Singin' in the Rain...

A few days ago I was out running errands in our Georgia heat and humidity. There were a few clouds in the sky, but I really thought the weather would stay clear all afternoon. As I pushed my shopping cart (or "buggy" as we say here in the South!) to my car, I noticed the sky had quickly become an ominous gray. The instant I arrived at my car to load the groceries into it, the rain began. Only it wasn't just some raindrops falling down - - oh no, it was a DOWNPOUR, in every sense of the word! It was as if someone had a giant bucket, dumping water onto the Kroger parking lot. Not only that, but the wind began to blow strongly....so the rain was now blowing into my car as I loaded the groceries. Before I was even halfway finished putting the groceries in, I realized I was DRENCHED! I'm sure I looked as if I'd just stepped out of a swimming pool, fully clothed and dripping. ~ At that moment, I felt like a kid again, and I began to giggle. Then I laughed, continuing to place groceries in the car while wiping water out of my eyes. I know I must have looked silly - - laughing by myself and at myself - - but I knew there was no point in being aggravated at getting soaked. ~ On the drive home, I couldn't resist putting in a music CD of old classic movie themes. So of course I played "Singin in the Rain" as I drove home....and laughed some more! ~ ~ A favorite verse from Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ~ ~ May I always have a merry heart!

BLESSINGS

After recently reading the book Blessings, by wonderful Christian author Kim Vogel Sawyer, I was struck with the thought of that oft-heard phrase, "Count your blessings." We hear a lot about being thankful and counting blessings around Thanksgiving time, but shouldn't we be just as thankful ALL year long? I decided to make a determined effort to really count my blessings each and every day - - not just mentally "listing them" but truly having a thankful heart. After all, the Lord didn't have to bless me as much as He did, but since I am so very blessed, I should be continually thanking Him!

* * If you've never read any of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, you are missing a very talented author. The book I mentioned above is the 3rd in Kim's Sommerfeld Trilogy, and is excellent. Of course, ALL of Kim's books are excellent....and she's a very sweet lady! * *

Books by Cheryl Wyatt

Christian author Cheryl Wyatt has written some wonderful books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired line, and I recently read two of them. A Soldier's Reunion and Ready-Made-Family are both in the WINGS OF REFUGE series, and I highly recommend them. ~ These contemporary romances feature themes such as forgiveness and trust, and show how God can help people overcome major obstacles in their lives. Cheryl's characters are very believable, and there is a sprinkling of humor throughout the stories too. ~ I wasn't familiar with pararescue jumpers and the amazing jobs they do until reading Cheryl's books. Cheryl does an awesome job using these *heroes and their loved ones in her stories, and I look forward to reading more of her books!

* Although Cheryl's characters are fictional, their job descriptions are very real!

Spring Cleaning in my Heart

As long as I can remember, I've heard people use the phrase "Spring cleaning" each year (especially in the months of April and May). It's a great concept, and who would argue that a sparkling clean home doesn't make the occupants feel better?! ~ But I recently had a thought, that in addition to having a thorough cleaning and de-cluttering in my home, I should also have this in my heart. This may sound silly to some folks: Spring cleaning in your HEART?? ~ For me, this just means "cleaning out" negative thoughts and habits that are cluttering up my heart - - which in turn affect my mind. I'll admit I've always been a worrier, so that's definitely something I need to "toss"! If I eliminate worry from my heart and mind and replace it with TRUST, PEACE, and PRAISE, what a difference that would make. Instead of fretting over situations in which I have no control, I would pray - - trusting the Lord to take care of the situation. This in turn gives me peace, and I can praise the Lord.....knowing He is in control! ~ I pray all my family and friends are having a wonderful Spring season - - filled with peace as you enjoy the beauty of this marvelous season (even if you haven't cleaned your house yet!!).

Treasure Island, Florida

I recently finished reading the book Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida by Christian author Debby Mayne, and I now hope to visit Treasure Island myself one day! Using an actual location, Debby has created an enjoyable story with believable characters and a strong faith element. I enjoy stories that are not predictable, and that was certainly the case for this book! The characters' unique personalities and various situations throughout the story kept me turning pages. The ending was delightful, and now I look forward to reading more of Debby Mayne's books. ~ If you are a fan of contemporary Christian romance, you will enjoy reading Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida by Debby Mayne.

