Christmas Tree
How do you sum up 2017? Hard? Difficult? Lonely? Trying? Eventful? Perhaps you faced a lot of changes or challenges. Maybe it was a year of renewal and inspiration. Even a season of prosperity.
I don’t typically think of a “word for the year” unless it comes to me in contemplation or prayer, or maybe out of the blue, and it feels right.
At the end of 2015 my husband asked if my art tablet was nearby. Now I do NOT draw but I like to doodle.
“It’s in the other room. Why?”
He shrugged. “Just wondering.”
That evening we were in the living room with friends talking and watching TV — yes at the same time. I was drawing in the tablet and I wrote the word Freedom.
My husband leaned forward. “I was going to tell you to write that word and draw around it.”
It seemed Freedom was on God’s heart for 2016.
For 2017, I wrote the word Peace. The Lord continues to bring us to places of freedom and peace in this season of our lives. And I am grateful.
I’ve dubbed 2017 the year of family. I’ll give you the run down.
January — My maternal grandmother died at 102 years and seven months. It was good to see the extended family at her funeral and remember her together. Even cousins from my dad’s side came to honor her. Also, my husband’s sister and her husband moved down to spend time with my mother-in-law. We’ve not had this much family in our neck of the woods for over 17 years!
I started a new book, The Love Letter. Our “girl” Cassie came for a few days. She’s not technically ours but we like to claim her. π #childrenofourhearts
February — My annual trek to Destin Florida for the Deep Thinkers Writes Retreat. Always a busy but lovely time. I stopped in for a night with my big brother in Tallahassee.
March — This month was a flurry of writing, reviewing galleys for The Writing Desk, and preparing for my youngest brother to visit with his wife and children, along with my mom! We had a great time. No sooner had they gone when my sister came down with her family. We had a great time going to the beach and eating my BIL’s biscuits and gravy.
Oh yea, Hubby and I had our 25th wedding anniversary. We were so busy we didn’t have time to do something grand so we ordered from Carrabbas, ate in, and watched a movie! It was so relaxing. Our gift to each other was a list of 25 memories or things we loved about each other. It was more special than diamonds.
April — We had a fast visit from Hubby’s brother Jim. Most of the days were devoted to writing. Deadlines don’t wait.
May — Went into Deep Dark Mode. Translation: Last month of deadline. Don’t bother me! Ha!
I attended a readers conference in Atlanta as well as prepared for a small local speaking engagement and two classes for a conference at Princeton — yes, the Princeton — ha!
Also, I decided to jump into a new diet that knocked me for a loop. Keto. I managed to keep writing even though I had no energy, giving the diet a chance, but when I woke up two nights in a row shaking and anxious, having to eat at one am to raise my blood sugar, I knew this was not the diet for me. It was sad though because I’d invested in a cookbook, food stuffs, etc but as Hubs said, “This is not worth it and I’m not doing it with you!” Okay then…
In the midst of this, we hosted long time friends from Michigan for their 40th wedding anniversary and had a house full.
Hubby’s dive off the rocks.
June — Started out with a trip to Princeton. It literally took a plane, train and an automobile to get there. I had a lovely time and the Princeton campus was beautiful.
Next Hubs and I headed to Tennessee for annual family vacation with my mom’s side. Always a good time and I love hanging out with the nieces and nephews and my little cousins!
We left that venue for a cabin in North Carolina. A week of viewing five mountain ranges from our front porch wasn’t too bad. While I loved it, I missed our lake retreat from last year. We tried to book for this year but they are all filled up! Rats. I think we should book now for 2019.
My beloved gym closed so I lost my Tuesday, Thursday morning spin class. We were small group but we had fun together. Miss those guys.
July — Worked on new story ideas for my publisher, then had a prayer day at church. Was such a sweet, lovely time and I want us to do more.
Started rewrites on The Love Letter, one of the hardest books I’ve ever written, and attended the RWA conference in Orlando.
Had another visit from darling Cassie! She fills the house with blessing. #blessed.
