And God Created These...

Kelleys Island, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Kelleys Island, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Westlake, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Kelleys Island, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Kelleys Island, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Kelleys Island, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Kelleys Island, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Marblehead, OH ©PennyFrostMcGinnis

The One Who Created Science

Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

A magazine came across my desk this week. The front cover posed this question, "Where did we really come from?" Curious, I opened to the page of the article. I thought maybe there was a tiny chance that someone was writing about the creation story. Instead I found another argument for a different theory.

Understand this about me—I love nature, and I respect science. In biology class, I was fascinated with photosynthesis, the life stream of plants. I enjoyed learning about flowers and found animal habitats interesting. I still enjoy being outdoors watching birds and wildlife. I was excited in Maine when we learned about the lobsters and puffins. So when I read the question, "Where did we really come from?" I already knew my answer. I've prayed and studied over this for a long time.

I believe with all my heart that God created me. He held me in his heart before I was even born. God made me to reflect his image. I may not always do that because we live in a sinful world, and I confess, I sin. But I know, without doubt, that God put me on this earth with purpose. He knew me and he knows my life. Some might wonder how I can embrace God and science. My answer—because I believe God invented science. The galaxies? God tossed every star into place. The butterflies? God painted every delicate wing. My grandbabies? God formed them before we knew them. God gave us the gift of science to help us cope with this crazy world. He has his hand in medicine, technology, astronomy (remember the recent eclipse) agriculture (he did plant the first garden) and every other science we know. My faith in the truth of the Bible leads me to believe that God is the giver of life. He is the one who understands everything because he created everything. I praise God, because his works are amazing! 

Psalm 139:13-14For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 31:24

God Grabbed our Attention

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Photo by Maggie Wickline-Jowers

On Monday afternoon, I joined the large group gathered on the commons in front of the college. A buzz of voices bounced about as we waited to see the much anticipated solar eclipse. In Ohio, we knew we'd only see about a 92% eclipse, nevertheless folks were pumped. Would the skies grow dimmer? Might the temperature drop? How would it look? As the clock approached two-thirty, several of us popped on our solar eclipse glasses and gazed up toward the giant star that lights our days and the satellite that orbits the earth. The moon passed over the sun. At 92% a sliver of sun remained visible.  The sky's appearance looked as if I was wearing Polaroid sunglasses and the temperature dropped a few degrees. After I finished checking out this rare phenomenon, I loaned my glasses to folks near-by. As I watched the crowd, I had to smile. For several minutes on a Monday afternoon, everything stopped. No matter who I stood beside, we shared the same purpose. People smiled and laughed, chatted and shared their experience. A little bit of peace covered us.

I loved that we all stopped what we were doing, put away our concerns, and tucked in our differences to gaze on the wonder God created. In all the chaos of this life, God grabbed our attention.

Since then I've thought about another time when everyone will stop what they're doing. A moment, expected yet unknown. A time when all eyes will look to the sky. We won't need NASA certified glasses to cover our eyes. Instead we'll need hearts that have accepted and believe the Lord Jesus Christ is Savior. There won't be a specific time designated by astronomers. Instead, he will come in the twinkling of an eye. Jesus will appear in the clouds to collect his followers, both those who have died and those still alive on earth. All eyes will look to Jesus on that day, the day he returns to gather his children and take them to heaven. I don't know about you, but I'm excited to see Jesus. I'm not sure when he'll come back, but I know he will. I have faith in the truth of the Bible and that God keeps his promises. When Jesus appears in the clouds, everyone will stop and look up. 

Eternal Encouragement

Eclipse Haiku

partial eclipse—

leaves told the story of God'simpatient moon

the sun's brilliance

eclipsed by a satellite moon—

crickets chirped praise

 

Nonfiction Book Review for Tweens: Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You by Lynn Cowell

Book Description:

What will my life be like? Who will I be? Whether girls put these concerns into words or struggle anxiously with these thoughts, during this season of change, girls have questions. Sometimes these questions also come with fears and they need a safe place to process these fears. From Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and blogger, Lynn Cowell, comes Faithgirlz Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You. For girls 8-12, Brave Beauty brings tweens 100 courage-building moments to reflect on Scripture and find confidence in God, rather than in someone, some place, or some thing, as culture will all-too-soon tell them to. Lynn will also prepare girls to:

• ·         Overcome confidence-defeating thoughts and stand on who Jesus says she is.
• ·         Shape her self-worth on Christ and overcome the temptation base it on environmental factors.
• ·         Build a strong foundation to face the fickle and flippant opinions of others.
• ·         Find approval of herself even when she lacks the acceptance of others.
• ·         Find security by turning to Christ as she steps through the exciting, yet scary world of growing up

Formatted as theme-based mini chapters, these moments can be read as one-a-days, one-a-weeks, or at the reader’s own pace. Simple and empowering, Lynn’s voice is relatable and conversational, making it easy for girls to feel like they’re spending time with a friend.

