High Five Choir and Karen Kingsbury's "Unlocked"

Karen Kingsbury, a New York Times Bestselling Christian Author, wrote a novel in 2010 titled Unlocked.

The following is a summary of Unlocked

Holden Harris, 18, is locked in a prison of autism where he's been since he was a happy, boisterous three-year-old. At school he is bullied by kids who do not understand that despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal on the inside, where he lives in a private world all his own.

Then one day the head cheerleader and star of the high school drama production is rehearsing when Holden stops and listens, clearly drawn to the music. Ella Reynolds notices and takes an interest in him, learning about autism and eventually helping Holden win a spot in the school play. At the same time Ella makes a dramatic discovery. Long ago, her parents and Holden's parents were good friends, and she and Holden played together until his diagnosis of autism, at which time Ella's mother distanced herself from the friendship. 

Now Ella's mom and her MLB baseball player father are trapped in an unhappy marriage and a life that is shallow and meaningless. Not until a tragedy takes place at the high school does Ella take a public stand against the way the more popular privileged kids treat those who are different. At the same time, Ella continues to be a friend to Holden and in time their mothers realize that something special is happening. Hurts from the past are dealt with and all around Holden miracles begin to happen in various relationships. 

The greatest miracle is the change in Holden, himself, and everyone is stunned by the transformation they witness. Ultimately, the community comes to understand that many people walk around in a personal prison and that only by love and faith can the doors become unlocked, the way they dramatically do for Holden Harris.

While surfing the internet today I ran across the following link on MSNBC.  Please watch.  You will be blessed.

High Five Choir

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42366746#42366746

What the above summary does not tell you:  Music plays a large role in Holden's outcome!  (this is not a spoiler, as many articles explain this, as well as, a novel (Take Four) that Karen wrote before Unlocked.  I highly recommend the book.

Iconic Zippered Waist Bags

What are iconic zippered waist bags? I’ll give you a hint. They were highly popular in the nineties. You rarely walked the candy littered blacktop trails along the soft drink creeks of Six Flags without seeing one on at least every fifth person. Yep, you guessed it – Fanny Packs! Apparently these back-savers are back.

This got me thinking about taking a trip. So, I, of course, went to the internet. There I found out about three fun-filled vacations supposedly at a bargain price. First, Marrakech in Morocco. You know, “Play it again, Sam.”  Remember that phrase? It is from the movie, Casablanca. For some reason, I have always loved that movie, enough that I have begun writing a novel set there.

Second, the Caribbean Islands. I read that you can charter a boat and take in the splendor for cut-rate prices.

Third, Paris. A pastry tour will most assuredly pack on enough weight to your lower half, to keep you from worrying that your zippered waist bag might slide off. Yet, it is relatively inexpensive as well.

Now, what is the possibility that I’ll actually take one of those trips? Um… zilch! But do not fear; I bring you tidings of great cheer!

The following excerpts are taken from the book of Revelations 21.

… a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels… the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb… the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx… the ninth topaz… the twelfth, an amethyst… and the building of the wall of it was of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass..  and the twelve gates were twelve pearls… each gate was of one pearl… and the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God did lighten it.

Wow!  That is where I want to go.  And guess what, admission is FREE! All you must do is accept the free gift from Jesus.  He died a cruel death to give you this fabulous gift. So please accept yours today, and I’ll meet you at one of those big ol’ pearls!

Blessings!

Laura Kirk as Jackie O?

Man, a strawberry, green tea frappuccino would really hit the spot right about now! I could drink far too many of those than I should. Dragging myself to the kitchen to mix up my strawberry smoothie is just not doing it for me this morning.

Honestly, I just need to get out of this house. An hour or two at Starbucks with my laptop would really hit the spot. Then, on to the Mall for shopping and people watching.

Does anybody else like to meander among the perfume samples at Dillard’s? I LOVE that! I spray a few cards; stick them in my purse and shopping bags. For some reason this makes me feel like one of those wealthy women walking along Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive, as
I exit the store and swagger down the mall. And if I slide on my large, black sunglasses, a scarf strategically tied over my head, and kick into imagination overdrive, I can pretend that I am Jackie O.

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be insanely rich and famous? If you are absolutely honest, you have to say, “YES! Ahem, yes I have.  I sell cheap books, so sue me!” Sorry I got a little carried away. Leslie loves You’ve Got Mail, and she picks up movie lines very easily and well… that’s another blog.

What’s a girl to do? This girlfriend is hightailing it to the scriptures. In Daniel 2:44 (LOVE the book of Daniel) it says, And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

Daniel 4:34 – … his kingdom is from generation to generation

Daniel 7:27 - … and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.

