Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! I've been reading lots of blogs and articles recently about giving thanks and how much we have to be thankful for. This is so true, and I truly realize how very blessed I am. The Lord has given me so many blessings that I know I do not deserve, but I'm so very thankful to Him. At the top of the list would be my precious family and friends, but the list could go on endlessly. ~ ~ What I want to make sure to do, however, even after this Thanksgiving holiday is past, is to continue having a thankful heart each and every day. I need to make sure I give thanks to my Lord daily for all of my wonderful blessings---even if it's a day that doesn't seem too "special" when I'm in much physical pain, or things don't seem to be going my way---I still have so much to be thankful for even during those times! ~ ~ At our family dinner today, I'll read aloud Psalm 100 just as I have since I was a young girl (my precious Mother started me on this family tradition many years ago, and although she and Daddy are in Heaven now, it's a tradition I want to continue). ~ ~ Thank you, Lord for blessing me abundantly!!

Meeting A President!

One evening last week my oldest sister wanted several of us to meet for dinner at a nice restaurant in Atlanta. She wanted to celebrate having her house all paid off (which is certainly something for anyone to celebrate!). We had been seated at our table for about fifteen minutes when we noticed a couple being escorted to the table right next to our table. It was former President Jimmy Carter and his lovely wife Rosalyn!! I couldn't believe it, because at that very moment my teen-aged son was at home....writing a report on.....JIMMY CARTER !! I was so excited that I could hardly eat my delicious meal (although I did "force myself" to eat - LOL!!).

When President Carter's daughter Amy walked by my chair, I discreetly asked her if there was any way that she could snap a quick picture of her Dad for my son (and I explained about my son's report on President Carter). She said she'd ask him, and a minute later she turned back around to me and said that her Dad wanted me in the picture too! So I stooped down by his chair for a quick picture. He was so kind and gracious, and I was THRILLED!! (and thankful the Secret Service didn't come over and grab me.....they were nearby and very watchful!). I've posted the picture of Jimmy Carter and me (he was looking down at me, because the flash cameras bother his eyes). ~ What an exciting dinner!

HE Hasn't Changed !

With all the "drama" relating to the recent elections, there has been much talk and concern about our country's future. Many people are wondering what changes will take place regarding our economy, our military, and the list goes on and on. Some people are hopeful, others are downright worried and even scared. ~ As Christians we know we need to pray for our country, and we know WHO is in control. But with all this talk of changes, something else we must do is remember that our Lord does not CHANGE!! He has always been there for us, and always will be. He has the ultimate control, not political leaders. So when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I need to stay focused on the truth of the Bible verse in Hebrews that reminds me: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.

VOTE !!

On this much anticipated Election Day, I hope everyone has voted (or is planning to vote today). This is such an important part of being an American citizen, and not to be taken lightly. ~ ~ This particular Presidential race has been the most "anxiety-filled" one I have ever lived through (in my many years-LOL!) and so much is at stake for our great country. ~ ~ Feeling strongly about my choices and beliefs (particularly being anti-abortion and knowing we MUST always defend Israel) I, like many others, have fretted about "what ifs". What if the other candidate wins? What will happen to our precious country then? ~ ~ I've decided to focus on the Bible verse in John 14:1, as this reminds me WHO is really in control. ~ ~ May God always bless America!

A "Purr"-fect Day!

Although I love all four seasons, Autumn is my very favorite. The cooler temperatures and the beautiful leaves turning crimson, yellow and orange always give me a little "burst" of energy this time of year. This week here in my part of Georgia, we have had some beautiful weather!! It's the kind of weather that "just makes you feel good" when you go outside. I walked to the mailbox the other day and couldn't help but notice the brilliant blue sky, a cool breeze blowing, sun shining, and lots of birds twittering to me as I walked along my driveway. ~ I'm reminded of the Bible verse that says: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. (Psalms 19:1) ~ ~ I've posted a picture of two of my kitties, Levi and Moses, as they sit by a window to enjoy the day's beauty!

WHERE THE HEART LEADS

Each time I read a book by Christian author Kim Vogel Sawyer, I decide that particular book is my favorite. Now I think I have truly found my very favorite book by Kim, Where the Heart Leads. Taking place in the early 1900s, this book tells the story of a young man with Mennonite roots who must make some major decisions in his young life. I enjoyed this book so much that when I finished reading the last chapter, I didn't want it to end! Kim makes her characters "come alive" and the settings so real that it's easy to imagine you are there. Kim also weaves a spiritual message throughout the story, adding so much to the story without "preaching a sermon". ~ ~ I highly recommend Where the Heart Leads and, although I don't usually re-read books (who has time?!), I want to read this one again!

* * NOTE: At a Christian writers conference I recently attended, I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Kim IN PERSON and also taking a workshop from her! WOW !! This lady is precious! She was so kind to me, and was also a wonderful workshop instructor (not to mention at the Banquet she won ANOTHER Award!!). * * You will be blessed when you read her books.

ACFW Conference

On September 18 my oldest daughter and I flew to Minnesota so I could attend my very first writers conference, American Christian Fiction Writers. What an amazing experience! I learned so much, made so many new friends, and met my VERY favorite Christian authors. The picture above is me with Deborah Raney and Tamera Alexander, two awesome authors and now my friends! Meeting these ladies was wonderful, and they were so kind and encouraging.