My New Baby!

Shameless promotion alert: my newest book is now available on Kindle! Actually, it's a novella. Meaning it's a quick read and perfect for summer. And if you don't have a Kindle, not to worry. You can download Kindle for PC for free on your computer or laptop, iPad, or iPhone. If none of those are an option, a paperback copy of the entire collection of these novellas will be available sometime next year. But enough about the logistics. Let me tell you all about my new baby!

Tea with Emma is the first in a series called "The Teacup Novellas." Lucy Alexander has a serious case of writers' block. That is, until her UPS guy delivers a box of vintage teacups - a gift from the estate of her late Aunt Lucille, her namesake. The teacups immediately take her back to memories of those many summers she spent with her beloved aunt and the special tea parties they'd share when Aunt Lucille would tell her all those wonderful stories. Suddenly the stories rush through Lucy's mind like so many movie scenes all vying for her attention. And as those stories bombard her, she realizes her writers' block has disappeared. A series of novellas begin to unfold in her mind. The first, a modern-day take of Jane Austen's Emma . . .

Fresh from a Jane Austen tour in England, Maddie Cooper returns home to Texas, determined to bring a touch of “Austen to Austin.” She dreams of opening an authentic English tea room and, like Austen’s Emma, put into practice her self-proclaimed gift as a matchmaker. But an airport mishap with a cranky Englishman gets her off on the wrong foot (quite literally), especially when he moves into the university guest house across the street. Can Maddie find a love for her unapproachable new neighbor, or has she finally met her match?

I've had so much fun working on these stories, plus Lucy's story line which continues in the prologues and epilogues of the following novellas. Each is a stand-alone story which includes a sub-plot about a vintage teacup. 

Teacups? Why teacups? Well, you see, I once inherited a collection of vintage teacups from one of my favorite aunts. Just sayin' . . .

You'll be happy to know Tea with Emma is available for only 99 cents at Amazon. C'mon, you can't even buy a cup of coffee for 99 cents anymore! And did you know you can send an e-book as a gift via email? Treat yourself and your friends to a fun read, then drop me a line and let me know how you like it.

Happy reading!

You've GOT to read this book!

You all know I'm a voracious reader. I'm long overdue for posting about some of my recent favorites, but this one jumped to the front of the line the minute I finished it. I can't remember when a book has inspired me like this one! Miracle on Southwest Boulevard: The Remarkable Story of One Woman's Perseverance and Faith to Change the World, One Child at a Time, by Cindi Hemm with Katie Hemm Kinder.

Now, you need to know right up front that I know the author, Cindi Hemm. We've been friends since college (actually she was still in high school when I first met her). For a couple of years I dated the brother of her then-boyfriend-now-husband, Jeff Hemm. When Ken & I got married thirty years ago, Cindi was one of my bridesmaids. (That's us below on the day of my wedding. Love the shades, Cindi!) But other than the exchange of our annual Christmas letters and more recently via Facebook, we haven't stayed in touch very well over the years.

When I learned she'd written a book about her experiences as principal of an elementary school in a Tulsa community riddled with crime and generational poverty, I ordered it immediately. Could NOT put it down. I read it in one day. And not just because I know the author.

Cindi's story is riveting. When reassigned to Tulsa's Eugene Field Elementary in 2003, she found a dilapidated school building falling apart, a student body with some of the worst test scores in the state of Oklahoma, and a population of kids who spent most of their time just trying to survive, living in unspeakable poverty. Most of them never had enough to eat, but that issue paled in comparison to the various abuses many of them faced regularly at the hands of family and others in the community.

Most of us would bolt like lightning from such an assignment. Some of us would have agreed to stay, but hated the circumstances, and grumbled about it every day on the job. But that's not Cindi. Cindi Hemm's heart broke for this school, for her students, her discouraged teachers, and for the seemingly hopeless community that surrounded this sad old building. But she turned all of that heartbreak into the most incredible motivation. The result? Well, look no farther than the title of the book: a true miracle.

