Wednesday, May 4, 2022
See the Soul
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Ode to Olive
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Called Into Light
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of
him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
When I was a child, I was afraid of the dark.
My neighbors,
cousins, and I played outside and caught fireflies. We played hide and seek
while the adults chatted in their lawn chairs, and the light shined from the
porch. I felt safe as long as a glow shined over the yard, and the sound of
grown-up voices echoed through the air.
When the
cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors left for home, the dark overwhelmed me.
The porch light clicked off, and I made a bee line for the house. Even as a
young adult, I didn't like being outside by myself in the dark cover of night.
As I've
grown older, I've learned to appreciate the light of night, the stars overhead,
and the moon, for those lights shine through the darkness.
As a
believer and follower of Jesus, I'm called to God's light. He doesn't want me
to be afraid of the dark or stay in the shadows. The King of Kings has called
me to step out of the gloom and doom of the world and step into the beautiful,
wonderful light of grace. God calls his children his special possession, a
people he encourages, and loves. He guards our hearts and radiates His light as
a guide away from the dark corners of the world.
My family
experienced a great amount of loss the first three months of the year. Times
were dark and sad. We clung to each other and to God, and His light and love have
carried us through. Some days will still be rough, but peace comes from knowing
the One who created the sun and moon and calls us to His light.
Seek God's
light as He calls your name.
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Book Launch Party with Prizes!
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Peace in Difficulties
Monday, April 25, 2022
Book Review: Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
Book
Description:
Megs Devonshire sets out to fulfill her younger brother George's last wish by
uncovering the truth behind his favorite story. The answer provides hope
and healing and a magical journey for anyone whose life has ever been changed
by a book.
1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of
mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it’s just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: “Where did Narnia come from?”Despite her
fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school,
Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C.S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie,
begging them for answers.
Rather than
directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her
own conclusion as he slowly tells her the little-known stories from his own
life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George,
the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real
life.
Lewis’s
answers will reveal to Megs and her family many truths that science and math
cannot, and the gift she thought she was giving to her brother—the story behind
Narnia—turns out to be his gift to her, instead: hope.
My Thoughts:
Once Upon a Wardrobe took me on the most amazing journey along with Megs
and her endearing brother George. What a wonderful visit with C.S. Lewis and his
brother Warnie. It's 1950 and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has
just been published and eight-year-old George requires answers to the questions
he has about Narnia and Aslam, and Megs is determined to find them. Patti Callahan has penned a beautiful work of
art with her storytelling, characters, and adaptation of C.S. Lewis world in
Oxford. If you are a fan of Lewis, Narnia, or excellent literature, you'll love
this story. I plan to read it again and to read Callahan's Becoming Mrs.
Lewis. I highly recommend this lovely story. 5+ stars. I purchased my copy.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sunday, April 24, 2022
One More Week!
Saturday, April 23, 2022
A Season of Singing
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
Raindrops glistened on tulips.
There is something about a flower garden just after the rain
that brings joy to my soul. Whether the fresh smell of earth, or the
magnification of the colors against the muted sky, the beauty of God's creation
fills me with gratitude. I love the way the tulip blossoms cup above the stem.
Each petal appears satiny soft. Beyond the simplicity of the outside, God
created an incredible system inside the plant that assists in growth so the
flowers return year after year.
Some of my friends are still experiencing snow where they
live, and I'm sure they look forward to the rains and flowers. Even in
southwest Ohio in mid-April, cold air lingers and weather folks speak of the threat
of snowflakes. Yet, as the weather changes the flowers remain. They huddle to
fight off the cold and stand against the storm until the time of singing
returns. Much like believers. We need to stand together and show the world the love
of our Lord and King.
I rejoice and glorify Him as color returns and fragrance bursts
from flowers. In my tiny garden the daffodils nod their heads and the tulips
stand tall. When I see the beauty of the spring flowers, I'm reminded of what
is to come. Solomon calls the time after winter a season of singing. Birds chirp
and tweet; just today I heard a robin's song.
As lovely as the spring blooms are, imagine the glorious
beauty that awaits us in heaven. There will surely be a season of singing when
the heavens open and time on this old earth is finished.
Take time to enjoy spring and sing praises to the King!
