tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899030651480286552024-03-18T14:42:29.488-04:00Hope for Today's Heart May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.comBlogger1719125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-8303126445655422422024-03-16T06:00:00.016-04:002024-03-16T07:36:11.342-04:00A Joyful Soul<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Song of Solomon 12: 11-12</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">
See! The winter is past;<br />
the rains are over and gone.<br />
Flowers appear on the earth;<br />
the season of singing has come,<br />
the cooing of doves<br />
is heard in our land.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Bright yellow flowers bob their heads among the purple petals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">As much as I love winter, I adore the first blooms of
spring. In southern Ohio, the daffodils are popping. Have you noticed seasons
have their own array of color? Right now we’re seeing a lot of yellow and
purple. Forsythia bushes are waving branches of golden blossoms and vinca vines
are displaying their periwinkle buds. Soon, the tulips will open and add reds and
pinks to the display.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mTzcA2NHhO-5s8y0I93Gpr75tPlPELBUSSzmIeJw_DCeGda-LX0PpLaiHeQyz6yKIyY20D1dUtsK4FyYPtoTE3m8e44sE1ssDoOsyZtv69ePhfgslZKhFqHJkVkpCvioRt8GQDCpGbmdgRmHw19fica-2vdZIIfFxA0dS0GFF7o6CmVr60Cdc-mhUb-2/s2878/spring.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2878" data-original-width="2753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mTzcA2NHhO-5s8y0I93Gpr75tPlPELBUSSzmIeJw_DCeGda-LX0PpLaiHeQyz6yKIyY20D1dUtsK4FyYPtoTE3m8e44sE1ssDoOsyZtv69ePhfgslZKhFqHJkVkpCvioRt8GQDCpGbmdgRmHw19fica-2vdZIIfFxA0dS0GFF7o6CmVr60Cdc-mhUb-2/s320/spring.jpg" width="306" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">All of these flowers fill my soul with joy. Their beauty gives
me hope. After the cold, dark season of winter, God graces us with a rainbow of
color and days filled with sunshine. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Have you experienced a dark season? They come and go, don’t
they? When I’ve traveled through a dark tunnel in life, hope shined at the end
of the darkness, because I didn’t journey alone. Jesus walks with me
step-by-step. As a believer in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I’m in their
company every day, no matter the circumstance. The Holy Spirit dwells in my
soul and guides me on the dark days and the bright days. He’s the reason I
never walk alone. We don’t talk much about the Spirit, which is a shame. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">God created me to have a physical body and a spiritual soul.
I’m so thankful for both. Although my body is wearing out with time, the Spirit
brings wisdom to my soul. Jesus’ love and grace pour into me and fill me with peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">As spring arrives and fills the days with beauty, reflect on
the hope, peace, and joy of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">God bless you!</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-10458525304865429782024-03-13T06:00:00.013-04:002024-03-13T06:00:00.131-04:00Books for Kidz<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">This month I'm reviewing two books from Zonderkidz.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwKu4OJAazCRi_H-lkM91ptGLm45E8pqftFElgA-G_qH9PKRf_ALuadTTTfUerE_QvCzKUhPVohXAA_voV6YpvsTC1oLUDW54o1HP0pLYCt5Viu-baIH8GXqQR9CgwwoSCnguhoPjuuVm0iN1oX7jxmUZW_lFi1Ni1fpv-ocmkcscV2JXqTdv0EisPDoV/s342/kiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwKu4OJAazCRi_H-lkM91ptGLm45E8pqftFElgA-G_qH9PKRf_ALuadTTTfUerE_QvCzKUhPVohXAA_voV6YpvsTC1oLUDW54o1HP0pLYCt5Viu-baIH8GXqQR9CgwwoSCnguhoPjuuVm0iN1oX7jxmUZW_lFi1Ni1fpv-ocmkcscV2JXqTdv0EisPDoV/s320/kiki.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>Kiki Finds Her Voice</i> by Kierra Sheard-Kelly, illustrated by
Paul Kellam<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Kierra Sheard-Kelly has written a wonderful book with a
valuable story about staying true to God. Based on a true story, she shares a
tale many girls will relate to and learn from. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">The illustrations are colorful
and add to the beauty of the story. The lesson of "being different is
beautiful" because God made you to be yourself and not follow the crowd
resonated with me, even as an adult. I recommend the book. It's perfect for
ages 8-12.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Strong</i> by Sally Lloyd Jones, illustrated by Jago</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Jago’s illustrations drew me to this book. They are simply
beautiful. Children will love the colorful pictures. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzf1VJmfNaZC0wd45NoVfOLXeXN1BWBPakHB5eyMnj6ypPdFPvPv_Qz54mPKob0d5YnFD7qjN2eOLQjwHoXM9xwuaEDUggX-N4LSQZpWnaMr1hIoH62di212ROvCfexO9zeMrx3hvExPYjTWwKFsTC7fhetLEdcbX9P8EpXyUQPE6vL-9tPgyo8QGF-0t/s409/strong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="409" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzf1VJmfNaZC0wd45NoVfOLXeXN1BWBPakHB5eyMnj6ypPdFPvPv_Qz54mPKob0d5YnFD7qjN2eOLQjwHoXM9xwuaEDUggX-N4LSQZpWnaMr1hIoH62di212ROvCfexO9zeMrx3hvExPYjTWwKFsTC7fhetLEdcbX9P8EpXyUQPE6vL-9tPgyo8QGF-0t/s320/strong.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">The book is based on Psalm 1:1-3. <br />
Blessed is the one<br />
who does not walk in step with the wicked<br />
or stand in the way that sinners take<br />
or sit in the company of mockers,<br />
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,<br />
and who meditates on his law day and night.<br />
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,<br />
which yields its fruit in season<br />
and whose leaf does not wither—<br />
whatever they do prospers.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lloyd-Jones presents the scripture in a way little ones will
relate to being close to God. The example of a tree gives them a concrete
picture of God’s strength. Strong is a board book.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Both books are available on Amazon or from Zonderkidz.</span></p><br /><p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-57525006843231191492024-03-09T06:00:00.009-05:002024-03-09T09:39:31.492-05:00The Goodness of God<p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Psalm 27: 13-14</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">
I remain confident of this:</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">I will
see the goodness of the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">in the
land of the living.</span></span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span id="en-NIV-14300" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Wait for the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">;</span></span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">be
strong and take heart</span></span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and wait
for the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JPtdHsGhgXfE-l2RlBd1f3Xyax1AGegky-3eZb88IrSEPakinybMTkAkDSSeTauE3JTp8e68zPAki8Z48Cg4cSXPeeHqjS1uk61ru2ENGeq_-m0CQXoJEcL4rt7rYrXsmIbdypOf8ZxA87OMW6Zl11f3z1waEjbADoiprnGHLpy5a1H5TbOEe_sjSnYr/s2226/crocus.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="2226" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JPtdHsGhgXfE-l2RlBd1f3Xyax1AGegky-3eZb88IrSEPakinybMTkAkDSSeTauE3JTp8e68zPAki8Z48Cg4cSXPeeHqjS1uk61ru2ENGeq_-m0CQXoJEcL4rt7rYrXsmIbdypOf8ZxA87OMW6Zl11f3z1waEjbADoiprnGHLpy5a1H5TbOEe_sjSnYr/s320/crocus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Signs of spring are popping in my tiny flower
bed. Tulip leaves have pushed through the soil. The top of the hyacinths are
visible. Daffodils are in various stages, with some in bloom. My crocuses raise
their thin green arms and the purple and white flowers reach to the sky. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">In spring, the goodness of God appears in nature.
