Chaplain ministry

Secure the Fort is increasingly finding its way into the hands of our military chaplains! I have been in touch with one of the Navy chaplains who provided information for that segment of the book. He is currently deployed, and we have been helping him with some supplies he needs for his ministry onboard. I sent a book to him today.
My prayer is for this book to be used! For this book to minister to our veterans, our active, guard, and reserve men/women. If you know any military chaplains, please direct them to this blog or my website at www.allgloryishis.com. For each chaplain we can provide a book to, it will reach out to the many men/women they minister to!
Be looking for posts about my upcoming trip to receive the book's award from the Military Writers Society. This is going to be such an honor to me to be able to meet all these veterans turned authors...I can't wait to share it with you!
Lucy

The Traveling Wall...

Ann FitzHenry wrote a story for Secure the Fort about her husband's second cousin, Tom Piper, who died in Vietnam. The story spoke about her emotional discovery of his name on the Memorial Wall in D.C. (Read the following article: http://www.vietnow.com/pagesmagazine/powerofaname.htm)

Recently, Ann visited the traveling wall in MN where she took the above photo. I was totally unaware of what the photo entailed when I clicked the link! Imagine my surprise and honor when I did....Ann, I cannot express my thoughts in words for what you did here. It humbled me greatly, and made me weep. What an honor...thank you.

Of note: a soldier that served with Tom contacted Ann through http://www.thewall-usa.com/. He told her about the coin toss that led Tom out on patrol on that fateful day. This man and his wife are planning a trip to Minnesota to "visit" Tom some time next year. He's never forgotten him after all these years, even though they only knew each other seven days.

Lucy

What an Honor!

The Military Writers Society of America just awarded Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God), A Military Mother's Message to America the 2007 Gold Medal Award for Best Anthology! This is a huge honor to me, to be included with some of the authors they have. Many are veterans who have become writers, telling history from a personal perspective. That's what these types of books do. They preserve our nation's history...
To visit their website, go to www.militarywriters.com.
As always, all glory is HIS! :)
Lucy

Definition of a Veteran

A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America,"
for an amount of "up to and including their life."
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
Author Unknown

In Honor of Those

In honor of those left behind
In a strange and foreign land,
We close our eyes and contemplate
On the sacrifice at hand.

In honor of those who gave their life
We salute with tear-stained eyes.
We reap the rewards of your suffering-
Freedom remains through your compromise.

In honor of those who made it home
We say a prayer for you,
For you have to live your every day
With memories of what you had to do.

In honor of those who serve today
We thank you for heeding your call.
May the Lord our God lead this land
And may we never let freedom fall!
©Lucy A. Cain
Excerpt from Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God), A Military Mother's Message to America

Secure the Fort GOES TO SCHOOL!

What an honor! Secure the Fort goes to public school! Read the following note I received today by email...from Richard and Shirley Leonard. They bought a copy for their son for his birthday.

"Thanks so much to you and Dad for the copy of the book, Secure the Fort.I enjoyed looking at your contributions and I have taken the book to school in order to use some of the selections in the classroom."

(Written by Ray Malmgren 9/07 to his parents, Richard and Shirley Leonard, who submitted pieces for the book. Ray teaches English in a public school setting, and attained the rank of Sergeant in the Army.)

Wow! All I can say is that God is at work in using this book in ways I never dreamed...keep praying for those who are impacted by God's Word through reading Secure the Fort!
Lucy

Prayer Circles

I saw the above image of praying soldiers in an email I received today and thought I'd share it here with my patriotic poem "When Soldiers Pray." May it touch you in some small way, and please...feel free to share this poem with the link to my "Secure the Fort" blog!

Lucy

When Soldiers Pray

When we call upon our men and women
To step into harm’s way
We should without a doubt step up
To be the first to pray

For soldiers pray out in the field
In circles before the Lord
Each one taking turns in prayer
Before they draw the sword

As soldiers leave their security
And step into the zone
They have the courage given by God
And given by God alone.

The battle is the Lord’s they know
And trust without a doubt
Mentally they get their minds in gear
As they give that warrior shout

Circles of prayer out in the sand
And heat of Iraqi sun
Strengthen our soldiers in the field
Until this war is won

So in circles of prayer we pray
For safety of them all
But we also pray for the families
Of all the ones who fall

Lord, protect our precious soldiers
Bring them home again
Give them strength to endure the fight
For freedom’s sake and then

Protect their minds from all they did
And all they had to see
Let them know You are the Prince of Peace
And keep their minds on Thee
©Lucy Cain

Excerpt, “Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God), A Military Mother’s Message to America” Xlibris, July 2007
http://securethefort.blogspot.com
www.allgloryishis.com

Soldiers' Moms Video

I hope you will take a moment to watch the following video of the song, "Soldiers' Moms." This song was recently released by a friend of mine in Nashville, TN. All of the women portrayed in the video and song are people Angela has either met or at least talked with by phone. Please send this video link along and remember to continue to pray daily for all military families with loved ones serving all around the world.

