Hello all, its been awhile, but I am back from surgery land and from Florida and it’s great to be in the classroom again talking about the process of writing with students. This time I went to the Alma Matters (j.k.) of my three sons, wasn’t there a TV show about this family? Anyway, I had a great time with the students at Northside Christian School in Blaine, Minnesota, the very place where Carl, Peter, and Jordan went to grade school K-8th except for third grade. Yes, I got a wild hair and home schooled my kids for 3rd grade. Everyone of them. And it was a great experience. I will answer your question (everyone else wonders this too) why just third grade? Because, I wanted to try it and 3rd is a good grade for checking out the home school experience. I learned a lot about my child’s learning style and it was educational for me as well. But then I realized that we were not the home school family and back they went to Northside.

Back to Monday April, 16, 2007. I was able to share with a group of about 25 kids grades 5-8th about my journey as a writer and share writing tips about using the five senses, which  is called “Show, don’t Tell!” So, if you are trying to tell your reader that this family has a mom with brunet hair and a father with blue eyes and they have chores to do Saturday morning…well, that could get boring as a list. But, if you weave in the five senses and blend it in with plot and setting and the character’s personality traits…then you have a story that will hold the reader’s attention and they will find out information without even trying. The students were a good group of kids and I would like to go back there again. It was also great to see some of the former teachers such as Mrs. Dvorak and the cool-guy principal Dave Reid. We actually went as a family to Tanzania in 1998 to spend Christmas with Dave and his family when they were missionaries in Africa for several years.

On February 7 and 12, 2007 Kim Halberg, author of Meet Me at the Oasis: Leaving a Legacy to Echo in Eternity, will be presenting “The Process of Writing” to a couple of grade school classes, grades 4-6. The first presentation will be at Meadow Creek Christian School in Andover, and the other is in Roseville, at Northeights Academy. During this interactive one hour presentation, Kim will be discussing her journey of writing, editing, and publishing Meet Me at the Oasis. Hopefully, students will be inspired to become future writers of all kinds of genres. And those who are gifted in other areas may come to appreciate what “creative types” go through to get a book done. Who knows, they may even decide that rewriting that extra draft that their teacher insists on is what all writers do, regardless of student or professional status, and just do it without complaining.

From my own personal take, I am switching to first person here, so hold on…I am looking forward to getting into the classroom and working with the students. During the early 1990’s I spent three years working on a children’s church curriculum called Power Hour with a dear friend, Juanita. She helped me to get going on the computer and practical writing and editing. It was a blast to present the lesson Sunday mornings with all the kids gathered downstairs. Memories include sharing the Bible verse using cards and and a clothesline, inserting puppet skits and drama sketches, and dragging out the old flannel board with felt people who sometimes had bent arms and legs bending up and away from the board. I can still remember the smell of all those flannel people, creatures, plants and buildings. A lot of what I do today was learned working under Juanita’s guidance and encouragement. So please, invest in someone younger than you today and watch what God does with their life! They might be younger in age or younger in development of their gifts. You could be the one to help a person blossom into their destiny!

It was after this writing experience with Juanita that I began a correspondence course in creative writing for children. After completing the course and earning some kind of certificate, that is lost in a closet somewhere, I was ready for the big step of going to a real college through the Pathway Project at Northwestern College and earned my A.A by 2003. That is a whole ‘nother story, but getting that little AA was powerful and gave me the confidence and a few more skills I needed before thinking about doing my first book project, Meet Me at the Oasis. But you know what? All the basics of writing were covered in the correspondence course and they still serve me today as I write this posting: write what you know, vary your sentences, use all five senses, create descriptive people and settings, etc.

Okay! So I needed a break after a busy year of book deadlines, manuscript reading, and proofreading until my eyes almost fell out. With the manuscript due  the beginning of September at my small press friends, Bethany, Labor Day Weekend took on a new meaning as my friends and family were hanging out at the cabin, up north, at the lake, while I was at home with my lap top giving birth to last draft of my manuscript for Meet Me at the Oasis. Was that a run on sentence?

During this time there was the all the fun mission event going on at the Creek Community Church with Neill and Diana Gilberts coming into town from Thailand. Did you know that they are currently raising funds to purchase land and two buildings for a new orphanage? They will be able to accommodate up to 100 kids! They now have about a dozen. Just think…kids like my friend, Sukay, who was adopted from Korea at age seven, will someday have their own story of a second chance at having a better life. Sometimes poverty drives a family to the point of giving their children to an orphanage, other times they give their precious children to the streets, or worse SELL them. I should have a link to the Gilberts, Thailand, and Home of Hope up soon on my community development page.

After the Gilberts came in August and then left in Octoboer, who shows up but our friend Shah! He came for a weekend and we learned about his journey from Islam to Christianity. He is a most interesting person and you never know what he will say. If you are around him long enough you will be challenged, poked and prodded. All of this is done with a sense of humor, but it makes you think about the world, our culture, and the culture of Islam. Thanks Shah for sharing your heart with us that weekend in November. It was also the Sunday of IDOP. Oh, you don’t know what IDOP is do you? It stands for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. If you want to check out their web site go to The Voice of the Martyrs: www.persecution.com. Did you know that more Christians are killed, tortured, and discriminated against around the world right now as you read this than were the First Century Christians? It is not a thing of the past. Sounds like another link for my community development page because the widows and families of those imprisoned receive help from Voice of the Martyrs (VOM).

Did I mention that my son and his family came into town the same weekend as Shah? Yeah, well we just all ate a big meal together with Grandma and Grandpa Halberg and a few friends that like a free meal. Then Shah flew back to California and it was bonding time with my grandson and his parents. My, oh my, is he a busy little boy! And so cute….who do you think he takes after in the family?

