I’d love to have a tea shop like Millie’s to visit in my
town. Mille’s Tea Shop is the place where friends meet, problems get solved and
scones are eaten. Perry’s delightful follow up to The Perfect Blend put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. I
enjoyed rooting for the main characters, Zach and Tina. Tea for Two is a sweet
faith-filled story, but not without conflict and resolution. I loved the
setting and the interesting array of characters. Perry’s humor made me laugh
while I reflected on what it means to trust God.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
Even the Moon Praises Him
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
and he established them forever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
for at his command they were created,
and he established them forever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
A heavy blanket of snow covered the fields as we
drove along the country road. The sky graduated to an inky black and the moon,
as round as a bright golden ball, cast its light. No matter where we traveled,
it seemed the moon followed us. The brightness made us look to the heavens and
admire the work of God. He created the round orb to reflect light on the earth
at night. One more way He cared for us.
The Psalm says God created all the heavenly
bodies. The sun, moon, and stars each praise Him. If these objects can light
the world and show God glory, what keeps us from praising Him daily. God made
so much for us to enjoy. When I saw the low hanging moon I stood in awe. And the
sun and the stars…they’re just as fascinating. As winter gives way to spring
(it will come, I promise) look at God’s creation and rejoice with him. Praise
the Lord for the beauty he gives each day.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Up to My Elbows in Ruffles
A few weeks ago I wrote about my daughter asking me to make my granddaughter an Easter dress. Today (a snowday) I pulled out the pattern, fabric, pins and scissors and set to work. The pattern challenged me. I won't say how many times I had to unsew and resew some of the pieces in the bodice. But I loved stitching the pieces together, like a puzzle, and seeing how the fabrics complemented each other.
Gathering the ruffles took some patience. I've never seen so many ruffles on such a small dress. But they turned out beautiful. Now I just have buttons to sew on the back and bloomers to make.
I love being a grandma!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
An Eerie Fog
Penny Frost McGinnis |
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Saturday, February 28, 2015
A Crossing I Look Forward To
Penny Frost McGinnis |
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
For most of my life I feared bridges. Nevertheless,
I’ve had to travel across them. Several years ago, my young daughters and I, with
my brother and his family, traveled to Georgia to visit our other brother. To
get to St. Simon’s Island, where he lived, we had to cross a causeway. Similar to
a bridge, the concrete road rose above the water to a peak, then came back down
and connected to the island. As I drove I felt like I might propel straight to
heaven before we came down on the other side. Then there was a bridge in
Maryland I rode on, over 4 miles long, that curved across the Chesapeake Bay. It
was beautifully engineered but gave me butterflies. If that’s not enough, the
old Maysville bridge that crossed the Ohio River filled me with great anxiety
every time we traveled to the college my daughters and I attended (at different
times.) Fortunately they’ve updated it and added a new one down the road. So
when Tim and I walked across the Purple People Bridge in Cincinnati, I had a
mini-celebration.
My fear of bridges has dissipated over the years
although I still get a flutter sometimes when I cross over. But one bridge I’ll
never fear is the one God has given me to get to heaven. Jesus is the bridge to
eternal life. He’s the only way for imperfect people like me to be forgiven.
Because of Jesus, I look forward to a home in heaven where I’ll be free to
rejoice and praise God all day long. Because of Jesus I have the freedom from
sin that gives me peace and hope. He bridges the gap between earth and heaven
and that’s one crossing I look forward to. Praise God for Jesus!
Have you ever feared bridges?
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
The Most Basic Element
Our second online chat addressed---wait for it---being friendly so people will come back. That's one of the most important elements to good reference work.
I have to admit, I was a bit surprised to have an instructor teach me to be approachable, kind, and patient. Whether I needed it or not, it's a good reminder of how to treat people, no matter what I'm doing.
When have you encountered an especially helpful person in public service?
Saturday, February 21, 2015
He Spreads the Snow Like Wool
Psalm 147:15-18
He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
Southwest Ohio has been covered in snow and ice
this week, like much of the country. We’ve not had the amount Boston had, but
the fluffy stuff closed businesses, schools and made life more difficult for
anyone who needed to be out and about. The weather caused power outages, accidents,
stress, and frustration. But once the ice and snow melt away, people will
travel, kids will go back to school and stress will ease.
Much like life, something happens that causes stress,
a negative change, or difficulties beyond our control. The Psalm
assures us that even though God sends the snow and ice, he also breaths the
warm breezes to make the waters flow. When you think you can’t take anymore
winter weather, spring arrives and warms the air. My hope is in God and his
caring hands. No matter what I experience, I know he’s with me and brighter
days are ahead. I love winter, but by the time spring rolls around, I’ll love
that too. Praise God for hope.
