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07 October 2012

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Kathleen L. Maher

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Kathleen L. Maher
Kathy, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
Thank you for having me, Carrie. I am the adult child of an alcoholic. My father was an immigrant from Estonia after World War II and never healed from the scars of his childhood as a displaced person fleeing war-torn Europe. As you can imagine, his self-destructive and violent behavior brought a lot of turbulence to my family. (Carrie—I’ll be specific if you want me to, if you think your readers can handle it—LOL He was a serial gambler, adulterer, and physically abusive to my mother and my siblings. He abandoned our family when I was three years old) But my mother held a fierce faith in the Lord, and her influence was enough to carry me and my four siblings through chaos and poverty into the hope and good future the Lord had for each of us. 

My mother worked as a clerk in a state prison to provide a roof over our heads, and always inspired in us a love of literature and learning. She gave us stability through church attendance and faithful daily prayer, introducing the Lord’s presence in our lives in her love and selfless care until we found our own relationship with God.

That relationship I found with the Lord has sustained me through many trials in my adult life, including the time my husband lost a job he loved, my son’s diagnosis with autism, and even a brief stint with homelessness. God has turned each of these painful experiences into tremendous blessing. We moved into our very own home within a year of landing in that homeless shelter, which can only be God’s miraculous provision. It is an old farmhouse with room for my gardens, my beloved dogs, and even a writing room—all of my heart’s desires. My son’s diagnosis has shed light on so much in my own life and revealed the amazing diversity with which God made each of us. My husband now has the best job he’s ever had, working with people with disabilities, which he may never have had unless we had gone on this journey. 

I can honestly say that these things really were used by God for our good, as it says in Romans 8:28

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
Another one in the same chapter. Romans 8:18: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” 

To me, it says that God is not only sovereign through our suffering, but also that while we are walking through that suffering, we can know there is glory on the other side. Both for ourselves and for those whose lives we will touch through it.

It’s like that scripture in Hebrews 12:2 where it says of Jesus: “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 
There is joy and glory on the other side, if we can embrace God’s will and strength through any trial.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your blogs and why?
I love to share the hidden treasures of history. Some call it HIStory—the chronicle of God’s merciful dealings with man—and I believe God wants us to herald it, whether in actual historical events or in stories of redemption set in historical settings.

The purpose of Fiction Addiction Fix is to make stories of hope and inspiration available to readers for free through giveaway contests. And my blog History Repeats Itself offers book reviews for select CBA releases, plus some historical tidbits about my local history in upstate New York.

As you researched your manuscripts, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
I am always touched by people of faith who endure hardship with ingenuity and strength. It seems that the Civil war was especially hard on families. Women raised children without their men at home, and that was something I could relate to, since my mother raised her family alone, with God’s help. I was also inspired by the way our divided country turned to God in their darkest hour. A great spiritual awakening took place during the Civil War with tent meetings and revivals, and many found the Light of Life. In so many ways, it is what our country needs now. There are great chasms in our land, like nothing since that time, and our only hope is to be reconciled to the God who promises to heal our land.

In this latest work, do you have any topics that will be useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
I am writing about a wounded Confederate captain who longs to be reunited with his daughters far away. His journey takes him through reconciliation with his own father before he can be the leader his family needs him to be. It deals with the healing power of forgiveness on mind, body and soul, and the reciprocity of grace and respect. As we give it to others, we receive it for ourselves.

Thank you Kathy for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

I am so blessed to have been your guest, Carrie. I pray that sharing the things the Lord has brought me through will give your readers strength and courage to believe for the glory God will reveal in them through their trials, too. Praying God’s richest blessing to you and your readers.



Bio: Kathleen L. Maher is the administrator of History Repeats Itself  and of Fiction Addiction Fix. She writes historical romance set in the American Civil War and is a 2012 Genesis Winner for Historical fiction.  Kathy is a member of ACFW, 19th Century Writers, and co-owner of CROWN fiction marketing and Civil War HIStory.


Glass pen and ink set




Giveaway:  We have a cool glass quill pen and ink set that we are giving away to one person who comments about Kathy's interview and leaves their email address.

