Josh Groban's Oh Holy Night/Nativity Video

I know we're all busy, but the four+ minutes it takes to experience this video clip of Jesus' birth is something you won't regret.

Indulge a Mom

My Noelley directed Carol of the Bells at our Christmas for Christ service. It's the first time this group played together, but it was nice. [Click here] to watch on YouTube.

Christmas Prayer Breakfast & Book Signing Event

What a lovely Christmas prayer breakfast the Pastors' & Intercessors' Network Ministry shared this morning[pinmtroy.blogspot.com].

I'm pictured with, Pam Hancock from Zion Christian Church; and the guys are Pastor Bob Cholette from Troy Assembly (who hosted the event), Don Aupperle from Hope Community Baptist and Family Life Radio, and my own dear husband, Bill.

People gathered from several area churches. We enjoyed a great breakfast and wonderful worship. Representation came from the Troy City Council, and we prayed for our community and our leaders.

Last night I was invited to a book signing at Borders in Birmingham for Tom Mooradian, author of "The Repatriate: Love, Basketball, and the KGB." At an afterglow event at Hagopian World of Rugs, a unique dedication was done for the book.

In addition to meeting many wonderful people, I was thankful for the opportunity to address those assembled and tell them about the Armenian projects I'm working on, in particular, Bachik the Birthday Kiss. Although my Armenian husband passed in 1997, I still feel connected with the Armenian people, and as I sign off, I am preparing to make an Armenian dish, cheese borak, with my daughter. We'll freeze them and have them for breakfast Christmas morning...one of our annual traditions.

Detroit Armenian Women's Club

OK...so we didn't actually meet at the Geghard Monastery, but when I think of Armenia, I think of this famous location in Yerevan. I have a book proposal out, a series on world religions, one of which is titled Beyond the Tombs of Yerevan. I've also written an interactive bilingual book in Armenian and English for preschool and early elementary children titled Bachik the Birthday Kiss, and am in process with a middle school book about Armenian twins raised on the Cape in the 1950s, The Pirates of Castle Rock. Check the website in the future for availability of these titles.

Projects and silliness aside, I was pleased to speak at the December meeting of the Detroit Armenian Women's Club, and I thank the ladies for their hospitality, the fine meal, and the opportunity to share my connection with the Armenian community through my deceased husband, our children and my writing. The club is a charitable organization that raises funds for scholarships and relief work for the needy around the world.

For my Armenian friends, “Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand!”

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving...

How is this for a bird? I have to say, this is the best turkey I have ever turned out. Just goes to show what a little investment of research and effort will do. I brined the bird (I'd never heard the term "brining" before), a fresh one, followed all the guidelines for prepping, stuffing and baking, and voila--a masterpiece!

I can't help but notice the spiritual lesson here.

I admit...in years past I've pretty much thrown the bird in the oven and hoped for the best. But the results were much better when I delved into the art of preparing a turkey, researched, consulted the experts, then actually followed through.

When we apply these principles to our walk with God--checking the directions (in the Word), studying, consulting with people who have already achieved success, then actually following through--we can achieve the results we hope for, too.

What's up?

That's a good question...

After a CRAZY October, I've been happily working away in my office catching up on administrative issues and writing. I've submitted a chapter for a new collaborative effort with my church. I'm excited to work with a wonderful team of godly ladies affirming the concept of modesty to Christian young women.

And...I'm working diligently to finish the manuscript of Quilting Patches of Life, Vol. 2. I've been getting inquires as to when that will be complete. I hope to have the manuscript finished within a month, and publication details will be forthcoming after I evaluate the project with my literary agent.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

West Coast Ladies Conference

Visit www.moblyng.com to make your own!

Royalty...that's what Geanice Langley, Linda Gleason, Shirley Dillon and all the ladies of Oregon made me feel like at the West Coast Ladies Conference. My room was loaded with not just a basket, but an overflowing trunk of goodies, and the hospitality was examplary.

