Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Light and Hope
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Time Crossing Romance: Never Leave Me (Waters of Time #2) by Jody Hedlund
Book Description:
In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live
out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison
Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound
paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship.
However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is
believed to heal any disease.
When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she
believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince
her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses
the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles.
Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they
will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back
into the past to find it for them.
My Thoughts:
I've read both of Jody Hedlund's Waters of Time books. Book 1, Come Back to
Me and book 2 Never Leave Me are both such interesting and
fascinating stories. They should be read in order. Hedlund's imagination and
research meet up and explode into stories I would never have dreamed of. The
whole concept of time-travel seems so out of reach, yet she writes with such
authority, I wanted to believe Ellen and Harrison could make the journey. With
danger lurking and incredible circumstances, Ellen draws courage from within as
Harrison's faith carries them through the unbelievable. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Her Firstborn Son
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a
manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
When a baby is placed in my arms; I feel giddy.
Twelve years ago, on December 22, Sara gave birth to our
grandson, Elijah Duncan. He spent his first Christmas in the hospital with his
mom and dad. When we stopped by on the twenty-fifth to celebrate the holiday,
we found him swaddled in his baby blanket and cuddled in his mother's arms. I
couldn't wait to get my hands on him.
What a blessing that Christmas was.
Imagine the wonder Mary felt when she held baby Jesus. As a
mother, I know what incredible joy a new baby brings. Consider this—the
baby Mary held grew to be the man who became King of Kings, the One who
sacrificed His perfect life to forgive sin. Because of Jesus I have the hope of
heaven. All He asked of me was to believe, have faith, repent, be baptized, and
obey.
Every day I seek Him and ask Him for guidance. The Holy
Spirit gives me wisdom and clarity, but my part is seeking, listening, and
obeying. I love Jesus and thank Him for forgiving my sins and loving me so
much.
As we celebrate this beautiful season of love and giving,
focus on the One whose life started as a babe in a manger and grew to be the
man who would give his life for us all. The words, "Jesus loves me this I
know," come to mind when I think about Jesus. He loves us and wants us to
love Him and believe in Him.
Believe, this Christmas, in Jesus.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Your Gifts
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Joy Replaced Fear
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."
I remember sitting in a classroom in the junior high building, my heart pounding with fear.
I'd been absent the day my class took the standard exam, so the teacher sent me to the big study hall, which seemed miles away from my classroom. There I sat, a painfully shy, elementary student, surrounded by teenagers. The teacher stood what seemed like seven feet tall, while the paper and pencil on my desk taunted me. As I started to darken circles on the multiple-choice questions, tears stung my eyes. The teacher, in all of his wisdom, must have noticed my discomfort. He leaned over and assured me everything would be okay. And it was. I don't recall the results of the test, but I took it and evidently passed whatever hurdle I needed to.
My teacher wasn't an angel, at least not that I know of, yet he calmed my fear and gave me courage to finish my task.
When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field near Bethlehem, the fear must have overwhelmed them. The night was most likely quiet, a few sheep baaing, maybe a breeze, and a snore here or there from dozing shepherds. Then the sky lit up with God's glory and surrounded the mighty messenger. Bless those shepherds' hearts, as they trembled in fear, and the angel consoled them with encouragement and spoke of the most wonderful news.
No doubt the shepherds had heard of the long-expected Messiah, but they never dreamed they'd be alerted to his birth in such an awesome way. With courage and encouragement from the angel, the shepherds listened and followed his directions. And lo and behold they witnessed baby Jesus in his mother's arms.
At the sight of the Lord, pure joy replaced any fear.
This season seek Jesus with the courage of the shepherds and experience true joy.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The Best Gift
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Historical Fiction Book Review: The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel
Book Description:
In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in
Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth
convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings
family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.
Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop.
Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of
peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.
Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent
the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their
displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she
and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as
barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of
friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the
refiner's fire.
Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the
enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.
My Thoughts:
I love reading Jennifer Deibel's books. She pulls me into the story and allows
me to live in Ireland for a bit. This story was particularly appealing to me
because of the Claddagh ring. My daughter brought me one from Scotland, and I
wear it to remind me of God's love for me. In the book, Stephen shares the
history of the ring with Annabeth, and it's simply beautiful. And I love
Annabeth's character, because she's so unexpected for her time and position in her
life. Stephen is a bit brooding but lovable. Deibel's historical details show
how unsettling life was for the Irish and how Annabeth's family grew to
understand their plight. The romance just adds to the beauty of this story. This
is a lovely story filled with hope in the midst of difficulty. If you enjoy
Irish stories or historical romance, you'll enjoy The Lady of Galway Manor. I
received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review
are completely my own.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Consider This—God is in the Details
Matthew
1:18-21
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was
pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found
to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful
to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had
in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he
had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy
Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name
Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
An important decision requires consideration.
