For those of you interested in reading my book, The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, but lacking in funds, you have an opportunity to win a copy. Catherine at Our Village is a Little Different has selected my book as the next sweepstakes giveaway.
This giveaway is open to US residents, ages 18 and older. It will close at 12:01AM EST on may 14th.
Visit the site to enter. Good luck and God bless you!
My first Interview for The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is posted on Project Inspired.
I’m a contributing Culture Shock and Style blogger for the website, which focuses on providing advice and news to Christian teen girls. It’s a great forum and I’m excited to be featured on it.
Here’s a snippet:
Girls, you’ve been enjoying T.M.’s Culture Shock and style articles at PI—we’re thrilled to announce that she’s just released a novel! It’s called The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch.
TDSR is about the hardships experienced by a distrustful 10-year-old boy named Benny, a foster child, who is bound and determined to avoid faith and keep his distance from everyone. (We bet you’ve met a few people like that, huh?) David and Martha Credence (his new foster parents) have their work cut out for them to help open Benny’s heart and show him to his path with God—they also have a whole foster family to look after!
You can read the first chapter of TDSR here.
We asked T.M. all about the book and why girls should read it. Check out our Q&A!
PI: T.M., we’re so excited about your new book! First of all, what inspired you to write The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch?
T.M.: My novels are usually inspired by a different number of things. It could be a thought, a news story, an issue I’m passionate about, a biblical verse, or even a random person I see on the street. With Sunshine Ranch, it was a mix of some of these prompts. I imagined my main character, Benedict, a 10-year old foster child, struggling with the fear of his past and being cynical about his future. I pictured him as this grumpy kid who was afraid to be happy. The elevation of children, especially those who come from bad or poor upbringings, is always inspiring to me. I wanted to tell a story about children and teens, scarred by adversity, but strengthened by God. I was inspired by the desire to inspire, and ultimately, I think that’s why I write all of my stories.
PI: What do you hope young Christians will take away from this novel?
T.M.: That past adversity should never dictate or assume an adverse future. No matter where you come from, you have the ability to succeed. Trust that God has a plan for you, and that in difficult times, He will carry you through. This book epitomizes the scripture Philippians 4:12-13. Basically it translates into:
“I know what it’s like to be in need and to have plenty; I’ve learned how to be content in any situation, because God gives me strength to deal with anything that comes my way.”
I pray this truth reveals itself to my readers, because nothing is impossible with God.
Read the whole interview at Project Inspired.
I just received my first review for The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch. Here’s a snippet:
In addition to a delightful read, there are a few uplifting messages revealed in these pages. For me, the most important was that faith is the only sure anecdote for anxiety. Coming in a closely behind were the ideas that God waits – and that where there is life, there is hope.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to be a foster child, especially one who is moved from place to place. That is who this story is about. A lovable and diverse bunch of foster children and the couple who take them into their home.
I loved how Ms. Gaouette presented each child as unique, with his or her own defenses and coping mechanisms. David and Martha Credence, (the foster parents) have a wonderful ability to understand these kids and assist them as they heal from their painful pasts. They carefully guide the group of young people towards faith, and help them to cope with new situations and emotions. Their capacity to love is amazing, and they have plenty for each of their charges. Sunshine Ranch is a refuge.
Benedict is the main character, and he is introduced immediately. He’s only ten but he has had quite a rough life. When he arrives at the ranch he isn’t exactly sure what to make of it – or the oddly happy people living there. While the stories of the other children all intertwine through Benny’s, the focus always returns to him. He is a stubborn young man – bound and determined to avoid faith, refuse to trust, and to keep everyone at an arm’s length. He is determined not to become attached to this new home or it’s inhabitants, even though Sunshine Ranch is everything he has ever wanted or hoped for. MORE
Image credit: ourvillageisalittledifferent.com
1
THE tires crunched slowly into the sand and came to a halt. The man behind the wheel of the red Ford truck peered out of his open window, to a memory that sat quietly at the base of the rich green grassy hill. The sun shone over a white farmhouse, comfortably nestled inside the ranch. To its left was a red barn, smaller than he remembered. A paddock enclosed with white post and board fencing sat in front. The dirt road, on which he’d stopped, meandered down the right side of the aged property, appearing and disappearing through the lush green trees. Nothing had really changed, it seemed, although the life within its boundaries no longer existed, and both time and neglect had left their weary mark. The man turned the engine off and leaned his head back against his seat. He continued to survey the property and its surroundings, looking for reminders of his past. The old crooked oak by the house was even older, as if holding itself up was getting harder day by day. He searched within its leaves and branches, but he couldn’t see what he was looking for from that distance. The fields were overgrown with wild grass and flowers. He scanned the property with stinging eyes. It seemed to be all there, but only as a scene lost in time, once loved and warmed from within by so many. It was all there, but so much was missing. A part of him wanted to sit for a while and just take it all in. The other part was eager to drive down to the house and bask in the memories. He stopped himself from breaking into the scene too soon and closed his eyes. His mind took him back to a memory he would have rather forgotten, had it not eventually taken him to a better place.
