Six Resolutions for Aspiring Writers

January 3, 2012By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

This is the time of year that many people dust off their dreams and make resolutions to help them achieve their goals. I did that several years ago and set out to follow my dream to become a writer. In case you’re just starting out, I thought I’d offer what I think are six of … Read More

Turning the Page on 2011

December 31, 2011By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

I just took down the old calendar and put up the new. It’s always a poignant moment for me, because I’ve made it a family tradition to decorate our calendar with family photos from the year past. I make them online and give them to my family for Christmas gifts. Changing the calendar on Dec. … Read More

Our Very Own Christmas Special!

December 20, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

My daughter’s class memorized Luke 2:1-14 to recite at the school’s Christmas program. Today, while her brother was busy playing with a friend, she and I looked for a fun mother/daughter project to keep us occupied. We decided to record her saying her verses. The amazing girl did it in a single take. We paired it with … Read More

Friday Book Pick: ALONG WOODED PATHS by Tricia Goyer

November 25, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

If you need to get away from the Black Friday Madness, is there a better escape than into the simplicity of Amish fiction? Amish stories are in high demand among readers of Christian fiction and it’s no wonder. Our lives are filled with busyness, struggle, and crisis. Many readers long for the purity and clarity that the Amish … Read More

November 22, 2011By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

My nine-year-old was playing with our magnetic letters the other day and said, “I wonder what’s the longest word you could make with these?” It tickled my word-fascinated brain and I decided I had to figure out the answer. We brainstormed for a few minutes before turning to Google. Thanks to “Fun With Words,” we discovered that dermatoglyphics, … Read More

Friday Book Pick: Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii

November 4, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

Do you remember that old Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercial where a person eating peanut butter collides with someone eating chocolate? You got peanut butter on my chocolate! You got chocolate in my peanut butter! Two great tastes that taste great together. When I first heard about Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii by Robin … Read More

What’s Your Pressure Relief Valve?

November 3, 2011By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

I walked out of my house this morning with my emotions tied up in knots. The kids were bickering, I was scolding, feelings were hurt– the morning was a disaster. By the time I had dropped them off at school, tears stung my eyes. In the silence of the car ride home, I began to sing softly to … Read More

11 Reasons Fall Makes Me Happy

October 26, 2011By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

In no particular order… Toddlers wearing costumes around town…weeks before Halloween. Hearing the marching band from the HS stadium, 1/4 mile away. The color of the sunlight as it filters through the golden leaves. Kids (in rubber boots) going on pumpkin patch field trips. The first leaf-raking afternoon (I don’t so much enjoy all the other leaf … Read More