My Spiritual Memoir: My Prayer for the United States

"My Prayer for the United States:

A Prayer Journalkeeper’s Reflection on History From Historic Jamestowne to Today

(And What It Means to Faith and Life Today)"

Are you a Christian? Do you pray? Do you prayer journal? Are you an American? Do you like history or want to learn more about it? Do you pay attention to current events? Do you like to read spiritual memoirs and/or want to write your own? Do you like to read about the stories of families and learn about family trees? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, this book is for you.

This book is my prayer journaling about current events and is a reflection on the history of the United States from Historic Jamestowne to today. I reflect on what the current events and history mean to my faith and life today.

My prayer for the U.S. is a very personal one because I had family members come here through Historic Jamestowne in 1607 and I can trace my family back to Nero, Emperor Charlemagne, and Joseph of Arimathea, never mind the Plantagenet and Tudor families or several Presidents of the USA, along with founding fathers, and writers and signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Moreover, several were of the House of Burgess and some even signed and wrote the Magna Carta.

I’ve had men in my family tree serve in every single war of the United States of America. This includes a father and his twelve sons who served in the American Revolutionary War or War of Independence.

The current events happening as I write this, and the history of my nation, along with faith, make me quite passionate about this topic and book. This is a spiritual memoir because as I prayer journal, I’m growing in faith and patriotism as I learn and reflect more on history. It’s how all of this shapes who I am today.

What is happening today in current events in our nation, through the lens of history, is something every citizen and every Christian needs to be aware of, think about, and pray about. There is too much at stake and it impacts each of us right now—where we are. We can keep burying our heads in the sand or we can help make this nation a Christian one again—and it all starts with you (and me, of course). It starts through awareness, thinking, and praying. This book is my spiritual memoir about how I do precisely that and how it impacts me and my life.

Current Events Change Things: A New Book Title

I've written 6,714 words so far of my spiritual memoir, but have put that material at the back of the book as bonus material.

This marks a new book. It's in light of current events, of the USA and in my own life that is causing me to change this book. I will return to the idea of writing a spiritual memoir about living a life of simple faith, but today is not it.

I will now write a spiritual memoir in which I prayer journal about history and current events and what it means for me and my life today as a Christ follower and as an American.

BC

My head is still swimming--after tracing my family back to 85 BC. 

Who would have thought? No one in my family had any idea. 

It humbles me and boggles my mind.

But, talk about writing material! I have always said I will write until the day I die. Now I think I have enough material to draw from I can.

What history. How amazing.

History has come alive to me in a whole new way. 

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

-- Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
Sent from my cell.

My story from 9/11

SEPTEMBER ELEVENTH: REMEMBERING

On 9/10/2001, I watched as a beloved Broncos player, Ed MacCaffrey was hurt. He was given a life-changing break to his leg. It was horrible. It was an injury you had the feeling ended his career. I tossed and turned that night.

When I drove to work that morning, across town, I could not help but think of him. The radio talked about it as well.

Then... Everything was put into proper perspective.

846 a.m. Eastern Time (It was 646 in Denver, where I am from and will return one day.)

I heard the radio announce: "An airplane has crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City."

I remember saying out loud, "WHAT?" That sure caught my attention.

Was it a Cessna or a commercial jetliner? Was it a terrorist or an accident? I could not help but wonder. Then, the guy on the radio speculated the same questions over the radio.

A couple of minutes later, he announced again, "A second airplane has struck the World Trade Center." There was a pause. "It is now safe to say that this was a deliberate act of terrorism."

"War has been declared on the United States of America," I said to myself. Hearing those words, and speaking them, were rather mind-boggling and stunning. Never mind what just happened in NYC.

We were at war.

How many people just died or were hurt? How many fathers, mothers, children, friends were not going home that night? I thought as my heart went to my throat. How many people were in the towers? How many people worked in the towers?

They radio program, a music station which played the 80's to today music, had a guest who said over 50,000 people worked in the World Trade Center's two towers.

I knew someone who would most likely be going to war. (My future husband.) The thought hit me pretty hard.

I thought about the two most important dates in U.S. history, according to my father: 04 July 1776 and 07 December 1941. Both days were marked by the shedding of American blood for freedom. 12/7 was a day of infamy.

My dad made sure I knew all about the events on 12/7, those that led up to it, and the aftermath. I knew the costs of that day.

My dad was too young to know 12/7 personally, but I could tell it impacted him and his life. (It still does today.)

Any day when THOUSANDS of Americans die is a terrible day. (Never mind any other nationality across the world.)