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
A Quiet Moment
Monday, April 18, 2022
Contemporary Romance Review: Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon (A Hope Harbor Novel #8)
Book Description:
Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and
a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain
Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.
When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.
Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?
Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
My Review:
I love visiting Hope Harbor. This time around, Christi Reece has found
her way to this lovely little town in search of her old boyfriend, Jack, but
not for the reasons he thinks. Jack settled in Hope Harbor to put the past
behind him, but Christi's arrival upsets his quiet world, along with an
unexpected surprise. Oh, and I love the cottage with windows made of sea glass-it's
kind of a magical place. One of the things I enjoy about Hannon's series is the
reoccurring characters in Hope Harbor, especially Charlie the artist and taco
maker. Charlie is a wise sage and plays an encouraging part in a young person's
life in this story. If you enjoy clean romance with a thread of faith, you'll
love this series, including Sea Glass Cottage. I received a complimentary
copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
The Gift of Grace
Luke 34:1-8
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the
spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone
rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the
body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two
men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their
fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to
them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he
has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The
Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified
and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his
words.
Sunrise reminds me of the glorious day Jesus defeated death.
When I attended college in Kentucky, they offered a special
Easter sunrise service. That year I stayed on campus, and I looked forward to
the idea of an outdoor time of observance and worship. Early Sunday morning, we
gathered on a hill on campus, sat on the ground, and praised Jesus as the sun rose
on the horizon. The experience has stuck with me all these years as a time to
reflect on Jesus' sacrifice.
Easter, celebrated in the spring when new life sprouts from
the earth, evokes a sense of renewal in me due to the love Jesus has for me. God's
plan to give the life of His own Son for my sins, still blows me away. I don't
deserve God's love or grace, yet He has cleaned my slate of sins with His
blood.
God chose blood for sacrifice and throughout the Old
Testament people presented their finest animals to God. In the New Testament,
Jesus took the place of the animals and gave His life. What I love most is God
breathed life back into Jesus, just as He breaths life back into me through his
mercy and grace. When I seek his mercy, He pours His love over me.
This Easter, celebrate the gift of grace.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Celebrate Hope!
but Jesus offers the greatest hope of all.
Monday, April 11, 2022
Easter Books for Little Ones
Easter Egg Board Books, illustrated by Emily Emerson
This Easter Egg Board Books, 3 Pack collection
includes Happy Easter, A Prayer for Easter, and Spring Is Here.
Snuggle up with your child and share the gift of God’s love
as you read this delightful collection of beautifully-illustrated stories from bestselling
author Glenys Nellist celebrating Easter and the coming of spring.
Spring is almost here––the season of Hope, Joy, and Renewal!
Filled with Glenys’s signature rhymes and adorable
animal illustrated by Cee Biscoe, Snuggle Time Easter Stories uses
simple language to introduce even the youngest readers to the true meaning and
hope of the first Easter, sharing Jesus is alive!
This charming padded board book is the perfect gift to tuck
in your little one’s Easter basket, or their car seat when you take them on the
go, and is also a wonderful bedtime or naptime read.
Easter may have many fun traditions, but Bunny wants to
know: “What is Easter?” Little ones can enjoy learning the true meaning of
Easter alongside Bunny, celebrating Jesus and his resurrection with Laura
Sassi’s sweet and rhyming text.
Easter is for coloring eggs, wearing a lovely bonnet,
joining in an egg hunt, and attending church with family! But the most
important thing about this holiest of seasons is to celebrate and focus on
Jesus. Children will be introduced to the meaning of Easter through colorful
illustrations and playful rhymes.
Sunday, April 10, 2022
Contemporary Romance Review: In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh
Book Description:
It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.
Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.
Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?
My Thoughts:
I can't say enough good things about this delightful book, In Search of a
Prince. Can you imagine waking up to find out you're a princess and you had
no idea? Brielle did exactly that. Her mom reveals a secret she's kept for over
twenty years, and that's where the story blossoms. The island Brielle travels
to is lush, beautiful, and filled with interesting characters, including the
grandfather she's never met. Shiloh's writing is stellar. She takes the reader
into life on the island with perfect description, wonderful characters (and some
not so wonderful,) a satisfying romance, and the incredible journey of faith Brielle
takes as she seeks God's plan for her. If you enjoy excellent writing and a
wonderful story, you'll want to read In Search of a Prince.
