RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER 2011

HERE IS THE INFORMATION FOR MY FUNDRAISING CONTRIBUTION TO THE 2011 PLATTE COUNTY NEBRASKA RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT. OFFER EXPIRES 6/1/2011!

THE SCRAPBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!!

Great news everyone! My second novel, The Scrapbook is now available at Amazon.com! It took me 2 years to take it from the semi-finalist winner in the 2008 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest to published and available. I hope many will read it and all glory and praise goes to God! Yippee!!!!!

Here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Jody+Preister

It's Poker Run Time!!!!

Hi everyone! It is that time of year again! Time for our annual Poker Run for Childhood Cancer! This it the 4th year already...Wow! I still remember that first year. I hope you will all join us on June 6 at the Harley Davidson store in Columbus, NE. starting at 10:00 and finishing ag T & K Pitstop Bar & Grill at 655 S. 33rd Street in Columbus at 4:00pm. Come one! Come all!

It's here again...Lent - Holy Saturday 2010

I can't believe it has been a whole year since I last posted here! Most of my free computer time has been just keeping up with emails and my Facebook page, I guess.

Reflecting on the past year, I realize there have been some significant moments of celebration as well as sadness. The days and months just come and go like the waves on the shore...each leaving its own little mark of change in the sands of my life. How I love to sit and watch the waves! That is one desire I have...to take my husband to see an ocean...to sit with him and listen to and watch the waves come to shore and back out again. As I sit here imagining it, I can almost smell/taste the salt air and hear the gulls soaring above. How I love the ocean!

These 40 days of Lent, I have devoted to personal reflection, study and growth. I miss the fact that Bob and I didn't do a Lenten "joint" effort this year, but we each did our own personal effort. Last night we did watch Mel Gibson's movie of "The Passion". I cried...I always do. I seemed to relate more to Mary's pain while watching the movie this time...her incredible love for her son and the pain of her obedience...such precious suffering. I guess our "joint" effort this Lent was working together with several other couples on the Lenten Fish Fries held at the Humphrey Community Building each Friday until this last weekend. It took a real joint effort from all...I didn't do nearly as much as others. It was a lot of work, but also fun, too.

Again, this year I gave up meat for Lent. It has been more difficult for me as I have had many very strong desires, cravings and temptations to eat it. It has been a reasonable suffering for me and one that often brought my attention to Christ's strength and my weakness. I am looking forward to a good steak or roast after tomorrow, though ;o)

I have also been drawn to a personal study of Mother Teresa during this Lent. It actually started before Lent with a book I checked out from the library. What an amazing woman! Her faith was soooo strong, yet so simple. Her faith was based simply on love...loving as God loves and seeing others as if they were Jesus himself in need. This is what she believed personally and this is what she instructed her Sisters and Brothers to do the same. What a blessing it has been to study her.

Along with my reading of Mother Teresa, I have used "The Word Among Us" and "Magnificat" reflections and devotions to assist me in my scripture focus and reading. Before I read, I pray and ask God to reveal to me what he wants me to learn each lesson. Everytime, without fail, I have received a good message and/or instruction from my time with Him. I have also kept a journal of these days of study where I write my personal reflections, struggles, and revelations to Jesus and lovingly thank Him. I want to continue this practice after Lent as my daily devotion. I see now how very important it is if I am to be the servant to Christ that I He needs me to be. how I struggle with serving Him well...I am so weak, but He is so strong and can help me in my weakness. I simply want to learn to love as God loves...but in my humanity it is so hard some times. I am thankful for the words of Mother Teresa when she says not to worry about doing great things, but to do small things with great love.

In one year, Bob and I have been given the gift of 3 new grandchildren!!! Braxton John Busselman, Harper James Preister and Londyn Claire Widhalm. That brings our combined total to 15 grandchildren! We are soooo blessed! Bob's mother, Lois, also married a wonderful man, Allen. Their marriage was blessed in the Catholic Church this past Advent Season. We have experienced loss in the death of a few friends, too. Some older and some much too young.

Grandpa and Grandma with Braxton John

Harper James


Londyn Claire

In the past year, I have lost nearly 30 extra pounds of weight through diet/lifestyle change and a little exercise. I still need to improve on the exercise part...but am getting better. I have learned that I can walk on my treadmill and say the Rosary at the same time! I am all for multi-tasking, and I think Mary understands this. I am finally feeling well and am determined to do my part to stay that way.

In the past year, I haven't done much with my writing, but I did finally finish the paintings I promised to my daughter of her children. One of them is going to be competing in the Spring Art Show at the Columbus Art Gallery. It is titled, "Lizzie and the Goats at the Fall Fair" (See it below)

In the past year I have made new connections with old friends and family through my Facebook page. My greatest gift was having my niece, Jody Lee, find me. She is my brother's step-daughter and so she was able to tell me that my brother is doing well and that she has a son, Robbie, who will be 2 in July. I have prayed for my brother and his family hoping they would make contact again. I haven't talked to him since Daddy died in 2006, nor have my other siblings.

