Musing on A Life of Quiet Significance: Guyneth Walker

"You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
Cause they fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere…
I’d like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly…" –“Fireflies” by Owl City

After losing his beloved son in a mountaineering accident, author Nicholas Wolterstorff wrote, “There’s a hole in the world now… A center, like no other, of memory and hope and knowledge and affection which once inhabited this earth is now gone. Only a gap remains. A perspective in this world unique in this world which once moved about in this world has been rubbed out… There’s nobody who saw just what he saw, knows what he knew, remembers what he remembered, loves what he loved… Questions I have can never now get answers. The world is emptier." –Lament for a Son
 
I understand what it means to feel like there's a hole in the world. On June 10, 2010, my grandmother, Guyneth Walker, went to be with the Lord. But her gentle ways and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her birthday is December 2. She would have been 94 this year.
Grandma lived in harmony with people and nature like no one I’ve ever known. She accepted the fact that, on the farm, sometimes Mother Nature cooperated with what people wanted and needed, and sometimes it didn’t. She learned dependence on the land without despairing when hail came or the weather was too hot or too cold, too dry or too wet. As a child, I walked with her through her huge garden as she reached down to touch the delicate faces of blue bachelor buttons. She selected a lovely purple hollyhock bloom and bud and fastened them together to make me a hollyhock doll. Then we walked down a row of tomatoes. Suddenly, Grandma snatched a huge green tomato worm, flung it to the ground and stomped on it. Then she calmly continued down the row to look at the green beans and potatoes as if nothing had ever happened.
Grandma's home was simple, yet it was my favorite place to be in all the world. The author of one of my favorite books, A Life that Says Welcome, says this: “The husband is the head of the home, but the wife is the heart of the home.” Grandma reflected the truth of this statement as her home reflected her warm nature and her loving, sacrificial spirit. Her husband, Jesse Walker (my grandfather) passed away many years ago, while my mom was in college. Grandma never remarried. So she really had to become both the head and the heart of her home.  
Grandma remembered people and events and enjoyed recounting them to us. And she wrote down everything. When we sorted through her possessions, we found boxes full of carefully preserved keepsakes and clothing, including the gorgeous dresses and other items of clothing that she had made.
What a legacy she left for us with her writing, as toward the end of her life she tended to forget the details of recent events. But amazingly, she could clearly recall minute details of events that had happened when she was young. She loved talking with her sister Ruth about events that had occurred during her childhood.  
After her death, my uncles and my mother began sorting through her belongings. Every box revealed carefully preserved and documented memories, from pristine 1920s postcards bearing antiquated greetings like “Happy Christmastide” to her mother’s silk wedding dress with its exquisite embroidery. Grandma had pinned hand-written notes to almost every item explaining who had made it, where it had come from, who had given it to her as a gift, special occasions when she had worn it, and more.
Now, our history has become HER STORY. I realize that just as one person's life can dramatically influence the growth, development and love of a family, that person also changes the landscape of a town and changes the world in the process. Grandma's testimony is a simple and quiet life, well-lived. She loved well. My aunt Jana noted that one of the things she appreciated most about my grandma is that she had a contented spirit?truly a rare gift in this day and age.
Grief teaches us about life, and about ourselves, and about others, and about God. It reveals to us the astonishing capacity that we have for love. It shows us how we are limited and flawed, cloaked in humanity. Yet it also reveals our remarkable capacity to love beyond ourselves, to love in a way that astonishes and transforms us and everyone around us, to love in a way that reveals that we are made in God’s image because that love is beyond the limits of our human selves. It’s incandescent, like the fields by Grandma’s house glowing with thousands of lightning bugs on a summer evening.
My husband flew in from Dallas on the night before Grandma's funeral. He described his astonishment at the most beautiful sunset he’d ever seen, with bright colors splashed against the sky juxtaposed with  a bank of dark rain clouds against the horizon. He said that as they prepared to land, the sun went down and he saw miles and miles of fields lit up by millions of fireflies, as though the entire sleeping landscape was enveloped in a soft blanket of light.
Grandma's home was modest, her furnishings simple, and her "estate" was not grandiose by any means. She had some beautiful things, most of which were beautiful to us because of the decades of memories that they brought back. And the day after she had passed away, as we began looking through her belongings with tears and shared memories, I realized that even if she had owned lavish possessions or had millions of dollars to leave each of us as an inheritance, we gladly would have given it all back just to spend one more minute with her.
Thanks, Grandma. May your legacy live on through each of us.