So in January my husband and I looked at each other and said, “We’re going on vacation for 10 days!”

Additional book signings at Northwestern Book Stores: Saturday, Dec. 16^th 1-3 pm Roseville/HarMar and Sunday, Dec. 17^th 1-3pm Maple Grove/Arbor Lakes.

That’s right 1-3 pm, either day, either location. Detailed directions below! 

Tom and Vicki Elie will be joining me for both Northwestern Book events singing Christmas carols at the piano. Come for an oasis amidst the frantic holdiay season and listen to music while you sip a cup of your favorite hot beverage. I will probally hang out for awhile so if you are not going to make it until 3pm, no worries.

The Saturday, Dec 16th HarMar location is off of Snelling across Snelling from the Famous Dave’s Restaurant. The Northwestern Book Store is towards the back northeast corner for best parking. Or just cut through the mall. Did you hear they are closing down the HarMar movie theater? I hope they keep the glittering lights going.

The Sunday, Dec 17th book sign in Maple Grove is in the same parking lot as Houlihans (spelling?) and also Linen and Things on the corner of Maine Street and Elm Creek Drive. This is in the Arbor Lakes Shopping area with a movie theater and a lovely walk between shops and restaurants just east of the movie theater. They have World Market, Pottery Barn, PacSun, Granite City, PF Changs and oodles of stores. If you have never ventured over to this area take 169 and head towards 694-94 and get on 94 and take the Hemlock exit. Then turn right (north) and then left (west) onto Elm Creek Drive until you get to the intersection of Main Street. Turn left (you will see Houlihans) and then turn right into the parking lot and head west to Northwestern Books. I know a short cut but you might get lost. And we don’t want that on your first visit to Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove.

Across from all of this comotion, way east, is the new Costco and the crazy Chuckey Cheese for adults known as Dave and Busters. I vote for Costco myself, but whatever floats your boat. There is also some big shoe store near here, so no worries if you need shoes.

Thank you to all of you who stopped in to say, “Hi!” and to purchase a copy or two of Meet Me at the Oasis. I also want to thank Bob and Sharon Balk for hosting my first book sign ever at a retail book store. If you want to purchase a book through the store simply call them and they will ship you a copy. One of my neighborhood friends from grade school called from Wisconsin and Bob and Sharon had the book waiting for me to sign and then they sent it off! If you are around the intersection of Hwy 65 and Hwy 242 (Main Street) just go 2 blocks and turn west, drive past the OASIS station (is that a sign or what?!) and then turn left and soon you will see the entrance sign for St George Books. The address is

St George Christian Books

1250 126th Avenue NE
Blaine, MN 55434
Phone: 763-754-9777
Perhaps I will see some of you at my next two book signs at Northwestern Book Stores. See other posting for more details. Blessings and Peace to you and your family, Kim Halberg

The first book release event for Meet Me at the Oasis with author Kim Halberg is at the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration for Oasis World Ministries Monday, November 6, 2006 at the International Market Square located at 275 Market Street, Minneapolis, MN 55405.The night begins at 6:00 pm with registration, Silent Auction Reception and Dinner provided by D’Amico Catering known for its inspiring interpretation of American cuisine. Following this will be an an inspirational line up of Evangelist Reinhardt Bonnke (best known for his ministry in Africa) Pastor Thimothi Rao (Festival Director for Oasis World Ministries in India) and of course Evangelist Tom Elie (president and founder of Oasis World Ministries).

Meet Me at the Oasis: Leaving a Legacy to Echo in Eternity will be given away as thank you gifts for those couples and individuals who attend the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration on Monday November 6, 2006. For more information email info.owm@juno.com or call Oasis at 763-425-9355

Since 1996 Oasis World Ministries has, by the grace of God, seen over 270,000 people come to faith in Jesus Christ, drilled 128 wells,  held 51 festivals, sponsored 60 churches built, and conducted 49 pastors’ and leaders’ seminars! Come and join this great cause for bringing God’s love to India! The funds raised this evening will echo in eternity as spiritually and physically thirsty people have the opportunity for life, abundant life!

Tickets are $31 each person or a table of 8 people for $250 people. Some tables are sponsored so you may be able to get in on one of those fro less than the ticket price, but please come ready to participate with a generous heart.

The first book release event for Meet Me at the Oasis with author Kim Halberg is at the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration for Oasis World Ministries Monday, November 6, 2006 at the International Market Square located at 275 Market Street, Minneapolis, MN 55405.The night begins at 6:00 pm with registration, Silent Auction Reception and Dinner provided by D’Amico Catering known for its inspiring interpretation of American cuisine. Following this will be an an inspirational line up of Evangelist Reinhardt Bonnke (best known for his ministry in Africa) Pastor Thimothi Rao (Festival Director for Oasis World Ministries in India) and of course Evangelist Tom Elie (president and founder of Oasis World Ministries).

Meet Me at the Oasis: Leaving a Legacy to Echo in Eternity will be given away as thank you gifts for those couples and individuals who attend the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration on Monday November 6, 2006. For more information email info.owm@juno.com or call Oasis at 763-425-9355

Since 1996 Oasis World Ministries has, by the grace of God, seen over 270,000 people come to faith in Jesus Christ, drilled 128 wells,  held 51 festivals, sponsored 60 churches built, and conducted 49 pastors’ and leaders’ seminars! Come and join this great cause for bringing God’s love to India! The funds raised this evening will echo in eternity as spiritually and physically thirsty people have the opportunity for life, abundant life!

Tickets are $31 each person or a table of 8 people for $250 people. Some tables are sponsored so you may be able to get in on one of those fro less than the ticket price, but please come ready to participate with a generous heart.