Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Fiction Book Review: On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson
Publisher's
Description:
Natalie
O'Ryan had no plans to return to Prince Edward Island. But when her fiancé
books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose's Red Door
Inn, she sets out to plan the perfect wedding. Yet she can't possibly plan for
a run-in with Justin Kane--the best friend she left behind all those years ago
after promising to stay.
Justin has never forgotten Natalie. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until tragedy struck, leaving him to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.
After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin may discover that there is more between them than broken promises and an old friendship.
Justin has never forgotten Natalie. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until tragedy struck, leaving him to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.
After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin may discover that there is more between them than broken promises and an old friendship.
My
Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed On Love's Gentle Shores, the third book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series. First of all the setting is incredible. The water's edge, the small town feel, and a lighthouse drew me right in to Prince Edwards Island (PEI.) Second, the characters are lovable and realistic. From Natalie to Justin's mom, I enjoyed getting to know each one. Third, Liz Johnson is a fabulous writer. One of the things I like most about Natalie is that she's carrying baggage. Real baggage, and she struggles to deal with it. Fourth, I love the community on PEI. The people are real. There are loving folks and town gossips. Helpful and harmful—true to small town living. This is my favorite book in the series. And just for the record, Justin is a sweetheart. This is a fantastic summer read, and can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you'll want to read the series. I can actually say that I missed the characters after I finished the book. I'd love to see what happens to them in the future! 5 Stars! I received this book for free.
I thoroughly enjoyed On Love's Gentle Shores, the third book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series. First of all the setting is incredible. The water's edge, the small town feel, and a lighthouse drew me right in to Prince Edwards Island (PEI.) Second, the characters are lovable and realistic. From Natalie to Justin's mom, I enjoyed getting to know each one. Third, Liz Johnson is a fabulous writer. One of the things I like most about Natalie is that she's carrying baggage. Real baggage, and she struggles to deal with it. Fourth, I love the community on PEI. The people are real. There are loving folks and town gossips. Helpful and harmful—true to small town living. This is my favorite book in the series. And just for the record, Justin is a sweetheart. This is a fantastic summer read, and can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you'll want to read the series. I can actually say that I missed the characters after I finished the book. I'd love to see what happens to them in the future! 5 Stars! I received this book for free.
Reflections of the Heart
1 Corinthians
13:12
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Before July ends, I will celebrate another birthday.
I've chalked up a lot of experience in the years I've lived. As I looked in the
mirror this morning, my reflection stared back. White hair, tired eyes,
wrinkles and frown lines. Life mapped out on my face. Sounds depressing doesn't
it. Until I look past the physical markings and see the cheeks my husband,
children, and grandchildren kiss. The hair I still have. The eyes that take in
the beauty of the natural world. I see hints of my mom and my dad, resemblances
to my siblings. Years of worry and sadness are balanced by many more moments of
joy and love.
Somewhere in the reflection, I recognize the love
Jesus pours over me. The grace he offers freely. Even as I live on earth, I see
Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, the apostle Paul talks about "a reflection
as in a mirror," as in what we see now—today—here on earth. But "then
we shall see face to face," not in a mirror but face to face. Jesus will
return to take his followers, the believers, the obedient—and then we will see
him face to face. Not just a reflection, but our true Savior will stand in
front of us in all of his glory. What a joy that will be!
As I reflect on my life, I pray that my heart
reflects the deep love I have for Jesus and the grace he's given me. I praise
God for many years lived surrounded by people I love.
Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Saturday, June 24, 2017
He's my Rock
Malachi 3:6
"I the Lord do not change."
"I the Lord do not change."
I've joked that the most consistent thing about
working in a library is change. New software, new methods of teaching, new
information, new ways of getting the information. Constant change keeps the
library moving into the twenty-first century.
Monday, the three librarians I work with and I set
up our office and a temporary library in two classrooms. We moved the essential
books and whatever we needed to work in the space, while the library is getting
sprinklers and new heating and cooling. I've lost count of the changes that
have occurred in the eleven years I've worked for Clermont. But I can tell you
this—I've struggled with every single one.
I'm not good with change. I like my routine. I
like the workflow I've set up. I like my office space. Yet, every time a change
has been made, I've adjusted (sometimes with whining.) But each time, I've
learned the new software, pushed my office chair to a different desk, or moved
books to a different location, I've adapted.
For all the change I see in my daily life, I am so
thankful that the God I love, does not change. He's always the same. He loves
me and wants the best for me. He's ready to listen to my prayers and answer
them. God is the same—All.The.Time! No matter how frustrated I get, worried I
become, or troubled I am, God stays the same. He's my rock. He loves me. He
knows what's ahead and why the change is necessary. And he knows what's best
for me. Praise God he is the great I am.
For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. Psalm 95:3
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Saturday, June 17, 2017
The Muck of Worry
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
When I was a young teen, I nearly drowned. I was
swimming with my friends in their pond and I felt like I was pulled under. No
matter how hard I tried I couldn't push myself up. Fortunately, my friend
noticed and one of her brothers caught hold of me and tugged me out of the
water. I don't know if my foot got trapped in the muck at the bottom or if a
whirlpool caught me, but I was sinking with little hope of swimming my way out.
Lately, I've had that overwhelming feeling that I'm caught at the bottom of a
pond, struggling to swim to the top. That's what worry does.
Worry causes me to take my eyes off of the one who
calms my soul. I'm not anxious about money, or my health. I'm not as anxious as
I used to be about our kids. Although, I can still work up a good worry about
them. But the one area that makes my anxiety go up, like the mercury in a thermometer on a ninety-degree day, is my
grandchildren. With Facebook, Twitter, newspapers and the news, I read way too
much bad news. So far this summer I've read probably fifteen different stories
about how bad ticks and mosquitoes will be this summer and the diseases they carry. People have posted lots of
articles on water safety/tragedies. Then there are the other stories that I hate
to even mention, that involve children. Please understand, I take all of this
seriously, but I shouldn't let it terrify me.
Instead I should take my concerns to the one I
trust the most. The God of all creation, who made the universe and counted
every silver hair on my head. Our children and grandchildren are growing up in
trying times. One tragedy after another. And all I want to do is protect them
all. But that's not my job. No, my job is to pray. To ask God to watch after
the little ones, and not so little ones. To seek God's guidance as I share life
with them. Instead of spending time drowning in the depths of worry, I hit my
knees and asked forgiveness for not trusting the one who holds my heart and the
hands of our grandchildren. They are a valuable treasure, God has given me.
Instead of worrying I want to spend my time encouraging them and teaching them
about the hope I have in the Lord.
Worry is a pariah that results in paralyzing fear. Instead of worrying—pray and trust God.
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