As I type this in the middle of March, birds are chirping outside my window---a sound I truly love. Even though most of the trees in my area are still bare, I know the Spring season is on the way! And while each season is special and has its own beauty, Spring is one of my two favorites.
There's something wonderful about buds and blooms appearing after a long winter with bare branches and not much color. So during these last official days of winter, I will keep glancing out my window now and then, knowing that the trees I'm viewing will soon be covered with lush greenery and blooms. The air will be warmer, and those birds that have been serenading me will continue their songs. And I'll be reminded yet again of the One who created the seasons, and how He made each one exactly long enough!
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalm 19:1
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
February Fun, Flu, and Felines
It just so happens that the main topics in this blog post all begin with the letter "f" - - which also is the beginning letter of this month of February---a month that has flown by! I could've also added frustration, because this is my 3rd or 4th attempt at posting a blog this month (for some reason after I've written the blog each time, then my computer "froze"---YIKES! Another word beginning with f!).
So, I am trying yet again and hope this time the blog goes through. ~
As a child, I always loved the month of February---mainly due to Valentine's Day, of course. If my Daddy had lived, today would've been his birthday, and birthdays have always been special, fun times in my family.
A fun time I had earlier this month was when my oldest daughter and I spent a weekend at our coast. Our hotel room overlooked a river, and the view was beautiful! An added bonus that weekend was being blessed with lovely, sunny weather our entire trip, Thank the Lord.
And then came a not-so-fun time: I became very sick with an infection and the flu. Thankfully I'm much better now, but was feeling very rough for a while.
Earlier today I glanced at my February calendar, thinking about how quickly this month zipped by, and it occurred to me that tomorrow is the birthday for 3 of my felines! A sweet stray Calico cat (now part of our family) gave birth to kittens on February 29, 2008 (Leap Day) on my front porch. Since this is not a Leap Year, tomorrow (March 1) will be their 6th birthday. I'll give them some special treats, but am thinking that I might enjoy celebrating with some ice-cream. Sounds like a fun way for one month to end and a new month to begin!
No matter if we go through fun times, frustrating times, or times of illness, we can be sure that the Lord is with us through it all. And that thought gives me peace and comfort that nothing else can---not even ice-cream.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15
So, I am trying yet again and hope this time the blog goes through. ~
As a child, I always loved the month of February---mainly due to Valentine's Day, of course. If my Daddy had lived, today would've been his birthday, and birthdays have always been special, fun times in my family.
A fun time I had earlier this month was when my oldest daughter and I spent a weekend at our coast. Our hotel room overlooked a river, and the view was beautiful! An added bonus that weekend was being blessed with lovely, sunny weather our entire trip, Thank the Lord.
And then came a not-so-fun time: I became very sick with an infection and the flu. Thankfully I'm much better now, but was feeling very rough for a while.
Earlier today I glanced at my February calendar, thinking about how quickly this month zipped by, and it occurred to me that tomorrow is the birthday for 3 of my felines! A sweet stray Calico cat (now part of our family) gave birth to kittens on February 29, 2008 (Leap Day) on my front porch. Since this is not a Leap Year, tomorrow (March 1) will be their 6th birthday. I'll give them some special treats, but am thinking that I might enjoy celebrating with some ice-cream. Sounds like a fun way for one month to end and a new month to begin!
No matter if we go through fun times, frustrating times, or times of illness, we can be sure that the Lord is with us through it all. And that thought gives me peace and comfort that nothing else can---not even ice-cream.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15
Monday, January 27, 2014
JOY in January
We're approaching the end of January, and as I think back over the weather we've had so far in this new year---it's been very unpredictable. Today was almost spring-like in my area, yet tomorrow we're supposed to receive SNOW! We've had some extremely cold, windy days with lots of sunshine. Other days have been dismal and dreary, with gray skies and no sunshine.
But even on those days of bleak-looking weather, we can rest assured that the spring season will arrive before too long, and brighter days will be plentiful.
So often in life we might go through bleak times, and our mood might feel dismal--but we can rest assured that even in those times, our Lord is in control. For a Christian believer, we have the assurance that no matter what our circumstances, we are never alone---the Lord is always with us. Most importantly for Christians, we know that we will live forever with our Lord, and that thought alone should give us JOY that can brighten even the darkest of days. No matter what we're going through or might encounter in this new year, we know the Lord loves us and is with us. What a JOYful thought!!