My Review:
I wish I'd had Brave Beauty for my daughters when they were tweens. This is a wonderful book, filled with wisdom that will help young girls in those formative, and often difficult, middle school years. The authors voice is conversational and never talks down to the reader. She shares stories and situations that will help the reader sort through their own life. At the end of each chapter there is a courageous call that ties up what the chapter shared and challenges girls to be courageous and brave. She also includes some quizzes and challenges that every girl will love. If you have or know a tween girl, this would be a perfect gift to share. I highly recommend Brave Beauty. I received this book for free.

Freedom and Hope

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Sixty-five lighthouses dot the coast of Maine. Those historical lights drew Tim and I to visit the beautiful north-eastern state. I've loved lighthouses for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure when I first learned of their existence and purpose, but it seemed I always knew the grand buildings saved lives and provided safety for fishermen and ship's crews. One of the lights we visited, Portland Head Light, is a majestic white structure surrounded by a home and several smaller buildings. As I wandered the property, I rounded the corner of the house and spotted a large stone.  A plaque told me the poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, sat and penned his lighthouse poem there.

Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same,
Year after year, through all the silent night
Burns on forevermore that quenchless flame,
Shines on that inextinguishable light!

The poem reminds me of the hope I have in Jesus.

Steadfast—He's always here for me.
Serene—The calm in my storm.
Quenchless flame—His light cannot be put out. 
Inextinguishable light—Always shining, no matter what.

The world is a mess right now. Every day we hear stories of death and destruction. If I'm being honest—and I am, the terror scares me. I think of the world my grandchildren are growing up in and speculate about what it will be. Yes—I've gone down the road of "what if." But before I get too far gone, the Holy Spirit taps me on the shoulder and reminds me of the light. The one light that brings hope. The one that is never extinguished. You see, regardless of all the evil in the world, we have hope. Constant hope in Jesus. He's the one who brings peace and joy, the one who gives freedom from the world. He's the one who hears my prayers. He gives me freedom from fear and worry, because I know he has me in his hands. I pray for this world and the hurting. In my prayers, I ask that everyone will find comfort and peace in Jesus. He is the one who gives true freedom. The one who offers hope.

Middle School Fiction: The Ragamuffin Sisters: The Mysterious Mr. Whistler by Anita Higman & Hillary McMullen illustrated by Elise Whittier Church

Book Description:

What happens when four creative, slightly brilliant, misfit girls team up against a gang of bullies? 

That's right. Danger, chaos, and more adventure than any middle school girl should be faced with in a lifetime! 

When Jane, Elle, Dakota and Sketti band together to face The Thickheads, they land themselves in the midst of a murder-mystery that none of them is prepared to deal with. And when The Thickheads get involved, lines are drawn and accusations are flung. 

But when the two opposing groups join forces, they learn that together, they can mend fences and face the giants. 

This must-read, laugh-out-loud, coming-of-age mystery is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like a misfit, anyone who's ever been bullied, or anyone who's ever felt like they were on the outside looking in. 

My Review:
I loved The Mysterious Mr. Whistler. The characters are delightful and full of spunk. This is a fun read, that also touches on some tough issues. Middle-schoolers will enjoy the mystery the kids get tangled up in. They'll also have fun reading about the good-natured pranks the girls and boys pull on each other. This is an entertaining read I'd share with my granddaughter. I received the book for free.

Pour out your Heart

He's the One Who Knows My Story

Psalm 62:5-8
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

This summer, Tim and I had our first experience in kayaks. I loved splashing through the fast-moving water as much as drifting quietly along the river. A number of times we hit rapids that sprayed up and soaked us. We were having a blast.

Then around one of the curves, the river forked. I rowed left and Tim paddled right. I went over some rapids and thought I was free and clear—until I hit a pile of rocks. I tried to push off with the oar, but I wasn't strong enough. I looked for Tim. He was too far ahead of me to paddle back against the current. Thinking I could get out of the situation by myself, I climbed out and promptly plopped into the water. After I laughed at myself, I stood up and tried to maneuver the kayak so I could get back in. But the rapids kept tugging, as I tried pulling. I wasn't winning. Finally I asked God for help. In a few minutes, another kayaker reached me and helped me climb back in. Then he shoved me off the rocks.

