![]() I had the honor to meet Shawn Smucker last summer at the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference in Montrose, Pennsylvania. I'm embarrassed to say Shawn was tortured to read a terribly written and poorly executed fictional piece I attempted BUT grateful for his desire to encourage writers. He was honest and encouraging as he offered suggestions. Months later as I listened to his podcast, The Stories Between Us, I hung my head thinking about how I wasted his time with my writing yet thankful I had because his feedback encouraged me as I attempted to do some of the things he suggested but his advice changed the way I read. Yup, you read that correct, he changed the way I read. Shawn encouraged me to read fictional stories I'd already read but to read them as a writer, not a reader. This was great advice. I spent time reading some of my favorite fictional authors and after hours of writing, outlining, and sharing my writing with someone else I came to a wonderful realization...I'm NOT a fictional writer and don't enjoy it. I enjoy reading a well written fictional piece of art. I enjoy reading Shawn Smucker's writing and encourage you to do the same. Not only will he encourage the dreamer, he'll encourage you as you walk alongside Dan in his newest book, These Nameless Things, that releases TODAY! Anyone willing to sit through a torturous fiction disaster like mine then welcome me to join his book launch team is as genuine as they come. His wonderful personality is only surpassed by his gift to write and create on his own, and with his wife, Maile Silva. Check out their podcast by clicking here. Visit Shawn's blog by clicking here, and most importantly, order his book and leave reality behind as you delve into #TheseNamelessThings, with Revell Books. You can also find him on Facebook, Shawn Smucker, Writer, on Twitter - @shawnsmucker, or on Instagram - Shawn Smucker. I hope you'll visit all the links and the photos also have links, the photo of Shawn has a link to his photographer's Facebook page. What are you waiting for? Order this book!
Hello and Happy Saturday! How are you spending your day? Did you get outside to absorb some natural Vitamin D? I slept so hard on Thursday night that I woke up at 7:30 Friday morning and thought it was Saturday. The good news, I checked my list after letting the dog out and realized it was only Friday. A special shout out to author, Alexendra Franzen, and her book, The Checklist Book. If it wasn't for my new and improved list making routine, I may have lost a day. I'm a 3rd generation list maker and this book still transformed my list making and ability to succeed with crossing everything off my list each day. Click on the book title if you want to read my review of her book. Anyway, today's blog isn't to review an amazing book on list-making, it's to share changes to my podcast. As with most things in life, change and modifications happen. Up until this week, Friday was known as "Faith Filled Friday". More people listened on Friday than any other day of the week. Since COVID-19, it's been a challenge to get the blogs done. I thought it was because I was working from home and this was cramping my creative style. There may be some truth in this but after having a few days off and not staring at the computer all day, I've realized a few things: 1) Exhaustion leads to burnout 2) Change is necessary to keep the creative juices flowing 3) Reflection opens our eyes to things missed or overlooked 4) Prayer brings clarity and healing The combination of all theses things has transformed the podcast. For the summer I'm piloting a weekly series. This past week focused on waiting and next week is on renewal. Mark your calendars and be sure to listen on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. My podcast, One Sister's Journey: Keeping it Real is available on 12 podcast apps: What is your favorite podcast app to listen with?
|
Children's Book | Podcast | Forensic Artist |
Click here to listen to her podcast
For families of the missing,
Diana uses her gifts & passions to
inspire, uplift, and offer hope!
Please take time to visit her website,
listen to her podcast, and learn more about the science behind her forensic artistry.


As kids, we spent many hours on our bicycles riding between each other's houses and to Lake Ontario and back. These were the best days, before cellular phones, tablets, and technology at our fingertips. We talked, laughed, made plans, and too many memories to count or ever recount at reunions. These were the best of times and we knew how to spend time with each other, without the urge or need to record, post, or respond to others while enjoying each other's company. These four rocks were placed at the #HeidiAllenRemembranceGarden by one of our close friends as a remembrance of our childhood in a small New York town.

It's a symbol of hope, sisters, love, and and the brilliant blue is highlighted at night, some of the surrounding white stones (900 of them to be exact) are solar rocks and will glow blue at night. I'll try and get a picture and share it on a future blog. A big thanks to all who hold Heidi close to their hearts and in their prayers. You encourage and uplift us, may God bless you in return.
How do you remember the ones you love?
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