88 comments:

  1. Hi Kathleen, just reading about the trials you and your family had and overcame because of your faith, just reinforces everything I believe in.. I just believe that there's nothing I can't handle as long as the Lord is with me, so everyday, I start off knowing, no matter what the day brings, the Lord will get me through.. Thanks for the inspiring story ... Have a blessed day !!! Rosemary Foley .. rfoley@salemstate.edu

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  2. Kathy, God bless you for your transparency! I know your testimony will be beneficial to others. You are such a sweetheart and help so many other people. Thanks so much for being our featured author this week!

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  3. Rosemary, I am so blessed to reinforce your strong faith. It is true--we really can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. And I'm sure some of your battles would inspire me, too. Thank you for coming. Carrie's blog is s great place to bask in the lord's overcoming power.
    Lord bless!

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  4. Carrie, thank you for being such a gracious hostess. And what a lovely pen and ink set. Won't that be a pretty thing for someone's desk? You have exquisite taste!

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  5. First, let me say how beautiful you are Kathy - I'm sure you are not vain about it because it is also clear what a lovely spirit you have.

    Thank you for sharing your 'backstory' with us. Your mother is a strong woman and what a blessing that you grew up in grace rather than bitterness.

    We really need to get together one of these days!

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  6. I too was raised in an alcoholic family. both my parents were alcoholic's. I lived That life Until My sister took me out of it when I was 13.
    The interview was great. Thanks for sharing. Would love to read your book.

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  7. KATHY it's so good to have you on OTT sharing your story with us. God is so wonderful when He helps us overcome our difficulties.

    Also I agree with Debra, you are very beautiful, you look like you could be the model for Cinderella. :)

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  8. Debra, I would love to hug your neck one of these days. Maybe it'll be at a reenactment or historical event. Civil War, War of 1812, or I could show you the Revolutionary War battleground here in Elmira where Sullivan fought the Iroquois. So much to choose from!
    and being perfectly real here, my daughter is closer to the age when I had this picture taken than I am now. LOL But thank you for your gracious words. ;)
    Yes, my mother is my inspiration. She is a rare lady who managed to keep her head up despite uncivilized times.

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  9. Pat, thank you for sharing a glimpse of your journey. It is so true that siblings can be a huge part of the journey. If it weren't for mine--two older brothers who played Santa Claus in the leanest years, and two sisters who shared everything from their clothes, sense of humor and faith--I don't know where I would be. God bless your sister!
    Thank you for your kind words about my story. Still praying it will be published. <3

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  10. Teresa, I love what you, Carrie And Diana do here. Thank you so much for having me as your guest. I'm blushing over your effusive kindness. I'm more the cinder than the 'ella these days. hee hee!

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  11. Kathleen, thank you for sharing your testimony with us. Tears flow to know that there are others who have had a rough childhood and are willing to share it with others. God is and has been the only constant in my life. It fills my heart with Joy knowing that in His time we are filled with Blessings from Him. Praise God From Whom ALL Blessings Flow!

    Blessings!
    Judy
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. KATHLEEN, I just love your pic above--you are sooo lovely! And Jesus just shines through you, adding to the loveliness!

    Thank you for agreeing to share your testimony with us--it's similar to mine in alot of ways. My dad was into all that stuff as well (except for the gambling), and was very abusive to us kids. I'm so thankful that you had a Godly mom; I didn't have that in my home, but I know my mom loved me.

    We appreciate the work that you do for others on Fiction Addiction Fix, and super congrats on your Genesis Award!

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  13. I am so thankful to see someone else who understands that life can be hard, but no matter how difficult the journey...God still knows what he is doing. I wouldn't appreciate the little we have now if we had not lost every thing we owned recently. I wouldn't have appreciated our little one bedroom apartment we share with someone else, had I not been homeless with no bedroom or bed of our own. Thank you for sharing that we are not alone in this trial and that others understand. Hugs of appreciation and love, Cheri cherihorgan@hotmail.com

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  14. KATHLEEN, thanks for sharing your testimony on overcoming with us! I'm thankful that I grew up in a loving family. It makes me sad that there are so many families around me where family members are being abused.
    So glad that your mom trusted the Lord and you have found your own relationship with Him! Praise the Lord = Prijs de Heer in Dutch.
    CARRIE, you asked for that. ;)

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  15. Cheri, I am saying a prayer right now for you. I can't claim I would be as brave as you are in the midst of your trial. All I can say is "though the sorrow may last for the night, His joy comes in the morning." hugs back to you, dear lady.

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  16. Mary, thanks so much for stopping by and saying hey!

