Monday, June 25, 2007

Author Copy Approved!

Well, we're one step closer to a release date for Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God) ! I approved the author copy this week, and we should be hearing from Xlibris within the next couple of weeks. Keep watching for updates either through here or through my website, www.allgloryishis.com Book page and Under God page!
I just received word that portions of the book will be used by a chaplain with the KY National Guard during an upcoming training for troops about to be deployed to Iraq. I felt humbled and honored. I pray the words he shares will be ones that they need to hear and ones that will bring them closer to the Lord as they are sent forward in service. (I will be talking soon with chaplains serving with the Illinois National Guard about the very same.)
I also have an opportunity to share portions of the book with an upcoming veterans' reunion of those who served on the USS SARATOGA during WWII, the ship my Uncle Buster served on.
I praise God for these open doors and ministry!
Lucy

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Update!

HonorFlight and HonorAir will be distributing copies of "My Silent Heroes" to WWII veterans they transport to the Memorial in DC. This is a poem out of my book, Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God), A Military Mother's Message to America. What an honor this is to me!

I have been in touch with the curator of the museum about the USS TENNESSEE in Huntsville, TN, who is also the reunion coordinator for her remaining crew members. I sent them info on my great uncle Kenneth, who served on this great battleship in WWII. I am hoping to contact some people who may have served in the same division that he did in 44-45. I submitted a piece out of the book for them to share with any/all remaining crew they know about...the story, "Then and Now." May it be a blessing to these courageous and brave men and women.

I am in touch with several chaplains who would like to review the book and possibly use it as a resource for military families. Pray for God to continue to open doors that He wants opened in this book's ministry!
Lucy

Talking With Heroes event

Last night I had the honor of participating in a live taping of Bob Calvert's "Talking With Heroes." This event was an incredible and memorable experience! It was such a blessing for all who attended to hear the stories told by our military men and women. What touched my heart the most was their courage to speak openly about their faith and reliance on God to see them through their service in the military.
The event was broadcast live on radio, then will be aired on the internet Sunday June 10th at 8 p.m. EST and again Sunday June 14 at the same time. To listen to the show, you can find the link to the June 8th event at www.talkingwithheroes.com. It will also be archived for future listening capabilities.
We pray God will continue to bless Bob's ministry to our troops and their families. For he, too, is a military parent who knows what's it's like to have a loved one in service.
Lucy

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Author Copy Received!

Xlibris update: I felt very humbled (and excited) today when I pulled into the driveway and saw a mailer envelope hanging out of the mailbox! It came...the author copy of Secure theFort (And Remain Under God)! I couldn't wait to get out of the van and grab the mail. I rushed inside and tore open the package like a toddler unwrapping a Christmas present! I sat there and just stared at it, thanking God for His faithfulness all through this journey. It has been something I will never forget as long as I live.

Pray for the ministry this book involves. I will keep you posted on an "official" release date! It's just around the corner... all glory is HIS!

Lucy

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Hero Miles for Troops

What are hero miles? For those of you who fly frequently, you might want to consider sharing those accumulated frequent flier miles with our troops and their families. There are two ways to donate miles. You can either call by phone by the numbers listed below, or you can go to www.heromiles.org to donate online. Share these numbers with everyone you might know who may want to contribute.

Delta: 1-800-325-3999
Continental: 713-952-1630
United: 1-800-421-4655
Northwest: 1-800-327-2881

Thanks! You never know who you might help in an emergency situation...parents or spouses trying to get to Germany hospitals to be with their injured soldiers, etc. As a military mom, I can only imagine the comfort these people find in knowing that expense is not a worry. Let's share all we can...
Lucy

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day today. I felt honored today to take part in our church's recognition of those who serve, and those who gave their lives for freedom. Our church music director included two poems out of this book in his FYI insert in the bulletin. He gave the history of our songs we sang, and provided information on Secure the Fort's release in June.

I gave a short testimony of my journey in writing this book, and sang 'For Freedom' by Avalon. Our church's administrative assistant put slides to the song (which I dared not look at before I had both services under my belt). It is a very moving song, and one I recommend listening to.
Here are the words. I hope they bless you the way they did me.

FOR FREEDOM
(Avalon, 2006)
Somewhere a trumpet sounds in the night
A soldier is standing there
It's calling him out to the stars and stripes
It's calling him God knows where
He kisses the ones he loves goodbye and
Leaves in the dead of night
For freedom he'll heed the call
Leave all he knows
And for freedom he'll stand and fight

Somewhere a man and wife can't believe
They're waving their girl goodbye
For gone are the days of pigtails and curls
And candlelit lullabies
If they had their way she'd stay young forever
And never go far from home
But freedom has drawn her heart
To danger's shores
And for freedom they'll let her go

Somewhere a thundrous crash in the night
It echoes all through the hills
Though many escape its wrath and its rage
A soldier lies wounded still
Remembering the land he loves he cries out
I love you with all my might
For freedom said I 'm her son
Whatever comes
And for freedom I'll say goodbye

Somewhere beneath the stars and the sky
Our flag is still standing there
She bled and she brought one land under God
Her colors still lead us there
She's carried the lives of those before us
She's buried the bold and brave
For freedom she holds our hope and hands up high
And for freedom she'll ever wave

"Enough honour is never paid." Daniel Boone, 1782 after the last KY battle of the Civil War

Friday, May 18, 2007

More Progress!