What an honor to minister with Linda Reed and Karen Harding. The presence of the Lord was rich and plentiful in the house. I have pages of notes and a heart full of sweet memories. Blessings to all, and thank you to all who have already provided such nice feedback. Thank you, Bro. Jon, for the photos, and Sis. King, for your prayers and support throughout. It means more than you know.

General Conference

Excuse the grainy pictures taken from my phone, but I want to thank you, Publishing House folks, for your warm welcome at General Conference. It was such a pleasure to be in Greensboro, North Carolina, with so many brothers and sisters from around the world. Thank you for promoting my books and sharing the Word of God through print.

Affirming Faith Video Brochure

The video brochure is finally complete! It's been quite a project. The first three segments are available below. The final segment was too long to upload, but I hope to have the document in its entirety available soon on the website.

For those considering scheduling an event, please contact me to request a full-length CD that includes clips of speaking engagements and interviews. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, and God bless you today!

Ladies Encouragement Evening - Troy, MI

Thank you, Zion Christian Church, for having me speak at the wonderful Ladies Encouragement Evening. And it was an honor to minister with New Revelation from my home church as well. What a warm presence of God was in the house. And God knows we can all use a little encouragement these days!

This is an amateur recording of New Revelation. God is our shield, the glory and lifter of our heads!

SCBWI Conference

What a great conference this weekend, and at the beautiful St. John's retreat center. Thanks to everyone who worked to make it such a success.

Thank you, ladies of First United Methodist!

What a great time we had Tuesday at the monthly meeting of Warren's First United Methodist Church's ladies fellowship. Thanks to Dorothy Collins, pictured, for the invitation and making sure everything was in apple pie order.

There's nothing like getting together with ladies. I enjoyed the talk around our table as we shared coffee and Louise's wonderful homemade pastries. I thought they came from Panera...really! And the way all the women, mostly seniors, were involved in working with their hands, giving and ministering to others, really made an impact on me.

Thank you for your warm welcome, kind attention, and I have to say, when half the ladies lined up to buy books, it touched my heart, because I knew you connected with the message of "Quilting Patches of Life." God bless you all!

The Latest Writing Project & Contest Results

Whew! I just sent my literary agent, Les Stobbe, a proposal for my latest novel, Rose of Sharon. I'm praying the Lord blesses the work and it finds its way on the store shelves soon.

The results of the 2008 Affirming Faith Writing Contest have been posted [click here], and the work continues on Quilting Patches of Life, Vol. 2.

A Dedication to Remember

Sunday, August 31, a memorial fountain was dedicated in my late husband's honor. Pictured is the Kalajian family and Pastor and Mrs. Marvin Walker beside the fountain.

My daughter Noelle put together a wonderful slide show of Pete's life available by [clicking here]

She also created a slide show of the dedication available by [clicking here]...and click on "watch in high quality."

You are invited to read a poem I wrote during Pete's illness, Breaking Away, available on Message In A Bottle, and following is the official post-event news release.

Troy, MI – August 31, 2008 – Surrounded by church members and guests, Rev. Marvin Walker, pastor of Faith Apostolic Church of Troy, dedicated the Peter Kalajian Memorial Fountain and the Memorial Garden area in honor of deceased members of the church. Mrs. Diana Reed, wife of deceased Rev. Mark Reed, the former pastor of the congregation, journeyed from Ohio to participate in the ceremony with her children, Marcus and Alyssa.

The beautiful granite fountain selected and garden area design were the efforts of local architect, Arthur Kalajian, the twin brother of Peter Kalajian, who passed in 1997. Peter left behind his wife Lori and their two children, Noelle and Charles, who also participated in the dedication service, along with Edward Kalajian of Cambridge, Massachussetts. With special music, slideshows, tributes, and a roll call honoring those who served their generations then passed the baton to the next, the theme of the service was "His Truth Endures to All Generations." The special service included baby dedications and an inspiring message by Rev. Marvin Walker, and concluded in prayer around the fountain.

