Welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! A while back, I mentioned that I might do a post on the Lincoln Assassination in this series. It was met with requests, so I decided to go for it! The murder of the 16th president has long been of interest to me, because of all the stories and people involved and misconceptions surrounding motives and perspectives of the “main characters,” if you will. Today, I’m sharing some bits I find particularly interesting that aren’t usually covered. Let’s roll!

Not many people know that Lincoln actually died on the floor of the president’s box in Ford’s Theater. Dr. Charles Leale was the first to treat Lincoln, resuscitating him with mouth to mouth. Lincoln was then carried to the Peterson House across the street from the theater in an attempt to salvage Lincoln’s reputation. (The idea of the president dying in a theater on Good Friday was appalling to the general population. Funny no one seemed to care that he had been there in the first place…)

Mary Lincoln was understandably distraught over the events of that night, and, never being a lady of strong mental stability, was in a hysterical state of mind. This however does not justify Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in banning her from the bedside. She was not with her husband in his last moments because of him. Heartless, cruel and inexcusable.

Obviously inappropriate, but since the flag’s stars did not match the actual number of states in the Union at that time, I suppose I’ll let that slide *halo*

John Wilkes Booth’s father and mother were both from England. They later came to America and I will agree, Booth was an American citizen. But he was not a southerner. That’s not something you can change just by moving to a certain part of the country. That takes generations. Booth grew up in Maryland, another mark against him being “southern.” Sure, it’s south of the Mason-Dixon, but culturally, the south doesn’t consider them as a southern state 😉 (And don’t come telling me my baby is gonna be half yankee, lol! The Peterson clan might have the accent but not the culture, and they haven’t been in Maryland long enough to be yankees; they are from Tennessee 😉)

Tad was representing the Lincoln family at Ford’s rival theater, Grover’s, watching Aladdin and his Magic Lamp. A chaperone was with him. And how did he learn his father was shot? From a man who got up on stage and announced it to the crowd. All people could hear following this announcement was Tad, 12-years-old, screaming.

Booth had been planning for over a year to kidnap Lincoln and turn him over the Confederacy to use as a bargaining chip. This plan was not endorsed by any Confederate organizations and it’s very unlikely that President Davis was even aware of this proposition.

The Garrett family had housed Booth for a day prior to the showdown with federal troops. But it wasn’t until the soldiers showed up and surrounded their barn that they learned the identity of their guest.

A soldier from Mosby’s rangers, Jett was the one who introduced Booth to the Garretts and ultimately led the federal entourage to the farm.

The whole reason she was put on trial was because her son was a friend of Booth’s and they had held meetings in her house about the kidnapping scheme. Did she aid Booth in his escape? Yes, ultimately. Does that warrant a death sentence? No.

I cannot prove anything one way or the other. I personally believe it was Booth that was killed, but there is a lot of evidence about connections to the assassination that magically disappeared. And it’s interesting that no one came after Stanton, who put his stamp of approval on many atrocities committed by the Union, including the murder of civilians and torture and murder of Prisoners of War. Pages of previously intact diary entries in Booth’s date book disappeared after falling into Stanton’s hands. Postmortem photographs of Booth also disappeared. Some claimed that the dead man had auburn hair, not black and they were silenced. Booth’s body was hidden from the public.

Again, I’m not saying it wasn’t Booth, but we haven’t been told the whole story. Stanton wasn’t above hiding or destroying evidence that didn’t fit his narrative. He proved that by hiding the shawl that Jefferson Davis was wearing when he was captured so the public wouldn’t find out that the president wasn’t wearing a dress. Scientists and historians have been trying to get Booth’s body released for a DNA test, but have been blocked on every turn. Just saying, there’s more to this story that we may never know.

Don’t come after me, I’m just sharing both sides of the story XP
 

Which fact surprised you the most? Have one you would like to share? Interested in some resources on Lincoln, the assassination and the “Booth Conspiracy?” Let me know in the comments if I should do another post on the resources I’ve found!
 
Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello everyone! It was really hard to pick my top ten books from last year 😊 I didn’t read a whole lot and while I read several good ones, there weren’t a whole lot of favorites. Even so there were some super good books that stood out above the rest, and I’m excited to share them with you! (PSST! I hit 33 weeks on Wednesday! How crazy is that??)