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Waffles or French Toast
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you.
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.
Tim and I stopped in for breakfast at a little diner near
our home. The menu tempted me with so many choices. When a waitress stopped by
our table, we both ordered coffee, then waited for her to return. With coffee
in our cups, we placed our orders. "I would like to try the waffle with
blueberries and a scrambled egg." I don't often ask for waffles, but I
thought I'd give it a try, and with blueberries how could I go wrong. She came
back to the table, head hanging, and told me, "We are out of the mix. I'm
so sorry, what else would you like? We have French toast with
blueberries."
I smiled and ordered the French toast. As we waited on our
order, we sipped our coffee, and talked about the Reds, the book I'm working on,
and what we planned for the rest of the day. Not long after, the waitress
placed a plate of French toast and blueberries in front of me that looked
heavenly. Again, she apologized, but I stopped her. "I love French toast
and blueberries. I was getting the waffle just to try something different."
She sighed with relief and hurried to the next table.
The waitress didn't know me, yet she wanted me to enjoy my
breakfast. She had no idea French toast reminds me of my dad, who made it for
us on Saturday mornings. Even though, she didn't know me, she was kind and wanted
the best for me.
What if I passed along her caring attitude and her desire to
make my day better? That's called kindness, folks. Simply caring for the people
around me and considering their needs ahead of my own, both those I know and
those I don't. Did I mention, she was the only one working the floor, clearing
the tables, and taking orders? Yet she wore a smile and spread kindness all
over the room.
Paul penned in his letter to the Ephesian church a segment
about Christian living. One of the things he mentioned at the end, and I
believe he did that to emphasize the point, was to be compassionate and kind to
each other. As believers and followers of Jesus I want to show kindness to
others, not simply because Paul said so, but because the act of caring creates
a better environment for everyone and shares the love of Jesus.
Join me in finding ways to be kinder and more caring.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
He Has my Heart
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Take Heart!
John 16:32-33
A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be
scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I
am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that
in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But
take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I'm never alone.
Tim and I took Rosie for a walk at the local park. We hiked
into an area where we could hear the river water rushing alongside us. As I
walked, I spied the three-leafed trillium that sprouts in the spring in Ohio
and enjoyed the greening foliage on the trees. For a moment I closed my eyes
and listened. No cars revved their engines, no washer or dryer rumbled, no
furnace kicked off and on. All I heard was the water, the burble of the river
flowing over rocks, the tranquility of the woods. The peace reminded me of the One
who is always with me.
The last three months have been hard. At times the burden
too much to bear, but the beautiful, most wonderful thing I experienced in my
time of grief and stress was the presence of the Holy Spirit. I'm never alone.
Yes, my family and I were surrounded by the amazing blessing of friends. For
that I'm so thankful, but in those times when I sat by myself in my home while Tim worked,
I felt the presence of God. Through scripture and the Spirit, He reminded
it would be alright.
Jesus spoke to his disciples before his final days on earth
and reminded them that even as they needed to scatter and leave Him on His own,
God was with Him. I absolutely love what He tells them. "I have told you
these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
As a believer, the Holy Spirit lives inside me, beside me, and
gives me peace in this troubled world.
Take heart! Jesus has overcome the world.
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
She May Be Quiet
Monday, March 28, 2022
Historical Romance Review: Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill
Book Description:
Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves--or is her heart as
counterfeit as the money he's been sent to track down?
After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name--and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors' threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn't all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home--and the truth.
After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiancée is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career--but that's better than failing her twice in one lifetime.
They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there's no question they're both still keeping secrets--and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed Crystal Caudill's debut novel. Her research on the
Secret Service and the Gilded Age shines as she sets the stage for Theresa and
Broderick's story on the streets of Cincinnati. Theresa's plucky personality and
Broderick's determination create an intriguing and at times dangerous story. The
romance, danger, and secrets jump off the page as the characters scramble to
figure out who is behind the counterfeiting and to what extent they'll go for
love. If you enjoy historical romance with suspense and intrigue, you'll love Counterfeit
Love. I look forward to more from this brand-new author. I purchased Counterfeit
Love. My opinions are my own.
Check out Crystal's interview: Crystal Caudill