"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2



Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Where would you go?


Gettysburg, PA - Photo by Loree Huebner
"President Lincoln passed by this tree on November 19, 1863"

This past Saturday, my husband and I spent a beautiful spring day with some good friends around a campfire. As you do with friends, you catch up on each other’s lives since you had last seen each other. You get excited and happy over good news, and sympathize and mourn with them over hard times. At some point in the conversation, we tend to pose deep questions about life, faith, or history. This time, a friend asked a question to the group which sparked many interesting answers.



He asked:  If you could go back in time to any two events in history BEFORE you were born…where would you go? Now, the rules: You're in bed and a specter, not unlike Dicken’s Ghost of Christmas Past appears. He will take you where you want to go…back in time. You can’t change the history, and you could only observe and will not be seen. Where would you go?
Wow! Did this set a wildfire of answers! It was hard to stick with just two.
We came up with all sorts of events and places. The conversation went on and on. Answers ranged from The Last Supper to the grassy knoll in Dallas - to see if there was a second gunman behind the picket fence… to Roswell, New Mexico - to see what, if anything crashed in the desert. We had one Woodstock, one moon landing, one signing of the Declaration of Independence, and one Resurrection morning. One friend even suggested that she would want to go back to her parent's wedding – to see her mom walk down the aisle. There were several sports events thrown in for good measure. I don't think the guys could ever settle on just one Hail Mary pass, slam dunk, homerun, or amazing Olympic moment. Even though they were brought up, not any one of us wanted to see actual war battles or the bomb.
My #1 answer was that I would love to be able to witness the Sermon on the Mount. #2 would have me heading back to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1863, to see President Lincoln give the Gettysburg Address.
Where would you go? Remember, it has to be before you were born. I would love to hear from you.
Between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree




Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A pause to take some time...

Gettysburg, PA - Photo by Loree Huebner


 


He is not here; He is risen, just as He said.
Matthew 28: 6







With it being Easter Week, I want to spend more time with my family and God.
So this week, I will be taking a blogger break.
I just joined Twitter last Friday, and I want to take time to explore the new horizon there.
I also want to take some time read 
Catherine West's debut novel: Yesterday’s Tomorrow. I ordered the book last week and it finally came yesterday. I’m excited to read it and don’t want to rush through it.
I wish you all a Happy Easter!
See you next week.
Between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree










Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Bud of an Idea

Budding Maple Trees in Indiana - Photo by Loree Huebner




Just in the last few days, I’ve noticed my old and dear maple tree out back, undergoing many changes. Overnight, the ugly and messy reddish-brown buds have popped into tiny green leaves. As I pondered on the wonders of spring and life renewing itself, the thought came to mind how a small bud of an idea blossoms into a story.
Are you budding with ideas these days? I sure am! Do you feel the natural seasonal rhythms that God has instilled into the earth? Does it affect how you write? When you write? I just love how the earth wakes up from its winter sleep. I feel an awakening too…a time for renewing mind, body, and soul. Do you feel it too? I would love to hear from you.
Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree


Gettysburg National Military Park - Photo By Loree Huebner



With 2011 starting the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, I thought I would give you a little bit of history - the happenings of approximately 150 years ago. You don’t have to be a buff to appreciate the importance of this time in American History.
This week in the Civil War April 1861:

April 12th 1861 – The Civil War began with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. After much posturing by both sides, the Southern forces under P. G. T. Beauregard, attacked the Federal Fort in Charleston Harbor commencing hostilities. Although there were no casualties, the Federal troops were forced to surrender largely due to lack of supplies. While the Southerners were able to capture the fort, many historians agree that President Lincoln was clever by maneuvering the Rebels into firing the first shots. Neither side wanted to appear to be the aggressor.

A friend sent me this:

Dear Kindred,

One hundred and fifty years ago today at 4:30am the Great Civil War began. Take a moment out of your hectic life to remember all of those who sacrificed and suffered during this horrific era of our country's history. May they rest in eternal peace.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Writing in Faith and Emotion

Near Aspen, CO - Photo by Loree Huebner


The blog title came from a full week of unusual circumstances that made me feel a whole boxful of feelings. Last week I think I touched every emotion – love, fear, hurt, anger, pride, joy, sadness, happiness, and everything in between. I know that when the moods unhinge and life’s ups and downs play hard on my heart, I can always look to God for wisdom and guidance. I can write even though I'm on the rollercoaster of life. 

God knows what’s going on in my life and He will not hand me more than I can take…even though sometimes it feels like there is nothing…no way out…no understanding. He also knows when I’m at my happiest, feeling the joys of love and being alive. He knows my hopes, dreams, and desires of my heart, as well as my wants and needs. I know to trust in His perfect plan for my life. This trust gives me the strength to move through my days knowing that whatever happens…I will not have to face it alone. I can write through life's difficult moments, and I can write during the periods of bliss. 
He knows I want to be a writer. He put the notion on my heart years before I ever put two sentences together. He gave me a direction to follow, a love of history, and a plot in my head. Even though my writing is not necessarily directed to a Christian audience, I write for His glory. He has recruited me to write stories that will touch the hearts of those who are on the fence with their faith, not so much for those who already know Him. This is my garden to tend...so I write.
As a writer, I strive to breathe my faith and emotions into some of my characters. Do you use your emotions or faith to guide your writing? Your characters? I would love to hear from you.
Just between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree  


Near Aspen, CO - Photo by Loree Huebner