Important Questions to Ask Your Spouse... An Excerpt from My Book on the Dallas Theological Seminary Website

Here is a helpful excerpt from my book that appears on the DTS website. It includes a variety of extremely useful questions for you and your intercultural fiance or spouse to ask each other. Check it out at dts.edu/publications/read/excerpt-from-your-intercultural-marriage-marla-deshong-alupoaicei/.

 

Thank you!

Book Recommendation: Coach Mom by Brenna Stull

I recently heard Brenna Stull, otherwise known as "Coach Mom" and the mother of five kids, speak at a MOPS meeting. I was so encouraged by the spiritual and practical principles that she shared at the meeting that I went home and immediately ordered her book Coach Mom: 7 Strategies for Organizing Your Family into An All-Star Team. It's from New Hope Publishers. (By the way, God has granted me the privilege of meeting a couple of the employees of New Hope at conferences, and they are fantastic!)

Brenna talks about how we can learn to work smarter, not harder, and how to organize our priorities, our homes and our families in order to better support God's call and His purposes for our lives. I was challenged and encouraged by what she shared. In chapter 9, she notes that many of our decisions are based on fear rather than faith. For example, we don't want our children to fall behind others athletically, so we overextend ourselves in order to put them into 2 or 3 sports even though that stresses us out. Instead, we should ask ourselves these questions before committing to any activity:

1. Does what I'm doing support my purpose?

2. Does this even warrant my time and energy?

I'm now reading the "Clutter Busting" section, and I am really loving that. Now, on to bust my clutter... But that's definitely easier said than done with a 16-month-old son and a two-month-old daughter. Can anyone relate?

Helpful Sites for those in Intercultural, Cross-Cultural, Interracial and Interfaith Marriage

"The Link Between" is one of the best websites I've seen on the topic of intercultural marriage. Definitely check it out at thelinkbetween.wordpress.com/.

I also love the Marriage Missions website. It contains lots of fantastic articles for intercultural couples. Check out this one: marriagemissions.com/intercultural-marriages-assumptionsmy-way-the-right-way/

Also check out this intriguing site and interview: matadornetwork.com/abroad/on-blogs-of-the-world-intercultural-marriage-and-travel-writing-an-interview-with-liz-chatburn-of-pocket-cultures/

I've been contacted recently by several media folks requesting statistics, information and personal stories related to intercultural marriage. How exciting! Looks like people are catching on to the crucial need for resources on this topic. Let me know if I can be of help to you by providing articles, resources, recommendations or advice on this topic. You can also glean lots from my book, titled Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship from Moody Publishers. It's available on Amazon and at bookstores. Thanks!

Great Article on The Do's and Don'ts of Blogging

Hello! Here's a great article on the do's and don'ts of blogging from Michael Hyatt, who operates an "Intentional Leadership" blog. Since most of us have blogs, I thought I'd share it with my readers. Thanks!

michaelhyatt.com/do-you-make-these-10-mistakes-when-you-blog.html

Loving Your Choice...

I recently saw a quote that stopped me in my tracks. It said, "Choose your love; then love your choice."

God spoke to my heart through that quotation, reminding me that love is a choice. Isn't it sad that we fall in love and believe that our significant other is pretty much perfect in every way, and then as time passes, we tend to dwell on the things about him or her that we don't like?

I'm also impressed by the double entendre in this quote. Not only are we called to love our choice (as in the PERSON that we chose), but we are also called to love our choice (as in the fact that WE chose that person and it's up to us to live with the consequences). Every day, we must make it a point to focus on our spouse's best qualities and help him or her to become who he/she is meant to be in Christ.

Yesterday I was thinking that it would be cool to list 31 things I love about my husband, in celebration of Halloween. So here goes:

1) I know he loves me.