In the past year Charli Ann, our granddaughter who had cancer at just 7 months of age, has remained cancer free! Praise God!

Tomorrow is Easter Day. We won't be going to my daughter, Melissa's, this year. I will miss that, but we will be going to mass with Bob's mom, Lois and her husband, Allen. They are my parents here on Earth. How I love them. We will then go out for dinner together and I will eat meat with much gratification and Bob will be able to finally have his Valentine's Day candy and Easter candy! But best of all we will celebrate the resurection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...the real reason for the season! God bless and Happy Easter!

Lent - Holy Saturday

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and today is always a time of reflection for me as to what I may have learned through these weeks of Lent. Lent is a time of confession, fasting, abstinence, additional prayer, Bible study, spiritual reading and participation in more corporal works of mercy. As a practicing Catholic I am to submit myself to some acts of penance and modest mortifications during the past 40 days of Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday...but did I really take what I did as seriously as I should?

I chose to abstain from meat again this Lent. Not eating meat isn't that big of deal for me but the preparation of meals takes more effort and the strength to resist for the sake of simplicity is what I struggled with. My husband still ate meat at meals and I would prepare an alternative protien for my meal...usually fish, but sometimes eggs or beans. I have become quite used to my somewhat "vegan" meals and have even considered continuing this lifestyle. So I'm not sure that the absence of meat in my daily life was that great a sacrifice for me. It did bring a sense of awareness to me as to why I am abstaining and thus turning my focus to the Lord and his sacrifice for me.

During Lent my Bible Study group completed an awesome study on "God's Promises Fullfilled, A Scriptual Journey with Jesus the Messiah" by Jeanne Kun. It was very good and thought provoking and I enjoyed it very much. I also began study in an on-line class for Catholic Evangelism (which I need to get back to!) Our priest gave me an awesome CD, "The Passion of Christ in Light of the Holy Shroud of Turin" by Fr. Francis Peffley which was very inspriational and informative. I was able to share this CD with friends who were traveling to visit family out of state.Those same friends shared with me their audio book of "The Shack" by William P. Young...a fictional novel and somewhat theologically controversial but entertaining look at the Trinity (I have enjoyed it, however and look forward to discussing it with my daughter who is also reading the book) I attended Mass as often as I could and devoted an hour of adoration to the Lord at 3:00 on Wednesdays (although I forgot once. I felt terrible about that! And missed once but had another soul cover the hour for me) I am so human and prone to the busyness of life...but that hour was such an incredible time for me! I felt the love of God so near and would highly recommend taking an hour out of your busy life and spending it quitely with the Lord whenever you can.

Bob and I read "The Love Dare" for the 40 days of Lent which is a neat little book that goes along with the Christian Movie, "Fireproof" and challenges one to work harder at their marriage relationship. It contains a series of 40 "dares" to do for/with your mate. But was I so involved in wondering if Bob got anything out of it that I failed to participate fully? Did I make as much effort as I should have...could have? Probably not...but at least I do have an awareness of my failure to do so...I guess that is something! And I can continue working on the dares from now on! I was able to share my copy of "Fireproof" with my son and daughter-in-law who are also working on their "dares" in their marriage.

I have always desired the ability to pray openly and easily with my husband and this lent Bob and I have made an extra effort to remember to pray before meals. It may not sound like much, but it is a start to us...a start at praying together, which I hope will grow into more praying together.

Also during these weeks of Lent my future father-in-law ended up at the hospital with a ruptured appendix. I stayed with my mother-in-law for two nights and 3 days at the hospital so she could be by his side and have someone to pray with. He went through a very difficult surgery and is now in recovery. I thank God that everything went well considering the complications and that I was able to help in any small way. One week later, Bob ended up in the hospital and had his gall bladder removed. He did very well with the surgery and was back at work the next day. Since I had my gall bladder removed this last December, I was able to relate well to his discomfort and understand his pain. He is recovering well, too.

I suppose I participated in several acts of penance...but were they over and above what I would have done anyway? I gave to the poor, donated clothing to the needy, visited and prayed for the sick, and offered my help whenever I could. I tried to abstain from spending money selfishly and foolishly. I just always feel it is never enough, considering all the Lord has done for me...but that is why he did what he did...because what I do will never be enough :o) I suppose I will always feel I never do enough...which is better, I suppose, than feeling I have done all I can :o)

Tonight is the Easter Vigil which is a beautiful celebration that begins after sun-down. One of the new candidates joining the Church has asked me to be her sponsor and I am so honored to do so. I am so excited for her as I remember when I went though my confirmation with the Church just two years ago. I wonder if I am truly qualified to do such a task, but I love the Lord so much and desire to share that love in any way I can...so I guess I am qualified. Today I will pray for Angela as she anticipates the ceremony.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday! I would love to wake up before the sun and go somewhere quite to watch it come up and just take the time to praise and worship with thanksgiving. Maybe I will...maybe I won't...but I would like to. We will be going with Bob's mom and finace to my daughters house for Easter Dinner. My daughter has been preparing for weeks. It will be a good day of gathering and celebrating with the grandkids.