Matthew 16:19 And I will give thee the keys to the kingdom of heaven…

I could go on and on! So if you are a child of God, these scriptures are yours. Now, how do you feel? I feel more than rich and famous. I feel like a princess of the King!  It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Blessings!  Laura K.

Leslie and Isaac

Excitement at the Webinar

Thursday night, March 24, I participated in a Webinar presented by the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.  Janet Kobobel Grant led us in a very interesting presentation that included such topics as:

What’s a day in the life of an agent look like?

What does an agent look for in a potential client?

How do agents fit into the world of publishing and the publishing process?

Aren’t all agents created equal?

How can a writer decide which agent to approach?

If you keep receiving rejections from agents, what can you do about it?

Herself, an agent, she had a wealth of information regarding the above topics.

JBJCWG is a banquet table of  resources.  Becoming a member is one of the most beneficial steps I have taken towards getting published.

They have one of the most reputable Writing Conferences in the nation.  The Writing for the Soul Conference is held each year at the Grand Hyatt in Denver, Colorado.  I have not been fortunate enough to attend, but Mr. Jenkins and his wonderful staff were sensitive to the need, and began to offer Webinars to those of us who have been unable to attend the conference.  Although, I am sure many of the WFTS attendees attend the Webinars as well. I have participated in almost a dozen so far, and each one has shed a spotlight on the next step in my publishing journey.

Every comment I have ever read or heard about Mr. Jenkins has been filled with accolades regarding his noble character and humble approach to meeting the needs of aspiring writers.

I know first-hand, as well, when he says his Thick-Skinned Critiques are never mean, he speaks truth.  I have been a participant in a couple of his Thick-Skinned Critique Webinars, and received kind, beneficial advice regarding my critique sample.

So hats off to the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild!  http://www.christianwritersguild.com/

Let the Waters Rise!

The sea may roar and the waves may slap at our feet, but our Jesus can walk on water!

Please click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIkQ7YVys_A&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=MLGxdCwVVULXcMcswB3bU6tUQUb6wGQs9s

A Holy Place

 ...and the Ancient of days did sit , whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.  Daniel 7:9

I don't know about you, but this scripture ignites me with a burning desire to see God and walk those streets of gold!  As I have delved deep into scripture as research for my book, Holy Spirit has grabbed my heart and wooed me to a more than magical place -- a Holy place.

I previously had a link here with images of Heaven.  But due to technical difficulties I had to delete it.  I will share more later.  Thank you for stopping by. :)
Love and Blessings, Laura K.

My Office

Baby Isaac

Sweet Baby Isaac

Yep, I picked up Isaac today!  He is just precious.  At fifteen months, he is in the exploration stage.  We walked out the back door into the beautiful day, and he could not decide which way to go.  It was as if he wanted to take everything in at once.  He loves our dog, Pooh, but he does not want him to get too close.  When he does Isaac will place his little finger over his puckered lips and say, "Suss, Suss!" 

After school, Leslie burst through the door, dropped her bookbag in the floor and rushed to her baby cousin as fast as she could.  She picked him up and hugged him and was rewarded with, "Wezzie!". I stood and breathed in the love between them as Isaac wrapped his little arms around her neck and squeezed tight. His face beaming.

Family is so important, and I just can not get enough of mine.

Blessings!

A Day in the Life

Today I woke at 6:15, helped sweet girl with breakfast and grooming. Of course, we say our daily Bible verses. I love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, and I love my neighbor as myself. I have the mind of Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. By Jesus' stripes I am healed. They come easily. As effortless as taking our next breath. Love it!

Leslie's ride arrives and I hurry to the kitchen to mix up a smoothie - cup of strawberries, two tablespoons Greek Yogurt, half cup soy milk, half a banana, and one cup crushed ice. Plop it all in the blender and voila!  Heaven in a glass.

Stevie Wonder's Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing blares from my laptop as I dance as hard as I can. Now this is my way of staying in shape!

It is now time to start the daily process of editing the novel I have studied and trained ten years to write. Yep, it's finished, but one more layer of editing must be done.  I love it! It is my passion, and I feel Jesus sitting right beside me as I read each sentence. Dissecting it until it is as perfect as I can possibly make it.

I allow myself a moment to imagine all the precious mothers, sisters, caretakers, God lovers, etc. etc. soaring on eagles wings as they fly into Heaven. The Heaven I see.  A ride more entertaining than what you would find at Disney World.

Prayer and Praise flow from my mouth.  Thank you my sweet friend, Jesus, for your love for me!

More to follow!