I knew September Eleventh was most likely going to be worse than Pearl Harbor. The numbers, and airplanes, only cemented this reality.

"It has been confirmed that it was two commercial jetliners, folks." The guy over the radio shared with us.

I had just pulled into the parking lot at work. I turned off my truck and said a prayer before I headed into work.

The radio was not on. It was always on. But, it was not on yet. This struck me.

"Turn on the radio," I hollered across the print shop to the gal closest to the radio.
"Why?"

"Two commercial planes have hit the World Trade Center in New York City. That's why." I shared the simple truth with them. I heard my voice quiver a little as I spoke.

The guy and gal looked at one another and then LAUGHED at me in disbelief.

I remember feeling furious, but I bit my tongue. This was not something you joked about or made up. Ever. "I am serious. Please turn on the radio." I requested and headed to the back to punch the clock.

When I got back up front, they stood there, mouths hanging open.

I immediately called our supervisor and he brought in a t.v. He was getting ready to leave his house.

937 a.m.

I then called my dad, and woke him up, since he worked nights. This was something you wake people up for. We just heard how the Pentagon was hit. (That was yet another declaration of war. How many more would we get today?)

Then, I called my mom.

959 a.m.

The moment our supervisor got to work, and plugged in the t.v., the first tower fell.

I will never forget a group of us standing around watching this. Two were former military. They said it would be a matter of days before we responded. I agreed. How could we not? They both said they would want to re-enlist that second if they could, but they could not. One had physical problems. One had too many obligations at home. He was also a single father and the mother was out of the equation.

1006 United 93, southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1028 The second tower fell.

I will never forget how we could tell when customers walked into the print shop--whether they knew or not about what happened this day. Those who heard, said something, and were somber. Those who had not heard were loud, happy, continued on with life as normal.

Since I was the one who ran the counter, along with A/R, I was the one who told them.

"I take it you haven't heard." I knew not to ask if they had or not. It was obvious.

"Hear what?" All of them asked.

"About how two planes have crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City."

"No!"

"Yes..."

The moment I got in my truck to drive home, I listened to the radio. The moment I got home, I turned on the t.v. I saw all of the images again... Heard stories...

Just as I did a couple of days ago.

My husband and I drove home from a Presidential rally when he turned on the radio. They were replaying the sounds of that day.

For 45 minutes, my husband and I drove in silence.

Today, I have been peeled to the t.v. again... as I am every year.

One day, we will have a child. They will know about the three dates in U.S. history to never forget. 04 July 1776. 07 December 1941. 11 September 2001.

Our future child will know how many military men and women we have personally known who have fought and fallen since.

Freedom costs. It is not free.

We will never forget.

We will not falter.

The land of the free, the home of the brace.

God bless the USA.

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

Stacy Duplease
Historical Fiction Writer of:

Inspirational American Historical Ancestry Romance Fiction

 

Maybe because it's Tuesday

The pain from 9/11 is quite raw to me today.

 

I am weepy. It started last night.

 

Is it because it's another beautiful blue sky Tuesday?

 

I realize, if I am honest with myself, I do not intentionally think of 9/11 as much as I should. This reality hurts.

 

My life, however, cannot help but reflect it every day. I support the U.S. military every day. They are still fighting for our freedom today. Even when the wars are ended, they still fight every day as they pay attention to current events all across the globe.

 

The military is my absolute passion. They fight for me, and my freedom, so I do not have to. This is never taken lightly by me.

 

But, the feelings from 9/11 are still with me.

 

9/11 was a day that changed everything for the United States of America--and for the world. But, it also changed for me. And for all of us individually.

 

9/11 was another day of infamy.

 

9/11 was when terrorist struck CIVILIANS at home. At HOME.

 

No. May we never forget. May it always be raw with us. May we ensure no one then or since has died, been injured, or fought be in vain.

 

I press the keys on my keyboard a little harder, and with more passion, now.

 

Today is another beautiful blue sky Tuesday. And, it still hurts.

 

You are remembered.

 

God bless America!

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

Stacy Duplease
Historical Fiction Writer of:

Inspirational American Historical Ancestry Romance Fiction

 

Living history

We are living history today.

And not just because it is 9/11.

Every day, we are living history. After all, when tomorrow comes, today is history.

Are you living with this knowledge every day?

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

-- Stacy Duplease
Historical Fiction Writer
Sent from my cell.

Remember

THOUGHT: History must be remembered... Or it will be doomed to repeat itself.

I was raised that if I must never forget two particular dates in American history: 04 July 1776 and 07 December 1941. A new date was added 11 years ago... 11 September 2001.

