Stories

Not On Our Own, comes from my years as a single parent, a time in my life that holds a special place in my heart. It was during that transitional period when God became a real and viable part of my daily life as I learned to trust and depend wholly on Him. Thankfully, that lesson has proven valuable through many more important decisions. Not On Our Own can be found in Finding and Following God’s Will, by Jane Kise, Bethany House.        Soft Cover $13

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Cowboy Preacher Up details the story of one man’s transition from suburban businessman to “Preacher Dave” in the rodeo circuits of the Upper Midwest. When Dave Kes’ stepsons started riding bulls, he felt compelled to support their new passion. Initially he began by praying for their safety and soon felt God asking him to include all the bull riders. Dave and his wife, Lindy, have accepted this rodeo ministry as a true calling from God. Cowboy Preacher Up can be found in Finding and Following God’s Will, by Jane Kise, Bethany House.        Soft Cover $13

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Some Distance Now Required shares a touching story about my son, David, growing up. The sudden change from ‘sweet little boy’ to a ‘standoffish young man,’ at the start of seventh grade caught me completely off-guard. Some Distance Now Required is in A Cup of Comfort for Mothers and Sons, edited by Colleen Sell, Adams Media.        Soft Cover $10

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A Christmas Bundle brings the story of my unexpected arrival for my parents. With a willingness and obedience to God, Jessie and Percy Veden selflessly accepted the responsibility of raising another child in their 50s, a time when most couples were in the twilight of their parenting years. In a small, rural farmhouse, they welcomed another baby into their simple home, placing the well-worn crib in the midst of the warm kitchen where Jessie spent most of her days. A Christmas Bundle is in God’s Way Christmas…Celebrating the Joy of Faith and Family, Harrison House.        Hard Cover $15

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Harley Honey is a humorous look at a brand new entity in our married life—a Harley Davidson motorcycle.  Initially I vowed to never ride on ‘the thing,’ but my persistent husband wouldn’t give up so easily.  My first ride was one to remember—complete with a bee in my helmet.  Harley Honey is in The Groovy Chicks’ Road Trip to Love, by Dena Dyer and Laurie Barker Copeland
Cook Communications.     Soft Cover, $14.

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A Home Built for Three is the sweet story of a time in my life when I purchased my first home.  As a fairly new single parent with two young daughters, this was our first chance to establish “our new home” after moving from Tennessee back to Minnesota.  A Home Built for Three is one of the selections in A Cup of Comfort for Single Mothers, edited by Colleen Sell, Adams Media.  Soft cover.  $10

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Articles

Writing articles is a little different than stories and is often a fun way to share information on a more newsworthy level. My published articles include a profile piece on Dick Bremer, long-time television announcer for the Minnesota Twins. Bremer’s profile appeared in Lake Country Journal, July/August 2005.

As one can imagine, raising a blended family brought a plethora of writing material. In Harmony, appeared in Guideposts, May 2004, recalling the period soon after our wedding when our five children adapted to the new family setting.

I also detailed an exciting “trip around the patch,” about two Minnesota pilots who set a new record by flying around the borders of the contiguous United States not only once, but twice. On their first trip in September 2003, the pilots flew the 10,000-statute mile journey in a Cessna Caravan at an average altitude of 1,500 feet in six days. The second trip in December 2003, on the 100 th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight, set an official USA National Record, this time in a Cessna Citation Ultra jet at 40,000 foot altitudes in a mere two days. The articles were published in Minnesota Christian Chronicle and Minnesota Flyer.

Native Sounds shared a brief snapshot of the Paul LaRoche story, a man transformed from civil engineer in the Twin Cities to musical ambassador, bridging cultures and bringing reconciliation. The piece was published in Minnesota Monthly, April 2003.

My essay, Summer Camp Dreams, appeared in LakesAlive, July/August 2003, a poignant story of David’s first trip to church camp in Northern Minnesota.

I also detailed the colorful sights and sounds of the White Earth Pow Wow, and one family's trip to the annual Ojibwe tradition. White Earth Celebrates 135 th Pow Wow, appeared in LakesAlive, May/June 2003 and included photos of the special Native American gathering of family and friends.

Summer Sauna, highlighted the Finnish tradition of the sauna (pronounced sow`na), a daily ritual for a people who have grown up immersed in this Scandinavian culture, LakesAlive, July/August 2002.

Lee Gardens showcased the beautiful flower gardens on the Lee Farm west of Wadena. Not only do Lyman and Norma Lee tend large perennial and vegetable gardens, they take the fruits of their gardens and make flavorful homemade wines, LakesAlive, March/April 2002.

BatterrrrUP!
Profile of Dick Bremer

A Real Trip Around the Patch

Really around the Patch, the Sequel