Thursday, September 12, 2013

Georgia Gold - Sautee Shadows

I recently had the chance to talk with native Georgia resident Denise Weimer about her newly released book in a new series that traces the history of northeast Georgia (click here for the interview).  Book one of The Georgia Gold Series, entitled Sautee Shadows, is a sweeping saga of four families whose lives intertwine through romance, adventure and murder.  A book for everyone!

The story traces the character Richard Randall amd his family as they move from New York to Savanah to establish a shipping company.  Richard's son Jack struggles to fit in to the southern culture which only intensifies with the death of his mother.  Evantually the Randalls do like most of the influential families of the area and build a summer home in the Habersham county foothills.  Jack sees the future railroad tourism as a way to make a good living and purchases a hotel.  He soon meets an unexpected competitor in the young and lovely Mahala Franklin.

Mahala, orphaned daughter of a man murdered for his gold and part Cherokee Indian on her mother's side, was raised by a family in the Sautee Valley and eventually torn from them by her maternal grandmother as a young teen.  Mahala has been determined to find out what happened to her father and his gold by tracing the clues her father left behind.  Is her father's murderer still among them?

Book two of The Georgia Gold Series, The Gray Divide, will be released later in September.  To learn where Denise will be signing her books or to learn more about her writings check out her website here.

Denise recieved her degree in journalism with a minor in history from Asbury University.  Her novella, Redeeming Grace, has recieved high praise.  Plus, her articles about Northeast Georgia have appeared in a number of regional publications.  She's a wife and mother, a life-long historian, and the director of the mid-1800s dance group, 1860s Civilian Society of Georgia.  For more information on Denise

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Remembering 9-11-01



It's hard to believe that it's been 12 years since that day.  Twelve years since the day that changed everything.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I guess that's how those that experienced Pearl Harbor or those that witnessed the assignation of President Kennedy feel.  I will always remember 9-11-01.

I was working for In Touch Ministries.  My co-worker and I were attending a regional religious broadcasters event in Michigan and were having a great time.  It's always good to see old friends and make new ones at events like that one.  The night before we heard a great message from a local pastor and were blessed by music from Charles Billingsley and Sela.  I went to bed that evening feeling very relaxed.  That wouldn't last too long.

The next morning I got up a little earlier than normal and took my time getting ready for the day.  There were no televisions in the rooms so I still had not heard of the horror that was taking place in New York.  Once ready for the day I made my way to the dining hall for a much needed breakfast.  Once I entered the building I noticed a number of my colleagues gathered around the only television on the premises discussing some accident that had just happened.

I walked up to a good friend of mine, Les Lamborn, and asked what was going on.  He told me a plane had struck one of World Trade Center buildings.  I was a little shocked but thought it was one of those smaller planes where the pilot had lost control.  I heard more of the report on Fox News when it was said that it was larger plane.  I couldn't believe it.  The day was gorgeous both in Michigan and in New York.  What could have possibly gone wrong.

As I entered the discussion we all watched as the second plane hit! At that point we knew this was a planned attack! It had to be!  Then more news of a plane hitting the Pentagon and a little while later another plane going down in Pennsylvania.  What was going on!?

I was on the phone with my wife in Atlanta and my co-workers at In Touch.  Everyone worried and wondering how we were going to get home.  My partner and I were on the phone calling rental car companies to secure a vehicle.  I found out that my in-laws were stuck in Detroit and had no where to go and no way of getting home.

Once we got a car we were on our way to Detroit to pick up my in-laws and then on our way to Atlanta.  To say the least, this was one of the most stressful days in my life.  I look back on it and see how God did some marvelous things to let everyone know that He was in control.

This morning during my show I had my friend Les call in to share some words with my audience.  To hear his encouragement click here.  I pray that on this day of remembrance we never forget those that gave the ultimate sacrifice and what God did in the days and months that followed.