(All Book Images are from Goodreads)

Yes, this is a reread. Yes, I have harped on and on about this book and how good it is. Yes, this is one of my top favorite books ever. And yes, it technically rates higher than most of the books on this list. BUT. Sense it is a reread and I do talk about this book a lot, I decided to put it at the bottom and let the new books get some spotlight. Does that mean my love for it has diminished? Not at all *halo* and if you are a fan, comment below so we can fangirl! (Click here for my review!)

*Clears throat* Please reread the above paragraph. Still applies. (Click here for my review!)

This book is undergoing rewrites and hasn’t officially released, but I highly recommend it! I loved the unfinished version I read so much and can’t wait to read the revised edition! It’s the story of a boy named Jay and his journey through trial and triumph as he learns to love again and be loved by they family he never had but always needed. This book is written especially for those who deal with emotional and mental health issues and as someone who deals with mild forms of depression, I found it a balm for my heart. Highly recommend! (Click here for my review!)

When I found out that Victoria Minks had a new book out, I was elated! And to discover it was a series was even better! I’m not a huge fan of the regency-esque era, but this book made me second guess my stance. I decided, because of this book, to take a chance on Jane Austen and I’m not sorry! Some light romance in this story, even though marriage and such is the center of their lives, but it’s more in a comical light than a disgusting “oh, he’s a dreamboat!” fashion. It’s appropriate and well written. And the ending! I was on the edge of my seat! Can’t wait for Episode 2! (Click here for my review!)

This book ripped my heart out. If you ever need a good cry, go get you a copy of this little baby and lock yourself in your room for the afternoon. Tissues recommended. Y’all know I’m a softy for a good military read and this one…yeah, let’s just say I can’t wait to read the next book! (Click here for my review!)

And now, for the top book of 2021…
 

Surprise, surprise XD I predicted in my review post that this would make it onto my top ’21 list and it sure did! I want desperately to reread it, but I have to finish some other books before I can justify pouring over this lovely soldier to civilian compilation. If you get the chance, snag this book! (Click here for my review!)

What were your favorite books of 2021? Comment below and share your favorites!
 
Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn (and Baby Girl Peterson!)

*Note from Ryana Lynn: This post was written in advance. I had planned for it to be about loving one another, bringing out some things that have been on my heart on the topic. But I couldn’t get peace about it. So, I decided to listen to God and just post the part about Loving Him. Never question the Holy Spirit. Fighting with Him isn’t worth it 😉 But yeah, that’s why this post is a few hours late.*
 
Happy February and welcome back to Life of Heritage corner! As of this week, I am seven months pregnant! Or 32 weeks, whichever way you wanna count it 😉 I am writing these posts up a good bit in advance, so if you want a more accurate up to date baby report, feel free to ask in the comments! My newsletters are written in real-time as well, so be sure and subscribe if you haven’t already! (Keep in mind my March and April Newsletters might be late or non-existent depending on when baby Peterson makes her appearance!)

Today, I am sharing my first official devotion in the Commissioned series! And with February being the month when most are thinking of Valentines day, what better way to start off then talking about Biblical love? And no, I’m not talking about romantic love 😉 It’s time to think about what it really means to love God. Let’s dive in!

*All Scripture taken from the King James Bible*

If you were raised in a Christian home, no doubt you heard these verses more times than you can count. We hear it, nod, agree and move on. But do we really love God with all our hearts, soul and mind? Is He the first thing on our mind in the morning? Are His words the most precious to us? Are we aware this is a commission and not just a suggestion?

I’m by no means intending to indicate that I have arrived in this area. I am ashamed that many times, I struggle to put my relationship with Christ first. I often forget to read my Bible at the first of my day or put off the devotionals I desire to finish. This is as much a message to myself as to anyone else. We need to make a conscious decision to put Him first daily!

But how can we do this? I am no expert but I will share my current goals in growing in my love for God. First, pray as soon as you wake. Don’t touch your phone. Take all your concerns and hopes for the day straight to Him. Ask Him to help you learn something from your Bible reading and not just do it out of duty. Read your Bible. Search for that little nugget God has for you today. If you are stuck in genealogies, read a psalm or proverb in addition! Pray again for grace to follow Him today and be a blessing to someone else. Listen to a hymn. Think over the biblical message it shares.

Second, stay faithful to church. In the days we are living in, each state or province has their own rules concerning the virus that shall not be mentioned. Thankfully though, most of us are free to worship the Lord in person. But in the event you are sick, or the weather is inclement, there is this wonderful thing known as livestream! I encourage you to tune into your local church every time you are forced to miss, but if your church doesn’t livestream, click here for a link to my church’s livestream! Or if you know of another church that teaches Biblical truths, tune in to their service!