So many times in my life I've thought "I can do it myself," but I couldn't. Too many times I've fallen into the water of life and gotten stuck on stubbornness and blinded by selfish ambition. I struggled and wrestled with a situation, before I'd cry out to God for help. Why didn't I turn to him when he's the one who knows my story, the one who loves me inside out. I'm trying to be better about seeking God's wisdom before I get stuck. I know I trust him with all of my heart. But knowing isn't enough. I have to bow before him and seek his guidance. Every.Single.Day. He's my refuge and my rock.

I can't do life on my own. I need Jesus. 

Fiction Book Review: The Legacy by Michael Phillips

Book Description:
The Dramatic Conclusion to the Secrets of the ShetlandsLoni Ford's unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate--not to mention a title--in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whales Reef. How can life ever be the same with an outsider--and a woman at that--playing such a pivotal role in the life of this traditional community? But it isn't just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation. Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams and wonders whether she's cut out for it.

Loni would hardly let herself acknowledge that she's falling in love--with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some. Or has she merely been seduced by the simple, peaceful way of life that exists here?

Yet life in Whales Reef is rarely without drama. Deep rifts exist between certain lifelong neighbors, and when a dead body is discovered, suspicion is cast in the direction of the Tulloch family. How Loni and David face up to this challenge will profoundly shape their relationship, as well as the future of the island.

My Review:
The Legacy is the perfect conclusion to the Secrets of the Shetlands series. This sweeping series ends the beautiful story of Loni Ford's adventure in Scotland. I enjoyed how the author wove the many tales of Scottish legacy with the reality of Loni's life in America. The colorful characters add fun and frolic, along with depth and texture to the multilayered story. With the lovely setting, I felt like I strolled through the heather with Loni and David as they sorted out their lives and discovered their futures. Michael Phillips does not always use the writing technique of showing. He does occasionally use the old-fashioned technique of telling the story. I'm not opposed to this, but it might bother some readers. The book is lengthy, but the story needed every page. For me, The Legacy is a sigh worthy book I could disappear into. I received the book for free. 

Fiction Review: A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

Book Description:
She's out to steal his name. Will he steal her heart instead?

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets-now they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary's challenge of a lifetime comes when she's assigned to determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can't help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the crown-so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstop pretending to be a well- credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

Anger and danger continue to mount, though, and both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth-about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

  

About the author:

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. She passes said boring life with her husband and kids in the beautiful mountains of eastern West Virginia.

Find out more about Roseanna M. at http://www.roseannamwhite.com.

Check out more here:http://litfusegroup.com/author/RWhite

My Review:

I enjoyed reading A Name Unknown. Roseanna tells the story with a fresh twist. Rosemary is a thief, yet she's a likable character. At one point I forgot she was a crook and started rooting for her. The secondary characters add a deeper element to the story, especially Rosemary's ragtag family. I found it funny when Rosemary sees the library she's going to organize. I've worked in library's for years, so the whole premise was entertaining. I am a big fan of Downton Abbey, so this book was a great read for me. If you enjoy historical fiction set in Britain, you'll like this story. I'm going to give the book 4 stars because it is lengthy with some spots that were a bit slow for me. I received this book for free.

Start the Conversation

Psalm 55:16-17
As for me, I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.

As a new mom, I didn't get much sleep. My babies' cries stirred me out of bed, sometimes more than once a night. For the most part I'm a sound sleeper, but for those years when my little ones needed me I heard their call. As my children grew into teens and tweens, they'd come to me— sometimes excited about their day, sometimes in tears. When they went off to college, my phone would ring and their sweet voice would say, "Mom." Joy filled my heart. Even now, I react the same way. When my children and grandchildren call my name, it fills my heart to overflowing, even when the tears flow.

On my desk at work I keep a little knick-knack. From a clay base, two stars shoot up on each end. In the middle, the words "Pray Often" are carved. I love that reminder. I need that reminder. God loves to listen to his children. If I wake up in the middle of the night, God is there to listen. When I'm driving, working, playing, God is there to listen. So what keeps me from calling on him? Distraction, lack of faith, too busy, don't care? There's no excuse that should keep me from talking to my heavenly Father. He wants to hear from me. Whether I'm rejoicing or sobbing, God has my heart. He hears my cry. And he answers. Through the Bible, other people, circumstances—HE LISTENS and ANSWERS! Wow, that's good news.

Don't wait to pray when you're in a panic, start a conversation and just talk to him. He's available 24/7. He wants to hear from us. He loves us.

Near to the Heart

Children's Book Review: The Bedtime Book by Mary EngelBreit

About the Book:

Mama comes to tuck you in,

Pulls the covers to your chin,

Squeezes fingers, squeezes toes,

Lays a kiss upon your nose.

