Wednesday, August 31, 2011
New Website coming!!
Just wanted to let everyone know that our new website will be launching soon and the blogs will be there as well! Hopefully, we will no longer have our posting issues :)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Family... Every moment
We're so blessed to have Mom and Dad Woodhouse visiting us right now. We almost lost my father-in-law several times the past few years, and that makes the visit that much sweeter.
But it's also made me realize that every moment is a blessing. We never know when that last one moment will be - so we should be cherishing every one we have. (My friend Sally and I just discussed this the other day!)
We live a long distance from most of our extended family - and it is really difficult for us to go see them because of environmental issues for Kayla (the majority of our family is in the South). So we don't get the opportunity to see them often. But the time is always precious.
I was thinking about it this morning, because my sweet husband and kids - we're together ALL the time. We love it. And yet, I think we take a lot of our "moments" for granted, because we DO get to spend so much time together.
My thoughts right now are not incredibly profound - but just a challenge to us all to take the time each day to cherish the moments. Each and every one.
But it's also made me realize that every moment is a blessing. We never know when that last one moment will be - so we should be cherishing every one we have. (My friend Sally and I just discussed this the other day!)
We live a long distance from most of our extended family - and it is really difficult for us to go see them because of environmental issues for Kayla (the majority of our family is in the South). So we don't get the opportunity to see them often. But the time is always precious.
I was thinking about it this morning, because my sweet husband and kids - we're together ALL the time. We love it. And yet, I think we take a lot of our "moments" for granted, because we DO get to spend so much time together.
My thoughts right now are not incredibly profound - but just a challenge to us all to take the time each day to cherish the moments. Each and every one.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Hurdles
I've been doing a lot of speaking lately, and perseverance keeps coming up. :)
Times are hard. Real hard. And people are struggling. They're looking for encouragement, insight, advice, wisdom - on how they can keep running their race with perseverance.
Since I've had so many emails and people talking to me about this lately, I thought I'd share my little analogy I've been sharing along the way.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says this:
NASB "1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I love how many times Scripture uses the picture of athletes - running their race. Our Christian walk is supposed to be that. Our own individual race - set before each of us. My race isn't the same as yours and vice versa.
But so often, it's too easy to get distracted. To head off the racetrack, get bogged down by life's problems, or simply lie down to take a break. :)
One day, I began to think of myself not just as a runner - but as a hurdler. Well, because frankly, I realized that my race would not be smooth like on a paved track. There would be bumps, mountains, valleys, and potholes. :)
So... think of yourself as an Olympic hurdler.
Would an athlete of this caliber stop and smell the roses on the sidelines if he hadn't finished his race?
Would an athlete of this caliber jog along, waving at his fans - smiling, chitchatting, etc?
Would an athlete of this caliber stop in the middle of the race just because he knocked a hurdle?
Would an athlete of this caliber go back and keep going over the same hurdle because it wasn't perfect the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th time?
How did you answer those questions?
Now, can you apply them to your own life?
Yes, there will be lots of hurdles. Sometimes one right after the other. Sometimes you'll clear it with no problem. Other times, you might scrape your knee as you jump. And there will be times when you will knock the hurdle completely down. Every once in a while, you may even fall on your face in the mud puddle and wonder if you'll ever be able to get up and keep going.
But you can.
Remember, we are supposed to cast our burdens upon HIM. He's waiting with open arms to help us up, clean us up, sometimes even to carry us until we catch our breath.
Right now, we've got some pretty huge hurdles we're facing. But I'm reminded of all the thousands of hurdles we've made it through so far. And I'm fixing my gaze on that finish line and not looking back.
Some days, I may go faster than others. Some days it might take me a while to climb out of the hole to get back on the track, but I am pressing on - to persevere.
Because... "...perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4 NIV
Times are hard. Real hard. And people are struggling. They're looking for encouragement, insight, advice, wisdom - on how they can keep running their race with perseverance.
Since I've had so many emails and people talking to me about this lately, I thought I'd share my little analogy I've been sharing along the way.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says this:
NASB "1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I love how many times Scripture uses the picture of athletes - running their race. Our Christian walk is supposed to be that. Our own individual race - set before each of us. My race isn't the same as yours and vice versa.
But so often, it's too easy to get distracted. To head off the racetrack, get bogged down by life's problems, or simply lie down to take a break. :)
One day, I began to think of myself not just as a runner - but as a hurdler. Well, because frankly, I realized that my race would not be smooth like on a paved track. There would be bumps, mountains, valleys, and potholes. :)
So... think of yourself as an Olympic hurdler.