Since finishing the book, I've continued to rattle off story after story to my husband, each one more astounding than the one before it. Cindi shares so many examples of the desperate lives these kids live outside the school walls. Most of us are so sheltered from this kind of poverty, we have no clue anything like this goes on here in America. Cindi was surrounded by it day after day, but she refused to just accept it. She DID something about it. She fought hard and built those kids a new state of the art building! It became the hub of the community, but that was only the start. She invited an affluent downtown church to take her school on as a ministry in all kinds of capacities, from financial contributions to volunteers who work in the school's food pantry, clothing ministry, and even an affordable grocery store called "West Side Harvest Market" to service the community. And get this - they helped the kids put in a full garden, where each student learns how to raise fruits and vegetables, thereby learning not only about good nutrition but also about commerce as they sell their produce to their market! Genius!

But let me back up and tell a story that brought tears to my eyes and also explains a bit about why this school has been such a success. When the new building was under construction, Cindi and a whole team of her teachers and supporters gathered one night at the construction sight, armed with markers and pages and pages of scripture verses. Together, they spent hours writing out scriptures all over the beams, the concrete floors, and any other surface that would eventually be covered. In doing so, they under-girded their new facility with a commitment to God, making this HIS school, and dedicating it to the children who would pass through its doors year after year. Yes, it's a public school, but that didn't stop this team from dedicating their new home to the only One who could truly make a difference in the lives of these children for generations to come! To this day, Cindi says people always comment about the calm, quiet atmosphere when they enter Eugene Field. Gotta love it.



How blessed are these kids to have a principal like Cindi Hemm?!
(Photo by Cory Young/Tulsa World)

 So many wonderful stories, I could ramble for pages. YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. When I first started reading it, I thought it would be a good recommendation for anyone in public school education. I quickly realized it was so much more. It's an inspiration to anyone who reads it. It's a testimony to the powerful potential available when just one person looks at an impossible situation and sees limitless possibilities. When just one person sees kids in a tough neighborhood as individual boys and girls who just need to be loved. When just one person sees one obstacle after another after another, and simply rolls up her sleeves to get to work.

I am so proud of my friend, Cindi Hemm. I always knew she'd make her mark in this world, but it's such a joy to see how God has used her to touch the lives of so many people. Take a quick minute to watch this video that was taped when Cindi won this year's Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Administration for the state of Oklahoma. Watch here. Then do yourself a favor and order her book here (also available on Kindle). Be inspired like I was!

Love you, Cindi!

A Little Too Close to Home

It's awfully hard to come up with appropriate titles for posts like this. Fact of the matter is, one of my best friends on the planet is about to hug her eldest son for the last time before he deploys to the Middle East. Brock and our son Ben were best friends when they were younger. Thus, "a little too close to home" . . . yet even using that cliché seems awfully selfish at a time like this. When a mom is watching her child leave for a war-torn region on the other side of the globe.

I adore Teresa Nardozzi. She is my friend, my "sistah" in the Lord, my soul-sister (we talk and pray about everything), and for many years, she was also my neighbor, living just two houses down and across the street when we lived in Florida. Teresa & her husband Bill have three boys - Brock, Bryant, & Brice. Brock is the same age as our son Ben and the two of them were best buds for all those years. The picture below was taken a lifetime ago when they were in 6th grade (Brock on the left, Ben on the right.)

When did these guys grow up? When did their voices change? When did they trade in their bicycles for sports cars and pickup trucks? When did they start shaving and talking about girls? When did they start making the tough decisions life throws them? Teresa, where did our little boys go?

Well, they became men. And now Brock is serving his country in the U.S. Army. I've had lots of friends whose kids serve in the military, some who've fought in the wars of the last decade. But this is the first time someone truly close to me has dealt with this kind of separation. The kind that puts an entire ocean between her and her son with lots of scary stuff in the mix.

I can't even imagine.

I'm finding my heart so terribly heavy for Brock as he leaves in a few days and for Teresa as she has to let him go. That's never easy for us moms, no matter how old we are or how old they are. Meaning, if this were my Ben leaving for this particular destination, I'd be a basket case. I'm not sure how I'd even be functioning. But Teresa is way stronger than I am. She may just be the strongest woman I know. She's a rock with such an incredible and contagious faith in God. She knows God's arms will be wrapped securely around Brock no matter what happens. And she knows God will keep her and Bill in His embrace as well.