New York Times bestselling author Mary Engelbreit presents The Bedtime Book, a beautifully-illustrated picture book that pairs sleepy time text with Mary’s beloved, timeless art. From endearing poems and snuggly stories to sweet blessings and precious prayers, each page of The Bedtime Book features ways for you to read your little one to sleep.  The Bedtime Book has a beautiful cover decorated with embossing and spot gloss.

My Review:
Mary Engelbreit does not disappoint with her latest illustrations in The Bedtime Book. Each page is colorful and fun. She creates such incredible detail in each picture. Children and adults will delight in looking for all the creatures, flowers, stars and so much more. The poems, prayers, and stories will become bedtime favorites. This would be a beautiful gift or a great book to keep stashed at Grandma's house. You can't go wrong with this lovely read-out-loud gem. 

Board Book Review: Ready, Set, Find: Noah's Ark

Book Description:

Noah has an important job. He needs to build a huge ark and fill it with animals too. Now there are things and animals along the way he needs your help to find, like the hammer, the hen, and the hedgehog. Are you ready to help Noah? If so, on your mark, Ready, Set, Find! Read the classic story of Noah’s Ark in this engaging look-and-find book for young children.

My Review:

Noah's Ark is a sturdy board book with tabs that make turning each page easy for little fingers. The illustrations are colorful and cute. However, I found it difficult to find some of the hidden tools and animals. A small child might need help looking for the partially hidden items. I do think children will enjoy the short version of Noah's story. This book would be a good teaching tool, as well. I received this book for free.

Broken and Blessed

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

I just spent the weekend with amazing ladies—dear, dear friends—from Kentucky Christian College. We first met over forty years ago, when we all attended KCC. Since then our paths diverged all over the country; yet it's like we were never apart. That's because we've all kept loving Jesus. You see he's the reason we all converged on KCC in the 70s. We loved the Lord and wanted to serve him.

Thanks to social media, snail mail, and phone calls, we've reconnected and found our love for each other and God still holds true. I'd venture to say that love is even stronger.  We discovered, as a group, we've suffered broken hearts, failed relationships, parents growing old, our children's heartbreak, health issues, and the oh so human struggle with sin. Our dear friend, Holly, shared a devotion with us. She talked about the tears of God and how we shed tears in times of fear, sadness, depression, and even joy. But he takes them and stores them in his bottle, on his scrolls—Psalm 56:8. He gathers our tears and heartaches because he loves us. He holds our tears and understands our sorrows.

I'm a broken person. One who has lived life, suffered, struggled, and sinned. I'm also one who has asked forgiveness and felt God's grace and love pour over me. Even though my friends and I have all experienced the pains of life, we've been blessed by the hope that comes only through Jesus. Jesus is the way to a life of joy and peace. He's the way to heaven. I praise God for friendships anchored by the hope that is in him!

Psalm 116:8-9
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
    my eyes from tears,
    my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

A Puffin Haiku

Beacons of Hope

Last summer, Tim and I climbed Marblehead Lighthouse. We enjoyed the view of Lake Erie and the surrounding area. I imagined what life might have been like for the lightkeeper and family. A soft breeze blew with warm temperatures. A perfect day to be outside. But think about what lightkeepers went through in the winter. Freezing degrees of cold, ice, and snow. They trudged through blizzards, storms, and other inclement weather to bring safety to the boats that traveled nearby. 

I've had a fascination with lighthouses for years. The tall beacons of light remind me of the hope I have in Jesus. The hope that helps me trek through life's circumstances with a sense of peace, joy, and safety. 

On our trip to Maine this summer, Tim and I saw seventeen different beacons of hope. Ten in Maine, on the beautiful Atlantic, and seven in Ohio, on Lake Erie. Hope you enjoy their beauty as much as we have.

Ram Island Ledge Light----------------------------Portland Head Light----------------Portland Breakwater---Maine

Nubble Lighthouse---------------------------------Kittery Lighthouse--------------------------Pemaquid Lighthouse----------Maine

Pond Island, Popham Beach Light----Wood Island, Biddeford----Whaleback Lighthouse---Spring Point Ledge Light---Maine

Fairport Harbor Light------------Vermillion Lighthouse---------Conneaut Breakwater Light----Marblehead------Ohio

Port Clinton Lighthouse--------------------------Lorain Lighthouse----------------Fairport Harbor West Breakwater--------Ohio

A Measure of Growth

Colossians 1:9-14
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

When we vacationed in Maine, Tim and I took a "Lobster Tour." Our first afternoon in that beautiful state we boarded the Lucky Catch, on the Casco Bay in Portland. The little red boat held about fourteen tourists ready to learn about the trade of lobstering. First, we filled mesh bags with chubs and herring, then tied them into the traps. The captain taught us about the traps, how the larger lobsters get caught and the little ones have an escape hatch. The whole experience was hands-on. When we pulled in the traps and found a female, they showed us she was a layer and threw her back. Then the captain demonstrated which of the larger male lobsters to keep and which to send back to the water.