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
But even on those days of bleak-looking weather, we can rest assured that the spring season will arrive before too long, and brighter days will be plentiful.
So often in life we might go through bleak times, and our mood might feel dismal--but we can rest assured that even in those times, our Lord is in control. For a Christian believer, we have the assurance that no matter what our circumstances, we are never alone---the Lord is always with us. Most importantly for Christians, we know that we will live forever with our Lord, and that thought alone should give us JOY that can brighten even the darkest of days. No matter what we're going through or might encounter in this new year, we know the Lord loves us and is with us. What a JOYful thought!!
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Don't Fear the Year
As we reach the end of yet another year (HOW does time go by so quickly?) lots of folks are busily preparing lists of goals and planning what they hope to accomplish in the coming year.
Sadly, some folks actually dread the upcoming year--worrying about finances, health, and many other concerns.
Yes, I'll admit I've always been a worrier myself. But with the Lord's help I am overcoming my needless habit of worrying so much--okay, I'm a work in progress, but thankfully my Lord is VERY patient with me!
All of this to say that for Christians, we don't NEED to worry about an upcoming year--or any time in the future. Because no matter what concerns we may face--whether health, financial, relationship--the Lord is so much bigger than our problems and concerns, and HE has everything under control. So we need to do the very best we can in all areas of our life, and TRUST in Him.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm a work in progress, but have found something that has helped me a lot in recent years. If I make sure to spend a good portion of my day with Him, it helps me tremendously!
Reading my Bible, praying, listening to sermons by my favorite pastor (even while doing household chores)--all of these strengthen my walk with the Lord. And the stronger my walk of faith is, the better I'll be able to handle any problems that confront me. I still have a ways to go, but I'm working on it--because I don't ever want to fear anything in the future, but instead look forward to living another year for my Lord. He deserves my BEST, after all! ~ May you have a very blessed 2014, and if you don't know the Lord Jesus, may you welcome Him into your life. I promise you, He is ALL you need!
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Sadly, some folks actually dread the upcoming year--worrying about finances, health, and many other concerns.
Yes, I'll admit I've always been a worrier myself. But with the Lord's help I am overcoming my needless habit of worrying so much--okay, I'm a work in progress, but thankfully my Lord is VERY patient with me!
All of this to say that for Christians, we don't NEED to worry about an upcoming year--or any time in the future. Because no matter what concerns we may face--whether health, financial, relationship--the Lord is so much bigger than our problems and concerns, and HE has everything under control. So we need to do the very best we can in all areas of our life, and TRUST in Him.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm a work in progress, but have found something that has helped me a lot in recent years. If I make sure to spend a good portion of my day with Him, it helps me tremendously!
Reading my Bible, praying, listening to sermons by my favorite pastor (even while doing household chores)--all of these strengthen my walk with the Lord. And the stronger my walk of faith is, the better I'll be able to handle any problems that confront me. I still have a ways to go, but I'm working on it--because I don't ever want to fear anything in the future, but instead look forward to living another year for my Lord. He deserves my BEST, after all! ~ May you have a very blessed 2014, and if you don't know the Lord Jesus, may you welcome Him into your life. I promise you, He is ALL you need!
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Christmas is Coming!
We are already halfway through the month of December, which means...Christmas is coming---SOON!!
Are we so caught up in the hustle-bustle of the season that we're letting the JOY slip past us?
I am making an effort to spend more time now thinking--really thinking--about that most wondrous Event that happened so many years ago in Bethlehem. The birth of a precious little Baby who came to save the world, the angels singing about His birth, and the shepherds in the fields who realized something miraculous had happened.
As Christmas approaches, I want to be ready---not just with shopping, baking, and decorating. I want to be ready to celebrate the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ, with a heart filled with JOY---the true joy that only comes from knowing Him.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Are we so caught up in the hustle-bustle of the season that we're letting the JOY slip past us?
I am making an effort to spend more time now thinking--really thinking--about that most wondrous Event that happened so many years ago in Bethlehem. The birth of a precious little Baby who came to save the world, the angels singing about His birth, and the shepherds in the fields who realized something miraculous had happened.