* * This is another book in the "Love Finds You" line from Summerside Press. Each book, although fictional, is set in an actual town of the United States. * *

BEYOND THIS MOMENT

I recently finished reading the historical fiction book Beyond This Moment by Christian author Tamera Alexander, and it was WONDERFUL. I was so moved by this story that as soon as I finished the ending, I hurried to my computer and sent Tamera a message. ~ This is the second book in the Timber Ridge Reflections series, and is set in the Colorado territory in the 1870s. The story follows a newly-arrived teacher, Molly Whitcomb, and James McPherson, the sheriff of Timber Ridge, and also includes many believable secondary characters. God's hand at work is demonstrated as events unfold and characters learn important truths. ~ Tamera has the amazing gift of writing in such a way that allows the reader to get completely involved in the characters' lives, and you feel as if you're there witnessing the events happen. ~ I've read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Tamera's books, but Beyond This Moment is now my VERY favorite!! Fans of historical fiction will enjoy and appreciate this touching story of love and forgiveness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !! : )

Eating Fried Okra in a Stranger's Driveway

Okay, I know my title looks rather strange...but if you read this post, you'll understand! ~ Being a true Southerner, I LOVE fried okra, and back in January decided I was really hungry for some. One Sunday afternoon my son Steven needed to work on a school project at a friend's house, so we decided I would pick up some fried chicken and okra (he loves it too) on my way back to get him after the project work was finished. It was a blustery cold January afternoon, and I was really looking forward to getting back home and "digging in" to that yummy meal. ~ I had driven Steven to this particular friend's house on several occasions, so I knew right where the boy lived. As I was heading down the street, I called on my cell phone to let Steven know I was there, but the boys weren't quite finished yet. I told him it was no problem---I had a book to read in my car, and they could take their time (after all, I certainly wanted them to get a good grade on this project!). I pulled down into the circular driveway of the boy's house and turned off my car. I noticed two other vehicles parked in the driveway too and assumed they belonged to other boys working on the project. Since I was parked about ten feet in front of a large window, I knew it would be easy for Steven to glance out and see just where I was parked. ~ I bundled up in my winter coat and opened up my new copy of Tamera Alexander's wonderful book From A Distance (which, by the way, is awesome--in case you haven't read it. Tammy is a super-talented Christian author!!). As I began reading, I decided to go ahead and munch on some fried okra....the aroma had been tempting me! I was quite content, all cozy as I read and munched away on the fried okra. ~ About ten minutes later my cell phone rang, and it was Steven. "Mom, where are you?" I immediately figured he and his friends were trying to play a joke on me, as if they couldn't see my car right there in front of a window! I calmly replied I was sitting in his friend's driveway, waiting for him. "Mom, no you're not." Okay, I guess these boys were going to be persistent in trying to fool me today. "Honey, I'm sitting right here just ten feet in front of their house." After a slight pause, Steven's voice calmly spoke. "Mom, you're at a house down the street. Just stay where you are and I'll walk to your car." WHAT??!! Sure enough, I glanced back up the street and saw my son, walking in the howling January wind down the street to meet me, and I wondered ---WHOSE house was I parked in front of? I immediately put my van in reverse and backed out of the driveway, running over the curb in the process. Without a word, I picked Steven up at the curb, and scooted out of that neighborhood. HOW had I gone to the wrong house? And what must those people have thought, if they glanced out their front window and saw a STRANGER sitting in their driveway, reading a book and eating fried okra?! Thankfully Steven didn't question me or make any comments about what I'd done---I guess he's used to his mother by now. Besides, he was hungry and enjoyed getting started on the fried chicken and okra as I drove us back home. ~ How do I do such silly things sometimes? I honestly don't mean to - - these things just happen to me. ~ Lately I've been thinking perhaps I should buy one of those bumper stickers that reads: Embarrassing my children.....Just one more service I offer : )