“I’m sorry to have to call you in again, Miss Ratchet, but we just can’t go on like this. I’m afraid we’ll have to suspend him again.” The school principal sat behind her desk wearing a brown suit and sporting a drained expression.
“Is that really necessary, Miss Martindale?” The woman asked, even though she knew this was coming when she’d received the call that morning. She had to admit that having these children was not as easy as she’d originally anticipated. Her plan had been to have more.
“We cannot have the distraction. He fights with everyone.”
“Well, what do you suppose I do with him during the day?” Miss Ratchet leaned forward in her chair.
“I’m sorry,” Miss Martindale replied as she collected her papers and straightened them with a sigh. “Maybe it would be best to meet with his case worker, or contact the state department and see if they can help you. I have a school to run, and I cannot do that when your son…”
“Foster son.”
“Foster son…excuse me…continues to cause havoc like he does. You know, he’s going to have to repeat the fourth grade at this rate.”
“Well, that’s just great. Thanks for nothing.” Miss Ratchet got up and grabbed her purse and coat. Out in the hall, a young boy sat with his head hung low, his dark greasy hair covering his face. He picked at a strand hanging from a hole in his right pant knee and yanked until it came off. Then he twisted the piece around his forefinger and watched the end of it swell and redden. He knew he was in trouble but his fear was weakened with lack of concern.
“Come on, you.” Miss Ratchet marched toward him and pulled him up by the shoulder of his dirty denim jacket and shoved him ahead of her….CONTINUE READING
Needed to hear this today.
Newworldson has a new album, “Rebel Transmission,” due out April 17, 2012. In the mean time, sing this with me:
Image Credit: newworldson.com
“I am grateful for my life, my blessings, husband and children, my home, and my writing.” I continue my daily mantra instinctively but faithfully. Except my words lack the enthusiasm insisted by Tony Robbins. “I’m grateful for finding my passion, although my time is restricted. My life’s full with every second consumed by one being or another seeking my attention. I’m grateful for it all until insanity kicks in.” I suck in a much needed breath and glance at my two little homeschoolers working diligently at the dining room table, my third sits playing with the spice rack. A sudden gush of happiness washes through me, cleansing all remnants of sarcasm and discouragement that taint my mood.
I’ll survive the drudge of today, with its typical formation. I’ll follow yesterday’s steps, same as the day before. I’m not alone. I prepare a snack, send out the dog, clean the kitchen, and change a diaper. My only interruption is to grab a scrap of paper, napkin, piece of gum wrap, anything obtainable for me to safely transfer a soon-to-be renowned phrase or idea from thought.
Finally, I’m onto my beloved chore, staring at my impending bestseller while my boy plays by my feet. The older two are in bed and my time has come. I read prewritten words in an attempt to transform my mind into one of a novelist’s. Distraction comes soon, however, when I feel little hands grabbing at me. I try to type faster, frantic to finish a thought. What was it, again? It’s too late. I’m no longer a writer. I’m a mountain that must be scaled. Little grunts indicate the magnitude of his mission and it’s too endearing to ignore.
I surrender to his command and drag him onto my lap, hoping he’ll be entertained by the words appearing before us. I regain my literary composure, but soon my sleek lines of literary genius are tainted by an intrusive ‘g,’ followed by a roguish ‘p.’ The meddlesome letters continue appearing, accompanied by impish giggles, and my only response is a desperate, ‘no sweetie,’ ‘don’t touch,’ while maintaining as much patience as my deteriorating mood allows.
It’s too tempting for those tiny fingers, however, and again I’m compelled to surrender, save my potential masterpiece and spin away from the screen, causing a squeal of delight. I lift him into the air and he looks down at me, eyes wide with the anticipation of my next move. Who knows what that will be? Even with routine comes uncertainty, but in the sparkling eyes of my child is a promise of something extraordinary, and for that I am always grateful.
