Weeds...or Daisies?

On my deck sits an older flower pot--which used to hold a house plant. Sadly, the plant succumbed to some type of plant disease, so we sat the dirt-filled pot out on the deck- - ( I keep thinking that maybe one day I'll need it to re-pot one of my growing plants). As summer came to an end, I noticed tall stems growing up in the deserted pot--which I assumed were weeds. About two weeks ago as I glanced out my back door onto the deck, I noticed those tall stems now have lovely bright yellow blooms. Daisies!! Well...maybe not, but they could certainly "pass" for daisies! They are really pretty and definitely cheerful-looking. So I've decided even if they are some type of weed, they still add a pleasant touch of color to my deck (which needs painting!). ~ Thinking about this plant encouraged me to compare it to my life: Am I like a "weed" or a "daisy" to others? Do I just take up space and not really do anything, or do I "bloom" and brighten other peoples' days? I would hope that even in some small way I can uplift those around me....just as those "daisies" do when I look out my back door!

Finally feels like Fall !

It's almost mid-October, and here in my part of Georgia we've been having warm temperatures---until today! Finally, the air is cool and there's a strong breeze blowing, and even some of the trees in my backyard are beginning to gradually turn shades of yellow and orange (with some red peeking through). ~ Although each season has its own special beauty, Fall has been my very favorite season for years. Mainly because of the cooler air and the beautiful leaves---but also I just seem to feel better in the Fall! ~ As I looked out my window this morning and noticed more leaves were changing color, I couldn't help but reflect on the Bible verse from Psalm 19: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. ~ May I never take for granted the beauty that God has created!

Staying on Track: Lessons from a Zipper!

As I sat by my bay window this morning, enjoying bright Georgia sunshine and working on my latest needlepoint project, I realized the zipper on my needlepoint bag had gotten off the track. I hoped it wasn't actually broken, as I really enjoy using the bag and use it a LOT! My husband gave it to me about 8 years ago to keep my current needlepoint project(s), yarn, and scissors in, and not only is it cute, but it's handy to carry around--and has been on quite a few vacations with me! Anyway, I hastily attempted to restart the zipper, hoping to get it on track. In my haste, I hadn't returned the zipper to the edge of the bag (in other words, the beginning of the "zipper track"). So in my hurrying I wasn't helping a thing - - the bag still remained open and my yarn was falling out. Then I realized the problem: I had to start the zipper at the very edge--or very beginning--of the zipper track. Once I slowed down and did that, the zipper worked perfectly, my bag now stays closed, and the yarn doesn't fall out! ~ I couldn't help but think how my life is kind of like that zipper: When I get "off track" (try to handle things myself and don't spend enough time in God's Word) it's like trying to close my sewing bag with a messed-up zipper - - useless! BUT....when I stay "on track" by spending time with the Lord and seeking His guidance for my life, things flow so much easier - - just like a zipper that is doing its job! May I always strive to stay ON TRACK and follow God's leading and direction for my life.

A Hopeful Heart

Christian fiction author Kim Vogel Sawyer has done it again---written yet another book that I LOVED !! Kim's "gentle stories of hope" are a pleasure to read, and I always know I'll be drawn into the lives of her characters and feel that I've stepped back in time as I get caught up in the events of the story. ~ A Hopeful Heart is set in 1888 in a small Kansas town, and follows the life of a young woman who traveled from the east coast to attend a "herdsman school"--a program that teaches young women necessary skills to become a rancher (or the wife of one!). This story held a few surprises for me, and included its fair share of action and romance. Most importantly, A Hopeful Heart demonstrates the amazing power of God at work in lives, and the changes that can occur when people follow the Lord's will for their lives. I highly recommend this book, and ANY of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books!

Finding Jeena

Christian author Miralee Ferrell has written another book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Finding Jeena is a contemporary novel that tells the story of a young woman who "had everything" according to the world's standards. When some unexpected circumstances completely changed her life, Jeena eventually realizes what is really important. ~ The characters in this story were very believable, and I must admit there were parts of the book that had me reaching for the kleenex. Most importantly, Finding Jeena shows how the Lord works to change and soften hearts of even some of the toughest unbelievers. ~ I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more of Miralee Ferrell's work!

My FAVORITE Blog

Okay, I'll admit it: I love reading blogs! Not just any blogs, but Christian author blogs. Since reading (and writing!) Christian fiction are two of my most favorite activities, naturally I enjoy reading posts from Christian fiction authors about their lives, latest works, etc. ~ Although I have quite a few that I read and enjoy, if I had to pick just one "VERY favorite" it would be the Writes of Passage blog written by five wonderful historical fiction authors. These ladies (Robin Lee Hatcher, Tamera Alexander, Judith Miller, Kim Vogel Sawyer, and Tracie Peterson) are ALL amazing authors and great Christian ladies. I've had the privilege of meeting three of them in person, which was a real treat and honor for me! ~ If you are a fan of Christian fiction---especially historical fiction--be sure and check out Writes of Passage blog and enjoy!!

A Feast for the Eyes

One day recently as I was heading out of my neighborhood to run a few errands, the phrase "a feast for the eyes" came to mind. The reason for that particular phrase was because of the absolute beauty displayed in my area right now. We are having a gorgeous Springtime---many of our trees have been covered in blooms and many flowers are also blooming. The redbud, Bradford Pear, and Yoshino Cherry trees have been especially lovely this year, and now many yards have bright, cheerful tulips blooming. Isn't it wonderful how the Lord has our seasons perfectly planned? Each season possesses its own special beauty, but after bare trees in the Winter we seem to appreciate the blooms of Spring even more. ~ Although my vision is not perfect, I am so thankful I have eyes to see the beauty of each season, and enjoy the "feast" my Lord so graciously gives me.