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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The past few weeks I've received many encouraging notes about my writing.

I'm so thankful for the folks who take the time to read the blog and 

to God for providing the opportunity and words.

Without readers, my words are meaningless.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Blessings for a joy filled Thanksgiving!

 

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.

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.

The Blessing of Giving

The other day, Tim surprised me with this beautiful leaf.

Why would Tim pick a leaf up and carry it to me?

Simple answer--because Tim knows my heart.

He understands and embraces my love of nature.

Over the years, he has listened and cares about what I care about.

Tim's gift blessed my heart.

As I prepare my heart for Thanksgiving and Christmas;

I consider what Jesus gave--his life for my sins.

I thank God for His grace and love.

 

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.

Interrupt Anxiety

My friend posted these words on Facebook. 

What a concept!

I have so much to be thankful for, 

I shouldn't have any problem 

interrupting anxiety with gratitude.

Ann Voscamp's November Joy Challenge, 

to name three things I'm thankful for every day this month, 

has helped me get my days into perspective.

 

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.

My Thoughts:
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.

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.

Autumn Dances

Tim and I spent time over the weekend checking out the beautiful autumn foliage.

I am in awe every year, when God paints His canvas in the lovely tones of autumn.

Enjoy what God has given, and be grateful for the beauty.

 

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.