The woods awaken the trillium and Lenten rose. The oaks and maples poke their
buds out of the branches, along with red buds and dogwood. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">With all the turmoil in our world, I seek the good.
The beauty sooths my soul. When I see the good in people, I rejoice. The child
who helps his friend, the young person who assists the elderly, and the
believer who shares the truth of Jesus all fill me with hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Psalm 27 says to be strong, take heart, and wait
for the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Waiting is hard, but the psalmist tells us the secret. Be
strong—resist the temptation to give up. Take heart—hope. Hope gives me the strength
to keep going, to fill up on God's word and to pray.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">The psalmist is confident he will see goodness in life, and
so am I. As long as I keep my eyes on Jesus, and my heart filled with Him, I
can move through life with confidence, and experience the good.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When Rosie was a puppy, she wanted to play with Olive, But
Olive was old and grumpy. She ignored Rosie most of the time. One day, Rosie
had a bone she was gnawing on and Olive laid down beside her. After a few
minutes, Rosie pushed the bone to Olive. I saw goodness through my dogs that
day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Look for the good and be the good.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-40870031725774065192024-03-06T06:00:00.004-05:002024-03-06T06:00:00.150-05:00The Crocus's Song<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Yesterday, the warmth of spring knocked on our door.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">This morning, I discovered these beautiful crocuses blooming.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">They push through the cold ground, while still winter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">and sing the song of spring.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Have you discovered any signs of spring?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxlv3RwLon-mpcIRnM1wlsslq4YzuFvVKhjPTge-56jq9usr5YY_9mzQiPDKPdZ4tCgYZ0jJIAs9g5xzQJKi9-0VCyMFLuE7aKsrSHr3deRSzoqVbdy67Ju2xbuoUyW_PEl9NAmiJQnhsPma2BQk_9LuTTh732kIaLo-EyMZwefNRSyZAqLMQIVZ7QYZ/s1992/crocuses%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1992" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxlv3RwLon-mpcIRnM1wlsslq4YzuFvVKhjPTge-56jq9usr5YY_9mzQiPDKPdZ4tCgYZ0jJIAs9g5xzQJKi9-0VCyMFLuE7aKsrSHr3deRSzoqVbdy67Ju2xbuoUyW_PEl9NAmiJQnhsPma2BQk_9LuTTh732kIaLo-EyMZwefNRSyZAqLMQIVZ7QYZ/w482-h640/crocuses%202.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-64276595007872262862024-03-02T06:00:00.001-05:002024-03-02T06:00:00.131-05:00An Elfin Daffodil<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Hebrews 6:19-20<br /><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">We have
this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner
sanctuary behind the curtain,</span></span><span style="background: white;"> <span class="text"><span id="en-NIV-30065">where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our
behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of
Melchizedek.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">wild wind rips the sky—<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">elfin daffodil bulbs <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">anchor underground</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Before bed, an alert for a serious weather event broadcast on
our screens, both television and phone. A late February storm threatened the
area. The meteorologists called for a tornado watch in our area from 10pm to
6am and thunderstorms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YdTua_PrdC3Wa6YOPvBvgUDUDVNk8AI89eVwRqZF9srtUF8SGlkSlZAEwvbnBZ8aWbZmNJ6h-yfNtGHXBPuiOnBkjMdOTuj_8L7qHpMe0GUkfclSXV6VbJQq7uL7nXH31_DtugYVeqh-pUATFQJ1xvt2wfvJ-EybFxGAC0m4J9qUDjI05jKlswCzOwdd/s1500/daffodil%20mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1500" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YdTua_PrdC3Wa6YOPvBvgUDUDVNk8AI89eVwRqZF9srtUF8SGlkSlZAEwvbnBZ8aWbZmNJ6h-yfNtGHXBPuiOnBkjMdOTuj_8L7qHpMe0GUkfclSXV6VbJQq7uL7nXH31_DtugYVeqh-pUATFQJ1xvt2wfvJ-EybFxGAC0m4J9qUDjI05jKlswCzOwdd/s320/daffodil%20mini.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Although I don’t fear storms, my mind could not calm and go
to sleep. My thoughts raced to my family and friends and how they might cope
with a possible tornado. After wrestling with my mind’s tendency to worry, I
prayed. Why hadn’t I thought of that earlier? (Insert head smack here.) Once my
words reached God’s ear, I dozed off.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I slept through whatever storm blew in and after I awoke and
dressed, I checked outside for damage. The birdhouse in the flowerbed had
fallen over. When I righted it, I spied yellow flowers in the corner of the
flowerbed. Miniature daffodils waved their tiny heads at me as if to say we’re
here<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>we
weathered the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">How often in life do I forget I have an anchor for every
storm? Whether weather related or personal, the storms blow in and Jesus
anchors my soul. The Holy Spirit entwines my roots with the Father’s. Like the
elfin daffodils, I’ve survived life’s storms because my roots are buried in the
One who gives life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Psalm 62:8 reminds me God is my refuge. He’s there for me
all the time. What a comfort to know God loves me so much. He loves you so
much, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Seek the One who anchors your soul in Him. </span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-7345515834264844812024-02-28T12:14:00.002-05:002024-02-28T12:14:54.612-05:00Read Across America<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Read Across America is celebrated on March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">and the following week. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I attribute my reading journey to his many books for children.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Hop on Pop, One Fish Two Fish, and Green Eggs and Ham </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">are some of my earliest reading memories.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Encourage reading. Read to a child on Saturday, March 2. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Model reading. Give books as gifts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Children benefit in so many ways from the written word.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I still love to read!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eKoP-jQvL7yikWYgBhOY-FYLGI-Gu16w9f3NaX-qqvzkvtPwGjSYYIHMg2rQ7H6WzzerhdzxTnetZv7TC00y9i0bils_Y8Bp84boCUjY8_hA4u-eSpPG8dSsTaujmbIpKUEWZrrXQB-QYFrGf57Ta2DGpd8ROhkh9adzjcAuZ8iLAiXxCa1vyioydQdo/s1170/bear.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1170" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eKoP-jQvL7yikWYgBhOY-FYLGI-Gu16w9f3NaX-qqvzkvtPwGjSYYIHMg2rQ7H6WzzerhdzxTnetZv7TC00y9i0bils_Y8Bp84boCUjY8_hA4u-eSpPG8dSsTaujmbIpKUEWZrrXQB-QYFrGf57Ta2DGpd8ROhkh9adzjcAuZ8iLAiXxCa1vyioydQdo/w640-h542/bear.bmp" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-72753849447052666812024-02-24T06:00:00.003-05:002024-02-24T06:00:00.249-05:00Saturated With His Love<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Ephesians
3:16-19<br />I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with
power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may
dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the
Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is
the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that
you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>I taste the
love Jesus bestows on me.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinmg8NUsJcBhwzwZ-9OhSlm6iMuRqRTMtZS1eyBiuEt2GuHg8984GqRPmp8AzYTVLdNf7E7LULRJlhSXMwzZo-lZhR1uCf_32JP0DwEgxzATnkQ5eOy70622A2y0gTN1chu35c7R4mdF2FoQlF3KjXvgQFVvt9NVzYktMlq9rl7CYp670GO_w_aV67HmT/s1280/small-pancakes-1271880_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinmg8NUsJcBhwzwZ-9OhSlm6iMuRqRTMtZS1eyBiuEt2GuHg8984GqRPmp8AzYTVLdNf7E7LULRJlhSXMwzZo-lZhR1uCf_32JP0DwEgxzATnkQ5eOy70622A2y0gTN1chu35c7R4mdF2FoQlF3KjXvgQFVvt9NVzYktMlq9rl7CYp670GO_w_aV67HmT/s320/small-pancakes-1271880_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Steam rose
from the toasted English muffin. I popped it onto my plate, then scooped butter
from the plastic tub. As I spread the dairy goodness over the muffin, the
butter melted and oozed into every nook and cranny and soaked deep into the
bread. When I bit into my breakfast, the butter melted into my mouth and filled