What's your favorite season?
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Are You a Hobbit?
can't leave that makes me want to hunker down and enjoy the peaceful solitude of where I dwell.
How about you? Are you more like a hobbit, content to stay home or do you get cabin fever?
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Snow day!
I love snow days! We finally got two here in Southwest Ohio. Why do I like them? To me they're like free days. Unplanned, I can do what I want days. I don't have to be at work. I don't go to appointments. So what do I do?
Yesterday I unpacked photographs and hung them in the hallway, as well as a beautiful picture of Eli and Ella Cate I got for Christmas. Now my hallway, filled with family, brings me joy. Some of the photos landed in our second bedroom, and a set of Tim and I at the ocean found a prominent place in our bedroom.
Today, I dusted, am doing laundry, and plan to write. Sounds boring, but to me-- it's delightful. Added bonus--Tim is home today, too.
What do you do on a snow day? Or a free day?
Yesterday I unpacked photographs and hung them in the hallway, as well as a beautiful picture of Eli and Ella Cate I got for Christmas. Now my hallway, filled with family, brings me joy. Some of the photos landed in our second bedroom, and a set of Tim and I at the ocean found a prominent place in our bedroom.
Today, I dusted, am doing laundry, and plan to write. Sounds boring, but to me-- it's delightful. Added bonus--Tim is home today, too.
What do you do on a snow day? Or a free day?
Monday, February 16, 2015
This Old Dog...
My daughter, Sara, called the other day. She wanted to know how much I loved my granddaughter, Ella Cate. Silly question. I love all my grandkids bunches and bunches.
Sara couldn't find an Easter dress she liked for her sweet little girl. Could I make one? Sure. I'd give it a whirl. I'd made prom dresses, a wedding dress, lots of baby and toddler clothes for the girls, and quilts. I assumed (one should never do that) we'd go to the fabric store and purchase a pattern. Nope. It's not what young moms do anymore. Instead, she went on Etsy and purchased a downloadable pattern.
What? I have to download the pattern and print it. Not to mention make sure the 1" square is exactly 1", because that's how you know the sizing is accurate, follow the forty-nine pages of directions to tape the pattern together, cut out the fabric and sew it, and figure out how to improvise the parts that require a serger. (I don't have one, and I think I'd like a hem better, anyway.)
The pattern's printed. I've read the directions. As soon as we have a chance, Sara and I will take Ella Cate to pick out fabric. Can't wait.
Am I challenged? Yes. Will I do it? Yes. This old dog can still learn a new trick or two.
I'll post a pic when the project is finished.
Have you learned something new recently? What was it?
The outfit I made for Ella Cate to go from the hospital in. |
What? I have to download the pattern and print it. Not to mention make sure the 1" square is exactly 1", because that's how you know the sizing is accurate, follow the forty-nine pages of directions to tape the pattern together, cut out the fabric and sew it, and figure out how to improvise the parts that require a serger. (I don't have one, and I think I'd like a hem better, anyway.)
The pattern's printed. I've read the directions. As soon as we have a chance, Sara and I will take Ella Cate to pick out fabric. Can't wait.
Am I challenged? Yes. Will I do it? Yes. This old dog can still learn a new trick or two.
I'll post a pic when the project is finished.
Have you learned something new recently? What was it?
Saturday, February 14, 2015
True Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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.
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.
February the month of Love
Tim and I married on October 31, 1992. Over
twenty-two year ago, we combined our families— my three daughters and his son
and daughter, ages ranged eight to fifteen. One year from March to July, all
five were teenagers. With lots of love for each other and for each child, we
rejoiced with them, high school and college graduations, weddings, and babies,
plus all the daily joys. We protected them the best we could and comforted them
in heartbreak and injury. We trusted them to make good decisions and hoped for
the best. Our love persevered. Now with eight grandchildren in the mix, we
experience more love than we imagined.
God feels the same way about his children. When we
choose truth, he rejoices. Through his Spirit he protects us and in free will he
trusts us to make the best choices. The hope he gave us outweighs all hope.
