Book Events with Joaquin Guerrero & Rookie!

Joaquin Guerrero and Rookie II are coming back to Minnesota in June. If you missed them last fall, we’d love to have you come out and see us at any one of the following locations:

FRIDAY, JUNE 15^TH:

Apple Valley Petco – 11 am to 2 pm

(CR 42 & Cedar Avenue)

Minnetonka Petco – 4 pm to 7 pm

(Minnetonka Blvd & Williston Rd)
 

SATURDAY, JUNE 16^TH:

Leashes & Leads…the country pet store & pet resort

6214 14^th St. NW, Byron, MN (just west of Rochester on Hwy 14)
Short presentation: 11 am; Book signing: 11 am – 2 pm

Apple Valley Petco – 5 pm to 7 pm

(CR 42 & Cedar Avenue)

SUNDAY, JUNE 17^TH:

Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 9 am & 10:30 am services

10652 210^th St W., Lakeville (just west of Lakeville South High School on 210^th St.)
Hear the full message at both services:  “When K9 Officer Joaquin Guerrero heard God’s voice calling him to respond to Ground Zero, he didn’t hesitate. For 7 long days the pair worked “The Pile” with a never-give-up spirit. Guerrero will share from his experiences working search-and-rescue, and the dedication of his 4-legged partner.”
 
Minnetonka Petco – 2 pm to 5 pm
Minnetonka Blvd & Williston Rd)

Hope to see you at one these events!

Barbara 

Hop

"Today, if You Will Hear His Voice"

A few weeks back I wrote a short article for our church website, sharing my thoughts about what I learned in working with Joaquin Guerrero on his memoir. Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night was released last September, in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and from reader comments, it is evident that the book is touching people in deep, meaningful ways.

There's a distinct message in Joaquin's story, one that applies to us all: 

God still speaks today.

Are you listening?

Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night

 

When people share their testimony, oftentimes they mention hearing “God’s voice”. People aren’t sure if the Voice is audible or in their mind, yet it’s distinct enough to change their life. In fact, most Christians have either experienced this or at the very least believe it to be true. Hebrews 3:7 says, “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you will hear His voice.’”

What if we as a church body took that verse literally, expecting to hear God’s voice today….and each day?

            When Officer Joaquin Guerrero from Saginaw, Michigan first asked me to write his memoir, I thought it was going to be a simple story about a man and his dog.

I was wrong…

            As a young man starting out in law enforcement, Joaquin heard God’s voice calling him to work the dangerous night streets of Saginaw, Michigan—a city ranked #1 as having the most violent crime per capita in the US. Saddened by seeing so many kids caught up in gang life, God’s voice prompted Joaquin to action. He created Precinct 131, an educational program to help vulnerable children say “No!” to gangs, guns, drugs, and violence. Using his K9 partner Rookie as his mascot, what began as a short K9 demo turned into a multifaceted ministry that reached hundreds of thousands.

            When terrorists attacked America on a beautiful Tuesday morning in September, Joaquin responded to New York City with Rookie to help in the search efforts. Joaquin’s first glimpse of the massive destruction took him to his knees. The smoldering pile was too much to process. He gripped Rookie’s leash and cried out to God, “What should I do, Lord? This is too much…”

            Trust your dog and I’ll do the rest, came God’s reassuring voice.

            The more I discovered about Joaquin’s life, the more I was struck with all that he accomplished, both as a K9 officer and a community volunteer, all because he continually listened for God’s voice. One K9 expert said of Joaquin in reference to K9 handlers, “Joaquin set the bar high.” I would say the same is true for a man with a servant’s heart.

            Joaquin continues Rookie’s legacy today with Rookie II, another K9-trained German shepherd. They will be appearing at Trinity on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at both services. Invite a friend to come and hear Joaquin’s testimony and this remarkable story of goodheartedness and faith.

Joaquin will be sharing the full story at Trinity E-Free Church in Lakeville on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at both services (9 am and 10:30 am). If you're in the area, please join us for this moving story of service to community and country. For details & directions, please visit www.Trinityefc.net .