I had another wonderful experience today when going to our KY National Guard Armory to meet some people and share about Secure the Fort's release. I was encouraged and felt it a true honor to meet these Guard men and women.
I was given some contact names and phone numbers of people who may be able to help schedule some speaking engagements about the book's ministry to our troops.
Keep praying for open doors in the direction God wants us to take...
I should be receiving my author copy within three weeks to preview! After I approve that, it's available!
I thanked God again today for allowing me to take part in this journey with Him. It has been incredible. What an honor...
Lucy

Monday, May 14, 2007

What a day!

Wow! God has really been at work today in preparing the way for Secure the Fort's release!
I have been in awe of my God all day long...let me share.

1. I met some incredible people today at various recruiting offices and at our local Armed Forces Reserves Center. When talking to them about Secure the Fort's upcoming release, they were very positive and encouraging! I met with someone involved with the Army Reserves family programs who literally embraced this book's intent and vision to lift up and encourage our military families. I may have some speaking opportunities as a result of this meeting. God is beginning to open doors to share about this book's ministry! I may even have the opportunity to share about this book at Fort Knox. What an honor this would be! Keep praying for God's leading.

2. I just received confirmation of an interview on June 8th with Bob Calvert, host of "Talking With Heroes." He will be doing a live taping for his show at Port Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, KY. What an honor and a blessing for spreading the word about this upcoming release! Pray for this event and all involved that it will be a blessing to our military.

Thanking you as always for your continued prayers.
Lucy

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Making Progress!

We're getting closer and closer to publishing time! I have approved the cover design. I think you'll all like it. :) I made a few changes to the interior layout, so as soon as those are done and I approve the revision, it'll go to print. All glory is HIS in this endeavor...

I am in the midst of contacting various military establishments/units about posting information on the book's release. Pray we can get some exposure through this in order to encourage and support our military families through Secure the Fort's ministry. Continuing to pray for open doors! Word of mouth is very powerful. Let's pray for positive feedback and supportive avenues to let the nation's military families become aware of this book that is simply written from a military mother's heart, for other military folks - and for all Americans!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support in this journey.
Lucy

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Today's event

I felt honored today to be part of a health and benefits fair for our women veterans. I met some incredible women who still carry themselves with pride and confidence, strength and honor. I was proud to shake their hands.
We forget sometimes that our veterans are not all elderly people! Many have this visualization of an aging, slower paced individual when talking about our veterans. Not so. Many of our vets are my age! I'd like to think I'm not so old yet. :)
Some of our women vets are still raising children. They need to be remembered. So next time you're in line at the grocery, or post office be thoughtful in the fact that the mom of two teenage kids in front of you may very well have spent several years in the service.
It's possible!
I was blessed by the fact that many who learned of Secure the Fort's release in a few weeks are anxious to read it! I gained some military contacts in hopes of being able to speak to these units or support groups at some point, and encourage them through readings from Secure the Fort's manuscript.
Keep praying for the ministry this book will provide to our military families...and I'll keep you updated as I can on the book's release.
Lucy

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Praises!

Some praises to share today!
1. Interior galleys are done for the first volume of Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God). All I need to do is read through for any corrections that need making, and then approve them. We're one step closer to printing! Do pray for this series of books and the ministry they will have to our military families and everyone else who reads them.
2. I just spoke to another military mom this week who heads up www.momsofmilitary.com, a prayer circle of military mothers. The group is based out of Yorba Linda, California. I encourage other military moms to contact them to join this prayer circle. Our military "children" need all the prayers they can get. I am anxious to talk to other moms in this circle and hear their testimonies of answered prayers! I'm hoping to get some of these moms to submit their testimonies for the volume of Secure the Fort that will focus on our Christian military moms in action!
Lucy

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

SUBMITTED!

When my daughter asked me several weeks ago when I would be finished with this book, I simply replied.."When God is done providing for the book." Well, we're now complete. It's done and turned in to the publisher as of today!
I covet your prayers for the ministry this book will provide for our military families, and all Americans who value the sacrifices made on our behalf in wars past and present. I pray I have honored both our armed forces and God in its making. May this book spark a revival of Christian patriotism in the hearts of all who venture into its pages.
A portion of the proceeds from the STF series of books will be donated to Military Missions, a Christian military support organization found at www.militarymissionsonline.com. Every book you purchase will also help provide care packages to our troops! Send this link to your friends and family and help support our soldiers...
I'll keep you posted on the progress of the book's production. I look for it to be released in June or early July. Wouldn't it be neat to have it out by July 4th??? :)
I hope you will be blessed by the stories by over 30 contributors!! I know I have been... and I now have many new friends.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
**VOLUME II's subtitle will be Christian Military Moms in Action! If you are a Christian military mom and would like to contribute a testimony for this volume of Secure the Fort, EMAIL ME AT : Lucy@allgloryishis.com!
**VOLUME III will focus on stories of faith by our military chaplains. If you have stories you'd like to submit for this volume, please email me at the above address!
Lucy A. Cain, Christian author & military mom

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Book Nearing Completion!

Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God), A Military Mother's Message to America is very close to completion! I have placed the book with Xlibris, who published my book, Life lessons in the presence of...Living Water (A Thirst Quenching Devotional).

I have been blessed and honored to include the submissions by over 30 contributors. It is a definite. A second volume will be in the works before too long! So, if you still want to contribute to the book, you'll have a second chance!

I expect a release date of June or July, so keep watching for updates!

**Good news! My opening poem, GI Joes and Army Men, will be made into a single release CD with the help of Angela Lashley of Nashville, TN. See her website about her song release, "So Brave" at www.sobravesong.com. This song was written when her son Jonathan joined the Army, and expresses tender thoughts about our sons and daughters entering into service. Be sure to listen to "So Brave." It will touch every military parent's heart....and that is what I pray happens with both Secure the Fort and the upcoming song, "GI Joes and Army Men."
Lucy

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

God is working!

The submissions keep coming, and I am continually blessed! Keep praying for a publisher. I submitted queries to four Christian literary agencies this week. One emailed back and asked for the full book proposal, which was sent today. I was very encouraged by this! Our nation needs the message found in Secure the Fort...praying for the means to get it out there.
If you are new to this blog, read further down for submission details.
I'll keep you posted on our progress!
Lucy
P.S. I submitted "State Needs Church" on gather.com and did that article ever generate conversation. I was called an idiot, cursed, called a religious fanatic, etc. If interested, go to www.gather.com and do a search on the topic of "separation of church and state." Keep looking. It's on there!

Friday, January 5, 2007

PS to Praise!

I NOW HAVE 30 CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS!! What a wonderful "book family."
I'm still waiting on more submissions as well...how incredible. We might need to consider a Volume II !
Lucy

Praise!

I have several praises to report re: Secure the Fort's progression!

1. I now have my Coast Guard contact, a chaplain in the Great Lakes Region.

2. I have emailed Blue Star Moms military support groups nation wide about the possibility of reading devotions out of the book in their meetings. I am already receiving very positive feedback on this, and now have groups in Texas and California desiring to use them.

3. I have a Gideon contact looking up military testimonies regarding the New Testaments the Gideons provide to new recruits.

4. I have someone voluntarily proofreading/checking for grammar.

5. I have two authors writing endorsements.

Wow, God has blessed me greatly in all this! I'll keep you up to date on what happens next.
Keep watching...all glory is HIS!
Lucy

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Secure the Fort comes along!

Praising God for how He is moving in this manuscript! I just recently discovered about 60 letters my two great-uncles wrote home from WWII! We have literally "lived in the trenches" for several days. What history! Some will be shared in Secure the Fort!
I have also had good response for my submmissions call. I have about 15 outside stories included thus far, and waiting on more! I am humbled...and grateful! This is going to be such a unique book. God is soooo good! Keep watching for details. I can't wait to see what God has planned for this one....share with your family or friends about the submissions invitation! **I am in need of Coast Guard contacts!!!! Lucy

Monday, November 20, 2006

WELCOME!

Welcome to "Secure the Fort!" This blog is about my upcoming devotional/inspirational book for military families.
As an Army mom, and Christian author, I felt a calling to write for our troops and their families. "Secure the Fort" has been a complete joy to work on, a humbling experience, and a heart-wrenching project to boot.
In addition to military themed devotions I've written, I'm including snippets from various military families on how God has been present in their lives during times of deployment or service.
I am including all branches of the military in "Secure the Fort." I want this to be a well rounded book for all.
If you are from any part of the military, I have an opportunity for you!
Here's what I need:
1. Testimonies of about 450 words in length of how God has sustained you during a loved one's deployment/service
2. Special scriptures that help give peace/comfort/hope
3. Patriotic poetry written by soldiers or their families
4. Portions of letters from the field
5. Historical tidbits from all branches of military
6. Words of encouragement to our troops overseas and their families
7. Your most memorable experiences and how God's presence was felt
8. Chaplains: what you see re: faith among our troops
9. Advice to new military families
10. Prayers for our troops and their families
If you would like to submit any of the above, please do so in a word document attachment or email text and send to: Lucy@allgloryishis.com. In the subject please put "book submission." All entries will be considered, but not all will be accepted. Entries chosen will be credited to the sender.
Please view my website as well, for verification!
www.allgloryishis.com "Under God" page
I look forward to your submissions. Will keep this blog updated on the progress of the book!