Through Jesus we look forward to eternal life. God’s love perseveres. His love
never, ever fails. On Valentine’s Day we send messages to the people we love. Buy
flowers and chocolate. This day I want to send a prayer of thanks to the Father
who loves me. Praise God for true love.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Writer off the Leash: Growing in the Writing Craft
Of all the writing books I've read, and I've read
a lot, this is the best one. I wish I’d had it when I first started writing
fiction. Michelle's sense of humor makes the book fun to read. Her great
explanations and advice make the book a keeper. I’ll refer to it over and over
again. She doesn’t just give the nuts and bolts of writing fiction, she gets to
the heart of why a writer writes and has the reader ask themselves questions
that reveal whether they have a heart for writing. If you have any interest in
or already write fiction, buy this book. Seriously, buy this book.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
When Love Disintegrates
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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.
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.
February, the month of love.
Love 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.
As people milled around the exhibits at the zoo, a
couple of peacocks strutted about. They dragged their multi-colored tails
behind them, then stopped to impress the crowd. The tail feathers fanned out
into a beautiful array of iridescent blue and green. You could say… they were proud
as a peacock. Male peacocks show off their tails to win a peahen’s heart. God
created the birds to show their feathers.
Can you imagine people strutting around with prideful, feathered tails? When people throw pride, envy, and selfishness into a
relationship the bonds of trust are broken, abuse happens, and love
disintegrates. Paul tells us in Corinthians to turn from selfishness. Instead
of envy, appreciate. Instead of boasting, encourage. Instead of luxuriating in pride,
be humble. Show honor, be selfless, let go of anger, and throw grudges aside. Follow
Jesus example of love and put others first. He gave his life. Praise God for
his love.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Patient and Kind
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
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.
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.
February, the month of love. I’ll admit I enjoy a good
Hallmark movie that spirals around romance. I like contemporary romance books
and am trying my hand at writing them. One of my favorite genres is a good cozy
mystery with, yes—a dash of romance. Hmmm…love and mystery. Love is a mystery
or is love a mystery? God paints a pretty clear picture in 1 Corinthians that
covers not only romance, but all types of love. And that’s where I’m going to
dwell for the month of February.
Love is patient, love is kind.
Today, I had the opportunity to take care of my seven-month
old granddaughter all day. What a joy! She’s a sweet little one who’s easy to
love. But I was reminded of the amount of patience a baby requires. She’s
learning to eat baby food and as one spoon full goes in, half of it comes back
out because she’s still developing her skills. So I’d feed her some pears then
scoop them off her little chin and try again. Eventually we finished the task,
and she laid her head on my shoulder and napped. That’s love.
While I took care of Ella Cate, my husband went to watch two
grandsons play basketball. While five year old Max had his first game, his big
brother, Aiden, stood in the end zone cheering him on. Aiden could have been
playing with his friend, instead he encouraged his brother. That’s kindness.
Days are filled with opportunities to show patience
and kindness. Waiting in traffic, a turn in the bathroom (once upon a time we
shared one bathroom with three daughters), a spouse to get ready, a child to
put on their shoes, a coworker to complete a project and on and on. Paul, the
author of Corinthians, reminds us to pour out patience and kindness because
they reflect love. Not just good advice, but an excellent way to live life.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
He'll Give You Rest
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Exhausted,
fatigued, sapped, spent, drained—ever felt like that? Yes? Then you know what
it’s like to be weary. Not just physically tired, where a good night’s sleep
revives the energy in your body. But, weary. Exhausted right down to the soul.
Your heart hurts, your heads aches, your spirit sags. Life’s been sucked out.
This kind of life draining experience often occurs with stress, loss, when the
same frustrating situation occurs over and over again or when hope is lost. You’re
so spiritually beaten down, you want to crawl under the covers and hibernate
like a bear. Or sleep the day away like my dogs. And sometimes physical rest is
part of the process that refreshes a hurting soul. But there’s more.
Jesus offers to
take the burden, carry the stress, and restore the spirit. Anytime I’ve taken
my weariness, my burdens, my stress and anxieties to him, I find hope and
peace. Not only do I give him my burdens, I take on his ways and pray his
gentle spirit and humble heart will fill me. Spending time in prayer and
reading the Bible relieve me of the weariness the world brings. Asking others
to pray with me and for me gives me encouragement. For me being outside surrounded
by God’s creation restores my soul. I’m thankful Jesus loves me enough to carry
my burdens and give me rest. Praise God for his son!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award
My new year started off with a pleasant surprise when Julie
Arduini nominated me and other bloggers with the Sisterhood of the World
Blogger Award.
Here are the rules:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Put the Award logo on your blog.