Blessings,
Barbara

Step-Parents vs. Parents

 On my way to work today I heard the morning talk show hosts on KTIS 98.5 in Minneapolis mention that it was "step-parent day" today. In honor of step-moms and -dads, they were taking calls from listeners about step-parents. My commute was only long enough to hear a few comments, but it was reaffirming to hear young adults give their step-mom or -dad credit for making a positive difference and always being there when they needed them.

The timing is ideal to share a post from The Refine Conference blog about my own feelings as a step-parent:

http://www.therefineconference.com/

 Not Me!

The role of a step-parent is different than a parent; more like walking a tightrope with tiny, cautious steps, not wanting to be too harsh or too easy; attentive to fragile feelings; aware of issues before any danger signs appear on the horizon and the safety net is needed.

When our blended family was still fairly new, we tried our best to entertain all six kids at home. Taking a family of eight to a movie or out to eat was rough on the pocketbook and the satisfaction was short lived. We chose instead to get each child a bicycle, and put up a swing-set play system. Although intended for David, the older kids enjoyed playing with him on it. The trampoline was an instant hit with the entire neighborhood. The kids spent hours on the tramp—spring, summer and fall—taking turns and practicing new stunts. They had the most fun when it was hot enough to jump with the sprinkler underneath. 

           And like all parents, we tried to instill a sense of responsibility to take care of the things we bought them. So I was a bit surprised when a phantom child moved into our house one weekend when all the kids were home. This difficult child showed up at the most inopportune times, and then whoosh! vanished in an instant, hiding his true identity.

“Who left the bicycle in the street?”

“Not me!”

“Who broke the new tennis racket?”

“Not me!”

“Who spilled pop on the carpet?”

“Not me! Not me!”

So there I was, alone with this phantom child while everyone scattered to safety. Unless I knew for sure who-had-done-what, I didn’t want to accuse the wrong child of a misdeed. Many times I found myself cleaning up the mess Not me! had left in his wake.

I finally wised up, realizing I didn’t have to let the kids’ visits be all play time. I created charts for simple household chores, and John brought them to our business and assigned jobs for them.

In the evenings, when things were quiet, I tried to be aware of the kids’ feelings. If one was unusually quiet and needed space, I understood. If another one was eager to share something on their mind, I wanted to take time to listen.

As time went on, the kids offered to pitch in and help with projects, and even asked if they could “work” at the store. Not me! eventually moved out of our house. My guess is he moved in with another unsuspecting family and that was just fine with me.

Live-Write-Thrive! from Author/Editor Susanne Lakin

Back in 2009 when I finished writing "Seeds of Salton" I hired Susanne Lakin from Santa Cruz, California to do a content and copy edit. Nervous about how "critical" her comments might be, she calmed my nerves by displaying a genuine interest in my manuscript right from the start. She connected with the story and really "got" my protaganist. Knowing that, when it came time to read Susanne's edits I was receptive to her words, thankful for the instruction she provided. Her expertise helped me add the missing components and end up with a polished manuscript.  

In 2011 Susanne started a new website, dedicated to helping writers called Live Write Thrive.  Here's what she says: "I love to help writers with their novels. I specialize in thorough annotated critiques, so if you have a manuscript that needs some work or you’re not sure if it does, check out my site specifically dedicated to my critique services. You’ll find a lot of informative articles on why you might need a critique and how to choose the right editor for your needs."

If anyone out there is in need of a good editor, I would highly recommend Susanne...I'm just saying!  This month I'm honored to have my writing journey featured on her client page at www.LiveWriteThrive.com.

THE HIDDEN HERITAGE JOURNEY

My writing journey began in a most unexpected way, what some might call a chance encounter. On a family vacation in the Black Hills of South Dakota one summer we happened upon a Native American band playing in the tourist town of Deadwood. The music from Brulé, a small, upcoming band of three, was as captivating as the surrounding landscape. Their distinct sound initially caught my attention—the hauntingly beautiful mix of flute, keyboard, and traditional drum they are now famous for. Listening one could immediately sense something deeper at the heart of it. Sure enough, in reading about Paul LaRoche, the band’s founder, I found his life story equally captivating.