2008 Michigan Republican Convention

Unbelievable! The good folks of Rochester Hills elected me to represent our precinct, and I had the privilege of first attending the county convention, and then being elected to the state convention. It was a great experience, and I am thankful I was allowed to participate in our electoral process.

Vote your values! Value your vote!

Remember what Ronald Reagan said, "I've always believed that we were, each of us, put here for a reason. That there is...a divine plan for all of us.

Whirlwind!

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind!

This past Saturday, I faciliated an interdenominational prayer breakfast at our church. My pastor hosted the event, one of several that have taken place originating with Pam Hancock's Pastors and Intercessors Network Ministry (www.pinmtroy.blogspot.com), based at Zion Christian Church. What a sweet presence of God filled the house, and it is a blessing to join with Christians in the area to pray for our community.

And...I can't believe this one...but last Tuesday I was elected a precinct delegate in our primary election. Really, I didn't put my name on the ballot because I was bored and had some time to kill (quite the opposite). It's just that I firmly believe Christians cannot, must not abducate our responsibility to be influencers in our government and communities. If we don't let our voices be heard, they will be silenced. If we don't exercise our rights, they will atrophy.

"A democracy is only as great as the people who participate."

Michigan Ladies Retreat

What a great ladies retreat we had in Albion this year at the William R. Starr campground. It was wonderful to work with the good people from the publishing house. Thank you for faithfully promoting my books and facilitating the book signings.

It was such a treat to have my daughter with me this year, and what messages we heard from Jennifer Cobb and Debbie Saiz. Life-changing stuff.

I've been asked to speak next year, and I am very excited to share with the ladies from my state in 2009.

West Coast Women's Conference

Here's the information on the October 23-25 West Coast Women's Conference in Aloha, Oregon. Thank you, Geanice Langley and the ladies of the district, for your kind invitation to speak at the conference. I'm looking forward to being there with such a fine Christian woman as Linda Reed, missionary to Jordan, author and speaker.

You can click on the photos to enlarge, but here's the scoop...
Location: Palace of Praise, 6750 SW 198th
Sponsored by: Oregon Districe Ladies Ministries
Geanice Langley, President

For more information:
(541) 884-5052 or (541) 892-7829
geanicelangley@juno.com

Speaking at Home

Just thought I'd post a picture of me and my favorite pastor's wife, Claudette Walker. This was taken when I delivered a "Quilting Patches of Life" presentation at Sis. Walker's request to our ladies.

Sis. Walker injured her foot and hips in a fall, but as you can see, she's waving her flag of victory even from her reclining position. That's what I call faithful. Thank you for having me.

Grandma's Fan - Faith Apostolic 7/16 @ 7:30 p.m.

After humbly admitting to many at the annual AQS Quilt Show that I am not an avid quilter, I'm happy to share a little project I recently completed.

Pictured is a sampler of the Grandma's Fan quilt pattern I cut, pieced and quilted all by hand. Grandma's Fan is special to me. Besides being the name of this lovely pattern, it is the title of the chapter I wrote in honor of my late grandmother, Muriel Naas, in Quilting Patches of Life.

I love telling her story. People laugh when I talk about her infamous frugality, but that's not the heart of the message. There's a lesson to be learned from Grandma that inspires those who hear it to look past the mundane routine of life and remember that the little choices and little things we do can be a source of stability and blessing in the lives of others.

I have the priviledge of sharing this story and more with the ladies at Faith Apostolic Church of Troy, Wednesday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to this free event held in the multipurpose room at the church located at 6710 Crooks Road in Troy, Michigan.

Barnes & Noble Book Signing

Thank you,Rochester Hills Barnes & Noble (especially CRM MacKenzie), for hosting a Quilting Patches of Life Book Signing, Thursday, June 12.


Pictured at top left: contributing authors Maria Taormina, Evans Bissonette, Jeanne Grief, Carolyn McKenzie and Lori Wagner sign away. Top right, contributing authors: Alan Hahn and Brad Erlandson chat between signings.