me with delight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">The way the
butter melted into every space and filled up all the dips reminded me of the way
Jesus' love pours over me. His compassion drenches my heart, mind, soul, and very
being. He replaces the emptiness in my soul with his power and strength. I wish
I could say everyday life is easy because of Jesus' love, but that would be a
lie. Pain and sin creep in. Despair and stress take over. Paul and Barnabas said
in the book of Acts, “We must go through many hardships to enter the
kingdom of God.” I know living on earth has many difficulties, but I’m thinking of the ones that are difficulties we have as believers. Life differs
around the world, so I can only speak of my experience. In situations where I’ve
been disregarded because of my faith, or belittled, I know God's love keeps me going. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">We have the
promise to be filled to fullness, totally saturated with the love and joy of
Jesus. Praise God for his love. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-88151204608851213802024-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-21T06:00:00.293-05:00A Heart for Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Doesn't this graphic make you want to sit with a cup of coffee </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">or tea and read one of the books?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I don't remember a time when I didn't love books. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When I look back through my life, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I find my decades flavored by the books I read.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Children's book, young adult, textbooks, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">how to care for children, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">more children's books, novels, more textbooks, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">the Bible, and now writing and research. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I even made a few books from scratch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Do you love books? What do you love to read?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn84AJ1jaVPD1vqItc2v06c_HvOghWDGoWirfo4hzmIIKeAsFVSHftI2BKg_P_OKYdmBFJ_92hgEYsbeEekxHO4sgWDod_p-_VQD96SnshsUHj9GPM9b3B0_gypT9nH0MLnfg7kuMKhUAgkEb9cOCg0wS-wXTKzCnxyrxGEldVO6pLgPndxtAlXlTwk6uE/s2807/heart%20for%20books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="2807" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn84AJ1jaVPD1vqItc2v06c_HvOghWDGoWirfo4hzmIIKeAsFVSHftI2BKg_P_OKYdmBFJ_92hgEYsbeEekxHO4sgWDod_p-_VQD96SnshsUHj9GPM9b3B0_gypT9nH0MLnfg7kuMKhUAgkEb9cOCg0wS-wXTKzCnxyrxGEldVO6pLgPndxtAlXlTwk6uE/w640-h453/heart%20for%20books.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-75539922025555595752024-02-17T06:00:00.002-05:002024-02-17T09:44:40.571-05:00Refresh<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Proverbs 11:25<br />A generous person will prosper;<br />whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">For the love of baseball.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">My grandson’s baseball team had decided to go select, which
meant a steeper price to pay to play. To raise money for his fees, my daughter
chose to make and sell heart-shaped cake pops just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The generosity of people overwhelmed us. Before she knew it, folks had
ordered over 700 cake pops. I learned, in short order, what an intensive
process went into those cute little pops on the end of a stick.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k6W2aqaqIdOSH_FLocO4-Vsoqbi0Ng6o94VwzaPcwCItCrcMZnKCleqbjJp6zwUWTqGGbTpT-nvEBVqDLGOFCVrYhWUIP0NqtJsaHz5LkcJjMI1mhcZ4KexkoM2NJPmyEPIPMmDReomlaYhhKpRSFwv74CaKpKR_xaXfSQ_c_BiA_o5aEPEnKIl2BkbL/s3060/cake%20pops.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2770" data-original-width="3060" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k6W2aqaqIdOSH_FLocO4-Vsoqbi0Ng6o94VwzaPcwCItCrcMZnKCleqbjJp6zwUWTqGGbTpT-nvEBVqDLGOFCVrYhWUIP0NqtJsaHz5LkcJjMI1mhcZ4KexkoM2NJPmyEPIPMmDReomlaYhhKpRSFwv74CaKpKR_xaXfSQ_c_BiA_o5aEPEnKIl2BkbL/s320/cake%20pops.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">On the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, Maggie, Sara, and I
started the process of cutting the dough into heart shapes around 10 am. Maggie had
already baked a bunch of cakes and mixed them with icing to create the dough.
We cut or stuffed the small heart-shaped cookie cutters with dough, then set
them aside to chill. Once they set, Maggie dipped them in melted candy and we
decorated them with sprinkles and more melted candy. At 4 pm Sara left and
Michael (Maggie’s husband) joined us to decorate and wrap each one in a plastic
bag and tie it closed. I left at 6 pm and prayed they were able to finish. From
beginning to end, it took several family members to complete the task. Dilly,
Dylan, and Emma jumped in after 10pm to dip, decorate, and wrap. They worked
with Maggie until late into the night. Then, Maggie and Zeke finished and
delivered them on Sunday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I love that so many hands helped make the load lighter, and
so did Maggie. She appreciated all who helped, either in person or financially.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Proverbs 11:25 reminds me to be generous, not just with
money, but with my time. To take the opportunity to help others and lighten
their load. I love to see this in person and be part of the refreshment of
others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When have you been able to help someone in need? When has
someone helped you?</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-43591079980459458782024-02-14T06:00:00.003-05:002024-02-14T06:00:00.463-05:00Happy Valentine's Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I searched for information on the origin of Valentine's day. </span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">What I found was shrouded in mystery. </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Nothing gave a clear source for the day we set aside to wish each other love. </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">There were guesses and ideas, but none of them pinpointed the day.</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">What I can pinpoint is God's love for us, and that He wants us to love each other.</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I hope this Valentine's Day finds you surrounded by love.</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Dear friends, since God so </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">love</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">d us, we also ought to </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">love</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> one another. -1 John 4:11</span></span></b></div><div><b style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrksERTFQLI1Ko5GBPHByMuRbKBqo_eL0qljEqKD_8_dc7CK5PsDPvpvEKygk0116VlTB77Z5Q0OKhzv9FNc6p5Mxz0XtPIjuVw_tTn6c1Y9bqxuVge4bPpSdRE25jQTHv_S3ZZDmjLgDGv5132vXDrXJUF9vTQzt4-1iI_1Gh53uEMSPfjvZQLdYifYY/s617/valentine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="432" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrksERTFQLI1Ko5GBPHByMuRbKBqo_eL0qljEqKD_8_dc7CK5PsDPvpvEKygk0116VlTB77Z5Q0OKhzv9FNc6p5Mxz0XtPIjuVw_tTn6c1Y9bqxuVge4bPpSdRE25jQTHv_S3ZZDmjLgDGv5132vXDrXJUF9vTQzt4-1iI_1Gh53uEMSPfjvZQLdYifYY/w448-h640/valentine.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-78915361259397606212024-02-10T06:00:00.004-05:002024-02-10T06:00:00.150-05:00Love Never Fails<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">1 Corinthians 13:4-8a<br />Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not
delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects,
always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP8yc08a-5CMzKfuoqvX5Quz8RPhY1iV7AtNKoNBP8ipGKav1ACtx39Rx05R5XVcD6itZtYu0bmt_hPHLfHKwA_csKg8Cm1c1W0pw7xvwHxZaJYDdCuJ-hZJDZpD-PTJHGeg_rbaJnR6bo-kmdHxFhZ0H0S0inSMzOx_rAK3jHEz3VdForzhd2_K5Qa1K/s862/love%20never%20fails.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="862" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP8yc08a-5CMzKfuoqvX5Quz8RPhY1iV7AtNKoNBP8ipGKav1ACtx39Rx05R5XVcD6itZtYu0bmt_hPHLfHKwA_csKg8Cm1c1W0pw7xvwHxZaJYDdCuJ-hZJDZpD-PTJHGeg_rbaJnR6bo-kmdHxFhZ0H0S0inSMzOx_rAK3jHEz3VdForzhd2_K5Qa1K/s320/love%20never%20fails.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I read a post on Facebook recently, written to teenagers who
were developing crushes. The writer advised the teen to replace the name of the
person they liked for the word love in 1 Corinthians 13. I’ve also heard
pastors encourage their congregation to do the same thing with their own names.