2) He buys me roses.

3) He loves the Lord.

4) He's very intelligent.

5) He is well spoken and gifted with languages.

6) He has adapted extremely well to life in America.

7) He understands my near-addiction to McDonald's Coke. :)

8) He is a fantastic dad.

9) He is not a violent person (both of us have been impacted by domestic violence, so this means a lot to me).

10) He loves good food.

11) He is amazing to travel with and can decode any type of map.

12) He works very hard at his job and is dependable.

13) He likes to spend lots of time with his family.

14) He is a good friend.

15) He is sensitive and caring.

16) He loves music.

17) He likes to exercise (sometimes, anyway!)

18) He loves to read and discuss books with me.

19) He's hot (why did I not mention that before?????)

20) He can carry on an interesting and intelligent conversation on any topic - so useful at parties.

21) He doesn't drink, smoke, do drugs, or anything like that.

22) He cares about my safety and that of the children.

23) He does tons of research before buying anything to be sure we get the best value.

24) He is tall, dark and handsome.

25) He enjoys going to church and connecting with friends.

26) He makes sacrifices for me and the kids.

27) He left his home country and family in order to marry me and move to the States!

28) He is a true international, a citizen of the world.

29) He is very devoted to our marriage.

30) He has a gentle spirit.

31) He has compassion for people and roots for the underdog. That will be helpful when the Rangers play the Giants tonight!

Being Jesus to Other People

Dr. Kevin Leman, the author of several bestselling Christian books, shares this story: "A mother caught her two boys arguing over who would get the first pancake. The mother thought she had a golden opportunity to provide a moral lesson, so she said, 'If Jesus were sitting here, he would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.' The older son turned to his brother and said, 'Okay, Ryan, you be Jesus.'"

I love this story! Not only is it hilarious, but it reveals an integral aspect of human nature: selfishness. Wanting the best for ourselves may be funny when we're kids, but we have to learn to overcome this type of selfishness in order to truly love and serve other people. A me-first attitude is what we must battle daily in order to be Jesus to other people.

In marriage, in ministry, in my family relationships, and in my friendships, I sometimes wait around for the other person to do the right thing (or apologize, or take the first step in mending a relationship). In essence, I am waiting for them to be Jesus to me instead of taking the high road and deciding to be like Jesus myself - WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN.

I find this particularly difficult in marriage and with those people that we love most. Ever noticed how sometimes, the people that we really do love the MOST are not those we love the BEST? Sometimes they get our crumbs instead of the best that we have to offer. Jesus always gave His best and offered His full attention to even the lowliest of people in His culture. Very convicting!

I think that our heavenly Father is prompting all of us to try to "be Jesus" to those in our sphere of influence. How is He leading you to be like Jesus today? Please post a comment and share your thoughts! Thanks!

Six Degrees of Separation...

I love this story that Chip MacGregor tells on his blog:


"In 1919, a young man who had been injured in the war in Europe moved to Chicago, picking one particular neighborhood in order to be close to the noted author Sherwood Anderson. The young writer, impressed with the critical praise heaped on Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, had heard the novelist was willing to assist beginning writers. The two men became close. They met every day to read together, exploring the writing of newspapers and magazines, and eventually tearing apart the inner workings of novels. The young man brought his own work to Anderson, who helped him see how he could improve his craft. Anderson even introduced the young writer to his network of publishing associates, and helped him publish his first novel, which was met with critical acclaim. Its title was The Sun Also Rises. The young man’s name was Ernest Hemingway.
Sherwood Anderson then moved to New Orleans, where he took another young author through those same paces, even putting up $300 of his own money to help that beginning writer’s first novel get published. The novel was entitled Soldier Pay. The author’s name was William Faulkner.
Anderson would then move to California, where he worked with a young writer by the name of John Steinbeck. Sherwood Anderson shaped modern American writing more profoundly than any author except Mark Twain. Most of the writing instructors of the late 20th century were, in one way or another, disciples of Anderson. 
And the reason Sherwood Anderson was so committed to mentoring beginning writers? Because when he was young, a more experienced author by the name of Theodore Dreiser had invested in his own life and craft. It's why I'm a fan of beginning writers finding a Sherwood Anderson to help them develop."
What a cool and intriguing testimony to the power of helping others succeed! And Theodore Dreiser just happens to be from my hometown of Terre Haute, IN, which makes this story even more fascinating to me! Thanks for sharing, Chip.