Third, get involved! There are so many different opportunities to serve the Lord in our local churches! Volunteer to help in the nursery or participate in church clean up! Ask your pastor or his wife if there is anything you can do to serve! Join the visitation team and stock up on tracks to pass out during the week! Add a link to a gospel presentation to that email you are sending to a friend. You never know what opportunities the Lord will send your way when you purpose in your heart to serve Him with all your soul and might.

Lastly, pray. Share your thoughts and desires, your struggles and triumphs with the Father. Does He know? Of course! But He always enjoys hearing from His children! Pray for friends and family and for God to send opportunities to share His Love with others!
 

What are some ways you plan to grow in your Love for God this year? Share below in the comments so we can cheer each other on!
 
Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn (and Baby Girl Peterson!)

So hard to believe January is over! Two more months to my little Southern Belle will make her appearance! Can’t get here soon enough for me, lol! I never thought I would see the day when simply yawning or sneezing would have me panting for air and totally exhausted. Don’t ask 😊

I didn’t get as much done this month as I anticipated, but you know what? That’s okay! I did what I could and am moving on to the next set of goals! Share your recaps from January in the comments section below!

Haha… well, we finally got snow, so I guess that counts, lol! In all honesty, this month was pretty rough on my health. I’m exhausted most of the time and acid reflux is a near daily occurrence, making me pretty nauseous. Which means I didn’t get much writing or reading done, because pregnancy fog/mental fog left over from my run in with the virus that shall not be named nearly two years ago prevents me from being able to focus much. But audiobooks help!

I did get to visit with my in-laws a lot which was a blessing! I even got to visit with my side of the family for a couple days, so that definitely counts as a highlight! And I got to have a sushi and boba tea date with a friend from church. So, I did have some good days sprinkled in amongst the fatigue XD

Definitely Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have a full review coming soon, but y’all, this book was both hilarious and heartbreaking in all the best ways. I loved the societal satire and the bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout. I found the balls annoying, just saying. Also, I still hate the Enemies to Lovers trope, but this is the best example of it I’ve ever seen! And I was pleased that while this book was all about marriage and such, it really wasn't a romance novel. Love this book!

Five. Quite shy of my goal, but progress none the less! Only two books were on my reading list, but I’m just adding the remaining three I shared to my February list. Three of my books are audiobooks, so hopefully, I can catch back up!

Here’s a round up of this month’s posts, just in case you missed any!

Hello, 2022 || Goodbye, 2021
Reading List: January/February 2022 || Plus 5 Winter Reading Recommendations!
Writing Update || A Note From My Desk
Thoughts on Writing || A Collaboration with Katja L.

In the future I will try to post a friend's posts round up, but I am way behind this month, haha!

Romans 5:1-5— “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Ha. I intended to have TSAL fully edited this month. But as you saw in my intro, there was not much writing going on XD But I did manage to get six chapters edited and only lack about four now! Hopefully they will be finished next month and I can get this book finished before Little Missy makes her appearance, lol! She seems intent on trying to kick her way out of my stomach some days and I’m just grateful she hasn’t sent me into pre-term labor! But I’m thankful for her movements, letting me know all is well! It’s rough, but I know the end results will be worth it *heart emoji* (Missing my emoji add-on from my last computer! Gonna have to find it again!)

*Wince* Let’s see how this went!

Writing||
          Complete edits on To Save A Life-- Nope. Did not happen. But I still got work do on it, so I’m glad of that! *Hears Pollyanna in my head and smiles*
          Batch Posts for February--Also didn’t happen. My devotional got me hung up and my brain forgot to remind me I could just skip it and write the other posts and come back to it later, *eye roll emoji* I feel like the devil has really been fighting me on this devotional so please pray I can complete it for next week!

Reading||
            Read 10 books minimum--Ha! Nope! But it’s okay, because I really enjoyed most of the books I read (one was a two star ☹)! Pride and Prejudice was worth the low read count *halo*
            Complete one of my devotional books from last year 😉--Also didn’t complete this, but I did make great headway on a Joshua study! Hoping to finish it this week and return it to my dad next time I see him, lol!