As always, it's great to meet new people and share the encouraging message of Quilting Patches of Life. All involved received a warm reception, and the cookies and coffee from Starbucks topped off a fun evening.

Ladies Conference - Covington, KY

What a treat to be with the ladies in Covington this past weekend. Thanks to the Turners for their kind invitation, and to all the church for their hospitality.

In the picture at left, I'm sandwiched between two Sis. Turners, both from Kentucky, but not related. It was great to be with "home folk." You can take the girl out of Kentucky, but you can't take the Kentucky out of the girl.

In the picture at right, my new friend and contributor to Quilting Patches of Life, Florence Koski made the connection for this speaking engagement. Thanks for your friendship and recommendation...and for sharing your story "Hens and Chicks."

Remember, submissions are being accepted for QPL2, and the book signing for QPL1 is at Barnes & Noble in Rochester Hills, Thursday, June 12.

A Blast from the Past aka "Chipper the Squirrel"

It's amazing the delight a little squirrel can bring into the middle of a difficult struggle. During my husband's battle with cancer, the visits of one bushy red squirrel taught me an important spiritual lesson.

At the request of The Surrendered Scribe, I went through my archives and submitted the story for all to read. Hope it is a blessing to you.

Quilting a Patch of Home...Paducah, KY

I was thrilled to return to my hometown, Paducah, Kentucky, April 23-26 for the annual quilt show. For those who don't know, Paducah's the quilt capitol of the world, and the American Quilter's Society's show attracts people from as far away as Japan.

I arrived Tuesday evening, and Wednesday started a whirlwind of activities. At 7:30 a.m. a morning show reporter from WPSD-TV met with me at the Expo Center for an interview. As the crowd swelled outside the doors, I got a sneak peek at some of the quilts. The doors swung open at 9:00 a.m., and throngs of excited people came through. The quilts were truly breathtaking. The best of show winner forfeited her $20,000 prize to keep her quilt. It was beautiful, a reproduction of her grandmother's handkerchief.


Bob and Betty of Quilt Books Unlimited graciously shared their jam-packed booth on the main floor of the Expo Center with me. So many people came through. I heard someone say up to 35,000 people come to Paducah for the show. We had a great time.

Contrary to the photo bottom left, I did wear shoes on Wednesday when I sang and spoke at Northside Church of God. The good people of the congregation opened their doors to the community and outdid themselves on the refreshments and Southern hospitality. It was such a treat to have my mother and two sisters at the event.

Each day from 11:00 to 3:00 I spent at the Expo Center signing books. On Thursday afternoon, the local Christian radio station, WGCF, asked me in for an interview. Glen and the staff were great.

A big thanks goes out to my sister and professional photographer, Tina Harper, for following me around with her camera so I can share the happenings with you.

CIA Girls, I'm Coming Your Way

Hey, young ladies in the CIA (that's Christians in Action at Van Hoosen Middle School in Rochester Hills), I'm looking forward to being with you again Wednesday, April 30. The young men have a special speaker coming in, and GIRL TALK is the order of the day for us.

I have an important message for you -- one that could change your life forever! I hope to see you there, and don't forget to invite your friends for "Inspire" week.

Thumbs Up!

If you live outside Michigan, you might not get the play on words, but it was a "thumbs up" time in the thumb area of the "mitten" that is Michigan this weekend.





Saturday, March 29, the Corner Store in Harbor Beach hosted a book signing and talk as the inaugural event for their new work/special events room. It was a lovely time and I enjoyed sharing the inspiring message of "Quilting Patches of Life" with a room full of avid quilters (and two husbands). Thank you, Pam and the staff of The Corner Store, for all your hard work and making me feel so welcome. You all outdid yourselves on the refreshments, too.



To my delight, Maria Taormina, one of the contributing authors to the project, was in the area and able to attend, as well. Her story, "Pig's Tail," is one of my favorites--a touching story that makes you smile and consider the importance of faith and family.

