Happy Birthday Anna!

 My baby is nineteen years old today! Can't believe it was that long ago that Bill and I sat in the hospital for a whole day just staring at God's beautiful creation, not fathoming that she belonged to us! How fast they grow up!

We love you, Anna!

The Velvet Box - Free Kindle Download!

The Velvet Box - available free until 6.2.13 

My latest novel, The Velvet Box, is now available on Kindle free until midnight June 2, 2013! Feel free to go to my Amazon author site to find it and download now.

http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Friday/e/B00A4461ZA/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Here is a summary: 

To Kill a Mockingbird meets The Secret Life of Bees in this historical southern drama that combines the tragedy of abuse with humor, faith, and forgiveness. 

Nellie Cox longs to be free from the torment of her abusive uncle. But in 1920s North Carolina where the sin of incest is hidden in shame, she has nowhere to go and no one to help her, other than her own resourcefulness. When her mama returns home from years spent in a mental hospital, Nellie hatches a plan to marry her off to the handsome Dr. Walker, hoping to be whisked away to a new life in Raleigh. But as each plan fails, Nellie loses hope, finally learning to rely on a power greater than anything she has known. 

Combining humor, revenge, romance, and spiritual truths, Nellie’s story encompasses the beauty of an innocent child with the violence of a horrific sin. But as she soon learns, the love and forgiveness of a wonderful and all-powerful God far outweighs the evils of man.

Here is a bit of background regarding the story: 

The sin of sex abuse came to my attention about ten years ago when I was privileged to read an autobiography written by a friend. I was horrified at what she endured, but even more horrified that no one helped her out of her situation, especially professing Christians who knew of her situation—family, school employees, and church members. From that point on, my heart yearned to minister the love and deliverance of Jesus Christ to hurting men, women, and children suffering in silence. Without any effort on my part, sex abuse survivors came to me for prayer and Bible study, and before I knew it, a small, one-on-one ministry grew.

My prayer partner and I spent countless hours ministering the Gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ to these women, pouring God’s love into their lives. As I heard their stories, my heart broke even more. I learned of the grisly statistics of child sex abuse in our society, cringed at the growing number of teens trapped in forced and consensual prostitution, and wept at the news accounts of adults coming forward, implicating men who society viewed as pillars of the community. My research grew and the testimonies increased. I stumbled upon a website where hundreds of victims told of sex abuse from parents and loved ones in authority, as well as date rape. The stories had a familiar ring to them—oppression, fear, and shame lingered on, creating emotional wounds that are far worse than the harm done to the physical body. After two years of ministering and being exposed to the ramifications of this terrible sin, the story of Nellie Cox began to germinate in my soul.

While there are many wonderful nonprofit organizations offering help to sex abuse survivors, I have come to the conclusion that the only definitive answer for anyone who has experienced this trauma, whether perpetrator or victim, is the Lord Jesus Christ and His forgiveness. He is the only one who can cleanse a tarnished past and make a life brand new. If, after reading this book, just one person experiences His love and forgiveness and is delivered from this bondage, then I will be blessed beyond measure.

May God bless you!

Caroline Friday

Happy Memorial Day!

Maj. Gen. Weston H. Willis

This is a picture of my grandfather, Major General Weston H. Willis, while he served during WWII. He was part of the US Army's artillery division and was instrumental in winning the Battle of the Bulge. Even though he was a  three star General, (the third star was honorary from the Governor of the State of North Carolina for meritorious service as the  head of his National Guard unit), he chose to refer to himself at the reduced rank of Major General. All of his working life was spent serving the US government. After many years in the military, he worked for the US Postal Service as Post Master General, until his retirement.

I am very proud of him and all he did for our country. He joined the army at a very early age, with only an 8th grade education, although he had a sharp, deep, genius mind. He often told me he would have crawled on his hands and knees all the way to West Point for the opportunity to attend school there. Bill and I are praying that our son, Braxton, will live out this dream by attending one of the military academies after high school.

My grandfather was a dedicated, honorable man with character and integrity. Even though he wasn't perfect, he was an excellent role model for me. He was calm and even tempered, but very rigid in his discipline. He took great pride in having taught me my "times tables," but lamented that I couldn't carry on the family tradition of swallowing a raw oyster. He spoke sporadically about the War and refused to give more details when I pumped him for information. To him, I was just a little girl who shouldn't be marred by the horrors of the Germans. He was serious and stoic, yet would pull us grand kids on his lap and "give us some sugar" at a moment's notice. He had a pair of big blue eyes that could bore holes into your soul, but those very same eyes could tear up at a good romantic movie, like his favorite, The Sound of Music. He loved my grandmother and was married to her for over 75 years. He lived well into his 90s, very active on the golf course, until the day he went on to Heaven.

This Memorial Day is dedicated to him, and many others, who have served our nation so courageously. My grandfather was fortunate enough to have fought during WWII and returned home to his family. Many did not have that luxury and their remains are buried in Normandy or some ditch, field, or beach in another part of the world somewhere. But they aren't forgotten and their sacrifice is greatly appreciated, even though we, as a nation, may not voice that appreciation as often as we should.