Would an athlete of this caliber stop and smell the roses on the sidelines if he hadn't finished his race?
Would an athlete of this caliber jog along, waving at his fans - smiling, chitchatting, etc?
Would an athlete of this caliber stop in the middle of the race just because he knocked a hurdle?
Would an athlete of this caliber go back and keep going over the same hurdle because it wasn't perfect the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th time?
How did you answer those questions?
Now, can you apply them to your own life?
Yes, there will be lots of hurdles. Sometimes one right after the other. Sometimes you'll clear it with no problem. Other times, you might scrape your knee as you jump. And there will be times when you will knock the hurdle completely down. Every once in a while, you may even fall on your face in the mud puddle and wonder if you'll ever be able to get up and keep going.
But you can.
Remember, we are supposed to cast our burdens upon HIM. He's waiting with open arms to help us up, clean us up, sometimes even to carry us until we catch our breath.
Right now, we've got some pretty huge hurdles we're facing. But I'm reminded of all the thousands of hurdles we've made it through so far. And I'm fixing my gaze on that finish line and not looking back.
Some days, I may go faster than others. Some days it might take me a while to climb out of the hole to get back on the track, but I am pressing on - to persevere.
Because... "...perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4 NIV
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
MomMomMomMomMom
Remember when your kids were toddlers? (Or they might still be toddlers now) And that's all you heard? "Mommommommommommommommommommom" etc. (Okay, so those of us with teenagers might hear that all the time too!)
It's a beautiful sound. To be called "Mom."
I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Mother's Day this year was a little crazy as we were in California for a TV taping, so I've been doing my reminiscing over the past week or so since we returned.
I love being a mom
I love hearing my kids call me "mom"
I love cooking and yes, even cleaning for my family
I love being the mom of teenagers
I love driving them to swim team day after day after day after day...
I love sitting on "deck" and writing and working, and taking peeks at their skills in the water
I love traveling with my kids
I love singing at the top of my lungs with my kids in the car
I love watching movies with my kids
I love home schooling my kids
I love riding bikes with my kids
I love spending every day with them
I love being a mom
It's a beautiful sound. To be called "Mom."
I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Mother's Day this year was a little crazy as we were in California for a TV taping, so I've been doing my reminiscing over the past week or so since we returned.
I love being a mom
I love hearing my kids call me "mom"
I love cooking and yes, even cleaning for my family
I love being the mom of teenagers
I love driving them to swim team day after day after day after day...
I love sitting on "deck" and writing and working, and taking peeks at their skills in the water
I love traveling with my kids
I love singing at the top of my lungs with my kids in the car
I love watching movies with my kids
I love home schooling my kids
I love riding bikes with my kids
I love spending every day with them
I love being a mom
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tag Line Anyone?
There was a discussion today taking place on the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) loop about taglines. Someone initiated the discussion by asking the questions - "what is your tagline" and "how did you come up with it?"
One of my dearest friends in the world, Ronie Kendig, writes "Rapid-Fire Fiction" - her tagline says it all. And she's AMAZING at it. (If you haven't read them already, you need to pick up her books: Dead Reckoning, Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane - about to release, and Firethorn releasing next January.
I must admit that it took me only a few minutes to find my tagline - but that was after a lot of input over several weeks. From agent, editor, and lots of other author friends.
The reason I needed so much help? Well, I always need help. That's beside the point. LOL. But seriously, I write fiction and non-fiction. I wasn't quite sure how to encompass them both.
Then I realized my tagline could say it all. So here it is:
Faith, Perseverance, JOY
Faith - my faith is everything because God is the story, no matter what I write.
Perseverance - James 1:2-4 tells me that the testing of my faith develops perseverance. And perseverance must finish its work.
JOY - you can have joy through trials, because God's joy cannot be taken away.
So there you have it. What's your tagline?
One of my dearest friends in the world, Ronie Kendig, writes "Rapid-Fire Fiction" - her tagline says it all. And she's AMAZING at it. (If you haven't read them already, you need to pick up her books: Dead Reckoning, Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane - about to release, and Firethorn releasing next January.
I must admit that it took me only a few minutes to find my tagline - but that was after a lot of input over several weeks. From agent, editor, and lots of other author friends.