Sunday was a whirlwind. I spoke at the morning services of the two First United Methodist Churches in the area: one in Harbor Beach and one in Port Hope. Thank you, Rev. Paula Timm, for your invitation and hospitality...and definitely your guidance to our next stop.

After a great lunch at The Pasta House with Rev. Paula, my husband Bill and I traveled to the First United Pentecostal Church in Bay City. Pastor and Sister Mike Wood welcomed us into their service. What a beautiful presence of the Lord we experienced there and a great time of fellowship afterwards. Oh, yeah, Cracker Barrel and fried okra afterwards. Yum!

You may have noticed a pattern here: talk, eat, on to the next place; talk, eat, on to the next place. Well, it's the way it happened, and it was all good. I forgot to mention that I tried frog legs for the first time. They tasted ok, but just the thought of eating those hopping critters from the pond was enough to make me skip on over to the other side of the buffet table to the BBQ ribs.

Thanks again to all who made the trip possible. I pray all who purchased "Quilting Patches of Life," "Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World," and "Gateway of the Sun" will be entertained, educated and encouraged as they read.

"Gateway of the Sun" is in stock!

Yeah! The long awaited first shipment finally arrived. Pre-orders have been mailed, and new orders are welcome.

This historical fiction book is targeted to upper middle school/young adult readers. It's really chock-full of fascinating information and a storyline that will surprise readers as it twists and turns like a knotty pumpkin vine on a Peruvian terrace.

The picture at right is my hero, Huallpa, a thirteen-year-old Quechuan boy, drawn by my illustrator, Noelle Wagner-Kalajian (my baby girl).

To read more about this unforgetable story immersed in the culture and conflict of the Inca Empire, click here.

Shipshewana Sunshine

The sun was shining in Shipshe March 12-14. Thank you, Chris at Lolly's, for hosting a Quilting Patches of Life booksigning. You made me feel very welcome, and as always, it's a pleasure to meet new people.

And the big cheezy smile I'm wearing in the picture at right is due to the "Grandma's Fan" quilt behind me...a lovely design and also the title of Chapter 11, my own submission about my grandma. The story tells how my grandma's influence provided stability to me as a struggling youth and her acts of kindness continue to fan out through time and generations even after her passing. It's guaranteed to make you laugh and cry. I still do when I read it. And I remember the lessons Grandma imparted to me.

Several other Shipshewana stores purchased inventory of Quilting Patches of Life, and I have a strong feeling I'll be back in the area again soon. The book and its lessons are a perfect fit for the Amish/Mennonite community and those drawn there to experience simple life lessons of faith, family and friends.

A Jam-Packed Saturday

What a great time in Frankenmuth at the ALJC ladies conference! Thank you, PPH, for the inviting me to share my books. And Sis. Shepherd was such a treat.

From Frankenmuth, I headed to a Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) Networks Night where I met and mingled with other children's authors and illustrators. What a wonderful opportunity to connect with others working in the same genre. Which brings me to my next point . . .

The proof of Gateway of the Sun is now complete and orders should be shipped within two weeks. The pre-release feedback for this historical fiction for upper middle school/young adult readers has been excellent. Click on the link to read reviews or order.

Northside Church of God - April 23, 2008

Northside Church of God in Paducah, Kentucky, has posted information on their website about my upcoming speaking engagement in April. I'll be in Paducah for the quilt show and look forward to speaking to their ladies on the subject of Quilting Patches of Life.

Woodside Ladies Bible Study

Snow thinned the usual crowd at the Woodside Ladies Bible Study today, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time I shared with the women who braved the elements to be there.

Thank you all for making me feel welcome, especially Peggy, Carlene, Dorene and Amy.

I sang one of my favorite songs, "He's Been Faithful," and spoke from Quilting Patches of Life.

Remember, ladies, that even when we don't get what we hoped for out of life...or definitely what we thought we were signing up for...life can still be good, because God is good.

Discount Bible Book Signing

With the recent release of Quilting Patches of Life, Discount Bible in Warren welcomed me back in their fine store for a book signing. Thanks to all who came out. It's a joy to meet new people and share the books the Lord has given me with others.