It’s good advice on both counts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love is patient. Whoa! One of the most difficult
characteristics to nurture is the very first one Paul, the author of
Corinthians, mentions. I used to cringe at the word patience, because I wanted
more. How ironic is that? Over time, God has helped me grow through circumstances
to gain more patience. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love is kind. We talk a lot about being kind. My
granddaughter bought me a charm that said, “Kind people are my kind of people.”
I love it, and I pray every day for a kinder world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love doesn’t envy, boast, or think more of themselves than
others (pride.) Jesus gave the ultimate example of humility. The Son of God
died for me and you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love doesn’t dishonor. I enjoy a good joke, as much as the
next person, but I shouldn't put someone else down to make myself feel good.
Respect others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love is not self-seeking. Let’s look out for each other. Time
on earth is short compared to eternity, so why not take care of each other to
make the journey better?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love is not easily angered. When I was young, I had a
temper, and I spent many hours praying for God to help me control it, and He
did. God hears and helps.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love keeps no records of wrongs and does not delight in
evil. Start over every day, forgive, and rejoice in truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love always trusts in God, hopes in Jesus, and perseveres
with the Holy Spirit’s help. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love never fails because God never fails. We can’t do this
alone. We need God and each other.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Love makes a difference.</span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-73154018262918528392024-02-07T06:00:00.003-05:002024-02-07T06:00:00.469-05:00And God Inspired Books<p><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;">In this world of constant attention grabbing and alarm
creating social media and news, I am thankful for the solid consistency of books.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPdf2rGBw2BmOX8pv3y91OZlhsnSIjSSPdRqGktXnzQb1J0aFPmbQbpiU87X7CXYo5ZJYNR0jNQslmkEllZ9ZKkx42L_gbmvIj9HYrX4ZqfIB3OkbQL8tm1zZCOKEZRG8Q2-hBxq5u2S9LoLBiqjrl2ZtONuBdSMwKh_o0WQREP1NFa17OcWeG2Bsd0Ox/s900/books%20fill%20my%20days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPdf2rGBw2BmOX8pv3y91OZlhsnSIjSSPdRqGktXnzQb1J0aFPmbQbpiU87X7CXYo5ZJYNR0jNQslmkEllZ9ZKkx42L_gbmvIj9HYrX4ZqfIB3OkbQL8tm1zZCOKEZRG8Q2-hBxq5u2S9LoLBiqjrl2ZtONuBdSMwKh_o0WQREP1NFa17OcWeG2Bsd0Ox/s320/books%20fill%20my%20days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When I write books, the words go through a process. The
stories are not just thrown together and posted without forethought. Instead,
they are vetted by me, my critique partner, my beta reader, and finally my
editor.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I thank God for books, especially the book He inspired most.
I find myself excited to read the stories in the Bible. David’s Psalms inspire
me and give me hope and confidence in God. Luke’s accounts in the book of Acts
teach me perseverance and inspiration. The gospels teach the truth of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">God created words for us to communicate truth, to tell
stories, and to learn and share. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Do you have a favorite book? A favorite book of the Bible?</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-84844291542789375682024-02-03T06:00:00.004-05:002024-02-03T06:00:00.134-05:00He Loved and Healed<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Matthew 9:10-13<br />While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and
sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw
this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors
and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need
a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy,
not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDR5GfVM6XbUfBOiyxqFxklCO4eDp4SY6xNRzA_pWB3ZJtgwl70qte1VyQENxNerSCUoq53-gcE9tr8AvoViR8gmsMeCzC4MGWkugzm6npe4g0UIDE6vElbTKrE-9CvQbJEJxTdotifVSiY5WvktGzPRqjBOjHqt_ZHCeWnK-Q0hNQx4WHUFGmJZGy08q/s1280/birds-7731279_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDR5GfVM6XbUfBOiyxqFxklCO4eDp4SY6xNRzA_pWB3ZJtgwl70qte1VyQENxNerSCUoq53-gcE9tr8AvoViR8gmsMeCzC4MGWkugzm6npe4g0UIDE6vElbTKrE-9CvQbJEJxTdotifVSiY5WvktGzPRqjBOjHqt_ZHCeWnK-Q0hNQx4WHUFGmJZGy08q/s320/birds-7731279_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Jesus loves people. It doesn't matter who they were,
where they came from, or their occupation. He took the time to sit down with
the folks he met, get to know them and share with them His Story. Yes, he
talked to them about salvation because he loved them. Back in his day, tax
collectors were often cheaters who stole money for themselves from the
collected taxes. They were pretty much low-lifes in the eyes of the community.