As Christmas approaches, I want to be ready---not just with shopping, baking, and decorating. I want to be ready to celebrate the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ, with a heart filled with JOY---the true joy that only comes from knowing Him.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Saturday, November 30, 2013
A Thankful Season
Today is the last day of November, and the weekend following Thanksgiving. It seems at this time of year we hear and read a lot about people being thankful, and truly appreciating and counting our blessings. But wouldn't it be great if this emphasis on being thankful could continue ALL year? So instead of having what I think of as a "thankful season" we would have a "thankful YEAR" - - remembering to give thanks for our blessings each and every day - - in each season of the year.
I am going to strive to do this in my own life, because even though I may not be wealthy by the world's standards, I am abundantly blessed and have everything I need.
One blessing I've been especially grateful for this Fall season has been the beautiful trees in my yard. My Bradford Pear tree put on the most spectacular "show of color" this year - - absolutely gorgeous!! And even though a photo doesn't show how truly beautiful it was, I'm still posting a picture of it.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4
I am going to strive to do this in my own life, because even though I may not be wealthy by the world's standards, I am abundantly blessed and have everything I need.
One blessing I've been especially grateful for this Fall season has been the beautiful trees in my yard. My Bradford Pear tree put on the most spectacular "show of color" this year - - absolutely gorgeous!! And even though a photo doesn't show how truly beautiful it was, I'm still posting a picture of it.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Author Sandra Orchard
Author Sandra Orchard is not only a friend of mine, but she's the author of many suspense books, including Deadly Devotion, a book I didn't want to stop reading once I began!
The main characters, Kate and Tom, became real to me as I read, and even the story's fictional town of Port Aster came alive. I highly recommend Deadly Devotion if you enjoy an intriguing suspense with some romance mixed in.
Deadly Devotion is the first book in a 3-book mystery series with romance and an underlying suspense plot throughout the series.
Sandra Orchard loves to offer readers extra bonus features for each of her books, such as deleted scenes, character interviews, location pictures, and even related recipes. And...as a special Christmas gift for her newsletter subscribers, she sends them a Christmas short story that springboards from one of her novels. If you would like to receive Sandra's newsletter, please type in or click this link: http://bit.ly/OrchardNews
You'll receive a link to her 2011 Christmas story---but if you don't see it in your inbox within a couple of days, check your spam folder. Your 2013 story will arrive in your inbox in December.
In the meantime, you can check out the rest of Sandra's bonus features here: http://sandraorchard.com/extras/bonus-book-features/
Watch for the 2nd book in the series, Blind Trust.
ABOUT SANDRA: Sandra Orchard is a multi award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense with Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense imprint, and Revell Publishing. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of 3 grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and now writes full time....when not doting on her young grandchildren. You can learn more about Sandra's books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com OR connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard
* * * * And don't forget to sign up for Sandra's newsletter!!
The main characters, Kate and Tom, became real to me as I read, and even the story's fictional town of Port Aster came alive. I highly recommend Deadly Devotion if you enjoy an intriguing suspense with some romance mixed in.
Deadly Devotion is the first book in a 3-book mystery series with romance and an underlying suspense plot throughout the series.
Sandra Orchard loves to offer readers extra bonus features for each of her books, such as deleted scenes, character interviews, location pictures, and even related recipes. And...as a special Christmas gift for her newsletter subscribers, she sends them a Christmas short story that springboards from one of her novels. If you would like to receive Sandra's newsletter, please type in or click this link: http://bit.ly/OrchardNews
You'll receive a link to her 2011 Christmas story---but if you don't see it in your inbox within a couple of days, check your spam folder. Your 2013 story will arrive in your inbox in December.
In the meantime, you can check out the rest of Sandra's bonus features here: http://sandraorchard.com/extras/bonus-book-features/
Watch for the 2nd book in the series, Blind Trust.
ABOUT SANDRA: Sandra Orchard is a multi award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense with Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense imprint, and Revell Publishing. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of 3 grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and now writes full time....when not doting on her young grandchildren. You can learn more about Sandra's books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com OR connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard
* * * * And don't forget to sign up for Sandra's newsletter!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