To be honest, every time we as Americans exercise our freedom to vote, give our opinion (regardless of how unpopular), practice our faith in the manner we see fit, go to the school of our choice, and enter into the profession of our dreams, we are honoring their sacrifice. They have served and died so that we may receive and live freely. That is a wonderful gift. Thank you to all of our wonderful military troops! We love you and honor you this day!

Rest In Me

I'm reposting this from my other blog, neighborhoodbiblestudy.blogspot.com, because it is so powerful and thought all my friends might enjoy.

Here is the original post:

This is a lovely poem written by my dear friend, which she received from the Lord while praying. I feel like this has come from the heart of King Solomon when he wrote Song of Songs - an intimate look at the Savior's passionate love for the church.

My Beautiful Bride,

You are the one that I love the most. I love you more than anything in the world.

I was there the day you were born. I suffered with you when you were so hurt. Things were spoken over you, and I mourned.

But when you found me, I rejoiced. My beautiful lover that was lost has been found!. I can finally take my bride home.

Your beauty overwhelms me -- creator of the universe bows to you in love. I have held you in my arms and danced with you, kissed you, been intimate with you, let you cry. I have gently placed my hand over your heart and healed it, restored it, and held it.

I have breathed my own creatures into your womb, of whom I love as much as I love you, and of whom I have great plans for.

My love, do not fret and do not fear. I am your guide, your strength, your protection, your provision. I am Lord and I am God. And you, my sweet bride, are mine. I ran to the cross for you - RAN.  My intense love for you wasn't satisfied until you were back in my embrace.

As I wrap my arms around you, do not look around, but look up to Me. I am all that you need and I am right here.

Nothing can separate us. Lean into my chest and believe that my love has done the work.

I am the everlasting God, and my work is complete.  Rest in Me.

A Blessed Mother!

I had a wonderful day today and it isn't even over yet! Great time of praise, worship, and bible study with my husband, lunch with my kids, a long, beautiful walk,  fabulous gifts, and now hunkering down with one of my favorite movies, Something's Gotta Give. Jack Nicolson always makes me smile. The Lord is good and is answering all my prayers! Again, Happy Mother's Day to all!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there who are natural mothers or even spiritual mothers! There is nothing more comforting to a troubled, human soul than the nurturing love of a mother. A mother is one who will love you unconditionally, regardless of what you've said or done, who sees your potential when others say you can't succeed, and who longs to rescue you when she sees a little of herself in your weaknesses. Even when our babies grow up, we never stop being a mother, and our children never stop needing a mother's love, regardless of their age. Even though independence from us is crucial, we  mothers can never for one moment assume our job is ever done - because it isn't!

For those of you who never experienced this kind of love or who have not had the opportunity to love another person in this way, know that the love of Jesus Christ and the Heavenly Father is available to you. Actually, it is greater and exceedingly stronger than any love from a natural parent. Regardless of our past rejections from those who were supposed to love us, there is always One who is faithful to love us unconditionally, no matter what the circumstances are. That's a greater comfort than the natural, human love of a mother. It is a love that heals, empowers, strengthens, and rejuvenates!  It's a love that exceeds on into eternity! Praise God for that!

Have a happy day!

Drum Major

Braxton was selected as one of Walton High's four drum majors for the 2013 season. It's something he has always wanted and worked so hard to get. Congratulations to him! Bill and I are proud parents!

After hearing the good news!

Band Banquet

On our way to band banquet 2013!

Move Review - Argo

This year’s Oscar winner for best picture is a much deserved production directed by Ben Affleck, who incidentally was snubbed by the Academy in the category of Best Director. But the film is a triumph, proving that his Oscar award-winning script with Matt Damon for Good Will Hunting was no fluke. He was only a boy then and has now proven to be a very talented story teller.

I can see why Hollywood honored this film, since two of its heroes are a sloppy make-up artist (John Goodwin) and a hardened, crusty film producer (Alan Arkin - one of my favorite actors). With a drab studio-lot office and a list of B movies on their resume, they are no strangers to the dog-eat-dog world of film-making where lying and scheming are the order of the day. Who could imagine that in 1979, these less-than-honorable attributes would be just what the CIA needed to rescue a handful of US diplomats trapped in the Canadian embassy after escaping an angry mob in Tehran? Amazingly, this story is based in truth, having been sealed to the public for decades. Now, years later, we have this wonderful movie to share the events surrounding these unlikely heroes who helped save the lives of six Americans.