And you can bet the religious leaders of the day didn't bother to even say
hello. Yet Jesus sat down at the table with Matthew. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Tax collectors weren't the only ones Jesus
befriended. His disciples were a bunch of regular guys who were sometimes a bit
clueless and smelled like fish. But he loved them and taught them about the new
kingdom, his kingdom, and his sacrifice. Then there were the women. Mary
Magdalene had been filled with demons. Jesus cast them out of her, and she
followed him. He loved children and protected them. He loved older people, sick
people, and sinners. Jesus wasn't a push-over. He was a caretaker, one who
wanted the best for everyone he met. And that best is salvation. So you might
be surprised who the Lord hung out with. It wasn't the kings or queens, rabbis
or teachers. Oh, he spoke with them, too. But he spent his precious time on
earth with regular people. Like you and me. And he still wants to, through us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">He invited regular old Joes and Janes to take up the
cross and follow him. He included the lame, the lepers, and the dying into his
fold. He healed and loved. Knowing how Jesus cared for people, how can I do any
less? It's hard for me because I'm not exactly a people person, yet God puts
folks in my path and says love them. With his help, I do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">How about you? Who has Jesus called you to love? Who
has he asked you to share his story with?</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-66752863701658101512024-01-31T06:00:00.002-05:002024-01-31T08:43:25.261-05:00Writer Mouse<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Several years ago, a few days after Christmas, I dropped my
youngest off to spend a few hours with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. While I
waited for her, I visited a coffee shop with my laptop in hand. I’d been
fiddling with writing a novel, and on that day I took the plunge and decided to
take the possibility of publishing a novel seriously. Before I settled in to
write, I spied an after-Christmas sale. The larger mouse you see in the picture
caught my eye. I’m not terribly fond of real mice, but the stuffed variety is rather
cute.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jFADTeCyppOjyt3kE7CYHKSGL11jqXky-TfBpychN0UbLNrncfqygyE9w-FAD8nzgd39MKh82dHTbZxZEEs7MBKX_EvJzFjs6qyyf67MvkHp79k4mM-Sip1Rsv1NqugSXs9IgfsSf8nIF-aWV4UcopbQ39Y0BzZBygZcBzLs5uZzNom8TcBg9YgH6vm5/s2781/Nutmeg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2758" data-original-width="2781" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jFADTeCyppOjyt3kE7CYHKSGL11jqXky-TfBpychN0UbLNrncfqygyE9w-FAD8nzgd39MKh82dHTbZxZEEs7MBKX_EvJzFjs6qyyf67MvkHp79k4mM-Sip1Rsv1NqugSXs9IgfsSf8nIF-aWV4UcopbQ39Y0BzZBygZcBzLs5uZzNom8TcBg9YgH6vm5/s320/Nutmeg.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When I picked the little guy up, I read his tag and found he
was called Writer Mouse. Of course I bought him. He’s reminded me to keep writing, ever since. I call
him Nutmeg. Some might say I’m silly, but after spending years as a children’s
librarian, I developed a good imagination. Plus, I like stuffed animals. (The
bear was a gift from friends who encouraged me to write and the little mouse is
from Greenville, SC.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I’m hoping Nutmeg inspires me to write many more stories. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">How about you? Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Or something or someone who reminds you to keep writing?</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-29582676773237648082024-01-27T06:00:00.001-05:002024-01-27T06:00:00.258-05:00Need an Umbrella?<p>Hosea 6:3</p><p class="MsoNormal">
Let us acknowledge the Lord;<br />
let us press on to acknowledge him.<br />
As surely as the sun rises,<br />
he will appear;<br />
he will come to us like the winter rains,<br />
like the spring rains that water the earth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Sometimes life just calls for an umbrella.”-Unknown</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2cLjQaCZHdPj8kz639b8PH8cMBZa6OWcopyYYu0L28fPHMZjtidyXAqvGFRqrgvi4GORRP0DQ7qQemLZT6QIH7JA33upiMeSYaNSOWhl_5HQS6nqRRNHivvOcTr4wwxjwBShC3nVAtJ7MLma9FxYbc2tYrbWBE_-x4othRdc0pGHH0CI_kOc7e3He-u3/s1280/umbrella%20boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2cLjQaCZHdPj8kz639b8PH8cMBZa6OWcopyYYu0L28fPHMZjtidyXAqvGFRqrgvi4GORRP0DQ7qQemLZT6QIH7JA33upiMeSYaNSOWhl_5HQS6nqRRNHivvOcTr4wwxjwBShC3nVAtJ7MLma9FxYbc2tYrbWBE_-x4othRdc0pGHH0CI_kOc7e3He-u3/s320/umbrella%20boots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">January rain poured outside and annihilated the snow from
last weekend. For a few days, the ground was covered with beauty and calm, then
the rains came and mud stirred. I’m not a fan of mud with a dog to walk, but we
manage, as long as she doesn’t lie down and roll. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m not troubled by the dark days of winter, but I know many
people struggle with the dreariness. We all need sun to balance the rain. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dreary days may not come from the weather conditions, but
from illness, too much debt, missing someone, making mistakes, sinning against
God, or any other difficulty. It’s easy to curl into the sorrow and sadness of
hopelessness<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>but
with God<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>hope
is as sure as the sun rising.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m thankful God holds the umbrella for me. He stops the
rain from drowning me and shines His light on my situation. When I was
diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I knew I’d live the rest of my life in pain. At
times, the pain gets me down. I hurt physically and mentally, but spiritually,
I hold on to the hope of brighter days. Thankfully, my husband and family
understand. With my hope in God and my support system, the struggle lessens,
and I can store the umbrella in a basket. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hosea reminds me that no matter my situation, God comes to
me like he did the Israelites. They struggled for years, but God hung with
them, reminding them to turn away from their sin and sorrow and follow Him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let God pour over you or let Him hold the umbrella against
the rains. Whatever you do, seek Him.<o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-89224000863504942812024-01-24T06:00:00.009-05:002024-01-24T06:00:00.142-05:00Snowman's Story<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Everything looks magical when it snows.-Lorelai Gilmore</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">I've met Will Hillenbrand at several book festivals and rode on the same plane with him to a library conference, years ago. On the plane, as I witnessed him sketching illustrations, I realized how privileged I was to experience one of the great talents in the field of children's books creating his art. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">One of my favorite Hillenbrand books is <i>Snowman's Story</i>. There are no words, but the illustrations depict a beautiful tale. As you share this book with your children, let them tell you the story of this delightful snowman and the rabbit family.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAMkcf1BYzUKTHd5dW1ATU8y09pSCGyQKxUiXNMVS5lTG8VSIILECLmI2Ojk5sXkoL2qr0Ic4Bl88mrysJVJZssx2wVgbtJ8p5nipV5AOKm-JWrHSCCrMoZ5Y1QGXBRrNCMd1OXiSZb32uWKKpmPfdUOKusUeHEhV_sR4tOlYUvJ2FrmjK8M8TN6mRPf5/s2000/snowmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="2000" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAMkcf1BYzUKTHd5dW1ATU8y09pSCGyQKxUiXNMVS5lTG8VSIILECLmI2Ojk5sXkoL2qr0Ic4Bl88mrysJVJZssx2wVgbtJ8p5nipV5AOKm-JWrHSCCrMoZ5Y1QGXBRrNCMd1OXiSZb32uWKKpmPfdUOKusUeHEhV_sR4tOlYUvJ2FrmjK8M8TN6mRPf5/w640-h528/snowmen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-56506281476041820402024-01-20T06:00:00.002-05:002024-01-20T06:00:00.132-05:00Rejoice With Singing<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Zephania 3:17</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">
“The Lord your God is with you,<br />
the Mighty Warrior who saves.<br />
He will take great delight in you;<br />
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,<br />
but will rejoice over you with singing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Music is a piece of art that goes in the ears, straight to
the heart. – The Minds Journal</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtuiJIpPFnkCKWSChKYQfcUag2DVrI_RXhwfiEVQwL08MNfHM9ZQbyPHBB1jGZko5d-Xm_65miGzu1Il2NcmkyT37Gn51oxrJ-VBCPCF5z2fvCJtWR295exU8YNbF4I5fCws7DyR3qGMK-U33Ilu2ry0f_u98XzfldP-KgWmNOw2Cy4E3rgINmz1lyyMz/s4080/casting%20crowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtuiJIpPFnkCKWSChKYQfcUag2DVrI_RXhwfiEVQwL08MNfHM9ZQbyPHBB1jGZko5d-Xm_65miGzu1Il2NcmkyT37Gn51oxrJ-VBCPCF5z2fvCJtWR295exU8YNbF4I5fCws7DyR3qGMK-U33Ilu2ry0f_u98XzfldP-KgWmNOw2Cy4E3rgINmz1lyyMz/s320/casting%20crowns.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Music played, in the home I grew up in, most of the time. My
mom listened to what is now classic country, Elvis, and gospel along with music
from the forties. I heard rock and roll and fifties classics on my siblings
record players. Of course, I had my own stack of pop<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>John Denver, James Taylor,
Carole King, and Carley Simon. My forty-fives (remember those?) lived in a
black and white checked case. I’m not sure what happened to them, but I remember
sitting on the floor and sorting them into favorites, which changed every week.