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  17. Judy, yes. God has been a refuge and high tower, a constant as you say. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them through them all!" Blessings, and thanks for sharing.

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  18. Diana, how kind and gracious you are! Thank you for the warm welcome and the congrats on the Genesis. It still feels surreal. :)
    It always amazes me to meet other trophies of god's grace, to hear what others have been brought through. It gives me hope to recount those stories, to know He hasn't failed us yet, and never will.
    Lord bless you and it is so nice to get to know you better. ((hugs))

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  19. Prijs de Heer, Marian! Thank you for having me. I can't help but think of Corrie ten Boom, knowing that you speak Dutch. She was a real inspiration to my mom and to all of us in the hardest times. Reading her books have made a very deep impression on me. That is one thing my mom modeled to me: learning about heroes of the faith to light a dark time in life. Their testimonies speak long after they've gone on to glory.

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  20. I want to echo what Diana said about our gratitude for all the work you do promoting authors and other blogs! Fiction Addiction Fix has helped so many, including us!

    Diana and I watched the Genesis award when Debbie Lynne went up to accept for you and do your speech. That was so cool to be able to FB msg you right away and I could hear the excitement in your words!!!

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  21. Thanks Kathleen for ypur touching testimony. You were blessed to have such a strong and faith filled mom, who was such an inspiration to you kids. And, praise the LORd that you all came to know the LORD also, thanks to her teaching you about how GOD loved you. GOD bless her, and, you. I hate rjat people have to go through theses sorts of things, but not all have as strong mothers as you. Which doesn't mean that they don't love their kids. I was blessed to have been born into a Christian with wonderful mom and dad. We, all8 of us were raised in the love of GOD. I love this site with so many inspiring words. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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  22. Sorry, I forgot to edit my typing. I'm not very good at it. Maxie.

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  23. Carrie you were such a big part of my celebration that night. What a dear friend you are to rejoice with me in the moment.
    I love meeting the great people through fiction addiction fix, and it has been a real joy to promote stories of hope and redemption. Can't wait to promote yours when that (soon) day comes!

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  24. Maxie, many times I consider what would have become of my siblings and I had it not been for my mother. She took whatever work she could find, and braved walking into a maximum security state prison every day for 20 years to put a roof over our heads. It must sound cliche, but i know I could never measure up to her strength and character.
    Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself. i'm sure growing up as one of 8 kids had its challenges, too. Lord bless your Godly parents!

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  25. And yes, what a BEAUTIFUL picture of a gorgeous gal--and you are, inside and out--I am so glad to have gotten to spend time with you at ACFW conferences. Hoping to do so next year, too! That was really fun celebrating and what an encouragement from God for you and your writing!

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  26. Definitely looking forward to Indianapolis next September. It falls on my dear husband's birthday, so I'll have to be creative. :)
    I have to say, Carrie, you and Debbie Lynne were so gracious to me last year at St. Louis. You both were conference veterans and helped me navigate. So gracious.
    I have to brag on Carrie a little--in addition to her warmth and helpfulness, she also almost single-handedly funds the scholarship program by her generous bids on the conference baskets. ;)She bought our CROWN basket at least one year. She is one terrific boon to the CBA community.

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  27. I always love hearing stories of how God was a constant pillar of light, during the darkest times. They are so heartwarming, and such a reminder of how He uses all situations for His glory, and how he can take anything and make it new and beautiful. Thank you for sharing, Kathy!

    emmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. Wow!!! This interview is jam packed with some gritty stuff. Thank you, KATHLEEN, for being so honest and sharing what was such sorrow and heartache for your family. Thank God that all is used for His Glory and our good, otherwise we would all be in a sad state. Your testimony is uplifting and inspiring :)

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  29. oops, CARRIE...I forgot my email ;)

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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  30. KATHY, you are so funny. I enjoyed meeting you last year but I felt like I already knew you from everybody talking about you and from being friends in various online places!

    NO, I did not fund the scholarship program, lol! The baskets you guys put together are SO awesome--who could resist!!! And um, I think there were a TON of other baskets too that got won by other people! Although I will say yours were the best. Debbie Lynne is seriously into getting great stuff together.

    Thanks for you kind words! I appreciate what you and DL are doing to promote CBA and I am always glad when you guys get some well-deserved Shout outs!!!

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  31. HAHA, ANNE, we know where to find you! You can skip leaving your email address!