Still, it's gotta be hard. So for all of you moms and dads who felt your heart break as your sons or daughters headed overseas, I want to lift you up and ask God's special presence in your life today. I'm asking Him to grant you a peace that can only come from the Almighty . . . until your loved one returns home, safe and sound.

Teresa, I've got your back, girl! I love you, friend.

Brock, thank you for serving your country. Thank you for the sacrifices you're making, when you'd probably rather be doing a thousand other things than heading "over there." May you feel all the prayers of those who love you, each and every day. May you sense God's presence every moment of every day. And may you know how we'll all be counting the days until He returns you safely to us.

Godspeed, Specialist Brock Nardozzi. Stay safe, buddy.

Don't Ever Look Down: Surviving Cancer Together

I've told you before about this amazing book written by my friends Dick & Debbie Church. I had the honor of co-authoring their story (meaning I helped them get it in print but the story is all theirs!) Next weekend, I'll be meeting up with Dick & Deb down in Largo, Florida, where they'll be presenting a seminar on Saturday morning, April 30th, at the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks. With a tremendous amount of help from our friend Teresa Nardozzi, Women's Director at FBCIR, the church has graciously allowed Dick & Deb to bring their story to life.

This won't be "just another boring seminar" . . . not by any stretch of the imagination! As I've mentioned before, this is a most unique story. Debbie has been an oncology counselor for almost 19 years. In 2008, the counselor became the patient when she was diagnosed with Stage IIIA breast cancer. Radiation, chemo, and a double mastectomy followed, giving her an "up close & personal" experience that is surely every woman's worst nightmare. Yet, through it all Deb's faith remained strong, even as she suffered through the darkest days of her illness. Now, three years later, she's back at work with a forever-altered perspective to offer those she counsels.

Deb's husband Dick is in the ministry, currently working for the North American Mission Board outside of Atlanta. Previous to his role at NAMB, he served on several church staffs (including FBCIR) as minister of education. He's also an avid mountain climber. He knows all about the dangers and fears involved with climbing some of the highest peaks in the world (that's him at the left on Mt. Hood) . . . and it's that perspective that gave him the perfect advice to offer Deb during her excruciating months of cancer: "don't ever look down!"

At the upcoming seminar, Dick will take us along on a climb, allowing us to experience the unique point of view that can only come by scaling mountaintops. Debbie will give us a peek into some of her counseling sessions, showing us first-hand the kind of issues she deals with day in and day out. A skit will remind us what NOT to say to someone who's dealing with cancer. There will be a question and answer session and so much more. We'll laugh, we'll cry, and we'll witness a geniune love story that's been through the fire of cancer.

I'm so proud of Dick & Debbie and how they have quite literally taken the heartbreaking journey that was laid out before them and used it to help others. I believe with all my heart that their book could easily become an international handbook for those diagnosed with cancer, their spouses, family members, friends, and caregivers. Yes, it's THAT good. And let's face it - every single one of us have been touched by cancer, whether personally or through someone we know. If you can't join us in Florida next weekend, please keep us in your pryaers. And by all means order the book! Because Dick & Deb aren't just trying to sell books, they have a message you need to hear.

For more information about the seminar, click HERE. The event is free but registration is required. Breakfast served at 8:00!

To order a copy of Don't Ever Look Down: Surviving Cancer Together, go HERE.

To visit Dick & Deb's website, go HERE.

Until we meet again, Happy Easter everyone! God bless you as you remember His gift to you in the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Speaking of Pastor's Wives . . .

Since my last post, the paperback edition of my new novel, The Runaway Pastor's Wife, has been released! [Click here if you'd like to order a copy. Go ahead. We'll wait . . .] I could not be happier with it! Since its release, I've had several booksignings and speaking engagements. It's been such a trip to see how pastor's wives react to the title. "You wouldn't believe how many times THAT thought has crossed my mind . . ."  Seems those frustrations I felt back when I wore their shoes weren't so unusual after all.