Life||
            Stay on top of grading for school (A huge struggle!)--For the most part, yes! I have a little bit to catch up on, but I am very pleased with how it’s been going!
            Make our baby registry (Yeah, I’m way behind!)--YES! I DID THIS 😉 I have a list of things to add, but Lord Willing, I will be finishing that up tonight!
            Eat more veggies (gotta keep me, hubby and baby healthy!)--Also did this! I love carrots and sugar snap peas, so being able to eat more of them and more salads has been a huge boost!
            Journal daily (Something I’ve been wanting to get back to!)--Umm… I didn’t even touch my journal… so fail. But I’m not giving up! I want to journal more and I really want to make it a priority!

Writing||
          Complete edits on To Save A Life
          Batch Posts for February and March

Reading||
            Read 10 books minimum
            Complete one of my devotional books from last year 😉

Life||
            Work towards coming home (Nesting time!)
            Get everything set up for Baby Peterson! (I’ve got some organizing to do!)
            Drink More Water! (Why is this so hard??)
            Journal (Gotta do it!)
 
How was your January? What are your goals for February? Share the scoop below!
 
Have a Blessed Day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello and welcome back to Life of Heritage! I am so excited to share today’s collaboration with you! Katja and I have been book buddies for a few years now and I have often enjoyed buddy reading and brainstorming with her on projects. Today, we are going to be answering questions about writing here on my blog, then I will share her link so you can jump over there for a Q and A on reading! Without further ado, let’s roll!

Katja: My current WIP is a Christian Contemporary Fantasy novel called The Colour Red. I don’t have a great synopsis for it yet, but here’s a stab at it:

I’ve been working on it since 2020 and I’m hoping to publish it this year 😉

Ryana Lynn: My current WIP is To Save a Life! It’s my pro-life novel, book one in the Natty’s Warriors Series!

Katja: Oh, in so, so many ways. First off, I learned it’s okay to not have a perfect draft. That rewriting is good and helpful. That criticism was not something to take personally. And that taking my time is way better and helps so much. I think I could wrap it all up in saying I learned I’m not sorry that I didn’t publish before, because I wasn’t ready. 

Ryana Lynn: It’s hard to say, to be honest. I think I’ve learned a lot about setting realistic deadlines… and not scheduling a pre-order until the book is completely ready to publish, lol! And I learned that it’s okay to take a break when life happens.

Katja: I want to get better at handling criticism. I want to pray more over the process. And I want to learn how to write tighter, clearer prose.

Ryana Lynn: I want to work on developing my author voice. I’ve noticed in some reviews/critiques that readers have considered my style nothing particularly unique. I’m grateful for their feedback and I look forward to developing my style more in the coming months! I also want to grow in the area of writing setting, another part that doesn’t come naturally.

Katja: Just writing?? I love writing. There are few things so awesome as just having dialogue, story, and characters pouring out of your fingertips and becoming tangible. I also LOVE figuring out my characters and why they’d do something and not the other. Characters are the most important thing to me and I love working with them! 

Ryana Lynn: Is it bad that it’s writing the first draft? I just love getting the initial story out on paper! Even if the writing is garbage at first, it’s still a favorite part <3 I also enjoy revisions!

Katja: It would depend on how they’re struggling 😊 but in general, no matter what it is, there’s three key things you can do that will help:

     1. Pray.
     Never underestimate the power of prayer (as I sadly have). It’s amazing how much one simple prayer can smooth things out.

  2. Seek helpful counsel from people you trust & who are knowledgeable/helpful in what you’re struggling with.
     Don’t just take anybody’s advice. Seeking good advice is always better! There’s a famous quote that goes, “Don’t accept criticism from people you wouldn’t go to for advice.” Have discretion, because wrong advice can be very hurtful. ;P

     3. Step back and take a break. 
     I want to really emphasize that. I hate stepping away before I figured stuff out, but it really helps so very much, and I always wish I’d done it. It can be a break of 10 minutes, 10 hours, 10 days, or even 10 weeks… sometimes you just need to let go for a while. 

     4. Don’t beat yourself up over it. 
     Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean you’re worthless. On the contrary, it means you’re genuinely wanting to do your best—and that is very important. Everyone struggles. The difference is, real ones hang on; fakes give up.
 
Ryana Lynn: Give yourself grace. You’re gonna make mistakes. You’re gonna get bogged down. You’re gonna feel like a failure or an imposter or both. But remember Who has called you to write! Remember your purpose and the Passion God has given you. Take a break if you need. Refresh. But don’t give up.
 
Don’t forget to head over to Katja’s blog for our chat on reading!
 
How would you answer these questions? What indie authors would you like to see interviewed in the future? Share your answers below!
 
Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22