RANDALL MCNEELY

2011-07-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

Golden Nuggets

2011-02-17T03:22:00.000-08:00

By Randy McNeely

On Valentines Day this past Monday, my soon to be eight-year-old taught me a valuable lesson, though I didn't really realize it until this morning. You might say, I got the spiritual wind knocked t out of me, I've received a wake up call, I've, hopefully, "seen the light."

I had gone upstairs to shower and get ready for work after working out. When I came back downstairs and sat down at my table with my laptop, I found a little piece of paper on it. With the piece of paper was a little golden nugget (a rock painted gold). The note said, in child scrawl, "Happy Valentines Day, Dad."

My sweet daughter came running in right at that moment and said, "Did you get the note Dad?"

I smiled and replied, "Yes honey. Thank you very much."

"Do you like the Rock?"

Then I made my mistake. I said, "It's wonderful. Would you take it and keep it safe for me."

I can still hear her answer as if she were saying it right this moment. "That's okay Dad. I know you don't really want it."

"Oh, but I do want it. I'll keep it with me."

"Yeah, Okay."

Then she walked away.

As thick headed as I am, though it bothered me some at the time, I shook it off, stuck the rock in my sweats pocket and continued checking my email.

The real lesson came today. After getting dressed and coming downstairs to exercise, I slipped my hand in my sweats pocket. There was the rock. At the same time I glanced up and noticed the little box that my daughter keeps her collection of gold painted rocks in. I decided to just slip the rock in there. She would never notice. As I did so, I heard a voice in my mind say, "Keep it." I started to walk away and the voice spoke louder. "Keep it! Let it be a reminder to you of how precious your children are. Don't treat them or their gifts, given from the heart, lightly anymore."

In that instance I felt as I'd been punched. All the precious pictures, rocks, twigs, marbles that my children have given me, that I've taken for granted, seemed to parade before my eyes. I could see their angel smiles as they gave me the gifts. I can see the various locations where I set them, and forgot about them. I can hear myself saying, "Thanks, would you keep them safe for me?"

Then thoughts of all the hugs and kisses, the joyful greetings "Hi Dad!" Followed by thoughts of all things I've missed because I allowed my hobbies to take precedence over time with my children.

Needless to say, my heart has been pricked. I have a great desire to repent and do better. I'm going to keep that nugget. In fact I'm going to have it mounted with the words, "Never forget how precious your children are!"

New Opportunities

2011-02-16T03:43:00.000-08:00

By Randy McNeely

New day's bring new opportunities. The are like the clean page of a journal or diary waiting for you to write on them. I'm grateful for that. Far to often I mess up one day, only to realize that a new day is coming and I can try again to do better and mess up less.

Writing is like that. We can start out with a less than masterful work. However, over time, we can rework and polish our creation as long as needed until we are satisfied with it.

The gospel is like that too. We make mistakes but because of the Savior, we can try try again. What a blessing to know that we are not stuck in one spot today because of a mistake we made yesterday.

Painting With Words

2011-02-04T04:07:00.001-08:00

Have you ever thought about how much writing is like painting? Just as a good artist can paint a picture whose bright colors and scenery, or whose fine detail or majestic subject draws you to it, so a great writer can do the same with words.

I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I love a story that takes me away to far off places, and brings those places alive in my mind. You know the kind. The minute you start reading, you are somewhere else--in a castle, on an airplane, in the mountains, in the jungle, in someone's head, in another galaxy--and you can see, in your mind's eye, through writer's wordsmith wizardry, the place described in vivid color or shades of gray or shadow.

I also love a story that gets my emotions going--that allows me to feel what the characters feel. As the good writing artist continues, describing situations, sharing character's feelings, building up suspense, you can feel what the character's feel--wet, sloppy, snow against your face; cold that chills you to the bone; fear of the unknown; steamy, hot jungle air; the smell of Indian spices--the list could go on forever.

Another aspect I love about truly artistic writing, and perhaps I should have placed this first, are great characters--believable characters, lovable characters, nasty villains I love to hate. I thrill when a writer helps me see a character, hear a character--know a character. I can hear that character's voice. I can understand what they are feeling, or at least be hooked enough to want to understand and learn more.

What I've described above is only a small part of what I believe makes a writer like a painter--a few of the many things I love. What do you like? In what ways is a writer like a painter to you? Let me know.