Pointers for Parents

My blog friend Courtney posted these notes from a talk by Sally Clarkson, a Christian author and speaker who homeschools her children. I loved some of her insightful comments about parenting:


1. Read great books to your children and introduce them to the best minds in the world.

2. Satan hates children. They are the next generation and he'll do anything to distract them with television, video games etc. Remember to continually prepare your children to serve God.
3. Create a foundation of love in your home. Teach them to obey the greatest commands, to love God and love others. Just as Jesus spent time with the disciples eating, laughing and doing life with them, as parents we must build bridges of love to our children's hearts. Live, laugh and do life together.
4. Establish a foundation of grace in your home. From Genesis to Revelation we see the grace of God revealed. Teach your children to offer God's grace to others - many times this is displayed through good manners.
5. Inspire your children. They were created to do good works. Find their talents and let them be who they are. Fill their hearts and minds with heroes and those who made a mark on this world for Jesus. Stand with your children through trials knowing that this is making them a stronger man or woman of God. Don't always protect them; let God build their character and grow them through their trials.
6. Teach your children scripture and live out a faithful story before them. They will have to be warriors for God one day and they are watching us. What are we role modeling? They need to see our passion for the Lord which gives them a foundation for their faith.
7. Train your children to be self-controlled, to work hard and long hours, to be creative and grow them into maturity. Be intentional about your training. This is a long process. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." "When he is old" means when he grows a beard. This is a process. And remember - at what age did we become perfect? We are working towards maturity not perfection. Filter television. Be sure to fill their minds with truth.
8. Teach your children to serve others. Train them to take initiative in relationships. If you want to see them as a servant of God, you must incorporate it into their lives. Show them the needs of the world through missions, homeless shelters, serving your neighbors and opening your home. Do not let your children become the future Pharisees of America; teach them to serve.

God is in the Details

Writing allows us the opportunity and privilege to record the minute details of our lives, to explore and redeem tragedy as well as reflect glory, and to express what we love, who we are and why our experiences are important. I love this quote by Natalie Goldberg:
 
“Our lives are at once ordinary and mythical. We live and die, age beautifully or full of wrinkles… At the same instant we have these magnificent hearts that pump through all sorrow and all winters we are alive on the earth. We are important and our lives are important, magnificent really, and their details are worthy to be recorded. This is how writers must think, this is how we must sit down with pen in hand. We were here; we are human beings; this is how we lived. Let it be known, the earth passed before us. Our details are important.”
Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones, p. 43

What Makes a Successful Writer... or Spouse... or Parent...?

How do you define success in life? On his website, Christian literary agent Chip MacGregor has a thought-provoking blog on this topic. chipmacgregor.typepad.com/main/ He explains that from a market standpoint, most people define an author's success in two simple words: book sales. If you sell a ton of books, you're successful. But he goes on to expand that definition and explain how the real measure of success is SIGNIFICANCE.

It's true that, even in Christian publishing, the bottom line (money) is the bottom line. Publishers are in it to make money, and the more books you can sell, the more money they make. And the more they love you.  

But I think that the downturn in the economy has changed Americans' values a lot. I know it's affected me. Yes, my goal as a writer, editor and speaker is to be as successful as possible. But significance is more important. If I can help people, if I can influence and inspire them to live a better life, then I have succeeded. God has given my husband and me a dynamic and unique platform for ministry. We feel that it's our call to share the message that the Lord has laid on our hearts in order to inspire, encourage, and uplift others in their spiritual walk and their marriage journey.

In my travels as an author and speaker, I've met many other authors who may never reach #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, yet they are warm, inspiring, godly and fun-loving people with fascinating stories to share. They have loved me and provided me with great encouragement as a young author. They have given me practical advice and helped me expand my ministry and build my platform. I'm forever grateful to them. And to me, they are all successes, whether they ever sell another book or not. Best of all, they are SIGNIFICANT.