All the way back to Minneapolis I heard a voice, You should write a book about this man…
But before I reached home a flurry of doubts drowned out the voice, telling me I had no connection to Paul LaRoche, a complete stranger. I wasn’t Native American or adopted, and furthermore I didn’t have any writing credentials. The loudest doubt pushed through time and time again: You’re not a real writer; you’ve never even been published! Yet each time I listed to Paul’s unique music, the voice returned.

Three years passed before I dispelled the doubts and found the courage to respond…and as soon as I did, an amazing journey began. First came an article about Paul, published in a regional magazine. Next came the book, a project that took three years to complete. Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche was released in 2006. That summer Paul invited me to join him at several Brulé events. None was more moving than at Mount Rushmore National Monument. I stood on the park’s plaza, the majestic granite monument in the backdrop, the beautiful Brulé music playing in the mountain air, signing books alongside Paul. It was a moment I never could have imagined seven years earlier on Main Street Deadwood. I had only a few moments to listen as Paul played. We didn’t even speak. Yet God intertwined our otherwise separate lives and gave us a connected purpose, a purpose that didn’t end there.

While writing Hidden Heritage I discovered Paul’s great-great-great grandfather, a Yankton chief named Strikes the Ree (1804-1888), was an important figure in American history. In 1804 Lewis and Clark were camped at Calumet Bluff when word came that a baby had just been born. The famed explorers wrapped the infant in a flag and declared that he would someday be a great American citizen. Their prophecy indeed came true. Strikes the Ree was a great leader among his people and played a significant role as a peacemaker during the Great Sioux Uprising. During his life he traveled to Washington DC and received peace medals from three US presidents. Worthy of an epic tale, I’ve since learned the great burdens the chief bore during the years of cession and settlement on the Northern Plains have largely been overlooked by historians.

Long after I finished Paul’s book, Strike the Ree’s story called out to me time and time again. A few weeks ago I read a post from author/speaker Page Lambert titled “Write Brave, Write Epic”. Her words challenged me: Be brave. Write the BIG story. Be fearless in your belief that yes, we can set aside our smallness and our frailties and reach for that deeper part of ourselves that knows there are GREAT TRUTHS in this world, and it is these truths about which we must write.

I believe the Hidden Heritage journey has led to this important, historical book. God has equipped me—through all that’s happened since I stood on that crowded sidewalk in Deadwood thirteen years ago—to write this epic novel and I can move forward with confidence. Chance encounter? Hardly. Every step declares it is God’s divine plan, a journey that is far over.

My character, my very nature is to go about life in small, cautious and predictable steps. I'm a planner, an organizer. I follow rules. So when I started writing, I continued in that manner, the old "write what you know" concept, writing little stories from my hometown in Northern Minnesota. Then one day I heard a radio broadcast from Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll that challenged me to think in a new way. His words struck a chord with me and I wrote them in my Bible: "Break me free from the limitations and expectations surrounding me. A spiritual life is lived with gracious uncertainty and breathless expectation. Yes, Lord--take me on an adventure!"

Funny, as I continued to read those words, I began to believe them...sensing something exciting on the horizon. Next thing I knew I was on a Native American reservation in the middle of South Dakota doing research for "Hidden Heritage", my first book.

And that was just the beginning...

Let the adventure continue, Lord!
Barbara

To see more about Page Lambert or Susanne Lakin, please visit their websites. These are two ladies that I really respect and admire!
www.PageLambert.com
www.LiveWriteThrive.com or www.cslakin.com

Each month as I prepare to write my "blended family" post for the Refine Conference website, I find I need to pull out my old photo albums. Looking through the pages of our family pictures brings me back to that time and place, in this instance, the news of a baby on the way. The first two years of our marriage brought a barrage of changes, both physical moves and as a family unit. We prayed through those changes, one by one, until we settled in a new suburb and opened a business, putting down roots in a community where we hoped to stay.

As it turned out, we did stay, 22 years now and holding. Here's how it all began:

And Baby Makes Eight

 

The first year of our marriage brought a period of transitions, including multiple moves to different homes and jobs. Our new family included five children from previous marriages. John had shared visitation of his two daughters and son, and I had full custody of my daughters since their dad lived out-of-state.