The reason I needed so much help? Well, I always need help. That's beside the point. LOL. But seriously, I write fiction and non-fiction. I wasn't quite sure how to encompass them both.
Then I realized my tagline could say it all. So here it is:
Faith, Perseverance, JOY
Faith - my faith is everything because God is the story, no matter what I write.
Perseverance - James 1:2-4 tells me that the testing of my faith develops perseverance. And perseverance must finish its work.
JOY - you can have joy through trials, because God's joy cannot be taken away.
So there you have it. What's your tagline?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Heart of America
Over the past twelve years, I've driven over 100,000 miles on my tours in this great country of ours. And there are several things that have "hit" me.
-Way too many people lose out because they choose to fly.
-Most people are in a hurry.
-We don't stop and "smell the roses" enough.
-We've let life "run" us.
The first one is a biggie. The second one causes the first one a lot of the time. This in turn, enables the third point. And the fourth point? Well, it seems to be the root problem.
Last weekend, we were invited to be on the Hour of Power and we filmed at the Crystal Cathedral. A beautiful, beautiful place in the LA vicinity. So, we took off from Colorado and headed west.
Let me tell you, if you haven't driven across Utah on Interstate 70 - you need to do it. It's amazing. National Parks like the Arches National Park - beg you to stop and take the time to look, wonder, and soak in the glory of God's handiwork. There's not a lot of towns or places - in fact, there's one stretch of 100 miles with "no services" - and another stretch of more than 60 miles with "no services" - but if you're worried about that, you're missing the point. Completely.
Driving across parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Illinois, Iowa (you get the point) can be quite "dull" to most people. But have you ever stopped to see what's growing? Instead of flying past all the farms and ranches, take a gander at the livestock - the different breeds, and all the varieties of corn, soybeans, and other crops. We're fed because of those farms. And that's someone's livelihood.
The reason I'm bringing all this up is because it's the heart of America. Her people, her land, her crops, her beauty.
Take a minute to soak up the beauty around you. Whether it's the ocean, the mountains, the desert, or farmlands... Remember how wonderful it is to live in a free country. To see the majesty and glory of the Rockies, to smell the salty air of the ocean, and to feel the wind and cold of an icy snow storm.
And maybe next time, you'll take a road trip and thank God for the work of His hands.
-Way too many people lose out because they choose to fly.
-Most people are in a hurry.
-We don't stop and "smell the roses" enough.
-We've let life "run" us.
The first one is a biggie. The second one causes the first one a lot of the time. This in turn, enables the third point. And the fourth point? Well, it seems to be the root problem.
Last weekend, we were invited to be on the Hour of Power and we filmed at the Crystal Cathedral. A beautiful, beautiful place in the LA vicinity. So, we took off from Colorado and headed west.
Let me tell you, if you haven't driven across Utah on Interstate 70 - you need to do it. It's amazing. National Parks like the Arches National Park - beg you to stop and take the time to look, wonder, and soak in the glory of God's handiwork. There's not a lot of towns or places - in fact, there's one stretch of 100 miles with "no services" - and another stretch of more than 60 miles with "no services" - but if you're worried about that, you're missing the point. Completely.
Driving across parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Illinois, Iowa (you get the point) can be quite "dull" to most people. But have you ever stopped to see what's growing? Instead of flying past all the farms and ranches, take a gander at the livestock - the different breeds, and all the varieties of corn, soybeans, and other crops. We're fed because of those farms. And that's someone's livelihood.
The reason I'm bringing all this up is because it's the heart of America. Her people, her land, her crops, her beauty.
Take a minute to soak up the beauty around you. Whether it's the ocean, the mountains, the desert, or farmlands... Remember how wonderful it is to live in a free country. To see the majesty and glory of the Rockies, to smell the salty air of the ocean, and to feel the wind and cold of an icy snow storm.
And maybe next time, you'll take a road trip and thank God for the work of His hands.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Ironman? Conclusion :)
It's been fun seeing all your responses via Facebook, email, and comments on my Ironman post.
Originally, I just wanted to post the story to make you laugh, I mean, who would ever think that I was an Ironman participant?
But, after sleep and much thought, I realized there was a lesson or two to be learned.
First? Clearly, the clerk was a very positive person. I didn't question him to know for sure, but I'm assuming he thought something along the lines of, "well, anyone could participate..." right?
