Giving Thanks in Every Season

Our Thanksgiving holiday was last week, so I've been reading a lot of postings by folks about being thankful. 😊 These make me smile, and also remind me that we all have so much to be thankful for - - especially those of us living in houses that keep us sheltered, with plenty of food to eat and clothes to wear.

Yet I've been thinking that I need to be more thankful all throughout the year - - and express my thankfulness no matter what the season or circumstances. I like to think that God smiles when we thank Him for little things---maybe things that others might take for granted---but are still blessings from Him. 

Today I'm not only feeling blessed by all I have---family, friends, health---but I'm noticing the gorgeous Autumn day outside my window. Sunshine, blue skies, and my beautiful Bradford Pear tree in my backyard---it's putting on a glorious show for me right now! 

Even on days when the weather is dreary, my health isn't so great, and I just don't feel motivated to accomplish much, may I still give thanks for the many blessings I have---especially being a child of God. Knowing that He loves me makes every day Thanksgiving. 💛

Christmas with the Cowboy (Book Spotlight)

This week I'm featuring a bit of Christmas at CatMom's Corner!  My friend (and AMAZING Author) Tina Radcliffe has a new book out this month from Love Inspired, and it's delightful. Here's the description from the back cover of Tina's book: 

     Former Navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots--and the woman he couldn't have. Back to visit his brother's widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past...and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all---love?  

I highly recommend this book and happily give it Five Stars! To share some early Christmas cheer, I've purchased 2 copies to give away - - my personal copy is remaining on my Keeper Shelf!  If you'd like to have your name in a drawing for a print copy, please leave a comment below.  (US residents only, please)

Even my sweet kitty Levi couldn't wait to "get his paws" on Tina's book - - he thinks it's purr-fect.  Happy reading, my friends! 

 

Walking or Running?

With the title of this blog post, a reader might assume it's about exercise - - which I'll admit is very important! Nope, this isn't about physical exercise, but rather about how we live our lives.

Several years before my precious Daddy went to Heaven, he told me about seeing a church sign with this saying:

 YOU CANNOT WALK WITH GOD IF YOU'RE RUNNING WITH THE WORLD.

That saying has remained with me years later, and it's something that all Christians need to consider. In today's world---especially with social media---there are so many people, things, and ideas vying for our attention. Advertisements tell us that we'll be happy and lead fulfilled lives if we just purchase their product, or try a certain health food, or travel, or whatever the case may be. Yet all those are just temporary---bringing pleasure and entertainment for a while---but not lasting. 

The only way for a person to have lasting joy, peace, and contentment is through a relationship with the Lord. Living our lives the way we know Jesus wants us to live---every day! Serving Him by serving others. Keeping our attention focused on His word and the blessings he's given us---NOT going with what the world thinks is good. Sometimes this is challenging to do, but if we really try to stay focused on leading a Christian life and seek the Lord's help, He WILL help us to do this! And I'd much rather WALK with Him, than RUN with this world.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.   Romans 12:2

An Unexpected Romance

I am so excited to share that my second book has been released! An Unexpected Romance is Book 2 in my Emerald Coast Romances series, and I'll admit I ended up loving these characters as I wrote this story. Although this book features some of the characters from Book 1 (A Seaside Romance), this is a stand-alone story that I hope readers will enjoy.
Set in fictional Coastal Breeze on Florida's gulf coast, my story features a widowed dad, Blake Donovan, and his precious five-year-old twins, Max and Trixie. They've relocated to the coast from central Florida, and now live next door to pretty Gracie Norton, a veterinary assistant. When an unexpected situation arises, Gracie must overcome her biggest fear to help Blake and his twins. I'll admit that my heart even pounded as I thought about what Gracie was going through while writing that scene! 
As with each book I write, despite obstacles and sometimes life-threatening situations, there are happy endings. And most importantly, my characters always learn that with God, all things are possible.
I hope you'll enjoy my books, which are available on Amazon (both for Kindle and in print).
Happy reading! 
    ...with God all things are possible.  Matthew 19:26 

Sweet Springtime

Ahhh...Springtime in Georgia. I may be biased but I think my home state has the most beautiful spring seasons ever. I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of our summers---due to the extreme humidity and heat, but our springs are a different story. We've just finished April and it was glorious! Lots of trees and flowers blooming, blue skies, sunshine, and chirping birds---perfect. Today is the beginning of May, and it will likely continue our April weather (hopefully!). 
Earlier today I returned home from an appointment and before coming inside, I stood in my driveway, taking in all the beauty. I couldn't help but look toward the sky and say aloud, "Thank You, Lord." Because after all, this beauty and glorious weather is a gift from Him, so I want to acknowledge that.
Springtime also brings back sweet memories for me, and I'm sure for other folks too. In my childhood I loved the spring season because I could finally go into our backyard without shoes! I absolutely loved feeling the grass between my toes and underneath my feet, and can still visualize our yard with my dear mother's beautiful flower bed and various flowers planted along our fence. Not to mention the gorgeous, colorful azaleas blooming beside our house. At school I vividly remember the wild honeysuckle growing beside the playground, and we children would reach through the tall fence to grab a sprig. Yes, lots of sweet spring memories, and I hope to make more in the future---especially now that I'm blessed with a precious grandbaby!  