Those three dates prove freedom is not free. Freedom costs. The payment, unfortunately, is blood. Freedom is not free. 

In order for everyone to fully live free, the blood of Jesus had to be shed.

In order for American to be free, blood has to be shed at times. The price is higher than high.

Have we forgotten 9/11?

Really.

How united are we?

Do we understand that our very national defense is rapidly being not just cut, but gutted... each day by our politicians? What about Iran and China? We are less safe today than on 9/11. 

May we remember. And not forget. 

Do you know what the country learned on 07 December 1941 at Pearl Harbor? The USA learned how the very military who protects us could not react immediately. We did not have the ships, planes, or men to protect us.

Today, we have less ships, planes, and men and women in the military.

Have we learned? Have we remembered? Have we forgotten?

Have we learned from history?

Today... Let us rededicate ourselves to being united and not divided. To standing strong as a nation. To prayer. To remembering. 

To action and not inaction. To prayer. To voting carefully to ensure those who defend us can and not be held back and gutted by government.

To making sure not one from 9/11 died in vain.

To making sure the first responders who have cancer from being hurt in their lungs now have not been in vain. 

To making sure the military men and women who have died, been injured, and/or fought have not been in vain.

May we remember and be united. Always. Every day. And not forget.

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

-- Stacy Duplease
Historical Fiction Writer
Sent from my cell.

Remember

THOUGHT: History must be remembered... Or it will be doomed to repeat itself.

I was raised that if I must never forget two particular dates in American history: 04 July 1776 and 07 December 1941. A new date was added 11 years ago... 11 September 2001.

Those three dates prove freedom is not free. Freedom costs. The payment, unfortunately, is blood. Freedom is not free. 

In order for everyone to fully live free, the blood of Jesus had to be shed.

In order for American to be free, blood has to be shed at times. The price is higher than high.

Have we forgotten 9/11?

Really.

How united are we?

Do we understand that our very national defense is rapidly being not just cut, but gutted... each day by our politicians? What about Iran and China? We are less safe today than on 9/11. 

May we remember. And not forget. 

Do you know what the country learned on 07 December 1941 at Pearl Harbor? The USA learned how the very military who protects us could not react immediately. We did not have the ships, planes, or men to protect us.

Today, we have less ships, planes, and men and women in the military.

Have we learned? Have we remembered? Have we forgotten?

Have we learned from history?

Today... Let us rededicate ourselves to being united and not divided. To standing strong as a nation. To prayer. To remembering. 

To action and not inaction. To prayer. To voting carefully to ensure those who defend us can and not be held back and gutted by government.

To making sure not one from 9/11 died in vain.

To making sure the first responders who have cancer from being hurt in their lungs now have not been in vain. 

To making sure the military men and women who have died, been injured, and/or fought have not been in vain.

May we remember and be united. Always. Every day. And not forget.

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

The Right Place at the Right Time

I still cannot help but count my blessings for being at the right place at the right time. That's true personally and professionally.

 

I know I have shared this with you before, but I want to bring context to this blog post. Please bear with me.

 

Virginia is not a place I would have ever said, "I want to live there." But, God had other plans. Through my husband's job, we moved to July in 2011. We fell in love with the history in the area well before I ever learned about my family treez here in Virginia and my genealogy. Hence, when I found out about my family history, it only added to the passion I feel for the history in this area. That is why I am writing the Family Treez of the USA Series.

 

Yesterday, I could not help but think again how I am at the right place at the right time. I needed research about sailing and boats for the book I am writing now and for the one I will write next. This book is set in 1613 and the next book is set in December 1773. Therefore, I needed a wealth of knowledge. That meant thinking about where, besides the Internet, I could gain such knowledge. Then, I remembered. There's the Waterman's Museum in Yorktown and the Mariner's Museum in New Port News. My husband and I Had not been to either, so we made a day of it yesterday.

 

What a blessing to live in the right place at the right time so I can gather research material with my own eyes--and not just over the Internet.

 

Oh! The perfect kicker to our day yesterday. We walked outside to view the outdoor exhibits of the Waterman's Museum in Yorktown--right of the York River and near where the original pier was in 1691 for Yorktown. We saw a couple of people taking pictures near the river and decided to see why. They asked us if we had any idea what they were seeing. My husband and I looked where they pointed and saw immediately. "Dolphins!" We both exclaimed and explained at the same time. God showed us his glory and blessed us in a whole different way.