I can’t forget the cassette player and recording songs from the radio. We seventies
teens had our own way of making a playlist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I mostly listen to contemporary Christian music now and
enjoy the occasional foray back to the seventies. But the best music in my life
doesn’t come from a radio, or Amazon music. I love to hear my children and
grandchildren sing, and I adore the worship service at church when we all raise
our voices together to praise God, as we sing to Him in one voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When I read Zephania 3:17, I paused and considered the last
part. God will rejoice over me in singing. What? I thought singing came from
believers to God. What a joy to know God sings over us. As I consider what that
means, my heart rejoices. When I walk outside and hear the wind, the birds, the
rustle of the trees I’m reminded God sings over me<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>because He loves me. He cares
about my comings and goings. He delights in me as I delight in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When you feel down, stop and listen to God sing over you. He’s
there.</span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-58262379963725953312024-01-17T06:00:00.007-05:002024-01-17T10:48:46.710-05:00Books for Kids<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I’m reviewing books for Zonderkidz this week.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxkP-kiD3HCROuYeFDuRa4I84qhhlz_UlxJ3y2CPYYL126eFVuHO6P8a2ZGfelhU7-wp2ZXdkupqEyvrFPY5bol_W2hL07XlEV7ZayDn6yGMD5f_8lj8e1euLFTa4AfQENSoeWAs6GW-eBX3N17mqINqVaJfFovnqu48kb271iChaFDIgzr4AjVwBp6-s/s1836/God%20I%20feel%20Scared%20Faithful%20friends.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1836" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxkP-kiD3HCROuYeFDuRa4I84qhhlz_UlxJ3y2CPYYL126eFVuHO6P8a2ZGfelhU7-wp2ZXdkupqEyvrFPY5bol_W2hL07XlEV7ZayDn6yGMD5f_8lj8e1euLFTa4AfQENSoeWAs6GW-eBX3N17mqINqVaJfFovnqu48kb271iChaFDIgzr4AjVwBp6-s/w640-h440/God%20I%20feel%20Scared%20Faithful%20friends.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><p style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I picked </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Faithful Friends: Favorite Stories of People in
the Bible</i> because of the delightful handmade dolls used in the illustrations.
Marcy & Michael Kelleher created this beautiful book that tells the stories
of forty-two heroes and heroines of the Bible. Each person has a page written
by Michael with Bible references and an illustration created from fiber arts by
Marcy. This would be a wonderful read for children ages eight through twelve. I
enjoyed each well-told story.</span></p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I also chose <i>God I Feel Scared</i> by Michelle Nietert,
LPC-S and Tama Fortner, and illustrated by Nomar Perez. This is part of the <i>Bringing
Big Emotions to a Bigger God</i> series. I love how the authors explain fear
and what it is to be scared. It’s the perfect book to share with little ones to
help them understand their fears. The authors share practical advice on the
things the child can do in way children can understand. There’s also a Dear
Parent page at the end that shares calm-down skills. The colorful illustrations
will delight young readers. This is a great book to have in your personal
library to share with your children. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I received free copies with no expectations. Opinions are my own.</span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-59757239068934360582024-01-13T06:00:00.005-05:002024-01-13T09:40:34.519-05:00One in Heart & Mind<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Acts 4:32-35<br />All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed
that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they
had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at
work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from
time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money
from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was
distributed to anyone who had need.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zceB8FTnsbVI70Gqs5ExPSZZQ2opNhKh3_ZOQtqI3L2USm_90RggwhZnICfQ8XFbrX9Rrmkqp-Bt5UbZPADUQRGLfVbJT_cOUHr-DcyLAlrVMxsZHDNF7Zkzu3DTmb1MwpuVMEsYCzPL8U_ZTvMF1fniCTON2nmyIesSTs8l4skL5UoUxaQeWgzmnndE/s3342/zeke%20omea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3342" data-original-width="2042" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zceB8FTnsbVI70Gqs5ExPSZZQ2opNhKh3_ZOQtqI3L2USm_90RggwhZnICfQ8XFbrX9Rrmkqp-Bt5UbZPADUQRGLfVbJT_cOUHr-DcyLAlrVMxsZHDNF7Zkzu3DTmb1MwpuVMEsYCzPL8U_ZTvMF1fniCTON2nmyIesSTs8l4skL5UoUxaQeWgzmnndE/s320/zeke%20omea.jpg" width="196" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">“A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile of creation,
but look what they can do when they stick together.” -Unknown<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I had the privilege of attending the OMEA Middle School band
concert. Our grandson, Zeke, was selected to play his baritone with students
from all over the tri-state. His band director, Mr. Glader, has done a great
job encouraging his students to learn their instruments and try out for this
wonderful experience. The students had two days to learn four to five songs and
then perform them for an audience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">They met at a local school and worked, for the first time,
to bring harmony from what could have been chaos. On Sunday afternoon, I sat
with my daughter and several hundred other folks and listened to the seventh
graders perform and then the eighth. The music brought joy to my heart as the
kids hit all the right notes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I love the verse in Acts 4 that says, “All the believers
were one in heart and mind.” He’s talking about the church, the group of people
who love and follow Jesus. Yes, as an individual, I can serve and love Jesus
and tell others about him, but as a group of people with the same beliefs and
goals, we can encourage one another and stand together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Like those students who came together and didn’t know each
other, but had the same goal, we can work in harmony and share God’s love and
His message of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Seek folks who love Jesus and lift up one another.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-80309566174044593802024-01-10T06:00:00.002-05:002024-01-10T06:00:00.162-05:00Picture Book Fun<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">For Christmas, my daughter, Maggie, gifted me with books.
Not just any books—picture books. I love picture books. You not only get the
story in words, but in illustrations.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;">I had added f</span><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">our of the books </span><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">to my Amazon list, so she knew
I wanted them. Kevin Henkes and his wife Laura Dronzek created four beautiful books
about the four seasons. As a seasonal person, I appreciate the gorgeous
paintings and the melodic words. Henkes is in my top five author/illustrators.