From the first time our kids met they seemed to connect with each other, especially the four girls who quickly paired up by age. The two older girls were only seven months apart, and the younger two only four months. John Ryan, the only boy, was a good sport and played along with whoever let him! Many times all five played together, making up plays they would practice for hours on end and then “perform” for us.

When it was all said and done, John and I opened a business in a suburb on the outer edge of Minneapolis, while his kids moved with their mom to the opposite side of the metro area. Because of the 40-mile distance, their visits dropped from twice a week to twice a month. My girls looked forward to the kids’ visits; it was like having their best friends come for sleepovers every other weekend.

Moving to a new community gave John and me an unexpected fresh start. The people we met through our new business and in church only knew us as a couple, rather than with our former spouses. It further cemented our newly formed foundation, uniting us as one. As we got involved in the community, people commented on how much my daughter looked “exactly like John” or that one of my girls and one of his “must be sisters”. The more it happened, the more the kids learned to have fun with it.

In the midst of all these changes I learned I was pregnant. Our new house—we believe handpicked by God—was perfect for a family of eight, with plenty of bedroom space! When David was born, he became the instant center of attention. With big brown eyes and an infectious smile, David’s presence filled the house with the kind of joy only a baby can bring
.

The four girls loved helping out with David, and John Ryan was thrilled to have a brother. John and I continued to find ways to make memories as a family. Twins games, weekend getaways, even simple dinners around the table were cause for fun. The bond that had formed between the kids now included the baby brother they all adored.

____________________________________________________________________

Written by speaker: Barbara Marshak

Connect: Facebook| blog

Barbara is a freelance writer with over 150 published stories and articles. She will be speaking to us about the twists and turns along the blissful road of relationships within blended families.

 

As I shared in another post, I've been asked to speak at a woman's conference in Minneapolis this September. The REFINE Conference invites women to "Come as you are...and take your next steps with purpose". Topics include Financial, Relationships, Emotional, Spiritual, Health/Wellness, and Professional. My topic is under the Relationship category on Blended Families, a topic near and dear to my heart.

I've outlined 8 key points to share in my breakout session, the first being Adjustments with a Capital A! Ah, yes...as you can imagine, there were a few of those! The bonding that took place between our five kids in the first year of our marriage, however, was a blessing that far exceeded our expectations. Here's a little story that explains my own lesson that first year.


From the Refine Conference Website: http://www.therefineconference.com/2012/02/17/the-bedroom-lesson/

The Bedroom Lesson

February 17, 2012

When my husband and I married in 1988 we brought together five kids between the ages of six and ten. Considering that fact alone, common sense would say we should have entered marriage only after much planning. That was not the case.

John & Barbara, circa 1988

John and I met on August 20^th, but we lived three hours apart. Our first “date” happened two weeks later when I traveled from northern Minnesota to Minneapolis with my two daughters for a Twins game. By Thanksgiving we were married. Yup, do the math…a three-month courtship with five kids in tow.

I sold my house—an older Tudor with four spacious bedrooms—and moved into John’s two-bedroom suburban shoebox. My furniture ended up stacked to the ceiling in the garage and unfinished lower level. It also meant all five kids had to share a bedroom. It bugged me because I had three beds in the garage, but no room for them! Meanwhile the kids alternated; two in the bed, three on the floor.
John asked his brother to finish the lower level, which would add a family room and bedroom. “How long?” I asked, noting the sleeping bags on the floor.

        “Three months, I promise.”

Unfortunately John’s brother was in no rush. Three months passed and the studs were up. “Can you tell your brother we really need that bedroom? The kids deserve to sleep on a bed, not the floor!”
His brother showed up for several days and then disappeared for weeks. Meanwhile, my frustrations grew as I tried to make the small house feel like a home. Three more months passed, then six. Although not a handyman, John helped to hurry the process while I painted and sewed curtains.
Finally, the lower level was finished. I was ecstatic! I arranged furniture, put on bedding, hung pictures. The bedroom was perfect!
That evening I told the kids they could divide up however they wished, three in one room, two in the other. A short time later we heard giggles coming from downstairs. John and I went down to say nightly prayers. We opened the door and there were the kids, two on the bed, three on the floor.

