ELLIE GUSTAFSON knows her craft, weaving together the mystery that begins in a flower garden, continues in the political world of Washington, D.C., and explores everyone’s search for true human love, inner faith, and peace. I enjoyed Unpresentable Glory from beginning to end, a story told by a woman who understands a main character’s need for a loving woman in his life and the essential bond within deep male friendships. After reading, I wrote the author a note of admiration for her excellent work. She replied, and thus, a friendship began. Kindred spirits. Years ago.
A graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, Ellie has been a minister’s wife, teacher, musician, writer, and encourager. She has enjoyed a range of experiences, from horseback riding to home construction, all of which have added color and humor to her fiction.
Even though we don’t write each other often, I texted her the other day:
Ward: You’re still living in Massachusetts, right?
Ellie: Used to. Now I live in Salem NH, in assisted living and am working hard at heading for heaven. See you there!
Ward: Relax, Ellie, and take your time. I know you are ready and anxious to step over to the other side, but I will miss you here. I still have a bit of work left to do and your encouragement means a lot to me. I am sending an arrow prayer heavenward for you today. Blessings. May Jesus keep us close both here and there.
Ellie: Thanks for your prayers. Life—and death—IS interesting!
Ward: “‘Interesting’ is an understated word, isn’t it? In life or death. This week and last, I have been doing two things. One is learning some of the deeper elements of Scrivener, perhaps you are familiar with this software for writers. Very powerful and complicated. Like life. The other is sorting my computer’s Notes ‘garage’ where I have piles on piles of quotes, ideas, stories, etc., hundreds of them. Now I am attempting to sort through them so that I can make sense of what is there. Like death. Organizing, reflecting, and making sense of it all. Where I have been, what I have done, what I have missed, what there is left for me to do before he calls me home. Ellie, you are helping me focus on the day before me and the ones yet to follow this one. It’s a good thing to be where we are. You may arrive at the end of your journey first, and if you do, perhaps you will meet Dixie, the love of my life. Introduce yourself and let her know you are one of my best friends that I have never met. Blessings, dear friend.”
Ellie: “I’m gleefully ignorant of Scrivener. May you survive the learning aspect! You are describing my computer. Sort of organized but hopeless in getting a handle on anything practical. I will hunt for Dixie, and together we’ll plan a party for when you join us!”
Are you blessed to have a friend like Ellie in your life? I hope so. Why not reach out today and tell them how much they mean to you. Kindred spirits. Even if it’s someone you have never met.
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John 15:15: I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
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SO, YOU ARE CLIMBING the First Half of Life Mountain. You’re out of breath, but almost there. You reach for an energy bar, but your hand comes back with an AARP membership card! Really? How could this have happened so quickly? Where have all the years gone?
To gain fresh perspective on this mountain, subscribe to my Perspective Blog. It’s published twice a month and discusses how Jesus makes a difference in everything, including life’s second half! Invite a friend to subscribe also at: www.wardtanneberg.com/blog/.
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“There is a plan already in motion,” Dosha said quietly, looking at the others for a long moment. “If we are successful, it will be better than placing an atom bomb under the White House!”
a CAIN FAMILY THRILLER.
Softcover or electronic book available now on Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request at your favorite bookstore. Audio book is in the beginning stages.
and COMING THIS SPRING…
PRIZE CHILD
12-year-old Jessica Cain, was last seen near the Dead Sea in Israel. She is not with her father, and she’s not headed to Jerusalem with the tour group. Who has her, where is she going, and why”
Final edits are in and the book cover is nearing completion.
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“TELLING THE STORY OF JESUS THE WAY JESUS DID,
THROUGH THE POWER OF STORY!”
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