I had dreamed
about retiring and pursuing writing for years. When the time neared for me to
take the retirement years seriously, Tim and I contemplated what that would
look like. We took into account my health, benefits my job offered, the practicality of me
no longer working outside our home, and of course our income. We prayed about
the decision for me to retire early and thought about what that would mean for
our family. I'm thankful God saw fit for us to move forward with our plans and
provide Tim with work and me with writing opportunities.
Joseph was a
man who considered the needs of his wife-to-be, Mary. When he learned she was
pregnant, he didn't jump to conclusions. He could have broken the engagement in
haste, instead he contemplated his options. He prayed and pondered about what
was best for Mary and for him. Before he made his final decision, God sent an
angel to assure him. You see, God chose Mary to give birth to Jesus, and He
also chose Joseph to be Jesus' father on earth. God knew Joseph's heart. He
found Joseph to be a man of faith who considered what was best for the people
he loved. God knew Joseph would do the same for Jesus.
God is in
the details of my life, and He knows my heart. He hears me, sees me, and
understands me. He has given me the beautiful gift of prayer to guide me as I reflect
on decisions and life's choices.
Joseph
trusted God with the decisions he made. God trusted Joseph with His Son.
Trust God and give Jesus your heart this Christmas.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Celebrate with Joy!
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Welcome Penny Zeller, Author of Love Under Construction
I'm excited to be part of the blog tour for Penny Zeller. Enjoy meeting Penny and learning about her latest release.
About Love Under Construction:
She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?
Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.
When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?
Available for purchase:
About Penny Zeller:
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she
enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking, canoeing,
reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.
She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the
Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her www.
pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife,
mom, and author, at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.
Find Penny at:
Website: https://pennyzeller.com/
Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyzeller/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zellerpenny/
To follow Penny's tour all week, check out:
Love Under
Construction Mini Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, December 6:
Blog Tour Kickoff/Sneak Peek/Meet the Characters | Penny Zeller
Author Interview | Kristina Hall
Tuesday. December 7:
Book Spotlight | Joy Hannabass
Book Spotlight | Penny McGinness
Wednesday, December 8:
Author Interview | Vanessa Hall
Thursday, December 9:
Book Spotlight and Guest Post| June
Foster
Friday, December 10:
Book Spotlight and Giveaway| Chat
with Vera
Book Spotlight and Review | Madi’s Musings
Book Spotlight and Guest
Post | Kathy McKinsey
Saturday, December 11:
Ebook Giveaway | Patti’s Porch
Blog Tour Wrap-up/Love Under Construction Quotables | Penny Zeller
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Faith Before Fear
Luke 1:35-38
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of
the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be
called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have
a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is
in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to
me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
I love holding and rocking babies.
In 2009, we were thrilled to find out we'd have three grandbabies
born. Max arrived in October, Eli in time for Christmas, and Zeke the following
January. Our hearts overflowed with joy as we met each of these baby boys. As a
grandma, I fell in love with them, just as I had my own babies. The boys have
or will soon turn twelve, and they are lights in our lives. All so different
from one another, yet so precious.
The mamas got to share in the joy and challenges of carrying
a child, at the same time. Sisters, Sara and Maggie, expected Eli and Zeke with
only five weeks separating their birth. What an exciting time for this grandma.
Cousins, Elizabeth and Mary, shared the experience of pregnancy
and childbirth. Wow were their circumstances exceptional. Elizabeth was
considered old, yet God blessed her with a child. Mary was a young virgin, yet
God gave her a baby. Their stories are unusual and perhaps hard to believe. Yet
the writers of the Bible tell the stories with clarity, truth, and hope.
I love Mary's humility as she accepts the angel's
pronouncement. "For no word from God will ever fail." Her response
says it all, "I am the Lord's servant." Mary believed. She trusted
God and put her faith in front of her fear because she knew God never fails.
Can you imagine being in Mary's circumstance? Would people
ridicule her? Would they punish her? She had more at stake than we might today.
The Jewish laws were strict, and she could be severely punished for being unwed
and pregnant. But she put her faith before her fear and trusted God with her
life.
Elizabeth was old and her husband made mute before John the
Baptist was born. Did Elizabeth hide with embarrassment or did she trust? She
believed God blessed her, and she jumped with joy. She too put faith before
fear.
This Christmas as we celebrate Jesus, put faith before fear
and share about the babe who grew to be a man. Not just any man, but Jesus the Savior
of this broken world.
