Be Strong and Courageous

                                                BE  STRONG  AND  COURAGEOUS

With the horrible virus in the news right now, it seems everyone has been affected. News reports are warning that it will likely become worse before it slacks off; elderly folks and those with compromised immune systems and other health issues are being cautioned to stay home and not venture out. Stores have pretty much been wiped out of many items, and many churches have cancelled services and other activities. Some Christians have wondered if we're seeing the end times.

But with all of the uncertainty, bad news, and gloom and doom forecasts, we can be sure of certain truths. God is in control, and He always will be. Yes, this is a scary time for many of us, and we worry about our loved ones and the future. Yet as a Christian, I cling to the One I can depend on---no matter what happens. Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I know He is with me. 

 I've limited how much news I view on the television. Yes, it's important to be aware of what's going on, but eventually we need a break from the repetition of discouraging news and updates. For me personally, I love looking in my Bible for reminders that uplift me. My Bible has so many wonderful verses that offer comfort and hope, so I thought I'd list a few of them below. Take heart, my friends! This too, shall pass. Just cling to the hope that only our Lord can give.  

     Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
                                                                                                               Psalm 31:24


     Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.       Joshua 1:9  



     Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.   
                                                                                                                           Isaiah 41:10  💙



   

CatMom Chats With Author Jackie Layton

                CATMOM  CHATS  WITH......AUTHOR  JACKIE  LAYTON 


I'm so happy to be chatting with my sweet friend Jackie Layton today! Jackie's wonderful book, BITE THE DUST, has recently released. I'm reading it now and loving it!  It can be ordered on Amazon, and I highly recommend this cozy mystery. 😊 

Welcome, Jackie!
How long have you been writing?
   Jackie:  I've been writing around ten years. I'm definitely not an overnight success, but I've learned so much along the way. I've learned to trust God's timing, and I've made a lot of good friends. 

Where do you usually write?  
   Jackie: I have an office at home, and I mostly write there. I have been known to visit a coffee store or the library when I get distracted by laundry or my dog.  

Do you have a regular writing schedule, or do you grab writing time whenever you can?
   Jackie: I try to stick to a schedule, and morning is my best time to write. Nights are also good, but afternoons are terrible for me.  

When you're not writing, what do you enjoy doing?  
   Jackie: I love to take Heinz for walks and walking on the beach is the best. I enjoy photography and of course reading. 

Do you have any pets? 
   Jackie: When my youngest son went to college, I inherited Heinz full-time. He's a Westie and keeps me company when I write. He also makes sure I don't sit for too long at a time. 

Anything special you'd like readers to know about you? 😊 
   Jackie: I enjoy watching sports with my husband. Raising sons, I spent most of my adult life watching soccer, baseball, basketball, and tennis. We watch SEC football and basketball games on TV, and most Saturdays we have Game Day on TV.  

 Thank you, Jackie! I enjoyed learning more about you, and think it's wonderful you live so close to a beach.  Congratulations again on your book!