Have a blessed Easter, everyone...whatever you do and however you celebrate. I pray we all remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. Lord, please help me to never, never take that for granted.


God Bless!

Another Dot

Many of you have heard me say that I think of my life (and God's plan for my life) as one big connect the dots picture. When I was a little girl, I loved doing connect the dot pictures. Not everyone understood why I bothered doing those drawings, because they knew that if I wanted to create a picture of a dog or a boat or whatever the drawing revealed, I simply could draw it myself. God gave me an ability to draw well at a very young age. It wasn't something I learned...it was just something I did...a true gift...but I didn't realize it until many years later.

Anyway, I loved connect the dot pictures. There was something so fun for me about drawing that line from one number to the next and seeing the outcome. It was someone else's plan...someone else's design and I really had no control of it...except to recognize and connect the dots as they were presented to me...as I understood them.

That is my life. God is the Master Designer and he has created a life for me that is revealed to me one simple dot at a time. Occasionally I have detoured off His plan for me and created my own dots (which usually made a real mess of the picture of my life, I might add!) But patiently and kindly He has brought me back to His original plan and He continues to place new dots before me to recognize and connect.

The other day, I was visiting my favorite shopping place (The Goodwill Store - I call it my "therapy session"!) and as I was browsing through a rack of clothing I looked over at the check out counter and thought I recognized a familiar face. It was a dear friend from my youth...someone I spent many hours with - laughing, crying, praying and sharing. She is a real blast from my past! An old but new dot in my life!

As I stepped out from behind the clothes rack and into her line of vision, I leaned over and caught her attention. At first she looked puzzeled like, "What is this crazy woman doing staring at me?" but then her jaw dropped and she smiled that incredible smile that I remembered so well. I immediately went to her and wrapped my arms around her hugging her with all my might! We were both laughing and I felt such joy in my heart at our reunion.

Just a couple days before this I had been going through some old pictures and had found several of her and her family as well as many of her with my mother as they clowned together in various parades. And I held them in my hands and asked God to be with my friend where ever she was and if it were possible to please bring us together again someday. I desired to see my friend, and God heard the desire of my heart.

She had been through a life change. Her marriage had ended...bitterly. She was adjusting to being alone. As she told her story I found myself nodding and saying, "Yes, I know", but not to empathize but because I truly did know...I know what she has been through. It was all so familiar...and I felt her pain...her anguish. And she knew that I understood.

That afternoon, in the Goodwill parking lot my friend and I touched base and briefly tried to catch up with each other's lives. Unfortunately I had to leave for an Art Club Meeting so we exchanged numbers and vowed to get back together soon. I gave her a copy of "Third & Grace" and "The Mystery History Trunk" books to read. We hugged one more time and then went our separate directions...our separate lives. But for one breif moment our lives connected.

So now this week, we've played phone tag. I called and left a message. She called back and I missed her call. Then I called again and left another message. And I started wondering if she was really a going to be a permanent dot in my life plan or just another fading detour. But I know the joy I felt when I hugged her was so genuine and so sure. I just believed God had our path's cross for a purpose.

I finally reached my friend today. She had been busy at her second job, but stated that she had started reading, "Third & Grace" and was looking forward to getting together again soon...when? I don't know yet...but I know we will...we have much to catch up on. It's good to reconnect to old dots :o)

A New Year - New Resolutions

We are well into the new year and those resolutions for self improvement I thought of making just might have to wait for 2010! Seriously, though, I am trying to make some simple changes and improvements in my life as I know many are.

Not long ago I heard a message on Matthew 25:31-46 and I have decided to make the stipulations for judgement to be the resolutions for my life; to feed the hungry, to quench the thirst of the thirsty, to welcome the stranger, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, and to minister to the imprisioned. I have resolved to try and do these things through how I live my everyday life; for there are many ways to feed the hungry, quench a thirst, welcome a stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and minister to the imprisoned. It may take some creative thinking, but then that is what I enjoy. Who are the hungry? Who are the thirsty? Who are strangers? Who is naked? Who are the sick? Who are imprisoned? If these acts truly separate the sheep from the goats (along with a pure and devoted heart to Jesus) then I can't think of a better resolution for my new year. So as the year progresses you may see these resolutions in some of the stories I share on this blog.

I will still attempt to get healthier through eating right and exercise, live more simply, pay off bills, spend less, and value PEOPLE more than things, but these aren't and shouldn't be considered 'resolutions' as they should be just the normal way of life. I will, however, resolve to grow more diliberately in my faith through study of God's word and a consistent, deeper prayer life. I will resolve to be a better wife and help-mate to my husband as I feel there is and will always be new areas of improvement as our life together continues. I will resolve to share my faith with my family and others through my actions and words if and when the opportunity presents itself...confident and without fear...but with tenderness and love...always. I will resolve to surrender all my talent and ability to the Lord, for His purpose, and remember to give Him all the credit and glory (this is often a struggle for me as it is so easy to get caught up in the self-success mode that the world expects). I will resolve to accept whatever happens in my life as part of God's incredible plan for me...whether it be good or bad...happy or sad...joyful or painful, because I know who is in control of it all. No matter what, 2009 promises to be a GOOD year!