In a couple of weeks I'll be taking part in a panel discussion at a seminary wives' retreat at Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. My sister is on faculty there and when she heard about the retreat, she mentioned my new novel to them. Next thing I knew, an airline ticket to Kansas City appeared with my name on it. I'm looking forward to talking to these women. And rest assured I won't be a Debbie Downer (though how fun would THAT be?) Instead, I'll tread lightly but share a few things I've learned along the way.

Want a sneak preview? To those whose husbands will soon become pastors, I might include the following advice:

1. If some dear soul in your church tells you God told her you're supposed to lead this group or head that event or organize this banquet or chair that committee? One word: RUN!!! Here's a little secret. If God wants you to do something like that, I guarantee He'll tell you, not someone else. When we arrived at our first church out of seminary, a church member immediately approached me and said God had told her I was to be in charge of VBS, which was only about three weeks away. I had just suffered a miscarriage and let me tell you, I was a wreck. I can promise you God did not want me to lead VBS that year!

2. You don't have to be at church every moment the doors are open. Really. You don't. Contrary to popular belief, it is not written in concrete. Anywhere.

3. Be very, very careful of those bearing expensive gifts and offers of fabulous trips or new cars. They often come with strings attached. Just so you know.

4. You don't have to be on every committee, sing in the choir, teach Sunday School, work in the preschool, and lead a women's Bible study once a week. What you should do are those things God has called and equipped you to do.

5.  FYI: you are not the church queen. It's not necessary for you to be involved in every tidbit of the church business; in fact it can be quite unhealthy if you do. Just because you're married to the pastor doesn't mean he and his entire staff need your advice on every church matter that arises. He may confide in you when it's appropriate, but the future of the church shouldn't depend on your personal dictates.

6.  Let your kids be kids. They aren't perfect but neither are the rest of the kids who come to church, and it's not their fault they have to live in a fishbowl. If Mrs. Persnickety wants to tell you every time little Johnny gets a time-out in his kindergarten Sunday school class for scribbling like a mad man on his picture of Jesus feeding the 5000, just smile, thank her, then be sure to hang up the little masterpiece on the fridge door when you get home.

7.  If you aren't a people person, chances are you shouldn't be a pastor's wife. Trust me on that.

8.  Choose your friends wisely. I repeat: choose your friends wisely. Note picture at right. Enough said.

Hey, I'm on a roll here. How about you? Any suggestions you'd give these soon-to-be pastor's wives? Lest they run away from home like Annie, my main character, would advice would you offer them?

The Runaway Pastor's Wife!

No, that's not a news flash for a missing person (thankfully!) It's the official announcement of the Kindle release of my debut novel, The Runaway Pastor's Wife. I am so excited to finally have this book in print! My, what a history it's had. Let me tell you about it.

Once upon a time, I - Diane Hale Moody - was a pastor's wife. It's true. I helped put Ken through seminary right after we got married. Those were wonderful years and we made so many good friends - most of them young couples like us just starting out. After graduation, Ken was called as minister of education to his first church - First Baptist, Naples, Florida. Paradise indeed! We stayed there about five years, had both our children while on staff there, then moved to First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks in Largo, Florida in 1989. We were there just shy of nine years. As in Naples, we made so many forever-friends there and made some fantastic memories while Ken served on that mega-church staff.

But if I'm honest, I really started struggling about half-way through those years at Indian Rocks. Part of it was my glorious "adventure" into pre-menopause. (Waaaaaay too early, I might add, baffling even my good doctors.) But it was more than that. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, I wasn't handling the role of "pastor's wife" too well. There were times it got pretty ugly. When I say the families of those in church ministry live in a fishbowl, I'm being kind. It's tough. Sometimes, brutal. It's hard on the kids, on the marriage, on the entire family, and of course, on the minister-husband. Some handle it with grace and ease and they are my heroes.