DISCOUNT BIBLE
26756 Dequindre Road
586-574-0771
Saturday, February 2, 2008
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Do You Have A Story To Tell?

New and Experienced Writers Invited to Participate In Contest

Following the lauded 2007 release of Quilting Patches of Life, Affirming Faith, a Christian organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has announced its 2008 writing contest. This free contest, open to Christians of all denominations, invites beginning and experienced writers to offer personal stories for consideration in a new project. Winning entries will be included in a compilation book designed to uplift people in their faith walks.

Each entry should be 1,000-1,500 words and give a specific “life lesson” learned through a difficult circumstance, a high point in the writer’s life, or an everyday experience. Winning entries will receive a free copy of the completed work due out later this year and a certificate of award recognizing their achievement.

“We all have a story,” Affirming Faith founder Lori Wagner stated. “I can learn from your experiences and be encouraged, and I hope that I can encourage you with mine.”

Applications detailing submission guidelines and contest rules are available through the website at www.affirmingfaith.com, or can be mailed upon request by calling (248) 909-5735. All entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2008.

A new year . . . a new book!

I'm so excited! Yes, I say that in my blogs quite a bit, but that's because I don't usually post life's downers. I save the mulligrubs for my family . . . ha!

But seriously, after writing and re-writing the manuscript last year, then setting it aside for later evaluation and editing, Gateway of the Sun is now on the fast track to publication and should be available soon. Release date and ordering info will be posted as soon as it's available. Here's the annotation:

An unforgettable story
immersed in the culture and
conflict of the Inca Empire.

Gateway of the Sun is the compelling, coming-of-age tale of Huallpa, a 13-year-old Quechuan boy, who lives with his family outside the capitol of the Inca Empire. Following a smallpox epidemic’s tragic sweep through his village, Huallpa wakes from sickness to find himself head of his house and custodian of his 8-year-old sister. Emotionally unable to remain in their grief-filled village, Huallpa and Taruca decide to make a fresh start in the mystical city above the clouds, Machu Picchu .

For three days, brother and sister travel with their llamas up the Inca Trail through the mountains. Amidst breathtaking scenery and stunning architecture, adventures abound – including a run-in with a venomous pit viper. Meanwhile, bearded men in floating wooden houses approach from the coast, and small pox strikes again, this time targeting the reigning Inca. To gain protection from the gods, priests call for a special sacrifice. Who will be the chosen one?

Teacher recommended, Gateway of the Sun addresses harsh religious rituals and customs in a factual manner. The book reveals details of the culture of the South American natives and the toppling of their empire by Spanish conquistadors. Students and teachers alike will enjoy this book with its entertaining yet educational format. Complete with a glossary of Quechuan words, discussion questions, quotes from Pizarro’s secretary and authentic Inca poetry, Gateway of the Sun captures the interest and imaginations of readers of all ages.

Downriver Christian Womens Association - January Luncheon

What can I say . . . except, that was a GREAT luncheon. The ladies were so warm and welcoming, and the food was fantastic (all homemade).

Pictured with me at right is one of the board members of the association, Carole Fairall, who scheduled me to sing and speak at the monthly gathering in Trenton, Michigan. And that's the quilt my grandma made for me also pictured. Thankfully, after treacherous, snowy drives, we all arrived safely and enjoyed the time to share and fellowship.

The subject, Quilting Patches of Life, was well received. And ladies, if you're reading this, I have your prayer requests with me. God is able!

Happy New Year!

In the words of Edith Lovejoy Pierce, "We will open the book...called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." And with that, I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and may the book of your opportunities be filled with the wonderful provision and blessing of the Lord this year.

WATCHING: I've been privileged to be part of the Nightwatch prayer team who gather via conference call and "take back the night" with unified prayer across the nation. It's been awesome, and the Lord is truly showing Himself in new ways, meeting us in the nights of spiritual battle with fresh revelations of Himself.