Hey, friends. Thank you for stopping by. My writing journey has been a long one, and I'm thankful I stayed on the path where God has taken me. If you are a reader, thank you so much. As an author, I appreciate you more than I can say. If you're a writer and you've been penning words a long time or just a little while, trust God with your journey. He knows what's ahead.
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Hope
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Part of the Freedom
Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know
that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope.
I fell down, but I got back up.
No, I didn't actually fall to the ground, but so many times I've fallen in my walk with Jesus.
One of the last days of school this year, I helped in my
daughter's first grade class. We stood in the hallway waiting for the children
to finish their bathroom break, and one of the little ones had done something
they shouldn't. I witnessed the most wonderful conversation. The child's
sorrowful face dripped a few tears and my daughter leaned near and asked,
"I appreciate that you are sorry for what happened, but what did you
learn? We all make mistakes, but most important is to learn from them and do
better next time. Don't let one mistake ruin your day."
I'd actually been thinking about this topic recently in reference
to my writing. I can sit and cringe over the mistakes I make, or I can learn
from them, and move forward. One of my book signings didn't go exactly the way I
had hoped, but now I know what to do to make the experience better next time. I
could have stewed about it, but I chose to see the whole picture, and know this
is a lesson learned.
Confession time, I sin and make mistakes even though I'm a
Christian. I'm not perfect, but thank goodness Jesus is. If I stew in past
mistakes instead of looking at myself as a forgiven soul, my spiritual life will
wither and die. Instead, I have to let go, seek forgiveness, re-evaluate, apply
what I learned, forgive myself, and keep moving forward as God intends.
Romans reminds me to persevere, finish my work, and move
toward maturity in Christ. I want to take those teachable moments like my
daughter did and apply them to my life, so I grow in my walk with Jesus and not
sit in my own mess. God is the God of second chances, He calls his followers to
seek forgiveness and try again. That's part of the freedom I have in being a
disciple of Jesus.
Seek the lesson to be learned and keep moving forward.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Romantic Fiction Book Review: Mulberry Hollow (A Riverbend Romance book 2) by Denise Hunter
Book Description:
Living life to the fullest always requires sacrifice.
Avery Robinson decided to be a physician after helplessly
watching her mother lose a battle with a terrible disease. Now at risk of
developing the same illness, Avery guards her heart from love. She’s driven to
protect her loved ones as a workaholic doctor in the tiny mountain town of
Riverbend Gap, North Carolina.
Contractor Wes Garrett is hiking the Appalachian trail, in
memory of the man who died saving his life, when an illness racks his body.
After an agonizing fifteen-mile hike to Avery’s clinic, he collapses on her
doorstep. He recovers to find himself in debt again, this time to a beautiful
doctor.
When he decides to help her renovate a rundown carriage
house, the obstacles to their attraction sprout like weeds—starting with the
woman waiting for Wes at the end of the trail. Will he be able to relinquish
the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk
everything for love?
The second book in Denise Hunter’s popular Riverbend Romance
series explores what it might be like to live fearlessly and free.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Mulberry Hollow. Denise Hunter digs into the souls of her characters and discovers their
needs, personalities, and quirks. Dr. Avery Robinson has thrown herself into
her work at the clinic she opened, to keep her mind off of the future she
believes is inevitable. Wes Garrett wants to do right by his friend, but has
given himself high expectations. The two meet and their adventures begin in the
beautiful setting of the Appalachian Mountains. I admire both characters for
their integrity and desire to help other people. Hunter has penned a sweet romance
that heals and opens doors to freedoms neither Avery nor Ross dreamed possible.
Mulberry Hollow is a clean read with undertones of faith and hope. If you enjoy
a good romance, you can't go wrong with Denise Hunter's stories. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Thankful for Freedom
2 Corinthians 3:15-17
Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But
whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the
Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
The children waved flags in their honor.
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Mrs. Blankenship's art classes made this beautiful flag. |
On Veteran's Day, I had the privilege to watch the program
the school put on to honor the men and women who served in the military. The
children lined the halls and waved flags and the vets marched around the school.
The scene brought back memories of an old-fashioned, small-town celebration. After
the march, the children gathered in the gym. My daughter, Sara, sang The
National Anthem, then the men spoke about their time in the military. A
student from each class got to ask a question and hear the responses. I admit
at times I had tears and chills.