In the spiritual life, not all success is measurable in dollars and cents. It's not measurable in inches, pounds, or any type of numerical system. For example, Jesus said, "Follow Me." This SEEMS to be one of the simplest commands in the Bible, but HOW PROFOUND. Man, to follow Him every day is not easy, is it? "Follow Me" means "imitate Me, love Me, sacrifice your needs and wants for Me, show Me to others, obey all of My commands."

To me, success means following Jesus, no matter what.

Seasons of Life, Marriage and the Writing Journey

I've spoken to several men and women recently who seem to be trudging dolefully through a tough stage in their lives and their marriages, as though they're dragging a ten-ton stone behind them. I understand completely. Our son, Evan, just turned one on July 6. Having him has been an unspeakable joy, yet this has also been by far the most challenging year of my life. (The fact that I'm eight months pregnant with our second child may have something to do with that!)

Life changes, big and small, cause upheaval. Maybe for you, it's been a move, financial struggles, a marriage, a divorce, a death in the family, or the loss of a job. I don't think that I've ever encountered so many people struggling with an identity crisis, a feeling of wondering what on earth happened to the person that they used to be. And yes, I've wondered that pretty much every day myself since the day my baby son was born. 

What has gotten me through is the fact that even when I'm no longer sure how all of the complex aspects of myself, my family life, and my creative pursuits fit together, God is. He knows who I am. And more important, I know who He is. HE IS THE GREAT I AM. Isn't it interesting and odd that when Moses asked, "Who should I say you are?" God said simply, "I AM." His identity is in His being, His perfection, His holiness, His integrity. He does not have to DO anything to be Himself; He simply has to BE. 

The truth is, you are. God made you. You are here on the earth, and you are here for a reason. No one has ever been like you, with your unique combination of characteristics, personality traits, quirks, sense of humor, gifts, and abilities. If you're a writer, God has gifted you with a voice and a way to write and describe things that is special and particular to you. If you don't write those ideas down and share them with the world, no one else will.

Part of loving God, loving yourself and loving other people is using your voice and your gifts to communicate your personal message.

Recommendation from a Client and Fellow Author

I was inspired and encouraged by this recommendation for my developmental writing and editing services from author Dave Sterrett. I edited two books for him, both of which were published and one of which has become a Christian bestseller! Congratulations, Dave!

“Marla Alupoaicei is one of the best writers and editors in the Christian market today. Very few Christian editors and writers have the ability to meticulously edit while adding creative suggestions with theological soundness. Marla, on the other hand, provides all three: accurate grammar, innovative ideas on your manuscript, and biblical accuracy. I highly recommend her writing and editing services!”

- Dave Sterrett, popular speaker and author of "O" God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah's Spirituality and Why Trust Jesus?  Website: davesterrett.com

 

Thanks so much, Dave! For all of you writers out there seeking editing help or publication, please contact me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com for more info on my writing and editing services. I look forward to the privilege of working with you to develop your manuscript, improve your platform and help your publishing dreams come true!

Tips and Tricks for Writers

As an author and speaker, I often cross paths with men and women who write and want to know some of the "tips and tricks" of the publishing trade. Thought I'd share some helpful advice here!

1) Know your subject. Do your research. Double-check your sources. Perform original interviews to gain unique material. Find a cool angle and hook that give you a cutting-edge perspective on your topic - a perspective that no one else has. Do the legwork to find out about your competition and be sure to include that information in your book proposal.  

2) Work hard, and keep a positive attitude. Accept others' comments with grace, and always carefully consider any pointers you receive. But trust your instincts, too. Don't be discouraged by the market or by other people's negativity. There are lots of "joy stealers" in this world! Trust that the Lord has given you something to say and a venue in which to say it. Pray hard and persevere!

3) Be teachable. Join a writer's group and submit your work regularly for critique. Ask trusted writers for their honest feedback.

4) WRITE. EVERY DAY. Don't spend so much time reading that you don't actually write. Writers write. It's that simple!  

