance series SURRENDERING HEARTS (Anchored Hearts, Repairing Hearts, +four more.) Her other romance series is SURRENDERING TIME (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged.) She also co-wrote a YA series with her daughter, SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ (You’re Beautiful, You’re Amazing, You’re Brilliant.) Her stand-alone romances include MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. Julie maintains a blog at juliearduini.com and takes part in the team blog Christians Read. She lives in Ohio with her husband and daughter. Learn more by visiting her at http://linktr.ee/JulieArduini.

We can find her newest release at
https://www.amazon.com/Anchored-Hearts-Surrendering-Book-ebook/dp/B09XH1KVXD

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Julie Arduini appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Welcome to the Blog, Ann! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a wife, mom of four, writer, and coffee connoisseur. We live in the Capital region of Canada (where both official languages are spoken on a daily basis!) which is a significant starting point for traveling east or west with our trailer. We love to camp, so we spend most of our summers traveling to unknown places. Though, the Gaspésie region of eastern Quebec is our favourite spot to camp (and the inspiration for one of my novels).

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

When I was in elementary school, I loved reading. I loved it so much that I volunteered to help in the library every day after school. When I was in Grade Five, my librarian encouraged me to enter a writing contest. I won and was invited to a conference held at the University of Guelph, where I met published authors. Then, in college, my English professor asked if I’d ever thought about writing books. It wasn’t until twenty years after that chat that I wrote my first novel.

Who was your favorite character to create?

By far, Mrs.Sweeney was the most fun to create, followed by Tilly. Mrs. Sweeney is the culmination of several women who have been influential in my life. And the inspiration from Tilly came from my best friend. She’s the first to tell me the truth—without coating it in sweetness, but she’s the best of the best and I’m so blessed to have her for my friend.

How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?

I looked up the popular baby names from the approximate year my characters would have been born. From that list, I started thinking about how many people I knew with those names and it went from there.

What does your family think of your writing?

My husband and kids are super supportive. They especially love it when I finish writing a novel because then I make homemade ice cream to celebrate my accomplishment. My girls are anxiously waiting for me to finish writing a series of middle grade books for them and are full of ideas how the stories should work out. Those books are my fun projects in between other writing projects.

Are you part of a writing group?

I’m a part of several writing groups and I’m so thankful for each person who has helped me along the way. I’m a member of Faith Hope Love Christian Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and The Word Guild. I’ve learned so much from the webinars provided by FHLCW and the open discussions about everything to do with writing; ACFW’s novel track keeps me accountable to other writers and inspires me to keep plowing through my WIPs when I don’t have enough steam to keep going; and The Word Guild is providing great insight to the world of self-publishing in Canada. Then, there are friendships I’ve formed from these groups, individuals who have helped me tremendously in different facets. I’m grateful that you’re one of them, Laurie!

And I’m grateful for your friendship as well!

What’s next for you as an author?

I currently have two novels being considered for publication with a major publishing house, I’ve received a full manuscript request for my historical novel (which I’m still writing), and I’m in the early stages of dipping my toes in the world of indie publishing. And, hopefully, I’ll have a story to gift my girls this Christmas.

Give us a quick blurb about your Christmas book…

All she needs is to get home for Christmas. All he needs is a Christmas miracle.

The last person PR Director, Stephanie Clark expected to rescue her from a winter storm was the best friend, and love of her life, who abandoned her twelve years prior. Editor-in-Chief Jason Miller regrets everything about walking away from the story that would have defined his career, but ruined Stephanie’s family. In a holiday season full of surprises they must fight for truth and risk losing everything, or learn to have faith again and trust God’s perfect plan, despite their circumstances.

Share your favorite excerpt from your book:

There’s a bit of a mystery going on around town that Stephanie and Jason are working to solve.

“At first, I thought it was a prank, but like you wrote in your article this morning, a

lot of that is happening and I wonder why.”

Sally placed a hand on her hip as Stephanie opened the folded paper.

“What do you make of the note?”

Sally shrugged. “Beats me. Says, ‘I.O.U. four reindeer’ so I’m waiting to either get

paid or find my little guys back in their spot sometime soon.” Sally waved to onlookers

outside in the cold who returned the gesture.

“Thing is, I’m happy to spread Christmas cheer, but it’s a puzzle as to why someone

would have a reason to do this. After all, this is the center of New England Christmas,

good will and peace toward men. No other town does Christmas better than Winterberry

Falls. I don’t know of many who would begrudge helping another find a little bit of

Christmas.”

Sally’s eyes dimmed. Stephanie frowned. The woman’s statement made a lot of sense, but it brought up

more questions than answers.

I’ve read it and loved it! It’s a wonderful Christmas romance!

Where can readers find you online?

Join other readers in finding out the latest news from Ann and for bookish fun, by signing up for my newsletter on my website: https://brodeurwrites.org/

Check out novel inspiration, book reviews and more on my Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.ca/brodeurwrites

Follow and Like my author page: https://www.facebook.com/annbrodeurauthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20786619.Ann_Brodeur

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-brodeur

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Ann-Brodeur

Library Thing: https://www.librarything.com/author/brodeurann

SNOWBOUND IN WINTERBERRY FALLS Purchase links:

Ebook Canada: https://amzn.to/3529fZe

Ebook US: https://amzn.to/3p48B5y

Paperback: https://bit.ly/36aKN7h

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Author Ann Brodeur appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.