But I wasn't one of those. Eventually I ended up seeing a Christian counselor. Terry knew I loved to write, so he suggested I pour some of my angst and depression and frustration into a story. Before my fingers even hit the keyboard, I knew what that story would be about: a pastor's wife who runs away from home! Fantasy and then some, oh my yes. While I am NOT my main character, Annie - let's be perfectly clear on that - I certainly understood her struggles. Her story is entirely fictional - trust me on that - though there are characters and scenes and situations that tip-toe very close to real life at times. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Therapeutic? Oh baby. You have no idea! A thousand counseling sessions couldn't have done what writing this book did for my soul.

That was fifteen years ago. Annie's story has gone through many revisions but of all the books I've written, this one is my favorite. That's why I'm so excited it's FINALLY in print!

You can download the Kindle version of The Runaway Pastor's Wife now by clicking here. Or, if you prefer, the paperback version releases March 1st. Not to worry - I'll remind you! After doing such a fantastic job designing the cover of my first book, Confessions of a Prayer Slacker, I was thrilled to have the opportunity for my daughter Hannah to work her magic on the cover of my first novel as well. I couldn't be more proud of her!

Just so you know, this isn't just a chick story, guys. Yes, there's romance, but there's also major league baseball, political intrigue, mystery, assassination  - well, you get my drift. So don't let the title scare you away. Just sayin' . . .

It's a little like putting my precious baby out for everyone to examine . . . but I'm so pleased to finally share this story. If you happen to read it, please drop me a note and let me know what you think, okay?

Happy reading!

Don't Forget to Stop and Awe . . .

We woke up to yet another winter wonderland here in the Nashville area this morning. I'm guessing this may be about our 10th big snow this year, and without question, this is the most beautiful snow we've ever had! I absolutely love it, but then I don't have to get out and drive in it. Still, I could hardly wait to get outside and take some pictures. It had rained most of yesterday which made the snow cling to every branch of every tree. It truly is breathtaking.

I felt a sense of urgency this morning as I got dressed, to get out there and get my pictures before it started melting. I knew I only had a temporary window of opportunity to capture these images before they disappeared. Which accounts for why I was so relieved to get so many nice shots.

As I was crunching along in the snow, a thought occurred to me: I was quite literally walking in the midst of a gift. God knows how much I love His winterscapes. I have no doubt it's part of why He orchestrated our move from snow-less Florida to the changing seasons of Tennessee, now over a decade ago. He did it for days just like today. As I was surrounded by the near-blinding whiteness, I realized - once again - just how much He loves me! These glimpses of nature in all her glory are literally paintings He's given me to enjoy . . . way better than any 3-D spectacle Hollywood could ever come up with.

Do you ever experience that understanding? The realization that God puts you in a specific place, at a specific time, just to witness the splendor of His creation? Do you stop and thank Him for that gift, planned and designed uniquely for YOU at that moment in time? 



When we first moved here, I worked downtown and had to be at the office at 6:00 a.m. At certain times of the year, that meant I got to see the sun come up on my 30-minute commute. Sometimes it was hidden by an overcast sky. Other times, it was so gorgeous, I wanted to pull over just to soak it all in. The morning fog would only enhance the landscape, adding depth and texture to the picture surrounding me. I remember writing a song in my head about it during those morning drives . . .  



He wrapped the mist around the mountains,

And He painted the canvas sky,

With colors so true, shades of purple and blue,

Such a masterpiece to see! 

To think, He did it all for me . . .

Corny, I know. But I remember singing that song in my old van, with tears rolling down my cheeks. I was just so humbled that God loved me enough to put me in that place and time, with that panoramic windshield view, so I could enjoy His uniquely personalized, wonderful gift. 

I had that same experience in this morning's snowy wonderland. As I snapped my pictures, I could almost hear Him whispering in my ear, "Do you get it? Do you realize I did this just for you? Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

Yes I do, Lord. Yes I do.

Now it's your turn. When was the last time you let God "stop and awe" you? When was the last time you let His love wash over you in the form of a sunrise? Or the fragrance of a garden in springtime? Or the soft lapping of the waves on the shore? When was the last time you let the glory of His music fill your soul with hope and passion? When was the last time you let Him embrace you with a gentle breeze or make you laugh with snowflakes dancing on your eyelashes?

When was the last time you opened your eyes and your heart and let God love on you?