by Alison

Blessing

Tonight I’m moved to do something never done on this blog.  I simply offer a prayer for each of you as you read this, dear friend, whether you’re a regular guest or one who’s dropped in.

I pray that God blesses you as you seek Him now–the One who smiles at the seeking but takes joy in letting Himself be found by you. May you melt in His warm embrace. May you loosen your fists, allowing Him to take from you the troubles and sins you grasp so tightly it hurts. As He enfolds your hands in His, I pray that you dare to gaze into His face beaming with love and delight in you…finding home in His eyes.

Women who served our country…WASPs

I’ve had several people ask me about the novel I’m writing, wanting to know more about the true story behind the story.  Future posts will reveal more, but for today I’ll share some basics.

The story is about a fictional young woman, but the setting is anything but fiction.  It involves the WASPs of World War II, the Women Airforce Service Pilots.  In the early/mid 1940s, more than 1,000 ladies trained in Sweetwater, Texas. After graduation, they performed varied miltary piloting duties across the country–and some overseas, freeing up more men for combat.

They served as ferrying pilots, flight instructors, objects of target practice, and test pilots for experimental or newly-repaired aircraft.  Thirty-eight of them died in the line of duty.  The WASPs were disbanded in 1944; thirty-three years later Congress granted them veteran status.

I get so excited talking about this project that I have to restrain myself from sharing more now.  You’ll find future posts about these courageous women.  In the meantime, follow this link to the WASP Museum if you want to read more: National WASP World War II Museum.

…And with Veterans’ Day right around the corner, please take time to thank each veteran you know.  I’m so grateful for their sacrifices on behalf of all of us.

Glorieta Revisited

It’s been a few days since the Glorieta Christian Writers’ Conference ended. What a ride! Thirteen hours each day were filled with workshops, worship, appointments with authors, editors, and agents, and meeting new friends. All faculty walked in a refreshing servant-leader attitude. It was worth every minute and penny just to watch God orchestrate amazing things.

Summarizing here what I learned would take too long to write or read. Suffice it to say that I learned a lot. Now I need to write a lot. That’s the bottom line.

The authors I met were especially encouraging. They liked my writing, which helped my confidence. They also offered invaluable suggestions. Other potential opportunities came about which I wasn’t expecting. I’ll tell you more as time goes on.

Pictures of new friends…

The one of just the two of us is with Rosslyn Elliott, a fun, talented friend. The other group shot is with members of the Southwest Christian Writers Association –precious people! (L-R) Connie Peters, Kimberlae Houk, Barb Lukow, me, and Annette Hutchins.

Glorieta

Some of you know that I’m at my first writers’ conference. Just a quick update to let you know that I’m having a great time. This conference is full of fun, encouraging, godly people and lots of good information and worship time. I’m tired, but it’s that tired you get when you’re worn out from good things. Here’s a shot from early evening, my favorite time of day. I’m so grateful God allowed me to come.

Taste O' Fall

The last post dealt with family meals. It got me a-thinking…With it being glorious fall right now, I decided to share a yearly tradition David and I have developed: making pumpkin pancakes together. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup

For the pancakes:
1 Cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
dash of salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 Cup milk
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 Cup canned pumpkin
1/2 Cup sour cream
Combine all ingredients. Batter will be lumpy. Spray griddle with cooking spray or melt a pat of butter. Cook pancakes on griddle using medium heat until bubbles rise to the surface and edges are brown. Turn and bake until golden brown. Texture will be moist and velvety.

For the syrup:
1/2 Cup sugar
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 Cup apple cider or apple juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 Cup butter
Mix sugar, cornstarch, and spice in a medium saucepan. Stir in apple cider and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it boils. Turn heat to low and allow syrup to thicken. Add butter, stirring in one Tablespoon at a time. Remove from heat. Refrigerate any unused syrup for another morning (or evening!).