Merry Christmas

A picture of our living room with Sprinkles the cat

In just a few days we will be celebrating the birth of our Lord...Christmas. I hope you all are enjoying these last few days of preparation and anticipation. Our little tree is up and the gifts are wrapped to share with our loved ones. We have already celebrated early with some of them, but it is Christmas Day that I look forward to the most. Although things have changed through the years the one constant is the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus. The gifts we give each other are symbolic of the gift God gave to us...His Son...the best gift of all...a gift from the heart to fill our hearts. I hope you are all able to give gifts from the heart this year and not just fancy presents and packages. I have received two very special gifts, so far, this year. One from my daughter, Melissa and her family...a digital photo album. It is my favorite color, red, and small enough to fit into my purse. It will hold thousands of photos as well as music, movies and e-books. I'm still trying to figure it all out, but it's really neat. My daughter knows how important my pictures of my family are to me. The second gift is from my son, Brandon and his wife, Amy. She created a DVD with music of our Christmas last year and their family pictures from 2008. She also made a DVD of old pictures of my Dad and my family with music...they are awesome! I will treasure these gifts because they were given from the heart. I have yet to receive the Christmas gift I long for from my youngest daughter...her acceptance...maybe next year.

Another wonderful gift was given to me through my surgeon on December 10. I had my gall bladder removed and am now feeling soooooo much better. Apparently, by its appearance after removal, it has been bad for a very long time and probably contributed greatly to why I have felt so sick and possibly why I have gained weight and was unable to lose weight. I am so grateful! Thank you Dr. M!!!!

Christmas Eve we will be celebrating with Bob's mom, Lois and her fiance, Allen. We will have a light dinner, open gifts, and attend Midnight Mass with them. On Christams Day Bob and I will probably go see a movie...a new tradition we have started. This is just our 4th Christmas together...a short time, actually, but I feel like I've known him all my life. Everyday is a gift with him! Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas everyone!

To write or not to write...

I haven't felt much like a "writer" lately. So many other things pulling at my time...responsibilities...procrastination. I want to, but I don't. I need to just make the time and take the time to write again because I enjoy it so much when I do. The problem is there are so many other things I do which I enjoy...playing with grandkids, being with my husband, spending time with my daughter, helping others , church, and my art. Plus I just finished working another part-time job that took place on weekends. It will start up again in January so maybe I'll squeeze in some free time again to do a little writing.

I am pretty excited that I finished all the Relay for Life sketches. It was awesome to send off those last ones. I don't know if I will do that again this year although I do enjoy doing them and it did motivate me to do some art of some kind.

My granddaughter, Charli and I made an angel together out of air dry clay which will be auctioned this weekend at the Angels Among Us dinner in Omaha. The wings were made from cut-outs of her actual hand prints and she helped roll the ball head and add the sparkles. Here's a couple pictures of it:

It was so much fun working on this with her. And I've already informed Grandpa that he will have to bid on it and buy it for me so that I will have it to give to Charli one day.

Well, that's all for now, but I will try to post again soon.

Just Stopping By

Thought I'd post some pictures.

This is our grandson, Conner ( and his handsome Grandpa) on his first birthday.
















Here's my cat, Sprinkles...ticked off at me because I was leaving again. She tries to hide in my suitcase!

Our granddaughter, Charli Ann on her 2nd birthday. This is the table and chair set she got from Grandpa & Grandma.






Granddaughter, Lizzie with the memory quilt we made while she stayed with us a few days this summer.









Charli trying to figure out why the voice sounds familiar but the face looks so strange.
(Me as Buttons the Clown)





Granddaughter Amanda-Jo. She stayed with us this summer, too.

Jack and Dorothy at Pier 17 in New York City.






Me, Dorothy & Jack at the Chinese Garden inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.




That's all for now! Will post some more another day. Oh, for all of you out there still waiting for your sketches from the Relay for Life Fund Raiser...hang in there! I'm gradually getting them done...and thank you soooooo much for the amazing support! Over 60 sketches and many additional donations...thankyou!

Wow do I need to update!

It's been so long since I've written I don't even know where to begin. The visit with my aunt in New York was wonderful. She and Jack were great hosts, as usual, and we had a very nice visit. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is fantastic and there is no way I was able to see it all! Guess that means I'll have to go back someday!