The film opens with dedicated diplomats busy at work in the US Embassy in Tehran, trying their best to ignore an angry riot outside the building’s compound. But once the wall is crossed, there’s nothing much security can do. It is edge-of-the-seat action as everyone makes a mad scramble to destroy documents and get to safety before the tide of fury pours in. Seeing the rage in the faces of those Iranian men and women is a frightening scene, giving new meaning to the term “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Not everyone in the embassy is fortunate enough to escape, but six find refuge with the Canadian Ambassador (Victor Garber) who keeps their location a secret. With temporary safety secured, the US State Department explores rescue options, none of which are viable given the tenuous political climate. Tony Mendez (played by Affleck), a CIA exfiltration specialist, is consulted and surreptitiously comes up with a bizarre, yet ingenious, plan. While on the phone with his little son, an idea is hatched as they watch a favorite movie together—Battle for the Planet of the Apes. Mendez realizes the desert setting is a perfect cover to convince the Iranian government he is a Canadian filmmaker scouting exotic locations for his next sci-fi film. Now all the CIA has to do is convince the fugitives to pass themselves off as a film crew and then escape back to Canada without a hitch. Easier said than done.

 Enter our Hollywood heroes, Goodman and Arkin, who agree to help. They scan through a pile of old, rejected scripts and find one entitled Argo, a science fantasy in the vein of Star Wars. After securing the rights, they set up a phony studio, plan script readings in full costume and make-up, draw storyboards and marketing posters, and make arrangements to go on a location scout with Mendez as producer. Meanwhile, tensions escalate in the Canadian ambassador’s residence when it is discovered the Iranian maid knows the truth. While she appears to be loyal, the fugitives suspect their days of remaining hidden are numbered. Little do they know, but a large group of Iranian women and children spend day and night piecing together shredded documents like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle, soon discovering that six diplomats are unaccounted for. With each passing day, they come that much closer to recreating photographs of the fugitives.

The movie takes off once Mendez travels to Iran with a fake ID, passport, and a visa to enter the country as a Canadian film producer. Upon reaching Tehran, he takes up residence with the Canadian Ambassador and preps the six diplomats on the escape plan. As one might expect, they are frightened and unsure if they can actually pull off convincing the Iranian authorizes they are a legitimate film crew. But Mendez sees no other way. He doles out manila packages to each person, complete with new names, identities, and bios, and encourages them to cooperate.

A trial-run scouting visit to a crowded bazaar doesn’t go as planned, ending with their pictures being snapped and Mendez narrowly whisking them to safety. This heightens the fear even more, to the point where several of the fugitives refuse to cooperate further, threatening to infect the group with dissension. To make matters worse, Mendez is told by his US superiors that the mission is terminated because of a planned military rescue of the hostages. But after a series of threats and political finagling, he is successful in getting approval to bring the diplomats home on Swissair.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

At this point, fast-paced airport sequences take the movie from an exciting thriller to an action film. First, the tickets don’t show up on the computer system until the last second, security is frightening but eventually successful – Adam’s apples are bobbing, sweat breaks out on the forehead, hands shake and eyes flutter to and fro. As they near the gate and are almost ready to board the plane, they encounter a group of bully military guards who scream Arabic at them, harkening back to the horrible day when the angry crowd destroyed the embassy. Mendez and his crew turn on the Hollywood charm by pitching their movie, producing movie posters and storyboards, acting like seasoned veterans of Tinsel Town. It works for a few moments, but then the guards insist on calling North America to verify things.

On the other side of the world, Goodman and Arkin stroll back to their studio-lot office, not knowing who is telephoning at that very moment. As the phone rings and rings, they are held up on a movie set, finally reaching the office and picking up after what seemed like ten agonizing minutes. Goodman gives a good spiel and the guards are satisfied. Mendez and the diplomats scurry out to the plane, leaving their Argo paraphernalia behind as peace offerings to the guards—all except one storyboard, which Mendez slips into his bag.

But not so fast—as the terminal doors close, the guards get a call stating that the shredded documents have been pieced together and reveal the photo of one of the escaped diplomats who posed as a film crew member that day in the bazaar. The guards hustle into a jeep and chase the airplane as it taxis down the runway. As Mendez looks out the window, the plane accelerates and lifts off, just as the lead guard shakes his fist and gnashes his teeth. It is only when they reach safe airspace that Mendez and the diplomats give a sigh of relief. At last, they are free.

To protect the hostages and other Americans at risk, the US’s involvement in the rescue was suppressed and all credit given to Canada and its ambassador. Mendez was awarded the Intelligence Star but had to return it until the information was declassified in 1997. I can’t imagine holding something like that inside for so many years, never being able to tell a soul, especially your family. Probably why I don’t work for the CIA.

But there are other ways to communicate truth, even if clandestine means are used. It’s interesting how a good movie can be taken into the realm of greatness by one little scene which evokes emotion from deep within the soul. I had no idea what was raging within me as I watched this narrow escape take place. But here it is: when Mendez returns home to his estranged wife and little boy, he produces the one remaining storyboard and props it up on his son’s shelf along with all the other sci-fi toys and gadgets. And for the first time, we see the picture up close—it is the image of a Ben Affleck-looking man and a little sandy-haired boy in a spaceship, narrowing escaping an attack from an evil desert empire. Now how’s that for great storytelling? Loved it! That scene was like icing on the cake for me.

Argo is a great movie worthy of watching again and again to catch the many nuances of plot twists and turns. Hopefully, Mr. Affleck will be directing more Oscar-worthy films to come.