I am a big fan of Whitney Houston’s music. During her downward spiral, I would pray that she would truly open her heart up to God so that she could continue to glorify His name in her songs. She sang about Him often, but could she really have had a relationship with Him?
The devil was in the the drugs. He had a hold of her and her talent, and he made sure she couldn’t sing about God again. Well, she may be gone, but her music will live on. She will continue to sing about our Lord and savior so that we are all reminded of His glory. If her death has resulted in anything positive, it’s that the internet is buzzing about her and her music. Songs and videos are being shared and her words about God and His amazing grace are being heard by millions.
This is a quick tribute I would like to share.
There are so many songs of her’s that I love, but the following, I feel is the most appropriate. It’s called “I Look to You.” I wish she had.
For more of my favorite Whitney Houston songs, check out Whitney Houston’s Heartbreaking Death, my tribute to the singer at Project Inspired.
What is your most favorite Whitney song?
Image: crushable.com
Please pray with me. I’m having a hard time with all these stories about children being abused, molested, and murdered. I wonder if it’s getting worse or if it’s just more exposed. The internet makes it so easy for sex predators, but even so, a lot of parents are the abusers and killers.
I received an e-mail once about how people have turned away from God. How they tried to take Him out of schools, state buildings, etc. But then they blame Him for everything that goes wrong. They blame Him, even though they turned their backs on Him. I wish people would turn back to Him and realize that only He has the ability to make wrong right, but we have to open our hearts to Him. My husband says God must be so angry about how His people are behaving -aborting babies like it’s nothing, abusing, molesting, and killing innocent children. My heart breaks for them.
If anyone can help, God can. So I ask that you pray with me. Strengthen my prayer, because these poor babies need all the help that they can get.
Prayer:
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ said, “Let the children come to me.”
and “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me.”
Millions of your sons and daughters around the world suffer from so much abuse, neglect, and hatred,
you have moved our hearts to pray for them.
We ask that you send your Holy Spirit to change the minds and open the hearts of people around the world,
– that those who seek, perform, or promote abortions might foster life instead of destroy it;
– that those who abuse and molest children open their eyes and their hearts so that they recognize their wrong-doing and that they stop the violence they inflict;
– that the victims of sexual abuse may be protected by you and those around them, healed, and given justice;
– that the victims of these abuses may not themselves abuse others, nor give in to violence or despair;
– that those who have despaired; the families who are in anguish, feel the strength of your comfort during their sorrow; that they may be raised up and given hope;
– that those who have died may be raised up on the last day and receive the consolation and blessing of heaven.
We ask that you open our hearts and minds to learn how we can act to prevent abuse wherever it may occur. Grant us Lord, the courage to take action wherever and whenever it may be possible.
We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Here’s a sneak preview of The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, or at least, the cover. Designed by me, it shows the Ranch from a distance with 2 children looking down at it. Overhead, the sun beams through the clouds, which foreshadows a scene in the story. The back of the book reads as follows:
10 year old Benedict has been moved to a lot of foster homes, and he’s hated every one. When he arrives at Sunshine Ranch, he doesn’t bother unpacking. What’s the point? But his new foster parents and siblings are not a family he’s used to. David and Martha Credence strive to instill love and Christian values in their family, and it inspires hope in each child. Benedict is not into religion, but Sunshine Ranch is the home he’s secretly been yearning for. He fears it’s just a little too good to be true, and his sentiments are validated after learning that they may lose Sunshine Ranch. Can the Credence children help save the Ranch? Will faith keep them together? Or will Benedict’s dream be shattered?
The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is a story about a family devoted to God. It relays the personal journeys of all the Credence foster children and their struggles to overcome past and present pain and adversity.
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:12-13
I had to come up with copy for my back cover. This is what I came up with.
“When Benedict arrives at his new foster home, Sunshine Ranch, he suspects his will be a short stay like all the others. But his new foster parents, David and Martha Credence, and his foster siblings are not a family he’s used to. It’s the home he’s always yearned for, but is it too good to be true?
The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is a story of a family’s devotion to God. It relays the personal stories of all the Credence children and their struggles to overcome past pain and adversity. With the love and devotion of David and Martha Credence, the children begin to find hope. But it’s short lived when they find out that they may lose Sunshine Ranch and be split up. Will faith prevail or is there a new destiny for both Benedict and Sunshine Ranch?”
What do you think?
t.m. gaouette 