In the end of May Bob and I rode the motorcycle to Colorado with our friends who were participating in the 2008 Boulder Boulder. The weather was miserable both coming and going. We decided to travel via Wyoming to avoid heavier traffic. As we approached Cheyenne on Interstate 25 (about 20 miles East of Cheyenne) there was this ominous black cloud across the sky. On each side it was dark and pouring rain and in the center it was light. It was like driving into a dark tunnel. Suddenly it started hailing and I bowed my head and started to pray the Rosary intensely. I felt hail hitting my leg and then I heard Bob say, "I think it's getting slick" and then the next thing I knew I was soaring down the interstate on my back...but I wasn't afraid. My first thought was, "Oh, we had an accident." My second thought was, "Am I going to start rolling?" But then I knew I wasn't. My next thought was, "Where is my husband...where is Bob?" and then I bumped into him (we were both free-sliding) and I thought, "Oh, there he is." When I finally came to a stop, I saw Bob coming toward me saying "Are you all right?" And I thought, "Oh good, he's all right." and then I looked to my left and realized I was in the middle of the interstate highway and there were cars coming at me in the distance. So I rolled over on my hands and knees and began frantically crawling to the edge of the road...it was slick because of all the hail. As Bob approached me a car drove up beside me and I read the license plate which was "HP27...or 28" and I knew it was the Highway Patrol. As Bob raised me to stand I felt a sharp pain in my chest and I knew I broke or cracked my ribs. The Highway Patrol blocked the on coming traffic so we could lift the bike and get it back on the highway. I climbed back on with Bob and it started right up. Only the lower chrome was scuffed. There was 2 - 3 inches of hail on the pavement when we had sailed across it. Bob said later that it was like being on a big Slip-n-Slide. We went down at about 50 miles per hour!!! When Bob released the throttle to slow the bike down the rear end swerved and we were thrown from the bike to the pavement...actually we were more like lowered to the pavement. I don't remember leaving the bike or hitting the pavement. We had full gear on including our rain gear, gloves, helmets and heavy boots. Both Bob and I have tears in our left elbows of our rain coats and I have scuff marks across my back of the coat and the left rear butt is ripped. Our boots are scuffed on the toes, but that is it. Bob is perfectly fine...and I have some sore ribs...that is all! Pretty good for sailing down the interstate on our backs at 50 miles an hour! The whole time I felt perfectly calm and at peace. I just knew it was okay...no matter what. It was such an awesome and eerie experience...and gave me a glimpse of the difference prayer can make in a situation. Our friends were on their bike in front of us but didn't see us fall because the hail was so heavy. When we pulled up next to them I asked Diane, "Were you praying?" And she said, "Yes!" Then we told them what happened. Both Diane and I were praying the Rosary...so I think I should write a story about the experience and title it "Hail Mary...Literally" :o)

We had reservations at a hotel in Fort Collins and although it was very painful, I told Bob to just get us to the hotel and then when we get there we can find an Urgent Care so they can check out my ribs. Well, we ended up going to the Emergency Room at the hospital, because urgent care closes early there and they did x-rays of my lungs but not of the bones. They wanted to make sure my lungs were inflated properly and said that there isn't anything they do for cracked ribs anyway except give pain meds...so they didn't x-ray the bones. I tried to get them to tape me but they said no as the restriction can cause a person to get pneumonia after an injury to the ribs. You can imagine how much fun it was to ride on the motorcycle with cracked ribs! :o( I took Ibuprofen for a couple days but had to quit on Monday as it was making me nauseous. On the ride back to Nebraska I bought a wide ace wrap and had Bob bind me and that helped...plus the freezing cold and rain we encountered was a good distraction from the pain!

After the accident we stopped at a gas station and Bob noticed that his daughter had called at 6:09pm so I checked my phone and at 6:09pm my sister called. Both left messages saying they were concerned and wondered if we were all right. My daughter-in-law told me later that Charli (our grand daughter) had come to her and asked to go to bed, but it was too early for bed so Brenda laid down with her on their bed and they prayed together for Grandpa and Grandma to be safe. Bob's mom had prayed also several times during the day for us.

The one thing that I was very sure of during the whole incident was that prayer makes all the difference...almost like I could sense it. I know that for a fact now and believe it even stronger. I have never felt such a sense of peace and assurance. There was never any fear...amazing! When we are near to God...He is near to us!

So that is just a part of what I have been up to lately. I will post more soon!

Off Again!

Just a quick post to update. Let's see...the winner of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest has been announced and you can check it out at www.amazon.com/abna . I haven't made any moves yet for "The Scrapbook" but hope to focus on that when I return from another trip to New York City for further interviews with Aunt Dorothy regarding the current book I am working on.

Since my last posting, I have been hired as a Pastoral Minister for our local Parish and I'm working at getting a schedule set in place to visit people. I look forward to being very involved in that ministry. I will post more about that later.

Our family has been busy with fund raisers for the upcoming American Cancer Society Relay for Life in which our little granddaughter, Charli Ann, will be the honorary co-chair. For more information on those fund raisers please go to http://www.brenda-chad.blogspot.com/ and you will get all the 'scoop'.

So I'm off again to one of my favorite cities...New York! Look out GiGi's Cafe! Can't wait for all the goodies there :o) But most of all I look forward to just spending some time again with my sweet Aunt Dorothy and "Uncle" Jack. Lord willing, the weather will be wonderful and we will be able to take some nice walks along the Hudson in Riverside Park. I think we're going to check out the Art Museum, too. I will post pictures on my return.