One of the gentlemen in the group was a very special guest. Former Superintendent William Bick, who the school is named for, spoke to the students. At ninety-eight years old, he told them he served in WW2. What a treasure to have met this honorable veteran.
All the veterans who spoke represented the freedom they
fought for and the safety they defended for our country. They gave their time
to protect our freedom.
My dad served in WW2, my husband as an Air Force Reservist,
my brothers in the National Guard. I've always had great respect for our
military.
Our American freedom is not the only freedom we have.
Believers and followers of Jesus hold a freedom that can never be taken away. When
we receive the Holy Spirit, we also gain freedom from sin through repentance, freedom to live a
life following the Savior, and freedom from the world. No matter what goes on
around me, I know Jesus is with me and He comforts me.
I thank God for the veterans and military persons who serve,
and I thank God for the One who gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins.
Jesus loves us so much. He wants us to have the freedom He offers, the freedom
to love, forgive, and hope.
On Thanksgiving, give thanks for our military and for Jesus,
the one who sets us free.
Thursday, August 12, 2021
Historical Fiction Book Review: Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Book Description:
Her voice made her a riverboat’s darling—and its prisoner. Now she’s singing
her way to freedom in this powerful novel from the bestselling author of The
Librarian of Boone's Hollow.
Indentured servant Fanny Beck has been forced to sing for riverboat passengers
since she was a girl. All she wants is to live a quiet, humble life with her
family as soon as her seven-year contract is over. However, when she discovers
that the captain has no intention of releasing her, she seizes a sudden
opportunity to escape—an impulse that leads Fanny to a group of enslaved people
who are on their own dangerous quest for liberty. . . .
Widower Walter Kuhn is overwhelmed by his responsibilities to his farm and
young daughter, and now his mail-order bride hasn’t arrived. Could a beautiful
stranger seeking work be the answer to his prayers? . . .
After the star performer of the River Peacock is presumed drowned,
Sloan Kirkpatrick, the riverboat’s captain, sets off to find her replacement.
However, his journey will bring him face to face with his own past—and a deeper
understanding of what it truly means to be free. . . .
Uplifting, inspiring, and grounded in biblical truth, Freedom’s Song is
a story for every reader who has longed for physical, emotional, or spiritual
delivery.
My Thoughts:
Freedom. We all love being able to move about freely and believe what we want.
But what if you couldn't? What if you are sheltered in a room in the lower
chamber of a boat and only allowed out to perform? To what measure would you go
to escape? Kim Vogel Sawyer writes an amazing story of Fanny Beck's brave
journey to find the freedom she longs for. Fanny is a lovely character who has
a lot to give. Walter is a kindhearted man who needs love in his life, and his
little daughter is adorable. I like that the author took a historical
situation, a river boat singer, and created a tale of compassion. The thread of
forgiveness and kindness is woven in beautifully. If you enjoy historical
fiction, Freedom's Song is an enjoyable read by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I
received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review
are completely my own.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
True Freedom
Saturday, July 6, 2019
The Cross and the Flag
Pray for the folks who defend American freedom. Give them a thank you, when you see them. My dad fought in WW 2, and I will be forever grateful to him.
When I think of freedom, I look to the cross and the flag, two symbols of sacrifice, hope and love.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Two Defining Forces
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
I've read a saying that says something like this: "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom." -Author: Unknown
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Fiction Book Review: The House at Saltwater Point (A Lavender Tides Novel) by Colleen Coble
Colleen Coble is an excellent writer of suspense, taking the reader to the edge. Two of the things I loved about this story involve the sisters, Ellie and MacKenzie. One is a true hero in the strongest sense of the word. She puts her life on the line for the people she loves. The other is shown as a totally flawed human being in need of grace. The setting is lovely, I could almost smell the lavender. Grayson Bradshaw's story is complicated. But in the midst of the craziness, it is good to meet a man of honor. Coble's story is timely and in accord with current events. The book reminded me to give thanks for people putting their lives on the line every day. Both military and investigative units—so we can be free. If you enjoy NCIS Los Angeles or any of the shows or stories that focus on those who keep us safe, you'll love The House at SaltwaterPoint. I received this book from NetGalley with no expectation of a good or bad review.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
God Freed Mary from the Ordinary
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple [John] whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Where the Spirit of the Lord is...
Romans 3:23-24 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.