3. Answer 10 questions you’ve been sent.
4. Make up 10 new questions for your nominees to answer.
Here are the questions I was sent and my answers:
1. What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
I believe it was letting go and letting God. For years I
worried, fretted, and tried to control my life. When I realized that God was
the one in control the worries melted away. There are still trials and troubles
but now I pray first and trust in God’s wisdom.
2. What temptation is hard to resist?
Chocolate. I made a pan of chocolate walnut fudge for
Christmas. I’m pretty sure I ate most of
it.
3. If you weren’t doing what you do weekdays, what would
your life look like?
I work in an academic library as the technical services
manager. When I retire I’d love to be a full time writer.
4. What book could you read over
and over?
For years I read Sue Hubbell’s A
Country Year: Living the Questions every spring. I’m thinking about reading it again this
spring. I also love to read the Bible over and over.
5. What motivates you?
God motivates me. If I am doing something for Him, I don’t
give up.
6. What are your pet peeves?
I don’t like it when cabinet doors or drawers are left open.
7. What are your goals for 2015?
I hope to complete the novel I started this month. It is a
story set on an island in Lake Erie that features a young woman who needs to
find peace. What she doesn’t expect is to find love.
8. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I’ve wanted to travel to Maine since I was in sixth grade.
Last year my husband and I took a trip to Kelleys Island, Ohio. We fell in love
with the island and the mainland around Marblehead. We plan to go back this
year.
9. Would you rather stay in a five star hotel, a bed and
breakfast, or a cabin?
A cabin would give us more privacy and autonomy. When I go
on vacation I don’t want to be busy and trying to get from place to place. I
want to relax and enjoy the journey. But then again, a bed and breakfast would
be delightful.
10. What’s your favorite season? Why?
I love winter. The snow gives such a peaceful atmosphere.
Winter is quiet and gives me a chance to reflect and regenerate. I love the way
the snow sparkles and gives the earth a fresh, clean appearance.
Here
are the questions for my nominees:
- Do you have a favorite Bible verse you lean on? If so what is it?
- What’s your favorite chapter book from childhood?
- Do you enjoy cooking or would you rather eat out, order in, or nuke a microwave dinner?
- Were you called to write or do you write as an offering to God?
- What’s your favorite thing about blogging?
- How long have you blogged and why did you start?
- If you could have any pet, what would it be?
- What’s your greatest accomplishment in the writing world?
- What’s the best and worst about using social media?
- Are you a country or city kind of girl?
I’m nominating Ane Mulligan, Sharon Srock, Nike Chillemi, and Kathleen Friesen! I enjoy your blogging!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
The Librarians, Just for Fun
Is anyone else watching the TNT series, The Librarians?
The series spun off of the movies starring Noah Wyle, Bob Newhart and Jane Curtain. In the new series, four hand-picked, miss-matched people work together to defend the world against too much magic. Rebecca Romijn as Eve Baird is a love interest for Wyle, who appears occassionally. The rest of the time, she's protecting her underlings while they solve puzzles and chase monsters. John Larroquette holds down the fort, or the lab in this case, while the others roam about, drop through portals, and get into all kinds of trouble. Christian Booth, Lindy Cain and John Kim round out the ragamuffin group as an art history expert, math genius, and thief.
For me, the show is pure entertainment. I've heard a few people say they didn't like it because the librarians weren't doing library work. But I don't think that's the point. I don't know too many librarians who chase fairytale characters, dragons, or evil villains. Instead, the characters use resources, history, and a little magic to save the world.
If you want light entertainment for an hour before you start your workweek, sit back and watch The Librarians. Just for fun.
If you watch the show, what do you like about it?
The series spun off of the movies starring Noah Wyle, Bob Newhart and Jane Curtain. In the new series, four hand-picked, miss-matched people work together to defend the world against too much magic. Rebecca Romijn as Eve Baird is a love interest for Wyle, who appears occassionally. The rest of the time, she's protecting her underlings while they solve puzzles and chase monsters. John Larroquette holds down the fort, or the lab in this case, while the others roam about, drop through portals, and get into all kinds of trouble. Christian Booth, Lindy Cain and John Kim round out the ragamuffin group as an art history expert, math genius, and thief.
For me, the show is pure entertainment. I've heard a few people say they didn't like it because the librarians weren't doing library work. But I don't think that's the point. I don't know too many librarians who chase fairytale characters, dragons, or evil villains. Instead, the characters use resources, history, and a little magic to save the world.
If you want light entertainment for an hour before you start your workweek, sit back and watch The Librarians. Just for fun.
If you watch the show, what do you like about it?
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