Which brings me to my first thoughts. John 3:16 is clear. For God so loved the WORLD. That means everyone. Whether skinny, chubby, short, tall, wealthy, poor, good-looking, homely, smelly, or ... You get the picture. :) Anyone and everyone is included. We are not to judge who should be a participant, or in better terms who should be a "recipient" of the greatest gift of all: salvation. Free for all who believe.
Secondly, once we've accepted that gift, we ARE participants. We are running a race. Our Ironman, if you will. Hebrews 12:1-3 is a wonderful passage to look at for this. So... Wouldn't it be fitting that we actually prepare for the race?
In fact, we can all participate - just like the clerk thought, "sure-she could do it"- wouldn't it have been even greater had I arrived actually PREPARED to participate?
You see, once we are believers, we shouldn't just stay on the "milk" and go through the motions. We're supposed to be learning and growing and studying and sharing.
In short, what are you doing? Are you a participant? If not, send me a note and I'll tell you all about the greatest gift of all. If you ARE a participant, what are you doing to prepare? To run the race set before you?
Who knows, one day you may hear me say that I really AM participating in an Ironman. Nothing is impossible with God. :) amen.
Originally, I just wanted to post the story to make you laugh, I mean, who would ever think that I was an Ironman participant?
But, after sleep and much thought, I realized there was a lesson or two to be learned.
First? Clearly, the clerk was a very positive person. I didn't question him to know for sure, but I'm assuming he thought something along the lines of, "well, anyone could participate..." right?
Which brings me to my first thoughts. John 3:16 is clear. For God so loved the WORLD. That means everyone. Whether skinny, chubby, short, tall, wealthy, poor, good-looking, homely, smelly, or ... You get the picture. :) Anyone and everyone is included. We are not to judge who should be a participant, or in better terms who should be a "recipient" of the greatest gift of all: salvation. Free for all who believe.
Secondly, once we've accepted that gift, we ARE participants. We are running a race. Our Ironman, if you will. Hebrews 12:1-3 is a wonderful passage to look at for this. So... Wouldn't it be fitting that we actually prepare for the race?
In fact, we can all participate - just like the clerk thought, "sure-she could do it"- wouldn't it have been even greater had I arrived actually PREPARED to participate?
You see, once we are believers, we shouldn't just stay on the "milk" and go through the motions. We're supposed to be learning and growing and studying and sharing.
In short, what are you doing? Are you a participant? If not, send me a note and I'll tell you all about the greatest gift of all. If you ARE a participant, what are you doing to prepare? To run the race set before you?
Who knows, one day you may hear me say that I really AM participating in an Ironman. Nothing is impossible with God. :) amen.
Ironman?
We are traveling to the LA area to be guests on The Hour of Power at the Crystal Cathedral this weekend.
A funny thing happened to me last night as we checked into our hotel.
Let me paint the picture for you:
It's one a.m. We'd had a radio interview, packed, and I'd driven 700 miles. Across the Rockies. And across Utah. On a side note, there are several places in Utah where there is NOTHING for 100 miles or so. We got excited to see an overpass. Seriously. Okay, back to painting the picture: did I mention it was 1:00 A.M??
The night clerk finishes the check-in process and looks at me, "so you're participating in the Ironman?"
Me: "What!?"
Clerk: "Breakfast is at 3 a.m."
Me: "What!?"
Clerk: "3 a.m."
Me: "Uh... It's 1 a.m. Right now."
Clerk: "well, you'll want a good breakfast before you start."
Me (still shocked and confused): "Do I LOOK like I'm about to participate in the Ironman?"
Clerk: "Sure."
I looked down. I'm not a tiny person. At all. And the thought of running, biking, swimming until my heart stops didn't really appeal to me at 1:00 in the morning. Especially on two hours of sleep. Full breakfast at 3:00 a.m. Or not.
I decided to be nice. "I'm an author. I'm not here for the Ironman. But thank you."
He shrugged. Gave me a nice smile and a map to my room.
I threw over my shoulder, "Maybe next time."
Now... You're probably wondering if there is a moral to this story. Other than the fact that it made me laugh. :)
Ah... There is. It didn't strike me until after a full-night's sleep though... And since I have to check out of the hotel now and finish driving to California, I will post my conclusions tonight :)
[chuckle] me... In the Ironman...
A funny thing happened to me last night as we checked into our hotel.
Let me paint the picture for you:
It's one a.m. We'd had a radio interview, packed, and I'd driven 700 miles. Across the Rockies. And across Utah. On a side note, there are several places in Utah where there is NOTHING for 100 miles or so. We got excited to see an overpass. Seriously. Okay, back to painting the picture: did I mention it was 1:00 A.M??