Have the hard conversations and talk about the hope we have
in Jesus.
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Shine Brightly
Saturday, November 27, 2021
Roll into Christmas
Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all
generations.
We've celebrated Thanksgiving, and Christmas is coming.
Another holiday season has rolled around. Thanksgiving Day
we were blessed to spend time with some of our family, something we didn't get
to do last year. Nieces and nephews have grown by leaps and bounds, as have our
grandchildren. As usual on this holiday, too much food went into my mouth, but
my goodness it was yummy.
As I looked around the room and visited with folks, I thanked
God for the opportunity to spend time together. Something I'd taken for granted
before the pandemic. I also loved meeting my niece's puppies and seeing my mom
cuddle with one. The day satisfied in so many ways.
I know the holidays, along with joy, can bring stress and
busyness.
As I prepare my heart for the Christmas season, I want
nothing more than to focus on the reason we celebrate. Yes, I love the
decorations, the music, the movies, and the food, but more than anything, I
love Jesus and the reason He came.
Jesus fulfilled the prophets' words in the Old Testament by
being born of a virgin, in a manger. That sweet babe grew into the man who gave
His life for our freedom from sin. He's the reason we celebrate.
As you decorate the tree, thank God for the beauty He
created—as
you sing a carol, praise the Lord for his love and mercy—as you shop for gifts, pray
for the recipient— and every day, recognize the grace we have because of
Jesus. Let's roll from the Thanksgiving season into Christmas with a grateful heart.
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 22, 2021
Fiction Suspense Book Review: A Stranger's Game by Colleen Coble
Book
Description:
This gripping new novel from USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense
author Colleen Coble will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very
last page.
A
wealthy hotel heiress.
Even though
Torie Bergstrom hasn’t been back to Georgia since she was ten, she’s happy to
arrange a job for her best friend at one of the family properties on Jekyll
Island.
A suspicious death.
But when
Torie learns that her best friend has drowned, she knows it is more than a
tragic accident: Lisbeth was terrified of water and wouldn’t have gone swimming
by choice.
A fight for
the truth.
Torie goes
to the hotel under an alias, desperate to find answers. When she meets Joe
Abbott and his daughter rescuing baby turtles, she finds a tentative ally.
The more
Torie and Joe dig, the more elusive the truth seems. One thing is clear:
someone will risk anything—even more murder—to keep their secrets buried.
My Thoughts:
Gripping is right. Coble is a master at writing suspense that keeps you reading
and sticks with you after the story ends. Torie takes on her own undercover
assignment, even though she's not law enforcement. Joe, without knowing her
true identity, helps Torie search for the reason her best friend died; all
while protecting his daughter. I enjoyed A Stranger's Game and the twists
and turns that finally led to the killer. Colleen Coble's writing wraps you in
the story and leaves you breathless by the end. If you enjoy great suspense,
you'll want to read A Stranger's Game. 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.
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.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
The Blessing of Giving
Saturday, November 13, 2021
His Light Shines in the Darkness
John 1:4-5
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The
light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
I like that extra hour of sleep when we fall back.
In the fall, I look forward to change. I love the way the
trees show off their red, orange, and yellow leaves. In Ohio we have a lot of
maple trees. They glow a golden yellow, and this year they have waved their
dressy branches in the most spectacular way. The cooler weather reminds me winter
peeks around the corner. Yes, I'm one who enjoys snow and bundling up or
cozying in for the colder months. Many folks may disagree with me, but I like
when the clocks fall back, and the hour of sleep I lost in the spring is
restored. The morning light wakes me, and in the evening, I can huddle in our
cozy home.
I've written about hygge before; the act of creating a comfortable
and inviting environment inside when the weather or time change gives us
darkness early. Part of the hygge experience is lighting candles, turning on
lights to brighten the darkness, and cuddling in a warm blanket.
When God created the earth, He made day and night—darkness
and light. As a believer, I experience a light, unlike the sun or a lamp. I
don't welcome the darkness of the world, a shadow of sin which Satan brings
with him. When that darkness falls, I cling to the light of Jesus. Psalm 119:105
says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
His word lights my way, and His light overcomes all darkness. Jesus is the
hygge I want when the darkness of despair, worry, sin, or sorrow try to smother
me. He is the light of the world. He alone brings peace and comfort in times of
darkness. As the dark surrounds me, Jesus' light of love and grace illuminate
my life.
Seek the light of Jesus.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Interrupt Anxiety
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Historical Fiction Review: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Book Description:
The Safety of the First Lady Rests in Shirley’s Hands
Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.
Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.
I love stories like this that give the reader a peek into the many nuances of WW 2. I'd not heard of the SPARS, a group of women who served under the Coast Guard. In Saving Mrs. Roosevelt, Shirley must decide whether she can put her reputation on the line and serve her country. Shirley's story is interesting and intriguing. Captain Webber is the perfect hero. Not in the "does everything right" way, but in a way that fits what Shirley needs. My favorite character is Alma. She's a great friend and Allie. If you enjoy WW 2 stories and historical novels, you'll enjoy Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Saturday, November 6, 2021
Autumn Gold
Psalm 96:11-12
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Autumn dresses up in gold, the richest season of the
year. -Angie Weiland Crosby
I sat with my daughter at Trunk-or-Treat. In the corner of
the parking lot, a tree glowed golden. The sun's light, as it faded from the
sky, lit up the leaves as if gold dripped from the branches.
There is a rhythm to nature—a time to hold on and a time
to let go. Leaves tumble to the ground as the trees let go. As I watch the
branches drop their red and orange gems, I think about the things I want to let
go. Fear, worry, doubt, guilt. I want to hold up my arms like tree branches, and
let those things that plague me drop into God's hands.
After the leaves fall, the deciduous trees nap in winter.
Their trunks and branches adjust to a time of rest and prepare for regrowth. I
seem to remember God rested on the seventh day of creation, and Jesus said, "Come
to me and I will give you rest."
I've let go of the negative burdens, now I can rest in Jesus'
assurance, his promise of renewal and strength.
Let go—then rest sounds like good advice from the golden tree and
from the Father who created me. Release the overwhelming and rest in his
arms. Then in spring, or after renewal, rise stronger than before. With my arms
up, I rejoice and sing with joy like the forest.
In this month of November, as I enjoy the vibrant colors and
the cooler temperatures, I thank God for so much. The golden tree reminds me to
look at creation and appreciate the incredible gifts God has given. Because of
the rhythm of nature, I know the leaves will return after they rest for the winter.
Because of God's promises, I know my faith is renewed daily.
Stop and appreciate God's creation, rest in his beauty, and
thank Him.
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Autumn Dances
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Suspense Book Review: Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley (Natchez Trace Park Rangers #3)
Book Description:
Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her
hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a
three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better
circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next
target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.
After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring
himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his
best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate
as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder
investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only
question is, will it be too little, too late?
My Thoughts:
I've enjoyed the books in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. Crosshairs is
the best one yet. Filled with suspense from start to finish, Bradley kept me on
the edge of my seat, as I kept turning pages. Ainsley is a strong protagonist,
set on making things right for her aunt and grandmother, even though she is in
danger. Linc is scarred by his past, but he cares for Ainsley and wants to
protect her, even when he thinks he can't. The many twists and turns kept me
guessing who the killer was up to the end of the book. If you enjoy a good suspense
story in a unique setting, you'll enjoy Crosshairs. I received a complimentary
copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Our Fingerprints Don't Fade
Luke 1:1-4
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been
fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who
from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With
this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the
beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most
excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the
things you have been taught.
Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch. -Judy Blume
For the last few weeks I've been a member of the launch team
for a book called Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by
Kathy Howard. As I read through stories Kathy included in her collection, I was
inspired and encouraged. Many wrote of their grandparents and the example of
faith which left an imprint on their lives. I like that Kathy suggests ways to
impact our families.
My grammy lived to ninety-two years old, so I enjoyed knowing
her into my late forties. She worked as a dorm mom at KCC, where I went to
college, managed a trailer park in Florida, and worked in hospital food
production. She read and studied her Bible every day and prayed for everyone.
She played piano at church and loved listening to Billy Graham. Her faithful fingerprints
touched my life. Looking back, I know she influenced me in ways I didn't understand
until years later.
The Bible holds four accounts of Jesus life. Luke's writing
is the one I read time and again. Known as a physician, he was also a follower
of Jesus, and he chose to capture the events he witnessed about his Savior in
writing. He says himself other accounts have been drawn up or written, but he
wants to leave a legacy of Jesus life for his friend Theophilus.
Luke chose to tell Jesus' story again so others could read it
long after he was gone. And we have. The book of Luke, written so many years
ago still bears truth and inspires today.
So my question comes to this: What do I want to leave for my
family and friends? What fingerprints do I want to leave behind? What
footprints? Ones that follow Jesus or the world?
I pray the words I leave on my blog influence others to seek
Jesus. I hope my words and actions inspire folks to look to God. I also hope my
grandchildren see Jesus in me.
What legacy are you leaving today?