Thanks for checking in and God Bless!

Let's support Relay for Life

Hi everyone...just a brief note to encourage you all to support Relay for life. The following message was emailed to family and friends and I have decided to include it on my site as well. A copy of the flier preceeds this message:

As many of you know, our granddaughter, Charli Ann Preister, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Cancer in March of 2007. After going through treatment and much prayer, Charli has been declared NED (no evidence of disease) and is doing well. Although the tumor remains in her spinal area, she is developing and growing into a healthy, normal and beautiful little girl...and our prayers continue for her always! Charli, who will be two in July, has been chosen to be the honorary co-chair for the Platte County, Nebraska Relay for Life which will be held the last weekend in June and our team 'Charli's Angels' will be selling luminaries to spell out the word 'CURE' for the ceremonies. So we are all working very hard to raise money as well as an awareness of Childhood Cancer, which is the leading cause of death among children...and one of the least funded for research!

We are also on a mission to have every state represented with a luminary from our team...that's where you all come in. I am going to be doing some donated sketches for the next month for relay for life. For every luminary purchased from our Charli's Angels Team I will do a free 8'x10' single subject pencil sketch from a photograph of the contributors choice...person or animal. That should keep me busy! But it goes to a good cause, and it is the one thing I know I can do to contribute. I figure, God gave me this talent and I need to give back whenever I can.

So, won't you join me and the other members of 'Charli's Angels' in raising awareness to Childhood Cancer and supporting Relay for Life by printing and sharing the flier (at the top of this messeage) with your friends, family and co-workers...or sending it on through cyber-space to those you know in other states (countries?) and see just how busy you can make me :o)

Photographs can be sent to me directly at the address below or given to the Charli's Angel Team member you are familiar with. Please include your full name, address and phone number so I can contact you and return your photo with your drawing. This offer will expire on April 30, 2008, so purchase your luminaries and get those photos to me as soon as you can!

Oh, and please be patient with me as I complete each drawing. Thank you and God Bless!

Jody Preister
27040 State Hwy 91
Humphrey, NE 68642

Another ABNA Update

Here are the top 10 Fianlists in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. Please feel free to click on each one and download the excerpt to view and vote.

The Hellraiser of the Hollywood Hills by Jennifer Colt (Santa Monica, CA)
Casting Off by Nicole R. Dickson (Greesnboro, NC)
Bad Things Happen by Harry Dolan (Ypsilanti, MI)
The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer (Carrboro, NC)
The Butterflies of Grand Canyon by Margaret Erhart (Flagstaff, AZ)
Ring of Lies by Karen Laugel (Woodbridge, CT)
Fresh Kills by Bill Loehfelm (New Orleans, LA)
Motherless Children by Randall Luce (Montgomery Village, MD)
The Prospect of My Arrival by Dwight Okita (Chicago, IL)
Wrecking Civilization Before Lunch by John Ring (Shawnee, KS)

I did not post any reviews while "The Scrapbook" was a contender in the contest, but now I am enjoying reading some of these and casting my vote. I haven't made any decisions on what my plans are for my book until the contest is completely over...but I hope it will be published soon. Thank you everyone for your continued encouragement and support as I proceed with my writing.

Amazon Update - Keeping things in perspective

I'm not in this cut to 100. When I saw that "The Scrapbook" was not listed in the 100 it was really okay. I have determined that God has a plan for this little book and I am going to trust Him with it. It was discouraging to see that Penguin Group did not select one single entry from the Romance Genre...but I guess that is their choice. However, there are many wonderful and incredible excerpts that were chosen and I look forward to reviewing them and encouraging my fellow writers onward and upward toward the goal!

Yesterday was also the day of my sweet Aunt Iris' funeral so that is where all my love and concern were directed. She was an amazing woman. Her granddaughter, Lissa, gave the most amazing eulogy which related wonderfully to the Bible Study I worked on as I rode in the truck on the way to Papillion. This part of the study was from the words of Christ on the cross when he said, "I am thirsty". Here is what I wrote in my journal:

The Pretend Spigot

While attending my aunt's funeral, one of the humorous things they mentioned about her was when the family would travel in the car and one of the kids would complain that they were thirsty. She would reach over to the dash of the car to her "pretend spigot" and with her "pretend glass" proceed to fill it and hand it to the complaining child.

I wondered if this was her way of showing them how silly and inappropriate their request was at the moment. It just wasn't the right place for such a request. Perhaps it made the child laugh. Perhaps it made them angry, but it proved a point which was the fact that sometimes our thirst can not be immediately granted or satisfied.

All of us thirst for many different things. Often we try to satisfy that thirst with things of the world. Ultimately our greatest thirst should be that of the knowledge of Christ and His will for our lives so we are able to share that knowledge with others and lead them to Christ.

Our thirst for Christ takes effort but just as the effort the child showed stating their need while in the car, sometimes we need to be in the right place in our life before Christ comes in and quenches our thirst.