5) Research your subject matter on Amazon and the web. Order books related to your topic and also be sure to get a copy of the most recent Writer's Market. Know which publishers accept the kind of work you are doing. Send them only what they ask for.

6) Don't rush. Be sure your work is ready and as close to perfect as possible before submitting it. When you think it's ready, submit it to your writer's group for their critique. Then sit on it for a few weeks. Read it, pray over it, and give yourself a chance to be inspired and make your final edits/changes before you send it to a publisher.

7) If you tend to struggle with correct spelling, grammar, plot development, etc., hire a professional editor to help you develop your ideas and edit your manuscript before you send it out. For an affordable fee, you can get your manuscript in tip-top shape, learn publishing tips from the pros, and greatly increase your chances of successful publication!

For more info on Marla's editing services, e-mail her at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thank you!

FamilyLife Interview on Intercultural Marriage

In November, I had the privilege of traveling to Little Rock to be interviewed by Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine on the topic of intercultural marriage and my book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship. I shared some juicy tidbits about the intriguing twists and turns of our romance and marriage journey, as well as practical tips and helpful marriage advice for couples. Here's a link to the video feed if you'd like to watch it! familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5834071/k.14B6/Marla_Alupoaicei__Intercultural_Marriages.htm Blessings.

Women Living Well

Today, I'd love to recommmend that you visit the website Women Living Well at womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/. I'm inspired by Courtney's energy as she invests her heart and her time into caring for her family and herself. She is one of the few people I've seen who really considers homemaking and caring for her family to be a high calling and an art. It's refreshing to read about her passion and her commitment to God and to her family.

On Courtney's site, you can watch lots of video clips from her appearances on TV shows like Rachael Ray in which she presents her meal tips, health strategies, and marriage advice. She also presents tons of other helpful articles and quick, fun ideas, including:

-Menus and recipes that both adults and kids will like

-Easy, inexpensive gifts to make for teachers

-Devotional prompts for moms

-Great organizing and cleaning tips

And more! Courtney says that her favorite Scripture verse is Galatians 6:9, "Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up." Check out her site; I think you'll be inspired by her. For me as a writer with a 10-month old son and another baby on the way in September, I always enjoy a bit of motivation and encouragement from someone as "with it" as Courtney!

Book Review: Thin Places by Mary DeMuth

Several weeks ago on a Saturday, I received my copy of Mary DeMuth's memoir, Thin Places, from Zondervan Publishers. I had been anxiously awaiting this book since Mary is a personal friend and writing mentor of mine, and I've been so moved by the personal stories that she has shared at writing conferences and in our conversations. I immediately opened the book and began reading. About two hours later, I was still standing in my kitchen, reading...

Mary has done a masterful job of weaving her past, present and future into an inspiring tome that will touch your heart. God's grace, forgiveness and healing power resonate from every page. If you or someone you know has been hurt by abuse, especially sexual abuse, you will be blessed and encouraged by Mary's remarkable story. I laughed as I read some pages and cried as I read many others. My heart broke for all those children who have been hurt by the adults they should have been able to trust.

Yet Thin Places never sinks into self-pity, despair or hopelessness. To the contrary, I found hope leaping off of every page. Though I (thankfully) was never a victim of sexual abuse, both my family and my husband's family have a history of domestic violence. This has caused me to struggle with many of the same feelings of pain, helplessness, and low self esteem that Mary has experienced. Her ability to forgive her oppressors and rise above her feelings of victimization have inspired me and helped me to do the same. 

Probably the most compelling and life-transforming truth that I have gained from reading Thin Places is the reality that we do not have to DO anything or BE a certain kind of person to deserve to be loved by God and others. God loves us because of Who He Is. And God loves us because of Who We Are - His precious daughters and sons. And we're called to love others not based on their performance or their ability to be perfect, say all the right things, and do all the right things. We love people BECAUSE we are all flawed and in need of God's grace. We don't love them IN SPITE OF the fact that they are flawed.  

This book will empower you to jump off of the hamster wheel of trying to earn favor from God and others; instead, you will be inspired to get rid of your spiritual, emotional and physical baggage and simply rest in the arms of Jesus.

