Great Reads of 2010

December 29, 2010By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

In the spirit of those end-of-the-year top ten lists, I thought I’d organize a list of my favorite Christian novels that I read during 2010. Not all of them were published in 2010, I just happened to read them this year. If you click on the link, it will take you the “Book Pick Friday” where … Read More

Christmas Confusion

December 22, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

My alarm clock went off early on Sunday morning, reminding me that it was my week to play on the worship team. I shut it off and rolled out of bed, groaning. But by the time I made it to the shower, a song was already dancing through my head. At first, I couldn’t identify … Read More

Favorite Christian Authors: Lauraine Snelling

December 9, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

It’s one of the best feelings a book lover can experience: reading the last page of a great novel. You know what’s even better? Discovering that your new favorite author isn’t new at all. Her novels take up multiple shelves at your local library.  I met Lauraine Snelling briefly at a writer’s retreat in October and made a note to … Read More

Welcome to Nut-Week!

December 1, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

I still remember my daughter’s huge eyes looking straight at me a few months ago when her dance teacher announced the Nutcracker auditions. My heart sank. We try very hard to keep our kids activities to a minimum and we were already over-committed for the fall. She was already taking three hours of dance a week and my … Read More

The Christmas Pumpkin?

November 30, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

I peeked into my attic the other day, just far enough to find the Advent wreath.The rest of the Christmas decorations loomed nearby in the dusty shadows. I grabbed the wreath and slammed the door shut. I don’t know why, but I’m just not ready to decorate yet. All of our neighbors have their lights … Read More

Who is Ready for a Long Winter’s Nap?

November 17, 2010By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

So, my husband called me from work today. This is how the conversation went… Him: “So, how are you doing?” Me: “Oh, fine. The weather’s pretty dreary though.”  He works in a basement office with no windows, so I always feel compelled to give him a weather report. Him: “Oh, yeah?” Me: “Yep. Pretty typical February … Read More

Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson–FREE!

November 15, 2010By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

For those budding writers out there, here is a deal you absolutely should NOT miss. I’ve been letting you know about freebies offered on Amazon for Kindle readers, and this is one of the best. Writing coach Randy Ingermanson (a.k.a. the “Snowflake Guy”) has put together some of his best writing tips in the book  Writing … Read More

Don’t Miss The Amazon Freebies!

November 10, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

How many of you have made the leap into the digital world with your reading? I still haven’t decided whether to buy a Kindle, iPad or Nook, but I have discovered that I enjoy reading books on my Droid smartphone. With a free downloadable app, you can read Kindle e-books on your computer, iPad, iPhone, Droid, Blackberry … Read More

Mood Skin and Sparkles

November 9, 2010By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

We often use colors to describe ourselves: red with anger, feeling blue, a golden glow, green with envy. Aren’t you glad that we don’t actually turn colors with our moods? We wouldn’t even have to ask, “How are you?” And we couldn’t get away with a simple, “fine, thanks.” Everyone would know if you were lying. I wonder … Read More