The captain grabbed the lobster and a gage. He hooked one end of the measuring tool to the socket behind the lobster's eye, then drew the other end straight down along the crustacean's carapace (back). The minimum length had to be three and a quarter inches for him to keep it. Otherwise back to the deep they went for a chance to grow.

Like those lobsters that get thrown into the sea, God wants me to keep growing. My Father knows where I am as a believer. He knows my heart and sees my soul. When I think of ways to grow spiritually I call up the verses in Galatians where Paul names the Fruit of the Spirit. My love needs to multiply. Does God draw me through the fires of life to increase my compassion for people? I'm willing to say yes. Does he require I wait to develop patience? Of course. How about experiencing hurt and pain to remember to be kind and gentle. Yes! God wants me to grow in my relationship with Jesus. He wants me to strengthen my knowledge of his word. Does he use a gage to measure my growth? No, instead he checks my heart. Jesus knows me. He loves me and he wants me to be filled with joy. And that takes growth—in learning his word, in prayer, and in obedience.

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Fiction Book Review: Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson

About the book:

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four

brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer's conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

Find out more about Jeanne M. at http://www.jeannemdickson.com.

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My Review:

Grounded Hearts tells a beautiful story of strong women in Ireland in World War 2. I didn't know that Ireland was neutral during World War 2, nor did I know anything about their internment camps. Jeanne M. Dickson did her homework on the history of the area and the role Ireland played during the war. I like the main character, midwife Nan. She has a heart of gold, that's been broken. Yet, she's selfless when it comes to taking care of others. I love the strong and loyal bond the women of the story share, as well as the setting. Nan's cottage is cozy. Then there is the flyboy, "Dutch". He's a strong, yet tender man who wants nothing more than to fly his fighter plane against the evils of Hitler. As I read the book, I didn't want to put it down. It's not a gentle inspirational book. Instead, the story deals with emotions, passion, sin, war, and love. The men of Ireland were drinkers and the women said what was on their minds. But the story is a beautiful tale of redemption, second chances, forgiveness, loyalty, and love. If you enjoy honest, historical fiction, you'll want to read Grounded Hearts. I give it five stars for the excellent writing and moving story. I received this book for free.

Jeanne M. Dickson's 'Grounded Hearts' Giveaway and Blog Tour

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

God's Own Hands

Isaiah 44:23
Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.

I never get tired of experiencing God's amazing creation. On our trip to Maine this week, we spent a day in the rural area between Portland and New Harbor. We journeyed up the coast across parts of the Casco Bay. Trees lined the roadways; not just fence lines of scrubs or a spruce here and an oak there. Instead we passed by forested areas grown by God's own hands. I couldn't help but wonder what animals roamed the woods. Maybe a bear or a moose. But those were left to my imagination. Other areas we crossed were covered by wetlands and waterways. Everywhere we looked, beauty sang a song of glory to the Creator.

As I prepare to leave the great state of Maine, I thank the Lord for the experience to visit another area of the world. No matter how large or small the geographical areas in my life are, I know God's hands formed everything. From the sandy beaches to the evergreen trees to the call of the sea gulls, I witnessed the glory of God by his presence in this amazing environment. I love his incredible imagination and wisdom.

Shout to Him with joy, for He is good!

Do you connect to God through nature?  

We Grabbed the Tail of our Dream

I've imagined traveling to the great state of Maine for almost 50 years. It's true. When I was a kid in school, we were assigned a state project. My state was Maine. We had to use snail mail back then and write a letter to the Maine State Chamber of Commerce to gather information (no internet, way back then.) I discovered Maine had a beautiful coast.

I spent my 60th birthday on a Puffin tour 

Amazing forests. Mountains. Incredible wildlife and gorgeous flora. And so the dream began... a journey to Maine.

In February, things started to fall into place. Tim and I both researched the possibilities. Where to stay. Do we drive or fly? What do we want to see? In March, we booked an Air BnB. My dream turned into our dream. Being here with my best friend has been incredible.

 Lobstering was so much fun!

We got to eat the lobster we caught. Yummy!

  The beach at our Air BnB

 

 

                         A seagull egg