"Sometimes I'm still that little girl fighting against the grief of the world, longing for a snatch of light in the midst of dark days," Mary writes on pages 20 and 21 of Thin Places. Readers will identify with Mary's pain and vulnerability. They'll also rejoice in her remarkable gift for trusting the Lord to transform that pain into triumph through His grace and redemptive power. Every page emanates with the struggle with a young girl who has been wronged, yet still clings to her faith in a Savior who loves her and wants her to find wholeness and healing.

I've read quite a few memoirs, and I'd say that Thin Places has pulled the curtain of shame off of the issue of childhood sexual abuse, just as Frank McCourt's memoir Angela's Ashes poignantly illuminated the shocking problem of childhood poverty in Ireland. Like McCourt's book, Thin Places is a well-wrought and luminous account of a life journey that led from dungeons of darkness to expansive places of light and hope. Mary's book is available on amazon.com and at bookstores. I highly recommend it!

Need Professional Writing/Editing?

Welcome to Leap of Faith! It's the New Year, and most of us have made exciting and life-transforming goals for ourselves and our careers. Your goals may include:

-Creating updated newsletters or marketing materials for your company or ministry

-Increasing income and maximizing profit by honing your message and finding ways to more effectively reach your target audience

-Hiring a writer or editor to help you finish your book and get a publishing contract

If you need help in these areas, Marla Alupoaicei will be pleased to use her writing/editing experience to help you accomplish these goals. A published author, professional editor and speaker, Marla has many years of experience creating powerful marketing materials and helping write and edit books for publication. 

To discuss projects and price quotes for her affordable, professional writing and editing services, please contact Marla at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thank you! Congratulations on taking the first step to making 2010 YOUR YEAR FOR SUCCESS!

Ushering in a New Year of Promise

Wow! My list of New Year's resolutions is about a mile long. I'm astonished that it could actually be 2010... Ten years have passed since 2000? God has impressed on my heart that I need to be more intentional in my relationships this year. My catchphrase for this year is CONNECTION. My goal is to invest more in people and care less about things. Spend more time and less money. Share what I've learned about writing, speaking, and the journey of being a creative Christian on the pilgrimage toward eternity.

Speaking of New Year's goals, Catalin and I try to eat healthy, but we have committed to an even more healthy lifestyle. Since the New Year began, he's been working out more on our elliptical machine, which I bought him for our anniversary last year. We had a baby in July, so I am working on losing those last five pounds to get back to my pre-baby weight! I have always been a "Cooking Light/healthy recipe" buff. One of my favorite challenges is to take fattening recipes and turn them into healthy ones. For instance, I love dips, but those can be some of the worst party foods. Why not try this fab new recipe below? I promise that you will love it and you will NOT miss the fat and calories!
 
Healthy Nine-Layer Dip
Ingredients:
1 16-oz. can fat-free refried beans
1 package Old El Paso mild taco seasoning mix
1 cup reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream
1 package store-bought guacamole (I like Wholly Guacamole.)
1 cup medium salsa
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mexican or mozzarella cheese work well.)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
2 T. sliced black olives
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 T. sliced jalapenos or hot peppers (optional)
Tortilla chips (Thick chips like Tostitos Scoops work best.)
 
Directions:
1. Place refried beans in a 9x13 glass baking dish or plastic pan. (Avoid using a metal pan.) Thin beans by adding 2 T. of milk or water and mixing well. Add Old El Paso mild taco seasoning mix and mix until blended. Spread mixture smoothly in bottom of pan.
2. Layer sour cream over top. Layer guacamole over sour cream. Then layer salsa over guacamole. Sprinkle cheese over salsa to cover. Sprinkle tomatoes liberally over cheese. Arrange black olives over cheese. Sprinkle green onions over top. Sprinkle sliced jalapenos or hot peppers over top or just use a few as a garnish, if desired.   
3. Serve with tortilla chips. (Tostitos Scoops work well. I also like Tostitos Bite Size for parties-no double dipping! J) Cover and refrigerate any remaining dip.