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

Stacy Duplease
Historical Fiction Writer of:

Inspirational American Historical Ancestry Romance Fiction

dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

Family Treez Blog and Website: http://familytreezusa.blogspot.com and http://familytreezusa.tumblr.com

Email: familytreezusa@gmail.com
Bookstore: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction   

A New Plan

I took some time to plan the next year or so of books I want to write. 

What I did not expect was how there will be eight books on Jamestown between the years 1607 and 1624. (Gulp!)

I hope you are ready to learn a great deal about Jamestown, Virginia. I know I am. 

(Photo Credit: Stacy Duplease. 2012. At Jamestown.)

-- Stacy Duplease
Historical Fiction Writer
Sent from my cell.

An Interesting Fact

Where was the first permanent English colony in America?

I must admit that before I moved to Virginia, I would have given the wrong answer. 

Was it Plymouth, Massachusettes or Jamestown, Virginia?

The correct answer is Jamestown.

Jamestown is the real birthplace of the United States of America.

Did you know this?

(Photo credit: Stacy Duplease. 2012. At Jamestown.)

-- Stacy Duplease
Historical Fiction Writer
Sent from my cell.

Book 1

I guess it is about time I told you about Book 1 of the Family Treez of the USA Series. At this point, I must admit I am not sure of the title. I am calling it , A JAMESTOWN LIFE, today. But, who knows if it will stick. I sure do not know at this point. I am rather undecided at this point, I must admit. Here is what I am sure of, though:

Book 1 is about a married couple, Francis and Mary Mason, who make the decision to pick up their lives and move to Jamestown in America in 1613, along with their three year old daughter. They move from Norfolk, England. 

Can you imagine taking a trip for two to three months across the ocean to go to the place near the Lost Colony of Roanoke, known for the Starving Time and massacres by the natives?

There were few women and children as well at the time at Jamestown and in the surrounding areas.

I cannot imagine any of that, never mind the stress it would put on a marriage.

Welcome to Book 1 of the FAMILY TREEZ OF THE USA SERIES. 

It is about a real, Christian, American family. It is based off of my family. 

And I currently live just fifteen minutes from Jamestown and live in Hampton, where they settled. I did not know any of this until a couple of months ago. My husband and I moved to Virginia about 13 months ago. So, I have a really good idea of the setting. 

The Masons were not the only family to come to Jamestown. There were also the Tuckers, Arundells, Sherwoods, and Williamsons. This is a little foreshadowing for you and a little teaser of what is to come. Never mind a real-life mail order bride. 

See. I peaked your interest now, did I not?

BY THE WAY: The photo above is one I took of Jamestown a few months ago. This is at the archaeological dig. This is where the United States of America began and is where my ancestors tread. (Humbling. Amazing. Awe-inspiring. Mind-boggling.)

(Photo Credit: Stacy Duplease. 2012.)

-- Stacy Duplease
Sent from my cell.

Information about book, ELIZABETH

Elizabeth, along with the other books in this series, is a saga about a real-life American family. The story traces the lives of the Arundells from England to moving to America and what they encounter along the way. It's a story of love, ambition, trials, and life-transitions. This is a book and series of American Historical Fiction based loosely on a real-life family, the author's own family.
Elizabeth was married into the family, but that is what gives her a unique perspective on the Arundells. She went from rags to riches, and then followed her man, Peter, to travel across the Atlantic and go to Virginia in 16??, along with their three children. The book, Elizabeth, is about what they experience and how they are forever changed because of their travels and time in Virginia in Buckroe.
The Arundells, and other relatives, have fought in every war since their first landing at Jamestown Settlement and continues today. The series starts in 1597, but takes a look back to when their relative, John Arundell first goes to Roanoke with Sir Richard Grenville, his half-brother.
This series is about Virginia just as much as it is about the United States of America. It was in Virginia that was the first permanent English settlement, but in Yorktown was where the nation was fought for and won in the last decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War. Virginia is the real birthplace of the USA and has more history than most of the other 49 states combined.
The Arundells will grab your heart, help solidify your faith, and will help grow your patriotism and knowledge of American history, as you follow the family through the sunshine and clouds of life.

Stacy Duplease
Geneaologist and Historical Fiction Writer

dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez Etc

Family Treez Blog and Website: http://familytreezetc.blogspot.com

Email: familytreezetc@gmail.com
Bookstore: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction   

What I Love about Historical Fiction

What I love about historical fiction is that as a reader, I can learn about history--and it feels painless!

(Provided that the history is true and not fictionalized.)