He often illustrates his own books, like </span><i style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse</i><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">. I
have to say, his wife’s art fills me with joy. You’ll have to check out, </span><i style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">Winter
is Here, When Spring Comes, Summer Song</i><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">, and </span><i style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">In the Middle of Fall.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoKZovnfN5y27Q7kd4HIl9jVhhEY-iFRDBoGuL5H-cEyFA7nM7KnMQ_k4LyUZCrkJa96xxRvcBKXgu0cS7hPd5oULfonSz0QOxLgWL-pzTAiyyxbF0x3L2apUWI_IzNxa3fY0tb7glnAjBeDW_iZda1SJjvD6oNUQ489aQgRQ72uEoaUqnxxf_iWLHYw3/s1000/henkes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoKZovnfN5y27Q7kd4HIl9jVhhEY-iFRDBoGuL5H-cEyFA7nM7KnMQ_k4LyUZCrkJa96xxRvcBKXgu0cS7hPd5oULfonSz0QOxLgWL-pzTAiyyxbF0x3L2apUWI_IzNxa3fY0tb7glnAjBeDW_iZda1SJjvD6oNUQ489aQgRQ72uEoaUqnxxf_iWLHYw3/s320/henkes.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br /><o:p></o:p></i></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Maggie surprised me with <i>Just Because</i> by Matthew McConaughey.
I had no idea he’d written a picture book. Humorous and thought-provoking, he
talks about having two feelings at the same time and how life is full of
possibilities. There is a video of Matthew and Jimmy Falon reading the book. It’s
great!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGregzZlyDqhiy-3KrNEw356TYD0z4HLP9SiErkvP7gC2F6CYdTtlXLza2izC31l539dyrUOq2oYF-DolMRviozWeTGiuu2gTfLimr_1jA8YZP06JzUWmPZautjtNqZXnUu6hu5jUjlM_uL8zBK58DEbh4nmzf9Iy3b3uUqdXmRamBPXiYAX7pXMWJE8Ga/s1265/Just%20because.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGregzZlyDqhiy-3KrNEw356TYD0z4HLP9SiErkvP7gC2F6CYdTtlXLza2izC31l539dyrUOq2oYF-DolMRviozWeTGiuu2gTfLimr_1jA8YZP06JzUWmPZautjtNqZXnUu6hu5jUjlM_uL8zBK58DEbh4nmzf9Iy3b3uUqdXmRamBPXiYAX7pXMWJE8Ga/s320/Just%20because.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Whatever you read, choose something you enjoy. Even an adult
can have fun reading a picture book, and even better, read to a child.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="488" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1OTrawzC4Lk" title="Matthew McConaughey Turns His Children's Book Just Because into a Song | The Tonight Show" width="646"></iframe>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-9441361546138182052024-01-06T06:00:00.001-05:002024-01-06T06:00:00.139-05:00The First Step<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Psalm 40:10a<br />He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (NIV)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">“Sometimes we have to let go of what we think we know and
trust God.”-David Rimarski</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JEyWsNXQzLSzQqBtkvg4QguB-PwKZfo6KDpSLdlR1bbD0wFn9yla92M7s25ZtMQn8yprjhF26ha2jpL8xJMt0KorneuOUMMorMpTEQUCvNm1TfWbeOfjKGmUEvHqLVbsvnQEwpCbX46KCQaeiFB7Q4S6Saku-MKov6efqGGOOYwlXgEB6wvnPyXEy0t7/s2935/praying%20mantis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2935" data-original-width="2753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JEyWsNXQzLSzQqBtkvg4QguB-PwKZfo6KDpSLdlR1bbD0wFn9yla92M7s25ZtMQn8yprjhF26ha2jpL8xJMt0KorneuOUMMorMpTEQUCvNm1TfWbeOfjKGmUEvHqLVbsvnQEwpCbX46KCQaeiFB7Q4S6Saku-MKov6efqGGOOYwlXgEB6wvnPyXEy0t7/s320/praying%20mantis.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Every year, I look forward to January, and if I’m being
honest, I hope for snow. I love the quiet of the winter months and the
peacefulness of snow. I view this time as a period to reset, get back on track,
and rest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Although I don’t do resolutions, I like to pen a few goals
for the year. Some are things I need to complete, such as the next novel in my
series, while others are items I hope to accomplish. It’s not a long list, but
it’s a jumping off point for the year. The one thing I’ve learned through the
years is to consult God and trust Him to guide me through the year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I’ve read several blogs that offer advice to Christian
authors and the number one call to action is always<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>pray. Isn’t prayer the perfect
first step in everything?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">No matter what I have in mind as a goal, if I haven’t prayed
over it and offered it to God, I will fall on my face and fail. Seriously, in
my sixty plus years of life, I can attest to this. Sure, I might squeak by, but
I’m missing the amazing blessings and lessons from God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I bought a journal this year that has <i>Be Still & Know</i>
embossed on the cover. I like this reminder of the providence of God and His
love for me. As our student minister spoke Sunday, I have to let go of what I
think I know and trust God with everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">He has a plan and purpose for each of us. Pray over your desires
and goals and allow yourself to be blessed with His guidance. Be still and
know.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-78782564284690132992024-01-03T06:00:00.001-05:002024-01-03T06:00:00.136-05:00My 2023 Favorite Reads<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I’m a reader. In 2023, I read so many books it’s hard to
pick favorites, but I’m going to try.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHt5abAwFNyRdvj4RFGv7eFbDI_3XE6QRe9EceOZgKg2RBCS1xp-I_QQvra35ijDqINBbYvs_EQDHOF99Hj_SI0wpBG_0XxpzqhD3HJQ7WV5meuARj8ABnzkPXqtUG2iTp2qholBYAVF6QpwK1_8QvG1o_XAHxLB33rsa71dG4cATKxBa6SkS_d0YLzVU/s499/odder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="347" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHt5abAwFNyRdvj4RFGv7eFbDI_3XE6QRe9EceOZgKg2RBCS1xp-I_QQvra35ijDqINBbYvs_EQDHOF99Hj_SI0wpBG_0XxpzqhD3HJQ7WV5meuARj8ABnzkPXqtUG2iTp2qholBYAVF6QpwK1_8QvG1o_XAHxLB33rsa71dG4cATKxBa6SkS_d0YLzVU/s320/odder.jpg" width="223" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">The number one story that I enjoyed the most is a children’s
literature book called Odder by Katherine Applegate. The story focuses on the
life of Odder the otter and the path he takes. <i>“Inspired by the true story
of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with
surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines
bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming
animals.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I found the story delightful and inspiring. To read my
review, go to: <a href="https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2023/02/childrens-book-review-odder-by.html">Odder</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOt1Opn4MoeJVDVFPCijNptSDwX2MSnlLp-xkSj2mCjspNx9U8z3muDI0n0xrUDEoFGg_29QewoIZxJPFMRyZCNZgG8MdH0gXkVOE5Mj4MB6yXnjjDlnuxczic4iWGLDsBCCSaFz2ZyRhp1Q_lHMvoLHcfbHH39eUCoiDINZjl6Xnv12fIn4cKe0n8qoi/s445/Where%20Grace%20Appears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOt1Opn4MoeJVDVFPCijNptSDwX2MSnlLp-xkSj2mCjspNx9U8z3muDI0n0xrUDEoFGg_29QewoIZxJPFMRyZCNZgG8MdH0gXkVOE5Mj4MB6yXnjjDlnuxczic4iWGLDsBCCSaFz2ZyRhp1Q_lHMvoLHcfbHH39eUCoiDINZjl6Xnv12fIn4cKe0n8qoi/s320/Where%20Grace%20Appears.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The adult fiction I enjoyed are part of a series and inspired
by the beloved classic,<i>Little Women</i>, a childhood favorite of mine. The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series by Heidi Chiavaroli focuses on a different family member in each book. They
are light romance and quite enjoyable. "Contemporary Romance with a Little Women twist."</p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I look forward to reading a lot of books in 2024. I started
my first one, <i>Hidden Names</i> by Bettie Boswell. I’ll let you know more