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  32. Great interview, Carrie and Kathy. I'm always in awe of the way you so eloquently express yourself, Kathy. Thank you for being so open with us and showing the hope and fulfillment of promises given to us.

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  33. I love how you said that, Debbie Lynne. God does give us the hope and the fulfillment of great promises--promises that will sustain us through anything. Many have never gone through what I did but I'm certain they have had hand-tailored wilderness experiences of their own. The wilderness is where the Lord makes Himself real to us, where Hosea 2:14 tells us the Lord leads us to speak tenderly to us. It becomes a place of blessing.

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  34. Thank you, Emma. I am honored to reflect the beacon of God's unmerited favor and mercy. I appreciate your kind remarks. Lord bless!

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  35. Anne, I am blessed that the testimony blesses you. It almost sounds soap-opera quality when you condense it down like this, doesn't it? LOL But it is true that God says in this world you will have trouble. . . and He does leave His peace and His Comforter, as well as a way through it. Always, always the glory is His. :)

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  36. Unfortunately, the men leaving the ladies to raise the children is so sadly common, my dad didn't actually leave, but he may as well have. One day when I was 16 I was reading in the car on the way home and all of a sudden realized Dad hadn't been around longer than normal, so I asked mom where he was and she answered, "Oh, he went to prison 2 weeks ago." "Oh." and I went back to reading my book. My mother is a hero in the work she took to keep a roof over our head--it might have been easier if father had left since he just came home to eat and steal things so she had that extra money drainer instead of a helper.

    And that ink and pen set is soooo cool! If I win, I'll have to hide it until my kids are MUCH bigger!

    rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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  37. wow, Melissa. I didn't know we had that in common. Yes, I can so relate.
    I'm sure your experience deepens your people perception and your writing, though.

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  38. Well firstly I confess to being a bit of a newbie, but have rectified that now and have subscribed to your site Kathleen! :) I love your favourite verse Romans 8:18 - how true that is! Your mum, wow, what an inspiration she is with what she would have had to endure! Having that fierce faith in God truly does help us get through all things. I'm looking forward atm to seeing God turn a particular painful situation into a blessing, not only for me but especially for others too. God bless you!

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  39. Bless you, Noela. Praying right now that you see God turn that situation around for His glory.
    Thank you for following my blog. I hope it connects you to lots of opportunities to win great uplifting reads.

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  40. Always appreciate prayers, thanks! I meant to mention in my last post I have an Asperger's son as well, a challenge at times but an even bigger blessing! :) I have a question - are your competitions open to those overseas?

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  41. My husband grew up with both parents as alcoholics and he still has a hard time dealing with it. I am glad that your mom had great faith in our God and that you too have God in your life. I still pray that my husband will find God and accept him in his heart. God Bless! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com

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  42. Oh, Carrie and Kathy ... WONDERFUL interview, my friends!!! Carrie ... this is EXACTLY why I love your blog so much because I get to see deeper into the lives of good friends I see on the Web everyday.

    WOW, Kath, you have had some trials, my friend, but SO grateful God has you in His capable hands!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  43. Oh, the pen and ink set is exquisite! Thanks for the great interview.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  44. Thanks for the interview very nice...the pen and ink set is a wonderful item..my teen daughter would love it if I won this... she loves art supplies. thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  45. Noela, We are so glad that God brought you to visit with us on this blog and are looking forward to your upcoming guest posts. It is amazing how much you have in common with us on OTT-WGH and with our lovely guest, Kathy.

    This contest is not open to international guests this time but I would make an exception for a certain awesome Aussie lady!!!

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  46. Thank you for the testimony. I can definitely relate. Thanks for sharing.
    I'm glad to read about another lover of history and Civil War.
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  47. MEGAN, I am not sure there is any family in the US not affected by addictions and in particular alcohol. Both my husband and I have alcoholism on both sides of the family with different family members suffering from it. My poor mom really went through it when her father ran a lumber camp in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Maybe those Temperance gals had it right!

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  48. AMY, Kathy is really into the whole civil war era and has written in that subgenre for a long time and is a promoter of Christian historical fiction for that setting. I can hardly wait till she (me, too!) is published and we can read her work.

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  49. KATHY, I totally believe your remark about CARRIE single-handedly funding the scholarship program. She is definitely the most generous person I have ever met!