It is times like this that I know I worship a living and loving God.

Lent? Already?

Hard to believe that yesterday was Ash Wednesday and we are now in the season of Lent. Wasn't it just yesterday that we brought in the New Year? Having Easter this early is an extrodinary historical event as the last time Easter was this early was in the 1870's and the next time will be in the 2240's! Quite amazing if you think about it. It is rather stressful though if you are in retail. Valentine's Day and Easter merchandise are being displayed simultaniously. All that wonderful chocolate...and if you are one of the many who have given up chocolate for Lent...well, avoid those aisles, lest you be tempted beyond your resistance!

For Lent, I have decided to give up checking the Amazon.com/abna site every hour and limit my checks to just once or twice a day! I'm just kiddingof course...although that would be quite a sacrifice for me! This contest has revealed an obsessive/compulsive side of me that I really don't like, though, and I am determined to not turn into one of those who can't seem to pull themselves away from the discussion boards. I do want to thank those who have been kind enough to download my excerpt, read, review and rate it. So far, "The Scrapbook" is at 14 reviews and maintaining a 3.5 star rating. There have been some very helpful reviews and some not so helpful, but I am thankful for each of them. There are so many extrememly qualified and wonderful stories in this contest. February 19th the contestants will be narrowed down from 836 to approximately 100. I would love to make the next cut, but it all depends on what determines the qualifications. I've been blessed to come this far.

Back to Lent, I found a Lent Calendar via an internet site that I have decided to use on my Lenten journey. Each day provides a suggestion for fasting, giving, and forgiving as well as Spiritual growth opportunities. I will also be eliminating meat again from my diet and enjoying various fish and other protien sources. There is a group of us from Church involved in a Bible Study on the "Seven Last Words of Christ" which will last through Lent. I am hoping Bob and I will make time to read a little each night from a devotional, also. Last year we read through, "The Pupose Driving Life" for Lent. I hope to find new ways to give of myself during this time, too. Most of all, I just want to focus on the sacrifice Christ made for us when He died on the cross for our sin. What an amazing gift!

God Bless!

P.S. My nose is all healed!

Nose to the Grindstone

Let me explain....Bob and I went to a fund raiser at a neighboring town on Saturday and as we were leaving and walking down the dark sidewalk, I managed to hit a patch of ice. Since it was

chilly out I had put my hands in my pockets of my jacket. So when I fell I first went to my knees and then forward, landing right on my face. It was as if in slow motion and I remember thinking as my face made contact with the cold concrete, " Oh, man! This is going to leave a mark!" The picture is the result of face to concrete contact...ouch!

Bob, being a man of few words and a clever sense of humor told me the next day that I really know how to put my nose to the grindstone...HA, HA, HA!

Anyway, I don't think the nose is broken although it hurts pretty bad and feels like I have sinus headache and need to sneeze all the time. I'm sure the wound will heal soon(probably faster than my pride) and I will remember the advice of my maternal grandfather who always warned his kids not to walk with their hands in their pockets on ice!

No new news regarding the Amazon.com contest. Reviews are being posted and I thank those of you who have taken the time to do so. Be sure to click on my site (to the right...VOTE HERE) and read through the reviews and comments if you are able.

Reviews: Take in the good...learn from the bad - 4 stars and holding!

The reviews I've been waiting for are now posted at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00124COO8 the site of The Scrapbook. Always keep in mind that these are just one person's opinion. Wish I could say the Publisher's Weekly review was shining...it wasn't. It wasn't even helpful. Actually I wonder if the reviewer even fully read the whole manuscripts as they seemed to miss the whole point of the story. It isn't an exciting story but it is a very tender, touching and thoughtful love story. Think I somehow offended them with the name of the cat in the book...Prince Snarls and the fact that the story had Christian conversation between characters (not a sermon in the book...I promise!) Anyway here is their review:

manuscript review by Publishers Weekly, an independent organizationThe only point in this story where something reasonably exciting happens is when the cat — named loosely after England’s Prince Charles — dies. This happens on 113, nowhere near where the climax of the action should be. Never mind that it’s a cat. Broken-hearted from losing her fiancé in a motorcycling accident, Glenda is lonely and sad. She finds a thrift store scrapbook and pores over Betty Ann Christiansen’s record of her trip from Nebraska to Southern California many years ago. At this point you may think the novel’s going to be a knock-off of "The Notebook," but surprisingly little has to do with the actual scrapbook, though the perspective does shift back and forth: from Glenda reading it to Betty Ann’s recollections, as she sits in a nursing home, recovering from a stroke. Her loving son Mark visits often. Glenda searches for answers at church, and goes on a weekend retreat with the church group … where she sees Mark (!) who is, of course, interested in her. A priest cat-sitting for Glenda sees the scrapbook, and recognizes himself in a class photo, so he’s involved in things as well. Interspersed throughout are didatic Christian sermons.IDEA: 2 PLOT: 2 CHARACTERS: 2 PROSE: 2 WOW: 2

No other authors had the mumber ratings following their reviews...don't know what that means, but I guess 2 is better than 1 or 0.