about that later. </span><span style="color: #1e1915; font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">What was your favorite book in 2023? Do you have a reading goal for 2024?</span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-83545915354092040952023-12-30T06:00:00.002-05:002023-12-30T09:26:08.522-05:00The Christmas Shift<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Romans 15:13<br />May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</span></p><p><i style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can’t help but turn to one of my favorite verses as I
consider the new year.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdakDIU924AqRys6zrOd10qxGM3_yfuPNw3RUafU__XOGNmGRhqPDo5p4NK0h-vkmR1c-v2CO_MvjCXJ8n5Hdn4Tdltp9LaxEY2N3yfAdDIpc3Xa4n4t5Mzqg1VKb949IrapA-PjuOZC3WlDHWIx4UHC80rmPT2M05qVdFhjduTkUI4XhSvNi_RvPuFCi2/s1861/snowman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1861" data-original-width="1398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdakDIU924AqRys6zrOd10qxGM3_yfuPNw3RUafU__XOGNmGRhqPDo5p4NK0h-vkmR1c-v2CO_MvjCXJ8n5Hdn4Tdltp9LaxEY2N3yfAdDIpc3Xa4n4t5Mzqg1VKb949IrapA-PjuOZC3WlDHWIx4UHC80rmPT2M05qVdFhjduTkUI4XhSvNi_RvPuFCi2/s320/snowman.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Christmas didn’t turn out as I had hoped this year. Illness
caused a shift in plans. Yet, we still spent time with family, as we could, and
worshipped the Savior we celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I was reminded one more time, that I’m not in control. I can
plan and prepare, but life sometimes takes all the lists and calendars and throws
them into a blender. I don’t recognize what pours out, but I understand
regardless plans work out and timing isn’t mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">One thing I want to take from the Christmas shift is to always consider God in my plans. He knows what’s best for me and my
family. You see even though I didn’t get to have things my way, I was still
blessed beyond what I deserve.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">As I move toward the shiny new year of 2024, I cling to Romans
15:13. I trust in God for the hope, joy, and peace He promises. I believe in
Jesus, who loves me and saved me, and I cling to the Holy Spirit and His power.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">I pray as you look to the new year, you’ll seek Jesus and
the hope we have in him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Blessings for 2024.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-34017827602998616852023-12-27T06:00:00.001-05:002023-12-27T06:00:00.132-05:00Historical Fiction Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">What it’s about:<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on
Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and
her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in
the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid
preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war,
and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North
America's borderlands.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2Qeg_zbXYYfzKuKx1yaiJsftD0iIxWdWEhGrlD43FsQ6VxC1_ZjUxj62BTyKwcnkAXUNr_ET76KfiQtRJ89rTda6nca0vqn8tR_JjZm9pSesRTPKLNgJvZIQ0GFjCUCajQQJk4NfZUfxp9eAcCDS5U0JLEWUktzDtRVhCEo80zBjkz_QDiyvilXe8KpY/s385/seamstress%20of%20acadia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2Qeg_zbXYYfzKuKx1yaiJsftD0iIxWdWEhGrlD43FsQ6VxC1_ZjUxj62BTyKwcnkAXUNr_ET76KfiQtRJ89rTda6nca0vqn8tR_JjZm9pSesRTPKLNgJvZIQ0GFjCUCajQQJk4NfZUfxp9eAcCDS5U0JLEWUktzDtRVhCEo80zBjkz_QDiyvilXe8KpY/s320/seamstress%20of%20acadia.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships
appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming
invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from
their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin.
Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the
pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must
work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the
present and forge an enduring future.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">My Thoughts:<br />
This story revealed an event in history I knew nothing about. Frantz, with her
attention to historical detail wove a fascinating story from the devastation of
the Acadian people even as she offered a thread of hope. I love the main
character, Sylvie. She’s a talented seamstress thrown into a terrible
situation, yet she holds on to her faith and the strength she learned from her
parents. William Blackburn is a mystery who unfolds on the pages. And Sylvie’s
brother, Bleu, is a fascinating character. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful
story. Frantz is a gifted writer and I plan to read more of her books. I
received this book for free with no expectations. My opinions are my own.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689903065148028655.post-79842100184044880622023-12-23T06:00:00.002-05:002023-12-23T10:38:14.291-05:00The Most Beautiful Plan<p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Luke 2:4-7<br />So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to
Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of
David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married
to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time
came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no
guest room available for them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">God had a plan for a song and His Son.</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpXlTXIkbnzg05Yv7m0qVYSH7ZwkNtqx1WJ-DNkSikkSw4ztMNI4Zl9s5DDPkTfKkAhwvnctLx_y8MZ5UFRgYuUKUaWCtivRmCAPbeX8CBSAahwUQGgP20N6TzDmPZo1WuSHTwYglMMYqd2vABYueWnwkKFaVIvL4Q66LjpUHe2CioTCOd9KpiMIPqb9F/s1280/angel-4258529_1280.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpXlTXIkbnzg05Yv7m0qVYSH7ZwkNtqx1WJ-DNkSikkSw4ztMNI4Zl9s5DDPkTfKkAhwvnctLx_y8MZ5UFRgYuUKUaWCtivRmCAPbeX8CBSAahwUQGgP20N6TzDmPZo1WuSHTwYglMMYqd2vABYueWnwkKFaVIvL4Q66LjpUHe2CioTCOd9KpiMIPqb9F/s320/angel-4258529_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>O Holy Night</i>, one of the most popular and often sung
songs at Christmas, was originally written by a French village merchant, Placide
Cappeau, who was also a poet and an atheist with the music written by, Adolphe
Adams, a Jewish man. Two unlikely people to pen a beautiful hymn about the birth
of Jesus. The local priest wanted a new song for the Christmas season, and he had
asked the local poet to write one. Eventually, the song was rejected by the
church in France, due to its origins. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">God wasn’t finished with <i>O Holy Night</i>. Abolitionist John
Sullivan Dwight recognized the truth of the lyrics and brought the song to America, where people embraced the
beautiful message. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">When God has a plan, no one can stop Him. The most wonderful
and amazing plan involved the humans He created. Even though Adam and Eve failed
in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to return people to Him. He offered His
own son to the world, as a baby, who would grow to be a man, who would offer
his life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Christmas is the celebration of the Holy Night Mary
delivered Jesus into our broken world. Amid the stockings and the tree, the
gifts, the food, and the tinsel, stop and think about the true reason for
celebration, the freedom Jesus offers and the love and grace God gives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Merriest Christmas to you all!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: medium;">Josh Groban sings my favorite rendition of O Holy Night. I
hope you enjoy it.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="451" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Zh-yR0pbmU" title="O Holy Night - Josh Groban" width="668"></iframe>Penny Frost McGinnishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799361121896851737noreply@blogger.com0