Of course I was excited for the release of The Writing DeskΒ which landed on the CBA Top 50 books for July.
Hubs and I joined a new gym and jump started our workout routines. We’ve been staying steady three days a week!
August — Rewrite city! But of course the time was broken up with trips. Met my writing partner Susan May Warren in Cincinnati for a reader’s retreat. Then the following weekend flew back to Ohio for a reunion on my father’s side. It was so good to see my aunt and uncle, and all but two of the cousins, and the kids of cousins. I’d dedicated The Writing Desk to my Aunt Carol and how blessed to hand her a copy personally! We had a great time and look forward to doing it again.
Our sweet girl Carrie came at the end of the month. She always fills the house with peace.
[Tweet “Summing Up 2017. One word: Family”]September — Finished edits of The Love Letter then flew to Atlanta for Hub’s nephew’s wedding. It was great to be with that side of the family. They are fun and loving. Of course Hurricane Irma was bearing down and we flow home from the wedding weekend to be here during the storm. Crazy, right? There were 14 of us on the flight in. It was overbooked on the flight out.
We survived Irma well enough though the first half of the neighborhood flooded. We came within inches of having water in the house ourselves. We lost power for 12 hours but had the generator to keep the fridge and fans going. I bought two things as hurricane prep: water, which we didn’t need, and fans. Boom! How we needed those fans.
Prepped for two workshops I was to teach at American Christian Fiction Writers and headed to Dallas right after Irma. Came home and dove into a final pass at The Love Letter. You’d think this book would be brilliant after all the rewriting! Ha!
October — Started planning the next book, researching, dreaming, catching my breath. Since one of Hub’s sisters is here with her husband, we try to get together with them once a week or every other. They bring my mother-in-law over and we watch a movie or something. It’s been lovely having them here.
This month I preached a four part series on Song of Solomon. I was concerned preaching every week would cut into my story prep time and I almost cancelled the series. But I knew the Lord was tugging on me to do it, so I trusted Him for the grace to get it done and left the outcome to Him. The series went well and I’m so glad I stuck to it.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Ga
November — Start writing The House On Memory Lane. It’s ready, fire, aim in the book writing business. I prepped until November 1st and ready or not, it was time to write, let the story come alive and speak for itself.
November was peppered with various fun interruptions. I flew to Nashville for a night to attend the Christy Awards. I wasn’t nominated but I was asked to present an award. So honored.
Then another of Hub’s sisters and her husband came down for their mom’s 91st birthday. Always a delight to have them. #familytime.
My good friend Stuart was with us for a few days and then his wife Esther came for a week. Laughter! Fun. A new hastag #wedonthavekids was invented. ;0
A brother and another sister and their families came for Thanksgiving week. Even with all the goings on, the Lord gave me so much grace to keep writing. So much peace and joy. I was having a blast. Sure the book was fast drafted, not polished and full of plot holes, but I can see it. Feel it.
ALL FALL LONG Saturdays were set aside for college football. Hubs an I have fun discussing the sport and rooting for Ohio State every week.
Fireplace on TV
December — Finished my rough draft between birthdays β Hubs and I are three days apart β and a fast research trip to Fernandina Beach FL on Amelia Island.
I’m taking a holiday break before jumping back into writing in the New Year and I wanted to say Hello to you! Writing this post reminds me my year was full of peace, faith and hope. And family!
What was your year like? What are your thoughts looking toward next year? I have an excitement in my heart for 2018.
No matter what your year was like, no matter what lies ahead, let’s lean into Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. How He loves us.
As you remember His birth this time of year, remember his life, His death and resurrection. There is truly power in the name of Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
P.S. You probably saw my newsletter sign up pop up. I’d love to have you join me there. All insider news about books and releases goes to newsletter subscribers. Also a look behind the scenes at a writers life. So be sure to sign up. I promise it’ll be fun. π RH
Comments 8
I love your books!
Author
Thank you so much!