P.S. The photo was taken on the beach at East Fork Lake. Even
the animals leave their footprint.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Entering the Season of Thanks
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Fiction Book Review: A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner
For generations, the Jensens have raised their families in the small Montana town of Moose Creek, where gossip spreads faster than the wind. Yet some secrets need to be told.
When twenty-one-year-old Bea discovers she's pregnant on the heels of her husband losing his job, she's forced to admit she needs help and asks her dad for a place to stay. But past resentments keep her from telling him all that's going on.
Mitch Jensen is thrilled to have a full house again, though he's unimpressed with Bea's decisions: dropping out of college, marrying so young--and to an idealistic city kid, of all things. Mitch hopes to convince Bea to return to the path he's always envisioned for her, but she's changed since her mom died. And he refuses to admit how much he's changed, too, especially now that he might be losing his mother as well.
Grandma June is good at spinning stories, but there's one she's never told. Now that her mind is starting to fade, her time to tell it is running out. But if she reveals the truth before her memories are gone forever, the Jensen family will never be the same.
My Thoughts:
A Flicker of Light is a beautiful story filled with hope, heartache, and possibilities. Mitch Jensen's heart still aches for his wife, who passed away. Bea and her hubby need to start over and figure out their future, with a baby-to-be in tow. Rand wants the best for his wife, whose mind is fading. Grandma June throws an unexpected twist into the story as she begins to forget. The characters and their stories found a place in my heart as I read this heartrending story. I love the next-door neighbor, and Mitch's friend, the pastor. They added so much to this already wonderful story. Katie Powner knows how to write a lovely story. The spiritual thread and family ties blend together beautifully. If you enjoy a good story filled with heart, read A Flicker of Light. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Monday, October 25, 2021
Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard
Book Description:
You WILL leave a spiritual legacy.
The faith, convictions, and sacrifices of those who lived before us help shape
our lives today. What will your faith story build for your family?
Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith tells stories of the past
that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt inspirations reveal the
seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the
centuries to touch our lives today. Heirloom weaves these stories of
faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry
research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith,
you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future
generations.
Heirloom features 52 inspiring stories of faith from family research,
history, and the Bible. It includes genealogy research tips to help you explore
your own family tree. And, it also shares biblical and practical tips to
inspire you to live out your faith in ways that will impact your family
tomorrow. Heirloom encourages you to trace your heritage and document
the stories of your ancestors.
My Thoughts:
Heirloom's gorgeous illustrations drew me in as I started reading the
stories about the past that connect with the present. As I've gotten older,
I've wondered what kind of a legacy I'd leave behind. Would my grandchildren
know how much I love Jesus, or how much I love them? Would my writing leave a
trail that leads to the heart of God? I hope so. As I read through the stories
Kathy gathered, I enjoyed the memories and examples of faith. Kathy Howard has
also added wonderful tips for genealogists and those interested in finding out
more about family history. There is also a place in the back to write your own
heirloom legacy story. If you enjoy stories that inspire, you'll want to order
a copy of Heirloom. This would make a lovely gift as well. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
He Can Handle It
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Cool weather, apple cider slushies, and grandkids at the
pumpkin farm made for a wonderful fall day.
My daughter, her husband, and three of my grandkids took our
annual trip to the pumpkin farm to celebrate the arrival of autumn. The day
progressed from chilly to cool as the sun shined on us. We climbed on a wagon
and road through the fields on an old-fashioned hay ride. The kids played games
and climbed on the hay bales in the barn. They peddled three wheelers and
looked at a python (I kept my distance.) Then we discovered an obstacle course
and mini-zipline. Zeke wanted to run the obstacle course, and I said,
"Sure, go for it." I asked Eli if he'd like to do it. He replied,
"If you go, I will." Being the Grammy I am, I couldn't say no. We
walked tight wires, uneven bars, treaded through tires, and climbed bridges,
and I only fell off once. Thankfully the course sat low to the ground, and I
didn't have much chance of getting hurt. Eli, Zeke, and Ella Cate tried the
course several more times while I basked in the glory of going once.
Sometimes, God tests us, He gives us challenges. If we think
about them too long, fear may creep in. An attitude of "I can't" may
color our decisions. But God won't leave me hanging if I take the challenge, or
face the test. There is a saying "God won't give us more than we can
handle." The truth is God won't give us more than He can handle. I can't
rely on myself when I'm faced with trials, challenges, or circumstances beyond
my control. I can however, depend on God. He has the power to overcome. He
takes my fears and turns them into courage. Whether I believe in myself or not,
I'm comforted by the fact that God believes in me.
Trust God with the challenges of life.