Video link: http://www.eaglesup.us/Flash%20Video/Soldiers_Moms_EU.html

Lucy

New articles

Below are links to two self-publishing articles about Secure the Fort that you may want to browse, pass along!
Lucy

http://smallpress.typepad.com/selfpubnews/2007/07/author-lucy-a-c.html

http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing

Power Behind You

Someone sent this image to me today by email and I thought I'd post it here for you....God is opening doors right and left to use Secure the Fort! Keep those prayers going!
Lucy

PS Wounded Warriors

I am honored to have my poem "Wounded Warriors" posted on www.operationhomefront.net through their forum for wounded soldiers. May it touch the lives and hearts of these precious individuals and their families.
Lucy

Wounded Warriors

I am beginning to send the following poem, Wounded Warriors, to various military hospital chaplains, Fischer Houses, etc. in hopes that some of our wounded troops will receive it. Feel free to pass it on and may it bless those who read it.
I am so humbled today. Within 24 hours of posting this poem to FaithWriters.com, it was read 224 times! Remember, all glory is HIS...Lucy

Wounded Warriors

Lord, I cannot comprehend
The pain our soldiers endure
Or the sacrifice they make
To keep our freedom sure

May You dwell within them
And give them peace of mind
In their injured weakness, Lord
May it be Your strength they find

Draw them close to You
And answer their every doubt
Let them see You always near
Every time they want to shout

Only You know their thoughts
For You were always there
Never forsaking, Love abides
Always present, constant care

Silent heroes, wounded warriors
Ones that carry the pain
So I lift them up to You
To heal and make whole again

Parts of their bodies may be gone
But wholeness comes from within
You can use them, Lord
Just show them how and when

May they seek You daily, Lord
To get through life again
Embrace their hearts and minds
Wounded warriors will fight – and win

***
The enemy is now at hand
Depression, anger and pain
Use your training to face each one
And freedom from them gain

Warriors you will always be
Now fight for a different cause
The battle is the Lord’s…
Think on that and pause

He’s the Commander now
Your Eternal battle was won
The greatest Wounded Warrior
Was Jesus Christ, God’s only Son

He lifted His eyes to God above
When pain was too hard to bear
He, too, thought he was forsaken
But God was always there

Stripes on His Holy back
Blood freely pouring down
He understands your every pain
And memories that cause a frown

He came out victorious
And can give you victory too
Rely on Him my wounded friends
Warriors, each one of you

I pray for courage and strength
To fight the battles ahead
Remember the Lord is near you
“I will never forsake thee!” He said

©Lucy A Cain 7/07
Securethefort.blogspot.com

Adopt A Chaplain!

In the days since my last post, I have been diligently striving to inform more military chaplains about the book's ministry to our troops. I am humbled every time one of these servants express excitement and encouragement regarding this book!
I have been talking with the people behind the Adopt A Chaplain program. What an incredible ministry these chaplains have, walking side by side 24/7 with our troops worldwide! And what an incredible ministry this program is to be able to serve those who serve others.
I sent off our application to adopt a chaplain this week and received our assigned chaplain today! What an awesome year long venture this will be...our church will lift up, encourage, pray for, and send care packages to not only the chaplain, but also to those he serves.
I will be sending him a few copies of Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God) for him to use however he sees fit. Pray it touches the hearts of those in this unit who read it...
Again, pray for our military chaplains and the families they left behind. I encourage you to check out the website for this program at http://www.adopt-a-chaplain.org/. Whether you are an individual, or a group, you can adopt a chaplain. They will provide you the instructions you need, and all the info on your assigned chaplain.
If you know any military chaplains in the field, have them go to the website to apply as an adoptee! We cannot ever support our troops too much...
Lucy

OFFICIALLY RELEASED!!!

I just got word from Xlibris that Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God) is officially released today, July 4, 2007! I will never forget having this particular book released on the day our country celebrates its freedom!!!! What a treat this is....and what a joy to tell you about!
Here is the link to go to for purchase details from the publisher.
www.xlibris.com/SecuretheFortAndRemainUnderGod.html
*Reminder: if you purchase from the publisher directly, you receive a 15% discount. Price listed online is the discounted purchase price.
The book will also be available through all major online book sellers within 30 days.
Make sure the keep up with ministry opportunities through postings on this blog! Thank you for your support, encouragement and prayers as we launch a book that is very near to our hearts.
Help me spread the message...and ministry!
Lucy

BOOK RELEASE JULY 4th WEEK!

I received a call from Xlibris and the book will be available through them this week of July 4th, the week our nation celebrates Independence Day! I am thrilled to release Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God), A Military Mother's Message to America on this particular holiday...I could not have planned that if I wanted to. Not with all the variables in putting together and publishing a book with over 35 contributing authors! This was just a little gift from God in the journey, and all in HIS timing. I love it!
Do continue praying for the ministry this book can have for those who chose to read it. My devotional and poetry books were "fun" to put together, but this one has a very special place in my heart and I pray daily for God to use it in a mighty way - within our military families in particular.
The next post will give purchase details! I will never forget the people I have met and the experiences I've had in the process of writing this book. I can't wait to discover "the rest of the story!" (What God will do with it!)
Lucy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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