           

“Why are you all in here?” I asked.

           

“We like it this way,” came their voices.

           

“Yeah! Can we stay together?”

I held my breath thinking, “No! I waited all year for a proper place for you to sleep!” And then my heart took over, “There is a bond forming…something far more important. Rejoice and be thankful.”

The kids all grown up!

Barbara & John today

NOTE: The full story, In Harmony, appeared in Guideposts, May 2004.

Blessings,
Barbara

New Year; New Opportunities

It’s amazing to look back over the past year and see all that transpired in the time the earth made its journey around the sun. Discovering that I could start and finish a full book in five months was a great confidence booster for me as a writer. Last January I was just starting Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night, and now I have the reward of receiving reader comments, payoff for those long hours at the computer:

“I just finished this most exceptional book. Each and every page captured the heart, soul, and purpose of an amazing police officer and his K9 partner.” Christine S.

“This is the best book I’ve read in a long time…a true story about a courageous man and his K9 partner serving our community and nation.” Roxanne A.

“What a fabulous story for any American to read!” Amanda E.

As I look ahead to 2012 I can only wonder what this year has in store.

ü Possible opportunities to collaborate with Paul LaRoche and continue the Hidden Heritage journey

ü New writing projects

ü Finding agent representation for Seeds of Salton

ü New speaking opportunities

ü More marketing and promotional events with Joaquin Guerrero for Michigan & Rookie

ü Expand my new photography line called Sundance Imagery

Here’s a cool thing that happened the last week of December when I ran an errand with my son to the local Office Max. Upon seeing they were running a one-day special on color enlargements, I hurried home and grabbed my jump-drive. I asked the young gal working in the copy center to make 11x14s of each photo.

As the pictures began printing, the gal said, “Wow, these are really amazing.”

Being a fledgling photographer I was touched by her compliment and said, “Thank you.”

“Do you teach?” she asked, still studying the photos.

I thought, what—am I dressed like a teacher or something? Not knowing what she meant, I said, “Huh?”

“Do you teach photography?”

OH… that’s what she meant!!!

 I told her I’d never even taken a photography class, let alone taught one, and said, “You just made my day!” Turns out she had a Graphic Arts/Photography degree, so that made her comments all the more meaningful. I hope to bring my Sundance Imagery collection to a couple art shows this year and see what kind of interest they generate.

Many of my writer friends have good things happening in 2012 as well:

• Author Julie Saffrin’s new book, BlessBack: Thank Those Who Shaped Your Life is in the galley stage and will be released in March. This is a delightful and possible life-changing book on the impact one can make by reflecting back and thanking someone who influenced their life along the way. www.BlessBack.com

• Author/Speaker Joy DeKok released her new book on Amazon, today as a matter of fact! Your Life a Legacy: Explore and Record the Times of Your Life is full of ideas and information for people who want to turn their lives into written legacies.  www.JoyDeKok.com

• Author/Editor Susanne Lakin is a virtual writing machine these days. She released four books in 2011, and has plans for two more in 2012—so far! Fans of her Gates of Heaven fantasy series can look forward to books #4 The Unraveling of Wentwater and #5 The Crystal Scepter in 2012. You can find all her books at www.cslakin.com  Susanne also has a new blog for writers: www.LiveWriteThrive.com with insight, inspiration and practical advice for writers.

• I’ve also been asked to speak at a wonderful women’s conference coming to Minneapolis, September 21-22, 2012. The Refine Conference—Come as You Are invites women seeking to REFINE their lives emotionally, spiritually, financially, professionally, in health and wellness and in relationships to attend. I’ll be speaking on blended families in one of the breakout “relationship” sessions. Married 22 years to my hubby, along with six kids in the “yours, mine, and ours” categories, it’s my heart’s desire for people to know blended families can and do work.  www.TheRefineConference.com

Looking forward to all the opportunities this year will bring!

Barbara