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  50. Don't believe that for a minute, Diana! They have like a hundred or so gift baskets but the ones that Kathy and Debbie Lynne pull together have the best stuff in them, or they did the two years I went. And they included crits from some of our friends like MaryLu and Lena and I wanted those! I got crits from Linore, too, and a couple of other who have become SUCH encouragers to me (and endorsers for my manuscripts, too!) So I have been blessed by Debbie Lynne and Kathy and the wonderful members of their groups who contributed to the baskets to raise money for scholarships!

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  51. I like Kathy had an alcoholic father, my parents divorced when I was 2 years old. My Mother never talked against my Dad and always left it up to us kids if we wanted to spend time with him when he would ask, which was rarely. She kept us close to his family though, I hate it when I see parents seperate and they talk against the 'other' parent and try to prevent them from finding our for theirselves what is what. My Mother went to cosmotology school and owned her own shop afterwards to support my brother & I. I attended church sporadically when I was young but as an adult with a loving husband and 3 kids of my own, we all accepted Christ into our hearts and depend on him daily.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  52. thank you for sharing your story, Kathleen. One never really knows what a person has gone through to make their story as it is. Unfortunately some chapters of our story are filled with pain. But it is what makes our stories and journeys unique. How wonderful that you had a mother who continued alone to raise you and your siblings to know the Lord. What strength she possessed, but of course she turned to the One who gives that strength and you can sense that in you Kathleen. What a blessing.

    tina_pinson(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  53. Inspiring interview. :)

    Kathy's light shines through in her writing. I love that she pens historical stories about redemption and hopes to instill faith, hope and understanding in her readers.

    We all have hardships to overcome in life and when we look to the light, nothing is impossible.

    Thank you for the giveaway. The glass pen set is gorgeous.
    Blessings!

    nicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com

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  54. That's an interesting verse choice. I also understand issues with an alcoholic family member. This interview was wonderful thanks!

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez

    amada_chavez[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

    Acts 16:31

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  55. It is such a tricky thing Wendy because if the parent is an alcoholic and drives the kids on a visit, then... I had a number of cases like this where the moms really wanted the children to have some kind of relationship with the dad but he'd drink on the visits. And drive. And of course the kids were conflicted because they loved the dad but knew mom was concerned.

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  56. C.E., I hope you enjoyed the conference--heard that Eva won a Maggie award. I am going to have to twist Kathy's arm so she'll let me read some of her work!

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  57. Kathy's story is so inspirational. For those of us going through tough times, it shows that we are not alone. My heart was breaking for her as I began reading, then it began to rejoice at what the Lord has done in her life. I really needed to hear this today, Kathy, thank you so much for sharing. This interview showed me that no matter what I may be going through in my life, it could be worse. (for me, I cannot speak for others)Have a blessed day!
    debsbunch5@jesusanswers.com

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  58. Thanks for your story Kathleen. We never know what someone else has gone through and that they may have had a rough life but were able to pull through with God's grace.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  59. Forgot to leave my email, Carrie.
    debbielynnecostello (at)hotmail (dot) com

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  60. Noela, yes, Aspergians/Aspies are God's crowning achievement in my estimation. :) Mine is wonderfully quirky and creative and has an uproarious sense of humor. And sometimes he gets his own jokes. LOL
    To answer your question abotu our giveaways, all we do at our blog is refer you to where the giveaways are--we have no control over the rules. But I hope it helps. Sometimes we advertise ebooks for example, so it shouldn't matter where you live for those.

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  61. Megan, prayers sent up for your husband. Have you ever looked into Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings and support groups? They have much to offer.
    Thank you for stopping by and all God's best to you!

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  62. Julie, I am so blessed that you came by and left a comment. The Lord has been good, and I love to boast in His ability to walk through walls when all the doors and windows look closed. ;)

    Bless you and your awesome, uplifting books!

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  63. good luck, Ruby! Thanks for stopping in today. :D

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  64. Apple Blossom, good luck to you! How sweet that you're thinking of your daughter. Thanks for stopping by to comment. Lord bless you!

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  65. Anonymous, Thank you for coming today and sharing in my story. God is no respecter of persons, and I know what He does for one, He can do for another, hand-tailored to your situation.
    Yes, isn't the Civil War just fascinating? Something about the way brother fought brother, and how boys as young as 15 fought like men just stirs my imagination.
    Best of luck to you on the drawing!