The night clerk finishes the check-in process and looks at me, "so you're participating in the Ironman?"
Me: "What!?"
Clerk: "Breakfast is at 3 a.m."
Me: "What!?"
Clerk: "3 a.m."
Me: "Uh... It's 1 a.m. Right now."
Clerk: "well, you'll want a good breakfast before you start."
Me (still shocked and confused): "Do I LOOK like I'm about to participate in the Ironman?"
Clerk: "Sure."
I looked down. I'm not a tiny person. At all. And the thought of running, biking, swimming until my heart stops didn't really appeal to me at 1:00 in the morning. Especially on two hours of sleep. Full breakfast at 3:00 a.m. Or not.
I decided to be nice. "I'm an author. I'm not here for the Ironman. But thank you."
He shrugged. Gave me a nice smile and a map to my room.
I threw over my shoulder, "Maybe next time."
Now... You're probably wondering if there is a moral to this story. Other than the fact that it made me laugh. :)
Ah... There is. It didn't strike me until after a full-night's sleep though... And since I have to check out of the hotel now and finish driving to California, I will post my conclusions tonight :)
[chuckle] me... In the Ironman...
Monday, April 18, 2011
Contest WINNER!
All righty, folks...
The Grand Prize winner of the Kindle and the Alaskan gift basket and signed books is : Kris T. (Since we've had issues with the commenting - make sure you send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com as well!)
You have 24 hours to comment on this post - and if you don't, another winner will be chosen. The winners of books will be posted after that (just in case the winner doesn't claim their prize - we want everyone to be eligible for the Grand Prize.)
Thanks for participating! We had over 200 people enter the contest.
The Grand Prize winner of the Kindle and the Alaskan gift basket and signed books is : Kris T. (Since we've had issues with the commenting - make sure you send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com as well!)
You have 24 hours to comment on this post - and if you don't, another winner will be chosen. The winners of books will be posted after that (just in case the winner doesn't claim their prize - we want everyone to be eligible for the Grand Prize.)
Thanks for participating! We had over 200 people enter the contest.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
LAST CHANCE
Hey Everyone,
I will give you through the weekend (midnight - April 17th) to enter our contest with prizes including a Kindle, an Alaskan gift basket, and signed books!
I'm re-posting all the original information below and remember that if the commenting is not working, just send all your info and answers to the email addy listed below - you will still be entered. A lot of people have had trouble with the comments.
***
Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.
The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)
Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.
Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.
Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)
***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod
THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.
I will give you through the weekend (midnight - April 17th) to enter our contest with prizes including a Kindle, an Alaskan gift basket, and signed books!
I'm re-posting all the original information below and remember that if the commenting is not working, just send all your info and answers to the email addy listed below - you will still be entered. A lot of people have had trouble with the comments.
***
Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.
The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)
Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.
Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.
Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)
***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod
THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Cart Before the Horse
I've had the incredible privilege of being challenged and having my toes stepped on by books and studies the past couple weeks. Books that were on my "To Be Read" shelf. And I was fascinated by how they all seemed to go together and intertwine and convict me when they are all completely different.
I won't go into any great detail here, but I do want to ask you: Are you putting the cart before the horse?
How many times do we go off on our own agendas without seeking HIM first?
Should we even have our own agendas?
Aren't we the servants to the Master?
Jesus said, "Come. Follow Me."
He didn't say, "Kim, I'll make sure I give you an itinerary and let you check it before you go."
I love it that He hasn't given up on me and that I'm still learning even though I have such a long way to go.
And I will definitely be working on keeping that cart in the rear where it belongs...
I won't go into any great detail here, but I do want to ask you: Are you putting the cart before the horse?
How many times do we go off on our own agendas without seeking HIM first?
Should we even have our own agendas?
Aren't we the servants to the Master?
Jesus said, "Come. Follow Me."
He didn't say, "Kim, I'll make sure I give you an itinerary and let you check it before you go."
I love it that He hasn't given up on me and that I'm still learning even though I have such a long way to go.
And I will definitely be working on keeping that cart in the rear where it belongs...
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Chance to Win a Kindle and Signed Books!
Hey Everyone,
You've been so great sending us emails about the contest. I understand that there have been issues with the commenting and I'm hoping that it is cleared up. For all of you who sent emails with your inquiries and also with all your answers, but the comments weren't working, don't worry - you're still entered. :) I made sure we have everyone's entry so far in the master list.