The Joy of New Life

2010-12-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's been far too long since I've written here. Too many blogs. Family, work, etc. Excuses, but reality.

I need to write today. I've got to get the feelings of my heart in word.

On October 28, 2010, our youngest daughter made her entrance to the world. Words can't adequately describe how I felt as her little head finally popped out, then her shoulders, and, finally, her whole body. For my wife, great relief. For me, the labor coach, relief and joy. True joy as she appeared to smile immediately, as if to say, "I'm here and I'm glad about it." It was a priceless moment. With in seconds (yes, I said within seconds) after the nurses slapped her to get the crying going, she opened her eyes and started looking around. All of our babies have been alert and "gawking" at an early stage, but not like her. She's been looking around since those first seconds as though she's trying to take in everything.

I can't help but wonder what life has in store for her. Both her mother and I have felt she has a special mission in this life and she has been blessed that she would be light and a joy to all she comes in contact with.

Home Pics

2009-10-24T16:50:00.001-07:00

New Home Pics

Taggity Tag - I'm It

2009-02-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by my good friend Cindy Beck to offer up 25 random thoughts (though I only counted ten on her post). Well, here goes.

1) What sound does a flying hamster make when he meets the wall at 1:00 in the morning? "Thunk!"

2) Why does the baby diaper bomb always seem to go off when you're in one of the following situations:

right as your heading out the door
the one occasion when you forgot and left the diaper bag with the diapers, wipes, extra clothes, etc., sitting on the kitchen table as you left to go to church
when your wife, after years of not buying anything new for herself, finally finds that perfect new dress and wears it the first time

3) Why do dogs, when you are walking them, have a nasty knack for finding the stinkiest smelling thing on earth and rolling in it?

4) As we were driving through Scotland a couple of years ago, my then four year old piped up and said she was hungry. Being in a somewhat facetious mood, I responded, why don't you eat a toe jam sandwich (she had a massive fixation with toe jam at the time). She didn't hesitate to respond. "Daddy," she said in a matter of fact tone, "I don't like toe jam to eat it, I like to jam to pick it!"

5) What would you do in the following situation? It was time for my three year old to go to bed. Already, by that young age, she was a professional in the art of delay. All parents have been there. "It's time to go to bed now" Mommy (or Daddy) said. "Mommy, I need to go potty," or "Daddy, I need a drink," or "Just one more story." The list could go on forever.

This time it was a "Daddy I need to go potty," night. Our daughter went into the bathroom and proceeded to do her duty. All the while she was singing. After a few minutes I said, "Sweetheart, are you almost through?" "Just about." More singing. After a few more minutes, "Sweetheart, you need to hurry, its time to go to bed." "I'm almost through Daddy." More singing. Daddy lost his patience. I opened the door, only to see my daughter sitting on the pot, relaxed and swinging here legs back and forth like she had all the time in the world. "Sweetheart! It's time to be done! It's time for bed." Without warning, she turned her head, looked up at me, and in the most grown up voice a three year old can muster she responded, "Okay, you grumpy, old man!"

What would you do? I'll tell you what I did. I shut the door. Went into my bedroom, and buried my face in a pillow to stifle my raucous laughter.

6) How does a two-year old take a small bowl of pudding and spread it out on the wall in such a way as to make it look she used a whole pot?

7) Why do little boy's feet smell like pickles after running around in leather shoes all day with no socks on?

8) How does a small dog manage to eat a whole can of dog food in one bite?

9) Why was orange shag carpet (or shag carpet in general) ever popular?

10) Are all children doomed to attempt cutting their hair at least once?

Okay. I'm taking a page from Cindy's book. Dain Bramage has already set in and my cold laiden brain can't think anymore.

Sadly, most of the people in my blog links have already been tagged so I don't have anyone to tag right now. I'll come back tomorrow and tag someone.

"Squishy Pants" Picture Book Contest

2008-12-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Lori Conger, a wonderful mother and the author of the children's picture book "Squishy Pants," is having a contest for a free copy of her book. I invite you to go to her blog, Making Motherhood Memorable to get the official contest rules and read the wonderful articles she's written. Though her focus is on motherhood, as a father of four I could totally relate to much of what she shares. In fact, with some of her blogs submissions, I could have sworn she had hidden a camera at my house. Take the time to visit her site. You'll be glad you did.