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  66. Wendy, you raise such a great point. Within reason, it is good to foster a relationship between the child and the estranged parent's family. Since my father was an only child, I had no aunts or uncles or cousins from that side, but I do have fond memories of visits with my grandfather. His European accent was thick, and it was hard to understand him at times, but he always had Hershey's miniatures in a bowl when we visited, and he would always give us "lipstick" money as we left. It gave me a sense of roots, and that is so important to kids.
    Thank you for your insightful comments, and Lord bless you on your healing journey.

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  67. Tina you have been such an inspiration, knowing a fraction of your story and how you have become a voice of reconciliation and redemption with your writing. Thank you for your friendship and your kind words. I know it's cliche, but the only good in me is Jesus. :)

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  68. C.E. Hart what a blessing to have you stop in and comment. Thank you for your kind words. One of my former pastors used to have a cute expression about turning those attacks of the enemy into a testimony of God's goodness, and thereby "giving the devil a black eye". LOL I hope I've done that today.
    Bless you, dear lady!

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  69. Amada, thank you for spending a little time with us reading and commenting. It's staggering to hear how many of us have been lashed with the scourge of alcoholism. I agree with Carrie, maybe those temperance chicks had it right!
    Blessings, and good luck to you on the giveaway. :)

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  70. Chaplain Debbie, I am lifting up a prayer for you right now. Whatever my trial, God has always proven faithful to give me a scripture promise to cling to through the worst. Ask Him for a personal Rema word, and I know He'll give you one and then, fulfill it. <3 Thank you for coming, and I'm blessed that my testimony encouraged you.

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  71. Thank you, Miss Kallie. I'm sure that we've all encountered hard times, and my trials might look insurmountable to some, but maybe theirs would look scarier to me. God knows what each of us can handle with His help. Isn't He awesome? :D

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  72. Oh, Carrie, offering to read another writer's work is a dangerous thing! LOL I should twist your arm to swap. :)

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  73. I think at least another writer knows what they are looking at whereas sometimes a beta reader might not, lol!

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  74. Aww CARRIE thanks for your YOUR awesomeness and sweet words, SO glad God 'introduced' me to you guys as well!! :) KATHLEEN, thanks for the explanation, I get your site now, think I was a little confused at first. What a beautiful way to put it in regards to our 'Aspie' kids - God's crowning achievement! Love it, and what an amazing gift we were given!!

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  75. I love what Kathy said, too, NOELA! I am grateful for the things I have learned from my sweetie boy, who is doing so great. I've learned a lot about other people in the family who I think may have had Aspergers, too.

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  76. Kathy, you are a wonderful person & I'm so blessed to know you in real life! May God continue to bless you! :)

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  77. I am Kathleen's sister, and could not be prouder... although, I'm sure I can take at least partial credit for the depth of her writing, having been the inspiring source of the sort of pain and annoyance only a sibling can inflict ;^)

    Wait til you read her book. All I can say is, you will not want to put it down!

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  78. OMgoodness, my internet was shut down for 18 hours, and I was starting to get DT's! LOL
    Nancy Ann, darling, you get more credit than that! heehee Thank you for your kind remarks. I know you have to say them as my sister. I hope it hasn't inflicted sibling pain and annoyance on you! :)

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  79. queenbeaz--Jenny--thank you! You are pretty awesome yourself. Thanks for stopping by and good luck on winning the giveaway.

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  80. Noela and Carrie, yes--since learning about Aspergers, I can see peaks and valleys of autistic traits throughout my family. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing! LOL

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  81. What a testimony of God's grace! May God continue to bless you, Kathleen. I love Civil War fiction, and look forward to reading your new book. Thank you for giving us a very touching interview of your life story.

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  82. I hope to be able to share my story as eloquent as you have. I feel you are blessed to be part of the Civil War History in anyway. May you feel god Whisper in you ear the way He does a child encouraging your continued perseverance. I am blessed to have come upon such an testimony of continued grace and faith!
    Blessings~

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  83. WENDY NEWCOMB is our WINNER this week for the beautiful glass pen and quill set!!! CONGRATS to you Wendy!

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  84. OH WOW! I'm truly excited about this, I can hardly wait to get it. Thank you so much!

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  85. Don't know if this is still active so no date on it. Enter me if is.
    jrs362 at hotmail dot com

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  86. Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. That must have been very hard for you to do. I know that I am a very private person and it makes it very difficult to share things and know that at times other people really do need to hear it.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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