Okay, so that was pretty bad. Now for the good reviews from two of Amazon.com's Top Reviewers. They understood where the story was going and all they were able to read was the 5000 word excerpt. Their reviews still give me hope. Here they are:

Amazon Top ReviewerA worthwhile story of a woman who buys an old scrapbook to peruse and the life story that the book tells. This excerpt holds so much promise. The writing is top-notch. The author's transition between past and present is seamlessly, beautifully done. This is a book that I would rank up there with Nicolas Sparks' "The Notebook".

Amazon Top ReviewerThough this type of story is not my cup of tea I can see the appeal. This novel fits well in with books like "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood." Glenda has found a scrapbook/diary that belonged to someone name Betty Ann. Betty Ann is many miles away in a nursing home after a stroke. The two women are remembering Betty Ann's youth, Betty from memory and Glenda from the diary. A connection is made between them. The writing is well done. There is little dialog in this excerpt, but it isn't needed. A reader will get wrapped up in a life, and wonder, will these two ever meet? Great start.

So there they are...the long awaited big time reviews! I don't know what this means for the fate of The Scrapbook as far as continuing in the contest, but until I hear differently I will assume we are still in the game so , PLEASE POST THOSE REVIEWS IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY! This is where your well written reviews can really make a difference. I really appreciate your support and value your opinion.

On another note...I made the front page of the Humphrey Democrat Newspaper today and the Columbus Telegram did a phone interview for their paper. Tell your friends about the contest and take some time to go through some of the other writers' pages...there is some amazing talent out there!

Give me understanding....

Psalm 119:25-48
My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to your word. When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Put false ways far from me; and graciously teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your ordinances before me. I cling to your decrees, O LORD; let me not be put to shame. I run the way of your commandments, for you enlarge my understanding.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life. Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise. Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts. I will also speak of your decrees before kings, and shall not be put to shame; I find my delight in your commandments, because I love them. I revere your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. Amen

Living the Dream

The dream of becoming a published writer is one shared by many, but accomplished by few. My dream started with an idea to share a part of who I am with others. Initially, I wanted to share my love of drawing with my grandchildren so I wrote and illustrated "The Squiggle Book"; had it spiral bound at an office supply store and diligently sent it to several publishers, who rightfully rejected it. Someday I will reformat it and try again. In the meantime, my grandchildren love it just the way it is.

If one is to write, one must be open to the opportunity to do so. I was at a dinner and overheard a group talking about wanting to find someone to write and illustrate a children's book to present the 150 years of their town. I graciously introduced myself and told them I would be willing to take on the challenge and I would do it free of charge. Many wondered why I would do such a thing, but I knew it would give me the opportunity to finally see my words and illustrations in print. Of course I had to meet with the planning committee and prove to them I was capable of such an endeavor. On our first meeting I already had most of the book completed and some of the rough illustrations created. The book was written in rhyme to keep it fun and interesting for children. It was well received and has been presented throughout that community and across the state. I have done several book signings and especially enjoy doing interactive readings using an old trunk filled with articles represented in the story and involving the audience. It is so much fun! Do I receive a great amount of monetary reward for this service? Well, no...but the pleasure is priceless!

To write one must always take notice of everything around you. I have learned that each circumstance, experience and person in my life can become an inspiration for expression. I used to paint and draw more than I write, but now I write more than the other. Either way it is all the same pleasure. One creates an image on canvas or paper using pencil or paint. The other creates an image in the mind using words.

My first published novel, "Third & Grace" (available at Amazon.com ASIN: 1424160197) was created using many of my own personal experiences and weaving them into a tender fictional story that could very easily be true. A chance encounter with a small publishing company while searching the internet and a well structured query letter earned me the opportunity to be published. I will forever cherish the memory of the excitement I experienced when I received the notice that my manuscript had been accepted and I was offered a publishing contract. It is matched only by the incredible joy I felt when I received the copies of my book and held it for the first time in my hands. To see my words printed in book form and my name on the cover was amazing and a dream come true. Has this book brought me monetary wealth and financial success? Well, no...but I love that it is out there and that others are reading it. I love it that it is enjoyed by those who read it. I love that it has encouraged others in their lives. I love it when they tell me it made them cry and laugh and they couldn't put it down until they finished it. The pleasure from that has made me oh so rich!

Now I am waiting...one of the 836 Semi-Finalists whose manuscript (The Scrapbook)is being considered in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. Although I am already a published writer, and have succeeded in my dream of being so...I am still filled with the excitement of this contest and the wonderful opportunities it presents. I am humbled and honored to be among all the amazing talent that is represented through my fellow writers, who are not competitors but companions in this event. Do I want to win? Oh, you bet I do! Is it the most important thing in my life? No, not at all. For when it is all decided, and the prizes are awarded and the honors bestowed, the things I value most will still be all that truly matters...my faith, my family, and my friends.