For those of you who may be new to our blogs and have just seen our contest - I'll repost all the directions below. Feel free to ask questions if you don't understand :)
We just returned from another book trip and as we drove through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado - I couldn't help but think of the heart of America: its people, small towns, farms, and ranches. I'm sure there will be a post with my thoughts on this coming up.
But for right now, I hope you all enjoy the contest and tell all your friends!
God Bless!
Kim and Kayla
Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.
The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)
Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.
Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.
Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)
***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod
THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.
You've been so great sending us emails about the contest. I understand that there have been issues with the commenting and I'm hoping that it is cleared up. For all of you who sent emails with your inquiries and also with all your answers, but the comments weren't working, don't worry - you're still entered. :) I made sure we have everyone's entry so far in the master list.
For those of you who may be new to our blogs and have just seen our contest - I'll repost all the directions below. Feel free to ask questions if you don't understand :)
We just returned from another book trip and as we drove through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado - I couldn't help but think of the heart of America: its people, small towns, farms, and ranches. I'm sure there will be a post with my thoughts on this coming up.
But for right now, I hope you all enjoy the contest and tell all your friends!
God Bless!
Kim and Kayla
Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.
The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)
Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.
Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.
Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)
***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod
THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A little fun for NO SAFE HAVEN's release...
Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.
The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)
Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.
Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.
Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)
***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod
THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.
The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)
Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.
Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.
Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)
***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod
THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Who Am I?
This question has been swirling around in my brain for the past several months. Our lives have changed drastically with the national media coverage, EMHE, and books coming out. They were wonderful things, but I've been very hesitant to say that they changed me. I never wanted the negative connotation to come with it i.e. "Fame changed her." It just sounded wrong.
Anyway, with all the computer crash/virus/craziness, deadlines, interviews, and regular life as wife, mom, and homeschool teacher, I've taken a hiatus from a lot of article writing and blogging.
Some of this was a good idea. I needed a break. Some of this made me feel guilty - because I was just positive that I was letting everyone down (and that the wonderful marketing people would get mad at me - LOL). And some of this just helped me beat myself up even more - because who really wants to read anything from me anyway? Right?
So I kept going back to the Casting Crowns song - Who Am I? And another beautiful chorus - Beloved. They both ask the question - WHO AM I?
Then Psalm 139 kept finding its way into my Bible Study, prayer time, and the words echoed in my brain.
I wrote in Welcome Home that I just wanted to be the best "me" I can be. I've failed a lot. But I'm excited to see what God will do through me - this cracked and broken vessel.
It's okay to have life's circumstances change you. It's okay to wonder who you really are. It's okay to leave it in God's hands and say, "Lord, I'm willing. I just want to do my very best for You."
Do you ever ask that question? Lord, who am I? I'm so unworthy?
Well, just keep reminding yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. He's not expecting you to be perfect. He just wants you willing.
To go and do whatever He calls you to do.
Anyway, with all the computer crash/virus/craziness, deadlines, interviews, and regular life as wife, mom, and homeschool teacher, I've taken a hiatus from a lot of article writing and blogging.
Some of this was a good idea. I needed a break. Some of this made me feel guilty - because I was just positive that I was letting everyone down (and that the wonderful marketing people would get mad at me - LOL). And some of this just helped me beat myself up even more - because who really wants to read anything from me anyway? Right?
So I kept going back to the Casting Crowns song - Who Am I? And another beautiful chorus - Beloved. They both ask the question - WHO AM I?
Then Psalm 139 kept finding its way into my Bible Study, prayer time, and the words echoed in my brain.
I wrote in Welcome Home that I just wanted to be the best "me" I can be. I've failed a lot. But I'm excited to see what God will do through me - this cracked and broken vessel.
It's okay to have life's circumstances change you. It's okay to wonder who you really are. It's okay to leave it in God's hands and say, "Lord, I'm willing. I just want to do my very best for You."
Do you ever ask that question? Lord, who am I? I'm so unworthy?
Well, just keep reminding yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. He's not expecting you to be perfect. He just wants you willing.
To go and do whatever He calls you to do.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cover for RACE AGAINST TIME!!
Here it is peeps:
The cover for book #2 - Race Against Time! Isn't it beautiful?
The cover for book #2 - Race Against Time! Isn't it beautiful?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)