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 15:13
Book Description:
When a spurned suitor threatens her, heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New
York for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is
building a hotel. But the happy reunion she envisions is not to be as her
father insists she return to New York. Instead, Alexandra carves out a niche
for herself in town, teaching schoolchildren to paint and enjoying the company
of Gabe Seymour, a delightful man she met on the stagecoach.
My Thoughts:
I've enjoyed this series so much. The Spark of Love took me back to
Mesquite Springs where Alexandra goes in search of her father. I love how characters
from the first two books in the series are woven into the fabric of Alexandra's
story. Detective Gabe's job takes him into the heart of deception in Mesquite
Springs. He hopes Alexandra will trust him, even as he uncovers the truth. This
story of trust, redemption, and love is a wonderful read. I recommend the whole
Mesquite Springs series, but each book can stand alone. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
White dust drifted to the floor, from the blackboard.
Remember at the end of the school day wanting to be the
student who erased the whole board, then went outside to slam the erasers
together to clean them. Of course I just wanted to go outside, yet there was
something about wiping the board clean that brought satisfaction at the end of
the day.
Classrooms today have changed. Instead of a blackboard, my
daughter, Sara's first grade class has a whiteboard she uses to either write on
with special markers or use as a place to hang important classroom learning
tools. There's also a smartboard, a large screen hooked to her computer, where
she shares lessons, directions, and educational videos.
Classrooms have changed. Students are learning more now than
ever. They also learn the basics, in new and innovative ways. Sara has been
teaching for more than a decade and has had to continue to learn new and interesting
ways to teach.
Change can be good, and most things in life evolve in some
way. Look at our kitchens and compare them to our grandparents or great grandparents'
kitchens. Yet one thing never changes because He is already as good as it gets.
Jesus stays the same. He's always loving, and forgiving as He seeks our hearts.
He's the rock I stand on, the One I depend on, the One I pray to. Jesus never
waivers from being the Son of God, my perfect hope.
When I'm in the middle of uncertain circumstances and I'm
not sure what to do, I turn to the One who stays the same, the One who loves me
no matter what. I'm thankful Jesus is the same every day, and with confidence I
can move forward and trust Him.
Count on Jesus in your season of change.
Book Description:
When a scavenger hunt turns up a dead body, dog walker Andi Grace Scott will have to make a dogged effort to collar the culprit . . .
My Thoughts:
I love, love, love Jackie Layton's cozies. Andi Grace's nosey to know
personality draws her into another murder in her beach town. Filled with quirky
characters and a seaside setting, Caught and Collared brings Andi Grace
and her fiancé Marc into the world of podcasts and cold-cases. All the
wonderful pups add a delightful twist to the story. If you enjoy cozy
mysteries, Layton's books should be on your to-be-read pile. I purchased a copy
of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Ephesians 4:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
With a cardboard template, I cut the pieces from colorful fabrics.
I've been a crafter for as long as I can remember. For many
years I sewed quilts, three layered blankets sewn together from the underneath to
the top with tiny stitches, then bound around the edges. When I first attempted
to make a quilt, I did everything by hand. I fussy cut the pieces using a cardboard
or plastic template and a pair of scissors. Then I handstitched the pieces
together with needle and thread and quilted by hand. As I learned more methods
over the years, I mastered the rotary cutter and sewed pieces together on my
machine. No matter how I made the quilt, I knew the purpose. They were created
to provide warmth and comfort for my family.
When I look around at people, I see how unique each human is.
Like my quilts, made in a variety of designs from different fabrics, people
vary too. My personality, stature, intellect, skills, and experiences set me
apart because God created me to be myself. He formed me before I was born and
gave me unique attributes.
As God made me, He knew my purpose. He knew why I needed to
live on earth at this time and in this place. As a believer in Christ, I try to
do good work. For me, the good works reflect in my writing (or at least I hope
so.) The abilities, desires, and talents God instills in a person is a guide to
the reason God created them. Some folks have wonderful musical abilities, some
speak, some listen, some smile and share kindness, while others may minister to
folks' physical needs.
In whatever way God created me to be, He is the one who
knows my purpose and guides my path. Growing up in a time when everything
pointed to "finding yourself," I had to look past society and seek
God's word and pray for his revelation to who I am.
Do good work for God, our creator.