 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Peace in Turbulent Times

I am an optimistic person. Even when things look glum, I try to keep a positive outlook (sometimes easier said than done!). But recently as I've viewed the news on television or read news reports, it seems as though the negative reports are rampant. Shootings of innocent people, crime, drug abuse, and areas being destroyed by wars seem to be the majority of the news reports, and it's sad, sickening, and scary. Even though I think it's good for people to be aware of what's happening in the world around them, it can be disheartening and downright depressing at times. 
But for Christians, we don't need to be overwhelmed by all the bad news, because we have the GOOD NEWS! We know this world is only our temporary home, and one day we'll live in a glorious home forever with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet in the meantime while we're living in this world, what can we do when there's so much turmoil and bad news? We can pray and do our best to be a "shining light" to those around us. Sometimes actions have a domino-effect: A kind word or smile can help someone who's in a foul mood, and with their mood improved, they pass along a kind word or smile, and it could continue on and on. We just never know! 
For me personally, the best way to overcome a downcast mood from all the bad news is turn off the news reports for a while and read my Bible. It really does help me put things in perspective, and I am reminded of Who is truly in control. May we all strive to be instruments of peace in this not-so-peaceful world.

        The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. 
                                                                                         Psalm 29:11

February Felines

Three of my cats are from the same litter--born to a stray cat who gave birth on my front porch ten years ago. There were four kittens in that litter, and I found a loving home for one, but rather than give the others to homes I wasn't sure about, I kept them. And what a sweet addition to our family they've been! Moses, Levi, and Delilah look completely different, yet were born together on February 29, 2008. We had a Leap Day that year, and when they were born that evening I knew it would always be easy to remember their birthday. 
We also kept the mother cat, Patches, and made sure there would be no future kittens (I'm a BIG believer in pets being spayed and neutered to prevent pitiful homeless kittens and puppies wandering around---that is so heartbreaking).  Sadly, Patches lost her battle with cancer a couple of years ago, and we still miss her. But thankfully the "babies" are doing well as they approach turning ten years old. Even though they are now considered senior cats, they still play like kittens at times---especially with a catnip-scented toy! Pets can add so much joy to our lives, and I'm thankful the Lord created animals---especially felines!
        And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.   Genesis 1:25  

      Moses and Levi often take naps together. Their sister Delilah is a Calico and is beautiful, but she prefers to nap by herself!

Delilah Picked a Winner!

I'm very happy to announce that Delilah picked a winner to receive a copy of Tina Radcliffe's wonderful January book,  Claiming Her Cowboy.  The names were on little pieces of paper, and Delilah's paw landed on:
                                               MARYANN  SKARITKA  

Congratulations to Maryann!!  If you'll please email me at pattijomoore@yahoo.com with your mailing address, I'll happily mail the book to you!
THANK YOU again to those who entered and left comments!
Please feel free to visit CatMom's Corner again!

Book Giveaway!!

Earlier this week I posted a review of Author Tina Radcliffe's newest book, Claiming Her Cowboy. It is a wonderful story that will tug at your heart!
Now I'm posting again with a giveaway!! I cannot part with my copy (I LOVE all of Tina's books!) but I've purchased an extra copy to give away to one commenter. If you'd like to be in my drawing, just leave a comment and tell me you're interested! (USA addresses, please)

And for fun, I've posted a photo of my kitty Delilah with Tina's book---Delilah has been a "Tina Fan" for a while, and she thinks Tina Radcliffe books are purr-fect! 
If you're not familiar with Tina Radcliffe's books, be sure and look her up - - she's very talented and her books are awesome.   Happy reading!

Claiming Her Cowboy

My friend and talented Author Tina Radcliffe has written another book that I love. Claiming Her Cowboy is a contemporary romance and is the first in the Big Heart Ranch series (Love Inspired books). The story is set in Oklahoma on a ranch for orphans, and features a hero and heroine who keep things stirred up with their stubborn personalities. Add in a precious little boy named Dub who tugs at your heartstrings, and this story is a delight. I'm already looking forward to the other books in this series, and happily gave this book five stars! 

A January Journey

A brand-new year began today, and lots of people are eager to start fresh---especially if this past year held many trials and difficulties for them. For me personally, 2017 held a most special blessing with the birth of my first grandbaby! I thank the Lord daily for this precious gift.
Since today is the first day of January, I made my usual list of goals for this coming year. Some years back I'd list goals such as exercise more, eat healthier, and be more organized. While these are very important---and I still plan on doing these---now my most important goal is in my spiritual life. I want to draw closer to the Lord, and do what HE would have me to do. 
So I'm thinking of this as a sort of journey, and along the way I hope to grow stronger in my faith and also in my knowledge of the Bible. I'm currently reading all the way through my Bible for the sixth time, but what amazes me is how much I discover and learn with each re-reading! Even books of my Bible that I've read numerous times (such as Romans and Psalms) hold treasures that I feel I'm reading for the first time. 
If you've made a list of goals for this new year, I hope you'll have success at accomplishing  them. And whatever journey you're on, may it go smoothly and may you draw closer to the Lord. 

     But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.     Matthew 6:33