(Photo Credit: Stacy Duplease)

Stacy Duplease
Geneaologist and Historical Fiction Writer

dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez Etc

Family Treez Blog and Website: http://familytreezetc.blogspot.com

Email: familytreezetc@gmail.com
Bookstore: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction   

Would you believe?

A year ago, my husband and I moved to Virginia. We live in the Hampton/Newport News area. We are within a half hour's drive to Jamestown, Yorktown, or Williamsburg (aka the Historical Triangle).

Would you believe that up until a year ago, history was fascinating to me, but I was terrible with my knowledge of it? In fact, history was my weakest subject in school. For instance, I thought the first permanent English settlement was at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Now I know the error of my education. Jamestown is the correct answer, if you wanted to know.

Then again, I come from an era, in my schools at least, we studied the explorers every year. And I mean every year. We never made it to the 20th Century, so I could not see how the events of the past were linked with what happened today--and the implications from the past to today are gigantic and mighty. But, school never taught me this. My father did, however. (Thank God for him. Everything I know about history is because of him.)

I also did not read history books because I found them boring. Would you believe?

Sure, I got into historical fiction. But, that could hardly be counted as history, could it? (Hah! I see the error in my thinking now.)

I fell in the love with the history of Virginia, needless to say. Wow, that changed the moment we got to Virginia and the historical sites were able to win my love and passion, like a lover, in seconds. It was love at first sight.

I will visit Virginia for the rest of my life before I visit Washington D. C. The politicians might tell you the importance of the city. Sure, there are monuments and museums which are critical to the history and recognition of our great nation. I will not dispute that. Instead, I will visit D.C. Every 10 or 15 years. Virginia, however, I see visiting every 5. (We do not know if my husband's work will keep us here another year or two. But, we realize we have to plan for it only be one more just in case.) Virginia is where the United States of America was really founded.

Now, here is the best part. Would you believe that I had NO idea about my family tree, genealogy, or lineage until about two months ago? This knowledge has only added to my love affair with this part of the country and in Virginia.

So, how is all of that for a confession?

(Photo by Stacy Duplease.)

Stacy Duplease
Geneaologist and Historical Fiction Writer

dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez Etc

Family Treez Blog and Website: http://familytreezetc.blogspot.com

Email: familytreezetc@gmail.com
Bookstore: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction   

American Origins 1573-1590: The story behind the story

WHY WRITE THE BOOK, AMERICAN ORIGINS 1573-1590?

Why did my ancestors come to America to begin with? This is actually where I am starting the series. Never mind how I discovered how from 1388-1608, 22 family members of mind were executed or beheaded in England (many of which were in the White Tower of the Tower of London).

I wanted to start the story with Roanoke, but I would have missed the set-up of the story and the reason why they might have come to America.

In Book 1 of the Family Treez Series, we look at the 22 deaths quickly and we then start to head to Roanoke.

I need to warn you, these books are going to take 10 months or so just to write, never mind final edits. Therefore, they will take a year and a half or so to get out--unless I am able to speed up the process.

Why so long? The books are going to be around 1200 pages long or thereabouts... Or the size of Ken Follett's books, to give you perspective. There will be a great deal that happens in the books.

I am trying to base them on actual history, but will take artistic license and liberty in order to write a story of what could have been--through asking over and over, "What-if?".

American Origins is a book about what brought people to think of going to America.

The Family Treez Series is tracing my family from 1573 (and before) to the present. This will be a lifelong American historical fiction project.

(Photo is by Stacy Duplease.)

Stacy Duplease
Geneaologist and Historical Fiction Writer

dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez Etc

Email: familytreezetc@gmail.com
Bookstore: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction   

Aurora Movie Shootings (Or Massacre)

The victims, families, and friends of everyone in the Aurora Movie Shootings are in my thoughts and prayers.May the Lord be with you and bless you at this time (and always).

Denver, Colorado is my home. I might live in the birthplace of the United States, but Colorado is home. It is where I will return when my husband retires in the years to come. My husband and I were there earlier this month--visiting family and friends. We went by that specific movie theatre numerous times...

Also, my husband and I were there for Columbine. (Hence, it means a great deal that the same man who made the crosses for Columbine made them again for this tragedy. Wow.)

This is something very near and dear to our hearts...

A senseless act of violence by a premeditated madman. He did not snap. It was thoroughly planned and thought out.

May justice be seen and done. May the families and friends get answers. Lord, bless Colorado. Again. Amen.

We are--Colorado!
Please pause for a moment of silence and prayer. We will never forget.
(Photo is from Microsoft Images Online.)
--

Stacy Duplease