Dear Ms. Hauck: Just finished reading The Wedding Shop. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline from beginning to end! Looking forward to reading all your books. Anna
Author
Thank you so much, Anna!
Just finished βThe Writing Deskβ. Thought it was wonderful! So touching and intriguing. My fav so far. Love your books!
Author
Karen, thank you so much! RH
Hi Rachel,
I just “discovered” you last year, but I’ve binge-read (and love!) many of your books (in this order):
Love Starts with an Elle
Dining with Joy
Sweet Caroline
Lambert’s Pride
Georgia on Her Mind
The Wedding Dress
Once Upon a Prince
Princess Ever After
A March Bride
A Brush With Love
I’m currently reading How to Catch a Prince with A Royal Christmas Wedding in the queue. God actually recommended your books (prophetic ministry!) to me as part of His cure for my marriage-phobia. It’s working! I’ve stopped having panic attacks at the mere mention of marriage. π #truestory He also uses you to help me see that the roots of my commitment-phobia issues are family-related. The discussion questions at the end are confirmations of the lessons that God is teaching me through your books. I already know that He’s gonna save every unbeliever in my family and social circle as soon as they receive the wedding invitations: “She’s getting MARRIED?! OMG! Jesus is REAL and He’s returning soon like she said! Everyone jump in the ocean to get baptized!” #actsofGod
So when I saw that Hallmark (also a huge part of God’s 2017 deliverance-from-marriage-phobia plan for me) was making one of your books (Once Upon a Prince) into a movie, I was so excited. That is, until I watched the movie and quickly realized that Hallmark stripped God from the plot! How did “fate” and “luck” replace God’s sovereignty (aka “invisible hand”)?! There were so many plot holes because of how they removed all references to Nate and Susanna as CHRISTIANS who are relying on JESUS CHRIST as their Therapist, Matchmaker, etc. And all of the Catholic symbolism in the coronation scene was also quite disturbing as a Pope-ish man yelled “God save the king!” In the book, it is very clear that Nathaniel is appointed BY GOD but struggles with his identity, so that is why proposing to Susanna despite her national identity is so important. Love is a sacrifice. Therefore, Nate’s vows in the book to love the country (as JESUS CHRIST LOVES HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH) are way more beautiful and poignant than what are spoken in the movie because they are a metaphor for how he plans to love Susanna (as JESUS CHRIST LOVES HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH). And where’s the tent-dwelling prophetess who ditched the Washington DC political madhouse?! They replaced her with this fictional fairy godmother-esque sponsor! Words cannot adequately express how extremely disappointed I am in what I just saw. They turned your amazing Christ-honoring book into a generic “Hallmark royal wedding” movie.
If there are plans to turn the rest of the Royal Wedding Series into Hallmark movies, please prayerfully consider taking a firm stand for JESUS CHRIST and insisting that they don’t rewrite Him out of the stories. The world needs to know that without Him, there’s no such thing as love, romance, or marriage! (See The Nanny Express as an example of how to keep the character’s faith in JESUS CHRIST in the story without it being too overwhelming for nonbelievers when it’s turned into a movie.)
Song of Songs 7:10: I am my lover’s, and he claims me as his own.
Ephesians 5:
18 Donβt be drunk with wine [of the world], because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands
21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of Godβs word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body.
31 As the Scriptures say, βA man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.β 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
1 John 4:
1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.
4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the worldβs viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
Loving One Another
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real loveβnot that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other because he loved us first.
20 If someone says, βI love God,β but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we donβt love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.
Author
Jara,
Good to hear from you! I’m honored to know God is using my weak works to encourage your heart in the arena of love and marriage. π Blessings to you.
As for the movie, I really had no part in the script or production other than to visit the set. It was a huge honor to have Hallmark option the book for their purposes. Checked off one of my bucket list items. While the producer and screenwriter made the book their own for the purposes of Hallmark, I believe their changes will still lead others to read the book and see it for it’s value as well as the films. God’s in control of everything– even a book to Hallmark movie process. Thanks for taking the time to write me. You made my day!
Rachel