A "Lovely" Weekend

This past weekend I traveled with a few family members for a very quick trip to our Georgia coast. While there we stayed at Epworth-by-the-Sea on St. Simon's Island. Such a beautiful place! Although we've visited Epworth before, this was our first time actually staying there, and we definitely want to return. The inn where we stayed was very nice and had a great view of the Frederica River. One of the highlights for me was attending the Sunday morning service at the Lovely Lane Chapel. Oh my! That Chapel has gorgeous stained glass windows and you can just "feel" the history around you. Outside there are numerous large Live Oak trees, draped with Spanish Moss. I LOVE it there! ~ I'm including a photo I snapped on Sunday morning after the Chapel service. The Lovely Lane Chapel is in the background and I was in front of one of the many beautiful Live Oaks on the island. Even though the weather that morning was rainy and dreary, everything on the island looked so green and lush. I cannot wait to visit again! ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalms 19:1

Spring Cleaning

When I was growing up, I often heard my mother and other ladies in our community refer to doing "spring cleaning." Since I've been an adult I too have enjoyed continuing this habit. After winter weather, it's refreshing to open windows and thoroughly clean during the springtime. ~ Thinking of doing a thorough cleaning in my home led me to thinking of another kind of spring "cleaning"--cleansing my heart. Am I holding onto emotions I need to release? Since I've always been a "worrier" I seem to have an ongoing battle with that. Yet my Bible tells me I shouldn't worry. Some folks hang onto grudges for years, and those need to be released. Other folks deal with fear, and seem to always be fearful of something negative happening. If you're struggling with worry, fear, holding a grudge, or anything else that you need to let go, then join me in a spring cleaning---let's try to cleanse our hearts and turn these emotions and feelings over to the Lord. You might think that's easier said than done--but with much prayer and searching our Bible, it CAN be done. So as I continue with my spring cleaning, I'm seeking God's help to cleanse my heart and mind--helping me to be worry-free, and instead rely on HIM in all things. Happy Spring! ~ Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

A Quiet Witness

Last week my precious father-in-law (Papaw) passed away, and it's been an emotionally and physically draining time for us. Although we will miss him so much (and already do) we have NO doubt at all that he is in Heaven. Papaw was one of the most Godly men I've ever known, and even though he was usually quiet and reserved, he always made certain other folks knew about Jesus. Papaw witnessed to others about salvation, but he did it in a quiet way--never wanting attention for himself or any fanfare. He only wanted others to know that Jesus is our only hope, and if we want to go to Heaven we must believe on Him. ~ As I feel saddened over our loss of Papaw here on earth, I feel a great peace and JOY at knowing he's in Heaven and we'll all be together again one day. What a comforting thought!

Song of My Heart

Christian author Kim Vogel Sawyer continues to be my favorite author because her books are such a pleasure to read (not to mention the fact she's a wonderful person and a cat-lover too!). Her recent release Song of My Heart is a delightful story set in Kansas in 1895. The story follows Sadie Wagner as she uses her God-given talent of singing to help her family, and there's never a dull moment. The story features romance, adventure, bits of humor, and even some mystery that kept me wanting to see what happened next. The characters really came alive for me, and I must admit I did NOT want this story to end! ~ I've read AND enjoyed all of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, but have to say I think Song of My Heart is now my new favorite of this talented author's work!

It's the TRUTH!

A thought occurred to me yet again this evening---not a new thought, but one that I wanted to share. It's really very simple: My entire day seems to go more smoothly when I begin the day by spending time with the Lord---especially reading my Bible. This isn't to say that any of us ever has a day without problems---oh no! That's just part of being alive--we encounter some kind of problem or difficulty or hassle (or whatever you want to call it) every day. BUT, for me personally, I can HANDLE those pesky problems much better when I've begun my day with the Lord. ~ I'm sorry to say that some days I'm in such a "rush" to get things done, and I wait and read my Bible later in the day. From now on, I'm going to make a serious effort to begin every day by spending time with God first---after all, the Bible is the TRUTH, so if I want a guidebook for my day it's right there in a book on my desk. And that's the truth!

A Lasting Impression

Recently I finished reading another book by one of my all-time favorite Christian authors, Tamera Alexander. As always when I read her books, I was again reminded of why she is one of my VERY favorite authors! A Lasting Impression is a wonderfully written historical novel set in a real place: The Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee. The story takes place after the Civil War, as the nation is still healing amidst reminders of the terrible war. Tamera Alexander has an amazing writing talent that makes the reader feel as if you're really there---walking among the characters of the story, and viewing the gorgeous Belmont Mansion with your very own eyes! ~ I don't want to give any details away, but if you're a fan of historical fiction, be sure and read A Lasting Impression. Now I'm eager to read the other books coming out in this series!

A New Year---and a New Word

It's already January 9th---this New Year needs to slow down! At the beginning of each new year, I used to write out a list of "My New Year Resolutions"---basically I was re-writing the same ones each year *sigh*. But several years ago I noticed that some folks had chosen a word (or the Lord had placed that specific word on their heart)---and that was their WORD for the year. So I decided to try that rather than a list of repeated resolutions. ~ Last year my word was PERSEVERANCE. And....overall that's what I did: I persevered with my physical therapy, home projects, etc. (not that I completed everything, though!). This year I honestly felt that the Lord has been nudging me towards SELF-DISCIPLINE. Because if I want to improve on my writing, I absolutely HAVE to be disciplined and WRITE!! Not just when I feel like writing, but times even when I'd rather be doing something else (such as playing with my cats---or being entertained by them *smile*). ~ Do you have a word or goal(s) for the New Year? I pray that this new year will be safe and healthy for us all. ~ Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Psalm 25:4