Pictures from Bimham Rocks

2008-10-26T13:24:00.001-07:00

Bridestones

2008-10-26T12:20:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Bridestones Moor

New Blog

2008-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've created a new blog - raisethetitleofliberty.blogspot.com. All my articles about protecting marriage have been moved to that blog.

This blog will be more dedicated to my personal ramblings.

Randy

The Touch of The Master's Hand

2008-06-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

My entry today will be short. I'm have so many sweet experiences this week. I can't write about them all though. I do however, want to take a couple of minutes and share some feelings I've had in my heart.

I've been thinking a lot this week about the phrase "the touch of the master's hand." Many of us have heard the poem with that title about how the old violin came to life under the touch of the master's hand. In this case the master is a superb violinist. We've also heard the follow on poem about the touch of another master's hand--the Master, meaning Christ. It is his touch I've been contemplating.

I've felt the Master's touch this week. I've felt it through the hand of my eighteen month old son. I couldn't understand where he wanted to go the other morning. I finally said, "show me, my Joey boy, where you want to go." To my amazement, he reached up with his tiny hand and took two of my fingers. With my fingers in tow, he lead me through the kitchen, to the hallway, and all the way up the stairs to our bedroom door. I opened the door, and he made a beeline straight to mommy.

You may be thinking, "Okay, what's so special about that?" Nothing really, except the feeling that came with him leading me. I couldn't help thinking of the phrase, "and a little child shall lead them." My heart warmed within me with that thought. Then another thought came about how sometimes Heavenly Father, though he always understands what we want or need, sometimes asks us, "what do you want me to do for you?", as he did with the brother of Jared. That thought was an answer to a prayer for me as I had been praying a lot about some important career decisions. I felt as if the Lord was saying the same thing to me--that he wanted me to show him where I want to go, and, like I was there to open the door for my boy, he will be there to open the door (or doors) for me. When these thoughts filled my mind, a calming peace, like a warm caress from heaven, settled over me and I knew what I need to do.
My heart was full of gratitude as I was reminded once again of God's awareness of me and of my and my family's needs.

It's late now, and my entry isn't short like I said it would be. Stay tuned for more, as I still have lots to say on the subject.

My Picture on His Dresser

2008-06-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

It being Father's day, I've had cause to consider the blessing I have of being a father. I have four beautiful children and there's nothing I wouldn't do, within reason of course, to ensure their health and happiness. Each of them is a blessing to me and I marvel that Heavenly Father would love my wife and I enough and trust us enough to send these precious spirits to our home. How great is our responsibility to raise these children in righteousness. How great is my responsibility to keep myself worthy to exercise the priesthood in their behalf.

As I contemplate my fatherly obligations, it seems almost overwhelming. Thank goodness for marriage and a wonderful companion. Still, even with an angel like my wife by my side supporting me, I feel my weakness. I feel so inadequate and I find myself asking, How can I, as weak and lacking in talent as I am, possibly fulfill all my duties as a father?

Yet lately, in those moments of self-doubt, I can't help but remember an article by President Monson entitled, The Peril of Hidden Wedges, in the July 2007 Ensign. In the article President Monson tells the story of a religious leader visiting a dying woman. The woman feels as if she is lost--that in her life she has done nothing but ruin the lives of those around her. The man notices a picture on the woman's dresser of a lovely young lady. He asks the woman who it is and in reply she states that it is her daughter, the one beautiful thing in her life. The leader then asks the women pointed questions about what she would do for her daughter. The woman responds by stating she would do anything for her daughter. Then the powerful truth is given when the religious leader says "figuratively speaking, Heavenly Father has a picture of you on His dresser. He loves you and will help you. Call upon Him.”

I've always had a testimony that God loves me and knows me. Nevertheless, the image created in my mind by that wonderful story brings the point home with power. I can't think of it and not feel empowered and full of faith. How can I doubt my success with my sweetheart, four loving children, and God on my side? I feel to shout hooray for that wonderful knowledge! How does it make you feel? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Write From My Heart

2008-06-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

I've created this blog as a place for me to write from my heart. Hence the name - writefrommyheart.blogspot.com. I'm an aspiring LDS author and am excited to be working toward getting something published. This site is specifically for me to write about what ever I'm thinking about - a place to create, a place to purge. I've also created another blog called LDSNewcomers.blogspot.com. It's a site specifically created for aspiring LDS authors. I'm learning a lot this is where I hope to share what I'm learning, and hoping that other aspiring authors will share with me. Stop by and let me know what you think.